Thursday, September 15, 2011

Guest Post, Review & Giveaway: Meredith Allard

UFI welcomes Meredith Allard Author of Her Dear and Loving Husband. Thanks for Joining us!!

Top 5 Reasons to Marry a Vampire

For human girls, marrying a vampire might not be their first choice. There are a few reasons why that could be too creepy. The blood-drinking thing can be troublesome, I imagine. But maybe you’re Sarah Alexander, very human and newly moved to Salem, Massachusetts, and you’re getting cozy with the handsome if enigmatic James Wentworth. You’re newly divorced and gun-shy about jumping too quickly into a new relationship. But James has an odd attraction for you and you feel pulled toward him as if by an invisible line. One night you discover that that handsome if enigmatic “man” you’ve been spending time with is a vampire. What do you do? Ditch him? Run away screaming, brandishing garlic and wooden stakes? Investigate further? Try to make it work however you can? All of the above?

For Sarah, and for anyone else contemplating life with a paranormal hottie, here are the top five reasons to marry a vampire.

5. You’ll only see him at night (that is, if he’s the nocturnal type). If he’s a hunky vampire, a few hours together at night should work just fine.

4. You won’t have to cook for him. He doesn’t need his steaks grilled or his potatoes fried. He won’t eat them. He might want your blood, though. But at least you won’t have to cook.

3. He can open stubborn spaghetti sauce jars or stuck bottle tops. He can move heavy furniture and carry your packages. Vampires are very strong, after all. Use that to your advantage.

2. He won’t lose his looks. You won’t have to watch your vampire get a beer belly as he grows older. He won’t lose his hair or sag anywhere unsightly. He’ll stay easy on the eyes without the expense of Botox or other expensive injectibles.

1. He lives forever so his devotion is forever. Once a vampire loves you, he always loves you. Not a bad deal, if you ask me.

So after weighing the pros and cons, does Sarah marry vampire James after all? You’ll need to read Her Dear & Loving Husband to find out. Be aware.

I hope this has helped anyone contemplating a serious relationship with someone of the paranormal persuasion. Now if only I could find a strong, handsome vampire like James I’d be all set…

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Meredith Allard is the author of Her Dear & Loving Husband and the executive editor of The Copperfield Review, a journal for readers and writers of historical fiction. Her short fiction and articles have appeared in journals such as The Paumanok Review, Muse Apprentice Guild, Wild Mind, Moondance, and Writer's Weekly. She has taught writing to students aged 10 to 60, and she has taught creative writing and writing historical fiction at Learning Tree University and UNLV. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Find Meredith and her books
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Her Dear and Loving Husband
Release Date: April 11, 2011
Publisher: Copperfield Press
ISBN:  0615454224
Genre: Paranormal/Historical Romance
Review Copy Source: Bewitching Book Tours


How long would you wait for the one you loved?

Her Dear & Loving Husband, the new novel from Meredith Allard, is part literary fiction, part historical fiction, part romance, and part paranormal fantasy. With elements of Twilight and The Crucible, Her Dear & Loving Husband is a story for anyone who believes that true love never dies.

James Wentworth has a secret. He lives quietly in Salem, Massachusetts, making few ties anywhere. One night his private world is turned upside down when he meets Sarah Alexander, a dead ringer for his wife, Elizabeth. Though it has been years since Elizabeth's death, James cannot move on.

Sarah also has a secret. She is haunted by nightmares about the Salem Witch Trials, and every night she is awakened by visions of hangings, being arrested, and dying in jail. Despite the obstacles of their secrets, James and Sarah fall in love. As James comes to terms with his feelings for Sarah, he must dodge accusations from a reporter desperate to prove that James is not who, or what, he seems to be. With the help of their friends, witches Jennifer and Olivia, James and Sarah piece their stories together and discover a mystery that may bind them in ways they never imagined. Will James make the ultimate sacrifice to protect Sarah and prevent a new hunt from bringing hysteria to Salem again?
Another Historical type book that surprised me with how much I enjoyed it. Sarah has always been pulled to Salem and after she divorced her husband of 10 years she decided it was time to move there. Sarah has always been plagued with dreams of someone living and dying during the Salem witch trials. After she moves to Salem the nightmares get worse and she finally has a way to peace together the mystery of them. James lost his wife during the Salem witch trials and has never gotten over her. He has lived many lives in many different places throughout the world and finally moves back to Salem and into his home he shared with his wife Elizabeth all those years ago.

The story is set in modern times with flashbacks to the Salem Witch trials.I really enjoyed the flashback dreams and memories. I usually don't get in to Historical type novels but this isn't like those at all. The dreams and memories happen often but they are small (though important) part of the story and they really grab you and make you interested in the little details they reveal. The two realities blended really well and when everything came out to being what it was it was done in a gradual "real" feeling way. I enjoyed the characters, I enjoyed the storyline, the plot was interesting, and the pace was a bit slow throughout but it was an overall enjoyable book.  I'm glad this wasn't a stand alone because I look forward to seeing what happens next for Sarah and James.

I gave it 3.5/5 stars
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Winner will receive
- One e-Copy of Her Dear and Loving Husband




 RULES
1)  Leave a comment or question for Meredith =)
2) This giveaway is open to International readers.
3) Must leave an email address so I can contact you.


Giveaway Ends 9/19/2011 at 10pm EST
Giveaway Policy and FAQ

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Winner: All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin


Thank you to everyone that entered!!


PRIZE: One copy of All These Things I've Done

The winner chosen by Random.org is…



Amanda M. 





Congrats!! I have emailed winner who has 48 hours to respond with mailing address or I will pick another.

Trailer & Giveaway: Dreamland by Alyson Noël

*Available Now*
Dreamland
Author:Alyson Noël
Release Date: September 13, 2011
Publisher: Square Fish
Riley Bloom Book #3
ISBN:  0312563752
ISBN13: 9780312563752
Genre: Young Adult

Riley’s finding that the afterlife can be a lonely place when all you do is focus on work. So she goes to the place where dreams happen, hoping to find a way to contact her sister, Ever. She meets the director, who tells her about the two ways to send dreams. As a Dream Jumper, a person can jump into a dreamer’s dream, share a message, and participate. As a Dreamweaver, an entire dream can be created in a studio and sent to the dreamer. But Dreamweaving was outlawed decades ago, and the studio was boarded up. Thinking it’s her only way to reach out to her sister, Riley goes in search of the old studio. There she finds a ghost boy, who’s been creating and sending nightmares to people for years. In order to stop him and reach out to Ever, Riley is going to have to confront and overcome her own fears.

 Other Helpful Links:





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Provided by Macmillian via Zeitghost Media
Winner will receive
- One Copy of Dreamland




 RULES
1)  Leave a comment letting me know if you have read any of the books in the series. =)
2) This giveaway is open to US/Canadian readers only
3) Must leave an email address so I can contact you.


Giveaway Ends 4/21/2011 at 10pm EST
Giveaway Policy and FAQ

Review: One Salt Sea by Seanan McGuire

One Salt Sea
Author:Seanan McGuire
Release Date: September 6, 2011
Publisher: Penguin
October Daye Book #5
ISBN:  0756406838
ISBN13: 9780756406837
Genre: Urban Fantasy


October "Toby" Daye is settling into her new role as Countess of Goldengreen. She's actually dating again, and she's taken on Quentin as her squire. So, of course, it's time for things to take a turn for the worse.
Someone has kidnapped the sons of the regent of the Undersea Duchy of Saltmist. To prevent a war between land and sea, Toby must find the missing boys and prove the Queen of the Mists was not behind their abduction. Toby's search will take her from the streets of San Francisco to the lands beneath the waves, and her deadline is firm: she must find the boys in three days' time, or all of the Mists will pay the price. But someone is determined to stop her-and whoever it is isn't playing by Oberon's Laws... 

Toby again has to save the day. The Duchy of Saltmist's sons are kidnapped and Toby is on the case to get them back and stop what could be a bloody war.

ONE SALT SEA ends up being a huge turning point in Toby's life, I cant even begin to imagine how much will change in books to come. Oh the frustration that is Toby and Tybalt. I want them to get together in the worst way. I LOVED The Luidaeg in ONE SALT SEA. We finally get to learn a little more about her and see a side of her that I would have never imagined existed. I cant wait to find out what will be revealed about her in the next book. October loses a lot in book 5. I cried a lot so if your an emotional reader be prepared. I don't think I could dislike the Queen of Mists more then I already do. I can not wait until she gets what she deserves (please Seanan kill her off lol) Any Toby Daye fan will love ONE SALT SEA it is a fantastic addition to the series.

I gave it 4/5 stars

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Interview: Amber Argyle

UFI welcomes Amber Argyle Author of Witch Song. Thanks for Joining us!!

Character Interview: Brusenna

If someone asked your best friend "Who is Brusenna?" what would they say?

From Joshen: If you want to understand Brusenna, all you have to do is listen to her sing. She has the most beautiful, haunting voice. Like she’s longing for something she knows she’ll never have But you’re listening to her and you can hear what she can’t. The underlying strength. And as the song goes on, you realize you never want it to end. That you’ll do whatever in your power to keep her safe from harm. Follow her anywhere just to be near her. She’ll never understand why, and you won’t convince her of the power she holds in a single syllable. Somehow, that innocence—that humility—only makes her more alluring.

  Why are you an untrained witch?  

I didn’t know I was untrained. I’ve had voice lessons as long as I can remember. And I’ve always sung to the plants. I suppose where I’m untrained is in fighting with my song. Mother only taught me songs of growth and life. She knew my song was strong enough to challenge the Dark Witch. She didn’t want the burden of defeating the Dark Witch placed on my young shoulders.      

Where do you live?

I grew up outside a village called Gownstower in the center of the Nefalien city states. They hate my mother and I because we are Witches. They blame us for every failed crop, every early frost. They don’t understand that ordering the seasons is more like controlling a half wild colt than ordering a side of beef from a butcher. 

What is your favorite thing to do? 

Sing. I’ve never felt so connected to anything, as when I sing to a plant and watch it grow from a tiny seed to a full grown plant within a matter of moments. 

Is there anything else you can tell us about yourself to help us know you a little better? 

I’m really not that interesting. I’m short, with dark gold hair and eyes. I’m quiet and would rather be by myself or with Joshen than anyone else. I don’t trust people easily—I’ve been hurt too many times. I hate bugs—especially spiders. And I’m one of the few people alive who’s survived the transition from a human into a seal.
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Amber Argyle grew up with three brothers on a cattle ranch in the Rocky Mountains. She spent hours riding horses, roaming the mountains, and playing in her family’s creepy barn. This environment fueled her imagination for writing her debut novel.

She has worked as a short order cook, janitor, and staff member in a mental institution. All of which has given her great insight into the human condition and has made for some unique characters.

She received her bachelor’s degree in English and Physical Education from Utah State University.

She currently resides in Utah with her husband and three small children.

Her first novel, Witch Song, comes out Sept 1st 2011 by Rhemalda Publishing.
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Find Amber and her books
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Witch Song
September 1, 2011
The world is changing. Once, Witch Song controlled everything from the winds to the shifting of the seasons--but not anymore. All the Witches are gone, taken captive by a traitor. All but Brusenna. As the echo of their songs fade, the traitor grows stronger. Now she is coming for Brusenna. Her guardian has sworn to protect her, but even he can't stop the Dark Witch. Somehow, Brusenna has to succeed where every other Witch has failed. Find the traitor. Fight her. Defeat her. Because if Brusenna doesn't, there won't be anything left to save.




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New Releases Sept 11-17


Tues Sept 13

After Obsession by Carrie Jones, Steven E. Wedel
Blood and Other Cravings by Ellen Datlow
Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst
Fateful by Claudia Gray
Frost by Marianna Baer
Modelland by Tyra Banks

Thurs Sept 15

As I Wake by Elizabeth Scott

If you notice a mistake or see anything missing let me know. Happy Reading =)

Monday, September 12, 2011

Early Review: Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Half-Blood
Author:Jennifer L Armentrout
Release Date: October 18, 2011
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Covenant Book #1
ISBN:  0983157200
ISBN13: 97809831572
Genre: Young Adult
Review Copy Source: Publisher

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures.Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden.Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

If you enjoyed VAMPIRE ACADEMY you will enjoy HALF-BLOOD. Alex's mother took her out of school one day with no explanation and Alex has been moving around among the humans ever since. Something big happens where she is brought back to the school and has to make up all her missed training so that she isn't forced into serving as a slave to the pure bloods for the rest of her life.

Alex is rebellious, funny, independent and all around easy to like. The "relationship" between Alex and Aiden is one of those forbidden romances that could ruin Alex's life if they took it to the next stage. I really had no troubles getting into the storyline, I stayed up way to late reading and didn't want to put the book down when my eyes felt like they were falling out of my head. There is some fantastic Greek mythology thrown into the story that brings the book together. I don't want to say to much more about the story for fear that I will give something away so I will just say although there is a lot of similarity to VA I feel that there was a lot that was original to HALF-BLOOD that kept me interested and engaged throughout the book and I cant wait to read PURE in April 2012. 

I gave it 4/5 stars