Monday, May 6, 2013

Promo & Giveaway: The Witch Collector Part 1 by Loretta Nyhan

The Witch Collector Part 1
by Loreta Nyhan
The Witch Collector is a digital original novel that's a suspenseful brew of magic, dark strangers, and witchcraft—perfect for fans of the Beautiful Creatures and Mortal Instruments series.

The day after her best friend's funeral, Breeda's parents pack her up, usher her into the car, and then drive out of Oregon without looking back. Breeda doesn't know why they left so urgently or why they're headed to Chicago—but she does know that it's against the rules to leave without consulting your Coven Leader. . . . It's a crime punishable by banishment.

All her family has is each other now, in a city that feels strange, unfamiliar, and dark. But when Breeda comes home on her first night in Chicago to find their apartment ransacked and only a bloody handprint left behind, she realizes that you can't outrun the craft.

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Find Loretta and her books
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Sunday, May 5, 2013

Week in Review: 4/28-5/4


Books Ive Bought/received

* Pods by Michelle Pickett- ARC- Publisher

* Wicked As She Wants by Delilah S. Dawson- Publisher

* A Cursed Embrace by Cecy Robson- Publisher/Netgalley

* Shapeshifted by Cassie Alexander- ARC-Publisher

Books I Read

Damn Him to Hell by Jamie Quaid
Generation V by M.L. Brennan
Shapeshifted by Cassie Alexander

Reviews Posted

Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins
The Ward by Jordana Frankel
Rogue Descendant by Jenna Black

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* New Releases for the week. Was there anything you were looking forward to reading?

Tuesday Author Elaine Calloway stopped in on her Water's Blood tour with a guest blog and giveaway.

* Wednesday A guest post and giveaway by author Kristen Miller was posted for her Gone with the Wolf tour.

*Thursday Liz Long, author of Witch Hearts provided a guest post and giveaway.

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 * I love comments so if you see something you like (or not) please comment away and let me know.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Review: Rogue Descendant by Jenna Black

Rogue Descendant
Author: Jenna Black
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Publisher: Pocket Books
Nikki Glass Book #3
ISBN:  1476700087
ISBN13: 9781476700083
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Publisher

The third novel in an action-packed urban fantasy series from the acclaimed author of the Morgan Kingsley, Exorcist books—starring a female private eye who discovers that she’s an immortal huntress.

No longer the leader of the Olympians, Konstantin has now gone into hiding. Konstantin is vulnerable, and Anderson believes now is the perfect time to destroy his nemesis. He orders private eye Nikki Glass to use her powers to locate Konstantin, and she balks at the idea until a series of attacks leads her to believe that Konstantin is gunning for her and Anderson instead of remaining safely in hiding.

Nikki’s search is complicated by Cyrus—Konstantin’s son and the new leader of the Olympians—who threatens retribution should his father be killed. The complications mount up as Nikki begins to suspect that Konstantin might not be behind the attacks after all. The only person who hates Konstantin more than Anderson does is Anderson’s estranged wife, Emma, who has joined the Olympians. And Nikki knows Emma would be more than happy if Anderson and his people embroil themselves in an all-out war against the Olympians—a war they cannot hope to win.

As Nikki tries to figure out who the true enemy is, she deals with her tumultuous relationship with Jamaal, who struggles to control his death magic. But being loved by a descendant of a death goddess is the least of Nikki’s worries…

Nikki is back. Someone is attacking Nikki where it hurts most, her family. Her first thought is Konstantin but then she starts thinking it might be Emma. Either way she has to figure it out and stop it before the attacks get worse. 

Nikki is still navigating her new life. She considers the mansion home now and finds herself getting more comfortable but still misses how things use to be. We get a brief glimpse of how she is with her adoptive parents when they come home from their trip which was interesting. I continue to enjoy the mythology of the series and the characters are by far what makes the book. The romance, My gosh are Nikki and Jamaal frustrating. One step forward five steps back. The tiger and her feelings do not help. I know this isn't a romance novel but watching their slow tip toeing is driving me insane. I want to scream, "Just do it already". Now we do learn more about Jamaal and the reason for his issues but I still hope issues will be worked through in book 4 *fingers crossed*. There is not a romance with Anderson but we do learn about some feelings and he is still very much a mystery.

ROGUE DESCENDANT didn't have much of an adventurous plot. There was some action at points but it wasn't go, go, go like the other two books in the series. It is definitely a turning point as it ends with something big but it felt like more of a filler novel. I still liked ROGUE DESCENDANT and couldn't imagine not reading it but I'm hoping to get back into the swing of things with book 4.

I gave it 3/5 stars

Winner: London Falling by Paul Cornell

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Prize: Finished Copy of London Falling
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Friday, May 3, 2013

Review: The Ward by Jordana Frankel

The Ward
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
The Ward Book #1
ISBN:  006209534X
ISBN13: 9780062095343
Genre: YA/Dystopian
Review Copy Source: Edelweiss

Sixteen-year-old Ren is a daredevil mobile racer who will risk everything to survive in the Ward, what remains of a water-logged Manhattan. To save her sister, who is suffering from a deadly illness thought to be caused by years of pollution, Ren accepts a secret mission from the government: to search for a freshwater source in the Ward, with the hope of it leading to a cure.

However, she never expects that her search will lead to dangerous encounters with a passionate young scientist; a web of deceit and lies; and an earth-shattering mystery that’s lurking deep beneath the water’s rippling surface.

Jordana Frankel’s ambitious debut novel and the first in a two-book series, The Ward is arresting, cinematic, and thrilling—perfect for fans of Scott Westerfeld or Ann Aguirre.

I was a tad skeptical going in to THE WARD but I have loved the dystopian genre lately and I thought I would throw it into my reading mix. WOO HOO So glad I read it. What a wild story. It was extremely different and daring. The characters were excellent and the setting was beyond anything  I have read before and totally believable the way that Jordana writes it.

Ren lives in the ward. She is daring and outgoing and beyond determined. She wanted to be a mobile racer so she found a way and has won every race thrown at her until now. The way Ren and the mobile racers drive will leave your heart racing if nothing else. The ward where Ren resides is where the poor and diseased live. It is run down and they don't receive a lot of resources. The whole world that is THE WARD lacks fresh water so it is highly coveted and highly searched for. Water is collected from rain so most people in the ward have never had fresh water in their entire lives. 

Ren ends up being the one to find a cure to the plague that is rampant in the world and most of the book is spent with her trying to get more and come up with a way to get it to everyone who is sick even though people are trying to stop her. I enjoyed it, there was plenty of action and suspense. I enjoyed the characters. There is some 'mean girl' type behavior but it wasn't bad enough to annoy me. There are a few instances where some better explanation of events would have benefited. There is a bit of romance thrown in too.

I really enjoyed this book. I don't have many complaints about it and I already listed the ones I have. I'm excited to see what will come next in the series so I will be keeping my eyes out for book 2 (there is a book 2 right?).

I gave it 4/5 stars

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Guest Post & Giveaway: Witch Hearts by Liz Long

UFI welcomes Liz Long Author of Witch Hearts. Thanks for Joining us!!


Hi everyone! Thank you so much to Stacy and Urban Fantasy Investigations for having me on her site today. I’m an indie writer with an intense love of unique fantasy stories. Supernatural, paranormal, whatever - if it’s got magic, I’m a fan. So far, I’ve written about supernatural circuses (Gifted, A Donovan Circus Novel) and now witch murders (Witch Hearts). 

In honor of the new release, I wanted to give a little insight to my main character Ruby. Here are ten things about to know about Ruby Jackson when you read Witch Hearts (on Amazon as of April 30th!).

  1. She’s a neat freak and often hardcore cleans when bored, nervous, or upset.
  2. While all witches have magic, some have stronger powers than others – Ruby has mind control, a gift usually reserved for telepaths, though she calls them “mental suggestions”
  3. Her last relationship ended when Michael cheated on her, but she had already been thinking of ending things because he was too controlling and was paranoid about her using “mental suggestions” on him
  4. Several generations back, a witch in her family performed a spell that would make the descendants attractive, especially based on their amount of power
  5. Ruby prefers white wine (pinot grigio), though occasionally indulges in her best friend’s favorite drink of vodka cranberries
  6. Ruby is an assistant manager at an indie bookstore, though her dream job would be as an agent helping authors publish their books
  7. She is a very talented spell writer and potion maker
  8. She drives a red Prius
  9. Has a fear of heights and rats
  10. Has had a crush on her best friend’s older brother Cooper since they met

I hope that piques your interest a little! Thank you so much for reading and feel free to say hello on Twitter (@LizCLong) – I’d love to “meet” you and talk all things mystery and magic!

Witch Hearts is my upcoming release, on sale in late April. A supernatural thriller, this title is ideal for anyone who enjoys authors such as James Patterson and Charlaine Harris or TV shows and movies like “Criminal Minds,” “The Following,” “Kiss the Girls,” and “The Bone Collector.”
 
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Liz Long is lucky enough to have a dream career in magazine publishing as an editor and writer, yet still have time to create adventures on the side. If you catch her staring off into space or talking to herself, don’t worry – it’s just her imagination at work. 


Liz graduated from Longwood University with a BA in English, though her professors might be disappointed to hear she reads more fantasy fiction than literary novels. She also loves action and thriller genres. This book probably won’t change your life, but she hopes it steals you away from reality for a while.


Her newest release, Witch Hearts, will be for sale on Amazon on April 30th. Her first book, Gifted, a Donovan Circus Novel, is also available for paperback and Kindle on Amazon.

Find Liz and her books
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Witch Hearts
Amazon 
How does a witch stay safe if a killer can get through her protection spells?

Witches like Ruby and Courtney can take care of themselves. So when Courtney is murdered, Ruby’s world crashes to a halt. The only thing keeping her grounded is the return of Courtney’s brother, Cooper. He seeks revenge, but Ruby wants to help other witches stay alive. To do that, she’ll have to reunite with her old coven’s High Priest, who also happens to be her cheating ex-boyfriend.

If that wasn’t awkward enough, when the killer gets too close, Cooper temporarily moves into Ruby’s place while a police officer tails her every move. Cooper’s presence distracts Ruby as they fight their desire against their need to stay safe. Then Courtney begins to haunt Ruby’s dreams and secrets are spilled, things from Cooper’s past that could get them both killed. The killer continues to stalk Ruby and the more she discovers, the more she fears she won’t be able to keep her heart in her chest.
Other books by Liz: 

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Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Guest post & Giveaway: Gone with the Wolf by Kristin Miller

UFI welcomes Kristin Miller Author of Gone With the Wolf. Thanks for Joining us!!

Why Werewolves?

In folklore, a werewolf is simply an adult who can transform into a wolf. The condition usually occurs after being cursed, or being bitten or scratched by another werewolf. They’re unnaturally strong creatures and freakishly fast, shifting into wolf form at the full moon.

In modern literature and movies, lycans (coming from the word “lycanthropy”: the power to turn into a wolf) are larger than the average human, but usually walk on two legs rather than four. They are repelled by wolfsbane and can be killed by silver bullets or blades. (Some of my favorite werewolf movies play off of these traits!)

In paranormal romance novels, authors take werewolves a step further. Werewolves are often territorial and protective over their women. A werewolf would fight to the death for his woman, and send the strength of his pack after her if she were taken from him. Werewolves are dominating, sexy, and witty with a keen intellect. They’re not hairy and grotesque (although I guess they could be), but Alpha to the extreme, fighting for what they believe in. Have I mentioned their raw sexuality? Ahem.

Drake Wilder, the CEO Alpha werewolf in Gone with the Wolf, is one such hero. He runs a major corporation in Seattle, overseeing every aspect of the multi-billion dollar business. He’s protective of his pack and is determined to do what is right and fair at all cost. He and the other werewolves in the Seattle Wolf Pack can shift at whim, and are not limited by the phases of the moon.  The last thing Drake expects is to find his fated soul mate—his Luminary—in a carefree bartender who’d rather skinny dip than spend time shopping for a swimsuit.  Emelia Hudson is his match in every way, even though she’s not a werewolf herself. (At least not at the beginning of the story. ;) She challenges Drake, and riles him up, which makes him want to claim her all the more.

Why werewolves? Because other paranormal heroes can have “alpha traits”, but there is only one hero who can embody the prowess (and natural sex appeal) that the position demands—an Alpha wolf.
 
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Kristin Miller has had a passion for language and literature her whole life. Born and raised in northern California, she often made up stories about faraway places and edge-of-your-seat adventures. After graduating from Humboldt State University, Kristin taught high school and middle school English, married her college sweetheart, and had two beautiful munchkins. In 2008, she took time off from teaching to raise her children, and started writing while they napped.
Her first novel was published in 2011, and since then she has had seven other novels published (mostly paranormal romances). She is the author of Gone with the Wolf with Entangled Publishing, the dark and gritty Vampires of Crimson Bay series with Avon, and the short-but-steamy Isle of Feralon novellas with Harlequin Nocturne Cravings.
Find Kristin and her books
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Gone With the Wolf
Amazon  B&N 
CEO and alpha werewolf Drake Wilder has given up the search for his one true love. When he discovers that she’s a secretary in his company, Drake’s primal instincts kick into overdrive.

What he wouldn’t give to have her fingers rake over his body instead of the keyboard…

Free-spirited bartender Emelia Hudson wants nothing more than to make her Seattle-based bar succeed. But when profits decline, she slips into a dress suit and secures a nine-to-five. After learning that her bar has become property of Wilder Financial, Emelia is determined to get some answers.

Two can play the ruthless business game. If only her attraction to the boss wasn’t so intense…

When Drake’s twin brother senses that Drake has found his match—and now inherits their father’s billion dollar estate—he hatches a plan to take Emelia out. Drake vows to protect her at all costs, but he might have to pay with his own life.
 
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Kristin is giving away a Gone with the Wolf themed prize pack to one lucky winner! Prize pack includes:

     Gone with the Wolf swag including a custom made beaded bookmark

     Seattle’s Best coffee &  Starbucks travel mug

     Ghiradelli chocolates

     Too Much of a Good Thing is... Wonderful! wine bottle charm


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