Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Review: Before the Storm by Claire Ashgrove

Before the Storm
Release Date: April 21, 2014
Publisher: Untamed Spirit
Windwalker Book #1
ISBN:   1497369347
ISBN13: 9781497369344
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source:Author
Halle Rhoads has a terrifying gift--she can kill with the fury of the storm.

She should have known that kind of power wouldn't go unnoticed. Thrust into a world full of dark magic with a handsome stranger who claims he can teach her, she struggles to master her abilities and stumbles onto a dangerous truth. She's a windwalker, the chosen vessel of the ancient dragons who once ruled the world. Many will stop at nothing to possess the power in her blood, should they discover her secret. With necromancers hunting her and Halle's closest allies guarding secrets, mastering her magic becomes a matter of necessity.

But accepting her destiny is altogether different. For doing so means she must sacrifice everything.
BEFORE THE STORM is the first book I have read from author Claire Ashgrove and it was a great introduction to her writing. BEFORE THE STORM starts out with Halle peeking in on the family that thinks shes dead. Just as she is about to jump in and defend the sister that is being physically and emotionally abused by her uncle a strange boy stops her. From that moment on Halle learns that she is not alone in the power she wields and she has to learn how to control it or she will never be able to protect those she cares about.

Halle comes across very hard headed, argumentative and somewhat of a loose cannon. I hate to admit it, but I didn't care for her at first. As I got to know Halle, her past was revealed and her attitude becomes understandable. Dealing with what she had and not knowing the people that she now finds herself in the company of is not easy for her. Especially since no one seems to be able to tell her the truth about anything.

The world is nicely built. I enjoy elemental type powers so I had fun learning about the powers used in BEFORE THE STORM. There was a lot of action, especially from mid book through the end. The characters seems to make their fair share of bad decisions but they all come together to help each other when needed.

The end left me feeling sad and a tad bit annoyed with Halle. Her decision process was sound, and I understand why she came to her decision, but I just felt like Halle was giving up and I don't see her as a quitter. I will have to read book 2 to find out how her decision turns out and to learn more about her story.

I gave it 4/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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New Release: 4/20-4/26


Mon April 21

 Before the Storm by Claire Ashgrove

Tue April 22

 Expiration Day by William Campbell Powell
 TALKER 25 (TALKER 25 #1) by Joshua McCune

Happy Reading!
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Monday, April 21, 2014

Guest Blog & Giveaway: Lost Library by Kate Baray

UFI welcomes Kate Baray Author of Lost Library. Thanks for Joining us!!

The Ritual of Writing

A comfortable spot, the best time of the day, a favorite computer—perhaps a typewriter or pen for those luddites out there. These are some of the components of my writing ritual. Getting in the right frame of mind can be helpful when you sit down each day to write. Following a ritual can even make one more productive. When I first started writing regularly, writing very quickly became an important part of each of my days. It wasn’t until after I’d been scribbling daily for several weeks, however, that I started to notice I have my own rituals.

I’m not particularly superstitious—even if some of my characters may be—but I do believe in the concept of rituals. For those who haven’t read my bio, I’ve been a dog trainer and have a trailing dog. It is very common in trailing to have what many trailing folks call a start ritual. There are certain steps that I follow each and every time I take my trailing dog out to train. Out of the crate, 3-5 minutes of walking around and sniffing, a systematic method for checking the area where he’ll be starting his trail, harnessing him the same way each time, presenting the scent article, and then providing him with the same start cue each time. Why do I and many other trailing dog handlers do this? Because it mentally prepares the dog for the upcoming task. It allows the dog to become more and more focused as the process unfolds. It also generates a good amount of enthusiasm for most dogs.

Why do I, or you, care about a trailing dog’s start ritual? Speaking for myself, I can say that I am that excited bloodhound. Because having a start ritual for writing prepares me mentally for the task, invites focus, and generates enthusiasm for the story and writing. While I may not adhere as strictly to my writing routine as I do my hound’s start ritual, I do try to be aware of the components of my ritual. Doing so allows me to help myself if I get stuck. If I’m having a hard time working, I may need to change location, tool, or schedule.

One of the interesting facts of my writing ritual is that I’m most productive early morning, evening, and late-night. The interesting part? I am not a morning person. I struggle to get going in the morning. But I can roll out of bed and write before I’ve had coffee, breakfast, a shower, or any of those other things that I routinely rely upon to get me started in the morning…if I incorporate some of other parts of my writing ritual.

So if you’re interested in writing, already writing, or have some other task that a ritual might aid—give it a try! And if there’s a ritual you practice to invite creativity or productivity, then tell me about it :) You can post responses in the comments
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Kate Baray is a paranormal romance and urban fantasy writer. She lives and writes in Austin, Texas with the help of her spotty dogs and hound. Kate has worked as an attorney, a manager, a tractor sales person, and a dog trainer. All exciting and interesting jobs, but none so much as writing!



Find Kate and her books
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Lost Library

Author Kate Baray begins her new paranormal romance series with Lost Library, a tale of werewolves, magic, adventure and romance. 
 
John Braxton arrives unannounced on Lizzie’s doorstep. Little does she know that when she invites him to a drink on the porch, Lizzie opens the door to a secret world of werewolves—oops, they don’t like that name!—Lycan, magic, spelled books, and power hungry evildoers. Caught up in one man’s search for power, Lizzie soon begins to uncover surprising secrets about her own past and powers. 

And romance with a serious but sexy Lycan? It might just happen…
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a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Edge April Release Blast


Edge, a digital-first single-title romance line from Entangled Publishing, takes its lead from their popular Select imprint but gives its novels an edge in the marketplace by bringing great stories to readers at reasonable prices in a quick-and-easy way. Whether sexy or sweet, traditional romance or love and lust with a women’s fiction bent, at the center of every Edge book is heart. From Urban Fantasy to Contemporary Romance to Science Fiction Romance, Edge has a book for all romance readers—and right at their fingertips! As they say, all’s fair in love and war. To find out more about their titles, chat with authors, participate in special events, and to find out what books are coming next, visit the Entangled website, follow them on Twitter, and like their Facebook page.

Today I'm happy to be featuring Edge's April 21st releases!!


A Shot of Red by Tracy March

Special $0.99 Introductory Price!

Find Out More!

When biotech company heiress Mia Moncure learns her ex-boyfriend, the company’s PR Director, has died in a suspicious accident in Switzerland, Mia suspects murder. Determined to reveal a killer, she turns to sexy Gio Lorenzo, Communications Director for her mother, a high-ranking senator—and the recent one-night stand Mia has been desperate to escape. While negotiating their rocky relationship, they race to uncover a deadly scheme that could ruin her family’s reputation. But millions of people are being vaccinated, and there’s more than her family’s legacy at stake.


Undying Desire by Jessica Lee
Enclave #3

Special $0.99 Introductory Pricing!

Find Out More!

Eve Devonshire is a woman hiding in plain sight. Not completely human, but not quite a vampire, she’s accepted by neither race but is more powerful than both. To stay alive, Eve can't trust anyone, including the alpha vampire with midnight eyes and a thirst for pain and submission. With her enemies nipping at her heels, Eve has Guerin cornered, and both are determined to get the answers they're looking for or die trying... if they can fight their desires long enough.


The Perfect Hostage by Misty Evans

Special $0.99 Introductory Pricing!

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Sergeant John Quick has seen the worst in life, both personally and professionally, and long ago decided loving someone comes at too high a price. But when the woman of his dreams “kidnaps” him for a weekend affair with no strings attached, he can’t resist. The smoking-hot weekend turns deadly when John and Lucie are trapped during a blizzard and discover they’re not alone. Someone from their past has come hunting for revenge. Now John must become the perfect hostage in order to save Lucie’s life.
Untamed Hearts by Heather McCollum
Special $0.99 Introductory Pricing!

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Jonet Montgomery has longed for a chivalrous knight her whole young life. Instead she found herself wed to a scoundrel and left a widow. When a lusty, silver-tongued rogue steals a kiss and opens a crack in her routine life, she’s tempted by his offer to taste adventure of the most pleasurable kind. Will’s heart of gold shines through despite his infamous past. But is Jonet enough woman to keep this sexy pirate from straying? With past embarrassments haunting her, she risks more than just her reputation this time. She risks her heart.

Giveaway
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Sunday, April 20, 2014

Week in Review: 4/13-4/19


Books I've Bought/received

* Passion's Sacred Dance by Juli D. Revezzo- eCopy -Author

* My Soul Immortal by Jen Printy- eCopy- Author

* Angel Kin by Tricia Skinner- eCopy- Netgalley via promotion

* A Vampire's Promise by Carla Susan Smith- eARC- NetGalley

* Magic Breaks by Ilona Andrews- eARC- Publisher via Netgalley

Books I've Read

Vampire's Thirst by Cynthia Garner
My Soul Immortal by Jen Printy
Angel Kin by Tricia Skinner
A Vampire's Promise by Carla Susan Smith
Magic Breaks by Ilona Andrews
Trusting an Angel by Missy Jane

Reviews Posted

Frozen Desires by Jessie Donovan
The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa

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

* Monday- Guest Blog for Living Dead Girl by Nessie Strange

* Tuesday- Guest Blog and Giveaway for Shadows of Fate by Angela Dennis

* Wednesday- Interview and Giveaway for The Ophelia Prophecy by Sharon Lynn Fisher

* Friday- Promo and Giveaway for Incarnate by Anton Strout

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* Did you know you can follow UFI on these other sites?

You can also add me (as in Stacy) to your friends on these sites if you're on them.
 
 * I love comments so if you see something you like (or not) please comment away and let me know.
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Saturday, April 19, 2014

Review: Frozen Desires by Jessie Donovan

Frozen Desires
Release Date: February 24, 2014
Publisher: LHK
ISBN:   0989733645
ISBN13: 9780989733649
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Review Copy Source:Author
Camilla Melini is a high-ranking soldier with an organization fighting to free elemental magic users. Her latest assignment is to find one of the legendary elemental Four Talents, and she’s determined to get in and out of Mexico as quickly as possible to avoid running into the man who nearly destroyed her life. But when the dangerous man from her past finds her, Cam must work with Marco Alvarez, a man she’d dismissed as a playboy, to prevent the the powerful magic of the Talents from falling into the wrong hands. She never expected the charming playboy to be a cunning warrior worthy of her heart...

Marco Alvarez is sent to Mexico with two goals—to watch Cam’s back and to investigate a series of arson fires targeting former AMT prison employees. But when a shadow-shifter shows up looking for Cam, Marco decides he needs to stick close to her to help her mission succeed. As he gets to know the strong-willed woman, he’s torn between telling her the truth of his elemental magic and keeping the others who share his secret safe. But when Cam sacrifices herself to save her colleagues, Marco must expose the secret of his elemental magic or risk losing the only woman who can match both his passion and his strength.

Book 2 in the Asylum for Magical Threats series features Camilla and Marco. Camilla is Kiarra's sister, we were introduced to both her and Marco in book 1.

Camilla is sent on a mission with her team to Mexico. She has no clue that Marco was sent to keep an eye on her and when she finds out she is anything but happy about it. Marco hides his real self behind a flirty, man whore attitude. He can't really get close to anyone because he holds secrets that can't get out. Cam threatens to break him though and he can't help but try and win her over. I have to say that Camilla and Marco ended up being pretty entertaining.  They bicker a lot but they are very attracted to each other, Marco is the chaser while Cam does everything to push him away. They end up growing close and when Camilla is taken by someone from her past, Marco does everything to get her back. I don't think either of them expected to fall so hard and fast for each other.

There is a secondary story that focuses on Millie (Jaxton's sister from book 1) and Giovanni (Kiarra and Camilla's brother). I don't see any mention of them having their own story so I assume their secondary story lines will continue in future books as well. There isn't enough yet for me to give an opinion on them. I know the background will be needed, it just isn't yet exciting enough for me.

So far I am really enjoying this series. The world is original and grabs your attention. We get a great story with each book that connects to that last but holds its own. I would suggest starting with book 1 so you don't miss out on the great world building that happens in BLAZE OF SECRETS. I see mention of two more books on Jessie's website.

I gave it 4/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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Friday, April 18, 2014

Promo & Giveaway: Incarnate by Anton Strout

Urban Fantasy author Anton Strout is pleased to announce the third and final installment of his Spellmason Chronicles, INCARNATE, coming to readers' bookshelves and e-readers on September 30th from Penguin/Ace Books. Like the two previous books in the series, ALCHEMYSTIC and STONECAST, the book will focus on spellmason Alexandra Belarus, who has the ability to give stone life-like qualities, and Stanis, the centuries-old gargoyle who has sworn to protect her. At the end of STONECAST, readers were left at a point of high tension with lots of questions still unanswered. INCARNATE promises to deliver answers by way of a fast-paced adventure with all the action and snarky humor Strout's fans have grown to love.

You can find the Spellmason Chronicles on Amazon.com and other online booksellers. 

 
 

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Born in the Berkshire Hills, Strout currently lives in the haunted corn maze that is New Jersey (where nothing paranormal ever really happens, he assures you). He's the author of the Simon Canderous urban fantasy series and the Spellmason Chronicles, both for Ace Books, as well as many short tales published in anthologies by DAW Books.

In his scant spare time, Strout is a sometimes actor, sometimes musician, occasional RPGer, and the world's most casual and controller smashing video gamer. He currently works in the exciting world of publishing, which he assures is as glamorous as it sounds.

Find Anton and his books
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Incarnate
The Spellmaster Chronicles #3
HITTING ROCK BOTTOM

When Alexandra Belarus discovered her family’s secret ability to breathe life into stone, she uncovered an entire world of magic hidden within New York City—a world she has accidentally thrown into chaos. A spell gone awry has set thousands of gargoyles loose upon Manhattan, and it’s up to Lexi and her faithful protector, Stanis, to put things right.

But the stress of saving the city is casting a pall over Lexi and Stanis’s relationship, driving them to work separately to solve the problem. As Stanis struggles to unite the gargoyle population, Lexi forges unlikely alliances with witches, alchemists and New York’s Finest to quell an unsettling uprising led by an ancient and deadly foe long thought vanquished.

To save her city, Lexi must wield more power than ever before with the added hope of recovering a mysterious artifact that could change her world—and bring her closer to Stanis than she ever thought possible…




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