Dark and Deadly Blog Barrage

Dark and Deadly: Eight Bad Boys of Paranormal Romance Boxed Set is now available worldwide for a special introductory price of only $0.99! 

This ebook boxed set of eight hot paranormal romances by eight New York Times and USA Today best-selling romance authors features powerful alpha male bad boys who will satisfy your darkest, most deadliest desires. 

Here’s more about this fantastic eight book boxed set, including an excerpt from one of the stories.

Dark and Deadly: Eight Bad Boys of Paranormal Romance is available from Amazon Kindle, Kobo Books, Barnes and Noble Nook, Apple iBooks stores and other retailers. Find the links to your preferred retailer at: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/dark-and-deadly/

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Dark and Deadly: Eight Bad Boys of Paranormal Romance
By Jennifer Ashley, Alyssa Day, Felicity Heaton, Erin Kellison, Laurie London, Erin Quinn, Bonnie Vanak and Caris Roane
Eight hot paranormal romances by New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors. Alpha-male bad boys will fulfill your darkest, most deadliest desires in these stories about shifters, werewolves, vampires, magic, special powers and other realms. But only if you dare…

BODYGUARD by Jennifer Ashley
Elizabeth Chapman is saved from an armed attacker by a Kodiak bear who shifts into a tight-bodied, naked human male. Ronan takes Elizabeth to Shiftertown, becoming her 24/7 bodyguard. The mateless Ronan has adopted a houseful of orphaned Shifters--having grown up in foster care, Elizabeth is touched by his protectiveness. Ronan only wants to keep Elizabeth safe, but the sassy woman is triggering his long-buried need to mate.

ALEJANDRO’S SORCERESS by Alyssa Day
He’s a warrior, hardened by years of protecting his town from vampire attack. She’s a garden witch who sees the world in shades of sunshine and delight. Opposites don’t only attract, they go supernova in this sizzling tale of magic and mayhem.

BEWITCH by Felicity Heaton
A vampire with a bloodstained past and a soul tainted with darkness, Payne is perfect in his self-control, never surrendering to his darkest desires. Now a beautiful witch in the shadowy fae underworld reawakens long denied hungers and tempts him with pleasure. When one incredible night of fulfilling their fantasies leads to more than just keeping a promise and saving a friend, will they be able to overcome the barriers that stand between them and forever?

DARKNESS FALLS by Erin Kellison
Agent Malcolm Rook is hunting for people with the rarest of talents—the ability to master dreams. He finds the undeniably gifted Jordan Lane, but she’s wary of mysterious Rook and resists his pursuit as long as she can. Yet the dreamwaters they enter are too exhilarating to resist, and attraction soon ignites electric passions. Delving too deep stirs a nightmare, one they must defeat, or be forever lost to darkness. 

ROGUE’S PASSION by Laurie London
Blaming himself for the death of a friend, Iron Guild warrior Asher Kane vows to bring those responsible to justice. After he’s hurt on a mission and nursed back to health by a beautiful yet mysterious woman, this dangerously sexy bad-boy finds himself falling for Olivia…even as he struggles to stay away. But stalking them on the streets of New Seattle is a cruel and vengeful evil—one that threatens to destroy them both…

THE FORBIDDEN LIFE OF ALEX MOORE by Erin Quinn
Alex’s mission: Kill the hellhounds that have invaded earth and return to his home in the Beyond. But from the start, things go horribly wrong. The hounds are cunning and a human female witnesses their attack—she intervenes and saves Alex’s life. Now he must keep the alluring Lilly alive while fighting his desire for her. When passion flares, Alex risks all to protect her and defend the forbidden life he craves.

THE MATING HEAT by Bonnie Vanak
Werewolf Kara Mitchell fled with her brother Aiden to Montana after their alpha father punished her for kissing sexy omega werewolf Ryder Carrington. Left scarred by her father’s cruelty, Kara believes no one can love her. After killing his alpha to save the pack, Ryder now rules, but needs a mate. His blood runs hot for Kara. Ryder will do anything to claim her, even risk an all-out pack war that could cost them everything…

TRAPPED by Caris Roane
Mastyr Vampire Zephyr, a one-man fighting force, struggles to save the life of a woman who despises his warrior ways. She’s been a thorn in his side, but he has one goal: to keep her safe. For Alesia, however, she just wishes he’d leave her alone since she can never approve of his profession. She broke up with him months ago and wants to start a new life. The trouble is, he’s still the one man who can curl her toes.
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EXCERPT FROM BODYGUARD BY JENNIFER ASHLEY
 

The bear climbed to his feet, swung his great head around, and fixed red-raged eyes on Elizabeth. 

He was the biggest living creature Elizabeth had ever seen. On all fours, the bear stood about six feet tall at the shoulder, which put his head well above Elizabeth’s. His breath huffed between immense and sharp teeth, his growls rumbling from his throat like thunder. His gaze still locked on hers, he took a step toward her on one massive paw. 

Elizabeth brought her hand up, aimed the can of pepper spray at his face, and gave him a full dose. 

The bear blinked, drew back, blinked again, sat down on his hind legs, and rocked his head all the way back. Then he sneezed. 

The noise exploded into the room like a sonic boom, vibrating papers on the desk and rattling the Victorian prints on the walls in their prim and proper frames. 

The bear rose on his hind legs again and kept rising, ten feet—twelve—fifteen, his bulk hunching to fit under the low ceiling. At the same time, his immense body started to shrink. The bear’s face contorted, muzzle shortening, as did, thank God, his teeth. 

In about thirty seconds the bear was gone, and a man stood in its place. The man was just as massive as the bear—at least seven feet tall, with chocolate brown hair buzzed short, eyes as dark as the bear’s, an almost square face with a once-broken nose, and a chin and jaw dark with five o’clock shadow. 

His arm bore a bloody gash where the bullet had whipped by it, but his body was muscle on top of muscle on top of muscle, not an ounce of fat that Elizabeth could see. And Elizabeth saw it all, because the man was stark naked. Except for the Collar, which had shrunk to fit his human neck, the bear-man wore not a stitch. 

He wiped his streaming eyes. “Shit, woman,” he said in a voice that brought down a trickle of ceiling tile dust to whiten his hair. “That itches.” 

Grab the boxed set for just $0.99 to read this story and seven others…

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Please note that this is NOT the boxed set that's being featured by this barrage, but an earlier release, and that this giveaway is international.

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Review: Dark Innocence by Madeline Pryce

Dark Innocence

Author: Madeline Pryce

Release Date: January 31, 2014

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Dark Book #2

ISBN:  1419990888

ISBN13: 9781419990885

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Review Copy Source:Publisher

Hannah Grey will do anything to escape the tortured memories haunting her. Every breath brings back the pain, the fear and the unbearable knowledge that she’ll never be the once-perfect girl everyone thought her to be. When the self-destructive fog of drugs, alcohol and meaningless sex starts to clear, Dante, a lion shifter sexier than sin itself, emerges through the darkness ready to rescue her for the second time in so many weeks.

In the safety of Dante’s embrace, Hannah allows herself to become the woman she’s always wanted to be—smart, sexy, capable and empowered. His every touch electrifies. His hot, hungry kisses set her senses ablaze. As Dante masters her body, Hannah finally finds the strength to master her fears.

Perfection shatters as a mysterious vampire escalates from anonymous phone calls to violent encounters. When Hannah’s enemies unite, placing both her and Dante in mortal peril, it’s going to take all of her newfound strength to face the coming darkness and save the man she loves.

*Contains spoilers from DARK CRAVINGS*

After her torture at the hands of the old vampire queen, Hannah would do anything to escape the memories of what happened to her. This leads her on a path to drugs, alcohol and sex. No matter what she throws at herself the handsome Dante is always there to pick her up. When she is targeted by a deranged Vampire hell bent on turning her into his new queen Dante is once a gain there to keep her safe.

We were introduced to both Hannah and Dante in book 1 of the Dark series. We know what Hannah went through and we watched a bit of the bond form between the two after the events that occurred. When I saw that book 2 would be about these two I was a little bummed because I really wanted more Ella and Micah, but after reading DARK INNOCENCE I was left glad I was able to watch their story together begin.

The romance between the two was fast and furious. The scenes were steamy and full of feeling. We got to watch Hannah come out of her shell of despair and we learned about who Dante really is. Although the book was focused on them we still got a few scenes with Ella and Micah.

Another fast paced, easy flowing story with plenty of romance and danger from Madeline Pryce. It was really nice getting to know Hannah and Dante and I look forward to seeing them in the next book, even if they aren't the main characters.

I gave it 4/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Cover Reveal & Giveaway : Love Me To Death by Marissa Clarke

Love Me to Death

Medical research scientist Elena Arcos has always lived her life under the radar. When she is shot in a convenience store robbery, Elena finds herself rocketed into supernatural insanity courtesy of a sexy immortal law enforcer. He’s convinced she’s some kind of freaky half-vampire thing and that her deceased dad was the real deal: a blood sucking monster. Yeah, right. 

Nikolai Itzov never anticipated battling the urge to kiss the offspring of his father’s murderer. As a Slayer, an elite law enforcer descended from Azrael himself, his orders from the Underveil General are clear: Kill her or die. 

Nikolai and Elena find themselves in a life and death battle to stop a plot designed to lift the Underveil and enslave humans. With her analytical mind and his centuries of training, they might be able to foil the plot with their lives and maybe their hearts intact. But in order to succeed, he must help her become the very thing he hates the most: an Undead.

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Marissa Clarke lives in Texas, where everything is bigger, especially the mosquitoes.

When not writing, she wrangles her rowdy pack of three teens, husband, and a Cairn Terrier named Annabel, who rules the house (and Marissa's heart) with an iron paw.

She loves to connect with readers, so follow/friend her on Facebook and Twitter (buttons in the bar above), or shoot her an email from the "Contact" page.

Marissa Clarke is a pseudonym. Her real name is Mary Lindsey and she also writes young adult novels for Penguin USA.

Find Marissa and her books

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

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Guest Blog & Giveaway: Before the Storm by Claire Ashgrove

UFI welcomes Author Claire Ashgrove. Thanks for Joining us!!

What makes me pick up a book, and the top 10 reasons you should read Before the Storm…

Good morning, everybody! Thanks for letting me drop in today and share my new Urban Fantasy, Before the Storm, with you today!

As a reader, there are a few key things that will make me buy the book: a snappy cover, intriguing back cover copy, a promising emotional journey, be that a happily ever after or a tragedy, and intense action. But ultimately, I want a memorable read. And the way to make a book memorable for me also happens to be why you should read Before the Storm

10. Dragons. I need say no more. Except perhaps, “Here, there be dragons.” Which of course is historically known as “Dangerous territory.”

9. Depth. There’s a deeper mystery both about the world itself and Halle’s calling that unravels page by page. It’s more than just a simple “You have a gift; here’s how you use it” story. I like layers to a story, and Before the Storm has several.

8. Magic. Not just “poof” and the world is saved. But diverse magic that differs for each clan, that is held to rules and standards…and doesn’t always have the desired outcome. I don’t care for flash and bang, and I don’t care for generics. I tried to avoid all “poofs” as much as possible. Plus there’s a little bit of magical crayons thrown in for a surprise.

7. Intrigue. Do you really know who is on the side of “good”? Not everyone is what they seem. I don’t like to read about cut and dry characters or black and white motives. I like a little bit of twist to change things up, and I incorporated that as well.

6. Action. I like a lot of action in the books I read, and by action I mean combat. Fights for survival. This became key as I wrote Before the Storm, and I’m proud to say there’s more action here than any of my previous books. At times it exhausted me!

5. Strong Heroines. Weak-willed heroines turn me off. Perhaps the heroine doesn’t always make the right choices, but at the core of what she is, no matter what she experiences she doesn’t give up and wallow in pity. Halle is strong, although sometimes that strength is mere façade. She’d rather die than appear weak. But one things for certain, she’s not afraid of adversity! Nor is she hesitant to embrace an impossible challenge. I mean, after all, no one has ever before attempted to capture a lich. Let alone someone who doesn’t know how to use her own powers.

4. Supportive Heroes. An alpha hero is a must for me, but not overbearing and aggressive. I want a hero who will support the heroine, bring the fight to her if it’s warranted, and be unafraid of failure. Before the Storm has not only one of these alpha heroes, but two. Each with their own unique role to play. Question is…will Halle figure out which one she can trust?

3. Emotion. All the action and world building won’t sell me on a book unless there’s a high level of emotion throughout. It can be romance, it can be anger, it can be gut-wrenching pain. With Before the Storm I wanted to portray a true character journey, and Halle’s road isn’t easy. There’s genuine feeling that spans the gamut.

2. Romance. I don’t need super sexy stories for memorable reads. But I don’t enjoy a story without some romance, because romance is part and parcel of life. Before the Storm incorporates a good deal of romance, although it isn’t the primary focus of the story. And I do believe you’ll feel the sparks between the characters as well!

1. Affordable. All factors the same, the number one reason I will choose one book over another, or take a chance on a new author is if the price is affordable. Before the Storm will be available for the first few days of release at only .99 cents. There’s no better time to give it a try!

So there you have it! I did my best to incorporate all the things that sell me on a book, and all told, I think you’ll enjoy Before the Storm a great deal! I hope you’ll take the time to check it out.

Meanwhile, To celebrate Before the Storm’s release, I’m sponsoring a giveaway of a $15.00 Amazon Gift Certificate, randomly chosen from commenters throughout the tour. And I have several opportunities over the next two weeks to win free copies and more gift certificates. To see complete tour dates, and the other release-week events, check out the Before The Storm Tour Schedule!

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Building on a background of fantasy game design, a fascination with history, and a lifetime love of books, award-winning author Claire Ashgrove brings to life action-filled, passionate journeys of the heart. Her paranormal series, The Curse of the Templars, marries the history of the Knights Templar with the chilling aspirations of the most unholy--a must-read for speculative fiction fans. She also writes as the National Bestselling Author Tori St. Claire and historical romance author Sophia Garrett.

In her non-writing time, she’s runs Finish The Story, a full-scale editing house co-founded with Bryan Thomas Schmidt. She lives in Missouri and enjoys cooking, studying ancient civilizations, and spending downtime with her two sons and too-many horses, cats, and dogs.

Find Clarie and her books

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

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Before the Storm

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.

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EXCERPT 1
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“Halle.” Kale sighed. “We can’t have this conversation here. There’s too many ears around. Come with me, and I’ll explain in private.” 

It was all I could do to not burst out with a derisive laugh. Seven years of living on the streets taught a girl that private encounters with would-be kindly strangers usually left girls dead. “Do you think I’m stupid? I’m not going anywhere with you.” 

“I’m afraid you don’t have much choice.” He rose to his feet, his voice strangely low and hushed. 

Instinct warned me to step back as he approached. My heart kicked several beats, and I reached for the knife I usually kept in my back pocket. My fingers fumbled with the button that held the pocket closed. Before I could work it free, Kale had invaded my personal space. One large hand reached for me. 

I whirled to run. 

He caught me by the wrist. I skidded to a stop after less than a foot. Panic infused me, and I jerked on my arm. I couldn’t overpower this guy, not like the skinny, crack-addicted street thugs who gave me trouble now and then. Everything clicked into place in one, heart-stopping burst of reality. He had been chasing me. Now he had me. And I couldn’t get away. 

I was not going to die out here in the woods, damn it! 

With all my strength, I kicked my leg back, hoping to connect with some vital part of his body and he’d drop to the ground. Instead, my heel jammed into his calf, but he’d moved so close I couldn’t have possibly done him significant damage. He didn’t even let out a grunt. 

Instead, he moved into me, wound both arms around my torso, and trapped my back against his chest. “Halle, be still,” he whispered, “Look.” Releasing one arm, he pointed at the hilltop in front of us. 

I lifted my gaze and met the unblinking stare of two, glowing red eyes. I had to be imagining things.

Or the absence of light was playing tricks on my eyes. I blinked, shook my head, and looked again.

Now, two sets stared down at us. 

Kale’s hand fisted around mine. His hushed voice filled my ears. “Run!” 

I stumbled as he jerked me sideways. But two steps later, I matched his ground-covering stride, my long legs an easy pairing with his. Sapling branches snapped against my shoulders, whipped alongside my cheek. I didn’t feel them. 

For the first time in my life, I was afraid.

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Promo & Giveaway: Dark Light of Day and Fiery Edge of Steel by Jill Archer

UFI welcomes Jill Archer Author of The Noon Onyx Series. Thanks for Joining us!!

Excerpt Dark Light of Day:
 

“I’ve been watching you, wondering, waiting to see where you’d end up. After all, there are other demon law schools,” Seknecus said, making a moue of distaste that made it clear exactly what he thought of them. “But I was happy to see that you chose St. Lucifer’s.” 

Technically my mother chose St. Lucifer’s . . . But there seemed no reason to interrupt to clarify that bit of misinformation. Seknecus wandered around the room, picking through papers, flipping open and quickly shutting the front covers of various leather-bound books, never meeting my eye. I had no doubt, however, that his attention was fully focused on me. 

“So, you see, seeing your name on my list wasn’t exactly a surprise, although it appeared much later than I would have liked.” 

He did look at me then, with a frown of disapproval. I did my best to look expressionless because none seemed appropriate. It wouldn’t do to look amused, bored or, Luck forbid, rebellious. Seknecus stared at me with narrowed eyes and then went back to wandering. 

“You’ve got some catching up to do,” he said, addressing a copy of Sin and Sanction: Codification & Case Law. “It doesn’t matter why or what excuses you’ve got for yourself. You will be held to the same standards as everyone else, regardless of whose daughter you are. And you’ve missed a lot of class already.” 

I opened my mouth to protest, but he cut me off with a wave. 

“Manipulation class,” he clarified. “You’re going to have to work ten times as hard as everyone else just to pass. Quintus Rochester doesn’t go easy on students and he’s likely to see your absence during the early part of the semester as a challenge. You know, failing is not an option. Not if you want to live . . .”

Fiery Edge of Steel Excerpt
 

“You are familiar with Empyr wine, Ms. Onyx?” Rochester asked. 

I nodded warily. 

Angels were obsessed with apples. They took their love of this fruit very seriously, worshipping it as a symbol of the lost world they once ruled. A common motif in Angel art was the fallen apple that never rotted. Empyr wines were apple wines that were “enhanced” by some of the best Angel sommeliers in Halja. The enhancements were spells. Each batch had its own name, flavor, coloring, and associated spell. They were served upstairs in the Angels’ infamous restaurant on this building’s thirty-third floor. 

I’d had Empyr wine exactly two times in my life. Each time it had produced life-altering effects, although in an indirect manner and not of the kind I could have guessed. 

Friedrich turned back toward me and offered me the cup. Inside, the liquid was pink and fizzy and flecked with gold. I reached for the cup and there was a brief moment when I wasn’t sure Friedrich would let go. Was the spell tied to his touch? I yanked harder and the wine nearly spilled out of the cup as it broke free from his grasp. Rochester’s signature nudged mine, like a parent pinching an errant child. I glanced back at Ari, who gave me a tight smile. 

I tipped the cup to my lips and drank. Immediately, a bitter, chalky taste filled my mouth. I hid my grimace, finished, and handed the cup back to Friedrich. 

“This batch is called ‘Fortuna’s Favorites,’” Friedrich said. “Think you’re one of them?” 

Time will tell, I thought, but said instead, “Fortes fortuna adiuvat.” Fortune favors the bold. Another of Dorio’s sayings. Maybe Fitz had the right idea. 

Friedrich grunted. Ari grinned. 

Rochester held off magically pinching me again. Instead, he handed me a white linen napkin. 

“A gift from this batch’s sommelier,” he said. “Some words of wisdom regarding this semester’s assignment.” 

I choked back a laugh. From tea leaves to wine tannins, where Angels fear not to tread . . . I accepted the napkin and wiped my mouth gently. I’d been generous in this morning’s application of Daredevil Red lip paint. Who knew what my fortune might be if I added too much of that to the mix? But the laugh died in my throat as I looked down at my napkin. Slowly, a stain of words appeared: 

When traveling into the unknown, sometimes the biggest danger is the one you bring with you . . .

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 Jill Archer writes dark, genre-bending fantasy from rural Maryland. Her novels include Dark Light of Day, Fiery Edge of Steel, and White Heart of Justice. She loves cats, coffee, books, movies, day tripping, and outdoor adventuring.

 

Find Jill and her books

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

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Dark Light of Day
Noon Onyx #1
Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-A-Million
Powell’s Books Book Depository IndieBound

 Armageddon is over. The demons won. And yet somehow…the world has continued. Survivors worship patron demons under a draconian system of tributes and rules. These laws keep the demons from warring among themselves, and the world from slipping back into chaos.

Noon Onyx grew up on the banks of the river Lethe, the daughter of a prominent politician, and a descendant of Lucifer’s warlords. Noon has a secret: She was born with waning magic, the dark, destructive, fiery power that is used to control demons and maintain the delicate peace among them. But a woman with waning magic is unheard of, and some would consider her an abomination.

Noon is summoned to attend St. Lucifer’s, a school of demon law. She must decide whether to declare her powers there…or to attempt to continue hiding them, knowing the price for doing so may be death. And once she meets the forbiddingly powerful Ari Carmine—who suspects Noon is harboring magic as deadly as his own—Noon realizes there may be more at stake than just her life.

Fiery Edge of Steel 
Noon Onyx #2
Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-A-Million
Powell’s Books Book Depository IndieBound

Lucifer and his army triumphed at Armageddon, leaving humans and demons living in uncertain peace based on sacrifice and strict laws. It is up to those with mixed demon and human blood, the Host, to prevent society from falling into anarchy.

Noon Onyx is the first female Host in memory to wield the destructive waning magic that is used to maintain order among the demons. Her unique abilities, paired with a lack of control and reluctance to kill, have branded her as an outsider from her peers. Only her powerful lover, Ari Carmine, and a roguish and mysterious Angel, Rafe Sinclair, support her unconventional ways.

When Noon is shipped off to a remote outpost to investigate several unusual disappearances, a task which will most likely involve trying and killing the patron demon of that area, it seems Luck is not on her side. But when the outpost settlers claim that an ancient and evil foe has stepped out of legend to commit the crimes, Noon realizes that she could be facing something much worse than she ever imagined…

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BONUS: FUN PROMO TWEETS AND TWITTER CONTEST! :-D

Anyone who tweets one of these will be entered to win ANY fantasy book of their choice from Book Depository (so long as Book Depository ships to your address) (up to $10.00). Contest ends on June 3, 2014. One tweet/entry per person.

 

“Lucem in tenebras ferimus. Into the darkness, we bring light.” @archer_jill #DARKLIGHTOFDAY 

“When traveling into the unknown, sometimes the biggest danger is the one you bring with you…” @archer_jill #FIERYEDGEOFSTEEL

 

“One out of every two hunters who follow the Old Trail will not return.” @archer_jill #WHITEHEARTOFJUSTICE

 

Finally! I’m looking forward to seeing Noon embrace her fiery magic. @archer_jill #WHITEHEARTOFJUSTICE 

Ari Carmine is smokin’ hot. I wanna see if Noon can forgive him for that nasty surprise at the end of B2. @archer_jill #WHITEHEARTOFJUSTICE 

I heard a rumor that Rafe Sinclair makes a wish and I wanna know if it’s granted. @archer_jill #WHITEHEARTOFJUSTICE 

Nocturo. Tall dark handsome. Heard his scalpel’s put to good use. Is he gonna threaten Brunus w it again? @archer_jill #WHITEHEARTOFJUSTICE 

I love the characters, but I’m really just in it for the monsters and magic. Bring on the ice demons! @archer_jill #WHITEHEARTOFJUSTICE 

Armageddon is over. The demons won. But it’s not as dark as all that. Parts of it are romantic and sweet. @archer_jill #NOONONYXSERIES

 

Review: Before the Storm by Claire Ashgrove

Before the Storm

Author: Claire Ashgrove

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.