Promo: Marked By Sin by Jasmine Walt and Debbie Cassidy

In an alternate London, where ancient Hindu gods rule, one woman holds humanity’s fate in her blood-stained hands…

The first installment in a new series
by Jasmine Walt and Debbie Cassidy.

 

Marked by Sin
The Gatekeeper Chronicles #1

Adopted by Brahma Corp’s Assassin Guild and raised as one of their own, Malina Hayes is about to make her fiftieth kill. After bringing down forty-nine of London’s worst criminals, this latest job shouldn’t be a big deal. But if Malina is successful, she’ll receive her first milestone mark. Ascension in the ranks, better pay, and a swanky flat in Soho all sound like very good reasons to make this kill count.

But fate and destiny have different plans for Malina. Seconds away from receiving the coveted milestone mark, Malina is torn away from the world she knows and thrust onto a new path—one where the purity of her soul will determine the very fate of mankind. Trouble is, Malina’s kill orders were a lie. The targets she assassinated were innocents, and each one has left a terrible stain on her soul.

Stains she must now remove, at any cost.

Atoning for the blood of fifty victims is no mean feat, especially for someone who has spent their entire life killing. But if Malina fails, the lock on the gates of the underworld will crumble to dust. And we all know what happens when a legion of demons is unleashed upon the world…

Especially when they have their sights set on you.

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NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY and WALL STREET JOURNAL Bestselling Author Jasmine Walt is obsessed with books, chocolate, and sharp, pointy objects. Somehow, those three things melded together in her head and transformed into a desire to write. Usually fantastical stuff, with a healthy dose of action and romance. Her characters are a little (okay, a lot) on the snarky side, and they swear, but they mean well. Even the villains sometimes.

When Jasmine isn't working on her next book, you can find her practicing her dao sword form, spending time with her family, or binge-watching superhero shows on Netflix. She loves to hear from her readers, so if you've got a question or just want to say hi, feel free to email her at jasmine[at]jasminewalt[dot]com.

 

 

Debbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head – in a totally non psychotic way of course. She writes High Fantasy, Urban Fantasy and Science Fiction. Debbie also writes dark, diverse Urban Fantasy fiction, under the pen name Amos Cassidy, with her best friend Richard Amos.

 

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Interview + Giveaway: Atlantis Reborn by Gloria Craw

What can you tell my readers about yourself that they might not know from looking on your bio or reading in another interview?

Well, I’m a bit of an introvert. I enjoy my friends and socializing, but I have a limited amount of energy for that type of interaction. I’ll be the life of the party one minute and sitting in a quiet corner the next. When I have to retreat to recharge, I do a lot of people watching. I think these times of quiet observation make me a better writer than I would otherwise be.  

What do you enjoy doing on your down time?

I’m an archaeology buff, so I scour the internet for articles about new digs whenever I can. I run with dog and watch documentaries, as well. Yep, I’m a complete nerd.

What is your Favorite part of writing?

Brainstorming ideas. I have full license to daydream, and I make the most of it.

Do you have any certain routines you must follow as you write?

I wish I could say yes. I have four school age daughters that require a lot of my attention. I do my writing around their schedules, which is difficult but not impossible. I’m much better at outlining my projects nowadays, and I set a certain number of words I want to write per week. That’s as much routine as I can reasonably expect of myself at this point.

What are some of your Favorite books or Authors in the Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Genres?

I enjoyed the Witch series by Carolyn MacCullough, and of course, The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare.

Do you have a favorite scene in Atlantis Reborn ?

My favorite scene in Atlantis Reborn is the final one. Alison has faced some extreme challenges, and she’s lost people she loves. When things finally calm down, Ian rents out an opera hall and stages a fake prom for her. It’s a light and teasing scene, but something profound happens at the end of it.

Which character was your favorite to write about? What about the hardest to write about?

I love writing cocky Ian and grumpy Lillian, but cynical Theron Falco is my favorite. He’s always got a sarcastic follow up to things other people say. When I reread his dialogue, I can hardly believe it originated in my mind. I have a soft spot for him because he keeps getting the short end of the stick, too. Theron’s character is very distinct. Perhaps that’s why writing him is so much fun.  

It’s gotten harder for me to write Spencer Thane’s character. He has boundless energy, which I love, but turning that into something important to the story isn’t always easy.

What Other Projects can we look forward to reading from you?

The Atlantis Rising series will continue through Theron’s perspective, and I just finished another YA fantasy called Seek the Shadows.

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Gloria Craw grew up in the desert southwest and attended the University of Utah where she got a degree in anthropology. These days, she lives just outside of Seattle, Washington. She’s married, has four daughters and a very hairy dog.


Find Gloria and her books

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

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Atlantis Reborn
Atlantis Rising #3
Entangled 

In a few days, I’ll officially be the Laurel clan chief—but it comes at a heavy cost. My human family, the McKyes, think I’m dead, and the only family I have left is my surly cousin, Theron. Plus the occasional visit from my dead mother.

Gathering the fifteen clans of Atlantis is more tasking than I thought. Thank fate that Ian has my back, otherwise keeping the peace would be a total disaster.I want to give him my heart, too, but without an official likeness, or spontaneous pairing, it’s only wishful thinking. To make matters worse, someone out there has the formula to createhuman-Atlantian hybrids. For a hefty price.

Certain chiefs are so desperate to increase our population that they refuse to see the price might be more than money; it could cost us our souls. If I can’t change their minds,the descendants of Atlantis could disappear forever.

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New Releases: 6/11-6/17

Tue. June 13th

 The Black Elfstone (The Fall of Shannara #1) by Terry Brooks
 The Changeling by Victor LaValle 
 Cormorant Run by Lilith Saintcrow
 Devil's Due (Destroyermen #12) by Taylor Anderson
 Down Among the Sticks and Bones (Wayward Children #2) by Seanan McGuire
 The Fallen Kingdom (The Falconer #3) by Elizabeth May
 Fierce Obsessions (The Phoenix Pack #6) by Suzanne Wright
 Julia Defiant (Witch's Child #2) by Catherine Egan
 Obsidian and Stars (Ivory and Bone #2) by Julie Eshbaugh
 Our Dark Duet (Monsters of Verity #2) by Victoria Schwab
 Raven Stratagem (The Machineries of Empire #2) by Yoon Ha Lee
 The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. by Neal Stephenson, Nicole Galland
 Roar (Stormheart #1) by Cora Carmack
 Silver Silence (Psy-Changeling Trinity #1) by Nalini Singh
 Soleri by Michael Johnston
 The Suffering Tree by Elle Cosimano
 Thief's Cunning (Assassin's Heart #2) by Sarah Ahiers
 Want (Want, #1) by Cindy Pon

Happy Reading!

Promo + Giveaway: Kiss Me, Kill You by Larissa C. Hardesty

Kiss Me, Kill You

Amazon | BN | iBooks | Goodreads | Entangled

 

First kisses should be legendary—not deadly.

 Emmy Duivel believes in true love: heart-stopping kisses, candlelight dinners, and a connection that lasts forever. But not the kind of kisses that land your date in the hospital. Emmy always knew she was different, but not in the supernatural sense. Not in the succubus sense. Paul Andinn had only one job: watch over Emmy and make sure she doesn’t expose the supernatural world. It should have been easy, but the moment he looked away, she kissed that boy, and everything changed. He should be more upset. But he can’t. Not when he’s falling hard for her.

Excerpt:

She waved my question away and eyed my outfit, beaming. “Perfect. Now you need someone to wear it for.” She pursed her lips. “What about that Paul guy you’re always pining after?”

I sucked in a breath. I could never wear something like this in front of Paul. Could I? Trying to be objective, I watched my reflection in the mirror. The black lace cami flowed to my hips, emphasizing my curves without being too tight. The skirt was snug in contrast, in addition to being short, but because the top was flowy, it wasn’t as revealing as I’d thought. I expected to hate it. But I didn’t look bad. Actually, it made me feel a little sexy. Maybe… I shook my head.

“I don’t think he’s interested, Lily.” That wasn’t exactly true. He was always watching me. But that could be wishful thinking, too. He’d never actually said anything to make me think he’d want to go out with me. The thought of going on a date with Paul made my heart skip and my stomach churn at the same time.

Lily gave me a Look. “He’s totally interested, and so are you. So, ask him out.”

“What do you mean, he’s totally interested? How do you know?” Then I realized what she’d suggested, and my pulse sped up. “No way. I can’t do that.”

“You can, and you will.” She bumped my shoulder with hers. “You know you want to. I see the way you look at him. And if you don’t, I’ll have to do it for you.” Giving me a knowing smile, she pushed me toward the dressing room again. “You can thank me later.”

And that was the end of that. If I didn’t ask Paul out, she really would do it for me, which would be utterly mortifying.

I guess I’m asking Paul out tomorrow.

Contrary to the feeling in the pit of my stomach, I watched my lips lift into a smile in the mirror.

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 Larissa Hardesty is a Young Adult author of speculative fiction. Having lived a fairytale when she met her husband while on vacation at Disney World as a high school senior, all of her stories have at least a touch of romance. When she’s not writing, she can be found pursuing her passion for music as an elementary music teacher and handbell choir director. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and three children.

Find Larissa and her books

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Week in Review: 6/4-6/10

Books Received for Review

Ashes of the Phoenix by Jess Haines
Fury of a Phoenix by Shannon Mayer

Books I've Read

One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake
Fury of a Phoenix by Shannon Mayer
Fallen Flame by J.M. Miller
Ashes of the Phoenix by Jess Haines
The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli

Reviews Posted


All the Stars Left Behind by Ashley Graham
Blood Kissed by Keri Arthur

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

* Monday- Promo + Giveaway for Her Wounded Dragon by Sky Purington

* Thursday- Guest Blog + Giveaway for Secrets of Skin and Stone by Wendy Laine

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

BlogLovin

Networked Blogs

Facebook
Pinterest Board

You can also add me (as in Stacy) to your friends on these sites if you're on them.

Twitter

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

Review: Blood Kissed by Keri Arthur

Blood Kissed

Author: Keri Arthur

Release Date: May 16, 2017

Publisher: Self-Published

Lizzie Grace Book #1

ISBN:  0648007715

ISBN13: 9780648007715

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Review Copy Source: Author

In a world where magic and science sit side by side, and powerful witches are considered necessary aides for all governments, Lizzie Grace is something of an outlier. Though born into one the most powerful blue blood witch families, she wants nothing to do with either her past or her magic.

But when she and Belle, her human familiar and best friend, open a small cafe in the Faelan werewolf reservation, she quickly finds herself enmeshed in the hunt for a vampire intent on wreaking bloody havoc. It’s a hunt that soon becomes personal, and one that is going to take all her skills to survive–that’s if the werewolves, who hate all things witch, don’t get her first.

Lizzie and her human familiar—and best friend—Belle, are in hiding from her family and living on a werewolf reservation when trouble finds its way to their door. I enjoyed the relationship between Lizzie and Belle. A human familiar isn't something that is normal, but they work so well together and they wouldn't wish it any other way. Although Lizzie was born to a very powerful witch family, it's made clear that her magic isn't very strong. I kinda kept waiting for her to really blow magic out of the water in some way. Like a hidden magical reservoir that has been hiding and shows itself at the most opportune time. Not sure if that will ever happen, but i will keep my fingers crossed in future books.

There is a tad bit of a love interest in BLOOD KISSED—very minor romance. Witnessing the awkward, frustrating and sometimes electric interactions between Lizzie and Aiden was pretty entertaining at times. They were BOTH so frustrated and repelled by each other, but also magnetically attracted to each other and hating it. You could definitely feel the sexual frustration at points. I imagine things will be pretty steamy if they ever get over their issues and hook up.

I enjoyed the setting in BLOOD KISSED. The small town feel was great and there is still so much involved in it being a werewolf reservation. The pace of BLOOD KISSED wasn't always fast, but I was never bored. I do wish that there were more twists involved in the storyline. There was a lot of things that ended up being pretty obvious. 

After all was read, I thought that BLOOD KISSED was a nice start to a new series for Keri Arthur and I will keep my eyes open for Lizzie's next adventure. 

I gave it 4/5 stars

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

Guest Blog + Giveaway: Secrets of Skin and Stone by Wendy Laine

UFI welcomes Author Wendy Laine. Thanks for Joining us!!

Into the Past:

At age five, I loved “There’s a Wocket in my Pocket” by Dr. Seuss. I had my mom read it again and again. My daughter really loved Dr. Seuss and we have a horde of them still on her shelves.

When I was eleven years old, I adored the Patricia Wrede’s Enchanted Forest Chronicles. They were just so magical. It was like visiting another world. I got so involved that it felt real to me. I felt the same way when I found Harry Potter as an adult. The world was just everything.

At sixteen, I was all about romance…and drama actually. I loved going to plays and Shakespeare was a huge favorite of mine. I even took a Shakespeare class in high school. While his tragedies are great when performed, I love the story from “Much Ado about Nothing.” I loved the interplay between Beatrice and Benedict and it’s more readable than many of his other plays.

When I was twenty, I was reading way too many textbooks. Between college years as an English major and then technical school in optometric assisting, ugh, so much technical reading. But, I did have one college class where we read “The Princess Bride” for the class. I loved being able to compare one of my favorite movies with the book. The movie is better. In my opinion. And how rare is that?

I would have loved to have more books with characters with mental illness that weren’t “coming of age” books. I read to escape back then and I still do. Authors are lucky in that if they can’t find the book they want to read…they can write it, and that’s what I did here. I wanted a book with normalized mental illness. Piper is a cutter and has OCD, but she also solves a mystery and falls for a guy…who can shift into a gargoyle.

I hope someday someone remembers my book as something they read as a teen. That would be…magical. Thank you for letting me post on your site and I love suggestions from other readers for books with normalized mental illness. Please find me and recommend these books because I can’t write them all. Well, I can try. I’m kidding.

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Wendy Laine is the penname of author Wendy Sparrow. Writing is in Wendy’s blood as are equal parts of Mountain Dew and chocolate. Wendy has been telling tales since she was a child with varying amounts of success. Her parents clearly anticipated her forays into the paranormal because she heard “The Boy Who Cried Wolf’ over and over. She lives in Washington State with a wonderful husband and two quirky kids and is active in Autism and OCD support networks. She can usually be found on Twitter where she’ll talk to anyone who talks to her and occasionally just to herself.

Find Wendy and her books

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

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 Secrets of Skin and Stone
Amazon  BN  Kobo  iBooks

Something is wrong in Hidden Creek. The sleepy Alabama town is more haunted than any place fiend hunter Grisham Caso has ever seen. Unearthed graves, curse bags, and spilled blood all point to an evil that could destroy his gargoyle birthright. The town isn’t safe for anyone, and everyone says fiery Piper Devon knows why.

Piper wants to leave Hidden Creek behind. She’s had enough of secrets—they hide in the shadows of her room and tell her terrible things are coming. Too-charming city boy Grisham might be her only chance to save herself.

To survive, Piper and Grisham have to shed their secrets and depend only on each other. But what lurks in Hidden Creek still might take everything away from them, including each other.

Excerpt #3:

“Do you believe in ghosts?” I asked abruptly, in a much softer voice. Some folks in Hidden Creek might not mind a ghostbuster around. A few of them had their businesses blessed by Pastor Green before they’d even think about opening up.

“I believe there’s a lot more than what meets the eye. I believe people can be haunted.”

“By ghosts?”

“By a lot of things.”

When I looked up, he was staring at me as if he knew. He couldn’t. I was being paranoid and stupid. But his gaze fell to my shoulder as if he could see the cuts through my shirt. Nothing had made me feel more naked than his piercing eyes on my shoulder. I covered my shoulder with my hand.

Maybe he was psychic. That made me even more uncomfortable. The things that strayed through my brain everyday would scare a saint.

“Are you haunted?” I asked him, trying to shift his attention.

His lips tipped up on one side and he gave me a considering look. “Sure am. Not as haunted as some around, but you live long enough and see enough, you get ghosts and memories following you that’ll make you shiver on dark nights. I imagine there are a lot of older folks in this town who are good and haunted.”

When you notice everything, you notice when a casual comment isn’t casual. Gris was fishing for information. He’d thrown out a line to see if I’d bite. Maybe this was why he was paying attention to me, trying to charm me. He wanted information. It made my heart sick—which was ridiculous. Knowing why Gris was interested in me was useful and kept me from getting in too deep with him. “You mean like by actual ghosts?”

“Maybe. Maybe just by dreams. Maybe it’s sickness. Maybe it’s bad luck. People explain things in all sorts of ways. My cousin says weird things happen here. Sometimes.”

I wanted to call Danny a liar, but I shook my head instead.

“You’re saying they don’t?” Gris’s eyebrows raised.

“I’m saying it’s not sometimes.”

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