Exclusive Excerpt: Partials by Dan Wells

Visit the above link for an Exclusive Excerpt of PARTIALS by Dan Wells

Interview & Giveaway: Christina Henry

UFI welcomes Christina Henry Author of The Madeline Black Series. Thanks for Joining us!!

This or That

Angels or Demons

Angels, but only if they're fallen.

Vampires or Shifters

Shifters! If there's a love triangle involving a human, a shifter, and a vampire I almost always choose the shifter.

Left or Right

Whatever direction will get me home faster!

Up or Down

Up. I've always wanted to fly.

Pizza or Pasta

I'm Italian, so I don't think I should have to choose.

Coffee or Tea

 Tea, green, unsweetened.

Coke or Pepsi

 I don't drink soda. Too much caffeine makes me CRAZY.

YA or Adult

Adult. Although there are some YA series that I love, like Harry Potter (of course!) and Percy Jackson.

Facebook or Twitter

Facebook, because I haven't yet figured out what all those Twitter symbols mean.

Reading or Writing

 These two activities combined take up most of my day, so like "pizza or pasta", I don't think I can choose!

Book Signing or Panel Speaking

Panel speaking. It's so much fun for me to meet other writers that I admire.

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 CHRISTINA HENRY is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago and enjoys running long distances, reading anything she can get her hands on and watching movies with samurai, zombies and/or subtitles in her spare time.  She lives in Chicago with her husband and son.

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Find Christina and her books

Website / Twitter / Facebook

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Black Howl
Madeline Black #3
Feb 28, 2012

Agent of Death Madeline Black is finding out that some of the spirits of Chicago aren't ready to cross over.

Something is wrong with the souls of Chicago's dead. Ghosts are walking the streets, and Agent of Death Madeline Black's exasperating boss wants her to figure out why. And while work is bad enough, Maddy has a plethora of personal problems too. Now that Gabriel has been assigned as her thrall, their relationship has hit an impasse. At least her sleazy ex-fiancé Nathaniel is out of the picture — or so she thinks...

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US shipping Only

Review: Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

Article 5
Author:Kristen Simmons
Release Date: January 13, 2012
Publisher: Tor Teen
Article 5 Book #1
ISBN:   1429987731
ISBN13: 9781429987738
Genre: Young Adult/ Dystopian
Review Copy Source: Publisher 

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard for her to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It’s hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings…the only boy Ember has ever loved.

I am so loving the Dystopian genre. I really didn't know what Dystopian was until the beginning of 2011 but I have not read one yet.

When Ember's mom is arrested for violating Article 5 Ember is taken away to be rehabilitated. The story follows Ember's journey to escape and find her mother at any cost. Chase the one person she loved and lost when he became a soldier has a huge part in helping her along the way.

Ember was erratic, loyal, frustrating and hard headed but easy to root for. The one thing that was super annoying about her was her all out obsession with finding her mom it was a little over the top. I definitely thought she should be worried but it kinda consumed her and the decisions she made because of her obsession made me want to scream at her most of the time. Chase was hard to read but everything he did had a purpose and brought a little more understanding to the inner workings of his character. Their relationship was full of tension and frustration but was worth the struggle to get them together to were they needed to be in the end.

The world building was fantastic. I could not imagine living with the ridiculous rules that Americans have to in Kristen's story. There was a ton of action and suspense throughout ARTICLE 5. The tension was knocked up a peg at every turn and the writing sucked me in. Count book 2 a must have on my wishlist.

I gave it 5/5 stars

Winner: Fated by Benedict Jacka

Thank you to everyone who entered!!

Prize: Print copy of Fated

The Winner chosen by Rafflecopter is.....

Review: Fated by Benedict Jacka

Fated
Author: Benedict Jacka
Release Date: February 28, 2012
Publisher: Ace
Alex Verus Book #1
ISBN:   1937007294
ISBN13: 9781937007294
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Publisher

Alex Verus is part of a world hidden in plain sight, running a magic shop in London. And while Alex's own powers aren't as showy as some mages, he does have the advantage of foreseeing the possible future--allowing him to pull off operations that have a million-to-one-chance of success.

But when Alex is approached by multiple factions to crack open a relic from a long-ago mage war, he knows that whatever's inside must be beyond powerful. And thanks to his abilities, Alex can predict that by taking the job, his odds of survival are about to go from slim to none...

FATED started off a bit slow but ended up picking up speed a little less then halfway through. The idea of the world that Alex lives in was interesting but there wasn't a lot of back story in regards to it. There is a lot of action and mystery. The constant hiding and evading kept me on my toes while reading. I liked the characters they were well written and easy to remember. Alex's gift was pretty neat, he can foresee the future and it helps him in many ways throughout the story with keeping ahead of the people chasing him and Luna as well as adds some suspense to the story.  Luna was my favorite character. I couldn't imagine not being able to get close to someone without pretty much causing their death, she ends up being a pretty strong woman for all that she has been through and is incredibly level headed with all the information she is given. There isn't any romance in FATED but Alex and Luna defiantly have the potential for something great in the future.

I have not read the Dresden files but I have seen many reviews compare the two saying they are similar.. I might end up reading book 2 CURSED but it wont be a must read for me.

I gave it 3/5 stars

New Releases: 2/26-3/3

Tues Feb 28

A Sliver Of Shadow (Abby Sinclair, #2) by Allison Pang
Black Howl (Madeline Black #3) by Christina Henry
By a Thread (Elemental Assassin, #6) by Jennifer Estep
The Darkest Seduction (Lords of the Underworld, #9) by Gena Showalter
Darkness Bound by Stella Cameron
Fever by Joan Swan
How to be Death (Calliope Reaper-Jones, #4) by Amber Benson
My Lord Vampire by Alexandra Ivy
Nice Girls Don't Bite Their Neighbors (Jane Jameson, #4) by Molly Harper
Pandemonium (Delirium, #2) by Lauren Oliver
Partials (Partials, #1) by Dan Wells

Happy Reading!!!

Interview & Giveaway: Imogen Rose

UFI welcomes Imogen Rose Author of Initiation. Thanks for Joining us!!

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

I’ve never really liked writing, which I always thought of as a means to an end of getting A’s on my exams. The fact that I now enjoy writing is absolutely amazing to me. I’ve mentioned this in an interview before, but I can’t even type properly. I tap away using my two index fingers. :D

What do you enjoy doing on your down time?

I love watching movies, reading, shopping, and traveling.

What is your favorite part of writing? 

 I never plan or outline my stories. Writing is an exercise in letting my mind wander and allowing the characters to take over completely. I become so invested in needing to know what’s going to happen next that I keep tapping the keys with excited anticipation. That thrill is what I enjoy the most.

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

No. I write anywhere I can sit down for at least half an hour, usually outside my daughter’s various after-school activities. I blank out the noise and the world as I write.

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

I love reading books by Anne Rice, Charlene Harris, Stephanie Meyers, Julie Kagawa, and a host a great indie authors I have discovered more recently, like Lauren Burd, Amanda Hocking, and S.L. Baum.

How would you pitch Initiation to someone who has not heard of it before?

It’s an adventure into the unexpected world of paranormal teens.

Can you tell us a little bit about the world that the Bonfire Academy series is set in?

The Bonfire Academy series is in the Gossip Girl world of paranormals.

Do you have a favorite scene in Initiation?

It has to be the one when Cordelia and Jagger synch. It came right out of the blue as I was tapping away on my keyboard, and writing it sent a little chill through me.

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

Cordelia was my favorite character in this book, probably because I was writing through her and feeling every emotion she did. I was startled when I discovered the secret about Mason, and I wonder where my imagination will take me with that character in the next book.

What other projects can we look forward to reading from you?

Next up is Integration, the second book in the Bonfire Academy series. So, we can look forward to finding out what happens to Cordelia next. After that, I will start working on the final book of the Portal Chronicles.

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Imogen Rose is the author of the bestselling YA series, the Portal Chronicles. She was born in a small town in Sweden and moved to London in her twenties. After obtaining a PhD in immunology from Imperial College, she moved with her family to New Jersey, where she’s been based for the past ten years.

For as long as she can remember, Imogen has dreamt stories. Stories that continued from night to night, from dream to dream. So, even as a child, going to bed was never an issue, just an anticipation of the story to come.

PORTAL, Imogen’s first novel, would have remained in her imagination, to be shared only with her daughter, Lauren, had her eight-year-old not insisted that she write it down. In the course of a month, Imogen typed while Lauren waited eagerly by the printer for the pages to appear, and a novel took shape.

The warm reception PORTAL received encouraged her to continue with the story and the Portal Chronicles. The Bonfire Chronicles is Imogen’s new YA paranormal series.

Imogen is a self-confessed Hermès addict who enjoys shopping, traveling, watching movies and playing with her dog, Tallulah.

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Find Imogen and her books

Website / Twitter / Facebook

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Initiation
Bonfire Academy #1
December 25, 2011

Welcome to Bonfire Academy!

Set in the foothills of the alpine mountains in St.Moritz, this exclusive private school caters to a special kind of student. Enter at your own risk... but if you are human, you may not want to enter at all.

WARNING: This YA story is set in a school for paranormals who are very different from normal human teens. Thus, the language and some scenes might not be appropriate for younger YA readers. Recommended for those sixteen and above.

Read the First Chapter
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 Tour Wide Giveaway

*Photos of Initiation sack pack item's*

Cover Reveal: Luminosity by Stephanie Thomas

*Available September 11, 2012* 

Luminosity 
Author: Stephanie Thomas 
Release Date: September 11, 2012 
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Luminosity Book #1
ISBN13: 9781620611272
Genre: Young Adult/Dystopian

My name is Beatrice. When I was born, I was blessed with the Sight. I was immediately removed from my parents and enrolled in the Institution. At the age of twelve, I had my first true vision, earning my raven’s wings. And when I turned seventeen, one of my visions came true. Things haven’t been the same since.

The Institution depends on me to keep the City safe from our enemy, the Dreamcatchers, but I’m finding it harder to do while keeping a secret from everyone, including my best friend Gabe. It is a secret that could put us all in danger. A secret that could kill me and everyone close to me.

But the enemy has been coming to me in my dreams, and I think I’m falling in love with him. He says they’re coming. He says they’re angry. And I think I’ve already helped them win.

Paperback Available for Pre-Order from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Luminosity-Stephanie-Thomas/dp/1620611279/ref=lh_ni_t

Add to your Goodreads TBR:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13425149-luminosity

Week in Review: Feb 19-25

Books Ive Bought/received

*Sacrificial Magic by Stacia Kane-eARC-Netgalley



Books I read

Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire
Eventide by Elle Jasper
The Vampire Shrink by Lynda Hilburn
A Perfect Blood by Kim Harrison
Sacrificial Magic by Stacia Kane
Apocalypse to Go by Katharine Kerr

Reviews posted


A Sliver of Shadow by Allison Pang
Black Howl by Christina Henry
Fair Games by Patricia Briggs
A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton

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


* Monday UFI participated in the Cover reveal for Inbetween by Tara Fuller. There was also a Promotional Post and giveaway posted for a copy of Fated by Benedict Jacka.


* Wednesday Kristen Simmons was here promoting her new release Article 5 with a guest post. 


* Friday along with an early review for Fair Games by Patricia Briggs there is a giveaway for a copy of On the Prowl.

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*If you see something on my books Ive read list that you are dying to know about let me know I'm back logged on reviews and can move it up on the list if I know people are wanting one.

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

Review: A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton

A Beautiful Evil
Author: Kelly Keaton
Release Date: February 21, 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Gods and Monsters Book #2
ISBN:  1442409274
ISBN13: 9781442409279
Genre: Young Adult

Myth and mayhem inhabit a richly reimagined New Orleans in this sequel to Darkness Becomes Her.After the epic graveyard battle at the end of Darkness Becomes Her, Ari and her friends know what they’re up against: Ari is facing the Medusa curse and is haunted by the image of what she will become. To make matters worse, the heinous goddess Athena has kidnapped young Violet and is threatening to destroy Ari.

Ari, along with the superhot Sebastian, is doing everything she can to learn more about Athena and to get Violet back. But the battle of good and evil is bigger than she realizes, and she’s about to be pulled into a world more horrific than she could ever imagine...

Ari now knows what she is and has started her training and research in hopes of saving her Dad and Violet as well as beating Athena.

I didn't enjoy A BEAUTIFUL EVIL as much as I enjoyed book 1 DARKNESS BECOMES HER. The story dragged for half the book, there were quite a bit of depressing circumstances and It was a bit predictable at times. I did enjoy the action scenes and the general plot.  Ari was still an interesting character. She is unique in her bloodline because of what her father is. I'm hoping now that he is in the story, book 3 will give us a bit more insight on what will happen to her when she is supposed to turn fully into a gorgon. I still really like the setting of New 2 and the different class of characters that come with it. Ari and Sebastian's relationship is interesting. They are definitely tested throughout A BEAUTIFUL THING but they seem to hold strong to each other. I loved Bran, he is proving to be fully on Ari's side and he seems to truly care about her.

I actually loved the ending. I'm excited to find out more about what Sebastian can do now and what that will mean for Ari in her fight against Athena. I'm also loving the fact that her Dad will be a bigger part of the story, it will be interesting to see what he brings to the situation. I will still be reading book 3 when it arrives.

I gave it 3.5/5 stars

Review & Giveaway: Fair Game by Patricia Briggs

Fair Game
Author: Patricia Briggs
Release Date: March 6, 2012
Publisher: Ace
Alpha and Omega Book #3
ISBN:    0441020038
ISBN13:  9780441020034
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Publisher

Patricia Briggs, the #1 "New York Times" bestselling author of the Mercy Thompson novels, "always enchants her readers." (Lynn Viehl, "New York Times" bestselling author) Now her Alpha and Omega series-set in a world of shifting shapes, loyalty, and passion- brings werewolves out of the darkness and into a society where fear and prejudice could make the hunters prey...

They say opposites attract. And in the case of werewolves Anna Latham and Charles Cornick, they mate. The son-and enforcer-of the leader of the North American werewolves, Charles is a dominant alpha. While Anna, an omega, has the rare ability to calm others of her kind.
Now that the werewolves have revealed themselves to humans, they can't afford any bad publicity. Infractions that could have been overlooked in the past must now be punished, and the strain of doing his father's dirty work is taking a toll on Charles.

Nevertheless, Charles and Anna are sent to Boston, when the FBI requests the pack's help on a local serial killer case. They quickly realize that not only the last two victims were werewolves-all of them were. Someone is targeting their kind. And now Anna and Charles have put themselves right in the killer's sights...

I absolutely love Patricia's Mercy Thompson series. I knew Patricia had another series in the Mercy world but had never picked them up to read them. That is until her publicist sent me a copy of FAIR GAME book 3 in the Alpha and Omega series. I went back and read the previous books and instantly became attached to both Anna and Charles. In book 3 the mated pair travel to Boston to consult with the FBI about a serial killer case they are working on which once again doesn't go as smoothly as they would have liked.

The best thing about the series to me is Anna and Charles relationship. They definitely have things to work out between them, but they have a really strong connection and I really love there romance and devotion to each other when either doesn't let his ghosts get in the way. They fit perfectly together and complement each other. I enjoyed the interaction between the wolves and the humans as they worked side by side to try and find the killers. I had absolutely no clue who the villain was and I loved every minute of getting to the point in finding out.

The emotion that Patricia is able to bring forth is excellent. One minute I'm happy as can be while something good is happening, or my heart is pounding with the situation trying to figure out what will happen and then the next I'm bawling my eyes out sad right along with the character. It is beyond easy to get lost in the emotions of the story. With all that Anna has been through its tough seeing her yet again become the victim of a psychopath but she continues to come out of these situations stronger then she went in.

You really should pick up the books in this series, I'm really glad I got a copy of FAIR GAME in the mail to review. The Alpha and Omega series has become a must have on my book shelf.

I gave it 4/5 stars

Giveaway is for a Signed Copy of On the Prowl which contains the very first Alpha and Omega story

Early Review: Black Howl by Christina Henry

Black Howl
Author: Christina Henry
Release Date: February 28, 2012
Publisher: Ace
Black Wings/Madeline Black Book #3
ISBN:  1937007332
ISBN13: 9781937007331
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Publisher

Agent of Death Madeline Black is finding out that some of the spirits of Chicago aren't ready to cross over.

Something is wrong with the souls of Chicago's dead. Ghosts are walking the streets, and Agent of Death Madeline Black's exasperating boss wants her to figure out why. And while work is bad enough, Maddy has a plethora of personal problems too. Now that Gabriel has been assigned as her thrall, their relationship has hit an impasse. At least her sleazy ex-fiancé Nathaniel is out of the picture — or so she thinks...

Another great installment of the Madeline Black Series. I have always loved Maddy's character. She is stronger then some give her credit for and has learned a lot since book 1 about her self and what she can do and be. Beezle continues to be one of my favorite sidekicks. He provides endless amounts of humor to about every situation Maddy finds herself in. Most of the book revolves around Madeline helping Jude find his missing Alpha and the packs children.  There is plenty of action as she fights off demons and humongous spiders that would give an arachnophobe like me a heart attack. Along for the ride is of course Gabriele the man that Maddy loves but that refuses to be with her. There are some great developments between them in BLACK HOWL as well as some major heart ache and loss. Lucifer continues to stump and surprise me. Just when you think he is using Maddy for his own evil plans he shows what is under his cold exterior and lets us see some real (at least it seems real) support and emotion from him. Most of the characters we have loved from the previous books are also in BLACK HOWL next to Maddy as she uncovers betrayal and plots that will rock her world even more then it was already rocking.

There were a lot of emotions that came out of BLACK HOWL and I was sorta expecting the ending news to happen at some point but it was still EVIL EVIL ending the book like that Christina. Just plain Evil. Dying to read book 4 and BLACK HOWL isn't even officially out yet, hopefully the wait wont be to long.

I gave it 4/5 stars

Guest Post: Kristen Simmons

UFI welcomes Kristen Simmons Author of Article 5. Thanks for Joining us!!

Good morning Stacy. Thank you for having me today.


As you know, the country has changed significantly in the past few years. In response to the reigning chaos following the War, President Scarboro has dissolved the existing military branches, and in their place, supported the creation of a Federal Bureau of Reformation (FBR), which has been tasked with a mission to resolve domestic threats or internal acts of terrorism, and safeguard the borders against all foreign enemies or threats to national security. In order to effectively do so, the FBR has released the country from the historic Bill of Rights, known only to breed anarchy, and has implemented a fresh set of rules which more adequately define our new nation, and support our new cause.

You may find the original seven Moral Statues listed below.
 

Federal Bureau of Reformation

Office of the President 

The Moral Statutes of the United States of America 

Pertaining to the Moral Standards 

Article 1:  The United States officially embraces the Church of America as her official religion.  The attendance of regular services is strongly encouraged.  Individuals observing alternative beliefs shall be held in contempt of the Moral Standards if they fail to comply with subsections a – c of Article 1:

1. Individuals choosing to observe alternative religions will not display propaganda, artifacts, relics or icons associated with their faith in conspicuous places.
2. Individuals of alternative religions will not encourage, recruit or discuss their faith with others.
3. Failure to comply with a or b shall result first in a warning, second in a fine and third in a disciplinary action deemed appropriate by a Commanding Officer in the Federal Bureau of Reformation.
1. (revised) Failure to comply with a or b shall result immediately in a disciplinary action deemed appropriate by a Commanding Officer in the Federal Bureau of Reformation.

Article 2: Paraphernalia considered immoral is hereby banned and shall not be owned, bought/sold or traded for in any capacity.

1. Immoral items include any form of media (audio, visual or tactile) in any medium (print, radio, televised, etc.) deemed inappropriate, including those items scandalous, violent, sexual or in opposition to the Moral Statutes as determined by the Church of America (For a full list of items see Addendum B).  
2. All items identified as immoral are to be disposed of in identified CONTRABAND ITEMS receptacles. 
3. Every citizen is subject to search and seizure of their home and personal property in order to assure compliance with Section 2, Article 2 of the Moral Statutes. Violators in possession of contraband are subject to trial by an investigative board of the Federal Bureau of Reformation and sentenced appropriately.

Article 3: Whole families are to be considered one man, one woman and child(ren).

1. Any alternative living arrangements (outside the parameters identified in Article 3) are considered to be in violation of Conventional Morality, and are not eligible for tax, occupation, education or health benefits. Violators are subject to trial by an investigative board of the Federal Bureau of Reformation and sentenced appropriately.

      Article 4: Traditional male and female roles shall be

      observed. 

1. Men will work when able, serve in the Federal Bureau of Reformation if drafted and provide moral, ethical and religious support for their families.
2. Women will respect their male partners, raise children, attend to domestic duties and encourage their family’s faith and dedication to the Moral Standards.
3. Both sexes will behave in a moral and respectful way when in each other’s presence.  This is included but not limited to:
1. wearing gender-specific clothing;
2. communicating in an appropriate, respectful manner;
3. maintaining acceptable distances from the opposite sex unless married;
4. separating and remaining apart during curfew hours unless married; and,
5. avoiding infidelity.

Article 5: Children are considered valid citizens when conceived by a married man and wife. All other children are to be removed from the home and subjected to rehabilitative procedures.

1. Unwed parents may be tried to determine legitimacy of children born out of wedlock.  Evidence used in trial may include hospital records, birth certificates, identification cards and so forth. 

1. (revised) Unwed parents may be tried to determine legitimacy of all children below the age of eighteen. Evidence used in trial may include hospital records, birth certificates, social security cards and so forth. 

2. Those parents held in contempt of Article 5 by the investigative board shall be sentenced appropriately.
3. Children’s parental rights are absorbed by the state. Citizenship may be granted at the age of eighteen following completion of rehabilitation.

Article 6: The following legal proceedings, medical procedures, and behaviors are considered immoral and hereby illegalized across the nation:

1. Divorce;
2. Emancipation of minors;
3. Immigration;
4. Abortion;
5. Civilian possession of firearms;
6. Subversive speech or assembly;
7. Gambling; and,
8. Prostitution.

Article 7: Citizens knowingly or unknowingly assisting those in violation of the Moral Statutes are hereby denied trial and shall be punished to the full extent of the law.    

 

To see the Moral Statutes in their entirety, including Section 1 (Pertaining to the National Defense System post World War III), and the Code of Reformative Justice, please go to http://www.kristensimmonsbooks.com/books/ and click on the link “ARE YOU COMPLIANT?”

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Kristen Simmons has a master’s degree in social work and is an advocate for mental health. She lives with her husband Jason and their precious greyhound Rudy in Tampa, Florida.

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Find Kristen and her books

Website / Twitter / Facebook

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Article 5
Article 5 #1
Jan 31, 2012

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard for her to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It’s hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings…the only boy Ember has ever loved.

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Early Review: A Sliver of Shadow by Allison Pang

A Sliver of Shadow
Author: Allison Pang
Release Date: February 28, 2012
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Abby Sinclair Book #2
ISBN:  1439198349
ISBN13: 9781439198346
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Publisher

Just when her new life as a TouchStone – a mortal bound to help OtherFolk cross between Faery and human worlds – seems to be settling down, Abby Sinclair is left in charge when the Protectorate, Moira, leaves for the Faery Court. And when the Protectorate’s away…let’s just say things spiral out of control when a spell on Abby backfires and the Faery Queen declares the Doors between their worlds officially closed.

The results are disastrous for both sides: OtherFolk trapped in the mortal world are beginning to fade, while Faerie is on the brink of war with the daemons of Hell. Along with her brooding elven prince Talivar and sexy incubus Brystion, Abby ventures to the CrossRoads in an attempt to override the Queen’s magic. But nothing in this beautiful, dangerous realm will compare to the discoveries she’s making about her past, her destiny, and what she will sacrifice for those she loves

A SLIVER OF SHADOW continues the highly imaginative and fun Abby Sinclair series. In this book you will find a horny unicorn that loves underwear drawers, sexy love interests, a trip to Faery where you will meet all sorts of interesting characters and situations, some good action, suspense and a very big cliffhanger.

A SLIVER OF SHADOW seemed to read a bit different then book one. I think maybe because a large portion of the book took place in Faery. The plot was pretty big and a lot of things happen in a short amount of time, it tending to be a bit confusing. The world building in this series is one of the high points for me. I can totally get lost in picturing the surroundings that Allison creates. I was not crazy about the love triangle. I have come to dislike Brystion because of the heartbreak he put Abby through and I'm definitely rooting for Talivar and hope that they end up together. Phin just cracks me up. We actually learn a little bit more about him and the fact that Abby getting him was not a coincidence.

Abby is a really fun character. I had no problems connecting with her in book 1 and the same went for book 2. She has a lot to work out but After the ending in A SLIVER OF SHADOW there is no way that I wont read book 3.

I gave it 3.5/5

New Releases: 2/19-2/25

Tues Feb 21

A Beautiful Evil (Gods & Monsters, #2) by Kelly Keaton

A Perfect Blood (The Hollows, #10) by Kim Harrison

Faery Tales & Nightmares by Melissa Marr

Fever (The Chemical Garden, #2) by Lauren DeStefano

Forever Claimed by Rachel Lee

Raven Calls (Walker Papers #7) by C.E. Murphy

Shadows (Lux, #0.5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Tempted by Blood (Sweetblood, #3)by Laurie London

Happy Reading!!!

Promotional Post & Giveaway: Fated Benedict Jacka

**Available February 28, 2012**

Fated
Author: Benedict Jacka
Release Date: February 28, 2012
Publisher: Ace
Alex Verus Book #1
ISBN:   1937007294
ISBN13: 9781937007294
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Alex Verus is part of a world hidden in plain sight, running a magic shop in London. And while Alex's own powers aren't as showy as some mages, he does have the advantage of foreseeing the possible future--allowing him to pull off operations that have a million-to-one-chance of success.

But when Alex is approached by multiple factions to crack open a relic from a long-ago mage war, he knows that whatever's inside must be beyond powerful. And thanks to his abilities, Alex can predict that by taking the job, his odds of survival are about to go from slim to none...

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Cover Reveal & Excerpt: Inbetween by Tara Fuller

**Available August 7, 2012**

Inbetween
Author: Tara Fuller
Release Date: August 7, 2012
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Kissed by Death Book #1
ISBN:  1620610833
ISBN13: 9781620610831
Genre: Young Adult

Since the car crash that took her father’s life three years ago, Emma’s life has been a freaky—and unending—lesson in caution. Surviving “accidents” has taken priority over being a normal seventeen-year-old, so Emma spends her days taking pictures of life instead of living it. Falling in love with a boy was never part of the plan. Falling for a reaper who makes her chest ache and her head spin? Not an option.

It’s not easy being dead, especially for a reaper in love with a girl fate has put on his list not once, but twice. Finn’s fellow reapers give him hell about spending time with Emma, but Finn couldn't let her die before, and he’s not about to let her die now. He will protect the girl he loves from the evil he accidentally unleashed, even if it means sacrificing the only thing he has left…his soul.

 Paperback Available for Pre-Order from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Inbetween-Tara-Fuller/dp/1620610833/ref=lh_ni_t

Add to your Goodreads TBR:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13055677-inbetween

Special reveal treat. Here is a chapter 1 excerpt.

Chapter 1

Finn

Sometimes Emma made me feel so alive, I almost forgot I was dead.
   
   Almost. 

      I sank down onto the side of her bed, amazed by the blazing wildfire that swept through me whenever Emma was near enough to touch. I took a deep, unneeded breath, and settled down on my side next to her. The mattress didn't sink. The springs didn't groan with the weight of an extra body. The distance between us was an impossible void. Inches that might as well have been miles. Miles that left me wanting in so many ways that I ached.

      Even the sun couldn't resist her. Its glowing rays caressed her skin, and stained her hair the satiny color of summer wheat. Before I knew what was happening, my hand followed their lead. Cells ignited. My skin burned, screaming with the agonizing need to touch-- 

      “What do you think you're doing?” 

      I jerked my hand away just as Easton melted up from the polished hardwood floor beneath the window. Like an oil slick coming to life, he unfolded his long, shadowy legs until he was just an ink blot against the square of tangerine sunrise behind him. His violet eyes pinned me like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. 

      Which, I kind of was.

      “Nothing,” I lied.

      “Yeah, looked like nothing.” He strolled across the room accompanied by a wave of sulfur and smoke, the black serpent tattoo on his neck glinting. “What were you planning to do, recite her poem? I swear to God, if you were still alive I'd confiscate your man card.” 

      I ignored the barb and scrunched up my nose. “Jesus, Easton. Don't they have a shower somewhere between here and the afterlife?” 

      “Screw you. You didn't just have to tow somebody's grandpa to Hell.” He brushed something chalky and grey off of his cloak and a shudder worked its way down my spine. God only knows who or what it belonged to. “Besides I wasn't the one about to feel up a sleeping human.” 

      “I wasn't--”

      “Save it.” He waved his hand. “We have work to do. I don't have time for your useless obsession with the human today.”

        “Will you please stop calling her that?”

      “What?” Easton glanced up from Emma's vanity, where he'd been inspecting the various lotions and bottles like he was on some alien planet. Then again, Easton had been dead for something like four hundred years, so all of her stuff probably was sort of alien to him.

      “The human. You make me sound like a freak. It's not like we're a different species for God's sake. We were humans, too, or don't you remember that far back?”

      “Were. Past tense.” 

      We could have gone back and forth like that for hours, but the call came. It always did. It started in my bones--a cold so cutting that it sliced through me like a machete. When I looked up, Easton's jaw was clenched, his muscles taut and ready. He slowly closed his hand around the handle of his scythe that burned black and softly smoked at his side. I flexed my fingers as the icy ribbons of death worked their way through each one of my limbs.

      “Can you take this one for me?” I asked. “You're already going to be there, and I just got back--”

      “No,” Easton said. “Hell no. I have my own job to do. I can't keep covering for your sorry ass. Besides, you're already on thin ice with Balthazar. Don't push your luck, Finn. Just keep your nose down, collect your souls, and thank the Almighty that you don't have my job. Now let's go.”

      “Yeah, but…” My eyes returned to Emma. Sleeping. Perfect. Safe.

      “For the love of God. She'll be fine, you pansy.” Easton clamped a hand over my shoulder and dragged me from the bed.

      “How do you know?”

      He shrugged. “I don't.”

       With that he vanished, consumed in a flash by the keening wails of the damned. The screams beckoned. Clawed at me from the inside out. 

      Rule one as a seeker: Death doesn't wait for anyone. 

      And it sure as hell wasn't waiting for me now.