Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Character Interview & Giveaway: Wounded by Shannon Mayer

UFI welcomes Shannon Mayer Author of the Rylee Adamson series. Thanks for Joining us!!

Character: Agent Liam O’Shea Interview

The Daily Grind

September 13/2012

Cold Case Heats Back Up?

There is no such thing as a case that is too cold, at least according to Liam O’Shea. He has been an FBI agent for over ten years, and in that time only one case of his remains open.

His first case.

At the time, Agent O’Shea was fresh out of the academy and “still believed that justice always prevails”. Then along came the case that would chill the hearts of every agent working it, many of them parent’s themselves.

Rylee Adamson, then sixteen years old, was accused and charged with killing her younger sister Berget; whose body was never found. The case made media headlines as Adamson went missing for close to two weeks and a man hunt the size this state had not seen in a hundred years ensued. Adopted into the Adamson household, her younger sister was a ‘miracle’ baby that by all accounts Adamson adored. It wasn’t until an outing the two girls took to Deerborn Park that Adamson’s actions would come into question.

“The younger girl’s blood and clothing was found several blocks away tucked behind a dumpster,” Agent O’Shea said, “and the only hair fibers found were the two girls, Berget and Rylee. There is no one else it could be that killed little Berget.” To O’Shea, it was an open and shut case; and with Adamson’s disappearing act he felt her guilt was obvious. But he, along with the other police enforcement involved where denied the closing of the case on a technicality in court.

“It’s only because of her lawyer, hired by Giselle Trinkoff, that Adamson wasn’t found guilty. A technicality I aim to right.” O’Shea states.

To date, Adamson has not been proven guilty of any charges, though O’Shea is determined to change that fact. “She got away once. She won’t get away again.”

For now, Adamson is MIA, her whereabouts unknown to anyone but Agent O’Shea. He claims that he finally has new evidence that Adamson killed her younger sister, hid the body, and dodged the penal system.

This reporter isn’t so sure; there are too many unknowns to state that Adamson did it without a shadow of a doubt. But then, I always root for the underdog. And in this case, no one is more of an underdog than Rylee Adamson.
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Shannon Mayer lives in the southwestern tip of Canada with her husband, dog, cats, horse, and cows. When not writing she spends her time staring at immense amounts of rain, herding old people (similar to herding cats) and attempting to stay out of trouble. Especially that last is difficult for her.

She is the author of the The Rylee Adamson Novels, The Nevermore Trilogy, A Celtic Legacy series and several contemporary romances.

Find Shannon and her books
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Wounded
Rylee Adamson #8
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 "My name is Rylee and I am a Tracker."

When children go missing, and the Humans have no leads, I'm the one they call. I am their last hope in bringing home the lost ones. I salvage what they cannot.

The clock is ticking and I can feel the weight of the final battle with the demon hordes looming over my head. The puzzle pieces are becoming clearer, but the casualty list is growing. And with each name that is added to those we've lost, my confidence cracks a little more.

Yet there is hope.

A child saved.

A life lost.

A prophecy fulfilled.

  All of the books in The Rylee Adamson Novels series will be on sale from September 9-15th at $0.99 down from $3.99 regular price.
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Excerpt:

“You don’t think that all of the disasters that humanity has faced were all natural, do you? The bubonic plague is a good example. It was blamed on a number of things. Rats, the Jewish people, punishment from God. It all led to a cleansing of anything unusual. Mostly supernaturals, who were trying to blend in, and in that process the humans wiped out many of their best defenders against the demon population, which then went on to spread the plague across the world. But that is just one example.”

“What was the point though, wouldn’t the demons have wanted people to be alive so they could possess them?” Liam asked.

Erik gave a ruthful smile. “Yes and no. The bubonic plague wasn’t so much about killing people off, as it was infecting them. Making them weak and easier to possess. The plague compromised their immune systems, allowing them to be taken over. Especially the young.”

Something about what Erik said sent a twang through my brain. I struggled to put the pieces together that floated just out of reach. Damn it. Liam touched my arm. “What?”

I closed my eyes and pressed my palms into them, blocking out any light. “Just let me think for a minute.”

The feel of the night air and the sound of the fountain filled my ears as I looked at the pieces one by one.

Demons escaped in London who bred fast.

Minor supernaturals were being possessed by lesser demons and evil spirits.

Packs of Orion’s demons were free to cause chaos.

The only thing we were missing was a plague and then Orion would have access to all the young people he wanted. The urge to vomit swelled up through my stomach and burned the back of my throat.

“Children are normally hard to possess, aren’t they?” That was why it had taken a full pentagram when the black coven was trying to have India possessed so many months ago. At least, that was what I understood.

Bert bobbed his head. “Yes, it can be very difficult to possess a child. There is a natural protection over the young when it comes to demons, something the elementals put into play.” He grimaced as he said ‘elemental’ and again I wondered at these particular supernaturals that I’d only just been hearing about. “But when the small humans are ill, that protection goes into keeping them alive, rather than keeping them from being possessed.”

Feeling like a bully, but not really caring, I leaned in to Bert. “How did the bubonic plague really start?”

An interesting thing happened. Bert paled and shook his head. “I can’t tell you.”

My eyebrows shot up and I glanced at Erik. “You want to make him talk, or do you want me to make him talk?”

Erik shrugged. “Either way is fine. I haven’t interrogated a demon in years. I’ve missed it.”

Bert paled even more and his lower lip trembled. “I can’t tell you. I can’t. Tracker, Slayer both of you have to trust me. Please.”

“Begging will get you nowhere, little demon.” Erik growled. He had a short, serrated knife in his hand that he’d pulled from somewhere within his robes. It was curved, like a skinning knife, and if it hadn’t been for the rough edges that’s what I would have called it.

“Track demons and evil spirits.” Bert blurted out as he fell to his knees. “Proof I am on your side. Track them; you’ll see it isn’t me fooling you.”

Erik paused and looked over at me. “Up to you. Personally, I’d just as soon dice him up.”


“Fuck, why not, Tracking will take me two seconds.” I grumbled.
I send out a thread to Track demons as a whole, paired with a thread for evil spirits, just to satisfy—

Holy. Fucking. Hell.

I swayed on my feet and went to one knee, the overwhelming wash of pings I got back seriously making me re-think getting out of bed the day before.

We were surrounded by Orion’s minions.

Hundreds of them.

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Guest Blog & Giveaway: Promise of Magic by Melinda VanLone


I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of elementals, probably because in the online game I play, World of Warcraft, my character is a mage who has a water elemental for a pet. He protects her by shooting at the enemy, and provides companionship just by always being there. Sorta like a dog, but without the messy business of poop removal. When I first toyed with the idea of elementals, nothing seemed right because they seemed more like pets than people. I had a hard time ascribing desires and goals to something like that.

For the Xannon series, I took my love of the elements and gave the ability to the people instead, letting them be human first, with the ability to harness elemental power second. Just as some people tap into a natural musical or athletic ability, the people in the Xannon world all tap into one element or the other to fuel their natural magical ability. Most humans tap into one main element and, to a lesser extent, one other element. Tarian taps into Water and Air very strongly, and to a lesser extent, Fire, which is what makes her so powerful. Controlling three elements is extremely rare. Her sister Calliope is mostly Air, with water as secondary. It’s all hereditary, like having blue eyes or blonde hair, which means they came by their skills because of their parents.

The twist, of course, is that in general nobody knows who the father of the Keeper (heir to the House of Xannon) is, because of the Succession Ritual. Multiple partners donate their abilities to the child, which means Tarian’s strength is a blend of several men, plus her mother (a fierce and strong power all by herself). The same will be true for any of Tarian’s children. In Stronger Than Magic, Tarian’s journey toward motherhood begins and the spark of possible magical abilities swirls around the conception. Air, Earth, Water, and Fire. Four elements. A child who could wield that might be the strongest magical user ever in existence. Stronger, perhaps, than the Ancients themselves.

I suspect raising such a child might be a bit…problematic. How do you teach a child to control their magic when they’re stronger than you are? And once she’s grown, what might she accomplish?

That’s what the House of Xannon series is all about. The cycle of life, mother to daughter, over generations, and the power of love to bind, protect, energize, and strengthen. That, and magic. Because life is magical.
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Melinda VanLone writes fantasy and science fiction, freelances as a graphic designer, and dabbles in photography. She currently lives in Rockville, Maryland, with her husband and furbabies. When she's not playing with her imaginary friends you can find her playing World of Warcraft, wandering aimlessly through the streets taking photos, or nursing coffee in Starbucks.

Find Melinda and her books
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Promise of Magic
 House of Xannon #3
On instinct, Tarian bowed her head, shocked. “Dulra. Welcome.” She breathed the words, awed by the presence of creatures she’d only known through legends. What is the Balance Court doing here?
“Tarian A’marie Maitea Xannon, of the House of Xannon, Keeper of the Water Artifact, you are summoned to the Balance Court.”
She’d been summoned, and every particle of her being cried out to answer it.

Despite the advanced stage of her pregnancy, Tarian has some explaining to do. Fulfilling her Agreement with the Carraig was an issue of honor—but it led to complications. The Keeper of the House of Xannon is called to account, and Tarian must embark on a dangerous mission which could cost her the life of her unborn daughter, end in disaster for all planes of existence—or save the world.

Some promises are deadly to keep. Will the promise of magic be one of them?
Excerpt: 

Tarian forced her eyes open to focus on the rock in front of her. Earth as dense as anything she’d ever seen, more power than she’d ever experienced. The feeling of old that surrounded it. The sense of longing as if the stone itself wanted freedom from the long and arduous task it had been set. She grabbed onto the longing and let the stream of energy pour into it, into the Stulos, then twisted it as she’d done once before. Another twist, and the flow of power into the Stulos reversed. Three streams of colored light became one solid column of white.

A thousand voices sounded in her head. High ones, low ones, her sister’s voice, dolphin cries and emotion, all around and through her. The energy bound them into something greater than mere humans and Ancients. They were timeless. Eternal. It was almost like she felt when she made love with Daric, but…different. At once more intense and at the same time more encompassing. Less personal. More global. As though the universe spoke through her, and she through it. The awe of it. Tears spilled onto her cheeks.

Another cramp gripped her body and she swayed on her knees, gripping the rock as it crumbled, trying to maintain her balance as the ground shifted and her body twisted. Not now. Too soon. Not now. Too soon. She couldn’t be…the baby couldn’t be…

The voices rose in her head. Everyone joined in as the power flowed around and through, around and through, until she, the Caraigg, her sister, the baby, and the dolphins were all one with it. The crack in the Stulos widened, a giant lesion extending from the floor all the way up until she couldn’t see the end. Cold retreated, heat entered. A loud snap. The Stulos shattered into a million pieces that hung suspended in air for a flash of eternity before rushing outward to the edges of the cavern.

A dolphin cry sounded, triumphant, exalted, as the world exploded in a rain of cold fire, magic power, ash and lava.
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New Releases: 9/7-9/13


Tue. Sept. 9th

 Crown Of Ice by Vicki L. Weavil
 Evil Librarian by Michelle Knudsen
 Forest of Whispers by Jennifer Murgia
 Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White 
 Into the Fire by Ashelyn Drake
 Of Monsters and Madness by Jessica Verday 
 Winterkill by Kate A. Boorman

Happy Reading!

Monday, September 8, 2014

Guest Blog: Chandrea: The Return of the Avatar Queen by Marlene Wynn










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Marlene Wynn is a Utah native - fondly referred to as "Utonian" by a friend. She transplanted herself in 1992 from the majestic Rocky Mountains to the beachy shores of sunny Virginia Beach, Virginia and has been there ever since. Though she has worked in the benefits field for several years, she finally worked up the courage to chase her dream as an author.

Find Marlene and her books
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Chandrea: The Return of the Avatar Queen
BN Smashwords Amazon Kobo iTunes

Chandrea Averill thinks she’s just like any other normal young woman. But, on the day of her 23rd birthday, her life changes forever.

Surrounded by magical creatures, dangerous sorcery, and insidious political intrigue, Chandrea desperately wants to return to Earth and the only life she’s ever known. But, the longer she stays, the more she realizes that she may be the only one with the power – both magical and political – to save the people of Lyrunia. Will she find the courage to remain and fight for her home world?
Book trailer http://youtu.be/lzJpY3nai34

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Excerpt:

Looking anxiously to her right, she saw that, despite her brief run, the clouds had come much closer, and that the clashing lightning and thunder were almost on top of her. Flutters of fear crawled down her spine and made a home in her belly. This was not good. Chandrea looked around for some place to find protection. Though the grasses seemed to be thinning out and she was seeing small scrubby bushes here and there, there still weren’t any signs of civilization, so she continued to walk tiredly east.

The brisk wind turned into powerful gusts, and she had to lean to avoid being thrown off her feet. Dust and debris were torn from the ground and swirled all around her, and she was forced to raise her hands to shield her eyes. Lightning struck nearby, followed by a powerful blast of thunder that shook the ground. Chandrea cringed and screamed in raw fear.

She felt the first few warm splashes of water on her skin, and looking up, saw that the bulk of the sky had turned a deep heavy looking grey. She began to run again, the flight instinct now in full control of her.

The heavens opened up and rain came sheeting down. The drops were huge at first, but quickly became small and piercing as they pelted her skin. Her clothing soon became saturated, weighing her down.

Lightning flashed all around her, dazzling bursts of light followed closely by violent claps of thunder. The strikes blew chunks of dirt and debris into the wind. The world was shaken by the repeated crack of thunder and her eardrums throbbed in painful harmony from the overwhelming sounds.

Animal instinct took over. Throwing herself to her knees, she clawed at the dirt. Her breath came in terrified, ragged gasps, but she was all but oblivious to it as she dug and tore at the stubborn soil. Every time lightning struck near her, she screamed and ducked, covering her head with her arms in an unconscious effort to protect herself, and then continued digging.

She tore at the web of roots, desperate to dig a hole she could take shelter in, but to no avail. The old grasses had been in the dry plains for a long time, and had grown their roots long and wide to find any available ground water. Without a shovel or a pick, she could make no headway, and only managed to tear her hands to the point of bleeding in the effort.

Gasping, she stopped and looked around with wild, frightened eyes. The world around her had gone mad. Lightning struck rapidly now, all around her, for miles in all directions, and the sharp booming thunder was close on its heels.

A small, sane portion of her mind recognized that she should hunker down and try to make the smallest target of herself possible, but that was akin to taking your eyes off the hungry lion crouched nearby and hoping it wouldn’t notice you. Instead, she knelt and watched with horrified fascination as the prairie took a beating from mother nature. Her entire body shook from the fear that washed through her, and she knew that at any moment lightning would strike and kill her.

Without conscious thought or effort, her magic bloomed to life. She gasped at the suddenness of it, yet welcomed it with a desperate hope. She felt it growing and expanding inside her, filling her completely with an eerie, tingling sensation. What was happening? What would her magic do this time?

Her skin began to glow a soft ethereal white. She held her hands out in front of her, and, despite the dangers surrounding her, wonder filled her at the sight. She’d seen her skin glow before, but never so clearly. The glow rapidly enveloped her until she was encased by a soft white ball of energy that extended a few feet out from her on all sides. The wind and rain no longer affected her, apparently unable to penetrate her protective sphere.

Curious, she poked a finger at the ball. It rippled like water when she touched it. She became bolder and stuck her whole arm out. Once again, the wind, rain, and nearby grass stalks pelted her tender skin. She pulled her arm and hand back inside and the sensations ceased.

She looked around with a newfound sense of security. The storm raged on around her, but in her sheltering bubble, it seemed that none of the elements could touch her. She gasped as a bolt of lightning struck nearby. She could only hope that the bubble would protect her against the lightning strikes as well.

With a frightening intensity, suddenly a new roaring sound filled her senses, causing her to gasp and duck involuntarily. It was followed immediately by anther, and another, each successfully competing in volume and depth with the crashing thunder. But, these new sounds weren’t caused by mother nature.

It was almost as if a whole pride of hungry lions were surrounding her, and roaring in excitement of the hunt and the kill to come.

But, it couldn’t be lions, for, like the thunder, these sounds came from the sky itself.

Some had a deep, throbbing quality to them. Others were shrill and almost metallic. All of them were terrifying.

Chandrea tried to determine what was up there in the deep dark grey of the clouds. It was difficult to see through the soft glow of her bubble. When several lightning bolts struck, causing a strobe effect, she sucked in her breath in disbelieving terror at what she saw.

Silhouetted in brief, white-clad glory, were dozens upon dozens of dragons of various shapes and sizes. Each time the lightning flashed, it would cause a still-life effect of the great beasts circling in the sky with an almost playful air about them. With huge, earth- shaking roars, some shot massive flames from their mouths, causing the heavens and the ground far below to be lit by the intense yellow-red flare.

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Week in Review: 8/31-9/6


Books I've Bought/received

- The Crystal Slipper by Selena Fulton- eARC- NetGalley

- All Bets Are On by Cynthia Cooke - eARC- NetGalley

Books I've Read

Claimed by Light by Reese Monroe
Broken Soul by Faith Hunter
Lone Wolfe Protector by Kaylie Newell
The Crystal Slipper by Selena Fulton

Reviews Posted

Quick Thought Reviews
- Reap & Repent by Lisa Medley
- Dangerous Calling by A.J. Larrieu
- Memory Zero by Keri Arthur
- The Winter People by Rebekah L. Purdy
- Red Blooded by Amanda Carlson
- A Human Element by Donna Galanti
Wickedly Dangerous by Deborah Blake
The Winter Long by Seanan McGuire
The Jewel by Amy Ewing

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

* Monday- Interview for Witch's Bane by Ann Gimpel

* Tuesday- Guest post & Giveaway for Memory War by Paul Anthony Shortt, Cover Reveal for Fragile Reign by Stacey O'Neale

* Wednesday- Interview for Boss's Orders: Flirting with Friends by Kelliea Ashley

* Thursday- Interview & Giveaway for Wickedly Dangerous by Deborah Blake

* Friday- Interview & Giveaway for Shadow's Awakening by Molle McGregor

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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.

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Quick Thought Reviews

Sometimes I read a book where I just don't have a lot to say about it. Hence the name quick thought reviews. These will be short and sweet.
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Reap & Repent 
Author: Lisa Medley
Release Date: June 2, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin E
The Reapers Book #1
ISBN:  1460330781
ISBN13: 9781460330784
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Review Copy Source: Author
They see death. Can they share a life?

Ruth Scott can read the energy of every person she meets--yellow is happy, green is peaceful, red is aroused. She can even see the brilliant white light that glows just before death. Then she meets Deacon Walker. She can see his ice-blue eyes, his black hair and his gorgeous face. But this beautiful stranger has no aura.

Deacon is just as unsettled by Ruth--and, having spent more than two hundred years ushering souls to Purgatory and battling demons, Deacon is seldom shocked by anything. He's a Reaper. What, he wonders, is Ruth?

A demon invasion forces Deacon to confront the darkness in his own past even as he fights to save the human souls he's charged to protect. When he's taken captive, his first concern is for Ruth. Wielding her newly awakened and untested powers is the only way to save herself --and the Reaper she can't live without.

REAP & REPENT is one of those books that I enjoyed reading while I was reading it, but quickly forgot about. I know that is horrible, but its the only way I can explain why it made my 'Quick Thought Reviews' post.

I remember that the characters were easy to like, the storyline was interesting and the world building made it easy to understand what was happening. I wasn't crazy about the different POV's but it wasn't overly horrible. I remember enjoying the reaper aspect and the team that was formed with Deacon, Ruth, a friend of Deacons and then eventual a fellow reaper that the group saved from hell. Unfortunately I can't remember much more than that. I might continue the series, I might not.

I gave it 3.5/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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Dangerous Calling
Author:A.J. Larrieu
Release Date: August 18, 2014
Publisher: Carina Press
ISBN13: 9781426898839
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: NetGalley
After years of denial, Cass Weatherfield has finally accepted her telekinetic gifts. Living with her boyfriend, Shane, has given her the confidence to be herself, but the fear of losing control and harming those around her is always present.

Knowing firsthand the hell of growing up without a mentor, she agrees to meet and help Diana, a young Shadowmind. But when Cass shows up, the terrified woman changes her nd and flees. Cass and Shane track her across New Orleans, and soon discover that Diana is being held against her will by an illicit organization that’s selling her rare clairvoyant skills to the highest bidder. In charge is an ancient creature more powerful than any they’ve ever encountered. And apparently she wants Shane dead. 

Cass and Shane work to free Diana. But as Cass uses more and more power, drawing it from her friends in the fight against evil, she feels an addictive pull that challenges her control. And, in the end, Cass may be the greatest threat to those she loves the most.

If you read TWISTED MIRACLES you know that Cass had a really hard time accepting her powers. It was great to see her more confident and ready to use them in DANGEROUS CALLING because she had to use them often. Book 2 has tons of action, lots of danger, and more answers surrounding the characters and storyline.

The relationship between Cass and Shane is pretty strong throughout the book. Some stuff does happen and I was really happy with the outcome. It really showed how committed they are to each other and willing to stick behind each other for the long haul. Really enjoyed the additional character that was introduced. Will definitely read more.

I gave it 4/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 
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Memory Zero
Author:Keri Arthur
Release Date: August 26, 2014
Publisher: Dell
Spook Squad Book #1
ISBN:  044024658X
ISBN13: 9780440246589
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: NetGalley
MORTAL RECALL

For Sam Ryan, life began at age fourteen. She has no memory of her parents or her childhood. In a decade of service with the State Police, Sam has exhausted the resources of the force searching for clues to her identity. But all mention of her family seems to have been deliberately wiped off the record. Everything changes the night Sam’s missing partner resurfaces as a vampire... and forces her to kill him in self-defense. Now Sam is charged with murder. Suspended from the force, and with no one left to trust, Sam accepts some unexpected help from Gabriel Stern, a shapeshifter who conceals startling secrets.

While investigating the circumstances surrounding her partner’s strange behavior, Sam discovers that Garbriel’s been involved with a dangerous organization that’s planning a war on the human race. More immediate, someone is guarding the truth about Sam’s past—someone who’d rather see her dead than risk her knowing too much. To stay alive, Sam must unravel the threads of her past—and find out not only who she is but what she is.

I love Keri Arthur's writing, but I probably would've never thought to read this series because of the old covers. It would have been a horrible decision on my part because I quickly became hooked to the story and characters once I started reading. There was a lot of investigating, action and paranormal involved in MEMORY ZERO. I loved the mystery surrounding Sam's past and the tension between her and Gabriel was delicious and annoying at the same time. I can't wait to see how the series will play out.

I gave it 4/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 
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The Winter People
Release Date: September 2, 2014
Publisher: Entangled Teen
ISBN:  1622663683
ISBN13: 9781622663682
Genre: YA Fantasy
Review Copy Source: NetGalley

An engrossing, complex, romantic fantasy perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore or Maggie Stiefvater, set in a wholly unique world.

Salome Montgomery fears winter—the cold, the snow, the ice, but most of all, the frozen pond she fell through as a child. Haunted by the voices and images of the strange beings that pulled her to safety, she hasn't forgotten their warning to "stay away." For eleven years, she has avoided the winter woods, the pond, and the darkness that lurks nearby. But when failing health takes her grandparents to Arizona, she is left in charge of maintaining their estate. This includes the "special gifts" that must be left at the back of the property.
 


Salome discovers she’s a key player in a world she’s tried for years to avoid. At the center of this world is the strange and beautiful Nevin, who she finds trespassing on her family’s property. Cursed with dark secrets and knowledge of the creatures in the woods, his interactions with Salome take her life in a new direction. A direction where she'll have to decide between her longtime crush Colton, who could cure her fear of winter. Or Nevin who, along with an appointed bodyguard, Gareth, protects her from the darkness that swirls in the snowy backdrop. An evil that, given the chance, will kill her.


I enjoyed this book. It had some slow parts, but it always managed to keep me interested. Lots of mystery and spookiness surrounding Salome and the boys that are 'protecting' her. You slowly get the information you need to find out what's really going on, but you still don't have the full picture until the very end. It had me on the edge of my seat for pretty much the whole book and I couldn't read it fast enough. My only issues was with the 'triangle' that was presented. I just didn't always understand some feelings that were expressed.

I have a whole lot to say about THE WINTER PEOPLE, but it made my 'Quick Thought Reviews' post because I JUST CAN'T tell you anything about the book without giving something away.

I gave it 4/5 stars 

* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 
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*Early Review*
Red Blooded
Author: Amanda Carlson
Release Date: September 9, 2014
Publisher: Orbit
ISBN:  0316404330
ISBN13: 9780316404334
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: NetGalley
 

After Jessica's brother is kidnapped and taken to the Underworld, she will stop at nothing to get him back. But before her grueling training is finished, Jessica's power mixes unexpectedly with the circle and she's dropped into the Underworld without protection or her escorts.

I hate to admit it because I am a HUGE fan of the Jessica McClain series, but RED BLOODED just didn't do it for me. Carlson's version of hell was ok, but not that exciting. The Lili storyline was very predictable and I really hate that once again Jessica was away from most of those she loved and the wolves for a good chunk of the book. On a positive note, we do get some really good answers in regards to the prophecies that have plagued Jessica from birth.

I'm hoping the story goes back to the feel of the earlier Jessica books (the ending does seem promising) because I'm not sure if I would continue enjoying the series if the shift in feel is permanent.

I gave it 3/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 
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A Human Element
Author: Donna Galanti
Release Date: July 24, 2014
Publisher: Imajin Books
ASIN:  B00M45L8C
Genre: Paranormal
Review Copy Source: Author
 

One by one, Laura Armstrong's friends and adoptive family members are being murdered, and despite her special healing powers, there is nothing she can do to stop it. The killer haunts her dreams and leaves cryptic notes advising her to use her powers to save herself because she's next. Determined to find the killer, she follows her visions to her hometown and the site of a crashed meteorite. There she meets Ben Fieldstone, who seeks answers about his parents' death the night the meteorite struck. In a race to stop a mad man, they unravel a frightening mystery that binds them together. But the killer's desire to destroy Laura face-to-face leads to a showdown that puts her relationship with Ben in jeopardy and her pure spirit to the test. With the killer closing in, Laura discovers her destiny is linked to the stranger and she has two choices - redeem him or kill him.

At first I really enjoyed A HUMAN ELEMENT. It was mysterious, a bit spooky and I thought the concept was unique. All those elements continued throughout the book, but it lost me about halfway through when it didn't pick up speed. I slowly started to lose interest in the story all together and had to force myself to finish it with the slow pace. I did like the characters and the overall storyline was interesting. There is a book 2 coming A HIDDEN ELEMENT, but I'm just not invested enough in the story to want to continue it.

I gave it 2.5/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. 
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Friday, September 5, 2014

Interview & Giveaway: Shadow's Awakening by Molle McGregor

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Shadow's Awakening 
Publication Date: August 21, 2014 


Tour: Shadow’s Awakening by Molle McGregor

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Synopsis

Hannah Green wants her life back. In the past three years she’s gone from promising graduate student to patient in a mental hospital. Now, she’s being held prisoner by a terrifying group of men who believe she has a mysterious power. She wants to think they’re wrong, but something inside her has changed. If only she could use her p0wer to set herself free.

Conner’s entire life, he’s played by the rules. He’s a soldier. A leader. He knows better than anyone that contact with the Shadows is forbidden. So when a midnight phone call demands he rescue one from a nest of demons, he has no intention of following through. Until he sets eyes on Hannah. Brave, beautiful and determined to survive. Conner can’t walk away.

When you’ve worked so hard to make the right choices, temptation can be a kind of torture. Conner knows he should turn Hannah over to the Shadows. Hannah wants to be grateful for her rescue and let Conner go. But when love and desire bind two strangers together, they have to choose between what they think is right and what they know they need.

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Interview:

What can you tell my readers about yourself that they might not know from looking on your bio or reading in another interview?
 
I’m a pretty big geek. I love tinkering with computers, and I used to design websites. I don’t have a great eye for design, but I loved the technical aspects of putting the sites together. I do all the home theater stuff in my house and I have to say, we have a pretty awesome system J I don’t know how to write code very well, but I have an app to teach coding to kids and my son and I are learning together. So I can code as well as a five year old. 

What do you enjoy doing on your down time?
 
Mainly reading J When I’m not curled up with a book, I like yoga, hiking, hanging out with my boys, watching movies and occasionally knitting when I can get the time away from grabby little hands. And cooking. 

What is your Favorite part of writing? 
 
Feeling the story come together and take on it’s own momentum. There’s usually a point when it all takes off on it’s own and I’m just trying to keep up. That’s the most fun. 

Do you have any certain routines you must follow as you write?
 
I seem to write best at my laptop and not all that well at a desk. And I need quiet or at least consistent background noise. It also helps to have at least a few hours in a row to work. I’ve tried to work in short bursts and by the time I’ve fiddled around with email, not much gets done. I’ve learned this summer that I don’t write well when I’m on vacation or when my older son – who doesn’t nap – is home from school. 

What are some of your Favorite books or Authors in the Urban Fantasy/ Paranormal Genres?
 
Nalini Singh, Kresley Cole, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Alexandra Ivy, JR Ward, Patricia Briggs and SM Reine are some of my favorites. The first paranormal romance I read was from the Dark Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon and it changed my life. I remember thinking, “This is what I’ve been dying to read all these years!” 

How would you pitch Shadow's Awakening to someone who has not heard of it before?
 
Hannah has spent the last few years watching her life swirl down the drain. She’s lost her mother, has an undiagnosed mental illness and, when the story opens, is being held prisoner. When Conner helps her escape, he doesn’t just free her from her prison, he introduces her to a whole new world. She’s not sick, she’s an untrained Shadow, one of an ancient breed of demon fighters. Conner’s mission is to reunite her with her people, not to fall for her. When they confront secrets, lies and corruption, things get far more complicated than Conner or Hannah are prepared for. 

Can you tell us a little bit about the world that the Shadow Warder series is set in? 
 
The main characters in the Shadow Warder world are the Warders and the Shadows, ancient warriors created to protect humanity from the Vorati demons. Over fifteen hundred years ago, the Shadows and Warders were driven apart by betrayal. Since then, they have worked apart, all contact between them forbidden. But the Vorati demons are gaining in strength and they aren’t strong enough on their own to keep their human charges safe. As their world changes, they’ll have to decide if they want to hold on to the past, or look to their future. 

Do you have a favorite scene in Shadow's Awakening?
 
It’s hard to pick since there are favorite parts all through the book, but I think my very favorite scene is the one where Conner helps Hannah escape captivity. In the first draft, Hannah was fairly passive. But that wasn’t really her. As it ended up, she takes control and works with Conner to help herself. I loved seeing that strength of will in her. And so did Conner. 

Which one character out of all your books was your favorite to write about? What about the hardest to write about?
 
Zach is probably the most fun. He’s a Shadow Oracle and a bit of a smart ass. But his attitude masks the heavy weight of his foresight. Both Kate and Sorcha are the hardest. I feel deeply for both of them, and while I think that makes for a better story, it can also make it harder to write. Kate is very angry. She has her reasons, and sometimes her anger makes her funny, but knowing the source of her pain, it also makes it uncomfortable to dig into. Sorcha is the heroine of the second book in the Shadow Warder Series, which I’m finishing right now. I absolutely love her. And I’m really having fun bringing her together with Kiernan. But some of the challenges she faces are more heart wrenching to me than I expected. 

What Other Projects can we look forward to reading from you?
 
I plan to continue with The Shadow Warder Series, as well as introduce a new series next year. The Delectavi Series will take place in the same world as the Shadow Warders, but it deals with another set of characters. The books will be a combination of paranormal and erotic romance. A little racier than the Shadow Warder series, and a bit less serious. But not completely - I’m not sure I can do lighthearted. So far the plan is a little more sex and a little less fighting. But we’ll see how they come out J

 

About Molle McGregor

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Molle’s writing career started when she was seven and suffered terrible insomnia. Night after night she couldn’t sleep until long after mid-night, only to wake a few hours later. Frustrated with her inability to just go to bed, (and her penchant for sneaking a book and a flashlight under the covers) her grandmother said, “You like to read so much, why don’t you tell yourself a story until you fall asleep.” With this brilliant advice, Molle’s overactive brain was off and running. Now, years later, she’s finally taught herself to sleep, but she’s never stopped telling stories.
When she’s not reading, writing, or staring into space making things up, Molle is getting into trouble with her husband, two sons, two dogs and vicious attack cat in the mountains of North Carolina. She likes to hike, cook, listen to music way too loud, and hang out with her boys. She does not like dusting or emptying the dishwasher.


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