Tue. Dec. 18th
The Cursed Sea (The Glass Spare #2) by Lauren DeStefano
The Disasters by M.K. England
Happy Reading!!
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Monday, December 17, 2018
Review: Death Knell by Hailey Edwards (@HaileyEdwards, @PiatkusBooks)
Death Knell
Author: Hailey Edwards
Release Date: December 4, 2018
Publisher: Piatkus
Foundling Book #3
ASIN: B07CKV98N9
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: NetGalley
Luce is back in the third book of The Foundling, the bestselling fantasy series perfect for fans of Shannon Mayer, Jenn Stark and the Sookie Stackhouse novels
War burned her. Famine nearly killed her. Now Death is at her heels.
After her two worlds clashed apocalyptically, Luce Boudreau needed some time out. But Destiny had other ideas. When bodies begin washing ashore down the Mississippi River, Luce discovers they are part of a gruesome, lethal message. Her final sister, Death, is trying to break through.
Every sign is clear: the end is coming, but earth will be destroyed - quite literally - over Luce's dead body, even if that means she'll be battling her own nature. And her coterie will stand with her, though Cole keeps standing one step too goddamn far away. Her mysterious new partner, Adam Wu, on the other hand, seems determined to keep her close at all times. And the more Luce learns about the new world she's part of, the deeper the secrets go. Who - if anyone - can she really trust?
As the final pieces of an ancient war come together, Luce's chance to fight back comes sooner than she expected. Death can come at her . . . she's eager to return the favour.
'An inventive and multifaceted world with serious heart and one hell of an emotional kick, this is a series that needs to be on your TBR' Bookish Em
There was a lot revealed in DEATH KNELL, but there is still so much to learn.
I'm really enjoying the characters in this series. Luce doesn't just sit back and let others take care of things and those around her are protective, but know she's a bad-ass as well.
I love a slow burn release of information, but I feel like the slow burn in this series has been a little too slow. I need a little more with each book or my frustration will ruin my enjoyment at some point.
The relationship between Cole and Luce is really frustrating in itself, but the developments in DEATH KNELL kinda threw me. I can't say more without revealing a spoiler, I just can't decide if this huge development is something I will be able to get into or not. Next book will definitely tell me.
I'm still upset about the rift between Luce and Rixton. I really want there to be a way that she can tell him what is going on and they can be in each others lives. I know she is trying to protect him and his family, but I really don't like it.
DEATH KNELL wasn't my favorite installment of the Foundling series, but I'm still hooked enough to want to know what will happen next.
I gave it 3.5/5 stars
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Week in Review: 12/9-12/15
Books Received for Review
How to Live an Undead Lie by Hailey Edwards
Grave Destiny by Kalayna Price
Books I've Read
White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison (Re-Read)
Black Magic Sanctions by Kim Harrison (Re-Read)
Pale Demon by Kim Harrison (Re-Read)
Reviews Posted
Echoes of Fire by Suzanne Wright (@suz_wright)
Seasons of Sorcery: A Fantasy Anthology (@jeffekennedy, @Jennifer_Estep, @GraceDraven, @AuthorABouchet)
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* New Releases for the week. Was there anything you were looking forward to reading?
* Monday- Deck the Halls w/ Books Holiday Extravaganza: Trial of a Warrior by Mary Morgan (@m_morganauthor, @RoxanneRhoads)
* Thursday- Interview + Giveaway: Black Widow Curse and The Coven by M.D. Fryson (@madelyn_fryson, @RoxanneRhoads )
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Friday, December 14, 2018
Review: Seasons of Sorcery: A Fantasy Anthology (@jeffekennedy, @Jennifer_Estep, @GraceDraven, @AuthorABouchet)
Seasons of Sorcery
Release Date: November 13, 2018
Publisher: Brightlynx Publishing
ASIN: B07HHL3KJQ
Genre: Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Author
WINTER'S WEB BY JENNIFER ESTEP
An assassin at a renaissance faire. What could possibly go wrong? Everything, if you’re Gin Blanco. This Spider is trapped in someone else’s icy web—and it seems like they don’t want her to leave the faire alive . . .
A CURSE FOR SPRING BY AMANDA BOUCHET
A malevolent spell strangles the kingdom of Leathen in catastrophic drought. Prince Daric must break the curse before his people starve. A once-mighty goddess trapped in a human body might be the key—but saving his kingdom could mean losing all that he loves.
THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER BY JEFFE KENNEDY
As unofficial consort to the High Queen, former mercenary Harlan Konyngrr faces a challenge worse than looming war and fearsome dragons. His long-held secrets threaten what he loves most—and he must make a choice between vows to two women.
A WILDERNESS OF GLASS BY GRACE DRAVEN
The stretch of sea known as The Gray rules the lives of those in the village of Ancilar, including widow Brida Gazi. In the aftermath of an autumn storm, Brida discovers one of the sea's secrets cast onto the shore—a discovery that will change her world, mend her soul, and put her in the greatest danger she's ever faced.
WINTER'S WEB BY JENNIFER ESTEP
All my favorite Elemental Assassins characters in a short story? Heck yes!!
Trouble follows Gin wherever she goes, but in WINTER'S WEB we got to see someone else be the center of an assassination attempt for once. I enjoyed this little peek into one of my favorite worlds and look forward to seeing what kind of trouble Gin and her friends will get into next.
A CURSE FOR SPRING BY AMANDA BOUCHET
This was a cute romance with in a neat fantasy world.
I like both main characters and was rooting for them from the beginning. The plot was unique and flowed nicely. I would read more.
THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER BY JEFFE KENNEDY
I have not read this series and didn't know if I needed to to be able to enjoy this short story, so I chose not to read THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER at this time.
A WILDERNESS OF GLASS BY GRACE DRAVEN
A WILDERNESS OF GLASS was different, but in an interesting way. I am not familiar with Draven’s Wraith Kings world, but was assured by other reviews that this installment was a good standalone and it was. I didn't feel like I was missing anything and never felt lost.
The relationship that developed between Brida and Ahtin was believable and I liked that there was a bigger plot to the story beyond the romance. I think I will look into the authors other books.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Interview + Giveaway: Black Widow Curse and The Coven by M.D. Fryson (@madelyn_fryson, @RoxanneRhoads )
What can you tell my readers about yourself that they might not know from looking on your bio or reading in another interview?
One thing is for sure, I am a pretty direct person. Now having aged and a few experiences under my belt, well I have learned to tone that down. But at home we are as direct as they come to include my husband and my family back home. No beating around the bush! I really admire people who are direct and to the point but while maintaining respect. I believe that is a wonderful virtue and one that is hard to find these days.
Underneath my sarcastic and joking around exterior, I am a pile of mush! I am a big softy, but I save that side of myself for my kiddos, husband and those close to me who I trust to share that side.
What do you enjoy doing on your down time?
What is down time? Just kidding. Well I have three boys ranging toddler to teenager. Between them, their schedules and my husband’s crazy work schedule I feel like things pile up on me pretty quick. When I get a minute, I do like to read but lately I have been reading more articles on different things relating to writing etc. and then I read a novel. I also love a good comedy show. I can’t forget, sleep! I am still catching up from newborn sleep depravation a year later! My husband actually gets onto me and tells me I don’t take enough down time.
What is your Favorite part of writing?
Having an over active mind that will not shut off, it seems to be the only thing I do where I can really dial in and focus and get my mind off of things. I write for escape.
Do you have any certain routines you must follow as you write?
No not really. I dedicate so much time a day on writing alone aside from other things I have going on.
What are some of your Favorite books or Authors in the Urban Fantasy/ Paranormal Genres?
I like some of Cassandra Clare books and I like Ann Rice. I would have to say that Ann Rice’s books are so far my favorite. I like other authors from other genres too.
How would you pitch Meridian Chronicles: Black Widow Curse & The Coven to someone who has not heard of it before?
I would ask them if they have ever heard of many books where the spirit goes to Earth to be a human versus the other way around. I would tell them that this spirit’s way home is through her twin soul and not finding her twin soul leaves humans at the risk of demons and the fall of her realm. That is the quickest way to get down to it in pitching the book. It says this book has romance, spirits, demons and the main character must be somebody pretty important. The title eludes that there is something dark with a curse and there are some witches that play a part.
Can you tell us a little bit about the world that Meridian Chronicles: Black Widow Curse & The Coven is set in?
There are a few places this story takes place. Two are on Earth, one in Salem Massachusetts and a small town where a palm reader/psychic lives. There are 3 other realms. One is the dark realm where the demons exist, the fairy realm where fairies live and Etheria, which is the realm where spirit guides exist that watch over humankind. There is some portaling to the different realms through out the book.
Do you have a favorite scene in Meridian Chronicles: Black Widow Curse & The Coven ?
Yes, a couple actually. One of my favorite scenes is when Aiden after having met Meridian for the first time, stops by her house one evening to see her. The second scene I love is when the Fairy Queen and the Fairy Nymphs show up to Esmra’s house, who is a good witch. They come to aid the coven in a ritual to expose the true identity behind the one who cursed Meridian with the Black Widow Curse.
Which one character out of all your books was your favorite to write about? What about the hardest to write about?
That changes at times. Right now, I would say that Lahash, who is a demon of the high court has been my favorite. He is a sophisticated demon who makes no apologies for his openly selfish ways. He is who he is and doesn’t try to hide it from anyone. He does have his own agenda that may not always be on the surface, but he doesn’t really hide that he has an agenda either. He may be nearly like an anti-hero in some respects.
Hardest character for me to write is one of the main villains, Warrick. His character is comprised of some real traits of real people who I have had cross my path. Drawing from that inspiration is hard for me because it reminds me of the things I don’t like to think about, but he is necessary to the story.
What Other Projects can we look forward to reading from you?
The third book to the series, Meridian Chronicles: Fairy Nymphs & The Demon Court will come out in Sept. 2019. The fourth and last book, will come out in 2020. Only my street team know more details about the fourth book. I have already outlined my new series that will come out in 2020. I can’t wait to start that one!
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One of her favorite authors is Cassandra Clare. She also likes to read inspirational and anything on astrology. Lover of all music, she is an equal-genre-tunity.
Apart from her family she can’t live without, is the ocean and beach vacations, chocolate, coffee and tons of creamer where her husband asks if she would like some coffee to go with her creamer.
An animal lover of all sorts, horses hold a special place in her heart from when she used to ride, train and show.
Find M.D. Fryson and her books
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Black Widow Curse and The Coven Meridian Chronicles #2
Books2Read
Exiled from her realm, living with the Black Widow Curse, Spirit Guide is at the whims of the dark one and a dark witch. Fairy Nymphs may help and a high demon has grown tired of the politics.
Will she break her curse with her twin soul?
Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/-JBhIUwdXgo
Excerpt:
In the empty space above the center of the table a heat emerged and with it a face that appeared through the smoke and flames that engulfed the space above the table. The demon did not make a total appearance but almost appeared as though he was checking a part of himself through from his own realm. “Oh, dark sister, you call upon me. What do you wish to know from the dark places I only know?” the demon asked.
“Oh, dark one, hear my plea. I beg of you to unveil the workings of the curse on Meridian!” Raina shouted out.
The demon answered Raina, with ease. “The curse bestowed on the once-spirit guide is The Black Widow curse, and one that only a dark one can cast. A dark one born of a demon with powers for only the dark with a heart of black.”
“Dark one, I am in your debt. We understand, on the surface, who has cast this curse on Meridian. We now need to understand how we may find a way to break this curse,” Raina spoke to the demon.
The demon gave his answer in riddle form.
The being whose work is dark can only be stopped with the twin soul.
The being you seek is hard to hold.
Spirit guides who engage with a mortal are not pure of heart in that act, but in the face of true love all remains intact.
Meridian does not trust herself in her choice.
She will not listen to her inner voice.
So many can enter her mind, her greatest challenge in the true find.
The demon disappeared and was gone from sight.
“Oh, dark one, hear my plea. I beg of you to unveil the workings of the curse on Meridian!” Raina shouted out.
The demon answered Raina, with ease. “The curse bestowed on the once-spirit guide is The Black Widow curse, and one that only a dark one can cast. A dark one born of a demon with powers for only the dark with a heart of black.”
“Dark one, I am in your debt. We understand, on the surface, who has cast this curse on Meridian. We now need to understand how we may find a way to break this curse,” Raina spoke to the demon.
The demon gave his answer in riddle form.
The being whose work is dark can only be stopped with the twin soul.
The being you seek is hard to hold.
Spirit guides who engage with a mortal are not pure of heart in that act, but in the face of true love all remains intact.
Meridian does not trust herself in her choice.
She will not listen to her inner voice.
So many can enter her mind, her greatest challenge in the true find.
The demon disappeared and was gone from sight.
Tour Wide
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Review: Echoes of Fire by Suzanne Wright (@suz_wright)
Echoes of Fire
Author: Suzanne Wright
Release Date: December 11, 2018
Publisher: Montlake Romance
The Mercury Pack Book #4
ISBN: 1503904881
ISBN13: 9781503904880
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Review Copy Source: NetGalley
They may not be made for each other, but animal instincts are impossible to ignore.
Madisyn Drake is a rare breed of cat shifter…a loner, unpredictably wild, and emotionally distant. A recent betrayal has left her ready to sharpen her claws on the next man she sees…until a prowling wolf with steel-gray eyes and a brooding dark edge challenges her distrust. No matter how fully he satisfies her touch-hunger, Madisyn’s not ready to open up again, even if it is oh so gratifying.
Bracken Slater has earned his reputation as an indomitable predator. Once broken by grief and guilt, Brack is feeling alive again, thanks to the heady scent of this independent feline. Convincing her that they’re meant for each other is going to take more than branding Madisyn’s beautiful neck. She’s not interested in joining an unfamiliar pack, much less answering to an alpha. But when threats from both their pasts take shape, their unexpected destiny may be the only thing that can save them.
It's getting harder and harder to review both the Mercury pack and the Phoenix pack books the longer both series goes on. Each book in both series follows a general story arc, but Suzanne does a good job in making each story fresh.
I really enjoyed Madisyn's independence and Bracken's ability to let her feel like she always had it—even when she didn't lol. I think he realized she could take care of herself, but he still needed to feel like he was always there to protect her. They both worked really well as a couple.
The romance as always was steamy. The couple was made for each other and their attraction and love streamed through the pages loud and clear.
I haven't disliked any of Suzanne Wright's books to date and I will continue to read everything she puts out.
I gave it 4/5 stars
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
New Releases: 12/9-12/15
Tue. Dec. 11th
A Bad Deal for the Whole Galaxy (The Salvagers #2) by Alex White
Broken Lands (Broken Lands #1) by Jonathan Maberry
Happy Reading!!
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