Guest Post: Her Loving Husband's Curse by Meredith Allard

UFI welcomes Meredith Allard Author of the Loving Husband series. Thanks for Joining us!!

Thank you for letting me drop by, UFI!

It was a surprise to me when I came up with an idea for a vampire trilogy, especially since I wasn’t that into the paranormal/urban fantasy genre. As I began my journey into the vampire world, having decided to see if there was any meat to this crazy idea of mine about a vampire’s love for his long-dead wife, I noticed that some readers are very particular about how they like their vampires. I’ve seen more than one criticism that vampires these days are too soft. Vampires are bloodthirsty, angry, violent creatures of the night, they say. That’s what vampires have always been, and that’s what they always should be. Fair enough, since we all have our likes and dislikes about what we like to read.

I realized that I had an important decision to make as I was writing both Her Dear & Loving Husband and the second book in the trilogy, Her Loving Husband’s Curse. How violent were my vampires going to be? The main reason I had never been into the vampire genre was because I’m not a fan of violence in any way, shape, or form. I can’t even watch The Real Housewives because their heated arguments are too much for me. I’m not a wimp (well, maybe a bit), but it’s not entertaining to me to see people or animals being hurt. As I was deciding how brutal my vampires would be in their search for blood to drink, I had to consider what violence means to me.

I’m not fascinated by violence. To me, violence is the lowest common denominator. When we’re angry we want to lash out, physically or verbally, whether it’s with loved ones, the barista at Starbucks, at that guy in the gray BMW who cut us off in traffic. To me, giving into violence is weakness because it means I’m letting outside circumstances control my emotions and my behavior. And it seems, as I get older, that it’s becoming more accepted to be mean and rude and angry and violent.

Rising above that violence to be calm and rational, even kind, is an amazing thing, especially since it’s so easy to give into the anger. It takes an extra thought process, an extra determination, to overcome the fury. Now I was onto something. Overcoming our baser instincts to be better than we are. That fascinates me. And that’s the journey we’re all on—struggling to be better today than we were yesterday.

That is also the journey that James Wentworth, the vampire protagonist in Her Dear & Loving Husband and Her Loving Husband’s Curse, is on—being better than he was. Is he violent? He can be. But he’s working toward being more human than some humans. His motto is “Live and let live.” It’s a motto I try to live by as well.

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Meredith Allard is the Executive Editor of The Copperfield Review,  an award-winning literary journal for readers and writers of historical fiction. She received her B.A. and M.A. degrees in English from California State University, Northridge. She has taught writing to students aged 10 to 60, and she has taught creative writing and writing historical fiction workshops at Learning Tree University, UNLV, and the Las Vegas Writers Conference. Her writing has appeared in journals such as The Paumanok Review,  Moondance, Wild Mind,Muse Apprentice Guild, The Maxwell Digest, CarbLite, Writer’s Weekly, and ViewsHound. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Find Meredith and her books

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Her Loving Husband's Curse
Loving Husband #2

 How far will you go to protect the one you love?

Finally, after many long and lonely years, James Wentworth’s life is falling into place. Together with his wife, Sarah, the only woman he has ever loved, he has found the meaning behind her nightmares about the Salem Witch Trials, and now they are rebuilding the life they began together so long ago.

But the past is never far behind for the Wentworths. While Sarah is haunted by new visions, now about the baby she carried over three hundred years before, James is confronted with painful memories from his time with the Cherokee on the Trail of Tears. Through it all, the persistent reporter Kenneth Hempel reappears, still determined to prove that the undead walk the earth. If Hempel succeeds in his quest, James and Sarah will suffer. Will the curse of the vampire prevent James and Sarah from living their happily ever after?

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Week in Review- 7/15-7/21

Books Ive Bought/received


* Demon Hunting in the Deep South by Lexi George-eARC-Netgalley

* Kindred by Jessica Redmerski-eARC- Author

* Starling by Lesley Livingston- ARC- Publisher

* Two Weeks Notice by Rachel Caine- Publisher

* Covet by Melissa Darnell-eARC- Netgalley

* Ironskin by Tina Connolly-eARC- Netgalley

* The City's Son by Tom Pollock-eARC- Netgalley

* Outpost by Ann Aguirre- ARC- Publisher

Books I Read

Biting Cold by Chloe Neill
Precinct 13 by Tate Hallaway
Two Weeks Notice by Rachel Caine
Kindred by J.A. Redmerski
Kept by Shawntelle Madison
Primal Possession by Katie Reus

Reviews Posted

Shades of Desire by L.M. Pruitt
Blood Lust Rising by Fayth Devlin
Rogue's Pawn by Jeffe Kennedy
Her Loving Husband's Curse by Meredith Allard

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

* Tuesday there was a guest post for author L.M. Pruitt's Shades of Desire blog tour. 

* Wedneday Jennifer Turner was here promoting her new book Redemption with a guest post and giveaway.

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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: Her Loving Husband's Curse by Meredith Allard

Her Loving Husband's Curse
Author: Meredith Allard
Release Date: April 20, 2012
Publisher: Copperfield Press
Loving Husband Book #2
ISBN:   0615613683
ISBN13: 9780615613680
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Review Copy Source: Bewitching Book Tours

How far will you go to protect the one you love?

Finally, after many long and lonely years, James Wentworth’s life is falling into place. Together with his wife, Sarah, the only woman he has ever loved, he has found the meaning behind her nightmares about the Salem Witch Trials, and now they are rebuilding the life they began together so long ago.

But the past is never far behind for the Wentworths. While Sarah is haunted by new visions, now about the baby she carried over three hundred years before, James is confronted with painful memories from his time with the Cherokee on the Trail of Tears. Through it all, the persistent reporter Kenneth Hempel reappears, still determined to prove that the undead walk the earth. If Hempel succeeds in his quest, James and Sarah will suffer. Will the curse of the vampire prevent James and Sarah from living their happily ever after?

Her Loving Husband’s Curse is Book Two of the Loving Husband Trilogy. Book One, Her Dear & Loving Husband, is now available from Copperfield Press.

The crap really hits the fan in HER LOVING HUSBAND'S CURSE as Kenneth Hempell's wish comes to pass. Meredith did a great job of bringing the past into the present with her researched history, retelling of past events and the addition of prejudiced/bigoted beliefs that fill the world not only now but back then.

I really enjoyed HER DEAR AND LOVING HUSBAND and was really excited to have the chance to read book 2. Although I didn't feel book 2 was as good I still enjoyed the continuation of Sarah and James' journey together. I really enjoy the love that they show each other and all the friends that help them along the way. Although Sarah and James are very much in love and growing stronger as a couple I wish it wasn't so odd that James was holding back his experience on the Trail of Tears. After everything they have been through it seemed like a small thing for him to keep from her or be scared to share with her. I loved the addition of Grace but it was a bit weird how it happened, its just not that easy in the real world. There were quite a bit of instances where I felt the story was really slow or I had to push myself to keep reading certain passages about the Trail of Tears. Another odd moment was when Sarah's ex-husband stopped in for a visit, it didn't bring anything to the story for me.

The ending was extremely rough and I was absolutely heartbroken to have to see that happen. I am dying to know what will happen in book 3 and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be good news by the end. 

I gave it 3/5 stars 

Review: Rogue's Pawn by Jeffe Kennedy

Rogue's Pawn
Author: Jeffe Kennedy
Release Date: July 16, 2012
Publisher: Carina Press
Covenent of Thorns Book #1 
ISBN13:  9781426894060
Genre: Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Netgalley

This is no fairy tale…

Haunted by nightmares of a black dog, sick to death of my mind-numbing career and heart-numbing fiancé, I impulsively walked out of my life—and fell into Faerie. Terrified, fascinated, I discover I possess a power I can't control: my wishes come true. After an all-too-real attack by the animal from my dreams, I wake to find myself the captive of the seductive and ruthless fae lord Rogue. In return for my rescue, he demands an extravagant price—my firstborn child, which he intends to sire himself…

With no hope of escaping this world, I must learn to harness my magic and build a new life despite the perils—including my own inexplicable and debilitating desire for Rogue. I swear I will never submit to his demands, no matter what erotic torment he subjects me to…

The opening line of the summery is definitely right on, This is no Fairy Tale. In fact a good portion of the first half of the book was depressing to have to witness.

It took a while for the story to take off. The beginning really didn't give any clues as to where the story might go or the whole point of what was happening. When Jennifer finally was sent into faery it still seemed to take a while to get the point of things but the scenery was quite nice. There were some interesting characters and creatures thrown into the story and I really only disliked a few of them that you are pretty much expected to dislike. There are some things that I wish would have been explained more like why Jennifer was now Gwynn (besides just saying that was what Rogue picked), and why she is pretty much a slave but still treated as royalty by most people (What gives her, her status exactly) Maybe I just missed it?. There is a ton of things happening in the story but the pace was all out of whack for the most part. There is a lot of world building and I did enjoy about every aspect of Jeffe Kennedy's idea of Faerie.

ROGUE'S PAWN was definitely unique. Even having said all that I was still interested in seeing what would happen next and I'm still interested in seeing what happens to the characters in the future. 

I gave it 3/5 stars

Review: Blood Lust Rising by Fayth Devlin

Blood Lust Rising
Author: Fayth Devlin
Release Date: May 4, 2012
Publisher: Self Published
The Vampire Queen Trilogy Book #1
ASIN:  B007ZDVWNY
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Review Copy Source: Author

Vampire Queen and Demon son – Together they will wreak havoc and total destruction. Or at least, that’s what the prophecy says. When a sex-seething succubus focuses in on Ella Grey, a half-breed vampire and her Shadow Hunting partner, Micah McGregor, a power is released neither can control or comprehend.

A chain of events is triggered, forcing Ella and Micah down a shadowed path riddled with unrestrained passion, violence and betrayal. The truth of Micah’s demonic origins will reveal a heart-breaking conspiracy within the Shadow Agency that once swore to protect humanity from vampires and demons. Ella and Micah are proof that nothing is as it appears.

You can tell that BLOOD LUST RISING is going to be a great read from the first Chapter. Ella and Micah cant stand each other but also have mad attraction. Ella is a born hunter and also happens to be a half vampire. Because she is now half vampire the hunters despise her and are always looking for a way to get rid of her. Micah he Shadow Hunting partner was sent to keep an eye on her and report on her back to his father the head of the Shadow Agency. 


There is non stop action and suspense going on in BLOOD LUST RISING. Ella and Micah's hate for each other gets extremely complicated early on after they wake up together naked and covered in blood and sporting new tattoos. They tend to bicker a lot but it is extremely entertaining watching their relationship change and grow. Their love scenes are nice and steamy. There is a great array  of interesting characters. Castro who happens to be a Demon Lord was one of my favorites besides the main characters.

Fayth Devlin brought a great cast of characters, an attention getting plot and a great romance. I enjoyed every minute of BLOOD LUST RISING and cant wait to read what happens next.

I gave it 4/5 stars 

Guest Blog & Giveaway: Redemption by Jennifer Turner

UFI welcomes Jennifer Turner Author of  Redemption. Thanks for Joining us!!

I was in this funk about my writing. One series after another had left me salivating for something a bit unexpected and unique. I’m a huge fan of horror and romance. I love paranormal romance and urban fantasy as they contain elements of both. I’m also an avid fan of apocalyptic films and indulge in zombie-watching in my spare time. During an episode of Walking Dead, it occurred to me that I have never, ever written a book about the end of the world.

What the heck was I doing?

Suddenly the fog lifted, the sun shone, and angels sang. I was going to write a post-apocalyptic novel with a ton of action and a touch of romance. OMG! I could not wait to get to my keyboard in the morning.

Savannah became my half-angel heroine, Nico my half-demon hero, and a score of mutants rounded out the party. Around them an entire world sprung up: Iron Point city, the last remaining haven for human beings, the Fringes where those who were too poor or too deformed to live within the walls of the city are forced to live, and the mutated jungle where Revenants nest called the Wasteland.

So I had this really awesome place to begin and the adventure that unfolded held enough love and violence to keep riveted daily. My hope is that readers will find it just as entertaining! Thanks so much for being a part of my blog tour.

Warmly,

J.R. Turner

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J.R. Turner is the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Writers Association. She writes in a variety of genres including middle-grade adventures, young adult horror, romantic suspense, horror, military action, and urban fantasy. In her spare time she enjoys arts and crafts, traveling, and movies. Few things in life compare to her passion for the written word, except perhaps the pursuit of chocolate.

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Find Jennifer and her books

Website / Twitter / Facebook

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Redemption

 Half-angel Savannah Mantas smells the sulfuric stench of wrath when it enters her city, Iron Point. Resurrected by the archangel Michael, she's hunting for redemption and half-demon Nico Montenegro is her prey. He comes from the Fringes, the border between the city and the toxic wasteland beyond.

When they meet, Nico tells her a story, one of genocide and confiscated bodies. Not revenge, but justice is his purpose and his target is the most admired family in the world-Commander Hathaway and his daughter.

Hathaway's soldiers are slaughtering Fringers and secretly feeding them to Revenants, mutants who survived the bio-bombing of 2120. They have a twisted idea they can train these clever creatures like dogs and keep them out of the city long enough to mobilize an evacuation for the wealthy and well-connected.

Savannah knows better. Revenants are what killed her. When they attack, the last of humankind may be wiped out completely. Stopping Hathaway might just be enough to gain her redemption and escape a hellish fate.

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*International*

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Guest Blog: Shades of Desire by L.M. Pruitt

UFI welcomes L.M. Pruitt Author of he Jude Magdalyn Series. Thanks for Joining us!!

Outfitting a World

Furnishing the Crossroads

I’m a huge fan of history. Not just American history but history in general. One of my first obsessions was the Titanic—and no, I’m not talking about the movie. I read everything I could on the subject, did school projects, watched movies… you get the picture. To this day, I can—and will—discuss the topic at the drop of a hat.

As I got older, my interest in historical periods shifted into various sub-areas. I might not be able to tell you a lot about military techniques used by Cromwell’s army in the 1600s but I can talk about social activities, clothes, and behavior. And, one of my favorite subjects, household materials. I blame some of this on being a Sims player for years, but I digress.

The Crossroads, where the Covenant gathers and where Jude and various members of the books live, is inspired by real buildings and houses in New Orleans. Such as the one below:

 

The house pictured above is actually the LaLaurie Mansion, the most haunted building in all of New Orleans. As you can see, it wasn’t uncommon for a wealthy family to be able to purchase and build a massive house in New Orleans in the seventeen and eighteen hundreds.

The ancesteral make-up of the Covenant is a mixed lot, heavy on the French and the Irish. There are numerous references to this, none so popular as the mention of the china. Waterford china, crystal and flatware has always been prized as a mark of class and money. And I’ll grant you, it’s pretty.

 

 

Remember what I said about being popular? It’s also expensive. Those two items will cost you more than $50 and that’s just for one set. When you remember that it wasn’t uncommon for there to be upwards of two dozen place settings…well, even given the depreciation rate (if you were to buy at prices of the 1800s), that’s a pretty penny to pay.

And this is just the place settings. Four poster canopy beds were common in various areas for various reasons. Some of them you’ve probably heard—during the summer you use mosquito netting to protect against bugs, during the winter you switched to heavier hangings (some say velvet, others damask), to keep the actual bed and the occupants warm. Below is a bed made in the 1860s, something that you’d be likely to see in any of the bedrooms at the Crossroads.

 

 

The next piece is a little older, built in the late 1700s. Today you’re likely to call it a china cabinet—if you have one—but at the time it would have been referred to as a buffet. Used to hold dishes and sometimes display objects, this one is ornately carved.

 

Finally, there are a lot of lamps in the Crossroads. Hey, there’s a lot of rooms. A goodly number of them are either authentic Tiffany lamps or Tiffany inspired. Why? Because just like in real life, the Crossroads is always changing—new acquistions are being made, things are being moved around… it only makes sense that the décor would change, too. I like to think this is something Jude would place in the nursery—a nod to tradition and yet fun at the same time.

 

So there you have it. A peek inside the Crossroads. I hope you enjoyed the little tour, and as always—happy reading!

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L.M. Pruitt has been reading and writing for as long as she can remember. A native of Florida with a love of New Orleans, she has the uncanny ability to find humor in most things and would probably kill a plastic plant. She is the author of the Jude Magdalyn Series as well as New Moon Rising, featuring Cari Gravier, and Taken, featuring Frankie Post. She is currently at work on the next book in the Moon Rising series, Harvest Moon Rising, due out April 2012. Ms. Pruitt makes her home in Florida with two cats--one smart, the other not so much.

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Find L.M. Pruitt and her books

Website / Twitter / Facebook

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Shades of Desire
Jude Magdalyn #2

All I wanted was a little peace and quiet.

Instead, I've got dead Covenant members and a steady stream of letters from the new guy in town. His beverage of choice? A 2002 Merlot, with a shot or two of powerful virgin blood.

On top of that, I'm breaking in a new police liaison, failing at playing matchmaker, and fighting nausea like it's a full time job.

Did I forget to mention that I've also got enough girls living at the Crossroads to start my own boarding school?

Peace and quiet? Out the window.

--Jude Magdalyn Henries

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