End of September RAK round-up

Random Acts of Kindness is a monthly feature hosted by Book Soulmates

In September I sent:

Low red moon and Lost in time to a friend Natalie Cleary.

Liar to Lesley @ My keeper shelf

The dark and hollow places to Bella @ Cheezyfeet books

And I recieved:

A long, long sleep from Lesley @ My keeper shelf

Speak from Bex @ An armchair by the sea

Entice from Graceful reads

Blood feud and The resistence from Donna @ Book passion for life

Anna and the French kiss from Siobhan @ Totally Bookalicious

Thank you ladies for all my lovely books!

Author interview with James Hutchings

-  Which of the short stories did you enjoy writing the most? I like writing very short stories the best, because they're usually easier to finish and so I get the feeling of satisfaction more quickly. It's a good feeling to think "I wrote three stories this week," even if they add up to less than 1000 words.

-  I see you must be a cat lover like me did you enjoy writing My cat is not like other cats the poem?
I did. But I was surprised to find that most people interpreted it as me saying that my cat is actually different to other cats. What I meant was that I, like other cat lovers, know that cats are really horrible selfish creatures, but manage to pretend otherwise.

- I see a lot of mythical creatures in your work which is your favorite? and why?
Death appears a lot, although not always consistently (in some stories I have Death as male and in others as female for example). I don't know if I'd say Death is so much a favourite as the one I think about the most. I've actually come up with a lot of detail on my version of vampires, although I haven't written anything about them, perhaps because of the stigma created by the Twilight series.

- What do you use as your inspiration/muse when writing your work?
I've written a lot about cats, based on having been a cat owner. Of course other fiction is a big influence.
- Whats your favorite fruit?
I like tomatoes: the attention-seeker of fruit.

- What is your favorite genre of books to read/write?
I mostly read fantasy. It tends to be old stories, and more short stories than novels. I've never read any of the Harry Potter or Game of Thrones series for example. I used to read science fiction, and found fantasy a bit pointless. I think my idea was that science fiction was stuff that could happen, whereas fantasy was stuff that couldn't. Then I realised that having ESP or super-advanced alien technology isn't actually that different to having magic.

- I really liked your take on Rumpelstiltskin, where did the idea for a new take on a classic fairy-tale come from?
There was an online magazine called The Enchanted Conversation (it's still online, but sadly it's closing down now). For each issue they picked a fairy tale, and all the stories in that issue were variations on it. I actually wrote two for their 'Rumpelstiltskin' issue: 'Rumpelstiltskin', and 'The Name of the Helper', which is the one I submitted and they ran.

- If you could be anything for the day what would you be?
I'd be me, but years later when I'd written a lot more. Hopefully I'd remember what I'd written.

-What are you working on at the minute? Any sneak peeks ?
I'm working on a verse version of 'A Princess of Mars'. This is a science fiction adventure story, now in the public domain, written by Edgar Rice Burroughs, who's more famous for Tarzan. Disney is also doing a movie of it, called 'John Carter', but that's not why I chose it. I generally work on several things at the same time, so I'm also in the middle of a few short stories and poems. I've also been encouraged to write a novel set in the fantasy city of Telelee, which is the setting of a few of the stories in 'The New Death and others'. I have a lot of background for this world, because I blog every day (http://www.apolitical.info/teleleli) and most of it is setting detail.

- And lastly, Are you a Bookaholic?
I'm not a bookaholic, I'm a binge reader.

James Hutchings lives in Melbourne, Australia. He specializes in short fantasy fiction. His work has appeared in Daily Science Fiction, fiction365 and Enchanted Conversation among other markets.

Death gets a roommate...

An electronic Pope faces a difficult theological question...

A wicked vizier makes a terrible bargain...

44 stories. 19 poems. No whiny vampires. There's a thin line between genius and insanity, and James Hutchings has just crossed it - but from which direction

Check out Jennys review of The New Death and others.

The God of the poor by James Hutchings

THE GOD OF THE POOR

A short story by James Hutchings.

In the beginning of the world the gods considered all those things which did not have their own gods, to decide who would have responsibility and rulership.
"I will rule all flowers that are sky-blue in colour," said the Sky-Father.
"I will listen to the prayers of migratory birds, and you all other birds," the goddess Travel said to him. And so it went.
At last all had been divided, save for one thing.
"Who," asked the Sky-Father, "shall have dominion over the poor?"
There was an awkward silence, until the Sky-Father said,
"Come - someone must. Those with no gods will grow restless and cunning, and in time will cast us down, and we shall be gods no more."
"Not I," said blind Justice, and her stony face flashed a momentary smirk at the thought. "Why not Fame or Fortune?"
"Darling I don't think so," said the sister goddesses together.
There was a long pause. The gods shuffled their feet and avoided one another's gaze. At last a voice broke the silence.
"I will," said Death.

__________________________________________________________

Check out James' book 'The new Death and others' on Amazon and Smashwords

And you can check out Jennys review HERE

Death gets a roommate...

An electronic Pope faces a difficult theological question...

A wicked vizier makes a terrible bargain...

44 stories. 19 poems. No whiny vampires. There's a thin line between genius and insanity, and James Hutchings has just crossed it - but from which direction

Wednesdays Worldly covers - #36 and UK vs US #3

Wednesdays worldly covers is an original feature I made up, each week I share a book cover from around the world.

This is the Dutch cover for De Bliksemdief (The lightening thief) by Rick Riordan, or otherwise known as Percy Jackson and the lightening thief.

Mist: I do like this cover but I think it gives the book an older feel than it's aimed at. The colours though are appealing and I like the dragon (or Pegasus?) in the distance.

Ninfa: This cover is a little too futuristic for me and it doesn't quite match the feel of the book, which I've read and loved.
I don't get why Percy is standing on a sort of eagle head on a building either...a little off for me and I just don't seem to love it.

And here of course is the UK cover.

Mist: This one I prefer I think, I like the yellow, it stands out and I love the Minotaur, I think this appeals more to young heros :)

Ninfa: The UK version is very heroic and it makes me think of myths and legends and really encopassing the theme of the book. I love the metallic colours and the font of the title. A good cover that appeals easily to both teenagers and those of us who've left those years behind.

UK vs US is a feature done by a lot of blogs but I don't know where it originated.

Each a UK cover and a US cover of the same book battle it out.

UK                                                             US

Between by Jessica Warman.

Mist: I really like both of these covers for different reasons, I love the colours in the UK cover but I like the creepy feel that tells me that this is perhaps on ghost story on the US cover. I don't like the drunken font on the US cover though. I think I prefer the UK cover overall, it's easier on the eye even if it doesn't tell me what the book is about lol.

Ninfa: Really love the US cover. I like the way the girl has her feet in the clouds and how the ground is above her head,makes me think about the story and what exactly is going on with the girl...I haven't seen or read anything about it but it kinda makes me guess it's about the afterlife and makes me curious about the story. A really pretty cover.
The UK one is okay as well,but less intriguing for me, though the girl looks dead to me which makes it a little creepy...
...it's a US win for me on this one :)

Which do you prefer?

Top ten Tuesday #20

Top ten Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by The broke and the bookish

This week it's:

Top Ten Books To Read During Halloween

1. It by Stephen King - Seriously this one scared the pants off me! It's a brilliant book and I'm glad I read it but I'm not sure I'm brave enough for a second turn.

2. Outpost by Adam Baker (Review) - Another one that sent a chill down my spine and had me afraid to turn off the light at bedtime lest the zombies get me!

3. Dark inside by Jeyn Roberts (Review) - Another zombie book but it's YA so less gore for people with weaker stomachs.

4. The next thing I knew by John Corwin (Review) - If you prefer your horror funny then try this one instead, it's hilarious.

5. Undead and unwed by Maryjanice Davidson - This series is good if your not a horror fan at all but want to get into the spirit of things, it's a really funny Vampire series.

6. Wicked: Witch by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie - These days you'l find this book as a bind-up with the second book 'Curse' but I thought I'd just suggest the first one. It's a YA series about witches, can't get more halloween than witches.

7. Mister Creecher by Chris Priestly (Review) - This is a fabulous twist on what happened to Frankensteins monster.

Unfortunately I can't think of any more, I haven't read many horror books and I didn't want to just make a list of Vampire books (not that I couldn't lol)

I'm sure lots of lists will have Dracula and Interview with the Vampire but I haven't read them - yes I know, shame on me!

Which books would you suggest for Halloween reading?



What I'm reading?

The Lens and the looker by Lory S. Kaufman

Blurb



There's hope for the future, but what about the past?

It’s the 24th century and humans, with the help of artificial intelligences (A.I.s) have finally created the perfect post-dystopian society. To make equally perfect citizens for this world, the elders have created History Camps, full sized recreations of cities from Earth’s distant pasts. Here teens live the ...moreThere's hope for the future, but what about the past?

It’s the 24th century and humans, with the help of artificial intelligences (A.I.s) have finally created the perfect post-dystopian society. To make equally perfect citizens for this world, the elders have created History Camps, full sized recreations of cities from Earth’s distant pasts. Here teens live the way their ancestors did, doing the same dirty jobs and experiencing the same degradations. History Camps teach youths not to repeat the mistakes that almost caused the planet to die. But not everything goes to plan.

In this first of a trilogy, we meet three spoiled teens in the year 2347. Hansum almost 17, is good looking and athletic. Shamira, 15, is sassy, independent and an artistic genius. Lincoln, 14, is the smart-aleck. But you don’t have to scratch too far beneath the surface to find his insecurities.

These three “hard cases” refuse the valuable lessons History Camps teach. But when they are kidnapped and taken back in time to 1347 Verona, Italy, they only have two choices; adapt to the harsh medieval ways or die. The dangers are many, their enemies are powerful, and safety is a long way away. It’s hardly the ideal environment to fall in love – but that’s exactly what happens. In an attempt to survive, the trio risks introducing technology from the future. It could save them – or it could change history.

My thoughts
I am still working on Snuff but my review for this is due up on the 1st so I'm starting it now also. The idea of History camps to deter people from making past mistakes is a really interesting one so I'm definitely curious to see how that goes, but in this the kids actually get sent into the past where technology is far less advanced to them so I think that will be a lot of fun to read.

What are you reading?

What I'm listening to?

The Fox inheritance by Mary E. Pearson

Blurb



Once there were three. Three friends who loved each other—Jenna, Locke, and Kara. And after a terrible accident destroyed their bodies, their three minds were kept alive, spinning in a digital netherworld. Even in that disembodied nightmare, they were still together. At least at first. When Jenna disappeared, Locke and Kara had to go on without her. Decades passed, and then centuries.
Two-hundred-and-sixty years later, they have been released at last. Given new, perfect bodies, Locke and Kara awaken to a world they know nothing about, where everyone they once knew and loved is long dead.
Everyone except Jenna Fox.

My thoughts
I loved The adoration of Jenna Fox (Review here) which I also listened to on Audio last month so I'm totally excited to be starting this. As this one is told from a male perspective it's read by a male so I wonder if it'll be different to my experience to the first book which was read by a female. I've heard this book is amazing so I'm looking forward to finding out for myself if it compares.

What are you listening to?



Silence review

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

Available now.

What's it about?

The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever.

My review
4/5
I haven't written reviews for the other two books because I read them before I was blogging so I'll start by telling you I really liked Hush, Hush although I was never a Patch fan and I liked Crescendo but I still wasn't a Patch fan and also went off Nora but I still love the story and was eager to get to this third installment and have to say it's my favourite of the series so far, Patch seems to have lost his arrogance and penchant for secrecy which made me able to really like his character and Nora wasn't so - for lack of a better term - whiny. She's been through a lot and is starting to grow up and although she does still have a short temper she asks the right questions more often so I didn't get frustrated with her like I did with Crescendo.
The first half of the book did move a little slow as we rehashed over the events of previous books but after that it did move at a good steady pace and made for an enjoyable read. I really feel Beccas writing has matured along with her characters which made for some really beautiful descriptions and I was really immersed in the book and after the ending I'm really excited to see where book four will take us.

Spoiler waning: Stop if you haven't read Hush, Hush.

I have to say though, I'm struggling to see the rebels as the bad guys, whilst the way they're going about things is wrong, I can't blame them for not wanting their bodies possessed for two weeks of the year and since some fallen angels force them to swear the oath it makes it even harder for me to be on their side like Nora seems to be. That being said I have some high hopes for Nora in the next book and would love to see her kicking butt and taking names!

My thoughts on the cover
I think everyone loves these covers, how can you not, this picture alone is stunning, the real shiny life version is even better, the books decorate my shelves really well lol Can't wait to see if they can top them with the next one.

Favourite quotes

A memory stirred inside me. Angel, I seemed to hear a smooth voice whisper.You're mine. - Nora

Vee, who'd have a bright future as a getaway driver if college didn't pan out, took my escape into her own hands, peeling out of the drive loud enough to frighten a flock of birds out of the nearest tree. - Nora

I had the pleasure of meeting Becca last week so here's a link to the pic I posted if you didn't see it :)

Becca Fitzpatrick's website

Becca Fitzpatrick's blog

Becca Fitzpatrick on Facebook

Becca Fitzpatrick on Twitter

Official fansite Fallen Archangel

Fallen Archangel on Facebook

Fallen Archangel on Twitter

My soul to steal review

My soul to steal by Rachel Vincent

Available now

www.miraink.co.uk

What's it about?

Trying to work things out with Nash—her maybe boyfriend—is hard enough for Kaylee Cavanaugh. She can’t just pretend nothing happened. But “complicated” doesn’t even begin to describe their relationship when his ex-girlfriend transfers to their school, determined to take Nash back.
See, Sabine isn’t just an ordinary girl. She’s a mara, the living personification of a nightmare. She can read people’s fears—and craft them into nightmares while her victims sleep. Feeding from human fear is how she survives.
And Sabine isn’t above scaring Kaylee and the entire school to death to get whatever—and whoever—she wants.

Previous books in the series:
My soul to take (Book one) review
My soul to save (Book two) review
My soul to keep (Book three)

My review:
5/5

If you haven't read the first three books then there is definitely going to be spoilers in here!

Yet again Rachel Vincent has come up with something unique and written a great book! Even though this is the fourth book in the series it still feels fresh and new and this book sees the introduction of fabulous new character Sabine. I know she's technically the bad guy but I love her, she has a great, slightly psychotic, personality and was a lot of fun to get to know.
Tod is also starting to feature a bit more, I like that he's suportive and protective of Kaylee.
I think Rachel Vincent has done a great job writing Kaylee and Nash's relationship, I can understand all of Kaylees reasons for why she's mad at Nash but yet wants to go back and her reasons for why it won't work, I know I have my own hopes for where this might go but I won't say.
If your reading this review, it's likely because you've read the first three books already so I don't need to go in depth about the writing, it's written just as well as all of Rachel's other books and makes for effortless reading that ends way to soon, I can't wait for 'If I die!'

My thoughts on the cover
Love love love it. The UK covers for this series are just so gorgeous I could stare at them all day, the blue in this is lovely and the butterfly is really cute though I'm not sure how it fits to the story, maybe I'm not interpreting it correctly or maybe it is just there to look awesome, who knows lol

Favourite quotes

(Kaylee) "She ambushed me in the hall this morning and gave me a lecture on sex."
Tod's brows rose halfway to his hairline. "I hope you took notes..."

"Ms Cavanaugh, how delightful to see you again, without all the pretense." - Avari

Rachel Vincent's website

Rachel Vincent's blog

Rachel Vincent on Facebook

Rachel Vincent on Twitter

Beautiful chaos review

Beautiful chaos by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Available now

www.penguin.co.uk

What's it about?

Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to the strange, impossible events happening in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that Ethan and Lena have returned home, strange and impossible have taken on new meanings. Swarms of locusts, record-breaking heat, and devastating storms ravage Gatlin as Ethan and Lena struggle to understand the impact of Lena's Claiming. Even Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals is affected - and their abilities begin to dangerously misfire. As time passes, one question becomes clear: What - or who - will need to be sacrificed to save Gatlin?
For Ethan, the chaos is a frightening but welcome distraction. He's being haunted in his dreams again, but this time it isn't by Lena - and whatever is haunting him is following him out of his dreams and into his everyday life. Even worse, Ethan is gradually losing pieces of himself - forgetting names, phone numbers, even memories. He doesn't know why, and most days he's too afraid to ask.
Sometimes there isn't just one answer or one choice. Sometimes there's no going back. And this time there won't be a happy ending.

My review:
4/5

If you haven't read the first two books then there be spoilers ahoy

I'll start by saying I really loved the first book in this series 'Beautiful creatures' and, aside from the first 100 pages, I loved the second book 'Beautiful darkness' so I feel bad admitting I felt slightly disappointed with this third installment, but I can't figure out why to be honest, I think maybe it's because now that we're up the third book I expected it to pick up the pace a little, perhaps have a little more action, this one just felt very 'same' to the others, the story is still fresh, it's more the formula of the book that felt the same. I did enjoy the book and I liked the story but I wasn't excited by it, I found that I could put it down and go to sleep at bed time, something I couldn't do with the first two.
I still love Ethan though, I've read a few books with male leads now and he's still my favourite, and I don't mean because he's hot, he's way to young for me lol but he's a natural southern gentleman and he's just so caring and good to Lena, they're also one of my favourite lit couples.
I also really loved Link is this one, I've always enjoyed his friendship with Ethan but he's really starting to come out as his own character now and he's also really funny.
So, to conclude, whilst I wasn't glued to this one I did enjoy it and the ending was killer! I'm excited for the next book in The Caster chronicles and hopeful that the pace will pick up.

My thoughts on the cover
What I do like about these covers are that they aren't another girl-on-the-cover set, they're different but at the same time they're a little boring, I do like the yellow and the great font which is actually raised and shiny silver so it really stands out from the crowd.

Favourite quotes

The hallway in front of them as an ex-siren and a quarter incubus conquered Jackson High. I wondered what Amma would have to say about that.
Sweet baby in a manger. Heaven help us all. - Ethan

I had always hoped things would change in my town, until they started changing. Now I wanted Gatlin to go back to the boring town I'd known all my life. The way things were when I hated the way things were. Back when I could see things coming, and nothing ever came.
I didn't want to see this - Ethan

Website for the books and authors

Kami Garcia's website

Kami Garcia on Facebook

Kami Garcia on Twitter

Margaret Stohl's website

Margaret Stohl on Facebook

Margaret Stohl on Twitter

In Mists mailbox 18

In my mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The story siren

Each week we share the books we got that week.

Here's what I got

17th October - 23rd October

Books mentioned

Bought

Stormbreaker, Point blanc, Skeleton key, Eagle strike, Scorpia, Ark angel, Snakehead, Crocodile tears and Scorpia rising by Anthony Horowitz

Higher institute of villainous education, Overlord protocol, Escape velocity, Dreadnought, Rogue and Zero hour by Mark Walden

Snuff by Terry Pratchett x2

Beautiful malice by Rebecca James

Between by Jessica Warman

Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick

RAK

Entice by Carrie Jones – Thank you Graceful reads!

The resistence by Gemma Malley – Thank you Donna @ Book passion for life!

The dead of winter by Chris Priestly – This is from Donna also.

Won

Dearly departed by Lia Habel

For review

After obsession by Carrie Jones & Steven E. Wedel

The iron queen by Julie Kagawa

Julia by Otto De Kat

Slash and burn by Colin Cotterill

eBooks

Slip point by Karalynn Lee - Got this one from NetGalley, it sounds awesome!

This week in review

Warriors of the edge by Katie Bridges

Unveiled by Trisha Wolfe

The adoration of Jenna Fox - Audio review

Dark nights embrace by Morwenna Drake - Guest review by Ninfa

There would've been more but I've been very poorly :(

What did you get in your mailbox this week?

Becca Fitzpatrick signing

Look, look! That there is Becca Fitzpatrick and on the right is me!

Yes, today myself and Donna and Jess from Book passion for life had the pleasure of meeting Becca Fitzpatrick, since it's my first ever signing I wanted to share it with all of you.

I totally got tongue tighed when I met Becca but she was lovely and sign all three of my books from the series yay She also signed the extra copy of Silence I got for the charity auction in March.

And here is a picture of my copy of Hush, Hush :)

I was going to photograph them but decided on just one instead, since they all have the same in them.

Audio Friday #2 - The adoration of Jenna Fox review

Well it's actually 'Audio every-other Friday' but that didn't have quite the same catch.

Every fortnight - on a Friday - is Audio Friday where I post a review for an audiobook interchanging between myself and a lovely follower Wanda, so we'll be doing one each a month.

Today it's my turn :)

The adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson.

Read by Jenna Lamia.

Available now.

What's it about?

Who is Jenna Fox? Seventeen-year-old Jenna has been told that is her name. She has just awoken from a coma, they tell her, and she is still recovering from a terrible accident in which she was involved a year ago. But what happened before that? Jenna doesn’t remember her life. Or does she? And are the memories really hers?

Side note: I'd been considering audiobooks for a while and am glad I finally tried one, I had no trouble getting into the book and listened to it far quicker than I expected. It was great for when I couldn't be holding onto an actual book, like when I was washing-up or doing other housework, and it certainly made those chores more entertaining!

My review:

On the narrator: The voice of Jenna Lamia was an easy one to listen to, I liked that she did slightly different voices for different characters but didn't go over the top so it wasn't theatrical, she portrayed emotional moments really well and I still felt a connection to the lead character, though not in the same way I would reading the book to myself, more like she was my friend telling me a story.

On the book: And speaking of the story, I loved it, such an interesting and different idea and a glimpse into a possible future. I was intrigued following Jenna try to regain her memories along with independence and answers as to what happened and why she feels different.
It was a great journey and I really didn't know where it would go until it happened, I liked Jenna, she had to make some hard choices and I think she was very strong. She wasn't afraid to keep pushing until she found out the truth.

There were a lot of other very likeable characters like Jennas nan - Lily - Allys and of course Ethan. I liked that there was a love interest but it was only a small portion of the book, this story is all about Jenn Fox and who she is and it really leaves you questioning how far can science go and how far would you go for your child.

I had a great time uncover the secrets along with Jenna and enjoyed it just as much as I think I would had I read the book myself. I can't wait to 'listen' to the next one.

On the cover: I like this, the blues on the butterfly are really pretty and it placed on the hand made me interested to find out what it meant. That being said I do love the new paperback cover with the jigsaw pieces, I think it's much more fitting (And would look very pretty on my shelf!)

Mary E. Pearsons website

Mary E. Pearsons blog

Wednesdays Worldly covers - #35 and UK vs US #2

Wednesdays worldly covers is a weekly feature of my own where each week I share a cover I've found from around the world.

 This weeks cover is a German cover for Indigo 01 - Im Sog des Meeres (Indigo 01 - In the wake of the sea) by Helen Dunmore.

Mist: I think the colours are a bit dark and drab on this cover but the artwork is great, I like that the mermaids tailfins are crossed but there's also a gap between them that's interesting.

Ninfa: I love the dark blue swirls on it and the font they used for the title. I'm not convinced about the actual mermaid figures as they look a little stiff. Looking at them it seems they should actually be touching each other which would have been nicer to see for me. All in all it makes me curious and it could be something I'd pick up in a shop to browse.

And this is the UK cover which is titled Ingo.

Mist: Now this one I love, that's why it's sitting on my shelf in my to-read pile. I love all the detail put into it, the fishes and the bubbles illustrate that the mermaid is in fast motion, almost like she's going to swim off the cover, I also really like the turquoise.

Ninfa: I really like this one,the mermaid figure is really pretty and I like the details of the underwater plants and the bubbles,it gives it a nice sense of movement,as if you could almost hear the mermaid splash into the sea. I'm intrigued by this cover and would probably buy the book,especially since I like the tag line on the cover as well.

UK vs US is a feature done by a number of blogs but I've no idea where it originated.

Each week I compare a UK and a US book cover of the same book.

UK                                                           US

Shadow Heir by Richelle Mead (Book four in the Dark Swan series)

Mist: The UK cover is easily my favourite of these two, the colours, the birds, the leaves and snowflakes, the pretty girl, I love it all! The US cover looks like a lot of other covers I've seen and I don't like that sickly pinky, orange colour.

Ninfa: This is a very difficult one as I love both covers! The US one is more "Urban Fantasy" isnpired and the only thing I can point out is that the model doesn't look like Eugenie at all!
So it's a UK win again,the cover is so pretty,and I love the details on it,the leaves intertwined around the face and the ravens. It's very Fantasy inspired and quite haunting. Much Love!

Which do you prefer?

Dark nights embrace review by Ninfa Sferlazzo-Hayes

"Dark Night's Embrace" (Paranormal Erotic Romance)
by Morwenna Drake

Vampire Hunters are back...and smoking hot.

Story: Violet thinks that she has left her dangerous life behind. Once the unresisting victim of a powerful vampire named Julian, it took a force of will and a complete change of identity to escape him. Now, in her little London bookshop, she feels safe – but not for long. Julian has finally tracked her down and he wants something only she can find for him – the Phoenix Book.
On the verge of being trapped into servitude again, Violet is saved by one of her customers, Alex. As he rushes her to safety, she discovers she is not the only one leading a double life. The unassuming Alex is a vampire hunter and has been chasing both Julian and the Phoenix Book, in which lies the secret to destroying Julian and his type forever.
Caught between two old adversaries, Violet must keep her wits about her and not give into temptation with either Alex or Julian, however much she might want to.

Dark Night's Embrace is only 66 pages long,but this little novella is packed with saucy scenes and some interesting twists.

Review: A homage to old school vampires (Think 70s cult movies with Boris Carloff and Christopher Lee),it takes us back to a time when vamps were most definitely the bad guys and not the tortured souls they became after their wonderful Anne Rice makeover. Still,this doesn't make them any less interesting or complex and I really loved Morwenna's take on Julian and Violet's toxic realtionship and how she explained her entrancement and obsession with him. I also liked Alex and his matter of fact attitude.
Violet,the unwillingly willing victim,also manages to retain some strengh which made the book less about the damsel in distress and more about a woman looking to regain con trol of her shattered life.
I enjoyed the book,it was an easy and fast read with well thought characters,something I would recommend if you enjoy swiitching your brain off for a little while and getting lost in dreams of strong and sexy vampire hunters  and scary and irresistable undead ;)
Definitely one for the Adults,with explicit sex scenes and some very mild violence.

If you'd like to find out more,why not head over to

Morwenna Drake's Facebook Page

or visit the Publisher's website

http://www.eredsage.com/

Unveiled by Trisha Wolfe excerpt

Thanks, Misty, for letting me guest post today! And hi Misty’s followers! I’ll be honest here, I’m not the best guest-poster-type person. I’ve done a few of these lately, and I’ve realize just how not entertaining I am. So . . . I’ve decided to do something a little special here. Since Misty has been such a wonderful support during the release of UNVEIELD, I’m giving her blog the first ever excerpt to release! Hope you guys enjoy it!

EXCEPT:

Xander slows his pace as he glances over at me. “I’ve shut down my communicator,” he says, showing me the small silver device, then he slides it into the vest of his uniform. “So we won’t be tracked.”

I nod. “You honestly don’t know anything about the Rebels?” I study his features, waiting to see his eyes shift—a muscle twitch. But he keeps his eyes trained on me, stoic.

“No.” He looks down at the ground then back at me. “How is it I’ve never been informed?” He kicks a rock with his boot. “Because I’ve just been knighted?”

I shake my head. “I don’t know. Maybe. All members of the Force are aware of us, though. Destroying us is their . . . your priority.”

He slants his eyes at me. “As you can plainly see, it’s not mine. Though, you almost left me little choice.”

“Ha!” I halt walking and spin toward him. “You were as good as dead back there.”

He stops, too, facing me. “Yes, the ever-effective kiss your enemy to death tactic,” he says, a smile playing at his lips. “I have to admit, it’s my preferable way to die.”

My face heats. “You didn’t seem to mind the approach. You probably would’ve let me end you back there if I’d allowed you to continue.”

He laughs, then begins walking again, saying over his shoulder, “If I remember correctly, it was me who ended the kiss.”

I open my mouth to retort, but he continues. “But if my demise comes at your lips, you’re correct. I’d probably welcome it.”

My lips twitch as I try to keep from smiling. “And you call me mad.”

Amongst the wasteland lies the gleaming city of Karm. A Camelot-esque utopia built from the ashes of a dying world.

Seventeen-year-old Fallon is no daughter of Karm.

She's its assassin.

Raised by a secret society of rebels, she's bent on bringing down the king's sham of an existence. But her first mark, one of the king's top knights of ...moreAmongst the wasteland lies the gleaming city of Karm. A Camelot-esque utopia built from the ashes of a dying world.
Seventeen-year-old Fallon is no daughter of Karm.
She's its assassin.
Raised by a secret society of rebels, she's bent on bringing down the king's sham of an existence. But her first mark, one of the king's top knights of the Force, makes her question everything. Even her heart.

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