Audio Book Review: Storm Watcher

Storm Watcher

By:  Lilith Saintcrow

Publish Date:  April 8, 2008, Audiobook Release October 23, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 7 hrs 36 mins
Narrated By:  Rayna Cole & Jack Wayne

Genre:  Paranormal, Romance

Series:  2nd in The Watcher series; 1st Book ~ Dark Watcher

Impression:  Still troubles to work through, and bring to love.

Synopsis:
The Witch:

All Mariamne Niege wants is to finish her thesis and get a job. Unfortunately, she's a Guardian now, and her visions of the future have grown so intense she's blind to the world while in their grip. Her Watcher, Hanson, is sleeping on her couch and scaring her roommates when he's not shepherding her through the visions and calming her worsening nightmares. Then the earthquakes start, warning of an even bigger disaster--a cataclysm that could level her beloved city and claim countless innocent lives. A disaster her visions say are triggered by Hanson, even though he's sworn to protect her . . .

The Watcher:

Hanson joined the Watchers to atone for a life of lies, but the only way he can stay close enough to Mari to protect her is to use some of his less-than-honest talents. She is the only witch who can ease the agony of being a Watcher, and the only woman in the world he wants. Then Mari's house is broken into and her roommates slaughtered, and in order to save his witch, Hanson is going to have to become more vicious than the Dark--even though it might mean losing her forever.

First Sentence:
Her face, chalk-white, smear of blood on one pale cheek, dark hair falling back.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.


Rayna and Jack voice the chapters based on POV - Jack for Hanson and Rayna for Mari. This is a lovely combo as we get to hear how they hear things said and how each feels on the receiving end. Things are always perceived differently by each person, and we see that here with their relationship as it grows. They both add feeling and tone differences for the characters we come across in the story to help differentiate them as we listen.

Mari is such a kind soul that there are people who tell her what to do and take advantage of her kindness to help. Mari starts to get bolder and braver through this book. She starts to stand up for herself.

Mari finds someone special in Hanson as they grow closer. She's afraid to show her feelings, and he's not wanting to show his because as a Watcher he has no right to touch or feel for her. Though, Mari is still a kind soul and can't help wanting to help people, no matter how bad because it's her nature as a Lightbringer and now the city's Guardian. Hanson wants to protect and help her with these people.

Hanson has his insecurities as well. He's lost a witch in the past and couldn't bear to lose Mari. He's afraid he'll lose her by making a mistake or not paying close attention. But his worse fear, that he scares Mari and he'll lose her because of that.

Mari has visions, and one particular vision has her off hinged. She's certain the vision will come true and she can't take the thought of it as she would lose a dear friend if it does. This nightmare haunts her at night and with lack of sleep or with broken sleep, she's not at her best during the day. She finds some peace but also is given another avenue to search and learn about things when a strange man gives her papers with notes from her teacher on it. The teacher who's gone and missed.

This is a romance read mixed with action and worry. We learn there is still trouble in the city that needs tending to yet Mari and Hanson are drawn to each other as they work through all the troubles. There are sensual moments along with a growth of trust and feelings between them. I love the blend of action and love in this story. This is an adult read with these special moments.



****If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you!

Audio Book Review: Dark Watcher

Dark Watcher

By:  Lilith Saintcrow

Publish Date:  October 16, 2004, Audiobook Release April 16, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 6 hrs 55 mins
Narrated By:  Jack Wayne & Rayna Cole

Genre:  Paranormal Fantasy

Series:  1st in The Watcher series

Impression:  New view of the magic world with a blooming love.

Synopsis:
Theodora Morgan knows she's a little strange. Her talent for healing has set her apart, marked her as different all her life—a life spent moving from town to town when too much notice is taken of her abilites. Unfortunately, her talent for healing has brought her to the attention of the Crusade—and the Dark. The Crusade wants her dead because she's psychic, the Dark wants to feed on her talent—and then there's Dante. Tall and grim and armed with black-bladed knives, guns and a sword, he says he's here to protect her. But what if Theo needs protection from him?

Dante is a Watcher, sworn by Circle Lightfall to protect the Lightbringers. His next assignment? Watch over Theo. She doesn't know she's a Lightbringer, she doesn't know she's surrounded by enemies—and she doesn't know she's been marked for death by a bunch of fanatics. Perfect. He can't protect her if she doesn't trust him, but how can she possibly trust a man scarred by murder and warfare—a man who smells like the same Darkness Theo has been running from all her life?

First Sentence:
Rain poured down, glittering and flashing, smashing it's silver needles against the pavement and the blank buildings.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Noble  /  Book Depository

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Two narrators for one book. I always love when we have a blend of male and female voices for a book. Rayna voices the chapters from Theodora's (Theo) POV. Jack voices the chapters from Dante's POV. I've enjoyed Rayna's voice previously, and do again. She has a calm about her tones that make me feel relaxed, which fits the character of Theo. Jack is new for me, but while listening it didn't feel that way. He voiced Dante's view with the feelings as the character would. I had to stop and think about the two voices after three chapters to realize they were voicing two different views of people. This is cool because we also get a feel for the POV's view of those they are talking to. The tones and innuendos from those around them and how they treat each other come out through the two different people. When Theo hears a voice or remembers hearing it, we get that voice from when Jack spoke it in Dante's chapter. This is a nice extra to get in audio.

Theo has a feeling something is off and when she sees a man who's following her, she acts with caution. She's anxious and worried. This is how she should be. But she's smart too. She thinks on what she's seen and felt. Her mind is always pondering and she asks questions, learning along with us about the creatures after her and The Circle Lightfall. This is a smart character. There's more to learn, I'm sure, but we get a strong feel of things here. Theo does have an insecurity though with relationships, like many people. But Theo is determined in life and will go where she's called to help others.

Lilith is great at lacing actions and characters with details that tell us of the world and why things are as they are. We gradually learn about the world through Dante's actions, the reason he's watching over Theo. The world and characters are formed as one as they are action and reaction to what's around.

This is the blooming of a love between Theo and Dante. It's intertwined with the action of the story and why Dante is here. We have the sweet moments where we can see there could be more between them. But they have to live through much more to get there, getting to know each other. We also have our action and fights as Dante protects Theo and the other witches.

I'm liking Dante. He's a big strong man who kills bad things for a living. Yet he's such a gentleman as well. He's like the bad guy girls love rolled together with the good guy you should be with. He's not perfect, but he's a great combo. But, Dante's had his share of trouble in the past, something he has to live with.

Such a great story. It's known what the characters want or don't want, and what they fight for. Then ultimately what the sacrifice is. But, what they get in the end feels as though it's more than what they wanted to begin with. It's going to be a difficult life, and I'm ready to follow them through the rest of the series.



****If you liked my thoughts, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you!

Audio Book Review: Hunter, Healer

Hunter, Healer

By:  Lilith Saintcrow

Publish Date:  May 5, 2016, Audiobook Release October 5, 2017

Format:  Audiobook - 7 hrs 54 mins
Narrated By:  Rayna Cole

Genre:  Paranormal Romance

Series:  2nd book of The Society Series; 1st Book ~ The Society

Impression:  Love is strong and one will do great things for it.

Synopsis:
Their first mistake? Kidnapping her lover. Their second? Thinking she wouldn't do something about it.

The black-ops government agency known as Sigma has shattered the resistance, destroyed its infrastructure, and taken its best operative captive. It's about as bad as it can get, but Sigma's forgotten one thing: Rowan Price.

Rowan is no longer a civilian in the shadow war. Her talents are fully trained, and she's become something she never dreamed of—a cool, clinical, lethal psionic operative. Working as Henderson's second-in-command, she's utterly focused on two things: repairing the Society's infrastructure and rescuing Justin Delgado. Yet under her shell of calm and gentleness, her rage is simmering...and it's about to break loose.

Delgado knows he can't remember something important. He puts up with Sigma's beatings and questioning, the pain and the torture...

First Sentence:
KICK.

Purchase At:
Amazon

Audible 

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

It's been three months since Delgado was taken. Rowan and the Society have been on the move, staying a hairs breath reach away from Sigma's fingers. Delgado did something to his mind, and he can't remember. He does know that Sigma has been drugging and beating him, asking where some girl named Rowan Price is. They want this girl. Bad. He doesn't know who she is, but if she's staying ahead of Sigma then he potentially trained her, and maybe she could help him.

Rayna is back for book two! Yes! I thought her voice fit Rowan perfectly in the first book as it fits the descriptions given of Rowan's voice. Rayna carries Rowan's emotions so well in her voice. Along with Delgado when we are in his head. There are moments that are italicized in the book to represent thoughts, which can be hard to relate vocally so the listener doesn't think the character is talking. Doing it with a slightly lower volume or whisper helps us differentiate these moments. I'm amazed at the talent Rayna has in jumping from Rowan's emotions to Delgado's emotions. They are both on a different feel, and it's portrayed in the quick scenes with grace from Rowan.

I was waiting for this audio book. I wanted to know how things would go after the ending of the first book.

Where Delgado kept his ability hidden and reserved in book one, we see him in action here. He's a killing machine when Sigma needs him to be. Or when he wants to be. We also get to see Rowan starting to understand her powers. She does more with them now, knowingly.

Rowan has grown stronger. In her ability and in character. She was weaker in the first book and still looks for her rock and love, Delgado, but she can function on her own. As a matter of fact, she can help run the team. She doesn't realize she's stepped into the position Delgado held, and she's doing an amazing job at it. Rowan is a complicated character. At times she seems like she should be weak and dependent, but she's not. There is so much more to her that makes her stronger and caring.

Delgado trained her to fight, in case this happened. In case he was taken and turned against her. He pushed Rowan past her limits when they were last together in the training room, but he knew he had to in order to keep her safe. Delgado's worst fears came true, and now Rowan is strong enough to survive against him. But she's more than that. She means the world to Delgado and he will find his way back to her.

What Delgado had to do to himself to protect Rowan from being found has lingering flickers for Delgado. Things are a tad rocky with him and Rowan as they find each other again. We see Rowan and Delgado as they are attracted to each other, but they are afraid of how things have changed. The story is more romance of how they find their way back to each other than what happens in bed, although that is present as well. This is more of the growing love they have.

The book feels to have a balance of romance and action. There is more story with Rowan and Sigma and Delgado and Sigma, as we get POV's from Rowan and Delgado. The story comes to an end, but there is an opening to possibly continue with these characters. I'd be up for it if it happens, but I'm happy with the way this ended as well.


****If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you!

Audio Book Review: The Society

The Society

By:  Lilith Saintcrow

Publish Date:  August 15, 2005, Audiobook Release May 16, 2017

Format:  Audiobook - 8 hrs 27 mins
Narrated By:  Rayna Cole

Genre:  Paranormal Romance

Series:  1st in The Society series

Impression:  Psi powers draw them closer than just love.

Synopsis:
Will she be the Society’s salvation...or its downfall?

The black-ops government agency called Sigma broke Justin Delgado, trained his psionic talent, and turned him into a killer. Then he escaped and joined the Society, an underground resistance movement of psions determined to use their talents to bring Sigma down. Competent, cold, and cruelly efficient, he’s the best operative the Society has, a legend among the psions who fight a shadow war against an enemy that owns the courts, the press, and the police. Feared even by his own teammates, hunted by the government, and too damaged to feel anything but clinical rage, he is utterly alone—until he meets Rowan.

When Rowan Price stumbles across Delgado’s team in an abandoned house, he is assigned to make contact with her, bring her in, and keep her alive—because Rowan is one of the most powerful psychics the resistance has ever encountered. If the government gets its hands on her, she could very well mean the downfall of the resistance, because nobody, not even Rowan, is quite sure how far her talents extend.

The Society will welcome Rowan, if she can stay alive long enough to join them. Unfortunately, there’s a traitor buried in the ranks. If the Society goes down, Rowan is at risk. God alone knows what Delgado will do to keep her safe, because Rowan is fast becoming the only thing in the world he cares about...

First Sentence:
It was, as Rowan's best friend Hilary often said, a day of small mishaps turning into complete disasters.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.


The story rotates from Rowan and Delgado's POV, female and male. Rayna does a nice job of giving a deeper tone when Delgado's speaking or when in his mind. It helps separate the characters for us. There is a description of Rowan's voice being a bit on the husky side, and Rayna's voice fits this for me. Rowan is a delicate person in this book. She's lived through some terrible things she's seen. This creates a vulnerable person to be voiced. Rayna voices Rowan in those moments when her hearts breaking and she sounds lost, as Rowan would. Even with Delgado, he's trying to be careful with Rowan but he's also falling for her, so there's a level of concern and thought in his voice that comes through with Rayna's tones. Very powerful emotions portrayed with talent.

From the moment he sees Rowan for the first time at that abandoned house, he's found her attractive and he's protective of her. The way he comes across as he's doing his job, watching her to find if she's with the government or maybe recruit her for her psi ability, does NOT come out stalker-ish and it very well could have. On the contrary, it comes out more protective. There is a draw there for him but it's gentle in feeling.

I found I liked Delgado and Rowan. Both are good people and do the right thing. Delgado though, he is afraid he'll scare Rowan because her psi is so sensitive and that most people are nervous of him. Why? To think so low of himself has me curious as to what he can do. And we do learn about why Delgado thinks this way.

Oh my. I'm just going to say it. I absolutely LOVE Delgado. He's that damaged character that's trying so hard. I fell in love with him more and more as the story went.

When Delgado gets to explain things to Rowan, I found I really liked how he did it. He was honest with her and didn't hold things back. But he did it with a gentle feel, trying to keep her emotions in mind.

This is more of a romance read. There is a bit of action and urgency to what the characters do. BUT this is a story told from the characters minds as they meet and get to know and even fall for each other through their actions.

Lilith gently draws us into the world of psi with Rowan and Delgado. There are things happening that make us curious, but also builds the characters as people for us, and in doing this she builds the world through them. We aren't blindly thrown into a new world, we learn it with Rowan.

Okay. All that being said. I found I slipped into their relationship and the growth of it. How they became so intimately entwined emotionally. Wow. I feel that audio really elevated this feeling for me. Lilith with the words and Rayna with the voice, together they were seductive.

Before the end of this one, I knew I needed the next book. At the end, I NEED the next one. lol.



****If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you!

Cover Reveal: MARKED

Eeeee!! I'm soooo thrilled to share this hot cover with you. Okay, yes, I have a thing for tattoos. lol.

Lilith Saintcrow has an awesome new book coming your way reeeeeaaaaally soon! And this is the cover for your viewing.

Marked

By:  Lilith Saintcrow

Due Out:  October 1, 2016

Pre-order at Amazon Now!

(Additional site pre-orders/buy links to go live)

Description:

A winding road, a freak storm, and a lightning strike. Jude Altfall’s life, just beginning to coalesce after her divorce, is shattered afresh. Dazed with grief, she’s not sure if the weird things happening around her are hallucinations…or something more. And there’s the mark on her hip—a tattoo she can’t for the life of her remember getting. 

Preston Marlock left a shadowy government agency two years ago, to hunt a killer. Each time the bastard strikes the trail goes cold, and not even Marlock’s more-than-natural abilities are helping. Now the killer’s taken one of his very few friends, and there’s a surviving witness. The Altfall woman is now that most precious and fragile of targets, newly Marked. All Marlock has to do is dangle her like bait, and the killer will eventually show up. 

The Skinner knows some people are different. Special. He has a collection of stretched skin and pretty pictures, each harvested with care. The trick is to take them while the victim is still struggling, still alive, otherwise their power is lost. He is careful, methodical, and precise, but chance robs him of a prize. Once he realizes Jude Altfall has what he covets, and has possibly seen his face, her fate is sealed. And just to be cautious, the Skinner might swat at the annoying fly who has buzzed along his trail for two years...

These people make me curious about them, and I want to see the great crafty idea of these tattoos.

The Marked... Semi-sentient tattoos... YES Please!

Ooooooh! I HAAAAD to share this one with you all. Really. It sounds amazing.

Are you a tattoo person? Like to read about tattoos? Well this sounds like an exciting twist to tattoos in a book.

"You want a book about grief and 
semi-sentient tattoos, right?"

Yep, that's the tag line at the site. I was sold at this line.

Lilith Saintcrow is crowdfunding a new book! It's the first book in a new series. Lilith is crowdfunding the book to self-publish it with all the proper elements it needs to be ready for our eyes. You can help support this book and bring it out for all of us.

So, about the book...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Marked

Description:

Awful things happen. Sometimes you’re left alive, but it leaves a Mark. They aren’t tattoos, and they express your hidden powers—and your hidden desires. They grow as you use them. And someone wants them very, very badly…

A winding road, a freak storm, and a lightning strike. Jude Altfall’s life, just beginning to coalesce after her divorce, is shattered afresh. Dazed with grief, she’s not sure if the weird things happening around her are hallucinations…or something more. And there’s the mark on her hip—a tattoo she can’t for the life of her remember getting.

Preston Marlock left a shadowy government agency two years ago, to hunt a killer. Each time the bastard strikes the trail goes cold, and not even Marlock’s more-than-natural abilities are helping. Now the killer’s taken one of his very few friends, and there’s a surviving witness. The Altfall woman is now that most precious and fragile of targets, newly Marked. All Marlock has to do is dangle her like bait, and the killer will eventually show up.

The Skinner knows some people are different. Special. He has a collection of stretched skin and pretty pictures, each harvested with care. The trick is to take them while the victim is still struggling, still alive, otherwise their power is lost. He is careful, methodical, and precise, but chance robs him of a prize. Once he realizes Jude Altfall has what he covets, and has possibly seen his face, her fate is sealed. And just to be cautious, the Skinner might swat at the annoying fly who has buzzed along his trail for two years.

Sometimes you survive, and you bear a Mark.

And some things are worse than death.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What do you think?
I'm really interested. Sounds like a murder mystery type read with magic and so much more mixed in! I want it!

And you can help make it available for you and me. :) Just jump over to Indiegogo and click to support the book. As of today we have 10 days left. Only 10 days!

Thank you for your eyes and support!

Book Review: Trailer Park Fae

Trailer Park Fae

By:  Lilith Saintcrow

Publish Date:  June 23, 2015

Format:  Print, 309 pgs

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  1st in Gallow & Ragged series

Impression:  Jeremiah Gallow is finally out from the intricate world of Sidhe. Or his he? Robin Ragged is working to save herself and a young boy while the Sidhe come down with the black plague.

Synopsis:
New York Times bestselling author Lilith Saintcrow returns to dark fantasy with a new series where the fairy world inhabits diners, dive bars and trailer parks.

Jeremiah Gallow is just another construction worker, and that's the way he likes it. He's left his past behind, but some things cannot be erased. Like the tattoos on his arms that transform into a weapon, or that he was once closer to the Queen of Summer than any half-human should be. Now the half-sidhe all in Summer once feared is dragged back into the world of enchantment, danger, and fickle fae—by a woman who looks uncannily like his dead wife. Her name is Robin, and her secrets are more than enough to get them both killed. A plague has come, the fullborn-fae are dying, and the dark answer to Summer's Court is breaking loose.

Be afraid, for Unwinter is riding...

First Sentence:
Summer, soft green hills and shaded dells, lay breathless under a pall of smoky apple-blossom dusk.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository


My Thoughts and Summary:
*I requested this book for review from the publisher.

Robin is sent to pick up the cure for the black boil plague, that's making the full-blooded Sidhe sick, from Summer's mortal pet scientist. Robin is scurrying through the gates into the mortal world as those that hunt this season are the Unseelie Hunters, and they have scented her trail. Jeremiah never expected to see his mortal love to walk into the tavern five years after her death. Jeremiah rushes to help her, and draws attention to himself. Now the Sidhe he has hidden from are looking for him to return once again. First Robin must retrieve the cure from another while staying out of the Unseelie Hunters grasps. She's curious of the man who's come to her rescue, unneeded. But she has plans, to make a deal for something she holds dear to her with the Queen with the cure she carries.

Where do I start? I'm taken with this story as a whole. The characters are one with the story. Their actions are based on what's happening around them and what they feel their only choices are. The story helps drives them. The style of the writing fits the setting and creation of the world. The book is a complete package for the fey style!

Has Lilith taken speaking lessons from the Fey? From Shakespeare? We get the full affect of Sidhe and their sideways ways. When she is writing the Sidhe speaking or thinking sections I'm blown away with the magnificent structure of her sentences. The double sided blade of each word is present. You can find the truth somewhere in what they are saying. Her descriptions are complete and told while giving the feel of the characters in the moment. Lilith uses items and ways to describe things that are new and not repeated in books around. I loved this and looked forward to the interaction of characters with each other and their surroundings.

I can, however, can see some struggling with the style of the writing, but I think Lilith has carried the style through with the backward ways of the Sidhe. When I first started I wasn't ready for the Sidhe's ways. I paused, reoriented my thinking, and dove in to follow Gallow and Ragged through their adventures. The writing style is one that demands my full attention to catch the meaning in the words. I'm one who enjoys a book I need to pay attention to.

Lilith has blended current with old in this fascinating tale. She's taken the old fae characters we know and twisted them with the current ways of the world. The story circles around the sidhe growing sick, one by one. The half fae are safe. Each character has their own motives and what they are trying to achieve through the story. These motives and actions draw Jeremiah and Robin together.

Jeremiah Gallow is one of the half fae. Gallow has 'tattoos' on his arms, but they are no tribal sign. I love the tattoos and their purpose. Those 'tattoos' are powerful and a weapon bestowed on him from dwarven ink. He carries his weapons with him at all times. Robin Ragged is another half fae. Her power is in her voice, and Puck needs her. There's a young boy in Summer's grasps that she wishes to save, and Robin will do about anything to do just that.

This is not a romance read. This is straight up fey and urban fantasy. There are fights and running. There are also twists and turns, as there is with Fey, to who is doing what.

I loved reading this book as the actions of the characters fall in line with their needs as they are forced to do what they feel is their only choice under the pressure of the Sidhe. There is action and mayhem. Puck is up to his no good deeds, as always. Summer is as demanding and eye catching as ever. Unwinter is as bold and cold as expected. Robin has learned from the best to play a portion of the game to get what she wants. And Jeremiah is stuck in the middle of them all.

There has to be more to come with Jeremiah Gallow and Robin Ragged. I am looking forward to it!

Cover Reveals & Releases:

So with all that's been going on and not being around for a few weeks, I'm trying to get caught up with covers and releases. You may have seen them, but I had to have it on my blog too. :)


Cover Reveals:

Bound by Prophecy

Bound series #3

By:  Stormy Smith

Due Out:  November 12, 2015

Description:

Amelia Bradbury is finally free from Queen Julia and Cresthaven, but she isn’t safe yet. The Keeper power runs rampant inside her and it will take an ultimate act of selflessness to contain the darkness that threatens Amelia’s sanity and the future of the Immortal race.

Aidan Montgomery refuses to give up on Amelia. Once she’s rescued from the Keeper’s hold, he intends to prove his love is more than a side effect of the prophecy, even if doing so leads him away from his pack and on a journey that will irrevocably change them both.

When the past and the present collide and the shocking origin of the Immortals is revealed, Amelia and Aidan are forced back to Cresthaven to end a war that never should have started.

~~~~~~~~~~

Of Flame and Promise

Weird Girls series

By:  Cecy Robson

Due Out:  January 12, 2016

Description:

Cursed by a spell meant to destroy them, Taran Wird and her sisters instead developed unique magical talents. With the power of fire and lightning literally at her fingertips, Taran doesn’t fear much. Demons, vamps, whatever—bring ’em on! Only one thing terrifies her: commitment.

Taran is crazy about her boyfriend, Gemini, a sexy were with the incredible ability to split into two separate wolves. But after watching her sister go through heartbreak with the pack’s Alpha, Taran knows not to count on happily ever after—despite Gemini’s desire to claim her as his mate. Reluctantly, she agrees to meet his very traditional and conservative parents. Taran’s a badass with a mouth to match, and Gemini loves her for it. She’s just not positive these attributes will please Mom and Dad.

Unsurprisingly, every attempt by Taran to bond with Gemini’s folks proves disastrous. But in the end, Taran finds that winning them over means unleashing her powers . . . and proving that this foul-mouthed fire-starter is a force to be reckoned with.

I'm so excited to see more of the Wird girls through another sister's eyes.

~~~~~~~~~~

The Demons We See

#1 Dark Abyss of Our Sins

By:  Krista D. Ball

Due Out:  ?, 2016

Description:

Society was rocked when the Church asked Allegra, Contessa of Marsina, to negotiate the delicate peace talks between the rebelling mage slaves and the various city states. Not only was she a highborn mage, she was a nonbeliever and a vocal objector against the supposed demonic origins of witchcraft. Demons weren't real, she'd argued, and therefore the subjugation of mages was unlawful.

But that was all before the first assassination attempt. That was before Allegra began to hear the strange whispers in the corridors. Before everything changed.

Allegra and her personal guards race to stabilize the peace before the entire known world explodes into war - not just with itself, but with the abyss from beyond.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Newly Released:

Ngaire and Whakamua

By:  Philippa Ballantine

Due Out: NOW!

PICK UP AT AMAZON

Description:

New Zealand like the rest of the world, has been broken and remade by the zombie apocalypse. Humanity is scattered, sheltering as best it can in isolated settlements. However, there is hope, and it rests with one old woman and her machine.

Whakamua, the track laying train's mission is to connect Ngaire's home to the rest of civilization. As they set off for Wellington, where they hope to find more survivors,Ngaire knows it is going to be a long road, but she can't anticipate the dangers that are waiting for them just outside the gate.

~~~~~~~~~~

Heart of the Rose

A Tale of the Black Rose Guard

By:  K.L. Bone

Due Out:  NOW!

PICK UP AT AMAZON

Description:

In this sequel to Black Rose, reunite with the captains of the Immortal Guard and witness Mara and Edward at the beginning of their epic love story, which spans more than a millennium of heartache, pain, and undying devotion.

When Edward is sent on a mysterious quest by the ruthless queen, nineteen-year-old Mara—the youngest sub-captain to ever serve the Royal Guard—vowed to await his return, never anticipating decades would pass without word of his fate. The noble captain is taken prisoner by a rival court where he is forced to endure years of brutal torment at the hands of his captors. His life clings to but a single thought—Mara.

Refusing to accept that her love will never return, Mara clutches to a hope which defies the bounds of reason. However as years pass, memories fade from comfort to unbearable grief. As Mara prepares to accept the unimaginable loss, a sinister creature of roses and shadow haunts her dreams. Dreams of blood. Dreams of torment. Dreams of Edward.

The dark presence lingers, and Mara finds herself trapped in a certainty she fears no other will believe—even those closest to her heart. She must choose between honoring her vows to the immortal courts to which she has sworn her life, or leaving to search for the man who possesses her soul.

Dive into the beginning of the tale that shapes the most feared, most loved, and most revered captain in the history of the immortal courts.

~~~~~~~~~~

The Demon's Librarian

By:  Lilith Saintcrow

Due Out:  NOW!

PICK UP AT AMAZON

Description:

When demons are preying on schoolchildren in her city, Francesca Barnes does what any red-blooded librarian would do-she does some research and goes hunting. But the books she finds in a secret cache don't tell her the whole story. Chess has no idea what she's just stepped into-or just how special she really is . . .

Orion (Ryan) is Drakul, part demon, and a loyal servant of the Order. He doesn't expect a motorcycle-riding librarian to be messing around with demonic forces, and he doesn't expect her to smell so damn good. But Ryan's got bigger problems. His partner has disappeared, and the forces of Darkness are rising. Now Chess is Ryan's only hope of finding his partner, and Ryan is Chess's only hope of survival, because the demons now know Chess exists-and that she is the heir to a long-lost power that could push back their dark tide.

If Ryan can keep her alive long enough, she just might be the key to destroying the demons completely. But Ryan doesn't know he's been betrayed by the very Order he serves. And if Chess does, by some miracle, survive, he won't ever be able to touch her again . . .

....

Cover Reveal: Rose & Thunder

I am taking over Mel's blog today with an exciting cover reveal. I had the immense honour of getting to work on this book with the author. It's a contemporary retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

Rose & Thunder

By: Lilith Saintcrow

Print: March 20, 2015

eBook: May 5, 2015

Beauty...

Isabella Harpe, last in a long line of witches, drifts with the wind. Her tarot cards always ready to bring in enough to live on, and her instincts keep her mostly out of trouble. Unfortunately, bad boyfriends and even worse luck strand her near the most dangerous place for a witch to land—beside a cursed town, and an even more cursed man.

The roses...

Jeremy Tremont’s family built their house over an ancient place of power, turning it into an uneasy, rose-choked sanctuary for the weird and the dangerous alike. Scarred, quiet, and difficult, he’s not Isabella’s idea of a prospective employer, no matter how badly she needs the money. He’s paying well, and there’s only one catch: she has to be home by dusk. Because in Tremont City, bad things happen after nightfall.

And the curse. 

Secrets hide in every corner, an ancient curse cloaks itself in silence, and Isabella’s arrival has begun a deadly countdown. Despite that, she may have found a home—all she has to do is figure out how to break the curse.

Oh, and survive in the dark...



Pre-order: Kindle, AllRomanceeBooks, Smashwords (Coming soon to Nook, Kobo, iBooks)

Cover Reveal: Trailer Park Fae

It's the new year and time for new covers to make their way to us. I have a gorgeous one for you today!

Lilith Saintcrow has a lovely little gem for us here....

Trailer Park Fae

By:  Lilith Saintcrow

Due Out:  June 23, 2015

PRE-ORDER:

Amazon  /  Nook

Description:

Jeremy Gallow is just another construction worker, and that's the way he likes it. He's left his past behind, but some things cannot be erased. Like the tattoos on his arms that transform into a weapon, or that he was once closer to the Queen of Summer than any half-human should be. Now the half-sidhe all in Summer once feared is dragged back into the world of enchantment, danger, and fickle fae - by a woman who looks uncannily like his dead wife. Her name is Robin, and her secrets are more than enough to get them both killed. A plague has come, the fullborn-fae are dying, and the dark answer to Summer's Court is breaking loose.

Be afraid, for Unwinter is riding...

I just love all all the elements in this cover! The look on his face, the magic, the tattoos, the toughness, the...well, the trailer! lol. He looks a bit banged up from a fight and bruisin' for more. Oh, I need this one!


ADDITIONAL INFO:
Lilith is on Patreon, where you can pledge a monthly few dollars to read and hear from Lilith's works that are in process and loooong before they are out in the world for others to read. She has a recording of herself reading the first scene of this book, but you must be a Patreon of hers to get access.

Book Review: Working for the Devil

Working for the Devil

By:  Lilith Saintcrow

Publisher:  Orbit

Publish Date:  September 1, 2007

Format:  ebook, 317pgs

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  1st in Dante Valentine series

Recommendation:  Yes, magic and amazing world full of Demons and more.

Synopsis:
When the Devil needs a rogue demon killed, who does he call?

The Player: Necromance-for-hire Dante Valentine is choosy about her jobs. Hot tempered and with nerves of steel, she can raise the dead like nobody's business. But one rainy Monday morning, everything goes straight to hell.

The Score: The Devil hires Dante to eliminate a rogue demon: Vardimal Santino. In return, he will let her live. It's an offer she can't refuse.

The Catch: How do you kill something that can't die?

First Sentence:
My working relationship with Lucifer began on a rainy Monday.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

**I read this story for my own enjoyment.

My Thoughts and Summary:
A Lord of Hell shows up at Dante's door with an invite from the Prince for a contract - she fulfills and she'll be allowed to live with riches beyond her dreams. The Prince, Lucifer, wishes an escaped demon executed and the Egg, a demon artifact he's about to break, brought back to him. Jaf, the demon assassin of Lucifer's is to go with her and keep her alive until the job is done. The demon - Santino - is a dangerous serial killer and Dante and Jaf have personal vendetta's to settle with him. Why Dante? Because the demon was granted immortality years ago. Lucifer hopes since Dante is neither human or Demon she will be able to do the job.

One thing that stuck out in a huge way to me, the world building. Lilith is a pro at it. This world is similar yet so different to what we know. There is an advance in tech here, as demons do love tinkering. There are hover trains, plasguns, holovids, AI pilotdecks on hovers and freight fliers. Magic exists here strongly and is accepted, mostly. There's an Academy to be accredited in area of expertise. But people are still nervous of some of the areas, necromancy being top of the list. Such an interesting creation with psi and even demon intervention in the world.

Demons aren't all that bad. Err, lack of a better word? They are not angels, but they are interesting in humans and the way of the human world as well. Demons are not looked upon with any love by many. But then there are many that don't know there are Demons walking around. But people sure know there are Necromancers and Shamans and others of magic walking around by their living tattoo on their face.

Dante just wants to be left alone to get through her days the best she can. Pay off her Academy loans and buy a house sooner than most her kind. She dabbles in bounty hunting of small things, not an assassin though, to get ahead. And she is. She's a tough shell though. She has a softer side, but hides it well. Then we have Jaf...I...I think 40 pages in and I was falling for the demon.

We meet other friends of Dante as well. They show a broader verse to the world. More magic present and what they can do. Cool. Gabe and Eddie and Jace. And...I think I really like Jace as well. But I doubted the friend relationships a few times as we went. Well done by Lilith.

I will be reading more of this series. The world and magic has caught me. And, seeing Dante as she is now, I want to know what she'll do next.

Throwback Thursday (137)

I found this picture of Trinity College Library, and thought it would work for this meme with a little play with lighting and adding the words.

Let's talk about those books already on the shelves, yours or the stores.

I have a post for books I'm looking forward to coming out;

Looking Forward To...

But what about all those wonderful books that are ALREADY on the shelves.

Whether it be on your shelf waiting to be read or on the shelves in the stores waiting for you to give it a good home.

So, I thought I would share a book a week that is just waiting for me to travel through it's world.

Now... where do I start? Lets go by Published Date on the books...

This Week:

Hmmm yes. I need to get to reading more of Lilith's books. I have several here and really enjoy her world building and stories. They feel deeper than most. Yes, I'll be getting to these books.

Goodreads Synopsis:

It’s not the type of work you can put on a business card…

Not everyone can take on the things that go bump in the night.

Not everyone tries.

But Jill Kismet is not just anyone.

She’s a Hunter, trained by the best – and in over her head.

Welcome to the night shift…

I've heard back from a few bloggers that they would like to join in this meme post, so I'm adding a Linky for you to join in.  Grab the picture above, and join in.  All I ask, is if you can acknowledge my blog in the post so others know where to come back to.

Book Review: The Quill & The Crow

The Quill & The Crow

By:  Lilith Saintcrow

Publish Date:  November 1, 2013

Format:  ebook

Genre:  Non-fiction

Series:  1st in Essays on Writing series

Recommendation:  Not a How-to book. It IS a book full of support for writers and every emotion you feel along the path.

Synopsis:
Essays on writing from the prolific Lilith Saintcrow, compiled from her popular blog. This first of three volumes ranges from the writer's craft to pro tips, musings on art to how to write a better sex scene and more, salted with her trademark pungent phrasing and self-deprecating wit.

First Sentence:
I have long made no secret of considering most books on writing useless.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

*I read to this book for my own enjoyment.

My Thoughts and Summary:
I read this book of essays while undertaking the haul of NaNoWriMo. This book was FULL of support for every emotion I felt along the way. This is not a 'How-To-Write' book, this is a book full of the little things one goes through while writing - whether new or old hat at writing. And little things to keep in mind while in the world of publishing, no matter when.

Straight-up advice with absolutely no sugar coating. Lilith tells you the hard truths in writing and what works for her. Some might work for you, some not. You decide. But even if you don't do like Lilith, she does touch on aspects to be aware of. Writing and being a writer hurts sometimes.

This is not a book on editing or the magical "How to..." book. But a book walking you through things you wouldn't expect when published. And where inspiration derives from and you being happy with what you create. I enjoyed hearing Lilith's thoughts and views. There is a line in many things, and you can walk close to it, but when you cross it...well that's another story.

Lilith's essays touch on many different aspects. "Feed your Muse", The heroes/heroines you love and maybe what they will bring out in you to create. Posts full of inspiration telling you to keep going. Even on writing smut. Writing battles, and much more. Even tips on handling the world. Yes, a few things to do or not do in the publishing world. We've all seen them. There are those out there that do make your jaw drop open. Lilith does touch on that a tad here as well.

Lilith's book supports writers, new and old. If you are a new writer, I suggest this book to you. I say read it while in your writing process. All the fears, doubts, and worries you feel about the work, yeah, Lilith will talk you through to the other side. There are several essays in this work that I will read over and over again, to help me through each project. I felt there was lots of inspiration and support to keep moving forward. It felt at times Lilith was talking right to me with how strong her personality comes through.

Straight forward. Yet inspiring! Thank you Lilith for sharing all these posts in one place!

Exclusive Cover Reveal: Selene

I can't tell you how excited I am to share this gorgeous cover with you!

Ever wonder what happened to Selene in the Dante Valentine world by Lilith Saintcrow? Well, there is a serial available for your reading. FOR FREE! At this time. But, to your great pleasure (and mine) Lilith will be publishing Selene in an ebook and paperback.

Yep! Selene will be all in one place and her very own book! Also, (here's a cool note!) the Selene shorts that were previously published in anthologies (Brother's Keeper and Coming Home) will be included in this as well! Eeep!

Are you ready for it? I'm sure you already peaked. So I hope you came back up to read the details I have.

Selene

A Saint City Novel

By:  Lilith Saintcrow

Due Out:

Free Serial - Read NOW! (still going & will end beginning of January)

Ebook - January 2014

Paperback - January 2014

Description:

Life isn't easy for a sexwitch. Even your own body betrays you. It's bad enough that Selene is part slave to Nikolai, the Prime Power of Saint City, but she's got her brother Danny and she's got her job at the college. In the postwar wreckage of an uncertain world, it's pretty much all she's ever allowed herself to want. 

Then Danny ends up murdered, and Selene finds herself a pawn in a dangerous game. Indentured to a bloodsucking Nichtvren and helpless, told to stop trying to uncover the identity of her brother's killer, Selene has nowhere to turn. If she's a good girl, Nikolai will leave her a little bit of freedom. He'll take care of her, and she'll be safe--if she obeys. 

But Selene hasn't survived this long by being obedient to her cursed powers, or to the men who buy her time. Her brother was all she had, and now she's ready to borrow, beg, lie, steal or kill--whatever it takes to avenge him. 

And if Nikolai gets in the way, Selene will use every tool in her arsenal to make him regret it...

What do you think? I think Beauuuuutiful! And dang I need to get to her in the books.

Mythical Monday (29)

It seems there are many books based on or influenced by Myths and Mythological Beings.

There are so many different Mythology and Mythological Beings recorded. Some are very popular and well known, others not so much. There are many similar beings, yet different depending on the culture it’s based in.  The definition of Myth covers about anything in the Urban Fantasy/Fantasy realm to me.

I’ve invited authors to share briefly the Mythological being or Myth that influenced their character(s) or story, or what their character(s) are based on influencing their books.  Hosting here, one author and being or myth per week.

This week we have:

Urban Fantasy & Young Adult author
Lilith Saintcrow

Talking of Vampires.

Revisiting again and again

I’ve often said that any treatment of a folklore/mythological/fairtytale creature says more about the interpreter than about the creature itself.

A good myth is a shapeshifter, or, more precisely, a screen upon which the storyteller projects her own deep-held ideas. Any good monster, mythological or otherwise, can be revisited again and again, each form speaking volumes about the artist and the cultural medium s/he is swimming in.

Take, for example, vampires. They’ve embodied the deep-seated fears of the Victorian era (Dracula and Carmilla, in their different ways), ambivalence about technology (the Horla), wish-fulfillment fantasy (Twilight), sexual transgression (too many to count), raging against mortality and loneliness (Lestat), dreamlike cannibalistic family secrets (the Scarabae), fears of modernity and the paradoxical fear of the past (Don Simon Ysidro), and—well, the list is well-night endless.

In my own books, the vampire ranges from the delicious predatory wickedness of the Nichtvren in Dante Valentine’s world to the mindless, cartilage-boned, ugly scurf of Jill Kismet’s. There’s the noir-ish detective in A Standup Dame and the small, fragile, imperiled child of the upcoming Fireside Magazine story Maternal Type. My first YA series hinged on hate-filled, murderous vampires and their half-human children, locked in a seemingly-eternal battle. There’s even vampires in The Damnation Affair, though you’d have to scratch off a little of the dust and zombies to find them.

I have a couple theories about what makes vampires such Protean creatures. The one I like best is that the mineral traces of the myth—blood, decaying corpses, a loved one reaching from beyond the grave to drain the living—are buried in the deep rich soil of universal human fears and experiences. (I won’t tell you some of my other theories. Not just now.)

To be a storyteller, or indeed any kind of artist, is to drive a taproot into that dirt and soak up those traces. Much of how any artist approaches a monster depends on the shape of their seed, and the particular traces in the cultural soil they’re rooted in. The end result are flowers fantastical, strange, grotesque, or luminous, but you can tell they’re all related. The next iteration of your favourite monster may well just be another strain of flora in the jungle.

In the end, all monsters are fun to play with when you’re writing a story. But be careful.

Some of them bite.

Author Bio:
Lili Saintcrow was born in New Mexico (which probably explains everything, given the nuclear testing) and spent her childhood bouncing around the world as a military brat. She fell in love with writing in second grade and has done it obsessively ever since. She currently resides in the rainy Pacific Northwest with her children, dogs, cat, and assorted other strays, including a metric ton of books holding her house together.


Find Lilith at:
Site & Blog:  Ragged Feathers
Facebook:  Lilith Saintcrow Author Page
Twitter:  @Lilithsaintcrow
Google+:  Lilith Saintcrow


Lilith's books: (click the image to find on Amazon)