Blog Tour: Bright Blaze of Magic by Jennifer Estep + Giveaway

Welcome to our stop on Bright Blaze tour for Jennifer Estep. This tour is hosted by The Fantastic Flying Book Club Tours.

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Bright Blaze of Magic
Black Blade #3
Author: Jennifer Estep
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Released: April 26th 2016
Publisher: Kensington

Bad Things Always Come In Threes…

As a thief, I'm good at three things: hiding in the shadows, getting in and out unseen, and uncovering secrets. I put these skills to work for the Sinclair Family, one of the magical mobs that run the tourist town of Cloudburst Falls.

Everyone knows Victor Draconi wants to take over all the other Families--and kill every last Sinclair. What they don't know is that I'm on to him, and no way will I let the man who murdered my mom get away with hurting all the other people I care about. Especially when I've got places to break into, stuff to steal, and Devon Sinclair fighting right by my side…

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Jennifer Estep is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance.

Her Elemental Assassin series follows the life and times of Gin “the Spider” Blanco, a barbecue restaurant owner who also happens to be an assassin with magical control over the elements of Ice and Stone.

The Mythos Academy series focuses on Gwen Frost, a 17-year-old Gypsy girl who has the ability to know an object’s history just by touching it. She studies at Mythos Academy, a school for the descendants of ancient warriors.

Her Bigtime paranormal romance books feature sexy superheroes, evil ubervillains, and smart, sassy gals looking for love.

Estep’s new Black Blade series is about 17-year-old thief Lila Merriweather, who has a Talent for sight, along with the ability to take magic others used against her to boost her own powers. She tries not to get involved with the Families who control much of the town, but ends up in the middle of a potential turf war.

   

Prizes: Win (1) of (3) finished copies of BRIGHT BLAZE OF MAGIC by Jennifer Estep (US Only)

Win a $20 Amazon Gift Card (INT)

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Book Review: The Unleashing by Shelly Laurenston

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The Unleashing
Call of Crows #1
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Paranormal | Mythology
Released: March 31st 2015
Review Source: Kensington Publishing Corp | Netgalley

WINGING IT

Kera Watson never expected to face death behind a Los Angeles coffee shop. Not after surviving two tours lugging an M16 around the Middle East. If it wasn’t for her hot Viking customer showing up too late to help, nobody would even see her die.

In uncountable years of service to the Allfather Odin, Ludvig “Vig” Rundstrom has never seen anyone kick ass with quite as much style as Kera. He knows one way to save her life—but she might not like it. Signing up with the Crows will get Kera a new set of battle buddies: cackling, gossiping, squabbling, party-hearty women. With wings. So not the Marines.

But Vig can’t give up on someone as special as Kera. With a storm of oh-crap magic speeding straight for L.A., survival will depend on combining their strengths: Kera’s discipline, Vig’s loyalty… and the Crows’ sheer love of battle. Boy, are they in trouble.

This is an Adult romance novel recommended for ages 18+ due to sexual content and mature subject matter.

Book Review: How Hard Can It Be by Robyn Peterman

How Hard Can It Be
Author: Robyn Peterman
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Chick Lit/Romance/Humor
Released: January 17th 2013
Review Source: Kensington
Available: Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) HOW HARD CAN IT BE?

One happy ending coming right up

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What happens when an accountant decides to grab life by the horns and try something new? Apparently a pirate named Dave, a lot of pastel fleece, and blackmail—just to start with…

Visualize and succeed, Oprah said. I was sure as hell trying, even if my campaign to score a job as the local weather girl had ended in a restraining order. Okay, TV was not my strength. But a lack of talent has never stopped me before. Which is why I’ve embarked on a writing career. I mean, how hard can it be to come up with a sexy romance?

Leave it to me to wind up in a group of grandmotherly porno writers who discuss sex toys and apple cobbler in the same breath. Also leave it to me to leak an outlandish plot idea to a bestselling author with the morals of a rabid squirrel. And only I could get arrested for a jewelry heist I didn’t commit—by a hunky cop whose handcuffs just might tempt me to sign up for a life of crime. Maybe I’ve found my calling after all…

First off this book was really good and I laughed so hard because some of things I read I had to look around to see if anybody noticed me reading this book because right off the beginning they were talking about hardcore sex, handcuffs and porn. I couldn't believe some of the stuff that was in the book. It kept it really interesting and it sparked my interest to keep reading it to see what happens to the characters in the book. 

Rena the main character who is a accountant that tried a gig at becoming a meteorologist. Well that ended with Rena getting arrested and isn't allowed in the building where you tape the weather. So she decides to go to a meeting where she meets authors that have written tons of books. When she shows up the authors end up being middle aged woman that love talking about cooking and porn all in the same sentence. When I met the characters of these woman I was laughing so hard or had that shocked look on my face when they would say some very sexual things that I have only read in Cosmo or on the Internet. I was also wishing those friends were my friends because they would be so much fun to be around. She tells the ladies that she is a writer that is writing a book and she is hoping to meet this famous author Evangeline O'Hara at the meeting. The ladies almost fell over because they were calling her every name in the book and that she likes to steal there book ideas. The Ladies tell Rena that they would tell her ideas for the books that they were going to write and she would trick them into telling the whole story. She would have the books published under her name and the ladies wouldn't end up getting credit for any of the books being sold. So they thought it would be fun to trick her and get her to not be an author anymore. Evangeline shows up to the meeting and they get to talking but when she sees Rena she sees new meat. So she ask Rena to tell her what story she is writing and her assistant starts writing everything down and then she ask Rena if she would like to come over to her house and help her write the book and then she will have it publish. The girls think it's the greatest idea because it will get her to look like a fool and nobody will buy her books again. Well along with the whole plan Rena gets arrested because she goes back to the building that she isn't allowed in to deliver a package for Evangeline. On her way in she notices a hot guy that she would love to have as her husband. She ends up talking to him and he ask her a couple of question saying he really hopes she isn't Rena because if she is he is going to have to arrest her because she is violating her restraining order. He ends up being a cop named Jack. After Rena gets arrested everything goes down hill and up hill for her throughout the whole story. 

I loved this book and thought it was really good. I didn't want it to end and I wanted it to keep going. I was upset when it ended and wanted to throw my nook. If you loved Fifty Shades of Gray you will love this book but minus all the S and M.

Book Review: Touched by Corrine Jackson

Touched
A Sense Thieves Novel #1
Author: Corrine Jackson
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Paranormal/Supernatural
Released: November 27th 2012
Review Source: Kensington Teen
Available:Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) Remy O’Malley heals people with touch—but every injury she cures becomes her own. Living in a household with an abusive stepfather, she has healed untold numbers of broken bones, burns,and bruises. And then one night her stepfather goes too far.

Being sent to live with her estranged father offers a clean start and she is eager to take it. Enter Asher Blackwell. Once a Protector of Healers, Asher sacrificed his senses to become immortal. Only by killing a Healer can a Protector recover their human senses. Falling in love is against the rules between these two enemies. Because Remy has the power to make Protectors human again, and when they find out, they’ll becoming for her—if Asher doesn’t kill her first.

This is Book One in the Touched trilogy.

Even though the book started off very slowly for me, Corrine Jackson did a wonderful job pulling me back into the book. This story is about a girl named Remy, was has the amazing super power of healing others just by her touch. By healing them, she brings the injuries and illnesses onto herself.

One night, Remy was beaten badly by her mother's boyfriend and she landed in the hospital. Step in her previously non-existent father, who demands that she now live with he and his family so that Remy has a safe place to live. The first night of being there, Remy sneaks out of the house and watches the waves come in on the beach. She sees a boy (Asher) who decides to start taking pictures of her, which she finds strange. The two come to know quite a bit about each other and become close - even though they are supposed to be "mortal enemies". The love, drama and romance between the two keeps the pages turning!

It's a feel good read in regards to Remy mending the relationship with her father and new step-mother. However, the new found relationship between Remy and her step sister Lucy, is even better. She definitely learns to trust again and discovers the meaning of love.

I would suggest this book to any of my fantasy reading friends as a must read. Packed full of adventure and never ending turns!!

Book Review: Blood and Silver by James R. Tuck

Blood and Silver
Deacon Chalk: Occult Bounty-Hunter #2
Author: James R. Tuck
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: August 1st 2012
Review Source: Kensington Publishing
Available: Amazon

Summary: (from Amazon) Deacon Chalk normally has no trouble telling innocent victims from real monsters. So protecting an abused pregnant were-dog is a no-brainer...until a vicious lycanthrope leader and his brotherhood target Deacon, other shape-shifters, and any humans in their way. Suddenly, Deacon is outnumbered, outgunned, and unsure who - or what - to trust. The only edge he has left is a weapon hungry for his soul and his most savage impulses. And using it will exact a price even this hell-raising hunter fears to pay...

Blood and Silver is book two in an installment chronicling the adventures of Occult Bounty-Hunter, Deacon Chalk. This book will appeal to those readers enjoying paranormal and urban fantasy. It is bursting with lots of action , scary monsters and general mayhem.

Deacon Chalk, who we learn early on in the story has a dark, difficult and tragic past. He is on a mission to help a dog who is being viciously beaten as he is leaving the carnival with lady friend, Tiff. Of course, things are never quite what they seem and Deacon soon finds himself embroiled in a turf war between two brothers, Marcus and Leonidas. He must determine each of the brothers true intentions and discover why they both seek to posses the mistreated dog. Deacon is assisted on his quest by a variety of lycanthropes and numerous weapons and guns.

This story reads like an action movie. It is humorous at times but, lacks any depth of romance. The book is well written and easy to read. Deacon's adventures are a testosterone junkies thrill ride.

Book Review: The Lingering Dead by J.N. Duncan + Giveaway

The Lingering Dead
Jackie Rutledge #3
Author: J. N. Duncan
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Released: April 1st 2012
Review Source: Kensington Publishing
Available: Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) Jackie Rutledge has faced down everything from the darkest sorcery to uber-vengeful revenants. But heading up the Bureaus special paranormal unit is presenting unexpected challenges. Handling otherworldly egos and politics has never come easy to this loner agent. And opening up to her sexy, vampire lover, Nick, is as unnerving as her unwanted new ability to slip between the realms of the living and the dead...

Now an insidious power holding helpless ghosts in thrall is using any means necessary to discredit Jackie and split her team apart for good. The only chance she has means baiting the terrifying Deadworld being stalking her dreams, hunting her every step--and growing ever more hungry for her ultimate sacrifice....

First of all, this is my first from this series, it can be read as a stand alone, but it will be helpful to read the previous ones. To really understand the why, where and how this special group ended together and became who they are.

Jackie, an ex FBI agent that finds herself as head of a "special" paranormal investigation unit. The unit is formed by two vampires, Nick & Shelby; a ghost who is Jackie's ex partner, Laurel ; Cynthia, a psychic and Jackie who has the ability to connect the world of the living and the dead.
After receiving a series of boxes from the agency full of cold cases that are considered paranormal, the unit must decide which of the case will be their first. They decide on a file from a town called Thatcher Mills, where ghost seamed to be the dominate residents and where apparently nothing bad has happened in the last 100 years. During the investigation, a connection to Nick's past is discovered and the consequences of his vengeance left some loose ends that are causing the people of this town to be mind controlled by a resident.

The interaction between the unit members is interesting to say the least. Jackie is an abused and dysfunctional person incapable of holding a relationship, Nick is a multimillionaire that is head over heals in love with Jackie and has the patience of a saint. Laurel, her ex partner is a ghost with the ability to use Jackie's body as a vessel to communicate with the rest of the group and her lover Shelby.
There is action, confrontation with the town's people and the resident ghosts, as well as romance and mystery that only adds more to the the cliff hanger ending with new material for the next installment. Good and entertaining but probably would have been more enjoyable if I had read the first two books.

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Book Review: Dark Frost by Jennifer Estep

Dark Frost
Mythos Academy #3
Author: Jennifer Estep
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal
Released: May 29th 2012
Review Source: Kensington
Available: Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) I’ve seen so many freaky things since I started attending Mythos Academy last fall. I know I’m supposed to be a fearless warrior, but most of the time, I feel like I’m just waiting for the next Bad, Bad Thing to happen. Like someone trying to kill me—again.

Everyone at Mythos Academy knows me as Gwen Frost, the Gypsy girl who uses her psychometry magic to find lost objects—and who just may be dating Logan Quinn, the hottest guy in school. But I’m also the girl the Reapers of Chaos want dead in the worst way. The Reapers are the baddest of the bad, the people who murdered my mom. So why do they have it in for me?

It turns out my mom hid a powerful artifact called the Helheim Dagger before she died. Now, the Reapers will do anything to get it back. They think I know where the dagger is hidden, but this is one thing I can’t use my magic to find. All I do know is that the Reapers are coming for me—and I’m in for the fight of my life.

(its really a 4.5 rating)

I love it when a series you are fond of continues to bring everything you love about it in the next release. Jennifer Estep does not hold back at all in the third installment of this series. She begins Dark Frost with such intensity and drive, you are sucked in immediately to the chaotic beginning. This series will appeal to young or old like myself, its the books I wanted when I was back in school. My 16 year old self would HIGHLY approve. 

Our favorite Gypsy is back in Dark Frost. Gwen continues to capture us as a character in this series. Gwen is still trying to learn how to perfect her special magic, she wonders everyday why she was picked as Nike's champion. Its very hard for a 17 year old to come to terms with how she is suppose to figure out how to defeat the God Loki and keep him from getting freed. Then you have The Reapers, its an ongoing battle full of intense action. What will come out of this third installment, will Gwen succeed and find what she needs before its to late without losing her life? Dark Frost is a definite page turner.

Love is in the air in Dark Frost or maybe its angst? Hmmm, you will have to decide for yourselves when you read this book. Gwen and Logan's relationship finally get a bit of center stage and I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT. Of course Love with Gwen is like a battle in itself. Jennifer writes this specific emotion extremely well. Oh and I know something a few of you will appreciate, there IS NO LOVE TRIANGLE. Just Gwen and Logan, hmm unless you count her sword Vic. Vic will crack you up throughout the whole book. One character I was super excited to see back was Nott. This characters made me happy but crushed my heart then again fill it with love. I know once you figure out who Nott is, you too will love her.

The only reason I didn't give it the 5 stars I know its did deserve was because of Gwen and her magic. Let me explain and this is just probably my anal retentive self. While reading this series and especially Dark Frost, I kept getting side tracked wondering then the heck would Gwen master at least some of her skills. It just felt like it dragged a little on how long or how Gwen would get any of her magic to really work when needed in bad situations. I really would had loved for her magic to pop I guess before its did. Now again that's just me being anal retentive, Gwen still rocks but that small thing just stuck out like a sore thumb to me in this book.  I'm hoping next installment Gwen finally has control and reacts first before bad things happen.

Listen, simply put this series is Great, and everyone should read it. If you are fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout's Covenant series or P.C. Cast House of Night series, then this series will appeal to you hands down. It's got it all Action, Suspense, Love and Humor. Read it Today!!!