New Book release: Prime Evil by Heather Long & author interview

Please welcome a special guest here today. Heather Long is here for a visit. Her new book Prime Evil was released this Monday and she's here to talk a bit about herself and her new urban fantasy Prime Evil.

To start this smoothly we will begin with a few personal question so we get to know each other a little better.


Susi: Tea or coffee?

Heather: Yes! I love both. I grew up drinking hot tea and I enjoy drinking it regularly, but coffee is also a favorite. When I want comfort, I want tea, When I want to get my arse in gear, I want coffee.

Susi: Pepsi or coke?
Heather: Dr. Pepper! I am definitely more coke than Pepsi though.

Susi: Cat or dog?
Heather: Yes. I love my cats and I have had them all my life including the 23year old codger that I've had since my teen years! Dogs are fantastic companions, cats are motivators.

Susi: Sunny beach or winter wonderland?
Heather: Winter wonderland. I love snow, I love the crisp air. I love snuggling in front of a roaring fireplace.

Susi: Werewolf or vampire?
Heather: Werewolf. I can't get past the fact that vampires are cold, hard and dead. Even when they are sexy.

Susi: Star Wars or Star Trek?
Heather: Tough question, but Star Wars. Luke Skywalker was my first real crush and Star Wars, my first movie.Cinema or home-movie?Home-movies. I like the cinema for some films, but I am just as content watching at home. Particularly because televisions and sound systems have so dramatically improved the experience.

Susi: Weighted Companion Cube or cake?
Heather: That's a mood thing. I'm actually not that fond of cake, but I am sparing with the Weighted Companion Cubes. I have to admit, both are quite delicious!

Susi: Now back to the new book.Tell us a bit about Prime Evil?
Heather: Prime Evil is an urban fantasy set in Northern Virginia. Chance Monroe is a hereditary hedge witch and deeply connected to the land. She uses her gifts to tend crops, lure fairies out of gardens and more. She's also the only survivor of a serial killer named Randall Oakes. Oakes was presumed dead for years, but now he's back and that puts Chance right back into the crossfire. It's an exciting mix of fantasy and suspense. When she was younger, Chance studied psychology with the idea of becoming a criminal profiler, but she's abandoned that dream-- too bad the nightmare hasn't forgotten her.

Susi: Can you tell us a bit about Chance? She sounds like a real strong woman?
Heather: Chance is a fun character. She's an orphan, her parents died when she was a pre-teen. She was raised by her maternal grandmother. Her mother likely shared the same gifts that Chance did, but her mother wanted nothing to do with it. Her grandmother taught Chance how to harness and use her gifts without abusing them. When her grandmother passed away, Chance inherited her position -- the passing of the reins so to speak. With the responsibility also came some serious limitations.Chance is intrinsically bound to the land, she cannot leave the area and she cannot ignore her gifts. She is comfortable with her choice and it was a choice -- something you will see more of touched in future books.

Susi: Why did you choose witches as protagonists?
Heather: I love witches. I love their magic, their deep connections with the Earth and their ability to use ceremonial magic as well as earth-based magic. There's something very natural about their paranormal abilities. In my vision, witches work within the laws of nature and physics, they don't twist them.Are there other paranormal characters involved in the story?Oh, a few.And is there some romance for us?The return of Randall Oakes is actually heralded by FBI Special Agent Jack Parker. He and Chance were lovers once upon a time but currently are very close friends. Old feelings kindle between them, but they have a few hurdles to survive.

Susi: Is it a standalone or do you plan other books in this world?
Heather: Yes, it is very much a standalone, but that being said -- there will be more. I am currently working on the sequel - Seismos which will take us back into Chance's world. I have a free short story called It Happens available at ARe Books, featuring Chance.

Susi: What would you ask about your book if you had the opportunity? And you are free to answer it!
Heather: Why urban fantasy?Because I think that every life should have a little magic in it, even our mundane ones. I believe magic exists in our world, you just have to look for it.Thanks for having me and I hope you enjoy reading Prime Evil. For every book sold, I will be donating $0.25 to the World Wildlife Fund to promote conservation of land and species in our world. I believe we should leave the Earth better than we found it.

Thanks Heather for answering my questions. If you have some questions just shoot. I'm sure Heather will be happy to answer them for you!

To get in touch with Heather or to get more information about her books you can reach her  @website, @twitter,@facebook, @myspace, @DailyDose(Blog)

Heather's books:

Remembering Ashby (Sweet Fantasy Romance)@SapphireBluePublishing
Prime Evil (Urban Fantasy) buy  @SapphireBluePublishing

P.S. Heather also has a guest post ("Never Judge a Witch by her Leather)  over  @Fantasy Dreamer's Ramblings including a giveaway of an $10 Amazon gift certificate(deadline is Monday, Nov 23rd; open to all). Just look here.

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Review: Bound to Shadows by Keri Arthur

Description:

In the darkness, demons come out to play . . .
and someone must bring their sins to light.
Part vampire, part werewolf, Riley Jenson knows what can happen when vamps don’t play well with others. But she’s never seen anything like this: a series of brutal murders surrounding the latest hot spot for vampire-human hookups—and the victims aren’t just killed, they’re beheaded. Now Riley is launching into action, toying with a seductive—and highly suspicious—club owner, and finding herself in the middle of another mystery: women being killed one by one, without a trace of violence.
For Riley, solving multiple cases—in a world going mad with human and vampire passions—would have been tough enough. Instead she has two jealous lovers on her hands: Kye Murphy, the amber-eyed werewolf who makes Riley’s wolf blood howl—and Quinn, the cool, elegant vamp who has over a thousand years’ experience at fulfilling women’s desires. While she’s busy juggling these two sexy beasts, Riley’s detective work takes a stunningly violent turn. Finding a murderer is now a matter of life and death. Especially since the killer has long since found her . . . (Book Blurb)

Review:

This is the first book I read in this series and if you take a look at the series list at the end of this post you will realize that it is book #8. But I had no problem at all with following the story or with understanding who is who.

The story is about Riley Jenson, she's part vampire, part werewolf and she won my heart with loving coffee more than anything(ok perhaps that's a bit of an exaggerated) and hating cold weather. That's a girl I can sympathize with. Riley is head strong without being unemotional and she's not perfect, another thing I can really appreciate. She's deep in love with a vampire, the really good looking Quinn but there's a problem she can't ignore: her werewolf soulmate Kye. And I have to admit this man is high on my most hated characters list. But hating the bad is okay in my opinion. The whole time I wanted to scream: "Kill him now or I'll do it myself." But there's a catch: she can't kill him or she might dies too. That's what happens to soulmates and makes a really frustrating situation. She doesn't loves him, he's a total asshole, she can't get rid of him and there is one thing that makes the mess even bigger: As her soulmate he is like a big sexual chocolate cake in her eyes. Not good combination at all.

The werewolves and shifters in this world are all sexually intense to put it nicely. I found it quite amusing to read them banter back and forth. One of my favorite characters was Kade. He's a stallion (yep, you read that one right) and he has a stable (and yep again) of women. OMFG I want to read more about that. Yeah, I know I'm dirty but I love my smut.
I love that Riley's twin brother has a boyfriend and wondered if there is a book just for these too. They are quite a couple and they stole my heart. So sweet together.

The plot is well developed. I felt like Ms. Marple while I read this book, always trying to guess who the murderer is. The story gripped me and I couldn't stop reading. The characters are likable (I'm excluding Kye here) and I loved the way they interacted. I had a problem with one thing at the end, that I really didn't like but I can't tell you what it was because that would be a spoiler. In spite of that one thing (and Kye), I enjoyed reading this book and I hunger to reading more about Riley. So I need the first 7 books. Can you hear my creditcard groaning?

The Riley Jenson Guardian Series:

1. Full Moon Rising:

reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon
2. Kissing Sin: reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon
3. Tempting Evil: reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon

4. Dangerous Games: reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon

5. Embraced By Darkness: reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon
6. The Darkest Kiss: reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon
7. Deadly Desire: reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon
8. Bound to Shadows: reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon

This book was sent to me as a review copy from

Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc. I did not receive money to write this review. All the amazon links are affiliate links.

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My Geeky Desires – Bad Weather

The last few weeks in Germany were rainy and stormy. That's so not my weather. I'm all for warm and sunshine so I definitely need something to light up these bad days.
Typical for me I couldn't find my umbrella a few weeks back so I searched around for a really cool one. Heather from Book Obsessed gave me a link to a wonderful website Geeksugar and I found an article about umbrellas. =)

Here are my two favorites:



The first one is my absolute favorite: The Lightsaber umbrella! Yes you read right!
Since I was a kid I always wanted my own lightsaber. Not one of these plastic thingies, I wanted a real looking one. But these are mostly way to expensive so why not just combine the wish with something practical like an umbrella? And never again it will be to dark under the umbrella.LOL And I want the red one. Yeah, I know only the Sith have the red ones but I'm a girls and I want the cloth matching color and that's red for me! You can buy it here, or so I think. I don't understand one thing on this website but the pictures are nice. Seems to be Korean or something like that. Damn!

The second one has a very popular theme: Twilight. You ask why is it geeky than? Because it has batteries. It's sold on a UK website here and it seems they know what to do when it's raining! LOL. Look here:

This one has many tiny LEDs and imitates an starlit sky. Isn't that cute. I have no idea what that has to do with Twilight beside that it sparkles, probably only to get more sales. But it's a lovely idea.

What do you think?

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Review: Magic in the Shadows by Devon Monk

Description:

Magic is Allison Beckstrom's blessing and curse. As a Hound, she uses her gifts to track down practitioners who abuse their power and stop them from inflicting harm on unsuspecting innocents. Unfortunately, her spells have taken their toll on her, physically marking her and erasing her memories—including those of the man she supposedly loves.

But lost memories aren't the only things preying on Allie’s thoughts. Her late father, the prominent businessman—and sorcerer—Daniel Beckstrom, has somehow channeled himself into her very mind. With the help of The Authority, a secret organization of magic users, she hopes to gain better control over her own abilities—and find a way to deal with her father…

(Author’s website)

Review:
This is the third book in the Allie Beckstrom series and it’s the best so far. I started the book and after a few pages I had the urge to mark a page because it was of the most hilarious scenes I ever read. *Please take note that I don’t usually put post-its in my books.Sometimes I have 2-3 post-its tops in one but only in my all-time favorites.* Considering this fact please take a look at the picture of my copy---> yep, there are many post-its. To be exact, there are 10! So yes, I really enjoyed this one.

After the last book I was a bit afraid what kind of direction the story would take but all my worries were blown away. I was afraid that the relationship between Allie and Zayvion would suffer but luckily everything is fine in this book. *whew*

I loved the characters and I don’t mean only Allie and Zayvion. This book is full of wonderful new side characters which immediately stole my heart.

I totally adore Shamus aka Shame. He has his nickname for a reason but I’m luckily not easy ashamed of someone. *wink* He is Zayvion’s best friend and these two are the perfect opposite to each other. Loved the interactions of those two.

Quote:

Zayvion to Shamus: “Remind me why I keep you around?”

”My good looks, quick wit, and, best of all, my connections,” Shamus said.” Need I say more?”
“No,” Zayvion said. “You need say less. Much, much less.”

The second character is Stone and OMG is this one is cute. He’s a gargoyle and loves to bring chaos in Allie’s cupboards or her bathroom. This quote from Allie sums him up:

“Stone, the toilet whisperer.”

He is one of the loveliest characters ever written.

Sure I loved Allie too. She’s a real tough girl and has great priorities in life, Zayvion Jones and fresh Coffee. Nah, just kidding. Sure, she’s vulnerable but at the same times she so strong and willful that she just amazed me. She tries to do everything right but we all know that’s not as easy as it sounds. She doesn’t give up easily and tries to reach her goals on her own way despite all the voices, perhaps it’s just one, telling her what to do.

In this book we finally learn more about Mr. Mysterious- Zayvion Jones. We get to know his past and what his job as a closer really means. All this made me love him even more. He’s not always Mr. Zen and that’s kind of comforting that he loses his cool sometimes too.
This book made the impossible possible- I felt sorry for Allie’s dad. Yep, really I did and not only “Oh, the poor guy!”. I nearly cried for him. Ok, I admit nearly means I had ONE tear in my eyes but please don’t tell.

The overall plot in this book was gripping and took me by surprise at each turn the story made. At the end I guessed right about what will happen next but that didn’t make it any less good or bad in that case. That sounds confusing even in my ears. I mean bad for characters in book and good for my reading pleasure. Yep evil me!
I adore this book and can’t wait to get the next one, Magic in the Storm.

To learn more about Devon Monk and her books please visit her website here. The Allie Beckstrom Series:
1. Magic to the Bone: my review, reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon
1. Magic in the Blood: my review, reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon
1. Magic in the Shadows: reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon
1. Magic on the Storm (relese May 2010)

I bought this book on my own. The amazon links are affiliate links.

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Review: Indiscreet by Carolyn Jewel

Description:

Edward, Marquess of Foye, would have been happy to continue his life as an unmarried gentleman rake. His brother's death changed everything. As the last of his line, Edward must now marry. Heart already broken by a capricious young girl, he vows to find an older woman-seasoned, mature. . .and no threat to his feelings.
Falling in love can be dangerous. . .
Sabine Godard was educated by an Oxford don beyond what was proper. Her studies became her salvation after her past left her unwilling to accept the touch of any man. Though she never intended to fall in love, when she and Edward meet, passion defies logic. Together they explore temptation and sensuality, healing old wounds. . .until events require them to risk everything for their love.

(by goodreads.com )

Review:

This was the first historical I ever read and I’m a bit at a loss of words about losing my virginity in this category.

If you ask yourself why did you start a historical now? here’s my answer: The first time I saw this book I wanted to own it. Look at this wonderful cover, it distracted me mores than once from reading. Sure, I also read so many great reviews about it so I had really no other choice as to try it.

I enjoyed reading this book but I have to admit the language confused me a bit at first. After a few pages I kind of read into it and didn’t mind it. I think this will be typical for historicals so I hopefully won’t be surprised the next time I read one.

The plot is nice developed and I loved the way Ms. Jewel described Turkey. This totally sucked me in I couldn’t put the book down. I saw everything, the country and the people and felt like being in the middle of the action.

Sabine is a wonderfully kind and smart character. I loved that she is schooled and has her own opinion about nearly everything. She knows what she wants and what not. She was raised by her uncle and feels now bound to stay with him and help him the best way she can. I loved that she cares so much for him that she ignores her own longings just to make sure he is all right.

Lord Foye is a strong character, not willing to let something happen to Sabine. He knows he wants her and treasures her more than he wants to admit at first. He knows her past and doesn’t care about it. He notices from the start that Sabine is very intellectual and that she is trying to avoid falling in love. That is one thing he cannot accept so he does everything to convince her. He’s very canny and knows his way around in life. He is a real hero and won my heart real quick.

This two are a perfect couple. Their conversations are wonderful and their connection grows with every word spoken. I loved how their relationship developed and how they got to know each other- body ;) and soul.

The story was gripping, full of suspicion, treachery and lies. The whole world seems to be against our couple. The end was a bit over the top in my opinion but perhaps I’m a little skeptical there. I enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read another one of Ms. Jewel’s books.

To learn more about Carolyn Jewel and her books please visit her website here.

To read other reviews take a look @goodreads
You can buy the book @amazon.

I bought this book on my own.

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New and shiny books in my mail!

 

 

 

 

I’m a little psyched at the moment cuz I got the most bestest package in the post this morning! I didn’t imagine it would be so great. Wanna take a look? Here it is:

 

(yeah, I know. I won’t get any prices for the pics but luckily I don’t want to be a professional photographer. One of the good decisions I made in my life.LOL)

 

I won this @ BookChickCity and just wow. Thanks to BookChickCity and to Jeanne C. Stein for sending me this wonderful package. I love it!

The Becoming by Jeanne C. Stein

 

Lockruf des Blutes(Blood Drive) by Jeanne C. Stein

wonderful goodies: pens, magnets, a bat(still has no name), calendar,postcard and a bag.

 

These three beauties also were in my mail this week:

 

 

Tempt Me With Darkness by Shayla Black: got this one from Lea @Closetwriter

Hunter’s Need (ARC) by Shiloh Walker won at a twitter contest from @shilohwalker

Bound to Shadows by Keri Arthur sent to me as a review copy from

@Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc.

And I bought myself some books last week:

 

Skin Game by Ava Gray – read it and loved it

Playing with Fire (Re-Release) by Gena Showalter- read my favorite scenes already
Magic in the Shadows by Devon Monk- read, full of post-its now and just perfect!

 

Finally something new to read! How was your week?

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Review: Wanderlust by Ann Aguirre

Description:

Sirantha Jax doesn’t take chances…she jumps at them…
Sirantha Jax is a “Jumper,” a woman who possesses the unique genetic makeup needed to navigate faster than light ships through grimspace. Jax has worked for the Farwan Corporation her entire career. But now the word’s out that the Corp deliberately crashed a passenger ship, and their stranglehold on intergalactic commerce has crumbled—which means that Jax is out of a job.

She’s also broke, due to being declared dead a little prematurely. So when the government asks her to head up a vital diplomatic mission, Jax takes it. Her mandate: journey to the planet Ithiss-Tor and convince them to join the Conglomerate.

But Jax’s payday is light years away. First, she’ll have to contend with Syndicate criminals, a stormy relationship with her pilot, man-eating aliens, and her own grimspace-weakened body. She’ll be lucky just to make it to Ithiss-Tor alive…

(Book Blurb)

Review:
This book was so sad that I really don’t know how to say what I thought about this book. It’s really good but it kind of really hit home for me. Made me into a total crybaby. But I should start at the beginning.

Jax life is crumbling down. The Corp is history, she is totally broke, her mother is in deep shit with the syndicate and her health is decreasing more and more. She has to do something about this and stumbles- Jax-style from one catastrophe to the next on her way. Jax is lucky to have March because he’s always pulling her back from her destructive thoughts. March isn’t taking that with ease, he suffers from her doubts and destructive thoughts. The situation changes dramatically and that pulled the rug out from under Jax and my feet. One of the saddest thing I ever read was the moment March made this decision. After this moment Jax has to stand on her own feet and has to find someone else to rely on.

The side characters in this book are as great as ever. They all have developed over time and got a real depth on the way. We learn more about all of them and also meet a few new ones.

This book has one of the most disturbing and disgusting monsters I read about in a long time. OMG these were really icky. The bad guys are really canny and hard to identify. A good surprise waits for you at the end.

The book was as great as the first one. Perhaps a little too sad for my taste but perhaps that was just the stress I had in the last month. I enjoyed this book and can’t wait to finish Doubleblind.

To learn more about Ann Aguirre and her books please visit her website here.

Sirantha Jax Series:
1. Grimspace:my review, reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon

2. Wanderlust: reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon
3. Doubleblind:

reviews @goodreads, buy @amazon

4. Killbox (release October 2010)
I bought this book on my own.

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