Book Review: Rise (Spelldrift: Coven of Fire Book 1) by Sierra Cross + giveaway

Rise (Spelldrift: Coven of Fire Book 1)
by Sierra Cross
June 15th 2017
Genres: New Adult, Urban Fantasy

Pages: 284

I closed the door on magic long ago...the day it made me an orphan.

Ten years ago, the Coven of Fire sacrificed their lives--my mother among them--to hold off an overwhelming demonic force. Now it's back.

As a poorly-paid bartender, how can any of this be my problem? But Callie, another orphan of that battle, swears I'm the key to reviving the coven. And there's an incredibly sexy guardian stranded on my couch who's promising to help me stop the demons and keep the veil between the realms standing.

One problem: I've never been able to use magic. Our local bad boy warlock assures me I have the talent, but even if I did, we don't have enough witches to complete a coven. The only way to survive is to pull together this pack of magicborn misfits, who have more secrets than spells, into a makeshift coven.

Can we--three untrained witches, a sarcastic warlock, and an overly intense guardian--take back the city...before the Demongate falls and the forces that killed my mother destroy us too?

Goodreads-Amazon 

Alix was born from a powerful witch bloodline but did not follow in the footsteps of her mother. Alix’s family along with many others were killed ten years ago in a bus crash leaving her to be raised by her Aunt Jenn. Only now is Alix learning that it wasn’t a bus crash but a demon attack. Matt, a guardian, was thrown into another realm by one of the witches in the fight, saving his life and trapping him there unchanged until a witch could set him free. He used this time to watch over Alix and train her in martial arts. 

Out of the blue, Callie shows up after ten years and wants to revive the coven. No one will believe Alix that she has no magic, not Callie, Matt or Asher, a warlock she met while bartending. Alix realized that her life was going nowhere as a bartender and decided it was time to grow up.

For me, one thing that makes a great book is the author’s ability to paint a clear picture of each character and Cross did a magnificent job of that. I had cast each one of them as if it the book was a movie and chose who I was rooting for. Rise is the first book of the Spelldrift: Coven of Fire series which will have a total of five books. As the story continues I hope we get a more in-depth look at some of the other characters which will only increase the enjoyment of the stories.

Be sure to check back often. Denise reviews books 2-4 too!
Review: Rise (Spelldrift: Coven of Fire Book 1)

Getting 5 sheep

Denise B

About the Author:
Website-FB-Twitter
Amazon-Goodreads
Spells and skyscrapers. Warriors and warlocks. Coven secrets and forbidden romances. Sierra Cross lives for urban fantasy, for modern magic and the bold supernatural beings who stalk our contemporary world. Her Spelldrift universe stars kickass witches and their heroic guardians, as well as vampires, shifters, mages, Fidei, and the dark demonic forces that threaten them all.

Giveaway:

Tour-wide giveaway (INTL)

$50 Amazon gift card + a set of paperbacks of books 1-4 in the Coven of Fire series

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Souls Fall (The Soul Wars: Book 2) by J.D. Blackrose + excerpt

Souls Fall (The Soul Wars: Book 2)
by J.D. Blackrose
July 27, 2017
Pages: 119
Book 2 of the stunning new fantasy series The Soul Wars, this novella continues the action begun in Souls Collide.

A visit from the obnoxious Simon Whitleigh, a representative of the Vampire U.S. Assembly, reveals how far Gaspard’s enemies will go to in order to remove Gaspard from influence and power. Meanwhile, Kara meets an interesting neighbor who must be handled with care.

The Soul Wars novella series is a new series of short novels, similar to BookShots. Souls Fall is the second in the series by urban fantasy author J.D. Blackrose.

Gaspard and Kara return in book 2 of the Soul Wars series with Souls Fall. The novella’s that make up the Soul Wars series are short, easy reads but with a great story line. Each book focuses on one story that connects to the previous book and doesn’t overwhelm you.

A seethe from the Northeast region has arrived and they appear to have an agenda. Simon, who represents the Vampire Assembly is requesting that Kara consult for his region for a month’s time. Things quickly spiral out of control and there seems to be more going on than meets the eye.

The chemistry between Gaspard and Kara is interesting and I hope that it is examined more closely in the next book.

Review: Souls Collide (The Soul Wars: Book 1) 

Getting 5 sheep

Denise B

Excerpt:
Rikassa, normally surefooted, skidded on the loose ground and almost pitched Kara headfirst. Rikassa righted herself, raced forward, and plunged headlong back into the marsh, unerringly heading toward the mansion grounds. Kara slipped off Rikassa, so as not to hit her head on branches, and splashed behind her mount. The horse whinnied, and the horses in Gaspard’s barn whinnied in response, sensing her anxiety. Kara stopped a moment to catch her breath and get her bearings, knee deep in swamp muck. It was only then that she saw the white sign, hanging askew from one nail on a large bald cypress tree, practically swallowed by Spanish moss but still readable. “No Entrance! This means you! Fear your death!”

Someone must have put that up there to keep trespassers out of Gaspard’s land, Kara thought. The sign was ridiculously dramatic. Gaspard wouldn’t hurt anyone for wandering on his land by mistake, and he most certainly wouldn’t kill them. She reconsidered for a moment, revised her opinion, and spoke out loud to her horse. “Okay, he might kill someone, but it would be for a very good reason, and after a lot of thought. I wonder who put up that sign?”

The horse shivered, her withers shaking and her tail swishing in unease, letting Kara know that she didn’t care about the sign and it was time to go. Kara led Rikassa away from the bank, comforting her with her hands and voice until they reached the barn. Usually, Rikassa didn’t sleep in the barn, but they both smelled bad and the horse needed a bath and brushing. Horse first, myself later. It was one of the first things her sister Valkyries taught her when she was brought into Odin’s service.

As she tended to her horse, a niggling thought squirmed its way to the forefront of her brain. That overly dramatic No Entrance sign hadn’t been facing the swamp to keep people out of Gaspard’s land. It had been facing inward, warning Gaspard’s guests and residents not to enter the wetlands at that spot. Whatever that creature was, it must be a killer.

About the Author:
website-FB

J.D. Blackrose is the fantasy pen name of Joelle Reizes. She loves all things storytelling and celebrates great writing by posting about it on her website, www.slipperywords.com.

When not writing, Blackrose lives with three children, an enormous orange cat, her husband and a full-time job in Corporate Communications. She’s fearful that so-called normal people will discover exactly how often she thinks about wicked fairies, nasty wizards, homicidal elevators, and the odd murder. As a survival tactic, she has mastered the art of looking interested.

Book Review: Souls Collide (The Soul Wars: Book 1) by J.D. Blackrose

Souls Collide (The Soul Wars: Book 1)

by J.D. Blackrose
June 2 2017
Pages: 120
A Valkyrie and a Vampire battle together for the fate of the world in Book 1 of The Soul Wars, a stunning new fantasy series!

Kara, a Norse Valkyrie warrior, and Gaspard, a centuries-old vampire, find themselves in an improbable alliance to prevent the Soul Wars, an epic battle between vampires with souls and those without, which a real god swears could shake the very foundations of the Earth. Can Kara and Gaspard set aside their natural enmity, or stranger yet, nurture their unexpected feelings for one another while fighting for their lives?

In Souls Collide, Book 1 of The Soul Wars - Things thought long dead reappear, forcing Kara, Gaspard and their paranormally sensitive neighbor Adelaide, to work together to put them to rest forever, or at least, for now. Kara and Gaspard’s growing attraction forces Kara to reconsider her feelings about vampires and her belief that they are soulless monsters.

The Soul Wars novella series is a new series of short novels, similar to BookShots. Souls Collide is the first in the series by urban fantasy author J.D. Blackrose.

Gaspard is a very old vampire who is protected by Kara, a Valkyrie who is on loan to him. Gaspard wants to help his elderly neighbor, Adelaide, who unknown to her is somewhat of a distant relative to him. Adelaide, is a tough, spunky, 80-year old lady who is sensitive to ghosts. She wants to preserve her family’s history even though in the past they were slave owners who were horrible to their slaves.

This novella is the first of four by urban fantasy author J.D Blackrose, and is an easy read. Even though the novella was short it was well written and developed. I enjoyed the story so much I wished it would have been longer. I look forward to reading the next books in the series.

Getting 5 sheep

Denise B

About the Author:
website-FB

J.D. Blackrose is the fantasy pen name of Joelle Reizes. She loves all things storytelling and celebrates great writing by posting about it on her website, www.slipperywords.com.

When not writing, Blackrose lives with three children, an enormous orange cat, her husband and a full-time job in Corporate Communications. She’s fearful that so-called normal people will discover exactly how often she thinks about wicked fairies, nasty wizards, homicidal elevators, and the odd murder. As a survival tactic, she has mastered the art of looking interested.

Book Review: The Eldritch Files Books 7 & 8 by Phaedra Weldon

Elemental Blood (The Eldritch Files Book 7)
by Phaedra Weldon
June 16, 2016
Pages: 214
Sometimes the road to revenge is filled with sorrow...and sometimes, it's filled with death.

Sam's hunt to find her mother's killer ends in Oregon when she and Bastien are confronted by an Elf asking the Elemental Witch's help in finding his lost King. Even as she and Bastien agree to help, more Elves invade Sam's shop making demands to see the Elemental Witch. Does the disappearance of this King coincide with the discovery of stone bodies in the city's park?

Returning to New Orleans is easy—mending bridges isn't. As Sam and Bastien bring their Coven and Pack together to stop innocents from dying from an Elven Quest, they discover things are not what they seem, and the Dragon of Dreams returns in the ultimate showdown against Sam, and the Dragon she loves.

Sam leaves everything behind to hunt Lethe and get revenge for her mother’s death. Even with Bastien’s support Sam’s hunt ends in Oregon when she is asked to help find the lost King. When they return to New Orleans, Crwys knows immediately that she has returned and needs Sam to fill a hole in his soul.

More twists and turns continue in this fantastic series by Weldon. Newly discovered enemies has everyone fighting to save the King and many innocents that are being caught in the middle of this fight. New loves are forged and some major changes are ahead as book 8 continues with Elemental Tears.

Getting 5 sheep

Denise B

Elemental Tears (The Eldritch Files Book 8)
by Phaedra Weldon
January 30, 2017
Pages: 151
Now that Samantha no longer possesses the powers of an Elemental Witch, adjusting to life as a mere mortal, married to a Drachen, is harder than any enemy she’s ever encountered. Why? Because though she’s powerless, her friends aren’t, and those powers are leading them down paths she cannot follow. 

Ivan’s inability to resist the call of the Cyber Web has Dharma terrified. She’s worried about his physical health after finding him unresponsive.  

Kyle’s growing power in Southern Conjure has the Witch’s Parliament worried as the only tertiary member capable of controlling and advising the young Hedge Witch is now on his own path of destruction as he searches for the Dragon’s Eye. 

And to add fuel to the fire, a new enemy has discovered Sam is vulnerable and with Crwys busy investigating a mounting number of what appear to be Voodoo related murders, there is no one there to protect her…

…or the secret she’s keeping from everyone, including her husband.

Sam had to give up her Elementals and her powers as a witch and is now just a Cowen. Now that she has no powers she feels left out of the group because everyone is trying to protect her from harm. Ivan goes down the rabbit hole to follow something as a Cyber Witch and Dharma finds him unresponsive. No one is sure if they will be able to get him back. When dead bodies start piling up that are linked to Voodoo, Crwys, Levi and Tas begin investigating and everyone is surprised where the investigation leads. 
This is one of my favorite series but I have to say that I was definitely not happy with where things went in this book and how abruptly it ended. Hopefully, the next book won’t be a long wait. Even though I was unhappy with aspects of the story it was still an awesome read and you won’t want to miss it!

Review: Elemental Arcane (The Eldritch Files Book 1) 

Review: Elemental Shadows (The Eldritch Files Book 2)

Review: Elemental Moon (The Eldritch Files Book 3)

Review: Elemental Flame (The Eldritch Files Book 4)

Review: Elemental Soul (The Eldritch Files Book 5)

Review: Elemental Storm (The Eldritch Files Book 6) 

Getting 5 sheep

DeniseB

About the Author:

website-FB-twitter

Phaedra's imagination and love of television and movie characters often rewarded her with strange looks at school. Her love of science fiction and fantasy blossomed when her cousin Cyndy gave her Anne McCaffrey's "Dragon Flight" for her twelfth birthday. After that, her mother bought her subscriptions to Ellery Queen, Issac Assimov's, F&SF, Realms and Analog and her father never failed to bring home a book of short stories no matter where he traveled.

Other interests are manga, anime, gaming, hiking, waterfalls and spending time with her daughter.

Her latest series are The Eldritch Files, The Grimoire Chronicles and The Dark Backward (coming 2016). There is also a 15 book Dark Fantasy series on the horizon, as soon as she feels she's got all the tools she needs in her wheelhouse.

Book Review: Elemental Storm (The Eldritch Files Book 6) by Phaedra Weldon

Elemental Storm (The Eldritch Files Book 6)

by Phaedra Weldon
October 21st 2015 

Pages: 273
Secrets are like our past. They always come back to screw up our future.

As the French Quarter drags into the Summer heat, Elemental Witch Samantha Hawthorne makes plans for her future, which includes getting through her imposed stint as a Cleric and pinning down a date for her wedding. All plans disappear when her Air Elemental makes a rash decision that tips the balance of power out of Sam's favor.

Will Sam and her friends be able to mend her shattered power while being investigated for the murder of a local mambo, a churning storm, the spirit of a cursed ring and the appearance of her fiancé's ex, whose power is even greater than his own?

Sam wants to set a date for her wedding and get through her time as a Cleric but things never go as she plans. What should have been an easy investigation turns into a mess when her Air Elemental makes a disastrous decision that leaves Sam vulnerable. Crwys knows something is wrong but he doesn’t want to discuss it with Sam. A storm is brewing in New Orleans and it is not your typical storm.

This is another hit in the Eldritch Files series. Turbulent and mystery fill the pages to make this a great page turner.

Review: Elemental Arcane (The Eldritch Files Book 1) 
Review: Elemental Shadows (The Eldritch Files Book 2)
Review: Elemental Moon (The Eldritch Files Book 3)
Review: Elemental Flame (The Eldritch Files Book 4)

Review: Elemental Soul (The Eldritch Files Book 5)

Getting 5 sheep

DeniseB

About the Author:

website-FB-twitter

Phaedra's imagination and love of television and movie characters often rewarded her with strange looks at school. Her love of science fiction and fantasy blossomed when her cousin Cyndy gave her Anne McCaffrey's "Dragon Flight" for her twelfth birthday. After that, her mother bought her subscriptions to Ellery Queen, Issac Assimov's, F&SF, Realms and Analog and her father never failed to bring home a book of short stories no matter where he traveled.

Other interests are manga, anime, gaming, hiking, waterfalls and spending time with her daughter.

Her latest series are The Eldritch Files, The Grimoire Chronicles and The Dark Backward (coming 2016). There is also a 15 book Dark Fantasy series on the horizon, as soon as she feels she's got all the tools she needs in her wheelhouse.

Book Review: Elemental Soul (The Eldritch Files Book 5) by Phaedra Weldon

Elemental Soul (The Eldritch Files Book 5)
by Phaedra Weldon
June 28, 2015
Pages: 228
Time is running out...

It's the calm before the storm, and Sam knows Dionysus is coming for her. Spirit is the only way to defeat him—the one Element she hasn't mastered.

Sam needs to figure out how to master all five of the elements and so far she has only mastered four, Spirit still isn’t her strong suit. The Arcane seems to be working with her not making her crazy so that is one positive in her life. Crwys keeps having weird dreams that seem so real and Sam just isn’t herself.

The fifth book of the Eldritch Files was full of surprises. Probably the best book in the series that I have read so far. I love when I can’t figure out all the story lines when I am reading. It keeps me intrigued and glued to the book. I look forward to continuing this fantastic series.

Review: Elemental Arcane (The Eldritch Files Book 1) 
Review: Elemental Shadows (The Eldritch Files Book 2)
Review: Elemental Moon (The Eldritch Files Book 3)
Review: Elemental Flame (The Eldritch Files Book 4)

Getting 5 sheep

DeniseB

About the Author:

website-FB-twitter

Phaedra's imagination and love of television and movie characters often rewarded her with strange looks at school. Her love of science fiction and fantasy blossomed when her cousin Cyndy gave her Anne McCaffrey's "Dragon Flight" for her twelfth birthday. After that, her mother bought her subscriptions to Ellery Queen, Issac Assimov's, F&SF, Realms and Analog and her father never failed to bring home a book of short stories no matter where he traveled.

Other interests are manga, anime, gaming, hiking, waterfalls and spending time with her daughter.

Her latest series are The Eldritch Files, The Grimoire Chronicles and The Dark Backward (coming 2016). There is also a 15 book Dark Fantasy series on the horizon, as soon as she feels she's got all the tools she needs in her wheelhouse.

Book Review: Elemental Flame (The Eldritch Files Book 4) by Phaedra Weldon

Elemental Flame (The Eldritch Files Book 4)
by Phaedra Weldon
April 15, 2015
Pages: 229
"I love you, Sam. I will always love you."

When Elemental Witch Samantha Hawthorne discovers her lover, Crwys Holliard, is missing, she vows to find him. With the help of her friends and an Alpha Werewolf who just won't take no for an answer, Sam follows clues that point them in the direction of the realm of Faerie, a place Sam swore she would never return to.

The road to his rescue is blocked by conjured enemies, a power hungry Magician, a former ally and a warring Faerie queen, determined to make herself the ultimate ruler of the Faerie kingdoms.

Will Sam be able to rescue him, or will Crwys and Sam be parted from one another, forever?

Elemental Flame is the 4th book in the Eldritch Files.

amazon

Elemental Flame continues with Sam completely heart broken and Crwys Holliard missing. As Sam and her friends search for clues on what happened to Crwys she is shocked where it leads her. Even though she swore she would never return to Faerie she must find a way in if she ever wants to see Crwys again.

The Eldritch File characters are well written with a little of everything. There’s the ones you want to love, like Sam and Ivan, the ones you want to hate such as Blackwood and Ina and the ones you can’t decide what to do with such as Arden Vervain! One thing that each book seems to succeed with is surprises! Just when you think you know where the story is going, BAM, you’re wrong which makes this series a must read!

Review: Elemental Arcane (The Eldritch Files Book 1) 
Review: Elemental Shadows (The Eldritch Files Book 2)
Review: Elemental Moon (The Eldritch Files Book 3)

Getting 5 sheep

Denise 

About the Author:

website-FB-twitter

Phaedra's imagination and love of television and movie characters often rewarded her with strange looks at school. Her love of science fiction and fantasy blossomed when her cousin Cyndy gave her Anne McCaffrey's "Dragon Flight" for her twelfth birthday. After that, her mother bought her subscriptions to Ellery Queen, Issac Assimov's, F&SF, Realms and Analog and her father never failed to bring home a book of short stories no matter where he traveled.

Other interests are manga, anime, gaming, hiking, waterfalls and spending time with her daughter.

Her latest series are The Eldritch Files, The Grimoire Chronicles and The Dark Backward (coming 2016). There is also a 15 book Dark Fantasy series on the horizon, as soon as she feels she's got all the tools she needs in her wheelhouse.

Book Review: Bitter Blood (Blood and Moonlight #3) by Cynthia Eden

Bitter Blood (Blood and Moonlight #3)

by Cynthia Eden

April 12, 2016
366 pages

Publisher: Hocus Pocus Publishing, Inc.

Some bonds go deeper than blood…they go to the very soul.

New Orleans detective Jane Hart is a vampire. She craves blood, has supernatural strength, and when the mood hits her just right, she can grow one killer pair of fangs. She never counted on being a vamp, but she also never counted on falling hard for werewolf alpha Aidan Locke. Now she’s mated to the wolf, and even though she’s living the undead life, Aidan refuses to leave her side.

But Jane is being watched, hunted…tested. And each deadly test that she faces puts Jane—and the people she loves—in the path of a determined killer. She has to find out who is setting her up, before it’s too late. Too late for Jane. Too late for Aidan.

He claimed her…and she obsessed him.

Because now her lover is the one who is changing. Jane’s blood has infected Aidan and the wolf that lives within him is fighting for survival. Each battle…each dark test that their enemy puts in their path…each move slides Aidan closer to the edge. A darkness is growing inside of him. A darkness that is slowly consuming the man he’s been…

And leaving only the monster behind.

When blood and darkness rule, even mates can be torn apart.

In the final book of the BLOOD AND MOONLIGHT trilogy, Jane and Aidan will find out who they can really trust…and who has been waiting to destroy them all along. Are you ready for the end?

It has been a season of series enders for this reader, Bitter Blood is no exception. This book marks the third and final installment in the Blood and Moonlight Trillogy. The series chronicles the adventures and romance of Detective Mary Jane (Just Jane) Hart and her alpha wolf lover Aidan Locke. Together the pair patrol the streets of New Orleans protecting its innocent citizens from threats both human and paranormal.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series from start to finish. In the final series offering Jane and Aidan face threats from within and without. Their romance and their lives are threatened by the malicious machinations of an unknown foe. Together, with assistance of a supportive cast, the pair must solve the mystery before a most violent, bloodthirsty change completely overcomes Aidan.

This series is a tight, action-packed trilogy; a non-stop wild ride from start to finish. At one point Jane wonders, “There had to be a limit to the amount of absolute shit that a person could deal with during a twenty-four hour period.” But, when things go from bad to worse, Jane never stops fighting. I always admire a strong female lead. Jane is determined to do good in the world; loyal, strong, and smart. The romance in this installment is off the charts hot. The plot lends itself to some pretty wild and sexy times. Of course, I’m not one to shy away from such content, so this was totally up my alley.

If you haven’t tried this series yet, I highly recommend it. Eden’s plot and characters are well-written and her style is spot on. While I’m sad to see the end of Jane and Aidan is always good to bid farewell on a high note.

Five Sheep

Bianca Greenwood

Cynthia Eden
Website-FB-Twitter-Goodreads
Award-winning author Cynthia Eden writes dark tales of paranormal romance and romantic suspense. She is aNew York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, andIndieReader best-seller. Cynthia is also a two-time finalist for the RITA® award (she was a finalist both in the romantic suspense category and in the paranormal romance category). Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over thirty novels and novellas.

Cynthia is a “hybrid” author. She has published extensively with New York (her New York publishers include Kensington, Grand Central, and Harlequin), and she has also enjoyed success in her indie writing career.

Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.