In keeping with my new policy of putting out a book every three months, (Yes, I made that up.) I have the first book of a brand new series coming out on January 1st, 2016.
Now my followers know that I usually stick to romance but branched out a bit with my short story collection last month. Well prepare yourselves, people!
Threads of A Web is book one of a science fiction/horror series that is quite unlike what I have written so far. In fact, this material is far older than anything I have published! I started taking notes for this book back in 2008 after having some intense dreams about vampires. After years of a love/hate relationship with the characters, I finally think I am ready to send it out into the world. It is both terrifying and glorious to know that something that has so much of my soul embedded in it will finally be released from it's cage to fly amongst others.
Be warned! This is 18+ material here, and I don't mean naughty sex scenes either. My characters experience emotional and physical traumas that are not for the weak of stomach. On the other hand, the bonds and friendships formed throughout the story between this diverse group of creatures may call forth feelings of an entirely different nature.
This is a sister series to Some By Day, Some By Night so you may recognize a few characters popping in and out of the Lord Gerard's Coven series. (For example, what was Serahfine like before she met Dmitri? What becomes of Artus and Alexus?) Though each book, and series, can be read separately, back stories and further explanations for certain characters' situations will be found in both so honestly, just read them all!
Anywho, here is the blurb for Threads of A Web:
Marla has recently been changed into a vampire and she finds that a
life of murder and bloodshed suits her just fine. Especially since there
is a secret war between the vampires and the humans raging around her.
Killing humans for money was her job when she was one and now killing
them for fun is justified in her eyes.
Making close friends and becoming part of a coven was unexpected and
soon Marla finds herself torn between her old ways of murder and mayhem
and a new side of herself that only wants to kill to protect her dear
friends. She has found a family at last. But can she keep them?
Just when things seem to be looking up for the coven,
an alien race invades Earth, intent on exterminating humans and vampires
alike.
Will the vampires defend the humans who have hunted them for decades?
Can this invading race be eliminated before the entire coven is
destroyed?
Take a gander at this gorgeous cover that Julie Nicholls created. Isn't it stunning? She is so talented.
If anyone is interested, I have Advanced Reader Copies (ARC) available for those who would like to read it before it is released, with the promise of giving an honest review within two weeks of the release day.
I'm hosting an awesome Facebook party for the release of Threads and everyone is invited! Though release day is still a ways off, the giveaways and teasers have already started. I'm giving away free paperbacks and e-books and all kinds of cool swag so drop by and get Stuck In A Web On New Year's Day!
I have so much reading to catch up on that it's ridiculous!
My kindle app is full, I have a real Kindle sitting collecting dust, I have some downloaded books on my computer, and then there are the paperbacks double stacked on my bookshelf. There is just not enough time in the day for reading!
I'm going to go back one month and post some reviews that I gave for what books I have been able to knock off my TBR. Some I enjoyed immensely, some, not so much. I give honest reviews but I try not to be a douche canoe about it.
I finished The Sandman Volume Five on October 19th. I gave it five stars because, well, awesome! I have to say that though every book in this series isn't gold, I am loving it so far as a whole. Can't wait to read the next one. (Which will be soon.) I don't tend to give reviews to "trade" books unless it was so phenomenal that I fan-girl screamed.
Cloak of Shadows
by C.K. Dawn
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
What an exciting and well-written story!
I love that the world was
introduced slowly; the scenery and characters fleshed out with such
detail. Creating such relatable characters made their successes and
failures truly resonate. The secret, magical world they were a part of
was introduced piece by piece. The author is a master of giving the
reader action and romance all while keeping them intrigued by the
mysteries of how this secret society worked and each character's place
in it.
Wonderful read! Highly recommended!
For more of C.K. Dawn's books and buy links, check out her Amazon author page.
Norma Jean's School of Witchery Book One: Jewel
by Rose Montague
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
A suspenseful, action packed tale!
This book follows the young witch
Jewel and her exciting adventures as she enters a new school, makes new
friends, and deals with assassination attempts, a budding romance, and
loss. Finding out you have rare witch powers is hard enough but having
to learn to utilize them to save your friend's lives is a hell of a way
to spend your school year!
Fast paced and fun, this book was a great YA read I would recommend to any lover of fantasy.
Having read this wonderful book, I now have to read Jade, Jane and the next installment of this series!
For more of Rose Montague's books and buy links, check out her Amazon author page.
Cowboy Command
by Olivia Jaymes
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
An exciting romance full of action, drama and hot sex scenes! A great read!
For more of Olivia Jaymes's books and buy links, check out her Amazon author page.
Ink Inspired
by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
A short, sweet read featuring a sexy, tattooed hunk. What's not to love?
For more of Carrie Ann Ryan's books and buy links, check out her Amazon author page.
Jaded (3 Book Series)
by Ali Parker
Rating: Overall, 4 Stars
Review:
(Book 1) A great introduction to Kari and her friends. I enjoyed how the story
played out slowly, really letting you get to know the characters
intimately. Great read!
(Book 2) Not as detailed as the first book but a good introduction to Jake and
his own heartbreak. We immediately see the sparks between Jake and Kari
but they do seem to be taking it a bit fast for two individuals who have
been hurt by loved ones, especially since he never let his wounds heal
and hers are still so fresh.
(Book 3) Not the best installment of this series but good nonetheless. This last book feels a bit more rushed than the previous two. Kari still has serious trust issues and because of that, I feel like they should slow down a bit. If she doubts him as soon as he leaves town, how will they ever have a meaningful relationship?
For more of Ali Parker's books and buy links, check out her Amazon author page.
That's all I've managed to finish since this time last month. I hope that over the holidays I can relax and snuggle down with some more books. As much as I love to write, I need my reading time too!
Unfortunately, I had to back out of NaNoWriMo this month. Just too much on my plate. I hate it but there is always next year and I will still be writing what I can, when I can this month. Just not with any pressure.
On the bright side, I will once again be participating in EXTRA LIFE this year! I'm excited to game for 24 hours on November 7th to raise money for my Children's Miracle Network Hospital. That's right folks, every penny I raise goes directly to help sick kids.
Last year was my first year and though those last few hours were tough, (Not only was I tired but I became sick to my stomach. Still pushed on, though.) it didn't in any way put me off of participating again this year. As a mother, this is a cause I can truly get behind.
Yes, the holiday season is coming fast, I realize this. Times are hard, the economy is a bitch. With four kids of my own, I know how tight money can be. But I still find a bit to donate to this wonderful cause. Honestly, just a few dollars can go a long way in helping children who are truly sick and need medical help. Last year, Extra Life gamers raised over five million dollars for hospitals. $5,000,000!
This year, I want to do something I haven't done before. I want to reward one lucky donater with a free digital copy of one of my books! I will pick a random winner to choose whichever book they would like in mobi, pdf, or .doc format. That means that everyone who donates to my page will have a chance to win a free book!
I suggest checking out the website to read the true story of how Extra Life came to be. If it doesn't put a tear in your eye, you are not human.
My team is Power-Ups Not Included. Want to game with us? Come right in and join the fun!
My page is Ashley Uzzell if you would like to make a donation. Can't donate? Spread the word! Share the links on social medias like Facebook and Twitter. Let's get the word out and raise some money. Let's let this year be the best Extra Life event yet!
