Review & Giveaway: Dirty Deeds: An Urban Fantasy Collection by Faith Hunter, Diana Pharaoh Francis, Devon Monk, & R. J. Blain

Read As A Stand Alone: Mostly
Publisher: Pen & Page Publishing
Source: publicist in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: January 12th, 2021
Buying Links: Amazon* | Apple Books* | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Google Books | Kobo | 
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

When the going gets tough, the tough get their hands dirty. Join NY Times Bestselling author Faith Hunter, USA Today Bestselling author R.J. Blain, and National Bestselling authors Diana Pharaoh Francis and Devon Monk on a wild romp where the damsels bring the distress and what can go wrong will go wrong.

Venture into a thrilling spinoff tale from the world of Jane Yellowrock; join vacationing gods in what appears to be a quiet, ordinary town; visit a supernatural hotel where the bedbugs could very well eat you; and dive into the zany, deadly world of the Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) series.

In this collection of all-new urban fantasy novellas and other stories, no job is too big or too small — if the price is right.

10 Amazing Years of Jane Yellowrock! Enter This Fantastic 10 Year Anniversary Sweepstakes!

Ten years ago the first Jane Yellowrock book, Skinwalker, was published and it's been non-stop action ever since. It's a favorite series here at the Nook; we always look forward to the next book. Jane is a fascinating woman and a major bad-ass. Not just anyone can hunt vampires!

To celebrate this anniversary, Ace is giving away the entire series to date, an ARC of the next book, Shattered Bonds, and some swag.

Bea Reviews Dark Queen by Faith Hunter

Series: Jane Yellowrock #12
Publisher: Ace Roc
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: May 1st, 2018
Buying Links: Amazon* | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository* | iBooks* |
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Jane Yellowrock used to hunt vampires, but now she must fight--and win--beside them.

As Enforcer to the vampire Master of the City of New Orleans, Jane Yellowrock stakes her reputation and her life on keeping her territory safe. But Leo has been issued a blood challenge by the emperor of the European vampires, who seeks to usurp all of his power and possessions. If Leo loses the match to the death, the city will be forfeit, and the people of New Orleans will suffer the consequences. Jane can't let that happen.

Preparing for the duel requires all of Jane's focus, but with so much supernatural power in play, nothing goes according to plan. She has to rely on herself and the very few people she knows she can trust to stand and fight. Only two things are guaranteed: nothing is sacred, and no one is safe.

Jax and Steph Review Flame in the Dark by Faith Hunter, with Special Bonus Short Story and Giveaway

Series:  FLAME IN THE DARK (Soulwood #3)

Publisher: Ace/Roc

Source: pr firm in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: December 5, 2017

Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | Barnes & Noble

* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Nell Ingram has always known she was different. Since she was a child, she’s been able to feel and channel ancient powers from deep within the earth. When she met Jane Yellowrock, her entire life changed, and she was recruited into PsyLED—the Homeland Security division that polices paranormals. But now her newly formed unit is about to take on its toughest case yet.

A powerful senator barely survives an assassination attempt that leaves many others dead—and the house he was visiting burns to the ground. Invisible to security cameras, the assassin literally disappears, and Nell’s team is called in. As they track a killer they know is more—or less—than human, they unravel a web of dark intrigue and malevolent motives that tests them to their limits and beyond.

Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: Cold Reign by Faith Hunter

Publisher: Ace
Series: Jane Yellowrock #11
Format Read: Steph - Paperback; Bea - eGalley
Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: May 2, 2017
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | IndieBound | Kobo | GooglePlay | Audible | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Jane Yellowrock is a shape-shifting skinwalker…and the woman rogue vampires fear most.

Jane walks softly and carries a big stake to keep the peace in New Orleans, all part of her job as official Enforcer to Leo Pellissier, Master of the City. But Leo's reign is being threatened by a visit from a delegation of ancient European vampires seeking to expand their dominions.

And there’s another danger to the city. When she hears reports of revenant vampires, loose in NOLA and out for blood, Jane goes to put them down—and discovers there’s something unusual about these revenants. They never should have risen.

Jane must test her strength against a deadly, unnatural magic beyond human understanding, and a ruthless cadre of near-immortals whose thirst for power knows no bounds…

Excerpt, Giveaway and Review! Blood of the Earth by Faith Hunter

I've been reading the Jane Yellowrock series for years now. The vivid nature of the characters and and world never ceases to draw me in. While there are many, many side characters that would make for excellent spin offs, I'm exceptionally happy that Nell is the focus of this new series. Come learn a little more about Faith, and the new adventures she has for us.

Review & Giveaways: Shadow Rites by Faith Hunter

Series: Jane Yellowrock #10
Publisher: Roc
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: April 5, 2016
Challenges: Finishing the Series Reading Challenge | NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | OmniLit* | iTunes* | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | BAM |
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Slaying vampires is child’s play for skinwalker Jane Yellowrock. But handling the complicated politics of New Orleans’ supernatural players is another story...

Jane is keeping the peace between visiting groups of witches and vamps in the city, but then trouble comes knocking on her doorstep. When her house is magically attacked, the wild chase to find her assailants unearths a mystery that has literally been buried deep.

A missing master vampire, presumed long deceased, is found chained in a pit...undead, raving mad, and in the company of two human bodies. Now it’s up to Jane to find out who kept the vampire hidden for so long and why, because the incident could tip already high supernatural tensions to an all-out arcane war.

Cover Reveal! Curse on the Land by Faith Hunter

If you're a regular reader of the blog, you know we're all fans of the Jane Yellowrock books by Faith Hunter. She has a new series coming out soon that's a spin-off from the Yellowrock series and today I have the cover of book two in the new series to share with you!

The first book, "Blood of the Earth", is scheduled for release August 2, 2016, and "Curse on the Land" is scheduled for Nov. 1st.

The Kindness of Readers

I belong to several author street teams and a couple of author fan groups on FB. Author street teams get a bad rap, and there are some that are quite horrendous in their behavior, but I researched the groups before joining. And may I say that some of them are just freaking awesome?

One such street team is the Beast Claws, the team for urban fantasy author Faith Hunter. I've read all of her Jane Yellowrock books, via my library or via review copies from her publisher, so I have not needed help acquiring copies. She has another book releasing next month, and I have a review copy. Over the weekend, some members contacted the group admin and offered to donate copies to members who needed them. It wasn't long before more members stepped and there are now over 30 copies being offered, some to members in the US and some to members outside of the US. That just blows me away. Here's the current offering, as of 2 hours before I wrote this:

Just a quick note: I have 24 copies for American distribution. I have 6 available for those not stateside. And 2 copies for Canada. I'll be going through names tomorrow night. If you are from outside the US or in Canada (this sounds weird, but hey, it's me) please contact me. I have one person from redacted for privacy reasons.

Now, I don't know how many people are donating, but I do know some people are offering multiple copies. Way to go Claws! That's a street team I'm proud to be part of.

There's a fan group, not a street team, I belong to for romantic suspense and historical romance author Pamela Clare. Pamela's had about 3 or 4 books release since I joined, and with every release, members stepped and offered copies of the books to members who couldn't afford to those who couldn't afford to buy their own copy. The donating members were generous, offering Kindle books and print books, even to other countries. During the year I was not employed, I was the fortunate recipient of several of Pamela's books. Since I've been working full-time, I purchased some of her backlist and I look forward to offering copies of one of her books in the future.

Do you have any examples of fan groups or street teams who have done something generous or kind?

Group Review & Giveaway of Blood In Her Veins by Faith Hunter

Series: Jane Yellowrock
Publisher: 
Source: the author/pr firm/publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: 
Challenges:
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | iTunes* | Barnes & Noble  | IndieBound | BAM
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

New York Times bestselling author Faith Hunter presents a comprehensive collection of stories starring everyone’s favorite “smart, sexy, and ruthless”* shapeshifting skinwalker...
 
In this must-have collection of stories, experience nineteen thrilling adventures from the world of vampire-hunter Jane Yellowrock, including many fan favorites and two all-new novellas. Read about the first time Jane put the pedal to the metal in “The Early Years,” and the last thing a werewolf will ever see as Jane delivers justice in “Beneath a Bloody Moon.” Get a searing look into the pasts of some of the series’ best-loved characters: Beast in “WeSa and the Lumber King,” Rick LaFleur in “Cat Tats,” and Molly Everhart Trueblood in “Haints.”

In the brand-new “Cat Fight,” the witches and vampires of Bayou, Oiseau, are at war over a magical talisman—and Jane must figure out how to keep the mysterious artifact out of the covetous hands of the Master of New Orleans. And in the never-before-published “Bound No More,” Jane welcomes a visit from Molly and her daughter, Angie, who is about to prove she’s the most powerful witch in Everhart history....

From the Big Easy to the bad bayou, from the open road to a vampire’s lair—with Jane Yellowrock, it’s always a given: have stakes, will travel.


*New York Times Bestselling Author Kim Harrison

Dark Heir by Faith Hunter: GROUP REVIEW And EXCERPT

Publisher: ROC
Series: Jane Yellowrock #9
Format Read: paperback & eGalley
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Bea's Challenges: Finishing the Series; What An Animal; NetGalley and Edelweiss ARCs;
Release Date: April 7, 2015
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | OmniLit* | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | iBooks | Kobo
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from tour kit:

Shapeshifting skinwalker Jane Yellowrock is the best in the business when it comes to slaying vampires. But her latest fanged foe may be above her pay grade…

For centuries, the extremely powerful and ruthless vampire witches of the European Council have wandered the Earth, controlling governments, fostering war, creating political conflict, and often leaving absolute destruction in their wake. One of the strongest of them is set to create some havoc in the city of New Orleans, and it’s definitely personal.

Jane is tasked with tracking him down. With the help of a tech wiz and an ex-Army ranger, her partners in Yellowrock Securities, she’ll have to put everything on the line, and hope it’s enough. Things are about to get real hard in the Big Easy.

Jax & Bea Review Black Water by Faith Hunter

Publisher: InterMix Books
Series: Jane Yellowrock
Format Read: eGalley
Source: from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: September 16, 2014
Buying Links:  Amazon*  | OmniLit* | Barnes & Noble | Audible
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Three stories from New York Times bestselling author Faith Hunter, starring shapeshifting skinwalker Jane Yellowrock.

In Snafu, a young Jane shows up for her internship with a securities firm. But before she even gets her foot in the door, she’s accosted by two street toughs and is forced to draw on her new-found Beast-magic to defend herself…

In Black Water, Jane encounters a dire situation involving an escaped prisoner and endangered hostages. With a helpful—and oddly sane—werewolf, Jane goes after the criminals, but can she stop them in time to bring the kidnapped women home alive?

In Off the Grid, Jane goes on what looks like a simple mission for the Knoxville blood-master—finding a missing Mithran. Her search leads Jane to a young woman named Nell, a woman with a scarred past and a strange power, a woman who may hold the key to saving the missing vampire, if Jane can convince her to assist.

Includes an exclusive preview of the Jane Yellowrock novel, Broken Soul, coming October 2014 from Roc!

Snafu and Off the Grid are never before published.
The story Black Water was previously published as an Audible Audio Edition.

Bea & Jax Review Broken Soul by Faith Hunter

Publisher: Roc
Series: Jane Yellowrock #8
Format Read: paperback
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: October 7, 2014
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | Barnes & Noble | 
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Jane Yellowrock is a vampire killer for hire—but other creatures of the night still need to watch their backs....

When the Master of the city of New Orleans asks Jane to improve security for a future visit from a delegation of European vampires, she names an exorbitant price—and Leo is willing to pay. That’s because the European vamps want Leo’s territory, and he knows that he needs Jane to prevent a total bloodbath. Leo, however, doesn’t mention how this new job will change Jane’s life or the danger it will bring her and her team.

Jane has more to worry about than some greedy vampires. There’s a vicious creature stalking the streets of New Orleans, and its agenda seems to be ripping Leo and her to pieces. Now Jane just has to figure out how to kill something she can’t even see….

Author Faith Hunter Talks About Jane Yellowrock & A Giveaway

Today I have urban fantasy author here answering some questions about Jane Yellowrock, vampire hunter, shape-shifter, and the star of the Skinwalker books. The newest book in the series, "Broken Soul", releases next month on the 7th.

Faith Hunter, fantasy writer, was born in Louisiana and raised all over the south. The Skinwalker series, featuring Jane Yellowrock is taking off like a rocket with "Skinwalker","Blood Cross", "Mercy Blade", "Raven Cursed", "Death’s Rival", "Blood Trade" and "Black Arts". Her Rogue Mage novels, a dark, urban fantasy series - "Bloodring", "Seraphs", and "Host"—feature Thorn St. Croix, a stone mage in a post-apocalyptic, alternate reality, urban fantasy world. These novels are the basis for the role playing game, Rogue Mage.

New Cover! Broken Soul by Faith Hunter

Back in December I reviewed books 4-7 of the Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter. Faith is currently at work on book 8, "Broken Soul" and today I have the cover to share with you.

Blurb from publicist ~

Jane Yellowrock is a vampire killer for hire—but other creatures of the night still need to watch their backs....

When the Master of the city of New Orleans asks Jane to improve security for a future visit from a delegation of European vampires, she names an exorbitant price—and Leo is willing to pay. That’s because the European vamps want Leo’s territory, and he knows that he needs Jane to prevent a total bloodbath. Leo, however, doesn’t mention how this new job will change Jane’s life or the danger it will bring her and her team.

Jane has more to worry about than some greedy vampires. There’s a vicious creature stalking the streets of New Orleans, and its agenda seems to be ripping Leo and her to pieces. Now Jane just has to figure out how to kill something she can’t even see….

and now for the cover!

Blog Tour Giveaway, Guest Post, & ARC Review of Black Arts by Faith Hunter

Publisher: Roc
Series: Jane Yellowrock #7 
Format Read: eGalley
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: January 7, 2014
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission for purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Jane Yellowrock is a shape-shifting skinwalker who always takes care of her own—no matter the cost...

When Evan Trueblood blows into town looking for his wife, Molly, he’s convinced that she came to see her best friend, Jane. But it seems like the witch made it to New Orleans and then disappeared without a trace. 

Jane is ready to do whatever it takes to find her friend. Her desperate search leads her deep into a web of black magic and betrayal and into the dark history between vampires and witches. But the closer she draws to Molly, the closer she draws to a new enemy—one who is stranger and more powerful than any she has ever faced.  

This concludes my series of reviews of the Jane Yellowrock books. Over the past three days, I've reviewed books four through seven, which is today's review. I also featured a quote from "Raven Cursed" as part of the Friday 56 meme. I hope you've enjoyed visiting Jane's world and getting to know her and her companions. At the end of this post is a giveaway for a  print copy of "Black Arts" and there's also a guest post by Beast on essential items to take on a trip to New Orleans.

Review of Blood Trade by Faith Hunter

Publisher: Roc Fantasy
Series: Jane Yellowrock #6
Format Read: paperback
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission for purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Jane Yellowrock is a shape-shifting skinwalker who’s always up for a fight—even if it means putting her life on the line... 

The Master of Natchez, Mississippi has a nasty problem on his hands. Rogue vampires—those who follow the Naturaleza and believe that humans should be nothing more than prey to be hunted—are terrorizing his city. Luckily, he knows the perfect skinwalker to call in to take back the streets.

But what he doesn’t tell Jane is that there’s something different about these vamps. Something that makes them harder to kill—even for a pro like Jane. Now, her simple job has turned into a fight to stay alive…and to protect the desperately ill child left in her care.

Review of Death's Rival by Faith Hunter

Publisher: Roc Fantasy
Series: Jane Yellowrock #5
Format Read: Paperback
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission for purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Jane Yellowrock is a shapeshifting skinwalker you don’t want to cross—especially if you’re one of the undead…

For a vampire killer like Jane, having Leo Pellisier as a boss took some getting used to. But now, someone is out to take his place as Master Vampire of the city of New Orleans, and is not afraid to go through Jane to do it. After an attack that’s tantamount to a war declaration, Leo knows his rival is both powerful and vicious, but Leo’s not about to run scared. After all, he has Jane. But then, a plague strikes, one that takes down vampires and makes their masters easy prey.

Now, to uncover the identity of the vamp who wants Leo’s territory, and to find the cause of the vamp-plague, Jane will have to go to extremes…and maybe even to war.

Review of Raven Cursed by Faith Hunter

Publisher: ROC Fantasy
Series: Jane Yellowrock #4
Format Read: paperback
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: January 3, 2012
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission for purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

The vampires of Asheville, North Carolina, want to establish their own clan, but since they owe loyalty to the Master Vampire of New Orleans they must work out the terms with him. To come up with an equitable solution, he sends an envoy with the best bodyguard blood money can buy: Jane Yellowrock.

But when a group of local campers are attacked by something fanged, Jane goes from escort to investigator. Unless she wants to face a very angry mast vampire, she will have to work overtime to find the killer. It's a good thing she's worth every penny.

The Friday 56 #9 Raven Cursed by Faith Hunter

This is a fun meme to do hosted by Freda's Voice. If you'd like to join on the fun go to The Friday 56.

Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader.
*Find any sentence that grabs you.
*Post it.
*Link it here.

I'm reading Raven Cursed by Faith Hunter, part of her Jane Yellowrock series. This is from page 56.

Once dressed, I brought six knives and my backpack into the twins' common room and finished weaponing up in front of their large, flat-screen TV.

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