Thursday, June 30, 2011

Reviews: Local Custom, Scout's Progress, & Mouse and Dragon

This is a batch review for my re-reads of these Liaden Universe books by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. These are my favorite romances of the series. These all take place on the very foreign world of Liad where people are divided into two groups - kin and opponents - and the keeping of melant'i is vital work. Think of melant'i as the equivalent of the Japanese concept of "face." It is a very formal and mannered society but underneath it is massively competitive and cutthroat. 


Here is a quote from "Marriage Customs of Liad":
On average, contract marriages last eighteen Standard Months, and are negotiated between clan officials who decide, after painstaking perusal of gene maps, personality charts and intelligence grids, which of several possible nuptial arrangements are most advantageous to both clans.

In contrast, lifemating is a far more serious matter, encompassing the length of the partners' lives, even if one shoudl die. One of the pair must leave his or her clan of origin and join the clan of the lifemate. At that time the adoptive clan pays a "life-price" based on the individual's profession, age and internal value to the former clan.

Tradition has it that lifemates share a "bond of heart and mind." In view of Liaden cultural acceptance of "wizards," some scholars have interpreted this to mean that lifemates are "psychically" connected. Or, alternatively, that the only true lifematings occur between wizards.

There is little to support this theory. True lifematings among Liadens are rare. But so are lifelong marriages among Terrans.
Those of Korval not being ordinary Liadens, these stories are about true lifematings.


Local Custom (2002)
Er Thom yos'Galan, Clan Korval, falls in love with Anne Davis, Terran scholar of Linguistics, despite their vastly different cultures. When he discovers that she has has his child, he struggles to find a way that they can be together. 


This is a definite conflict of cultures that leads to many heart-breaking misunderstandings.
Aelliana Caylon, Clan Mizel, is a younger child of the clan and not well-regarded in it. Her older brother bullies and abuses her. She is also a mathematical scholar who upgraded the piloting charts that all pilots depend on. She is highly regard by all pilots. When she wins a ship in a game of cards, she sees a way to leave her clan and get away from the abuse. 


Daav yos'Phelium, Clan Korval, is a former scout and the leader of his clan which is the most influential on Liad. He is trying to get away from some of the responsibilities on his shoulders by working with his friends at Binjali's. They meet when Aelliana comes to inspect her new ship. They fall in love even though Aelliana suffered through a horrible contract marriage arranged by her brother when she was sixteen and Daav is in the process of contracting a marriage with another.


Mouse and Dragon (2010)


Aelliana Caylon has endured much, and finally, she appears to have won all: a spaceship, comrades, friends -- and the love of a pilot she adores.

Even better that her lover—the man who was destined for her, a man as much a loner as she—is also the Delm of Korval, arguably the most powerful person on all of Liad. He has the power to remove her and protect her from the toxic environment of her home Clan. Best of all, he agrees to sit as her co-pilot and her partner in a courier business.
            
Even happy endings sometimes show a few flaws. Such as Aelliana's home clan being not as agreeable to letting her go as it had first seemed. And the fact that someone is stealing pilots in the Low Port, which falls within the Delm of Korval's honor. Oh, and the revelation that the man she loves—the man who is destined for her—isn't entirely the man she thought he was. And finally, she discovers that even the lift from Liad she'd so fervently desired, is part of a larger plan, a plan requiring her to be someone she never thought she was, or could be.


My Thoughts: I really can't review these books without gushing. I love every bit of each of them. I love that each chapter begins with a quote from some fictional scholarly work giving insight into the culture of the Liadens. These stories revolve around and are immersed in Liaden culture. The building block of this culture is melant'i.
To a Liaden, melant'i is more precious than rubies, a cumulative, ever-changing indicator of his place in the universal pecking order. A person of high honor, for instance, is referred to as "a person of melant'i," whereas a scoundrel--or a Terran--may be dismissed with "he has no melant'i."
But even on Liad there is still room for love. 


The books themselves are rather cult classics. Currently Amazon is offering a new paperback copy of Local Custom for $48.50 and Scout's Progress for $34.99. Mouse and Dragon, being much newer, is still in print. For those who want the stories without breaking the bank, Local Custom and Scout's Progress along with Conflict of Honors is available in the Baen bindup The Dragon Variations for only $9.60. People looking for ebook copies can check out the Baen website and buy The Dragon Variations for $6.00.


These books are on my keeper shelves and are lovingly re-read whenever I want to revisit Liad.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

WoW: Kitty's Greatest Hits by Carrie Vaughn

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It gives us a chance to spotlight books that we are eagerly anticipating and to see what others are waiting for too.

I have been a big fan of Carrie Vaughn's Kitty Norville series since I first read Kitty and the Midnight Hour in 2005. I am anxiously waiting for the anthology that is coming on August 16 because it gives a lot of the backstories of my favorite characters.
Kitty's Greatest Hits by Carrie Vaughn is her first story collection and includes two new stories. It is also nice to gather all the stories into one neat collection.


Here is the description:
Kitty Norville, star of a New York Times bestselling series, is everybody’s favorite werewolf DJ and out-of-the-closet supernatural creature. Over the course of eight books she’s fought evil vampires, were-creatures, and some serious black magic. She’s done it all with a sharp wit and the help of a memorable cast of werewolf hunters, psychics, and if-notgood- then-neutral vampires by her side. Kitty’s Greatest Hits not only gives readers some of Kitty’s further adventures, it offers longtime fans a window into the origins of some of their favorite characters.

In “Conquistador de la Noche,” we learn the origin story of Denver’s Master vampire, Rick; with “Wild Ride,” we find out how Kitty’s friend T.J. became a werewolf; and in “Life is the Teacher,” we revisit Emma, the human-turned-unwilling-vampire who serves the aloof vampire Master of Washington, D.C.

This entertaining collection includes two brand-new works: “You’re On the Air,” about one of Kitty’s callers after he hangs up the phone; and the eagerly awaited “Long Time Waiting,” the novella that finally reveals just what happened to Cormac in prison, something every Kitty fan wants to know.


Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Teaser Tuesday: Split Second by Catherine Coulter

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! 
Just do the following:

  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


I am reading the ARC of Split Second by Catherine Coulter. This one will be published on July 19. Here is the product description:
The number-one New York Times-bestselling author returns with another pulse-pounding thriller. 

A serial killer is on the loose, and it's up to FBI agents Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock to bring him down. They soon discover that the killer has blood ties to the infamous and now long-dead monster Ted Bundy. Savich and Sherlock are joined by agents Lucy Carlyle and Cooper McKnight, and the chase is on.

At the same time, Agent Carlyle learns from her dying father that her grandfather didn't simply walk away from his family twenty-two years ago: he was, in fact, murdered by his wife, Lucy's grandmother. Determined to find the truth, Lucy moves into her grandmother's Chevy Chase mansion. What she finds, however, is a nightmare. Not only does she discover the truth of what happened all those years ago, but she faces a new mystery as well, a strange ring that holds powers beyond her ken.

As the hunt for the serial killer escalates, Savich realizes he's become the killer's focus, and perhaps the next victim. It's up to Lucy to stop this madness before it's too late.
I have read a number of books in the FBI Thriller series and look forward to this one too.


Teaser:
Savich showed Horne his creds. "Any problems at all?"


Officer Andy Horne said, "Nothing suspicious, sir. I'll tell you, everyone wonders why I'm here, guarding this old geezer."
I'm wondering who the "old geezer" is and why he is being guarded too.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? (June 27, 2011)

t's Monday, What Are You Reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.



This has been a good reading week for me. The weather was mostly cool, cloudy or rainy. I did make two trips to the casino this week and won both times. I also managed to keep up my book a day pace.


Last Week I read:
Mouse and Dragon by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller -- This continues the story of Daav and Aelliana begun in Scout's Progress. We get more romance and more about the Liaden culture. 

Agent of Change by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller jumps to the story of Daav and Aelliana's son Val Con yos'Phelium who has been a scout and is now an agent of change for the Department of the Interior. He meets his lifemate Miri Robertson, mercenary and bodyguard, and both need to flee their enemies while falling in love. 
Carpe Diem by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller continues the story of Val Con and Miri and finds them marooned on an interdicted world and trying to find a way back home. 

Conflict of Honors by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller tells the story of the son of Er Thom and Anne Davis - Shan yos'Galan. Shan is a Master Trader, Master Pilot and captain of the trade ship Dutiful Passage. He rescues Priscilla Mendoza after she has been abandoned by her ship and left for dead. They fall in love and plan revenge (balance) on the Liaden captain who abandoned her and who had already treated Shan dishonorably. 
Plan B by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller continues the adventures of Miri and Val Con and Priscilla and Shan as they battle the evil Department of the Interior which wants to control Liad.

I Dare by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller is the concluding volume in the story arc begun in Agent of Change. Korval and its allies bring the battle home to Liad to finally face the Department of the Interior. This one also tells the story of Pat Rin yos'Phelium who is a cousin of Val Con's.

I will be doing group reviews of all of these books over the next couple of weeks. 
Then, just to prove that I really do read something other than science fiction, I read Spellbound by Cara Lynn Schultz. This is a young adult paranormal that I had for review from NetGalley. It is about star-crossed love and ancient curses and was very good. My review will be posted on June 30.

Currently Reading:
I received an ARC of Split Second by Catherine Coulter. This is a book in her FBI Thrillers series and features Sherlock and Savich. I have read a number of books in this series and look forward to this one too. This book will be published on July 12.


Next Week:
I plan to go back to my Liaden Universe re-reads and read Fledgling, Saltation and the eARC of Ghost Ship. Ghost Ship will be published on Aug. 2 (which happens to be my birthday). I have already ordered my finished copy to add to my treasured collection of Liaden Universe books. 

After I finish these, it is back to review books for me. 
Called Home: Two Hearts Answer by Gloria Schumann was sent to me by the author. It is a romantic mystery.

The Undertaker by William F. Brown was also sent to me by the author. It is a mystery.
I chose Merciless by Diana Palmer from NetGalley for review. I used to read her books all the time but haven't for a while. This is a romance.

Lost Voices by Sarah Porter is also from NetGalley. This young adult novel. From the product description: Lost Voices is a captivating and wildly original tale about finding a voice, the healing power of friendship, and the strength it takes to forgive. 


I think these should keep me busy next week. Then I see that I need to concentrate on some young adult books because my reading lately has been too slanted to adult stuff. Ms. Martin Teaches Media needs some love (and reviews).

In My Mailbox (June 26, 2011)

The weekly In My Mailbox post is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It is fun to see what everyone else gets in their mailboxes, shopping bags, and library visits. Click on the link to The Story Siren's site to see the rules and join in the fun.
 
I guarantee that your TBR pile will grow when you see all the wonderful books everyone gets. You will discover lots of great blogs and lots of books that you won't be able to live without.
Here is what got added to my massive TBR stack this week.


For Review:
A publicist from Entangled Publishing contacted me recently to see if I would be interested in reviewing some books for them. They sounded good. So I downloaded these from NetGalley.

Out in Blue by Sarah Gilman is a paranormal romance about a world where archangels are hunted for their plumage.

Resurrection by Boone Brux is a fantasy romance with demons and demon hunters.
Gloria Schumann, the author of Called Home: Two Hearts Answer, contacted me and asked me to read her book. It sounded like an interesting romance. Here is the product description:
Emma Benson's view of life was crafted by the death of her brother as a child, abandonment by her father and later, the man she trusted she would marry, until David Schlosser-back in town after years in New York writing best-selling novels-threatens her neatly tended life. Romance blooms. Emma and David eventually persevere in the face of tragedy, refusing to leave their dreams behind.
I was also offered Split Second (An FBI Thriller) by Catherine Coulter. I have read a lot of books in this series and was eager to have the latest to read. Here is the product description:
A serial killer is on the loose, and it's up to FBI agents Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock to bring him down. They soon discover that the killer has blood ties to the infamous and now long-dead monster Ted Bundy. Savich and Sherlock are joined by agents Lucy Carlyle and Cooper McKnight, and the chase is on.


At the same time, Agent Carlyle learns from her dying father that her grandfather didn't simply walk away from his family twenty-two years ago: he was, in fact, murdered by his wife, Lucy's grandmother. Determined to find the truth, Lucy moves into her grandmother's Chevy Chase mansion. What she finds, however, is a nightmare. Not only does she discover the truth of what happened all those years ago, but she faces a new mystery as well, a strange ring that holds powers beyond her ken. 


As the hunt for the serial killer escalates, Savich realizes he's become the killer's focus, and perhaps the next victim. It's up to Lucy to stop this madness before it's too late.
For My Kindle:
The Abandoned by Amanda Stevens was free for the Kindle this week. It is an ebook prequel to the Graveyard Queen series. I read The Restorer and really liked it.

I also bought Mouse and Dragon by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. I got this one from Baen Books when I realized that I had the eARC on my Kindle but not the finished copy. This adds to my collection of Liaden Universe ebooks.

New Print Books:
A Curious Affair by Melanie Jackson intrigued me when I read a review on one of the blogs I follow. I bought a used copy of this book about a woman struck by lightning who can now hear talking cats and who has a mystery to solve and a romance too. 

Oscar Wilde and the Vampire Murders by Gyles Brandreth was also recommended on one of the blogs I follow. This is a used copy too. This is an historical mystery.

These were my additions to the TBR pile this week. What did you get?

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Winner -- Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop


Random.org has spoken (more or less) and chosen entrant number 16 - Elizabeth who blogs at Swords for Fighting as the winner.

She chose a pre-order of Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer and it is ordered for her and should arrive on publication date from Amazon. I think this is a great choice. I had already pre-ordered my copy.

I would like to thank all 291 people who entered. I'm sorry I couldn't choose all of you. I do have another contest that you can enter if you wish. I will be giving away a finished copy of The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente. You can get all the details and fill out the form here.

ARC Review: The Creed Legacy by Linda Lael Miller

The Creed Legacy
Author: Linda Lael Miller
Publication: HQN Books; Original edition (June 28, 2011)


Description: Rough-and-tumble rodeo cowboy Brody Creed likes life on the move. Until a chance encounter with his long-estranged twin brother brings him "home" for the first time in years. Suddenly Brody is in Creed territory—at thirty-three, he's a restless bad boy among family with deep ties to the land and each other. And a secret past haunts him as he tries to make plans for his future.


Carolyn Simmons is looking for Mr. Right in Lonesome Bend, as the ticktock of her biological clock gets ever louder. Then she falls for gorgeous Brody Creed, the opposite of everything she wants. Until lassoing his wild heart becomes everything both of them need.


My Thoughts: This third in Linda Lael Miller's stories about the Creed boys was a deeply satisfying romance. Brody Creed is the bad-boy of the family. He left home to follow the rodeo circuit after a fight over a girl with his twin Conner. He was estranged from his family for years. Now he is ready to come home and become part of his loving family again. 


Caroline Simmons doesn't have a family. She was abandoned by her mother, never knew her father, and grew up in a series of fourteen foster homes. Her business of house sitting made her feel even more rootless and lonely. She also feels a deep sense of insecurity and has a fear of abandonment. After all, everyone she ever loved managed to walk away from her. Even Brody...


She and Brody met a number of years ago when she was house sitting at his uncle's house. They fell in love and had a whirlwind romance until Brody left her with no explanation. We learn that he had gotten a call from a former lover telling him she was pregnant. Brody leaves to do the right thing. He marries her and they have a child. Unfortunately, his wife and child are killed in a car accident when the child was less than two. This throws Brody into a period of hard living as he tries to handle grief and guilt on his own. 


When Brody returns to Lonesome Bend, he realizes that his love of Carolyn had never faded. She, however, was deeply hurt by his abandonment and is not at all eager to trust him again. But she knows she is lonely and wants to have a life and a family of her own. In fact, she registers with an online dating service. She corresponds with lots of men but soon realizes that none of them are Brody.


What I like most about this series is that none of the characters are perfect or larger-than-life. The heroes are working cowboys; the heroines are modern women with a variety of strengths and weaknesses. But both are lonely and ultimately willing to take the risk of falling in love. I also liked seeing the relationships between the other couples. While we didn't get a chance to see Steven and Melissa in this one, we did see Davis and Kim and Conner and Tricia.


I recommend this series to readers who want to get lost in feel-good romances. They would make great beach reads.
Catch the trailer here:
Favorite Quote:
Kim punched him. "You're just like your uncle," she said.

Whatever that meant.

That he was a stubborn cuss, probably.


That quality came free with the Creed name, one to a customer but guaranteed for life.
I received this eARC from Harlequin via NetGalley. You can get the paperback or Kindle version at Amazon.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop



Welcome to the long, lazy days of summer! It is a perfect time to sit outside and read. To help you do that I am offering a book of your choice (up to $20) from The Book Depository. This hop is sponsored by Kathy at I Am a Reader, Not a Writer.

The rules are pretty simple:
  • Live where the Book Depository ships
  • Be a follower of this blog
  • Fill out the form below
  • Enter by Midnight CDT June 24
Check out the list of the blogs participating in the hop here.


The winner will be chosen using Random.org and will be emailed for the title of the book they want and their shipping information on Saturday, June 25.


Book Beginning & Friday 56: The Creed Legacy by Linda Lael Miller

Happy Friday everybody!!
Book Beginnings

Book Beginnings on Friday is now hosted by Katy at A Few More Pages 


Anyone can participate; just share the opening sentence of your current read, making sure that you include the title and author so others know what you're reading. 

If you like, share with everyone why you do, or do not, like the sentence.

The Friday 56
Rules:
  • Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
  • Turn to page 56.
  • Find the fifth sentence.
  • Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of Freda's Voice
  • Post a link along with your post back to Freda's Voice
Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.


The book closest to me today is The Creed Legacy by Linda Lael Miller. I received this eARC from Harlequin via NetGalley. This is the third in the series. 


This one features Brody Creed who has just come home from years away. He spent time on the rodeo circuit and did a bunch of other things too including marry, have a child, and lose both in a car accident. She is Carolyn Simmons who was a former foster child who wandered into Lonesome Bend and stayed to make a place for herself. They had a quick affair, fell in love and were making plans for the future when the mother of his child gave Brody a call. He left Carolyn with hardly a word and no explanation and was gone for almost 8 years. Now he is back and the sparks on reignited between the two of them.


Beginning:
Ranching, Brody Creed thought, shifting in the saddle as he surveyed the sprawling range land from a high ridge. It can mend a broken heart, this life, and then shatter it all over again, in a million and one different ways and twice as many pieces.
Friday 56:
"And as for what Kim said at supper, about my signing up for a dating service..."

Thursday, June 23, 2011

ARC Review: Savor the Danger by Lori Foster

Savor the Danger
Author: Lori Foster
Publication: HQN Books; Original edition (June 28, 2011)


Description: She may be aloof, and more pretty than gorgeous, but Alani Rivers is the kind of woman a hot-blooded mercenary can't forget, no matter how hard he tries. So when Jackson Savor wakes up next to the naked, sleeping beauty—with no memory of what happened— he knows he's been drugged…even if Alani doesn't.


After she was kidnapped, Alani vowed never to trust another man again. Still, something about this strong, sexy hero with the tender touch makes her want to believe him. As Jackson hunts down a mysterious intruder, he swears he'll move heaven and earth to keep Alani safe. But what really happened that night? And will the truth bring them closer than they ever thought possible—or put Alani squarely in harm's way again?


My Thoughts: If you are looking for sexy romantic suspense with hot heroes and intrepid heroines this book will fit the bill. The series began with Alani be rescued from human traffickers by her brother's friend and partner Dare. Now Alani is rebuilding her life. Jackson, another one of her brother's partners, is pursuing her romantically. He doesn't see her as a sister.


The story begins with Jackson waking up in bed with Alani and with no memory of the previous day. Since this is their first sexual encounter, Alani is hurt by what she sees as his indifference. But Jackson isn't daunted. He is determined to further his relationship with Alani which he, as a typical alpha male, first sees as only sexual. 


The action ramps up quickly as it becomes clear that someone is targeting either Jackson, Alani, or a young woman that Jackson had previously rescued from human traffickers - Arizona. We get a chance to see Dare and Molly and Trace and Priss again in this story too. 


I enjoyed the nonstop action in this book. I also enjoyed watching Alani and Jackson work on developing an honest relationship. The sex scenes were hot but not gratuitous. The danger was well-done and the evil villain - though a little over the top - was well-done too. 


I recommend this series of romantic suspense novels and really hope that Ms. Foster has a book about Arizona in the works too. 
Favorite Quote:
They were men who smiled while squaring off with danger, men who didn't flinch when put to the test, men who, without a single second of hesitation, would protect others with their own lives.

They were good men.

They were scary men.
I got the eARC from NetGalley. You can get your copy here at Amazon.


Wednesday, June 22, 2011

WoW: Playing the Game by Jaci Burton

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It gives us a chance to spotlight books that we are eagerly anticipating and to see what others are waiting for too.


Have I ever mentioned that I have a thing about romances with professional athletes as main characters? They almost always end up on my TBR stack. I am waiting until August 2 to add Playing the Game by Jaci Burton to the pile. 


I met these characters in the author's Play By Play and now I need to know how their romance will turn out. Here is the description:

Sports agent Liz Darnell will do anything to win back her number-one client, baseball pro Gavin Riley. And Gavin's more than ready- especially when Liz is offering herself as part of the bargain. But when love unexpectedly enters the playing field, neither Liz nor Gavin are ready for the biggest game-changer of all.
Liz was a very unlikable character in Play By Play. You could almost say that she was the villain of the piece. I'm eager to see how Jaci Burton makes her sympathetic.


Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Teaser Tuesday: Savor the Danger by Lori Foster

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! 
Just do the following:

  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Today I'm reading an eARC from Harlequin via NetGalley. Savor the Danger by Lori Foster is the third in the  Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor series. This one is about the relationship between Jackson and Alani. This are sexy, romantic suspense with very alpha characters and the women who bring out all their protective instincts.

Teaser:
"No, whoa, hey, don't go there." Discomfort had him shifting his shoulders. "Priss and Molly are married to friends, so discussing their boobs is over the line. Can't do it."

He appeared so horrified that Alani snickered. "Makes you uncomfortable, does it?"
Look for this one on June 28 if hot heroes and danger are your thing.

Monday, June 20, 2011

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? (June 20, 2011)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.


It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I have really been enjoying my summer vacation so far. I am reading about a book a day. Pretty soon I will be even for June. As of Saturday, June 18, I had read 16 books already.

Here is what I read last week:
Flying Blind by Deborah Cooke is her young adult debut novel. It is set in the same world as her adult dragon books and is about the only female dragon who is fifteen and a half and waiting for her dragon powers to manifest. My review will be posted on June 25.

The Emperor of Nihon-ja by John Flanagan is the last in the Ranger's Apprentice series. This is a very good series for middle grade/young adult fantasy lovers. It is filled with adventure, danger, friendship and love. My review is here
William and Kate by Christopher Anderson - I admit it! I am a royalty junky. I got up before dawn to watch their wedding and really liked this inside look at their relationship. I won't be reviewing it but I do recommend it for other fans of British Royalty. It was filled with interesting details about some very privileged lives.

Hit List by Laurell K. Hamilton is the 20th in the Anita Blake series. It goes back to old-school Anita and focuses on a hunt for evil monsters. Edward is featured but, unfortunately, Jean-Claude and Richard aren't. This was a very readable urban fantasy. You can see my review here.
The Creed Legacy by Linda Lael Miller is the third in the Creed series. I got it from NetGalley for review. It is a very nice western romance. My review will be posted on June 25. The book comes out June 28.

Savor the Danger by Lori Foster is also the third in a series. This is contemporary, romantic suspense and was very good. I also got this one from NetGalley for review. My review will be posted on June 23. This one also comes out June 28.
The Strange Case of Finley Jayne by Kady Cross is a short story prequel to The Girl in the Steel Corset. It was free for the Kindle. I have already read The Girl in the Steel Corset but was interested in this story to find out more about Finley Jayne and her world. My review will be posted on June 23.

Local Custom by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller was a re-read for me. I just love this science fiction romance. I can't count how many times I have read it. Each time I get swept away into a fascinating world. I love that the Liaden culture is so different than the Terran culture. This one is a cross-cultural romance with all the misunderstandings that arise from different viewpoints.
Scout's Progress by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller -- This is the science fiction romance story of Aelliana Caylon, Clan Mizel and Daav yes'Phelium, Delm Korval. She is the abused younger daughter of a mid-level house, the number one mathematician on Liad, and a new pilot and ship owner. He is the head of the most influential house on Liad, a former scout, and a world class pilot. They meet when she comes to see the ship she won at a yard where he is working with friends to gain perspective on the duties that are burdening him. He acts as her co-pilot and becomes her friend but doesn't share his identity. 

I am currently reading:
Mouse and Dragon by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller -- Reading Local Custom  and Scout's Progress started me on a re-reading binge of the Liaden Universe books. I think there are about a dozen but I don't know if the binge will last me long enough to read all of them. Luckily, they are all sitting on my Kindle in addition to sitting on my bookshelves. So I have them with me on vacation. Mouse and Dragon is the story of Daav and Aelliana's relationship after the events of Scout's Progress. They are lifemates but various problems are keeping them from marrying. Both are getting to know the other while facing various dangers - politcal and social. 

Here is the product description:
Aelliana Caylon has endured much, and finally, she appears to have won all: a spaceship, comrades, friends -- and the love of a pilot she adores.

            Even better that her lover—the man who was destined for her, a man as much a loner as she—is also the Delm of Korval, arguably the most powerful person on all of Liad. He has the power to remove her and protect her from the toxic environment of her home Clan. Best of all, he agrees to sit as her co-pilot and her partner in a courier business.

            Even happy endings sometimes show a few flaws. Such as Aelliana's home clan being not as agreeable to letting her go as it had first seemed. And the fact that someone is stealing pilots in the Low Port, which falls within the Delm of Korval's honor. Oh, and the revelation that the man she loves—the man who is destined for her—isn't entirely the man she thought he was. And finally, she discovers that even the lift from Liad she'd so fervently desired, is part of a larger plan, a plan requiring her to be someone she never thought she was, or could be.
Next week:

I do plan to keep reading the Liaden Universe books. Those baskets I pictured last week aren't any emptier either. I have lots of choices. 

What do you have planned?