It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Sept. 30, 2013)

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.

On the Personal Front:

School was a little chaotic because this was Homecoming Week. I saw lots of crazy costumes. My assistant was busy working with a group of kids to prepare our float for the parade. We pulled out the bookworm we made last year and found 7 kids to man it. She and a student also created a Monster Book of Monsters from Harry Potter complete with fake fur for the covers. By the way, cutting fake fur made it look like a huge bear had wandered around the media center shedding.

The weather was wonderful this past week. The day of the Homecoming Parade was blessed with hot and windy weather.

Every book listed below is a book that I have received for review. I don't know when I am going to be able to read something I own but I am getting eager to read a few of my recent arrivals.

Last Week:

I did manage to read four books this past week but I was worried when I hadn't yet finished book 2 on Thursday. I had a really good reading weekend.

Emerald Green by Kerstin Gier was the satisfying conclusion to the Ruby Red trilogy. My review will be posted on October 2.

Captive by A. D. Robertson was Andrea Cremer's first adult novel in the Nightshade world. It was an entertaining paranormal romance. My review will be posted on October 10.

Fire Storm by Andrew Lane was the fourth book in the Young Sherlock Holmes series. It was action-packed and exciting. I love the way Lane shows us how Sherlock Holmes grew to be the adult Sherlock we know from Arthur Conan Doyle's books. My review will be posted on October 5.

Beauty's Daughter by Carolyn Meyer is a retelling of the Iliad from the viewpoint of Helen of Troy's daughter. I enjoyed this historical fiction retelling of some of the famous Greek legends. My review will be posted on October 10.

Currently:

I am currently reading The Russian Endgame by Allan Topol. This book is the conclusion of the Craig Page trilogy and is a thriller.

Next Week:

The Stranger You Know by Andrea Kane is a Kindle ARC that I have for a blog tour. 

Slayers: Friends and Traitors by C. J. Hill is a YA print ARC that I got from Macmillan. It is the sequel to Slayers which I read this summer.

Freakboy by Kristin Elizabeth Clark is a YA ARC I got at ALA this past summer.

The Perfect Match by Kristan Higgins is a Kindle ARC that I got via an email invitation.

If I finish these, I have a couple of books scheduled to arrive from the Amazon Vine program that will probably be my next reads. They require that books be read and reviewed within 30 days of arrival which really messes up my schedule. I prefer to read my books in order by publication date.

Reviewed Last Week:

Inside of a Dog

• Reunion in Death by J. D. Robb
• Declan's Cross by Carla Neggers
• Dick Francis's Refusal by Felix Francis

Ms. Martin Teaches Media

• Unbreakable by Kami Garcia
• The Contagious Colors of Mumpley Middle School by Fowler DeWitt

What was your week like? Leave me a link.

Stacking the Shelves (Sept. 29, 2013)

Tynga of Team Tynga's Reviews has a meme to spotlight the books we receive each week. Visit her site to check out the linky and see what everyone gets. I guarantee that your TBR pile will grow.

I got a variety of books this week.

While I am not a big fan of anthologies, I had to get Mirror, Mirror because it has a story by J. D. Robb. I am such an Eve and Roarke junkie that I couldn't pass it up.

I have heard lots of good things about Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline. When I saw it was a Kindle Daily Deal, I had to add it to my stack.

These two are books in series that I have started. Heron's Cove by Carla Neggers completes my collection of Sharpe and Donovan books. Midnight Sacrifice by Melinda Leigh goes along with Midnight Exposure which I read a while ago.

I added these review books to my stack too. A Study in Darkness by Emma Jane Holloway is the sequel to A Study in Silk. I had a review copy of that one too. This one is on my Kindle which I like better than the print ARC I got of the first book.

The Perfect Match by Kristan Higgins is also a review book. I have read the first book in this series but have been assured that this one stands alone. I have heard good things about this author but haven't ever read anything by her.

Fortune's Pawn by Rachel Bach is also a review book. I like science fiction and thought this one sounded good. 

What did you add to your stack this week? Leave me a link.

Book Review: Dick Francis's Refusal by Felix Francis

Dick Francis's Refusal

Author: Felix Francis

Publication: Putnam Adult (September 3, 2013)

Description: Dick Francis’s beloved investigator Sid Halley returns in the riveting new mystery by New York Times–bestselling author Felix Francis.

Six years ago, investigator Sid Halley retired for good. He’d been harassed, beaten, shot, even lost a hand to his investigating business, and enough was enough. For the sake of his wife and new daughter he gave up that life of danger and uncertainty, and he thought nothing would ever lure him back into the game.

He thought wrong. Sir Richard Stewart, chairman of the racing authority, begs Sid to investigate a series of dodgy races. Sid adamantly refuses, but the following day, Sir Richard is found dead under suspicious circumstances. And then a man with an Irish accent contacts Sid, telling him to deliver a whitewashed report about the suspected race-fixing . . . or else.

At first Sid ignores these warnings, knowing that once he submits to this criminal bully, he will forever be under his control. But as the intimidation tactics escalate—and Sid’s own family comes under threat—Sid realizes he must meet his enemy head-on . . . or he might pay the ultimate price for his refusal.

My Thoughts: Sid Halley retired from being a private investigator and is now living near his ex-father-in-law with his wife and six-year-old daughter. He is working as an investor and telling himself that his life if satisfying. When someone high in command of British horse racing asks Sid to investigate what looks like race fixing, Sid refuses. When that person is found dead of an apparent suicide the next day, Sid is interested but still unwilling to be involved.

It takes a threatening phone call that demands Sid sign off on a report indicating that nothing is going one and the kidnapping of his young daughter before Sid gets involved. Luckily, Saskia is home almost before Sid knew she was missing but the threat is very clear. Sid isn't the type to let threats keep him from doing what he knows is right but threats to the safety of his wife and child do give him pause.

When Sid starts to investigate, the villain throws more trouble Sid's way. This time Sid is accused of abusing his child and taking pornographic pictures which were found in his garden shed. While that does cause a lot of trouble including the loss of his computer and cell phone and the necessity of moving to the Admiral's house, Sid perseveres. He feels that the only way his family will ever be safe is for him to get rid of the villain who is causing all the trouble. 

Many of Sid's old colleagues are no longer available to assist him but Chico Barnes still is. Chico is a great character and very helpful to Sid. Together the two of them investigate and come up with a plan to end the threat to Sid's life and family.

Also in this story, Sid learns of hand and arm transplants and sees an opportunity to finally get rid of the prosthesis that has been a part of his life for fourteen years. He has always hated it and is willing to take the risk of the surgery for the possibility of having a flesh and blood left arm.

The story was exciting, the villain looked to be invincible, and Sid Halley was as courageous and stubborn as always in this book. I recommend it to fans of mysteries and especially to those who have read the other books about Sid Halley by Dick Francis. 

Favorite Quote:

These days, we are all so used to having cell phones and the internet immediately at hand that we feel completely at a loss without them. It's as if we are addicted to the contact with the world at large and are unable to cope with even a few hours of digital isolation.

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

Friday Memes: Dick Francis's Refusal by Felix Francis

Happy Friday everybody!

Book Beginnings on Friday is now hosted by Rose City Reader. The Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice. Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

This week I am spotlighting Dick Francis's Refusal by Felix Francis. Dick Francis was one of my favorite mystery writers. I am also enjoying these mysteries by his son which are very much in Dick's style. Here is the description:

Dick Francis’s beloved investigator Sid Halley returns in the riveting new mystery by New York Times–bestselling author Felix Francis.

Six years ago, investigator Sid Halley retired for good. He’d been harassed, beaten, shot, even lost a hand to his investigating business, and enough was enough. For the sake of his wife and new daughter he gave up that life of danger and uncertainty, and he thought nothing would ever lure him back into the game.

He thought wrong. Sir Richard Stewart, chairman of the racing authority, begs Sid to investigate a series of dodgy races. Sid adamantly refuses, but the following day, Sir Richard is found dead under suspicious circumstances. And then a man with an Irish accent contacts Sid, telling him to deliver a whitewashed report about the suspected race-fixing . . . or else.

At first Sid ignores these warnings, knowing that once he submits to this criminal bully, he will forever be under his control. But as the intimidation tactics escalate—and Sid’s own family comes under threat—Sid realizes he must meet his enemy head-on . . . or he might pay the ultimate price for his refusal.

Beginning:

"No," I said. "Not a chance."

Friday 56:

"Mr. Halley," said the same voice. "I'm not asking, I'm telling you. You will investigate. Do I make myself plain?" There was real threat in his tone.

"Who is this?" I asked again, this time angrily. "How dare you call me like this?"

Blog Tour Book Review: Declan's Cross by Carla Neggers

Declan's Cross

Author: Carla Neggers

Publication:  Harlequin MIRA (August 27, 2013)

Description: An escape to an idyllic Irish seaside village is about to turn deadly in this riveting new novel by master of romantic suspense Carla Neggers.

For marine biologist Julianne Maroney, two weeks in tiny Declan's Cross on the south Irish coast is a chance to heal her broken heart. She doesn't expect to attract the attention of FBI agents Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan—especially since a Donovan is the reason for her broken heart.

Emma and Colin are in Ireland for their own personal retreat. Colin knows he's a reminder of everything Julianne wants to escape, but something about her trip raises his suspicion. Emma, an art crimes expert, is also on edge. Of all the Irish villages Julianne could choose…why Declan's Cross? 

Ten years ago, a thief slipped into a mansion in Declan's Cross. Emma's grandfather, a renowned art detective, investigated, but the art stolen that night has never been recovered and the elusive thief never caught.

From the moment Julianne sets foot on Irish soil, everything goes wrong. The well-connected American diver who invited her to Ireland has disappeared. And now Emma and Colin are in Declan's Cross asking questions.

As a dark conspiracy unfolds amid the breathtaking scenery of Declan's Cross, the race is on to stop a ruthless killer…and the stakes have never been more personal for Emma and Colin.

My Thoughts: I enjoyed DECLAN'S CROSS which was my first Sharpe & Donovan novel. I loved the Irish setting and was interested in both the current crime and the crime of ten years past that had not yet been solved. 

Julianne Maroney, marine biologist, snapped at the chance to go to Declan's Cross to help set up a marine research station. She was eager to get away from Andy Donovan since their relationship broke up. She knew going into it that it was unlikely to succeed but that didn't stop her heart from breaking. She is supposed to meet chance-met acquaintance Lindsey Hargreaves at the airport. But when she arrives, Lindsey isn't there. She makes her way on her own to Declan's Cross where Lindsey's colleagues say that she is just that absent minded that she could have forgotten to pick Julianne up.

Meanwhile, Colin Donovan and Emma Sharpe, both FBI agents, are vacationing in Ireland too. Colin in trying to decide, after nearly being killed on his last undercover assignment, whether or not he wants to continue with the FBI. When they are informed that Julianne is coming and going to a village where their was a famous art theft that Emma's family had investigated, they decide to check out Declan's Cross and Julianne's situation.

Julianne is renting a cottage from Sean Murphy who is working on the farm for a while getting over injuries sustained when he encountered smugglers in his job as gardai. Colin and Emma are staying in the inn made from the house where the art theft occurred. The inn is now being run by the niece of the man who owned the missing art. 

Things get even more twisty when Julianne's body turns up. Is her death linked to that long ago crime? Besides the two mysteries there are at least three relationships being worked on in this novel. I thought that the number of relationships and the number of crimes made the focus of the novel rather scattered. I didn't feel like I knew enough about each character to know who to care about. And I was disappointed that only one of the mystery plots was resolved in this story.

I will say that this book has really made me want to read the other books in the Sharpe & Donovan series so that I can fill in some of the backstory that I feel was missing for my complete enjoyment of this book. Fans of the series will want to read this title. New readers might want to start at the beginning.

Favorite Quote:

"He's also not ready to settle down." Emma looked up at Colin. "Are any of you Donovans ready to settle down?"

His smile took her by surprise. "It'd help if we fell for easy women."

"Considering how easy Donovan men are."

"Are you saying my brothers and I are difficult?"

"Challenging. I'd say you're all challenging."

I received this book to review for my stop on the blog tour. You can buy your copy here.

Book Review: Reunion in Death by J. D. Robb

Reunion in Death

Author: J. D. Robb

Publication: Berkley (March 5, 2002)

Description: A birthday bash sets the scene for a frightening reunion with a killer from Eve Dallas's past

At exactly 7:30 p.m., Walter Pettibone arrived home to over a hundred friends and family shouting, surprise! It was his birthday. Although he had known about the planned event for weeks, the real surprise was yet to come. At 8:45 p.m., a woman with emerald eyes and red hair handed him a glass of champagne. One sip of birthday bubbly, and he was dead.

The woman's name is Julie Dockport. No one at the party knew who she was. But Detective Eve Dallas remembers her all too well. Eve was personally responsible for her incarceration nearly ten years ago. And now, let out on good behavior, she still has nothing but bad intentions. It appears she wants to meet Dallas again -- in a reunion neither will forget.

My Thoughts: Just in time for Eve and Roarke's first wedding anniversary, an old enemy comes from Eve's past determined to take away the one thing she loves most - Roarke. This woman has made a career of meeting, marrying, and killing older men. She is an accomplished liar and very adept at presenting whatever image she needs. It is harder to track her down for this new set of killings because she has changed her pattern. She is still killing rich older men but she isn't forming a relationship with them first. The pieces of the story we get from her point of view show a thrill killer who is angry that she didn't get the respect she thought Eve owed her when she caught her the first time. 

Even while her Free Ager parents are visiting and charming everyone around them, Peabody gets her first cold case to investigate and amply shows that Eve's training is developing her into an excellent police officer. She even stands up to Eve once or twice which shows that their relationship is growing more to friendship and a relationship of equals. On another relationship front, LC Charles relationship is growing closer to Dr. Louise Dimatto. Louise has a bigger role in this one as she is called in to patch Eve up after various dangerous encounters. It is also at one of her fundraisers for her clinics in poor areas of town that the book's events come to a climax.

Eve is also starting to be willing to look into the past that has mostly haunted her nightmares since she was a child. When the case takes them to Dallas, Eve is forced to relive the time when she killed her father and escaped with a broken arm in the city. They find the hotel where she killed him and are surprised to find that it has undergone gentrification. The scenes where Eve and Roarke retrace Eve's steps are some of the most emotionally intense scenes I have ever read. 

This episode also sees Mira becoming more of a confident than just a colleague as Eve goes to talk to her and urges her to talk to Roarke too. 

This series has chilling villains and intriguing plots, but the best part for me is watching the relationships. I think watching Eve and Roarke build a strong marriage and relationship is the core of the series for me. This is, however, one of those series that has to be read in order. Yes, there are lots of books. But I recommend beginning this series and getting to know Eve and Roarke.

Favorite Quote:

"I didn't make you for a cop. That disturbed me for some time later as I prided myself for spotting a cop at half a mile in the dark. But when I turned and looked at you, I didn't see cop. I saw woman, I saw the woman, though I hadn't figured that out. I only knew that I looked, and I saw, and everything shifted. Nothing would be the same for me after that instant."

I am gradually buying and re-reading the In Death Series on my Kindle. You can buy your copy here.

Teaser Tuesday: Declan's Cross by Carla Neggers

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!

This week my teaser comes from Declan's Cross by Carla Neggers which is a romantic suspense title that I received because I am a stop on the blog tour for the book. Here is the description of this August 27 release:

An escape to an idyllic Irish seaside village is about to turn deadly in this riveting new novel by master of romantic suspense Carla Neggers  
For marine biologist Julianne Maroney, two weeks in tiny Declan's Cross on the south Irish coast is a chance to heal her broken heart. She doesn't expect to attract the attention of FBI agents Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan—especially since a Donovan is the reason for her broken heart.  

Emma and Colin are in Ireland for their own personal retreat. Colin knows he's a reminder of everything Julianne wants to escape, but something about her trip raises his suspicion. Emma, an art crimes expert, is also on edge. Of all the Irish villages Julianne could choose…why Declan's Cross?   

Ten years ago, a thief slipped into a mansion in Declan's Cross. Emma's grandfather, a renowned art detective, investigated, but the art stolen that night has never been recovered and the elusive thief never caught.  

From the moment Julianne sets foot on Irish soil, everything goes wrong. The well-connected American diver who invited her to Ireland has disappeared. And now Emma and Colin are in Declan's Cross asking questions.  

As a dark conspiracy unfolds amid the breathtaking scenery of Declan's Cross, the race is on to stop a ruthless killer…and the stakes have never been more personal for Emma and Colin.

Teaser:

"Ireland's the best place to heal a broken heart."

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Sept. 23, 2013)

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.

On the Personal Front: 

Things are quiet and normal around here. I am settled into the school routine and finding lots of time to read too. The weather has been changeable. One day it's summer clothes, the next day a jacket is required.

Last Week:

I read Ritual Magic by Eileen Wilks which is the latest in her World of the Lupi series. I like the characters in this series. My review will be posted on Oct. 3.

Teardrop by Lauren Kate is the beginning of a new YA series for her. I liked the concept and the characters and can't wait to see where the series goes next. My review of this Amazon Vine review book will be posted on Oct. 17 but you can see what I thought of it at Amazon, GoodReads, and LibraryThing now.

Thankless in Death by J. D. Robb is the latest in her In Death series. This is a "drop everything and read" series for me. My review will be posted on Oct. 5.

Will in Scarlet by Matthew Cody was a retelling of the Robin Hood story with Will Scarlet as the main character. I think the action and adventure will appeal to middle grade readers. My review will be posted on Oct. 3. 

The Curse Keepers by Denise Grove Swank was an Amazon Vine pick. This urban fantasy mined Native American legends for its paranormal basis. I had some problems with the characters not being very likable and the romance feeling forced. However, there was lots of action in the story. My review won't show up on this blog until Nov. 14 but you can see what I thought at Amazon, GoodReads, and LibraryThing now.

Currently:

I just began Emerald Green by Kerstin Gier which is the conclusion of her Ruby Red trilogy. This YA time travel series has interesting characters. I am eager to see how it ends.

Next Week:

Lots of review books are on my stack for next week.

I have Captive by A. D. Robertson (Andrea Cremer) coming up. I'm curious about adding erotic romance to her Nightshade world. This book will be released on Oct. 22.

The Russian Endgame by Allan Topol has been on my stack for a while. I got two copies for review and was almost sent a third. I have read the previous books in this series but am not a huge fan. I want to get this September release off my stack. 

Beauty's Daughter by Carolyn Meyer was a book I got at ALA. This historical fiction title will be released on Oct. 8

Fire Storm by Andrew Lane is the most recent in the Young Sherlock Holmes series. I got this one from Macmillan as I did the earlier volumes. I enjoyed them very much. This book will be released on Oct. 1

Reviewed on my blogs this past week:

Inside of a Dog:

• Omens by Kelley Armstrong
• Her Knight in Black Leather by JM Stewart

Ms. Martin Teaches Media:

• The Real Boy by Anne Ursu
• Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson

That was my week. Leave a link and I'll be sure to visit your It's Monday post.

Stacking the Shelves (Sept. 22, 2013)

Tynga of Team Tynga's Reviews has a meme to spotlight the books we receive each week. Visit her site to check out the linky and see what everyone gets. I guarantee that your TBR pile will grow.

This week I added four books to my TBR mountain.

I accepted Captive by A. D. Robertson for review. This is Andrea Cremer's adult take on her Nightshade world. 

I bought Thankless in Death by J. D. Robb because I am addicted to the series and love reading each new volume. 

I bought Saint's Gate by Carla Neggers so that I can read more about Sharpe & Donovan. I recently read the third book starring them and wanted to know what happened before.

I got Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulsen for my Kindle this week. I usually avoid the free books but this one appealed to me. 

What did you get this week? Leave me a link and I will visit.

Friday Memes: Getting Rowdy by Lori Foster

Happy Friday everybody!

Book Beginnings on Friday is now hosted by Rose City Reader. The Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice. Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

This week I am spotlighting Getting Rowdy by Lori Foster. I got this review book from Meryl Moss Media Relations. Here is the description of this September 24 release:

An alpha hero's attraction to the one woman he can't have could draw him into a killer's snare in the sizzling new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster 

Charismatic bar owner Rowdy Yates isn't the kind of man women say no to. So when he approaches waitress Avery Mullins, he fully expects to get her number. However, the elusive beauty has her reasons for keeping her distance—including a past that might come back to haunt them both. 

Avery spends her nights working for tips…and trying to forget the secret Rowdy is determined to unearth. But when history threatens to repeat itself, Avery grows to rely on Rowdy's protective presence. As the sparks between them ignite, she will be forced to choose between the security she's finally found…and the passion she's always wanted.

Beginning:

Avery Mullins hesitated outside the entrance of the newly renovated bar.

Friday 56:

"There were five men searching the bar for you. Why?"

His hand stilled. "Because I'd asked too many questions, and I was getting too close."

Book Review: Omens by Kelley Armstrong

Omens

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Publication: Dutton Adult; 1st edition (August 20, 2013)

Description: #1 New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong begins her new series with Omens, featuring a compelling new heroine thrust into a decades-old murder case and the dark mysteries surrounding her strange new home. 

Twenty-four-year-old Olivia Taylor Jones has the perfect life. The only daughter of a wealthy, prominent Chicago family, she has an Ivy League education, pursues volunteerism and philanthropy, and is engaged to a handsome young tech firm CEO with political ambitions.

But Olivia’s world is shattered when she learns that she’s adopted. Her real parents? Todd and Pamela Larsen, notorious serial killers serving a life sentence. When the news brings a maelstrom of unwanted publicity to her adopted family and fiancé, Olivia decides to find out the truth about the Larsens.

Olivia ends up in the small town of Cainsville, Illinois, an old and cloistered community that takes a particular interest in both Olivia and her efforts to uncover her birth parents’ past. 

Aided by her mother’s former lawyer, Gabriel Walsh, Olivia focuses on the Larsens’ last crime, the one her birth mother swears will prove their innocence. But as she and Gabriel start investigating the case, Olivia finds herself drawing on abilities that have remained hidden since her childhood, gifts that make her both a valuable addition to Cainsville and deeply vulnerable to unknown enemies. Because there are darker secrets behind her new home and powers lurking in the shadows that have their own plans for her.

My Thoughts: I loved OMENS and can't wait for the next book in this series. I was a little apprehensive when I picked it up because I loved Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld series and wondered what she was going to do now that it was finished. My fears were quickly allayed! 

Kelley Armstrong has created a fascinating new world and peopled it with intriguing characters. Olivia Taylor Jones seems to have the perfect life. She's wealthy, socially prominent, a Yale graduate and engaged to a handsome CEO of a tech firm who has political ambitions. But everything comes crashing down around her when she learns that she is adopted and that her birth parents are convicted serial killers serving consecutive life sentences. When her adoptive mother and fiance abandon her, Olivia is determined to make it on her own and find out the truth about her birth parents - the Larsens.

Searching for the truth (and running from the paparazzi) takes her to Cainsville, Illinois which is a town filled with more intriguing characters and with more than hints of a paranormal presence. Liv herself has always seen omens but now she is starting to trust what she sees.

She is aided in her search by lawyer Gabriel Walsh who was Pamela Larsen's lawyer for her latest appeal and who has ties to Cainsville too. Gabriel is a fascinating but closed up character. I loved the relationship he and Olivia have. It isn't at all a romance but is a building partnership that goes through all sorts of ups and down through the course of the book.

I couldn't put this one down as I investigated with Olivia and Gabriel. I loved watching Olivia recover memories of her past and build a new relationship with her birth mother. I loved watching her grow into herself and survive without the trust fund and social insulation.

Fans of Kelley Armstrong won't be disappointed with this new venture. Like me, they will be very eager for more books exploring these characters and this world. 

Favorite Quote:

"So how do we do this?" I asked.

"I believe I know a way," Gabriel said. "I'm going to drop you off in a better neighborhood, where you can find lunch. I'll call when things are in place."

"That's very considerate, but I'm not hungry."

"Perhaps not now, but—"

"That tone in my voice a moment ago? Sarcasm. I know you aren't being considerate. You're trying to dump me so I don't see how you get the woman to talk. I'm not hiding in a sandwich shop."

He looked at me over the roof of his car. "I'd really rather you did."

I opened the door. "As the song says, we can't always get what we want."

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

Book Review: Her Knight in Black Leather by JM Stewart

Her Knight in Black Leather

Author: JM Stewart

Publication: Crimson Romance (January 28, 2013)

Description: Cat Edwards has spent her life playing the wallflower in an effort to escape the repressive weight of her mother’s tarnished name. Dragged to a bar by her best friend in an effort to forget a broken heart, the shy bookworm is determined to be someone else for the night, but quickly gets in over her head. She discovers chivalry isn't dead after all when a mysterious stranger comes to her rescue. He’s wearing black leather and a mischievous smile that promises to be exactly what she needs.

When his terminally ill father suffers a setback, Michael Brant returns to the town he swore ten years ago he’d never return to. He’s come home this time determined to make peace with the past that haunts him, but being home brings up memories he doesn't want to remember anymore. His first night in town, he’s captured by a damsel in distress. Cat’s beauty is made all the more alluring when he realizes she has no idea who he is. He can’t resist spending a single night in her arms. With her, he’s only a man, disconnected from his family’s name and the past that haunts him here.

As the town erupts with the news of his return, Michael’s dark past comes back to haunt him, putting Cat danger. Someone is threatening her life and the life of her family. Desperate to keep history from repeating itself, Michael offers her his family’s name in order to keep her safe. When the lie spirals beyond their control, can they stop their hearts from becoming entangled as well?

My Thoughts: This was a short, sweet contemporary romance with just enough danger to add a little excitement. Michael Brant returns to his home town to try to reconcile with his critically ill father. He had left many years before because of a scandal that left him heart-broken and feeling guilty. Cat Edwards had come home to the same town because she was tired of running. 

Both characters had troubled pasts. Cat was trying to live down her mother's reputation which sent them fleeing when Cat was young. Her mother had affairs and was very selfish. She had sent Cat back to her father when she was seventeen and then disappeared. Cat's reputation was colored by that of her mother's. To compensate, Cat tried to be invisible.

They meet when Michael rescues Cat from an over-enthusiastic drunk. Her best friend had convinced her that she should let loose to get over the humiliation supplied by her cheating boyfriend. Cat doesn't know Michael or know about his past troubles. She accepts him as he is which is unique for the rich son of one of the town's founders. 

They have a number of conflicts to overcome. Both are suffering from misplaced guilt. They want different lifestyles in that she is home and he can't wait to leave. They are thrown together when someone starts making threatening phone calls to Cat. The caller also attacks Cat's roommate and trashes her father's bookstore. 

Michael suggests a fake engagement so that he can protect her. It isn't long before both of them want the engagement to be real and want to find a way to compromise so that the other can fit into their life.

This was an engaging romance that would be just right to read at the beach while sipping a tall, fruity drink. Don't think about it too closely though. I didn't think the villain made much sense. 

Favorite Quote:

Cat had him pondering his future for the first time in his adult years. Had him imagining the possibility he could actually have one. He's built a life for himself outside of this town, outside of his family's name. He had no desire to break her heart when he left. The pull to be with her called to him all the same. Could he compromise his life's direction for her?

I bought this one as a Kindle Daily Deal. You can buy your copy here.

Teaser Tuesday: Omens by Kelley Armstrong

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!

This week my teaser comes from Kelley Armstrong's new book Omens. I am a big fan of her work and was eager to see what she chose to write after she finished the Women of the Otherworld series.

Here is the book's description:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong begins her new series with Omens, featuring a compelling new heroine thrust into a decades-old murder case and the dark mysteries surrounding her strange new home. 

Twenty-four-year-old Olivia Taylor Jones has the perfect life. The only daughter of a wealthy, prominent Chicago family, she has an Ivy League education, pursues volunteerism and philanthropy, and is engaged to a handsome young tech firm CEO with political ambitions.

But Olivia’s world is shattered when she learns that she’s adopted. Her real parents? Todd and Pamela Larsen, notorious serial killers serving a life sentence. When the news brings a maelstrom of unwanted publicity to her adopted family and fiancé, Olivia decides to find out the truth about the Larsens.

Olivia ends up in the small town of Cainsville, Illinois, an old and cloistered community that takes a particular interest in both Olivia and her efforts to uncover her birth parents’ past.

Aided by her mother’s former lawyer, Gabriel Walsh, Olivia focuses on the Larsens’ last crime, the one her birth mother swears will prove their innocence. But as she and Gabriel start investigating the case, Olivia finds herself drawing on abilities that have remained hidden since her childhood, gifts that make her both a valuable addition to Cainsville and deeply vulnerable to unknown enemies. Because there are darker secrets behind her new home and powers lurking in the shadows that have their own plans for her.

Teaser:

"First you buy me a mocha. Then you let me help you hide a body. Now you take me to a biker clubhouse. Best. Day. Ever."

His lips tightened. "You're staying in the car."

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Sept. 16, 2013)

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.

On the Personal Front: There really isn't much to report. I am settling into the school routine and I have passed the time limit on my lifting restriction. It was hard to go for a month without lifting, pushing, or pulling more than 10 pounds. On Saturday, I went grocery shopping and replenished my stock of Diet Pepsi which I always buy in 24-packs. Now, I can lift them without guilt.

Our weather has taken a turn toward Fall the last couple of days and we actually got some rain. I don't recall any rain to speak of since I got back here on July 29. We really needed it and could use a lot more than the overnight rain we got.

Last Week:

This is the order I read them in.

The Real Boy by Anne Ursu was a middle grade fantasy. I enjoyed the characters and the writing. My review will be posted on Sept. 19.

Getting Rowdy by Lori Foster was a romantic suspense title that I didn't want to put down. I have been curious about Rowdy since he walked on in an earlier book in this series and was glad to find out more about him. Both the romance and the suspense were great. My review will be posted on Sept. 21.

The Contagious Colors of Mumpley Middle School by Foster DeWitt was a nice middle grade story that will especially appeal to science nerds. My review will be posted on Sept. 28.

Declan's Cross by Carla Neggers was another romantic suspense title on this week's stack. This one is for a blog tour on Sept. 26. I thought the fact that we were following three relationships and two mysteries made the story a little unfocused. I am eager to read the earlier Sharpe & Donovan stories though.

Dick Francis's Refusal by Felix Francis was a book from my TBR mountain. I was pleased that Felix revisited one of Dick's best loved characters when he chose to make Sid Halley the hero of this novel. I liked it a lot. My review will be posted on Sept. 28.

Last this week, I read Unbreakable by Kami Garcia. I picked up this ARC at ALA this past June. I liked the characters and the writing in this story. The only fault I can find with the book was that it is the first in a series and, therefore, leaves a number of important questions unanswered. My review will be posted on Sept. 26.

Currently:

I am currently reading Ritual Magic by Eileen Wilks which is the latest in her urban fantasy series. These are always enjoyable and action-packed stories. 

Next Week:

I have a bit of a gap in my review calendar for adult books. I decided to read The Curse Keepers by Denise Grover Swank which won't be released until November 19. It is an Amazon Vine book and they require that received books be read within 30 days of receipt. I won't be posting the review on my blog until November though I will post at Amazon, LibraryThing, and GoodReads as soon as I finish the book.

I also want to read Grand Forks: A History of American Dining in 128 Reviews by Marilyn Hagerty. I think this is likely a book I will read over some time - maybe a review or two a day. 

Having finished all the September releases that will fit on my blog calendar, I am starting on October releases on my YA blog. 

Teardrop by Lauren Kate wouldn't necessarily be next but it is another Amazon Vine book that has been on my stack for almost 30 days. It will be released Oct. 22.

Fire Storm by Andrew Lane is the latest in the Young Sherlock Holmes series. It will be released on October 1.

Emerald Green by Kerstin Gier and Will in Scarlet by Matthew Cody are both October 8 releases. Emerald Green finishes the trilogy that began with Ruby Red. Will in Scarlet was a book I was pre-approved for from NetGalley that sounded good. 

That was my week. Leave me a link and I'd be glad to check out yours.