Saturday, May 31, 2014

Book Review: Honor's Knight by Rachel Bach

Honor's Knight
Author: Rachel Bach
Series: Paradox (Book 2)
Publication: Orbit (February 25, 2014)

Description: Devi Morris has a lot of problems. And not the fun, easy-to-shoot kind either.

After a mysterious attack left her short several memories and one partner, she's determined to keep her head down, do her job, and get on with her life. But even though Devi's not actually looking for it -- trouble keeps finding her. She sees things no one else can, the black stain on her hands is growing, and she is entangled with the cook she's supposed to hate.< But when a deadly crisis exposes far more of the truth than she bargained for, Devi discovers there's worse fates than being shot, and sometimes the only people you can trust are the ones who want you dead.

My Thoughts: Devi's life just keeps getting more complicated in this sequel to FORTUNE'S PAWN. The story begins with her lost memories and with her seeing little invisible bugs. She thinks she might be hallucinating which frightens her because the unit she wants to join doesn't take mercs with mental problems.

Fortunately for her, the bugs are real. But bigger versions of them kill planets. She learns some secrets about the ship she is on and the captain who commands her. This was an action-packed story which pits Devi against almost everyone.

Bach builds an interesting world with all sorts of aliens. The xith'cal are fearsome lizard warriors and scientists. The aeons are birds. The lelgis are sort of jellyfish/squids. And all of them want Devi dead for various reasons. The humans don't want her dead. They want to use her like some sort of lab rat to find out why she can do what she does. She'd rather be dead!

Fans of fast paced space opera will enjoy this sequel and will be clamoring for the third book. Luckily, HEAVEN'S QUEEN is already available to satisfy their need.

Favorite Quote: 
But when you practice enough, miracles happen more often than you think.
I bought this one because I got books one and three in this series for review. You can buy your copy here.

Friday, May 30, 2014

Friday Memes: Honor's Knight by Rachel Bach

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 Honor's Knight by Rachel Bach. This is a science fiction story and the sequel to Fortune's Pawn. I have Heaven's Queen which is the third book in this series on my review pile. Here is the description:
Devi Morris has a lot of problems. And not the fun, easy-to-shoot kind either.

After a mysterious attack left her short several memories and one partner, she's determined to keep her head down, do her job, and get on with her life. But even though Devi's not actually looking for it -- trouble keeps finding her. She sees things no one else can, the black stain on her hands is growing, and she is entangled with the cook she's supposed to hate.

But when a deadly crisis exposes far more of the truth than she bargained for, Devi discovers there's worse fates than being shot, and sometimes the only people you can trust are the ones who want you dead.
Beginning:
"You said no?" the girl shrieked, crushing the letter in her fist. "You didn't even think you should ask me first?"
Friday 56: 
None of this made sense, anyway. Why not throw in another Ren? This made three of them now: Caldswell's Ren, the barefoot Ren who'd been dragging me around, and the new girl.

Thursday, May 29, 2014

ARC Review: The Lost by Sarah Beth Durst

The Lost
Author: Sarah Beth Durst
Publication: Harlequin MIRA (May 27, 2014)

Description: Award-winning author Sarah Beth Durst has been praised for her captivating novels that merge the darkly imagined with very real themes of self-discovery and destiny. In The Lost, we'll discover just what it means to lose one's way….

It was only meant to be a brief detour. But then Lauren finds herself trapped in a town called Lost on the edge of a desert, filled with things abandoned, broken and thrown away. And when she tries to escape, impassible dust storms and something unexplainable lead her back to Lost again and again. The residents she meets there tell her she's going to have to figure out just what she's missing—and what she's running from—before she can leave. So now Lauren's on a new search for a purpose and a destiny. And maybe, just maybe, she'll be found….

Against the backdrop of this desolate and mystical town, Sarah Beth Durst writes an arresting, fantastical novel of one woman's impossible journey…and her quest to find her fate.

My Thoughts: What happens to lost things? The socks, the wallets, the suitcases? Sarah Beth Durst has created a place called Lost. It is not only stuff that ends up there, but people too. Lauren started driving one day, didn't make a right turn when she should have, and finds herself there. The people who end up in Lost have all lost something and they can't go home or on until they find out what it is or find it. Lost is surrounded by in impenetrable dust cloud. There are two men who are important in Lost too. The Finder can go into the dust and bring out anyone who still has a shred of hope. The Missing Man is the one who can send people on or out.

At first, Lauren doesn't believe where she has ended up. She has responsibilities at home. Her mother and best friend is dying of ovarian cancer. As hard as it is, Lauren needs to be with her mother. But the Missing Man takes one look at her, asks her name, and then disappears. The rest of the residents of Lost blame Lauren for his disappearance but a little girl named Claire and the Finder adopt her and help her survive.

Lauren struggles to understand Lost and, despite falling in love with both Claire and the Finder, she is determined to find her way home. She discovers that she has some powers of her own. And she has a horribly difficult decision to make.

I spent so much time thinking about what it was that Lauren lost and whether or not she would find it and be able to go home. I loved the periodic lists at chapter ends showing things lost and found and how the lists contained items both mundane and profound.

This was an excellent story about a young woman dealing with a terrible situation. I loved Lauren and empathized with her. I am eager to read the next story to find out what happens.

Favorite Quote:
I wake with the feeling that dreams have swapped with reality. Any second, a dirigible will land on the roof, deploy dozens of alien ninjas, who will sneak into every motel room to rendezvous with the lime-green monsters that are camouflaged in the bathroom, and then conquer the world; all the while I am due on stage in three minutes but have never learned my lines. Also, I'm naked.

Except I'm not naked, because I slept in my underwear. Oddly, I find that more comforting than the absence of alien ninjas.
I got this ARC both in the mail and from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Interview: Sarah Beth Durst

Today I get to ask Sarah Beth Durst a few questions. I am a fan of her books and was eager to read her newest book - The Lost - which is her first book for adults. I really enjoyed the story which was released yesterday.

Here is the description of The Lost.
Brilliantly riveting. * Thought-provoking and stirring. **

Award-winning author Sarah Beth Durst has been praised for her captivating novels that merge the darkly imagined with very real themes of self-discovery and destiny. In The Lost, we'll discover just what it means to lose one's way….

It was only meant to be a brief detour. But then Lauren finds herself trapped in a town called Lost on the edge of a desert, filled with things abandoned, broken and thrown away. And when she tries to escape, impassible dust storms and something unexplainable lead her back to Lost again and again. The residents she meets there tell her she's going to have to figure out just what she's missing—and what she's running from—before she can leave. So now Lauren's on a new search for a purpose and a destiny. And maybe, just maybe, she'll be found….

Against the backdrop of this desolate and mystical town, Sarah Beth Durst writes an arresting, fantastical novel of one woman's impossible journey…and her quest to find her fate. 
How long does it take you to write a book?

Here's a happy secret that no one ever told me: it gets easier.

Yes, each book presents its own challenges. Each time, you have to wade through the murk and fog before you can find the story's core.

But the more you do it, the more you learn about your own writing process -- and the more you can hone in on the stuff that works for you and discard the stuff that doesn't. And that can make you a lot more efficient. And a lot happier.

When I first started, it took me about two years to write a novel. And then, it started taking one year. Now, it takes me about six months.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I wish I had an interesting quirk to tell you, such as I only ever write when the moon is waning or I have to dance a jig before each battle scene. But the truth is, when I write, it's just me sitting at my desk. Usually, I have chocolate nearby.

Do you have a routine that you use to get into the right frame of mind to write?

Nope. Or, more accurately, I try hard not to have a routine.

Needing the right frame of mind, the right environment, the right amount of free time... all of that can be dangerous. It's far too easy to say "I only have five minutes before I have to leave. That's not enough time to write.." Or "The TV is too loud in the other room. I can't concentrate." Or "I'm too tired tonight." Or "I don't feel inspired right now."

The trick (or at least the one that works for me -- your mileage may vary) is to write as often as you can -- even if it's only a few sentences, even if it's only a few very bad sentences. The act of writing in little bits demystifies writing and makes it not such a big deal.

It doesn't always work, of course. Sometimes you really are too tired and the TV really is too loud. But in general, writing every day is the best thing I've found for warding off the dreaded writer's block.

Where do you get your ideas or inspiration for your characters?

The characters usually arise out of the story. I ask myself, "Who would this affect the most?" and try to write that person. For example, my new novel THE LOST is about a woman who is trapped in a town full of only lost things and lost people. I wanted a character who feels lost and empty. She's given up her dreams and works a dead-end job to support her sick mother. She's terrified to hear the results of her mother's latest medical test. And so, one morning, she gets into car to go to work and instead of turning left at the light, just drives. And drives. And drives. Until she ends up in Lost.

How do you decide what you want to write about?

I decide based on which idea I keep thinking about -- the one I wake up thinking about, the one that pokes at me while I'm at the supermarket, the one that makes me say, "Ooh, cool!" as I work on it.

I firmly believe it's important to write what you love to read.

What made you decide to write a book for adults?

The story decided for me. It's about loss, and I wanted it to be about a person whose life felt empty. For that, I needed someone a little older... and voila, it was a book for adults.

For me, it's always story first, age second.

What books have most influenced your life?

When I was ten years old, I decided I wanted to be a writer. And I was absolutely influenced by the books I was reading: Alanna by Tamora Pierce, Deep Wizardry by Diane Duane, The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley... All books about strong girls doing the impossible. I remember thinking, "If Alanna can become a knight, if Harimad-Sol can defeat an army, then I can become a writer."

What is the first book you remember reading by yourself?

I don't have one single book that jumps out at me as "first." But I do remember I loved Ruth Chew's Witch books and Encyclopedia Brown and Trixie Belden, as well as Lloyd Alexander's Prydain series, from a very young age.

What are you reading right now?

A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan. It's fantastic!

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Spend time with my family. Also, eat.

What is your favorite comfort food?

Pizza. And I consider chocolate to be my muse. Oh, and raspberries probably count as my all-time favorite food, especially sun-warmed raspberries straight off the bush.

What do you think makes a good story?

For me, a good story is one that makes me feel like the world is a little more wonderful and more magical than it was before, and that I am a little stronger and a little... larger inside than I was before.

Who would you consider your favorite author and why?

Tamora Pierce. Her books are full of hope, empowerment, and awesomeness.

What book, if any, do you read over and over again?

I reread those books that first made my heart soar. Books like the ones I've mentioned above, plus Dreams Underfoot by Charles de Lint, Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones, Talking with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede, Dragonsinger by Anne McCaffrey, Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey, and the Belgariad by David Eddings.

Fun random questions:

dogs or cats?

Cats. But I love both. Growing up, I always had a Labrador retriever and at least two cats.

Coffee or tea?

Neither. Hot chocolate!

Dark or milk chocolate?

Milk chocolate.

• Rocks or flowers?

Flowers.

Night or day?

Day. Sometimes I think I have chlorophyll in my blood. Sunlight makes me happy.

Favorite color?

Blue. (Used to be pink, but there are so many unpleasant shades of pink, such as Pepto Bismol pink, whereas nearly all the shades of blue are lovely. Especially the blue of the sky as the first stars come out…)

Crayons or markers?

Crayons. There's something very satisfying about drawing in crayon.

Pens or pencils?

Pens. The scritch-scritch sound of pencils drives me nuts. And don't get me started on the feel of eraser dust. *shudder*

Thanks so much for interviewing me!

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Teaser Tuesday: The Lost by Sarah Beth Durst

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!

Teaser:
I find a second wallet outside the lobby door. And a third in the cacti. I pick them up as well and wonder what sort of party involved flinging wallets and empty cans around a parking lot. I hope it's quieter tonight. 
This week my teaser comes from The Lost by Sarah Beth Durst. I was approached by the author to read and review this book because I have read her Young Adult books. Here is the description of this May 27 release:
Brilliantly riveting. * Thought-provoking and stirring. **

Award-winning author Sarah Beth Durst has been praised for her captivating novels that merge the darkly imagined with very real themes of self-discovery and destiny. In The Lost, we'll discover just what it means to lose one's way….

It was only meant to be a brief detour. But then Lauren finds herself trapped in a town called Lost on the edge of a desert, filled with things abandoned, broken and thrown away. And when she tries to escape, impassible dust storms and something unexplainable lead her back to Lost again and again. The residents she meets there tell her she's going to have to figure out just what she's missing—and what she's running from—before she can leave. So now Lauren's on a new search for a purpose and a destiny. And maybe, just maybe, she'll be found….

Against the backdrop of this desolate and mystical town, Sarah Beth Durst writes an arresting, fantastical novel of one woman's impossible journey…and her quest to find her fate.

Monday, May 26, 2014

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (May 26, 2014)

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.

Just eight days this year left with students and one more teacher day before I begin my summer vacation! The rest of my school year is filled with meetings, activities, and a retirement luncheon. The Wellness Committee is feeding us a couple of times and the District is feeding us once. The end of the year is a time for fellowship and food at my school district. The weather has been lovely this past week. 

I spent a quiet Memorial Day weekend reading, blogging and playing games. I didn't travel because I'll be heading North for a nice long break in just a couple of weeks. The relaxing weekend gave me time to get lots of reading done.

Read Last Week
On the Road to Find Out by Rachel Toor was a great coming of age story. Despite my disinterest in running or rats, I found the story absorbing. My review will be posted on June 6.

The Quick by Lauren Owen was an interesting but largely forgettable historical paranormal. I found the large number of viewpoint characters made it hard to care about any of them. My review will be posted on June 12.
Jessie Elliot Is A Big Chicken by Elise Gravel was a cute middle grade graphic novel that was a surprise addition to my stack from Macmillan. Middle graders should enjoy it. My review will be posted on June 4.

Dark Metropolis by Jaclyn Dollamore was an interesting fantasy story about a girl who is trying to help her mother and, with companions with agendas of their own, starts a revolution. My review will be posted on June 12.
I read two equally engaging mysteries this week. 

That Night by Chevy Stevens tells the story of a woman who spent 17 years in prison after being wrongly accused of the death of her sister. It was told from her viewpoint and switches back and forth in time from the time of the murder to the present day. My review will be posted on June 14.

The Body in the Woods by April Henry tells the story of three teens who are members of Mutnomah County's Search and Rescue team and what happens when they find the body of a teenager on their first real SAR outing. It is a great story about friendship and a fast-paced mystery too. My review will be posted on June 14 for this book too.

Currently
Since I'm quite a bit ahead on my review books. I decided to go browsing my TBR mountain for most of this coming week's books. I am currently reading Shadow Spell by Nora Roberts which is the second book in her Cousins O'Dwyer trilogy.

Next Week
I'm pulling more books from my TBR mountain for this week. I have a few review books to read this week too. I got The Inventor's Secret by Andrea Cremer at her signing and have been eager to read it. The Things You Kiss Goodbye by Leslie Connor is the review book that will finish my June YA books.
The Collector is Nora Roberts' most recent romantic suspense title. I have been eager to read it since it arrived and hope to get to it this week.

The Garden of Stones by Mark T. Barnes is a review book. This is the first book in an epic fantasy series. I got it for review along with the rest of the series from Amazon via NetGalley. If I enjoy it, I will continue on and read the next two books.

If these don't work for me, I'll go browsing my TBR mountain again.

Reviews Posted


I hope you had a great week too. Leave me a link so that I can check out your plans.

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Stacking the Shelves (May 25, 2014)

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 was my week for stocking my Kindle with sets of books. I have already read the Harry Dresden series by Jim Butcher in print but, when the first seven books were a Kindle Daily Deal at $1.99 each, I had to add them to my Kindle. Besides, the hardcovers are at my brother's house as he loves the series too.
Storm Front by Jim Butcher
Fool Moon by Jim Butcher
Grave Peril by Jim Butcher
Summer Knight by Jim Butcher
Death Masks by Jim Butcher
Blood Rites by Jim Butcher
Dead Beat by Jim Butcher

I found a new love this week too. I read the Fatal Affair by Marie Force as a review book from Amazon and had to add it and the rest of the series to my Kindle. 

Fatal Justice by Marie Force
Fatal Consequences by Marie Force
Fatal Flaw by Marie Force
Fatal Deception by Marie Force
Fatal Mistake by Marie Force
Fatal Jeopardy by Marie Force
Fatal Affair by Marie Force

I also got Straddling the Line by Jaci Burton from Penguin's First to Read program. It is my only review book of the week and will be released on July 1.

What couldn't you resist this week?

Saturday, May 24, 2014

ARC Review: The Girl with the Windup Heart by Kady Cross

The Girl with the Windup Heart
Author: Kady Cross
Publication: Harlequin Teen (May 27, 2014)

Description: 1897 London, a final showdown is about to begin

London's underworld is no place for a young woman, even one who is strong, smart and part-automaton like Mila. But when master criminal Jack Dandy inadvertently breaks her heart, she takes off, determined to find an independent life, one entirely her own. Her search takes her to the spangled shadows of the West End's most dazzling circus.

Meanwhile, taken captive in the Aether, Griffin King is trapped in an inescapable prison, and at the mercy of his archenemy, The Machinist. If he breaks under the hellish torment, The Machinist will claim his powers and control of the Aether itself, and no one in either world will be safe—especially not Finley Jayne and her misfit band of friends.

Finley plunges headlong into the Aether the only way she knows how, by temporarily dying. But she cannot parry The Machinist's maneuvers for long. To defeat him for good, Griffin will have to confront his greatest fear and finally come face-to-face with the destructive power he wields.

My Thoughts: THE GIRL WITH THE WINDUP HEART was a satisfying conclusion to this steampunk series. I liked the romance between Jack Dandy and Mila. I also liked the way the whole group worked together when the Machinist, Leonardo Garibaldi, kidnapped Griffin into the Aether.

The two parts of this story worked well together as we find the former android Mila learning to be a real girl and trying to convince Jack that she loved him. It was nice to see Jack's good side as he falls in love with Mila too but doesn't think that he is the best man for her.

I love the steampunk details of this series. It was also filled with adventure and excitement as the group comes to a final showdown with the villain who has been haunting them throughout the series.

Begin with THE GIRL IN THE STEEL CORSET and see for yourself what an enjoyable series this is.

Favorite Quote:
"I am. Most girls quite enjoy the romance of Romeo and Juliet."

Her frown grew. She was adorable when she scowled. "I don't find tandem suicide the least bit romantic, Jack. Why didn't they just stand up to their families?"

"Because that just wasn't done."

She snorted. "Ridiculous. If I was in love with someone, I wouldn't let that stop me."
I got this eARC from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

Friday, May 23, 2014

Friday Memes: The Girl with the Windup Heart by Kady Cross

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 The Girl with the Windup Heart by Kady Cross. This is the fourth novel in the Steampunk Chronicles. Here is the description of this May 27 release:
1897 London, a final showdown is about to begin

London's underworld is no place for a young woman, even one who is strong, smart and part-automaton like Mila. But when master criminal Jack Dandy inadvertently breaks her heart, she takes off, determined to find an independent life, one entirely her own. Her search takes her to the spangled shadows of the West End's most dazzling circus.

Meanwhile, taken captive in the Aether, Griffin King is trapped in an inescapable prison, and at the mercy of his archenemy, The Machinist. If he breaks under the hellish torment, The Machinist will claim his powers and control of the Aether itself, and no one in either world will be safe—especially not Finley Jayne and her misfit band of friends.

Finley plunges headlong into the Aether the only way she knows how, by temporarily dying. But she cannot parry The Machinist's maneuvers for long. To defeat him for good, Griffin will have to confront his greatest fear and finally come face-to-face with the destructive power he wields.
Beginning:
There was a most villainous killer on the loose. For weeks the nobility of Great Britain had been terrified&mdash:particularly the gentlemen.
Friday 56:
Mila sighed with the gusto of an elephant expelling water from its trunk. She stomped from the drawing room to the stairs.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

ARC Review: The Cursed by Heather Graham

The Cursed
Author: Heather Graham
Publication: Harlequin MIRA (May 27, 2014)

Description: A haunted house in Key West 

Hannah O'Brien, who grew up in the house and now runs it as a B and B, has always had a special ability to see a pair of resident ghosts. But when a man is murdered in the alley behind her place, she's dismayed when his spirit appears, too, asking for help.

FBI agent Dallas Samson has a passionate interest in the murder, since the victim's a colleague whose death is connected to the smuggling ring known as Los Lobos—the wolves. Now Dallas is even more committed to chasing them down….

Unaware that Dallas has certain abilities of his own, Hannah calls her cousin Kelsey O'Brien, a member of the FBI's Krewe of Hunters, an elite unit of paranormal investigators. The present-day case is linked to a historical mystery involving salvagers, a curse and a sunken ship. Danger and desire bring Hannah and Dallas together, but to survive, they have to solve the mysteries of the past—and stay alive long enough to solve the crimes of the present!

My Thoughts: Hannah O'Brien runs a B and B in Key West and also conducts ghost tours. It helps that she can actually see ghosts. In fact, her B and B is haunted by two lovers. So, when one of her guests wakes the inn screaming because she had seen a ghost, Hannah soothes her and sends her and the other guests to a non-haunted hotel. She wasn't expecting to find a body when she went into the alley behind her house. Nor was she expecting his ghost to ask for help.

Dallas Samson is the FBI agent who comes to work the case. It turns out the dead man was another agent who was undercover to try to infiltrate Los Lobos - a very secretive gang that deals in smuggling. Now the leader of that gang has turned his interest toward Hannah's B and B. He is convinced that there is wealth hidden there from a sunken ship.

This was an entertaining paranormal romance. It is also the twelfth book in the Krewe of Hunters series. It is the first book in that series that I have read. While I am curious about some of the other characters' stories, this story stands alone quite well. Both Hannah and Dallas are interesting characters and their romance is realistic.

Fans of romantic suspense who like ghosts would be the best audience for this story. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more books in the Krewe of Hunters series.

Favorite Quote:
No, it wouldn't be okay. It would never be okay. A dying man had come into her yard looking for help, then breathed his last in the alley behind her house, and now his ghost had come to her for help.
I got this eARC from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Teaser Tuesday: The Cursed by Heather Graham

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!

Teaser:
"They thought a real man—mortally injured and bleeding—was a ghost?" Dallas demanded.

"Yes."

"How the hell...?" he muttered.

"I can't read their minds," she said sharply.
My teaser this week comes from The Cursed by Heather Graham. I got this eARC from NetGalley. Here is the description of this May 27 release:
A haunted house in Key West 

Hannah O'Brien, who grew up in the house and now runs it as a B and B, has always had a special ability to see a pair of resident ghosts. But when a man is murdered in the alley behind her place, she's dismayed when his spirit appears, too, asking for help.

FBI agent Dallas Samson has a passionate interest in the murder, since the victim's a colleague whose death is connected to the smuggling ring known as Los Lobos—the wolves. Now Dallas is even more committed to chasing them down….

Unaware that Dallas has certain abilities of his own, Hannah calls her cousin Kelsey O'Brien, a member of the FBI's Krewe of Hunters, an elite unit of paranormal investigators. The present-day case is linked to a historical mystery involving salvagers, a curse and a sunken ship. Danger and desire bring Hannah and Dallas together, but to survive, they have to solve the mysteries of the past—and stay alive long enough to solve the crimes of the present!

Monday, May 19, 2014

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (May 19, 2014)

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.

While our weather has still been unseasonably cold, it looks like it is taking a turn for the warmer. I can hardly wait. I had my air conditioner checked out this week and would like to get a chance to use it before I head north for my summer vacation.

Just three weeks of school left and two of them are four day weeks. Things get a little confusing with the various classes all trying to fit in a last field trip before school is out. I have unexpected gaps in my schedule when classes are gone. It is nice to have the extra time to work on projects that I'd like to finish before vacation though.

This coming week sees the end of most of my TV watching too. The Voice's finale is Tuesday evening.

Read Last Week
Honor's Knight by Rachel Bach was the second book in her Paradox trilogy. I thought it was exciting and entertaining. My review will be posted on May 31.

Heaven's Queen by Rachel Back was the final book in the Paradox trilogy. I loved the action, the hero and heroine, and thought the conclusion was very satisfying. My review will be posted on June 5.
Take Me On by Katie McGarry was another intense and emotional contemporary story in her Pushing the Limits series. I devoured it! My review will be posted on May 21. 

Vivian Divine Is Dead by Lauren Sabel was another contemporary story about a young teen actress who runs away to Mexico to get away from death threats and finds danger, secrets, and a new romance. My review will be posted on May 31.
Hexed by Michelle Krys was a contemporary paranormal about a cheerleader who learns that she is a hereditary witch when she gets caught in a war between the witches and the sorcerers. It was an engaging story. My review will be posted on June 5.

Fatal Affair by Marie Force is the first book in her fatal series. It was an excellent romantic suspense title that reminded me in some ways of J.D. Robb's In Death series. After finishing it, I bought the rest of the series for my Kindle and look forward to reading more. My review will be posted on June 7.

Currently
I just started On the Road to Find Out by Rachel Toor. I got this ARC from Macmillan. The book will be released on June 10.

Next Week
The Body in the Woods by April Henry sounds like an engaging thriller. I got the ARC from Macmillan. The book will be released on June 17.

Another June 17 release is The Quick by Lauren Owen. I won this ARC from LibraryThing. It is a mystery with maybe a touch of horror.
Dark Metropolis by Jaclyn Dolamore was a NetGalley find. I have enjoyed previous books by this author. It is also a June 17 release.

That Night by Chevy Stevens came from Amazon Vine. This thriller is also a June 17 release.

Reviews Posted


That was my week. How was yours?

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Book Review: Risky Game by Tracy Solheim

Risky Game
Author: Tracy Solheim
Series: An Out of Bounds Novel (Book 3)
Publication: Berkley (May 6, 2014)

Description: In the next sizzling sports romance from the author of Foolish GamesBrody is at the top of his game… until Shannon changes the rules.

Baltimore Blaze tight end Brody Janik is a natural-born football star. At twenty-seven, his record-breaking athletic performance and his cover-boy good looks have turned him into a household name. But Brody’s hiding a major secret behind his charming public persona: a health condition that may cut his career short.

PhD candidate Shannon “Shay” Everett works multiple jobs to put herself through school—including an unpaid internship with the Blaze training department.  Strapped for cash, Shay answers the call of an NFL gossip blogger to uncover personal details about the Blaze players. Sneaking into the locker room one night, she gets entangled in Brody's secret…and swept up by his charm.

Brody isn't sure what to make of the gawky girl with the whiskey eyes, especially when he discovers she was snooping. His first instinct is to turn her in as a snitch, but she could destroy him by sharing his secret. Instead, he decides to keep her close…perhaps closer than either of them originally intended…

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed RISKY GAME. I liked that the characters were so well drawn that I felt like I could meet them around any corner. It also helped my enjoyment that this was a sports romances. I love romances between professional athletes and the women who are just right for them.

It doesn't seem the NFL star Brody Janik and PHD candidate Shay Everett would have much in common. He's a golden boy from a privileged background leading what seems to be a charmed life. Shay is from a much more difficult background filled with financial worries, a father with a traumatic brain injury, and a grandmother who didn't waste one chance to put her down.

But Shay is very bright. At age twenty-four, she is going for her doctorate in nutrition and interning with Brody's football team. She overhears a conversation between Brody and his trainer that tells her that Brody is having blood sugar problems and that he is keeping them from the team. An accidental comment from Shay lets Brody know that she overheard the conversation prompting Brody to blackmail her to make her keep his secret.

Since there is a blogger exposing all sorts of secrets of NFL players, Brody is certain that Shay will pass the information on despite Shay's assurances that she will not. The lack of trust between them doesn't bode well for a romance. However, they get to know each other better as Brody has Shay preparing his meals to help keep his blood sugar in balance. Shay is okay with this because she can use the data for her PHD thesis. They are mutually using each other and pretending to have a relationship.

Watching the relationship go from pretend to love made for a very engaging story. Fans of sports romances won't want to miss this one.

Favorite Quote:
Shay's eyelids snapped open to see Brody's trademark baby blues inches from her own face, his forehead resting against hers. His pupil's were bright with mischief and that's when it hit her: Brody Janik wasn't kissing her to kiss her. He'd kissed her as part of some sort of male-posturing ego trip; the big steer in the herd asserting his dominance. The flush stinging her cheeks, originally brought on by potent desire, was now fueled by embarrassment. And anger.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. You can buy your copy here.

Friday, May 16, 2014

Friday Memes: Risky Game by Tracy Solheim

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 Risky Game by Tracy Solheim. This is the third book in the Out of Bounds series and is a sports romance. Here is the description of this May 6 release:
In the next sizzling sports romance from the author of Foolish GamesBrody is at the top of his game… until Shannon changes the rules.

Baltimore Blaze tight end Brody Janik is a natural-born football star. At twenty-seven, his record-breaking athletic performance and his cover-boy good looks have turned him into a household name. But Brody’s hiding a major secret behind his charming public persona: a health condition that may cut his career short.

PhD candidate Shannon “Shay” Everett works multiple jobs to put herself through school—including an unpaid internship with the Blaze training department.  Strapped for cash, Shay answers the call of an NFL gossip blogger to uncover personal details about the Blaze players. Sneaking into the locker room one night, she gets entangled in Brody’s secret…and swept up by his charm.

Brody isn’t sure what to make of the gawky girl with the whiskey eyes, especially when he discovers she was snooping. His first instinct is to turn her in as a snitch, but she could destroy him by sharing his secret. Instead, he decides to keep her close…perhaps closer than either of them originally intended… 
Beginning:
Shannon "Shay" Everett had been in some compromising positions in her life. Many of them even of her own doing.
Friday 56:
"Do I have a choice?"

A flicker of something passed over his face, but it was gone before Shay could identify it. "No. Neither one of us does."