It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (November 30, 2015)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? was a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. She has decided to pass it on to Kathryn at The Book Date.

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.

Other Than Reading... 

How did it get to be the end of November already? My part of Minnesota is still snow-free which makes me really happy. Our weather has been bright and sunny for a good part of this Thanksgiving weekend. It was a little rainy and gloomy Thanksgiving Day but, as I didn't have to travel, that was all right too.

It has been nice having a couple of extra days off this week. I've been cooking and reading and playing on my computer. I've caught up on posting my Amazon reviews and I've been working on my review book calendar.

I haven't left the house this weekend. Black Friday shopping doesn't appeal to me at all. Besides not wanting or needing anything for myself, I haven't heard from anyone yet about what they want for Christmas. I wait because I don't want to buy something they don't want or need. I'm all about not adding more clutter to my life or anyone else's life.

Read Last Week

Last week I was working on books from my review stack.

Killing Trail by Margaret Mizushima begins a new mystery series staring a female police officer and her K-9 partner who live and work in a small town in Colorado. I enjoyed they mystery and loved the relationship between Mattie and her dog Robo. My review will be posted on December 17.

The Bitter Season by Tami Hoag was a great thriller too. It stars Riska and Kovac and intertwines two cases that are 25 years apart. This was a gritty, intense thriller leavened by some great dialog and cop humor. My review will be posted on January 7.

Kill Without Mercy by Alexandra Ivy was also an excellent romantic suspense title that begins a series. The characters were interesting people and the romance was well done too. My review will be posted on December 24.

I also read two shorter works this week.

I got Game of Lies by Tess Diamond from the author on GoodReads. It is the second book in a trilogy and is a thriller. I liked everything about it except the cliffhanger ending. Luckily, the final installment will be released on Dec. 3. So I don't have to wait too long for resolution. I won't be reviewing this one on my blog but have already posted my reviews to GoodReads, Amazon, and LibraryThing.

Penric's Demon by Lois McMaster Bujold is a novella set in her World of Five Gods series of stories. It stars Penric, an earnest young man, who finds himself accidentally possessed by a demon. It was a very engaging story and so well written. Of course, I don't think it is possible for Bujold to write badly. Again, I won't be reviewing this one on my blog but have already posted my reviews to GoodReads, Amazon, and LibraryThing.

Currently

The 8th Circle by Sarah Cain is another thriller from my review stack. I got this eARC from Crooked Lane books via NetGalley. It will be released on January 12.

Next Week

I am continuing to read January review books. Both of these are by authors who are on my must-buy list.

Unholy Blue by Darby Kaye is the second book in her Bannerman Boru urban fantasy series. It will be released on January 19.

Night Study by Maria V. Snyder is the latest book in her Study fantasy series. It will be released on January 26.

Reviews Posted

• The Short Drop by Matthew FitzSimmons
• Without a Summer by Mary Robinette Kowal
• Play by Kylie Scott

Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?

I took advantage of some sales on Kindle books this week and added:

• Priceless by Shannon Mayer
• Innocent in Las Vegas b A. R. Winters

• The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

And I added two to my review stack from NetGalley:

• Fighting Dirty by Lori Foster
• Kill Without Mercy by Alexandra Ivy

To see what Young Adult books I have been reading and plan to read, check out Ms. Martin Teaches Media - my other blog.

Book Review: Play by Kylie Scott

Play
Author: Kylie Scott
Series: A Stage Dive Novel (Book 2)
Publication: St. Martin's Griffin (August 26, 2014)

Description: Kylie Scott returns with the highly anticipated follow-up to international bestseller LICK

Mal Ericson, drummer for the world famous rock band Stage Dive, needs to clean up his image fast—at least for a little while. Having a good girl on his arm should do the job just fine. Mal doesn’t plan on this temporary fix becoming permanent, but he didn’t count on finding the one right girl.

Anne Rollins never thought she’d ever meet the rock god who plastered her teenage bedroom walls—especially not under these circumstances. Anne has money problems. Big ones. But being paid to play the pretend girlfriend to a wild life-of-the-party drummer couldn’t end well. No matter how hot he is. Or could it?

My Thoughts: Anne Rollins isn't having a very good day. She comes home to find out that the roommate who owed her money has packed up her stuff and moved out. Anne has a just a few more days before the rent is due and no money to cover it. When her next door neighbors Laura and her boyfriend Nate invite her to go to a party, she accepts as a way to get her mind off her problems. It helps that the party is being thrown by her friend Ev who has recently married the lead singer of Stage Dive. Anne has been a fan of the band for years and had a monster crush on drummer Mal Ericson when she was a teen.

The party was a little overwhelming so Anne sought some quiet on the patio where she met Mal who happened to hear her phone call with her boss and so knows about Anne's money problems. When she meets Mal, she is surprised that he seems a little sad and not the party-rocker that she thought he was. While he has moments when he is manic, Anne is mostly confused by him. When he inserts himself into her life, she is even more confused. Half the time she wants to kill him and the other half the time she wants to make love with him.

Anne hasn't had much good luck with love and doesn't even want to think that she might be falling in love with Mal. She watched her mother sink into a deep depression when her father left the family. Anne ended up both caring for her mother and for her younger sister while her mother hid in her room. She still has a bad relationship with her mother. And she has no faith in love being something that lasts.

Mal also has a secret that is tearing him apart. Having a girlfriend like Anne would please his mother but, despite his rock star life, he's never had a girlfriend that lasted more than a date or two. Mal is also determined to keep his problems to himself which makes Anne feel left out and used.

This was a great romance. I loved Mal's over-the-top manic personality and I loved Anne's steadiness. I loved watching the relationship between the two of them grow and deepen as they learned to know each other. 

Favorite Quote:

My eyes narrowed. If he started yelling about sexual healing again I'd throw him out, cool furniture, drum kit, and all. Or I'd lick him all over. With my current confusion and stress levels, chances were fifty/fifty.

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

Friday Memes: Play by Kylie Scott

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 Play by Kylie Scott. This is the second book in her Stage Dive romance series. It has been sitting on my TBR mountain since June 2, 2014. Here is the description from Amazon:

Kylie Scott returns with the highly anticipated follow-up to international bestseller LICK

Mal Ericson, drummer for the world famous rock band Stage Dive, needs to clean up his image fast—at least for a little while. Having a good girl on his arm should do the job just fine. Mal doesn’t plan on this temporary fix becoming permanent, but he didn’t count on finding the one right girl.

Anne Rollins never thought she’d ever meet the rock god who plastered her teenage bedroom walls—especially not under these circumstances. Anne has money problems. Big ones. But being paid to play the pretend girlfriend to a wild life-of-the-party drummer couldn’t end well. No matter how hot he is. Or could it?

Beginning:

Something was wrong. I knew it the moment I walked in the door.

Friday 56: 

"You know, I've never lived with a female before. Well, not since my mom and sisters, and they don't count. Gimmee a minute, this is way harder than it looks."

Book Review: Without a Summer by Mary Robinette Kowal

Without a Summer
Author: Mary Robinette Kowal
Series: Glamourist Histories (Book 3)
Publication: Tor Books; Reprint edition (March 18, 2014)

Description: Up-and-coming fantasist Mary Robinette Kowal enchanted fans with her novels Shades of Milk and Honey and Glamour in Glass, which introduced Regency glamourists Jane and David Vincent. In Without a Summer, Jane and Vincent take a break from their international travels. But in a world where magic is real, nothing--even the domestic sphere--is quite what it seems.

After a dramatic trip to Belgium, Jane and Vincent go to Long Parkmeade to spend time with Jane's family, but quickly turn restless. The spring is unseasonably cold, and no one wants to be outside. Mr. Ellsworth is concerned by the harvest, since a poor one may imperil Melody's dowry. And Melody has concerns of her own, given an inadequate selection of eligible bachelors locally.

When Jane and Vincent receive a commission from a prominent London family, they take it, and bring Melody with them. They hope the change of scenery will do her good and her marriage prospects--and mood--will be brighter in London. Talk here frequently turns to increased unemployment of coldmongers and riots in nearby villages by Luddites concerned that their way of life is becoming untenable. With each passing day, it's more difficult to avoid getting embroiled in the intrigue, which does not really help Melody's chances for romance. It doesn't take long for Jane to Vincent realize that in addition to arranging a wedding, they must take on one small task: solving a crisis of national proportions.

My Thoughts: Jane and Vincent are back home in England after the defeat of Napoleon. They come home to a country reeling under multiple threats - the unseasonably cold weather is threatening crop failures, the soldiers who fought Napoleon are being mustered out and are looking for jobs, and technical inventions causing workers to lose jobs that can be done by machine. On the more personal side, Jane is worried that her younger sister Melody doesn't have any matrimonial prospects.

When Jane and Vincent get a commission for a glamour from Lord and Lady Stratton in London, they accept and take Melody along in hopes of expanding her pool of potential husbands. Of course, London also throws them back into the arena of Vincent's father Lord Verbury. To say that Vincent and his father don't get along would be a gross understatement.

Melody falls for Lord Stratton's son despite the fact that he is Catholic which causes Jane some misgivings as she believes that Alastar O'Brien won't be allowed to marry Melody. Her misgivings increase when she overhears some things that lead her to believe that he is involved in some sort of conspiracy and when she sees him in conversation with Lord Verbury.

Mr. O'Brien also does some work with the coldmongers who are being wrongfully blames for the current weather conditions. Coldmungers are young men and boys whose magical skill is to lower the temperature a few degrees. They are used to keep food safe for longer periods and to provide cool breezes in warm houses. They have only small magics which are dangerous to use. Most die young. They are planning a peaceful march in London.

However, Lord Verbury has other plans. He wants to use the coldmunger's march to overthrow a political rival. His twisted plot draws in Jane and Vincent too. This story talks a lot about the various sorts of prejudice in England in 1816. Especially relevant to our hero and heroine is the prejudice against the Irish. But the story also deals with Vincent's family dynamics and gives Jane a much better knowledge of Vincent's background.

This was another entertaining and engaging entry into the Glamourist Histories.

Favorite Quote:

If Jane could articulate why she felt so sure that something larger was in the works, she would have argued for staying, but none of her arguments amounted to more than saying, "But something is wrong."

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

Book Review: The Short Drop by Matthew FitzSimmons

The Short Drop
Author: Matthew FitzSimmons
Publication: Thomas & Mercer (December 1, 2015)

Description: A decade ago, fourteen-year-old Suzanne Lombard, the daughter of Benjamin Lombard—then a senator, now a powerful vice president running for the presidency—disappeared in the most sensational missing-person case in the nation’s history. Still unsolved, the mystery remains a national obsession.

For legendary hacker and marine Gibson Vaughn, the case is personal—Suzanne Lombard had been like a sister to him. On the tenth anniversary of her disappearance, the former head of Benjamin Lombard’s security asks for Gibson’s help in a covert investigation of the case, with new evidence in hand.

Haunted by tragic memories, he jumps at the chance to uncover what happened all those years ago. Using his military and technical prowess, he soon discovers multiple conspiracies surrounding the Lombard family—and he encounters powerful, ruthless political players who will do anything to silence him and his team. With new information surfacing that could threaten Lombard’s bid for the presidency, Gibson must stay one step ahead as he navigates a dangerous web to get to the truth.

My Thoughts: THE SHORT DROP was a taut, fast-paced and twisty thriller. Gibson Vaughn gets caught up when new evidence surfaces regarding the disappearance of Suzanne Lombard who was almost like a sister to him. Ten years have gone by and Gibson is still wondering what happened to his childhood friend. During those ten years he has married, divorced, and has a six-year-old daughter. He also has a checkered past since he was convicted of hacking into Benjamin Lombard's files and finding evidence of corruption. However, Lombard - then a senator and now vice president campaigning for the nomination for the presidency, is not a forgiving man and has made Gibson's job hunting as an IT guy nearly impossible.

Gibson is called in by the former head of Lombard's security when the new evidence is found. He needs to use his computer skills to track down who sent it. He is hoping to finally get some answers about the fate of his friend. But there are equally powerful forces who want information about Suzanne to stay buried and they are willing to leave a trail of bodies behind to preserve the secret.

I liked Gibson who was determined to find answers despite being out of his depth and in danger from a variety of enemies. I stayed up quite late because I couldn't put this book down until I found out what had happened to Suzanne and learned if Gibson would survive.

Fans of political thrillers will enjoy this fast-paced thriller.

Favorite Quote:

An eternal truth of the human condition was that no one ever thought they were evil. No matter how reprehensible their actions, people always convinced themselves they were justified.

I chose this one for review from Kindle First. You can buy your copy here.

Teaser Tuesday: Without a Summer by Mary Robinette Kowal

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. 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:

"So good of you to come. We have heard nothing but raves about you since we arrived in town and are so honoured that you are willing to work on our ballroom." Lady Stratton tucked her hand under her husband's arm. "Our son Alastar will be coming down for the Season, and we hope to have a number of balls when he does."

This week my teaser comes from Without a Summer by Mary Robinette Kowal. This is the third book in her Glamourist Histories series. Here is the description from Amazon:

Up-and-coming fantasist Mary Robinette Kowal enchanted fans with her novels Shades of Milk and Honey and Glamour in Glass, which introduced Regency glamourists Jane and David Vincent. In Without a Summer, Jane and Vincent take a break from their international travels. But in a world where magic is real, nothing--even the domestic sphere--is quite what it seems.

After a dramatic trip to Belgium, Jane and Vincent go to Long Parkmeade to spend time with Jane's family, but quickly turn restless. The spring is unseasonably cold, and no one wants to be outside. Mr. Ellsworth is concerned by the harvest, since a poor one may imperil Melody's dowry. And Melody has concerns of her own, given an inadequate selection of eligible bachelors locally.

When Jane and Vincent receive a commission from a prominent London family, they take it, and bring Melody with them. They hope the change of scenery will do her good and her marriage prospects--and mood--will be brighter in London. Talk here frequently turns to increased unemployment of coldmongers and riots in nearby villages by Luddites concerned that their way of life is becoming untenable. With each passing day, it's more difficult to avoid getting embroiled in the intrigue, which does not really help Melody's chances for romance. It doesn't take long for Jane to Vincent realize that in addition to arranging a wedding, they must take on one small task: solving a crisis of national proportions.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (November 23, 2015)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? was a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. She has decided to pass it on to Kathryn at The Book Date.

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.

Other Than Reading...

We had a cold, rainy, windy week this past week. Friday night we got our first snow of the season and Saturday morning snow was still coating the ground. It looks like our winter has finally arrived. This first snow is actually a little late for my part of Minnesota but I was grateful for every snow-free day. Other than the weather, it was a quiet week.

My big news is that the fences have disappeared from our Elementary parking lot. Getting from my car to the building has been like threading a maze since last May. One day when I got into the building I demanded a food reward since I felt like a rat who had successfully navigated an ever-changing maze. This means two things: first, winter is arriving and fences make snow removal very difficult, and, second, the construction project is finally reaching its finishing phase. Ideally the new parts of the building will be open and in use after our Christmas Break. Preschool will then be part of our Elementary and people will be back in their permanent locations. I'm excited to learn my way around our new building.

With Thanksgiving this upcoming week, I will get a couple of extra days off. I won't be traveling this year as my brother has to work every day that I would be able to spend with him. We are going to try to get together at Christmas but it will depend on his work schedule and the weather. I am a fair weather driver and have no desire to drive through a snowstorm or get stranded in Duluth when I should be back at work.

Read Last Week

I got The Short Drop by Matthew FitzSimmons from the Kindle First program. This political thriller was full of action and tension. I enjoyed the main character who was determined to find out what happened to his childhood friend who disappeared ten years ago. New clues open up new lines of investigation but someone is willing to kill to keep the secret buried. My review will be posted on November 25.

Once Shadows Fall by Robert Daniels is also a thriller. Someone is mimicking the murders of the famous Scarecrow who is now securely imprisoned in a mental hospital. A cop new to homicide calls in the FBI profiler who caught the original killer despite the fact that he has left the FBI for teaching. This one was also a nail-biter. My review will be posted on December 12.

Currently

Killing Trail by Margaret Mizushima just arrived this week. It will be released in December.

Next Week

The Bitter Season by Tami Hoag is a thriller that also arrived this week. It arrived just in time to fit into my reading plans as it will be released in mid-January.

The 8th Circle by Sarah Cain is also a thriller that will be released in mid-January.

Reviews Posted

• Rogue Winter Novellas by Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot
• Cast in Honor by Michelle Sagara
• Dangerous Games by Tess Diamond

Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?

All sorts of review books arrived at my house this week. Some were expected and some were a complete surprise.

Tess Diamond sent me her second book - Game of Lies. You might recall how annoyed I was at the very abrupt way the first book ended. Now, I will be able to continue the story. Or I will when I can fit this book into my schedule. December is already stuffed full.

Once Shadows Fall by Robert Daniels is one of two books that I received from Crooked Lane Books this week. This is a thriller that will be released in December. It is also the author's debut book.

Killing Trail by Margaret Mizushima was my second book from Crooked Lane. This one will also be released in December.

I was surprised to receive an invitation to review The Bitter Season by Tami Hoag. I have read other books by the author and enjoy that they are set in my home state of Minnesota. I wasn't expecting to fit another book in my January calendar but made room for it.

Another unexpected but very welcome surprise was the email that gave me the link to Unholy Blue by Darby Kaye. I enjoyed the first book in this adult urban fantasy series as much as I enjoyed the author's YA and Middle Grade urban fantasies. I can't wait to read this January release.

I also chose Night Study by Maria V. Snyder from NetGalley. I have read all of this series and am eager to read this latest book. The only problem is that it is another review that I have to shoehorn into my full January calendar.

To see what Young Adult books I have been reading and plan to read, check out Ms. Martin Teaches Media - my other blog.

Book Review: Dangerous Games by Tess Diamond

Dangerous Games
Author: Tess Diamond
Series: O'Connor & Kincaid Book 1
Publication: Tess Diamond Books (November 3, 2015)

Description: A thirteen year-old girl has been taken - and Special Agent Maggie Kincaid is the only one who can get her back.

When a Senator’s daughter goes missing, every minute counts. The FBI’s best hostage negotiator, Agent Kincaid, knows what it’s like to be a terrified victim. Kidnapped as a child, those memories haunt her every day - and give her an insight into the evil mind behind this deadly crime.

But the Senator’s family has other plans, and have brought in ex-forces security expert Jake O’Connor to oversee negotiations. He’s got secrets of his own, and doesn’t play by the same rule book. With time running out, Maggie and O’Connor will have to overcome their differences to keep this case from ending in tragedy.

My Thoughts: Maggie Kincaid is a former hostage negotiator. She left the FBI after a case when wrong in Arundel Mills. Her former mentor calls in a favor when the diabetic fourteen year old daughter of a Senator is kidnapped. The mentor puts Maggie in charge of the negotiations. Right away she butts heads with Jake O'Connor who is a former Army Ranger and on the Senator's security team.

Maggie also has to deal with her former fiance and some colleagues who seem glad that she failed at Arundel Mills. Maggie is such a good negotiator because she knows what it is like from the victim's side. She was kidnapped with her older sister when she was nine. Maggie escaped but her sister died. That trauma has shaped Maggie's life and still causes nightmares today.

It doesn't take long for Maggie to start thinking that something fishy is going on. Things just aren't adding up for her. She begins to wonder what the Senator and his policy advisor are up to. The Senator isn't showing the right emotions for the father of a kidnapped child.

I thought the story was well-written and the characters were well-rounded. I did have some unanswered questions as I was reading. I found it hard to believe that someone who had been out of the FBI for two years would be called back in and put in charge of a high profile case no matter how gifted she was as a negotiator. I also wondered what Maggie had been doing for the past two years.

I liked the relationship that was growing between Maggie and Jake though it did feel a little bit like "insta-love." The book was too short, at 113 pages, to allow for time for the relationship to develop. I'll be curious to know how it progresses in the next book since Maggie seems to have some major intimacy issues.

This was a pretty good story considering that it was half a book. The cliffhanger ending came as an abrupt and unwelcome surprise. Readers will have to get GAME OF LIES coming out on Nov. 19, 2016 to, hopefully, learn the rest of the story.

Favorite Quote:

She was cute as hell, the kind of feisty that revved him up more than anything else, but damn, she was being stubborn. She was obviously someone who saw the world in a prism of grays, when he knew too well it was stark black and white.

I got this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. You can buy your copy here.

Friday Memes: Dangerous Games by Tess Diamond

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.

Beginning:

"We have to be quiet."

Her sister's voice trembled, but her bound hands were steady, pressed against Maggie's shoulder. In the darkness, Erica's touch anchored and soothed her. But it couldn't drive away the fear, thick in the back of her throat.

Friday 56:

"What?" Adrianna demanded. "We have to tell her the truth! She's in charge. And anyway, maybe Lucas knows something! Kayla could, like, die, Becky. She's diabetic. She needs insulin, remember? And that's like, if she wasn't human-trafficked or something."

This week I am spotlighting Dangerous Games by Tess Diamond. The author approached me on GoodReads and asked if I wanted to read her self-published book. I liked the book description and said I would read it. Here is the description that sucked me in:

A thirteen year-old girl has been taken - and Special Agent Maggie Kincaid is the only one who can get her back.

When a Senator’s daughter goes missing, every minute counts. The FBI’s best hostage negotiator, Agent Kincaid, knows what it’s like to be a terrified victim. Kidnapped as a child, those memories haunt her every day - and give her an insight into the evil mind behind this deadly crime.

But the Senator’s family has other plans, and have brought in ex-forces security expert Jake O’Connor to oversee negotiations. He’s got secrets of his own, and doesn’t play by the same rule book. With time running out, Maggie and O’Connor will have to overcome their differences to keep this case from ending in tragedy.

ARC Review: Cast in Honor by Michelle Sagara

Cast in Honor
Author: Michelle Sagara
Series: The Chronicles of Elantra (Book 12)
Publication: Mira (November 24, 2015)

Description: In the aftermath of a vicious battle between darkness and light, the city of Elantra has emerged victorious. But Shadows continue to haunt every corner of its streets… 

Elantra stands strong, but countless numbers of Hawks, the city's staunchest protectors, were lost in the brutal attack. Humans, Barrani, Aerians, Leontines—none of the races emerged unscathed from the defense of the city. Homes were lost, families were scattered…and the outcast Barrani Lord Nightshade is missing from his castle in the fiefs.

Yet as the chaos surrounding the battle begins to wane, Private Kaylin Neya's duties must resume, despite her grief. Called in to investigate a triple murder in a quiet part of town, Kaylin and her companions are soon embroiled in a case that is anything but routine. Evidence of the deadly Shadows that still threaten the city leads to hints of ancient, forgotten magics…and everything can be traced directly to Ravellon, the heart of the Shadows and the darkness they contain.

But it is there that Lord Nightshade will be found—if he still survives.

My Thoughts: This twelfth adventure begins immediately after the events of the eleventh. Elantra is still picking up the pieces after the battle. Kaylin Neya is recovered enough from her injuries to go back on duty with the Hawks. Her first case is to investigate the murder of three people in a normally quiet part of town. Bellusdeo, the only known female dragon and Kaylin's friend, decides to tag along. Kaylin is chosen for the investigation because she can see magic. When she nears the scene, she is drawn to the house across the street where she meets a young girl named Kattea and her guardian Gilbert who is apparently one of the shadow creatures that the city fought against. That only begins the strangeness.

When they get to the crime scene, Kaylin can't even see the bodies unless she looks through the wings of the small dragon who has adopted her. That is only one of the problems that Kaylin has. Lord Nightshade is missing from his fief and his brother who returned very much changed from his time in the Green is both worried about him and angry with him. He is also a danger to all unless he can learn to control the powers that he brought back home with him. Luckily, Kaylin, Bellusdeo, both Nightshade's brother and a companion who came back with him are living in a house that is self-aware and who can control his out of control powers.

Kaylin wants to add one more to their household. Moran, who is a sergeant in command of the Hawk's infirmary, is an Aerin who badly damaged her wings in the recent battle. She won't allow Kaylin to heal her and doesn't want to take advantage of Kaylin's hospitality. Moran is determined to live in the infirmary until she is healed. Kaylin does everything she can to make Moran change her mind.

Between a sentient house, a shadow in human form, the Keeper losing control of his garden, mirrors spreading chaos, and spells cast for unknown reasons that are destroying the city, Kaylin has a very busy time of it. I tended to skim over much of the explanation of what Gilbert could do and the nature of reality and time that form the big problem in this book because I found it very confusing. But, still, the theme of loneliness woven into this book was compelling. Everyone was trying for a connection with others. Even Gilbert who isn't human in any sense of the world suffered from an intense loneliness. I felt most sorry for Kattea who found herself in a past that wasn't her past and ached to meet her parents despite the fact that they would not know her. Her strong connection with Gilbert was the key to him finding a way to do his job without wiping out all the lives in Elantra.

This is a very entertaining series for fans of epic fantasy. Kaylin is a human character in a world that has immortals, dragons, Leontines, and Thalanni but, as the chosen one, she is the one that events seem to pivot around. Even though she doesn't know what being the chosen one means, she has to act and make choices using her best instincts.

I can't wait to read the next adventure.

Favorite Quote:

Yes, only idiots would create something that got lonely. But...weren't the idiots in part created because something wild and ancient and world-devouring...had been lonely? Maybe it was part of the essential nature of anything in the universe. Nothing existed in isolation. And maybe nothing wanted to. Not if it could think, move, feel.

I got this eARC at NetGalley for review. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Reviews: Tracks of Her Tears (Melinda Leigh) & Dead in Her Tracks (Kendra Elliott)

Here are quick reviews of the latest novellas in the Rogue River world.

Tracks of Her Tears
Author: Melinda Leigh
Series: Rogue Winter Novella 1
Publication: Montlake Romance (November 10, 2015)

Description: In the first thrilling Rogue Winter Novella, sleepy little Solitude, Oregon, wakes up to another deadly threat.

County investigator Seth Harding intends to spend the holidays with his newly reconciled family, but a few days before Christmas, a homicide thwarts his plan. Seth arrives at the scene and makes a painful discovery: the victim is his brother-in-law’s girlfriend. Her apartment has been ransacked and her toddler left motherless. To make matters worse, Seth’s brother-in-law, Bruce, is missing. With Solitude locked in a rare, deadly deep freeze and the temperature plummeting, the residents launch a desperate search.

Seth calls his wife, social worker Carly Taylor, to take the case so the little girl doesn’t get lost in the foster care system. With the holidays near, Carly brings the child home with them to celebrate Christmas. But when the Taylor farm is also trashed, Seth and Carly must race against time—and against a paralyzing winter storm—to find Bruce and catch a killer in the first pulse-pounding sequel to the Rogue River Novellas.

Dead in her Tracks
Author: Kendra Elliott
Series: Rogue Winter Novella 2
Publication: Montlake Romance (November 17, 2015)

Description: On Christmas morning, Solitude, Oregon, unwraps murder…

This wasn’t how Police Chief Zane Duncan expected to spend his first Christmas with fellow officer and girlfriend Stevie Taylor. But when a local motel calls in the discovery of a dead body, the couple’s holiday takes a grim turn. This is the second murder in Solitude within the week, despite the fact that their primary suspect is already in custody. Together, Zane and Stevie must face a disturbing truth—their small town may be harboring two killers.

As their investigation digs deep into the backgrounds of newcomers and longtime residents alike, Zane and Stevie also struggle to adjust to life under the same roof. Even if the stress of homicides and cohabitation don’t bring an end to the couple, the murderer lying in wait just might.

My Thoughts: TRACKS OF HER TEARS begins a couple of days before Christmas. Bruce's girlfriend Amber Lynn is found strangled to death and Bruce is missing. His brother-in-law Seth has caught Amber Lynn's murder case and called in his wife Carly, a social worker, to take care of Amber Lynn's toddler Charlotte. Between trying to find Bruce and trying to find out who killed Amber Lynn, Seth is also trying to spend quality time with his wife and daughter. Seth and Carly are working on their marriage after their separation and both know that their all-consuming jobs are a major threat to their reconciliation. Both are trying to make the compromises they need to so that their marriage will survive.

Being a novella, this story went fast but packed in a lot of emotion and action. Between Bruce's nearly fatal car accident, a break-in at the Taylor home, and an attempted car-jacking of Carly and her daughter Brianna, the action was non-stop.

DEAD IN HER TRACKS begins on Christmas Day when Zane is called to the local hotel where a body has been discovered. Zane and Stevie are investigating when they are called back to the jail because their prisoner - Bob Fletcher - has been murdered. Someone went in while all the police were investigating at the hotel and cut Bob's throat.

The new victim had been staying in the hotel before going home to surprise her parents for Christmas. She might have been the young woman that Bob Fletcher was videotaped putting into the back of his SUV. She was killed elsewhere, cleaned with bleach, and dumped back into her hotel room. When Zane starts investigating, he learns that a couple of other young women were also missing from a nearby town too.

Zane is hoping that the serial killer isn't someone who lives in their community. He does have a couple of other possible suspects at the motel including a convicted sex offender. Meanwhile, Zane and Stevie are working on their relationship. Zane is giving Stevie time but he wants to marry her when she feels ready.

When Stevie is snatched by the killer, Zane has to put together all the clues to find the real killer.

This novella finishes the story started in TRACKS OF HER TEARS and stars Zane and Stevie. It is also action packed. This story is more of a police procedural than the first novella as we are given clues to follow. I like the relationship between Zane and Stevie who are true partners.

The two novellas were both fast-paced and engaging. Mystery lovers and fans of romantic suspense will enjoy them both.

Favorite Quotes:

Stevie had slipped on the ring and stared at it on her finger as different emotions battled inside her chest. "No. I'll keep it. It's a reminder of what we've been through. And it's proof that we can overcome what life throws at us." A battle scar.

I got these two novellas for review from NetGalley. You can buy your copies here and here.

Teaser Tuesday: Cast in Honor by Michelle Sagara

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. 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 (from 10% of the eARC):

For his part, Gilbert was stiff as dry wood and about as expressive. He laid his arms on the armrest of his large, curvebacked chair and left them there as if he was clinging to it for dear life.

This week my teaser comes from the most recent book in the Chronicles of Elantra. Cast in Honor by Michelle Sagara is book 12 in this series. I have been reading this fantasy series since it began. I got my review copy from NetGalley. Here is the description:

In the aftermath of a vicious battle between darkness and light, the city of Elantra has emerged victorious. But Shadows continue to haunt every corner of its streets… 

Elantra stands strong, but countless numbers of Hawks, the city's staunchest protectors, were lost in the brutal attack. Humans, Barrani, Aerians, Leontines—none of the races emerged unscathed from the defense of the city. Homes were lost, families were scattered…and the outcast Barrani Lord Nightshade is missing from his castle in the fiefs.

Yet as the chaos surrounding the battle begins to wane, Private Kaylin Neya's duties must resume, despite her grief. Called in to investigate a triple murder in a quiet part of town, Kaylin and her companions are soon embroiled in a case that is anything but routine. Evidence of the deadly Shadows that still threaten the city leads to hints of ancient, forgotten magics…and everything can be traced directly to Ravellon, the heart of the Shadows and the darkness they contain.

But it is there that Lord Nightshade will be found—if he still survives.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Nov. 16, 2015)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? was a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. She has decided to pass it on to The Book Date.

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.

Other Than Reading...

This has been another quiet week. The second quarter of the school year began with a workday/inservice day for teachers which included a session on Writers Workshop that was interesting but largely irrelevant to my teaching position.

Starting with an inservice day meant that I didn't know what day it was all the rest of the week. I kept thinking that it had to be Friday but Friday took forever to actually arrive. I did manage to plan my lessons for the rest of this quarter and got a good start on planning my lessons for next semester too. I feel like I got a lot accomplished.

At home, I am still dealing with my Bejeweled Blitz addiction and didn't get as much reading done as I had hoped. The school board meeting Tuesday night was actually short and painless. I was home shortly after 9 PM. Wednesday afternoon I caught up on the episode of The Voice I missed. I have already picked favorites in the top 12 and will be eager to see how the rest of the season progresses.

Read Last Week

Closer to the Heart by Mercedes Lackey was an enjoyable fantasy in a series I've been reading for years. My review will be posted on December 26.

Haunting Investigation by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro was a review mystery that I got from NetGalley. This is the first book in a series and ends with most plot points unresolved. I found it a very frustrating ending but enjoyed the setting and time period of this historical mystery. My review will be posted on December 31.

She Can Kill by Melinda Leigh was an excellent romantic suspense title. This was a review book I got from NetGalley. Since it will be released on Dec. 8, my review will be posted on Dec. 5.

Mind Magic by Eileen Wilks has been calling to me since I put it on my Kindle. This is the 12th book in her World of the Lupi series. I love the characters and especially love that this book starred both dragons and brownies. My review will be posted on March 5 which was the first date I had open without moving around posts I already have planned or started.

Currently

The 8th Circle by Sarah Cain is a mystery I received from NetGalley for review. It will be released on January 12.

Next Week

These two books haven't actually arrived at my house yet. I will be getting them from Crooked Lane for review. Both are December releases and need to be read as soon as they arrive.

Killing Trail by Margaret Mizushima
Once Shadows Fall by Robert Daniels

Reviews Posted

• Untimely Death by Elizabeth J. Duncan
• Dark Turns by Kate Holahan
• The Producer's Daughter by Lindsay Marcott

Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?

I got a finished copy of Sweep in Peace by Ilona Andrews. I was chosen to review the ARC a couple of weeks ago and liked it enough that I bought a finished copy.

I received She Can Kill by Melinda Leigh this week from NetGalley too. This one will be released on Dec. 8 and caused me to rearrange my December blogging calendar again.

To see what Young Adult books I have been reading and plan to read, check out Ms. Martin Teaches Media - my other blog.