Monday, October 31, 2016

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Oct. 31, 2016)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is now hosted by 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... 

This was a quiet week as we are winding down the first quarter of the school year. Our girls' soccer team is playing in the State Semifinals on Monday which is bringing lots of excitement to the high school. Halloween always brings excitement to the elementary. Only the Kindergartners wear costumes. They parade around the school in the afternoon. The rest of the student body should be divided into black and orange for Halloween or maroon and gold to support our soccer girls.

I'll be busy catching up on my grading and working on report cards for my twelve classes of students.
Read Last Week

Nothing. It was a YA week.

Currently
  • Arena by Holly Jennings - science fiction from NetGalley; released in April
Next Week
Reviews Posted
Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?
  • Death and Her Devotion by Kendra Elliot - Kindle book and novella length romantic suspense
  • Crimson Death by Laurell K. Hamilton - the next Anita Blake for my Kindle
  • Cast in Flight by Michelle Sagara - a finished copy of a book I reviewed for my Kindle
  • Coffin Road by Peter May - hardcover for review; released Oct. 4 but I'll be reviewing it in December
  • Belle Chasse by Suzanne Johnson - hardcover review surprise from the publisher; releases Nov. 8; I'll be reading it this week
  • The Golden Gate by Robert Buettner - Kindle review book from Edelweiss; releases Jan. 3.
To see what Young Adult books I have been reading and plan to read, check out Ms. Martin Teaches Media - my other blog.

Saturday, October 29, 2016

ARC Review: Congress of Secrets by Stephanie Burgis

Congress of Secrets
Author: Stephanie Burgis
Publication: Pyr (November 1, 2016)

Description: In 1814, the Congress of Vienna has just begun. Diplomats battle over a new map of Europe, actors vie for a chance at glory, and aristocrats and royals from across the continent come together to celebrate the downfall of Napoleon…among them Lady Caroline Wyndham, a wealthy English widow. But Caroline has a secret: she was born Karolina Vogl, daughter of a radical Viennese printer. When her father was arrested by the secret police, Caroline's childhood was stolen from her by dark alchemy.

Under a new name and nationality, she returns to Vienna determined to save her father even if she has to resort to the same alchemy that nearly broke her before. But she isn’t expecting to meet her father's old apprentice, Michael Steinhüller, now a charming con man in the middle of his riskiest scheme ever.

The sinister forces that shattered Caroline's childhood still rule Vienna behind a glittering façade of balls and salons, Michael’s plan is fraught with danger, and both of their disguises are more fragile than they realize. What price will they pay to the darkness if either of them is to survive?

My Thoughts: It is 1814 and the Congress of Vienna has made Vienna the place to be for schemers of all sorts. The kings, emperors, and diplomats are scheming to divide up Europe now that Napoleon has been deposed. The well-to-do from all over Europe are gathering to be part of the social scene.

Two others have come to Vienna again for their own purposes.

Caroline, Lady Wyndham, is searching for her father who was arrested for political dissent when she was eleven. She fell under into the control of the Austrian Emperor's head of the secret police. Count Pergen used her in his alchemical experiments and kept her imprisoned for four years. At fifteen, she was sold to an English Alchemist. She has managed to build a life for herself as an English peer. Now widowed and with the war in Europe over, she can finally travel to Vienna to try to find and rescue her father.

Michael Steinhuller has also come to Vienna to try to make his fortune. He has spent the years since his master was arrested for sedition living as a con man. Now, he wants one final score to secure his future. However, the secret police are still looking for him.

One other prominent fictitious character is Peter Riesenbeck who is the owner of a theatrical troupe and who hopes that Vienna will be the place where they can make their fortunes. Michael uses them to smuggle him into Vienna. His use of them brings Peter to the attention of the secret police.

Another fictitious character is Charles Weston who is Caroline's secretary and a student of Alchemy. When Caroline disappoints his hopes, he throws himself in with Count Pergen.

The story is also filled with historical figures from Emperor Francis to Talleyrand to the Prince de Ligne who have large parts in this story and countless diplomats and society people who make up the background characters.

The setting was well-developed and the atmosphere was a nice combination of the paranoia of the age and the frenetic energy of people who were running all sorts of schemes. I enjoyed the story.

Favorite Quote:
No matter what Alexander thought, success in politics did not depend on six hundred thousand soldiers in the field, nor on any ability to shout louder than anybody else and fly into public rages when one's will was thwarted. Success in politics, as in every other aspect of life, lay in the ability to wear a mask in every situation, no matter how seemingly intimate...and in the determination never to let your enemies guess your aims until your trap had already closed around them.
I got this one in exchange for an honest review from Amazon Vine. You can buy your copy here.

Friday, October 28, 2016

Friday Memes: Congress of Secrets by Stephanie Burgis

Happy Friday everybody!
Book Beginnings on Friday is now hosted by Rose City ReaderThe 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:
"Of course, I could never go back to Vienna," Michael Steinhuller said.
Friday 56:
Michael scooped up his new black domino from the pile of clothing and swept the cloak around him, twitching the shimmering black silk into a commanding swirl. He set his glittering half-mask into place and straightened his shoulders beneath the disguise.
This week I am reading Congress of Secrets by Stephanie Burgis. I got this one for review through Amazon Vine. Here is the description from Amazon:
In 1814, the Congress of Vienna has just begun. Diplomats battle over a new map of Europe, actors vie for a chance at glory, and aristocrats and royals from across the continent come together to celebrate the downfall of Napoleon…among them Lady Caroline Wyndham, a wealthy English widow. But Caroline has a secret: she was born Karolina Vogl, daughter of a radical Viennese printer. When her father was arrested by the secret police, Caroline's childhood was stolen from her by dark alchemy.

Under a new name and nationality, she returns to Vienna determined to save her father even if she has to resort to the same alchemy that nearly broke her before. But she isn’t expecting to meet her father's old apprentice, Michael Steinhüller, now a charming con man in the middle of his riskiest scheme ever.

The sinister forces that shattered Caroline's childhood still rule Vienna behind a glittering façade of balls and salons, Michael’s plan is fraught with danger, and both of their disguises are more fragile than they realize. What price will they pay to the darkness if either of them is to survive?

Thursday, October 27, 2016

ARC Review: Once a Gypsy by Danica Winters

Once a Gypsy
Author: Danica Winters
Series: The Irish Traveller Series (Book 1)
Publication: Diversion Publishing (November 1, 2016)

Description: Thrilling and romantic, Once a Gypsy starts a brand new series from award-winning author Danica Winters.

“A haunting and fresh voice in paranormal romance. Be prepared for Danica Winters to ensnare you in her dark and seductive world.”―Cecy Robson, author of the Weird Girls series and 2016 Double-Nominated RITA® Finalist

Even for a clairvoyant, the future is never a sure thing.

Helena has always struggled to fit in with her Irish Traveller family. It’s not just her opposition to getting married or her determination to attend university; Helena also has one talent that sets her apart from the rest of her clan―the gift of the Forshaw, the ability to see the future.

Graham is the groundskeeper at a manor in Adare, Ireland. Though the estate appears idyllic, it holds dark secrets, and despite his own supernatural gifts, Graham can’t solve Adare Manor’s problems by himself. Desperate for help, Graham seeks out a last resort: Helena, whose skills are far greater than even she knows.

When he promises to teach her to control her powers, Helena resists, afraid both of the damage her abilities might do and her increasing attraction to the handsome groundskeeper. Her entire way of life is at risk: Any involvement, especially romantic, with non-Travellers like Graham is forbidden. But Helena’s future is anything but certain, and fate has other plans for her family, her powers, and her relationship with Graham.

My Thoughts: This contemporary fantasy is set in Ireland. The main character Helena is a Traveller but is having trouble fitting in because the things she wants aren't things Traveller girls shoudl want. She doesn't want to marry and she wants to attend university. When she discovers that she also has the gift of Forshaw and can see the future, things don't get easier for her.

Helena meets Graham who wants to use her gifts to help his younger brother. They are attracted to each other but Helena knows that nothing can come of their relationship or she will be forced to leave her family. Her older sister made that choice and Helena can see that she isn't happy.

Graham does manage to convince Helena to use her gifts despite her reluctance. She also lacks self-confidence largely due to her mother's habit of always putting her down. Helena wants to be helpful and also wants to find her own place in the world.

Even more than a fantasy, this story was a exploration of a young woman looking for her place and the world and deciding what she is willing to give up to have it. It is the first book in a new series and there are lots of dangling plot threads that will probably be addressed in later episodes.

Favorite Quote:
The woman was wrong. All Helena had to do was take one long look at her older sister to know that they didn't always stick around. When things got hard, when her older sister made choices that their culture didn't believe in, the people who were supposed to have her back were the first ones to get to running.
I got this ARC from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

ARC Review: Only You by Denise Grover Swank

Only You
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Bachelor Brotherhood (Book 1)
Publication: Forever (October 25, 2016)

Description: Never say never . . .

Romance isn't an option for Holly Greenwood. With her wedding planner career on the line she needs to stay focused, and that means pleasing her demanding boss, not getting distracted by her mind-alteringly hot neighbor . . .

Ex-Marine Kevin Vandemeer craves normalcy. Instead, he has a broken-down old house in need of a match and some gasoline, a meddling family, and the uncanny ability to attract the world's craziest women. At least that last one he can fix: he and his buddies have made a pact to swear off women, and this includes his sweetly sexy new neighbor.

After one hot night that looks a whole lot like a disaster in the light of day, Kevin and Holly are about to learn that true love doesn't play by the rules . . .

My Thoughts: Kevin Vandemeer has left the Marines to return home. His sister found him a fixer-upper to be a project for him. It just so happens to be next door to the woman she wants to fix him up with. Holly Greenwood isn't looking for romance. She is busy working for a dragon lady planning weddings until she builds enough of a reputation to start her own wedding planning business.

Holly doesn't have time for romance but Kevin is the first man she has ever met that she might be willing to break the rules for. Kevin isn't looking for romance either since he has a history of starting romances with crazy women. But their mutual attraction leads to a one-night stand that makes both of them change their minds.

However, when Kevin sees her wedding planning notebook and thinks she is planning their wedding, he bolts. And when Holly learns that Kevin is the son of her dragon lady boss, she knows that they have no possible future.

This romance has quite a large cast of characters. From Kevin's meddling sister Megan, his parents, his two best friends, and his feisty grandmother to Holly's cousin Mel and the grandmother who raised them both but now is suffering from dementia, there are lots of great family interactions. Add in Kevin's adopted kitten and Holly five pound chihuahua named Killer and you have lots of opportunities for humor and misunderstandings.

This was a fun romance filled with engaging characters.

Favorite Quote:
He leaned over and kissed her, still feeling the urge to be close. He stared into her emerald green eyes and he knew without a doubt this was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

And that was when he knew he had officially lost his mind.
I got this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Teaser Tuesday: Once a Gypsy by Danica Winters

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Books and a Beat. 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:
Helena stared at the thin particle-board divider that ran between their parents' bedroom and the main living area of the trailer. Like so many times before, she wished it were thicker.
This week I am reading Once a Gypsy by Danica Winters. I got this eARC from NetGalley. Here is the description from Amazon:
Thrilling and romantic, Once a Gypsy starts a brand new series from award-winning author Danica Winters.

“A haunting and fresh voice in paranormal romance. Be prepared for Danica Winters to ensnare you in her dark and seductive world.”―Cecy Robson, author of the Weird Girls series and 2016 Double-Nominated RITA® Finalist

Even for a clairvoyant, the future is never a sure thing.

Helena has always struggled to fit in with her Irish Traveller family. It’s not just her opposition to getting married or her determination to attend university; Helena also has one talent that sets her apart from the rest of her clan―the gift of the Forshaw, the ability to see the future.

Graham is the groundskeeper at a manor in Adare, Ireland. Though the estate appears idyllic, it holds dark secrets, and despite his own supernatural gifts, Graham can’t solve Adare Manor’s problems by himself. Desperate for help, Graham seeks out a last resort: Helena, whose skills are far greater than even she knows.

When he promises to teach her to control her powers, Helena resists, afraid both of the damage her abilities might do and her increasing attraction to the handsome groundskeeper. Her entire way of life is at risk: Any involvement, especially romantic, with non-Travellers like Graham is forbidden. But Helena’s future is anything but certain, and fate has other plans for her family, her powers, and her relationship with Graham.

Monday, October 24, 2016

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Oct. 24, 2016)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is now hosted by 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...

I'm sitting here in my new living room looking around at empty and full boxes on a quiet Sunday morning. The bulk of the first half of our move is done. My brother still has quite a lot of things to move from the old house to the new house.

As I thought, he hadn't started packing anything. It took us a whole day to pack up his CDs, DVDs, and books and the movers were coming the next morning. My library will take at least that long and I'll be doing it alone. However, I do not tend to wait until the last minute to start. I plan to bring home empty boxes when I'm back in Duluth for Christmas so that I can start packing. At least now I know how much of my kitchen stuff will fit in our new kitchen. I do have furniture that will fill in some of the empty spaces in the new house.

The movers came bright and early Friday morning and were finished unloading and setting up everything they moved by 3:30. Bill and I returned to the old house on Saturday to pack up the kitchen. We also got most of it set up in the new house by bedtime on Saturday.

I need to head back home to go to school again on Monday. I'm telling him I'm sorry to leave him with so much left to do but I'm secretly grateful. I am so tired that going back to work sounds like a vacation to me. It is a little daunting that I will be doing the same thing next June.

I think I only read 2% of my current book since Wednesday morning. I'm looking forward to having more time to read once I get back home.

Read Last Week
Congress of Secrets by Stephanie Burgis was an interesting alternate history fantasy set during the Congress of Vienna. I liked the characters and thought it was engaging. My review will be posted on October 29.

When She's Gone by Jane Palmer was a fast-paced thriller with lots of twists and turns. My review ill be posted on November 5.

Currently
Arena by Holly Jennings is a near-future science fiction story.

Next Week
Reviews Posted
Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?
Mary Russell's War by Laurie R. King is an anthology of stories set within her Sherlock Holmes/Mary Russell series.

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

Saturday, October 22, 2016

ARC Review: Cast in Flight by Michelle Sagara

Cast in Flight
Author: Michelle Sagara
Series: Chronicles of Elantra
Publication: MIRA (October 25, 2016)

Description: New York Times bestselling author Michelle Sagara returns to the city of Elantra with a thrilling tale rife with ancient magic, assassination attempts and political intrigue. 

Private Kaylin Neya already has Dragons and Barrani as roommates. Adding one injured, flightless Aerian to her household should be trivial. Sure, the Aerian is Sergeant Moran dar Carafel, but Kaylin's own sergeant is a Leontine, the definition of growly and fanged. She can handle one Aerian.

But when a walk to the Halls of Law becomes a street-shattering magical assassination attempt on the sergeant, Kaylin discovers that it's not the guest who's going to be the problem: it's all of the people who suddenly want Moran dar Carafel dead. And though Moran refuses to tell her why she's being targeted, Kaylin is determined to discover her secret and protect her at all costs—even if keeping Moran safe means dealing with Aerian politics, angry dragons and something far more sinister.

My Thoughts: This episode in the Chronicles of Elantra focuses on the Aerians but with a healthy helping of dragon. Kaylin offers the Aerian Infirmary Sargent shelter in her sentient home when Moran is injured fighting shadow. She is already sheltering the only female dragon and a couple of Barrani who were rescued in an earlier episode and who are both more and less than they were before their ordeals.

When there is an assassination attempt on Moran when she and Kaylin are on their way to work one morning, things get more exciting than usual for Kaylin. A whole bunch of people want Moran dar Carafel dead. Finding out why and keeping them from succeeding is the focus of the book. There are more assassination attempts, all sorts of Aerian politics, and angry dragons.

Kaylin learns more about Shadow and what it means to be outcaste in this world as the dragon outcaste has a prominent role in the chaos that is swirling. There isn't much Kaylin won't do for her adopted family - the Hawks - and she is really tested in this one.

Fantasy lovers will enjoy this fascinating world filled with all sorts of people from a wide variety of races. Each episode deepens the world building and explores new areas.

Favorite Quote:
Kaylin had sympathy. She would have found it excruciating, herself. When you worshipped someone, you placed a burden on them. You expected them to live up to your ideals, expected them to be worthy of your worship. And who could do that?
I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

Friday, October 21, 2016

Friday Memes: Cast in Flight by Michelle Sagara

Happy Friday everybody!
Book Beginnings on Friday is now hosted by Rose City ReaderThe 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:
Morning was not Kaylin's friend.
Friday 56:
"She can wear the bracelet. Did she not tell you?"

Kaylin frowned. "Are you telling me that no one else could wear it?"
This week I am reading Cast in Flight by Michelle Sagara. I got this eARC from NetGalley. Here is the description from Amazon:
New York Times bestselling author Michelle Sagara returns to the city of Elantra with a thrilling tale rife with ancient magic, assassination attempts and political intrigue. 

Private Kaylin Neya already has Dragons and Barrani as roommates. Adding one injured, flightless Aerian to her household should be trivial. Sure, the Aerian is Sergeant Moran dar Carafel, but Kaylin's own sergeant is a Leontine, the definition of growly and fanged. She can handle one Aerian.

But when a walk to the Halls of Law becomes a street-shattering magical assassination attempt on the sergeant, Kaylin discovers that it's not the guest who's going to be the problem: it's all of the people who suddenly want Moran dar Carafel dead. And though Moran refuses to tell her why she's being targeted, Kaylin is determined to discover her secret and protect her at all costs—even if keeping Moran safe means dealing with Aerian politics, angry dragons and something far more sinister.

Thursday, October 20, 2016

ARC Review: A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas

A Study in Scarlet Women
Author: Sherry Thomas
Series: The Lady Sherlock Series (Book 1)
Publication: Berkley (October 18, 2016)

Description: USA Today bestselling author Sherry Thomas turns the story of the renowned Sherlock Holmes upside down…

With her inquisitive mind, Charlotte Holmes has never felt comfortable with the demureness expected of the fairer sex in upper class society.  But even she never thought that she would become a social pariah, an outcast fending for herself on the mean streets of London.

When the city is struck by a trio of unexpected deaths and suspicion falls on her sister and her father, Charlotte is desperate to find the true culprits and clear the family name. She’ll have help from friends new and old—a kind-hearted widow, a police inspector, and a man who has long loved her. But in the end, it will be up to Charlotte, under the assumed name Sherlock Holmes, to challenge society’s expectations and match wits against an unseen mastermind.

My Thoughts: A STUDY IN SCARLET WOMEN is a vastly re-imagined version of Sherlock Holmes. In this case, Sherlock is actually Charlotte Holmes, the youngest daughter of a gentleman and is wife. She is something of a favorite of her father in that he is amused by her eccentricities  but not enough of a favorite that he feels obligated to keep his word to her. Having expressed her desire to never marry, he agreed to send her to school and finance her quest to become a school mistress when she turned 25. However, when that date came, he reneged and left Charlotte to do something outrageous to take herself off the marriage market. She is caught in flagrante delicto with a married man which ruins her reputation and would have caused her parents to send her away to their country home if she hadn't decided to run away first.

Previously, to relieve some of her boredom and to exercise her talents and high intelligence, Charlotte had worked through a friend to offer the police insights on certain crimes. Her friend is Lord Ingram Ashburton who happens to be the only man she has ever kissed. Unfortunately, he has entered into a society marriage and is the father of two young children. Even though he and his wife are living a sham of a marriage, his morals don't allow for him to take Charlotte as his mistress which she would like. They have developed a strong friendship though. When she runs away to London, he keeps an eye on her and engineers a meeting with a former member of the demimonde, actress and widow Mrs. John Watson. Mrs. Watson takes Charlotte in as a companion and encourages her to set herself up as a consulting detective.

There are three interconnected crimes that she is working on. The first is the suspicious death of a man who lived a reclusive life but who was connected to society, the second is of another young woman who was also a member of society, and the third was the death of the mother of the young married man who compromised Charlotte. The cases are nicely tricky and provide quite a challenge for Charlotte.

There are many parallels to the original Sherlock Holmes stories with Charlotte as Sherlock, Mrs. Watson playing Dr. Watson as a companion and sounding board. There is even a Mycroft Holmes equivalent in Lord Ingram's older brother Lord Bancroft. The police contact is Inspector Robert Treadles of the Metropolitan Police. What I found particularly interesting was the way the author managed to infuse each of the characters with beliefs of the day and make them each - with the exception of the shadowy Lord Bancroft - well-rounded and fully developed people. This story is firmly set in Victorian England and the characters really act as Victorians.

This was a page turner of a mystery for me. I wanted to know who committed the crimes and why. I also wanted to know that Charlotte would finally find a place for herself that let her use her talents to the fullest. I hope that Charlotte has many further adventures.

Favorite Quote:
It was after a fair bit of practice and no shortage of awkwardness that she at last grasped the point of all that persiflage, which was merely to avoid the silence of people having nothing to say to one another.

The uncomfortable silence, in other words. But since there was no such thing as an uncomfortable silence for Charlotte, it was as difficult for her to understand as it was for a man with vertigo to master the Viennese polka.
I got this one in exchange for an honest review from Penguin's First to Read program. You can buy your copy here.

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

ARC Review: Venom & Vanilla by Shannon Mayer

Venom & Vanilla
Author: Shannon Mayer
Series: The Venom Trilogy (Book 1)
Publication: 47North (November 1, 2016)

Description: Successful Seattle baker Alena Budrene doesn’t want to die. But when she’s infected with a lethal virus spread by supernatural beings, her only chance for recovery is to make a deal with the devil—or in this case, a warlock.

Though he saves her life, it looks nothing like the life she once knew—and neither does she. Alena is a new breed of “Supe” no one has ever seen before. Even the supernatural police don’t know what she is. Now exiled to the northern side of the Wall, which marks the divide between humans and Supes, Alena is thrust into a dark and magical new world.

But just as she begins to adjust to all things supernatural, she realizes that her transformation is the least of her worries—and it was no accident. She was chosen…to be killed by a Greek hero trying to make a name for himself once more.

Alena was brought up to be subservient, preferring creating to fighting, and vanilla and honey to blood. But that was then. Now, to survive, she must stand up for herself—and this time she’s got fangs. But will she be ready to use them?

My Thoughts: This was a fun urban fantasy novel. Alena begins the book dying of a rare virus. Her only hope is to be turned into a supernatural. However, Alena was raised in a strict fundamentalist church that is opposed to all supernaturals. She is meek, modest, and subservient to her husband. But when she learns that her husband has already found her replacement and plans to sell her beloved bakery, Alena finds her assertive side.

She is turned into an unusual supernatural by Merlin. Turns out she is a monster destined to by slain by Achilles. But Alena isn't ready to accept her fate. She reconnects with the brother she thought was dead but who is now a Naga. Learns family secrets from her outrageous grandmother. And decides to change her fate.

Though she has trouble letting go of her useless specimen of a husband, she becomes attracted to the powerful and sexy leader of the vampires. She feels guilty despite the fact that her husband was cheating on her. Alena begins to embrace her assertive side but she is still very conservative in her language. Part of the humor in this story comes from her attempts to swear but "donkey butt" is about the worst she can come up with.

This story creates an interesting world filled with supernaturals but also reincarnated gods and heroes from mythology. I liked that Zeus's current kingdom was a Big Box store. Alena gets advice and guidance from Eros, who prefers to be called Ernie, but isn't sure if she can trust him because he seems to be shifting sides with each utterance.

This series has possibilities. I'll be eager to read more.

Favorite Quote:
"No, no. You need a thong for those leggings. Otherwise your panty line shows, and that would be a crime against your nature. Friends don't let friends be frumpy." Ernie threw a piece of string at me. String. I held it up on one finger. Make that three pieces of string. "This. Is not underwear."
I got this one in exchange for an honest review from Kindle First. You can buy your copy here.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Teaser Tuesday: A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Books and a Beat. 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—” Livia decided she had better shut up before she blurted out that she could scarcely have wondered whether Charlotte was kissing boys when she had  half suspected Charlotte had been sent from Mars to investigate the cultural observances of Earthlings. “How did it happen? Did it take you by surprise?”

“Not at all. I set it in motion.”
This week I am reading A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas. I got this eARC through Penguin's First to Read program. Here is the description from Amazon:
USA Today bestselling author Sherry Thomas turns the story of the renowned Sherlock Holmes upside down…

With her inquisitive mind, Charlotte Holmes has never felt comfortable with the demureness expected of the fairer sex in upper class society.  But even she never thought that she would become a social pariah, an outcast fending for herself on the mean streets of London.

When the city is struck by a trio of unexpected deaths and suspicion falls on her sister and her father, Charlotte is desperate to find the true culprits and clear the family name. She’ll have help from friends new and old—a kind-hearted widow, a police inspector, and a man who has long loved her. But in the end, it will be up to Charlotte, under the assumed name Sherlock Holmes, to challenge society’s expectations and match wits against an unseen mastermind.

Monday, October 17, 2016

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Oct. 17, 2016)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is now hosted by 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... 

Now that Homecoming is over, we are gearing up for Parent/Teacher/Student conferences. They are taking place Monday and Tuesday evening and all day Wednesday. We have Thursday and Friday off for the annual MEA Conference. Since I am part-time this year, I am not required to be at the Wednesday conferences.

I will be driving up to Duluth as soon as I get up Wednesday morning to get ready for our move. The moving van will be coming on Friday to bring all the big stuff. I know there will be a lot of packing and sorting to do as my brother and I decided what we want to move and what we want to sell.

I have some books listed but don't know if I'll have any time to read them. I think I'll be kept pretty busy packing, unpacking, and organizing the new house. Many of my recent additions will be released sooner than I would prefer. I have a few that I need to review before the end of the month or in early November. I may or may not make it. In any case, I have just about used all of the cushion I built during the summer.

Read Last Week
When All the Girls Have Gone by Jayne Ann Krentz. It is the latest contemporary romantic suspense title by this author who is one of my favorites. I enjoyed this one. My review will be posted on November 24.

Explosive Forces by D. D. Ayres was a contemporary romantic suspense title. I enjoyed it and found that it was a quick read. My review will be posted on November 2.

Living Spectres by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro is the second book featuring Chesterton Holte, Gentleman Haunt, and seems to be the second book in a trilogy. It was a slowly paced book filled with exhaustive detail about 1924. There was no resolution to the mystery begun in the first book. Nor was there resolution to the mystery begun in this book. Hopefully, book three will change that. My review will be posted on November 3.

Currently
Congress of Secrets by Stephanie Burgis is my latest Amazon Vine pick. It arrived this week and will be released November 1. This is a historical fantasy taking place in 1814 at the Congress of Vienna. I'm about half finished.

Next Week
Arena by Holly Jennings is my latest from NetGalley. This one was published last April but the sequel is coming out soon.

When She's Gone by Jane Palmer is also from NetGalley and will be released November 5.

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

Saturday, October 15, 2016

ARC Review: Death of a Toy Soldier by Barbara Early

Death of a Toy Soldier
Author: Barbara Early
Series: A Vintage Toyshop Mystery (Book 1)
Publication: Crooked Lane Books (October 11, 2016)

Description: Liz McCall grew up in a playful winter wonderland but it was never her dream to manage her father’s vintage toyshop. However, after he sank his entire police pension into the business, someone needed to help him turn his dreams into reality—and keep him from sneaking off to patrol the not-so-mean streets of East Aurora, NY.

The mood goes from nice to naughty when a nervous man, who was trying to have his antique toys appraised, is found in the shop with a lawn dart through his chest. Suddenly, Liz’s business plan is plunged into deep freeze, while she and her father find themselves toying with a cold-blooded killer who’s playing for keeps.

Now, it looks like Christmas might be cancelled for the neighborhood kids if Liz can't wrap up the case in Barbara Early's delightful debut Death of a Toy Soldier.

My Thoughts: In this story Liz McCall returned home when her police chief father was injured in the line of duty. Now he is retired and the two of them have opened a toy store featuring vintage toys. When a man is found murdered in the toy store and Liz's father is discovered nearby with a head injury, Liz has to investigate to keep her father from becoming the prime suspect.

This story gave us lots of possible villains from the family of the man who owned the toys and who want to get their fair share of his estate to the wife of the victim who might have wanted him dead for his life insurance. Along the way in the investigation Liz meets two elderly sisters to live next door to the toys' owner and the owners new, much younger, ghost hunting wife. Then there is the owner of the toy museum who has a monster crush of Liz's father.

Of course, Liz has some romantic issues of her own. Her high school boyfriend looks like he wants to rekindle their romance or is he only interested in finding out what she knows about the murder? Then there is the new chief of police who also seems interested in Liz.

There are lots of amusing parts of this story. Liz's sister-in-law works with her in the toy store and is a notoriously bad cook. Liz's father is particularly prone to making puns and Liz does try to keep up with him.

I enjoyed this cozy mystery and will admit that the villain came as a surprise to me. Fans of cozies will enjoy this one. 

Favorite Quote:
Every head at the table pivoted toward Dad so quickly, we might have been able to qualify for a group discount on a whiplash case from a friendly personal injury attorney.
I got this one in exchange for an honest review from the publisher. You can buy your copy here.

Friday, October 14, 2016

Friday Memes: Death of a Toy Soldier by Barbara Early

Happy Friday everybody!
Book Beginnings on Friday is now hosted by Rose City ReaderThe 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:
Cathy slammed the receiver down, and the phone's eyes wiggled. Yes, our telephone has eyes. These things happen when you work in a vintage toy shop and your phone was custom painted - and mounted on wheels - to resemble an iconic pull toy.
Friday 56: 
Othello had been the inspiration for another pet project of mine: missing game pieces. He loved disrupting games and chasing stray pieces so much I realized that other households with pets or small children must have the same problem.
This week I am reading Death of a Toy Soldier by Barbara Early. I got this ARC from the publisher. Here is the description from Amazon:
Liz McCall grew up in a playful winter wonderland but it was never her dream to manage her father’s vintage toyshop. However, after he sank his entire police pension into the business, someone needed to help him turn his dreams into reality—and keep him from sneaking off to patrol the not-so-mean streets of East Aurora, NY.

The mood goes from nice to naughty when a nervous man, who was trying to have his antique toys appraised, is found in the shop with a lawn dart through his chest. Suddenly, Liz’s business plan is plunged into deep freeze, while she and her father find themselves toying with a cold-blooded killer who’s playing for keeps.

Now, it looks like Christmas might be cancelled for the neighborhood kids if Liz can't wrap up the case in Barbara Early's delightful debut Death of a Toy Soldier.