Monday, February 29, 2016

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Feb. 29, 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 midquarter's week. I spent the week hounding kids to turn things in, assessing and grading. Now I have to wait to see how many parents I hear from. Otherwise, the week was quiet with seasonable weather. Our snow is quickly melting away though we are expecting a bit more this coming week. I know that I am eager for spring and longer days.  

Read Last Week
I read Dragon Harper by Anne McCaffrey and Todd McCaffrey. I am working my way through the Pern books I haven't read. This one has been on my TBR pile since 2008 and tells the story about the time a plague hits Pern. My review will be posted on April 30.

I also read The Drafter by Kim Harrison which has been sitting on my computer desktop since January 8. I enjoyed this beginning to a new series and will be looking forward to more stories in this world. My review will be posted on March 16.

I also read Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben which I received for review from the publisher via NetGalley. I thought this thriller was excellent. I never expected that ending. My review will be posted on March 19.

Currently
I am currently reading A Lady in the Smoke by Karen Odden which I got from NetGalley. This is a Victorian mystery saturated with the mores of the day. I am just getting into the mystery part but am finding the book fascinating so far.

Next Week
Two more review books for next week:
Reviews Posted
Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?
New Orleans Mourning by Julie Smith was a free book for my Kindle and an impulse download. I liked the sound of this mystery.

Dying for a Taste by Leslie Karst is a book I received for review from Crooked Lane Books. Thus far, I have really enjoyed all the mysteries this publisher has released. This cozy mystery comes out on April 12.
Fan the Flames by Katie Ruggle is the second novel in this romantic suspense series that I have gotten from NetGalley. The first is still on my review stack but nearing the top. This book will be released on June 7.

Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben also arrived this week and was devoured almost immediately. It will be released on March 22.

State of TBR mountain:
  • Added in 2016: 68
  • To Be Read: 49
  • Review Books: 37
  • Kindle Books: 44
To see what Young Adult books I have been reading and plan to read, check out Ms. Martin Teaches Media - my other blog.

Saturday, February 27, 2016

ARC Review: Just This Night by Mari Madison

Just This Night
Author: Mari Madison
Series: An Exclusive Romance (Book 1)
Publication: Berkley (March 1, 2016)

Description: At News 9 San Diego, the hottest stories happen off camera. 

Betrayed and abandoned by his wife and left to raise their young daughter on his own, TV news photographer Jake "Mac" MacDonald has moved to San Diego for a fresh start. He’s sworn off women forever and devoted his life to his little girl. But when his brother-in-law drags him out to a night club, Mac can’t help but be drawn to the cute blonde who asks him to dance. Maybe he can make an exception...for just one night.

A hot fling is exactly what news reporter Elizabeth White had in mind when she brought Mac home. A quick cure to help her get over her ex-boyfriend. But things get awkward when her anonymous hookup turns out to be her newest colleague. Now they must put their attraction behind them and find a way to work together. But when someone starts sabotaging Beth’s career, she realizes Mac is the only one she can trust. And maybe their one night has the makings of an exclusive after all.

My Thoughts: Elizabeth White and Jake MacDonald are both having awful days. Her ex-fiance is marrying her sister and he is trying to get over the fact that his wife just took off for her career leaving him with his broken-hearted four-year-old daughter. Each are convinced to spend the evening at a club to take their minds off their trouble. They meet and hook up but a one-night stand isn't enough for either of them.

Beth is surprised when she sees Mac at Channel 9 where she is a reporter and his is a new photographer. Naturally, in a way that only happens in romances, they are assigned to be partners which is an uncomfortable situation for both of them. The situation gets even more complicated when Beth is promoted and then becomes the target of mean pranks designed to sabotage her work. And it becomes still more complicated when Mac's wandering wife wanders back to San Diego and wants to rekindle their marriage. 

The story was very emotionally intense as two people who love each other try very hard to do the right thing despite their breaking hearts. I loved the relationship between Beth and Mac and I really loved the relationship Mac had with his daughter Ashley.

This was a very nice romance novel.

Favorite Quote:
As I did, I smacked right into someone heading outside. Someone carrying my bedroom TV. I stumbled, almost losing my balance, as the girl shoved past me, taking the television and slamming it down onto the pavement with force. I let out a cry of horror as it exploded in a crash of breaking glass.

The person throwing the deranged yard sale was not a thief at all.

It was my roommate.
I got this ARC from the author's assistant in exchange for an honest review. You can buy your copy here.

Friday, February 26, 2016

Friday Memes: Just This Night by Mari Madison

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 (from Mac's point of view):
"Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!"

I jerked up in bed, swinging around, my feet hitting the floorboards before my mind had a chance to process the movement. For a split second, fighting the fog of deep sleep, I didn't know where I was. What time it was. Why I was here.
Friday 56 (from Beth's point of view):
"Let's just say the Road Runner's got nothing on this guy." Elbows propped on the table, I cupped my chin in my hands and sighed deeply. " I woke up and he was gone. He left a note, but no phone number. No email. Hell, I'm half-convinced he wiped away his fingerprints before making his exit, just to make sure I wouldn't be able to track him down."
This week I am spotlighting Just This Night by Mari Madison. I got this ARC from Mari Mancusi's assistant who was looking for people to read her return to romance. I have some of her books on my YA TBR mountain and thought I'd get a taste of her writing style. Here is the description from Amazon:
At News 9 San Diego, the hottest stories happen off camera. 

Betrayed and abandoned by his wife and left to raise their young daughter on his own, TV news photographer Jake "Mac" MacDonald has moved to San Diego for a fresh start. He’s sworn off women forever and devoted his life to his little girl. But when his brother-in-law drags him out to a night club, Mac can’t help but be drawn to the cute blonde who asks him to dance. Maybe he can make an exception...for just one night.

A hot fling is exactly what news reporter Elizabeth White had in mind when she brought Mac home. A quick cure to help her get over her ex-boyfriend. But things get awkward when her anonymous hookup turns out to be her newest colleague. Now they must put their attraction behind them and find a way to work together. But when someone starts sabotaging Beth’s career, she realizes Mac is the only one she can trust. And maybe their one night has the makings of an exclusive after all.

Thursday, February 25, 2016

ARC Review: The Infamous Heir by Elizabeth Michels

The Infamous Heir
Author: Elizabeth Michels
Series: Spare Heirs (Book 1)
Publication: Sourcebooks Casablanca (March 1, 2016)

Description: The Spare Heirs Society Cordially Invites You to Meet Ethan Moore: The Scoundrel
Lady Roselyn Grey's debut has finally arrived, and of course, she has every flounce and flutter planned. She'll wear the perfect gowns and marry the perfect gentleman...that is, if the formerly disinherited brother of the man she intends to marry doesn't ruin everything first.
Ethan Moore is a prize-fighting second son and proud founding member of the Spare Heirs Society-and that's all he ever should have been. But, in an instant, his brother's noble title is his, the eyes of the ton are upon him, and the lady he's loved for years would rather meet him in the boxing ring than the ballroom.
He's faced worse. With the help of his Spare Heirs brotherhood, Ethan's certain he can get to the bottom of his brother's unexpected demise and win the impossible lady who has haunted his dreams for as long as he can remember...

My Thoughts: This is the first book in a new historical romance series about spare heirs - second sons of the gentry. Ethan Moore was disowned by his father when he was nineteen and has since made his living as a prize-fighter on the Continent. He has come home now after accidentally killing a man in a fight. He is being chased by the man's brother and his henchmen who want revenge. He comes home to find that things are changing for his family.

Ethan's brother Trevor is soon to be engaged to Lady Roselyn Grey. Roselyn has set a course for her life that includes marrying a gentleman and escaping the reputation of madness that haunts her family. She has trained herself to be the perfect society wife and hidden her own wild nature. But the return of her childhood friend Ethan is threatening to destroy her plans.

When Trevor is killed while on a walk with Ethan and Roselyn, Ethan inherits his title and his problems. Roselyn is certain that Ethan was responsible for Trevor's death and Ethan is determined to find out who really killed Trevor.

I enjoyed this historical romance which had a feisty heroine and a socially inept but handsome hero. It had enough of a mystery to provide elements of danger. Although I knew who the villain had to be pretty early in the story. The key for me was the relationship between Ethan and Roselyn. They both had a lot of growing to do and both had to decided what they really wanted for their future.

I'm looking forward to more books in this series because a number of other side characters seemed primed for relationships of their own and I want to see how they work out. 

Favorite Quote:
He was yelling at her but he couldn't seem to calm himself. Offers of marriage probably shouldn't be shouted, but he didn't care. He would scream it from the nearest London rooftop.
I got this one for review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Book Review: Ghost Gifts by Laura Spinella

Ghost Gifts
Author: Laura Spinella
Publication: Montlake Romance (March 1, 2016)

Description: All Aubrey Ellis wants is a normal life, one that doesn’t include desperate pleas from the dead. Her remarkable gift may help others rest in peace, but it also made for an unsettling childhood and destroyed her marriage. Finally content as the real estate writer for a local newspaper, Aubrey keeps her extraordinary ability hidden—until she is unexpectedly assigned the story of a decades-old murder.

Rocked by the discovery of a young woman’s skeletal remains, the New England town of Surrey wants answers. Hard-nosed investigative reporter Levi St John is determined to get them. Aubrey has no choice but to get involved, even at the terrifying risk of stirring spirits connected to a dead woman’s demise and piquing her new reporting partner’s suspicions.

As Aubrey and Levi delve further into the mystery, secrets are revealed and passion ignites. It seems that Aubrey’s ghost gifts are poised to deliver everything but a normal life.

My Thoughts: Aubrey Ellis has made a comfortable life for herself as a reporter concentrating on real estate profiles in the small town of Surrey. She had a very different childhood traveling from place to place with her Grandmother's carnival after losing her parents in a car accident. Aubrey also has to deal with ghosts. Some come to her to get resolution of unfinished business from their lives; others are evil remnants. Aubrey never knows what kind of ghost it will be. Often the ghosts leave her with tangible gifts - marbles, dried flowers, post cards. Often, also, the resolution isn't immediate.

Aubrey is also in the process of a divorce that she really doesn't want. She married Owen after a whirlwind courtship thinking that he wanted the same things she did - a small town, a house with a white picket fence, a couple of kids - but Owen is a computer expert who deals with security issues who is constantly on the move.

When a body is discovered bricked up in the walls of a house owned by Dustin Byrd, it reopens a twenty-year-old missing person case. Missy Flanagan disappeared just before she turned twenty-one and ex-Army vet Frank Delacort was quickly convicted on circumstantial evidence of her murder. He has spent the past twenty years in prison. Aubrey doesn't want anything to do with the new investigation since the last thing she wants to do is deal with an angry, revenge seeking ghost but she is soon paired up with Levi St. John, a hotshot reporter sent in by the owners of the newspaper. Together the two investigate the life of Missy Flanagan and the events of her life. A good part of the story has to do with Aubrey finding someone who really understood her unique gift.

The story has a number of flashbacks to Aubrey's childhood and to the time when Missy goes missing. Getting Missy' story from her point of view lets us know a lot more than Aubrey and Levi do as they investigate. I liked the tension between Aubrey and Levi who have very different viewpoints about the natures of reality and who have very different personalities. I also liked that they became friends before their relationship took a turn for the romantic.

I really enjoyed this fast paced mystery filled with intriguing characters.

Favorite Quote:
"So what you're telling me is you see—"

"If you're about to say 'I see dead people,' I'm so not continuing this conversation."

"But that's what you're telling me, that's what you're asking me to believe."

"That's what I'm telling you. Believing it is strictly your call."
I got this one via the Kindle First program in exchange for an honest review. You can buy your copy here.

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Teaser Tuesday: The Infamous Heir by Elizabeth Michels

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:
Ethan had to cough to disguise his laughter. The little Ethan knew of this now-grown woman told him his brother was as far off target with his assumption as Roselyn's arrows had been—although she was making a valiant effort at refinement this morning.
This week my teaser comes from The Infamous Heir by Elizabeth Michels. I got this eARC from NetGalley. Here is the description from Amazon:
The Spare Heirs Society Cordially Invites You to Meet Ethan Moore: The Scoundrel
Lady Roselyn Grey's debut has finally arrived, and of course, she has every flounce and flutter planned. She'll wear the perfect gowns and marry the perfect gentleman...that is, if the formerly disinherited brother of the man she intends to marry doesn't ruin everything first.
Ethan Moore is a prize-fighting second son and proud founding member of the Spare Heirs Society-and that's all he ever should have been. But, in an instant, his brother's noble title is his, the eyes of the ton are upon him, and the lady he's loved for years would rather meet him in the boxing ring than the ballroom.
He's faced worse. With the help of his Spare Heirs brotherhood, Ethan's certain he can get to the bottom of his brother's unexpected demise and win the impossible lady who has haunted his dreams for as long as he can remember...

Monday, February 22, 2016

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Feb. 22, 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 don't know where this week went. Monday at the Elementary was crazy. To celebrate the completion of our new addition, the principal hired a couple of DJs and all of the kids went to a dance party during their "Specials" time. I spent the afternoon dancing with my students. On the positive side, this is the first time this year that my Fitbit registered over 10,000 steps. On the negative side, I didn't know it was going to happen and it messed up my week's lesson plans. 

I also had two meetings this week that took up Tuesday evening and Thursday late afternoon. I'm glad to have those meetings out of the way. As a holdover from the crud I've had for a couple of weeks, I found myself taking naps when I got home from school each day which really cut into my reading time. I am feeling much better now and think I might be able to stay awake all day today.

Next week is midquarters. My sixth graders grades are all caught up and we have moved on to a unit on Internet Safety. It is hard to believe that we are in the middle of our third quarter already.

Read Last Week
I read The Skeleton Garden by Marty Wingate which is the latest in her Potting Shed cozy mystery series. I like the characters in this series and thought the mystery was done well too. My review will be posted on March 12.

I also read Tumbled Graves by Brenda Chapman. This is the third book in a series but I had no trouble beginning the series here. It tells the complicated story of a missing mother and daughter while also talking about the complications in the lives of the investigators. I enjoyed it and, luckily, have the first two books on my Kindle. My review will be posted on March 17.

Currently
I am currently reading Dragon Harper by Anne McCaffrey and Todd McCaffrey. I purchased this book on May 8, 2008. It is my goal to finish reading this whole series in 2016.

Next Week
I'm back to review books next week. The assortment shows my eclectic reading taste.
Reviews Posted
Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?

Nothing yet. I accepted four review books that should be arriving next week.

Added in 2016 - 62
  • 32 review books
  • 47 still on TBR pile
  • 15 read
To see what Young Adult books I have been reading and plan to read, check out Ms. Martin Teaches Media - my other blog.

Saturday, February 20, 2016

Book Review: The Trouble with Fate by Leigh Evans

The Trouble with Fate
Author: Leigh Evans
Publication: St. Martin's Paperbacks (December 24, 2012)

Description: My name is Hedi Peacock and I have a secret. I'm not human, and I have the pointy Fae ears and Were inner-bitch to prove it. As fairy tales go, my childhood was damn near perfect, all fur and magic until a werewolf killed my father and the Fae executed my mother. I've never forgiven either side. Especially Robson Trowbridge. He was a part-time werewolf, a full-time bastard, and the first and only boy I ever loved. That is, until he became the prime suspect in my father's death…

Today I'm a half-breed barista working at a fancy coffee house, living with my loopy Aunt Lou and a temperamental amulet named Merry, and wondering where in the world I'm going in life. A pretty normal existence, considering. But when a pack of Weres decides to kidnap my aunt and force me to steal another amulet, the only one who can help me is the last person I ever thought I'd turn to: Robson Trowbridge. And he's as annoyingly beautiful as I remember. That's the trouble with fate: Sometimes it barks. Other times it bites. And the rest of the time it just breaks your heart. Again…

My Thoughts: Hedi has been hiding since she was twelve years old and a werewolf killed her father and the fae murdered her fae mother. The fae took her twin to Merenwyn and left Hedi behind in a magical cupboard. She watched as her crush - Robson Trowbridge - came into the house and found her parents but left before he found her.

Since that day, she has been hiding with her mother's sister Lou believing that Lou was the only full fae left on earth and that the werewolves would kill both of them if they knew she had escaped the massacre. Her only friend is an amulet containing a fae being. She spends her days as a barista and part-time thief caring her her aunt who is fading.

Then her aunt is kidnapped by weres and to rescue her Hedi needs to find another amulet - an amulet she last saw around the throat of Trowbridge. She has to convince him to help her and deal with her crush at the same time.

The book was filled with intense moments both between Hedi and Bridge and when they were captured and tortured byt the weres. Hedi's ability to enter a world halfway between the human world and the fae world where souls are kept also added more intensity to the story.

And talk about a cliffhanger ending... Luckily, there are currently three more books in this series.

Favorite Quote:
I hate thinking. I hate remembering; memories are worse than dreams. With dreams, you can be on guard. Vigilant against a sappy moment. But memories are sneaky. They slide into your head when you aren't paying attention. You reach for a can of soup at the supermarket and you remember.
I bought this book in 2012. You can buy your copy here.

Friday, February 19, 2016

Friday Memes: The Trouble with Fate by Leigh Evans

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:
What do the tree huggers call it? Karma?
Friday 56:
It starts with the memory of us doing normal stuff. That's usually how I slide into my personal nightmare, each time seduced by the sweet comfort of our family's routine.
This week I am spotlighting The Trouble with Fate by Leigh Evans. I have had this urban fantasy story on my TBR mountain since 2012. Here is the description from Amazon:
My name is Hedi Peacock and I have a secret. I'm not human, and I have the pointy Fae ears and Were inner-bitch to prove it. As fairy tales go, my childhood was damn near perfect, all fur and magic until a werewolf killed my father and the Fae executed my mother. I've never forgiven either side. Especially Robson Trowbridge. He was a part-time werewolf, a full-time bastard, and the first and only boy I ever loved. That is, until he became the prime suspect in my father's death…

Today I'm a half-breed barista working at a fancy coffee house, living with my loopy Aunt Lou and a temperamental amulet named Merry, and wondering where in the world I'm going in life. A pretty normal existence, considering. But when a pack of Weres decides to kidnap my aunt and force me to steal another amulet, the only one who can help me is the last person I ever thought I'd turn to: Robson Trowbridge. And he's as annoyingly beautiful as I remember. That's the trouble with fate: Sometimes it barks. Other times it bites. And the rest of the time it just breaks your heart. Again…

Thursday, February 18, 2016

ARC Review: Fighting Dirty by Lori Foster

Fighting Dirty
Author: Lori Foster

Series: Ultimate Novel (Book 4)
Publication: HQN Books (February 23, 2016)

Description: He's the hottest MMA fighter in the game, but one woman is ready to try out a few steamy moves of her own in an unforgettable new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster 

With the life he's led and the muscles he's gained, Armie Jacobson isn't afraid of anything. Except maybe Merissa Colter's effect on him. It's not just that she's his best friend's little sister. Fact is, she deserves better. Women pursue him for one night of pleasure, and that's all he wants to offer. Until rescuing Merissa from a robbery leads to the most erotic encounter of his life.

Good girl meets bad boy. It's a story that rarely ends well. But Merissa is taking matters into her own hands. No matter how he views himself, the Armie she knows is brave, honorable and completely loyal. And as past demons and present-day danger collide, they're both about to learn what's truly worth fighting for…

My Thoughts: Merisa has loved her brother Cannon's best friend Armie ever since she was sixteen. But he sees her as a good girl and someone who is way out of his league. Though everyone else sees a man who is brave, honorable, loyal - and totally hot, Armie sees himself as somehow unworthy. After all his mother walked out on him and his father always put him down. Merissa has decided that enough is enough and she is ready to make her play for Armie.

However, this may not be the best time. Her old boyfriend Steve has decided that he wants her back. She also seems to be an epicenter of a crime wave. And old problems are coming back to haunt Armie just as he is about to make it big as an Ultimate fighter. Armie thinks the best way to protect Merissa from the dirt that could cover him is to keep her at arm's length. Merissa isn't willing to step aside and she is more than ready to stand at his side while he fights.

The story is filled with action. Oh, and there were some really hot sex scenes too. I really enjoyed this romance. I liked Armie very much and I loved that Merissa was determined to get her man. I also loved seeing the relationships among the fighters and their women. It was good to reconnect with characters that I met in the earlier books in this series.

Fans of romantic suspense who like a little spice in their romances will enjoy this series. It was my favorite of the series.

Favorite Quote:
"That's it, isn't it? You being the man-whore that you are, you're never content with one girl and that particular girl didn't want to share so she spread those lies to...what? Get even with you?"

"I'm not a man-whore."

"Oh, please." How Armie could deny that with a straight face, she didn't know. "Total man-whore. But so what? You're an adult and if you want to sow enough wild oats for a battalion, it's your own business."
I got this eARC from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

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

Brotherhood in Death
Author: J. D. Robb
Series: In Death (Book 42)
Publication: Berkley (February 2, 2016)

Description: Sometimes brotherhood can be another word for conspiracy. . . .

Dennis Mira just had two unpleasant surprises. First he learned that his cousin Edward was secretly meeting with a real estate agent about their late grandfather’s magnificent West Village brownstone, despite the promise they both made to keep it in the family. Then, when he went to the house to confront Edward about it, he got a blunt object to the back of the head.

Luckily Dennis is married to Charlotte Mira, the NYPSD’s top profiler and a good friend of Lieutenant Eve Dallas. When the two arrive on the scene, he explains that the last thing he saw was Edward in a chair, bruised and bloody. When he came to, his cousin was gone. With the mess cleaned up and the security disks removed, there’s nothing left behind but a few traces for forensics to analyze.

As a former lawyer, judge, and senator, Edward Mira mingled with the elite and crossed paths with criminals, making enemies on a regular basis. Like so many politicians, he also made some very close friends behind closed—and locked—doors. But a badge and a billionaire husband can get you into places others can’t go, and Eve intends to shine some light on the dirty deals and dark motives behind the disappearance of a powerful man, the family discord over a multimillion-dollar piece of real estate . . . and a new case that no one saw coming.

My Thoughts: This is the 42nd In Death book but, in the internal chronology, only about three years have passed since Eve and Roarke first met. Eve (and Roarke) have made massive changes since the first book. Because Eve is the viewpoint character, we see her changes more closely. In this episode, Eve is called in when her friend Dr. Mira's husband is struck from behind in a house he inherited from his grandparents. He had come their to, very reluctantly, confront his cousin who inherited half the house and was determined to sell it despite the promises they made to their grandfather to keep it in the family.

Dennis Mira's cousin Edward is missing. This doesn't seem like Eve's kind of case since she is a murder cop but Dr. Mira is a friend and Eve has quite a crush on Dennis Mira who is a thoroughly nice man. When investigating Edward, she quickly learns how different he was from his cousin. They are quickly led to a number of women that Edward, very much married, had seduced in just the past year which leads Eve to think about marriage and fidelity. She knows she would not look the other way if Roarke chose to stray.

The case quickly turns to murder when Edward is found hanging from the chandelier in the foyer of his grandparents' house. He was beaten and tortured before his death. Because of the nature of the torture, focus turns to the crime being a result of some sexual relationship gone wrong which helps Eve's focus.

I will say that the identities of the murderers were known pretty early in the story and the focus shifted on finding them before they could kill their next target. What made this story particularly interesting to me was that Eve had much more sympathy for the murderers than she had for the victims. However, her job was to stand for the victims no matter how unlikable or how unpleasant they were while they were alive. Also, the nature of the crimes committed by these men brought back memories of her own abused childhood. It was good to see the support network that she has built over the past three years. There's Roarke, of course, but there is also Dr. Mira and her partner Peabody who know her story.

The nature of the case provides unique stress to Eve but so does Roarke's plan to redo her home office. He had created a duplicate of the apartment she lived in before they met and now he feels that it is time for a change. Eve was caught by surprise by the idea and it takes a while before she figures out why. This creates some tension between Eve and Roarke for a time.

I loved this story and this opportunity to catch up on the lives of characters who are so real to me that I wouldn't be at all surprised to meet them on the street some day.

Favorite Quote (when Peabody asks Eve if she could ever forgive them if she and Roarke lost their minds and had a one-night stand):
Eve drove in silence a moment. "Well, it would be hard. It would be work, but marriage is work. So's partnership. I think I could. It would take time and that work, but I think I could forgive both of you. After I boil you in big vats to make it easier to peel the skin, very slowly and carefully, off your bones while I danced to the music of your agonized screams. Then I made you watch while I fashioned people suits out of your skins for a couple of sparring droids I would then beat into rubble that I'd bury along with your quivering, skinless bodies in unmarked graves. After that," Eve said with a considering nod, "I think I could forgive you."
I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Teaser Tuesday: Fighting Dirty by Lori Foster

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:
He didn't need to be a savior, not right now.

"Here." He returned with a cola over ice, urging her to the couch. He smoothed back her hair, his gaze drawn to the bruise.
This week my teaser comes from Fighting Dirty by Lori Foster. I got this eARC from Netgalley. Here is the description from Amazon:
He's the hottest MMA fighter in the game, but one woman is ready to try out a few steamy moves of her own in an unforgettable new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster 

With the life he's led and the muscles he's gained, Armie Jacobson isn't afraid of anything. Except maybe Merissa Colter's effect on him. It's not just that she's his best friend's little sister. Fact is, she deserves better. Women pursue him for one night of pleasure, and that's all he wants to offer. Until rescuing Merissa from a robbery leads to the most erotic encounter of his life.

Good girl meets bad boy. It's a story that rarely ends well. But Merissa is taking matters into her own hands. No matter how he views himself, the Armie she knows is brave, honorable and completely loyal. And as past demons and present-day danger collide, they're both about to learn what's truly worth fighting for…

Monday, February 15, 2016

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Feb. 15, 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 spent nursing my cough and cold. My energy is minimal so I've been going to bed early and just vegging out on the couch when I'm not at work. That should be an opportunity to read but I've been playing mindless video games instead. Part of that was because the book I should have been reading wasn't keeping my attention. I thought it was poorly written with awful dialogue. When one of the characters supposedly died, I just about cheered only to be disappointed when I learned it wasn't him. Now, I'm not sure how much of the issue was the book and how much was just my mood. After struggling with it for three days, I abandoned the book 150 pages in and tried something else which was much more readable.

This coming week is a busier than normal one. Our townhouse association meeting is on Tuesday evening and our rescheduled Continuing Education Committee meeting is on Thursday after school. The good part about that meeting is that I can count the time spent as hours for the snow day make-up I have to do.

Read Last Week
I read Ghost Gifts by Laura Spinella which was an entertaining urban fantasy about a young woman who sees ghosts. My review will be posted on Feb. 24.

Currently
I'm currently reading The Skeleton Garden by Marty Wingate. This is a cozy mystery which will be released on March 15. It stars a gardener who keeps stumbling across dead bodies.

Next Week
Dragon Harper by Anne McCaffrey and Todd McCaffrey is from my TBR mountain. I've had it since May 8, 2008.

Tumbled Graves by Brenda Chapman is the next book on my review stack. It's a mystery which will be released on February 27.

Reviews Posted
Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?
I added three books to my collection that I have already read. I got a Kindle copy of The Final Encyclopedia by Gordon R. Dickson and a Kindle copy of Restoree by Anne McCaffrey. I also got a print copy of Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen by Lois McMaster Bujold because I can never have too many versions of a favorite book. (I already have the eARC and the ebook.)

I took advantage of some Kindle Deals too.
Her SEALed Fate by Lori Ryan sounded good and certainly has a nice cover.

A Morbid Taste for Bones by Ellis Peters in the first book in the Cadfael historical mystery series which I have been meaning to try for year.
Mr. Churchill's Secretary by Susan Elia Macneal is also a book I have been meaning to read for a long time.

Night Owls by Lauren M. Roy was an impulse buy since I like urban fantasy and couldn't pass up the good deal.
A Lady in the Smoke by Karen Odden is new to my review stack. I got this historical mystery at NetGalley. It will be released on March 29.

State of the 2016 Additions to my Stack - I have added a total of 62 books already this year. 32 are review books. 20 are young adult books. 49 of the books are still on TBR mountain - but this includes a lot of review books. There are 24 books which don't have a place on my reading calendar yet.

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

Saturday, February 13, 2016

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

Devoted in Death
Author: J. D. Robb
Series: In Death (Book 41)
Publication: G.P. Putnam's Sons (September 15, 2015)

Description: Eve Dallas tracks a couple whose passion is fueled by cold brutality in the newest crime thriller from the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Obsession in Death and Festive in Death.

When Lieutenant Eve Dallas examines a body in a downtown Manhattan alleyway, the victim’s injuries are so extensive that she almost misses the clue. Carved into the skin is the shape of a heart—and initials inside reading E and D. . .

Ella-Loo and her boyfriend, Darryl, had been separated while Darryl was a guest of the state of Oklahoma, and now that his sentence has been served they don’t ever intend to part again. Ella-Loo’s got dreams. And Darryl believes there are better ways to achieve your dreams than working for them. So they hit the road, and when their car breaks down in Arkansas, they make plans to take someone else’s. Then things get messy and they wind up killing someone—an experience that stokes a fierce, wild desire in Ella-Loo. A desire for Darryl. And a desire to kill again.

As they cross state lines on their way to New York to find the life they think they deserve, they will leave a trail of evil behind them. But now they’ve landed in the jurisdiction of Lieutenant Dallas and her team at the New York Police and Security Department. And with her husband, Roarke, at her side, she has every intention of hunting them down and giving them what they truly deserve . . .

My Thoughts: This In Death episode was definitely a police procedural as Eve and her team need to track down a pair of lovers who show their love for each other by torturing and murdering strangers. Eve comes in once the pair gets to New York. The first victim that Eve finds out about is a cellist named Dorian Kuper who was dumped on the street. Eve and Peabody do the usual checking out friends and family but it soon becomes apparent to them that he was a random victim. This starts Eve and Roarke trying to identify other similar cases.

Enter Deputy Will Banner from Arkansas who has also been tracking the pair on their killing spree across the country. He got involved because one of their earliest victims was an old guy that he was used to looking out for. The FBI has gotten involved but they don't believe Will's victim fits into their profile.

Eve calls in her friends and colleagues Morris, Mira, and McNabb to assist in the investigation as they rush to find something before the next victims are murdered. There was a lot of tension that kept building as Eve and her team uncovered clue after clue.

Outside of the investigation, tensions were high in the team because Trueheart l was scheduled to take the exam to become a detective and both he and his trainer Baxter were nervous about it. Luckily, Eve had lots for them to do to take their minds off the exam. As usual the humor in the story came from Eve misunderstanding some idioms and especially becoming confused about time zones as she sent her detectives to Arkansas and Oklahoma to dig into out criminals' pasts.

It was also good to see the comparison between Eve and Roarke's love for each other and the love of the two villains. It is good seeing that Eve and Roarke are settling into a strong, deep love and that Eve is becoming more comfortable with her emotions.

All in all, this was another excellent addition to this long-running series.

Favorite Quote:
She started to open the door, looked back at him. "Whatever came before, whatever comes after, I know what love is because of you."

He took her free hand. "Whatever came before, whatever comes after, it's you who've shown me love changes everything. Lifts everything. Gives everything."
I bought this book. You can buy your copy here.