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

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

On the Personal Front: 

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

Last Week:

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

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

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

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

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

Currently:

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

Next Week:

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

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

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

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

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

Reviewed on my blogs this past week:

Inside of a Dog:

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

Ms. Martin Teaches Media:

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

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

Stacking the Shelves (Sept. 22, 2013)

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

This week I added four books to my TBR mountain.

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

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

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

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

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

Friday Memes: Getting Rowdy by Lori Foster

Happy Friday everybody!

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

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

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

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

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

Beginning:

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

Friday 56:

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

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

Book Review: Omens by Kelley Armstrong

Omens

Author: Kelley Armstrong

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Favorite Quote:

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

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

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

"Perhaps not now, but—"

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

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

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

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

Book Review: Her Knight in Black Leather by JM Stewart

Her Knight in Black Leather

Author: JM Stewart

Publication: Crimson Romance (January 28, 2013)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Favorite Quote:

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

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

Teaser Tuesday: Omens by Kelley Armstrong

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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

Here is the book's description:

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

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

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

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

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

Teaser:

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

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

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

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

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

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

Last Week:

This is the order I read them in.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Currently:

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

Next Week:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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