Teaser Tuesday: Captive by A. D. Robertson

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 Captive: The Forbidden Side of Nightshade by A. D. Robertson. I got this finished copy for review from a publicist at Dutton. I am a fan of Andrea Cremer's YA books and am eager to see how she writes for an adult audience.

Here is the description of this Oct. 22 release:

The first adult novel set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Nightshade series, Captive delivers a steamy, forbidden romance between sworn enemies drawn together by an irrepressible desire.

Twenty-five-year-old Tristan Doran enjoys a life of incredible power and privilege. As a direct descendant of the Keepers—witches who have embraced dark magic—he defers to no one but his overlord, Lord Bosque Mar. For most of his life, Tristan has been kept out of the centuries-old Witches War, his bloodline too valuable to risk in battle.

But when a beautiful, young human Searcher named Sarah is captured and made a prisoner in his Irish castle, Tristan’s infatuation with her flings him headlong into the fray. Captive and captor, unable to contain their longing, embark on a passionate, forbidden romance together—only to learn that their love is at the heart of a prophecy predicting the downfall of the Keepers’ ages-old reign.

Captive explores the darker side of the richly imagined Nightshade universe, a fantasy world of powerful dark witches, shape-shifting wolf warriors, and fascinating history. The first of three erotic novels, Captive delves deeply into the fiery, illicit romance of two young lovers whose very desires invite their doom.

Teaser:

If I die a virgin, I die a virgin. But at least I won't die a liar.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Oct. 7, 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:

Two days of flu made this week a little bit unpleasant. It did, however, allow for extra reading time. My two sick days were also rainy days here. We really do need the rain but it does make things gloomy.

This coming week a friend and I are planning a trip to the Red Balloon Bookstore after work on Wednesday to meet Cinda Williams Chima and get some books autographed. This will be our first road trip since our trip to ALA this past June. (We had a long one planned for August but I was in the hospital.) I need to recharge the batteries for my camera and grab my book for author autographs. I still need to glue in all the pictures from ALA but have one page with an illegible signature and don't remember who the author is. I hope my friend Bev remembers or I am going to have to guess.

Last Week:

The Russian Endgame by Allan Topol has been sitting on my review stack for a while. It is the conclusion to the Craig Page trilogy. I found it to me pretty lackluster. I think the problem is that the main character didn't grow or change any way during the series. Also, it was plot focused rather than character focused which didn't really let me feel engaged in the story. My review will be posted on Oct. 12.

Slayers: Friends and Traitors by C. J. Hill was the sequel to Slayers. It was an action-packed adventure with engaging characters, romance, and dragons. My review will be posted on Oct. 12.

The Stranger You Know by Andrea Kane was a thriller that pitted the Forensic Instincts crew against a serial killer and his apprentice. The serial killer has targeted the head of Forensic Instincts and is killing young red-headed women who are connected to her in some way. My review will be posted on Oct. 15.

Kissing Under the Mistletoe: A Sullivan Christmas by Bella Andre is the latest in the Sullivan series and tells the story of Mary and Jack Sullivan. I liked it but wish it would have included more about the characters from the other books. My review will be posted on Oct. 17.

The Cutting Room Floor by Dawn Klehr was another ARC I got at ALA. This was a psychological thriller with an interesting writing style that kept me up and reading late into the night. 

Currently:

I am reading A Study in Darkness by Emma Jane Holloway which is the second in this steampunk mystery series which, among other things, has Sherlock Holmes' niece Evelina on a case in Whitechapel at the same time Jack the Ripper is active. I am really enjoying this one.

Next Week:

Somehow, I managed to add 5 books to my review stack that all have Oct. 29 release dates. Again this week, my reading is all from my review pile.

Adult Books

The Perfect Match by Kristan Higgins is a romance novel. Fortune's Pawn by Rachel Bach is science fiction. I am not at all sure what genre Foreplay by Sophie Jordan though it sounds like it could be a New Adult title. I chose it on the strength of the author's name from my Amazon Vine newsletter.

Young Adult Books

Altered by Gennifer Albin is a fantasy and the sequel to Crewel. Horde by Anne Aguirre is a dystopia and it concludes the Enclave series. The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa is a fantasy. All are books in series that I have enjoyed. 

Reviews Posted This Week:

Inside of a Dog

• Purity in Death by J. D. Robb
• Ritual Magic by Eileen Wilks
• Thankless in Death by J. D. Robb

Ms. Martin Teaches Media

• Emerald Green by Kerstin Gier
• Will in Scarlet by Matthew Cody
• Fire Storm by Andrew Lane

A couple of people asked about our Reading Club's entries into the Homecoming Parade. Here are a couple of pictures.

I'm walking next to the worm trying to get the students into step. You will see my limited success.

Chomp the Monster Book

Check my friend Bev's blog to see a couple more pictures of our furry book.

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

Thankless in Death

Author: J. D. Robb

Publication: Putnam Adult (September 17, 2013)

Description: In the latest suspense thriller in the #1 New York Times bestselling series, the year 2060 is drawing to a close in New York City and loved ones are coming together for Thanksgiving. But sometimes the deepest hatreds seethe within the closest relationships, and blood flows faster than water…

Lieutenant Eve Dallas has plenty to be grateful for this season. Hosting Roarke’s big Irish family for the holiday may be challenging, but it’s a joyful improvement on her own dark childhood.

Other couples aren't as lucky as Eve and Roarke. The Reinholds, for example, are lying in their home stabbed and bludgeoned almost beyond recognition. Those who knew them are stunned—and heartbroken by the evidence that they were murdered by their own son. Twenty-six-year-old Jerry hadn't made a great impression on the bosses who fired him or the girlfriend who dumped him—but they didn't think he was capable of this.

Turns out Jerry is not only capable of brutality but taking a liking to it. With the money he’s stolen from his parents and a long list of grievances, he intends to finally make his mark on the world. Eve and her team already know the who, how, and why of this murder. What they need to pinpoint is where Jerry’s going to strike next.

My Thoughts: This episode isn't a "who dunnit" because we know who the criminal is. Eve and the rest of the police know too. However, knowing who doesn't help if they can't find him or can't figure out who the killer will target next. 

What makes this episode creepy is that we spend time in the mind of the killer who who is so self-centered that he knows that nothing is ever his fault and that nothing he could do is ever wrong. Jerald Reinhold is the spoiled only child of loving parents. He can't hold a job because every job is beneath him and every boss has it in for him. He thinks nothing of stealing from his parents or freeloading on them. His girlfriend kicked him out when he didn't pay his share of the rent, stole from her and then hit her. Now his parents are getting ready to show some tough love and kick him out if he doesn't show an effort to get and keep a job. When his mother "nags" him, he picks up the knife she is using to make him a sandwich and stabs her more than 50 times. He decides that he really likes killing and lies in wait for his father. After killing him, he steals everything he thinks is valuable and decides it is time to even the score with all those who have done him wrong. 

This story takes place just before Thanksgiving. Eve also has to deal with the fact that many of Roarke's Irish relatives are coming to stay over Thanksgiving. Eve likes them all but is still uncomfortable with them all being there. She is also afraid that her job will get in the way of her doing as much with the family as she should which will let Roarke down. In addition, many of Eve and Roarke's other friends are scheduled to attend the Thanksgiving festivities.

To add even more pressure, Eve is to be given the Medal of Honor for solving some very spectacular cases. Roarke is to be given the Medal of Honor - Civilian too. Eve is not a fan of publicity. She doesn't do the job for the glory and hates that the ceremony will keep her from looking for this latest murderer. Then her boss offers her a promotion to Captain. Once, Eve would have jumped at it. Marrying Roarke of the questionable past slowed down her path to advancement because of politics. Choosing to marry Roarke was right for her. She doesn't hesitate very long before turning down the promotion. She knows that her strength is as an investigator. She doesn't want to become an administrator. At first, Roarke is surprised that she turned down the promotion but quickly understands Eve's reasoning. 

I love this series. I eagerly anticipate each new episode because I really like all the recurring characters. I think Eve and Roarke have a great relationship. I also like catching up on the lives of many of the secondary characters too. In this one, few secondary characters beyond Peabody had more than walk-on parts. 

Favorite Quote:

She couldn't stop their grief, and knew she couldn't take it on.

What she could do, would do, was pursue and catch the man who'd taken their daughter and forever changed their lives.

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

Friday Memes: Thankless in Death by J. D. Robb

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 Thankless in Death by J. D. Robb. I love this series and always move new books in the series to the top of my TBR stack. Here is the description of this 37th book in the series:

In the latest suspense thriller in the #1 New York Times bestselling series, the year 2060 is drawing to a close in New York City and loved ones are coming together for Thanksgiving. But sometimes the deepest hatreds seethe within the closest relationships, and blood flows faster than water… 

Lieutenant Eve Dallas has plenty to be grateful for this season. Hosting Roarke’s big Irish family for the holiday may be challenging, but it’s a joyful improvement on her own dark childhood. 

Other couples aren’t as lucky as Eve and Roarke. The Reinholds, for example, are lying in their home stabbed and bludgeoned almost beyond recognition. Those who knew them are stunned—and heartbroken by the evidence that they were murdered by their own son. Twenty-six-year-old Jerry hadn't made a great impression on the bosses who fired him or the girlfriend who dumped him—but they didn't think he was capable of this.

 Turns out Jerry is not only capable of brutality but taking a liking to it. With the money he’s stolen from his parents and a long list of grievances, he intends to finally make his mark on the world. Eve and her team already know the who, how, and why of this murder. What they need to pinpoint is where Jerry’s going to strike next.

Beginning:

He was sick to death of her nagging.

Friday 56:

"Commander, I'm honored. But I didn't investigate, apprehend, or build the case alone. My team—"

Book Review: Ritual Magic by Eileen Wilks

Ritual Magic
Author: Eileen Wilks
Publication: Berkley (September 3, 2013)

Description: In Eileen Wilks’s new Novel of the Lupi, FBI agent Lily Yu is about to confront a power even darker than magic…

On her 57th birthday, Lily’s mother suddenly loses all memory beyond the age of twelve. Lily knows her mother was attacked by something more than magic. More . . . and darker.

When Lily and Rule discover that others suffered the same, mysterious loss—at the same time on the same night—their investigation into the darkness begins. Joining them is someone Lily never thought she’d see again: Al Drummond, who once tried to destroy her. He also happens to be dead. But the mysterious attacks were caused by a power strong enough to affect matters beyond the world of the living.

With some victims losing years of memory and others their lives, Lily must discover what on earth—or beyond—connects them.

My Thoughts: This tenth novel in the World of the Lupi series has all the action, suspense, danger and romance the fans of the series have come to expect.

The story begins at Julia Wu's fifty-seventh birthday party which goes quickly off course when Julia loses all memories of her life past the age of twelve.  Lily and Rule know that magic had to be involved. So Lily calls in her FBI colleagues to investigate. She is the agent in charge and manages to keep holding it together despite the fact that it was her mother who was the first victim - but not the last. Strange cases of memory loss are showing up all around San Diego which has Lily rushing from hospital to hospital to confirm that the losses were magically induced. 

Lily feels certain that Robert Friar, an old enemy and disciple of the old god who wants to take over Earth, is involved somehow. Rule's people - the Lupi - have been fighting against Friar's goddess since before written history. This latest attack may mean that the humans are going to find out about this long-fought war too. It turns out that Friar's goddess is not the only one who wants to bring chaos to Earth. We get to meet a demon, a saint, and a fey artifact that has some degree of sentience before the story ends. 

This book reunites many of my favorite characters from earlier books in this series. We get to see Cullen and Cynna, Grandmother and Sam, and spend time with Rule's son Toby. Al Drummond, the ghost, makes appearances that are helpful to Lily as she investigates too. 

I wasn't able to put this one down before I knew how the story would end. 

Favorite Quote:

He was so damned tired of this. Tired of hurt and fear and handling himself. Tire of war and people he loved being damaged, endangered, killed...and Lily wasn't taking his had the way she always did in elevators. She wasn't thinking about his fear because she was tired, too, exhausted by worry and fear and people she loved being damaged and endangered and...

A warm hand slipped into his.

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

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

Purity in Death

Author: J. D. Robb

Publication: Berkley (August 27, 2002)

Description: Eve Dallas must face the impossible: someone has unleashed a computer virus that may be able to spread from machine to man.

My Thoughts: This episode of the In Death series highlights a difference between Eve and Roarke that they are going to have to adjust to. Eve's black and white view of the law versus Roarke's moral flexibility causes some conflict between the two of them as Eve investigates a terror organization that has found a way to pass a virus into the minds of those they have judged as criminals who have escaped the justice system. 

The story begins with a phone call from Officer Troy Trueheart who has answered a call for help and who killed the man who was beating a woman and who had killed her boyfriend. Eve rushes to his aide because he is one of her cops and discovers that things aren't adding up. Trueheart's stun shouldn't have killed this drug dealer whose target audience was school children. 

When the dealer's computer is brought to EDD, it contaminates one of the officers assigned to study it which causes him to stun and paralyze McNab and take Feaney hostage before Eve manages to disarm him. Then the virus kills him. Since Eve has recruited Roarke as an "expert consultant, civilian" he gets deeply involved in trying to trace down the virus without killing himself while Eve follows the more traditional police path of investigating.

For Eve, law is god. She is especially outraged by these murders because they are being committed by people who have taken the law into their own hands. She stands for the victims even though they are not nice people. These are people who are exploiting children - a drug dealer who preys on schoolchildren, a child molester, etc.

This episode also begins to put some shades of grey into Eve's black and white view of the world and the law. She has to decided how far she can push the line without becoming what she despises. She has to make compromises for the greater good.

On the personal front, Eve's relationship with Nadine Furst, Channel 75's star reporter gets a lot of play. And Eve's best friend Mavis swirls into the story very briefly to tell Eve that she is pregnant which opens up more strange emotional worlds for both Eve and Roarke.

This was another excellent and entertaining entry into the In Death series.

Favorite Quote:

"Man. God. Roarke."

"An interesting and flattering lineup," Roarke said to his wife's strangled call for help. "Here now, darling." Gently, he eased Peabody's death grip on Eve and with his arm led her into a small waiting area.

I am gradually buying Kindle copies of the In Death books are re-reading them as I go. You can buy your copy here.

Teaser Tuesday: Ritual Magic by Eileen Wilks

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 Ritual Magic by Eileen Wilks. I have been reading the World of the Lupi series since 2004. This is book 10. Here is the description:

In Eileen Wilks’s new Novel of the Lupi, FBI agent Lily Yu is about to confront a power even darker than magic… 

On her 57th birthday, Lily’s mother suddenly loses all memory beyond the age of twelve. Lily knows her mother was attacked by something more than magic. More . . . and darker.

When Lily and Rule discover that others suffered the same, mysterious loss—at the same time on the same night—their investigation into the darkness begins. Joining them is someone Lily never thought she’d see again: Al Drummond, who once tried to destroy her. He also happens to be dead. But the mysterious attacks were caused by a power strong enough to affect matters beyond the world of the living.

With some victims losing years of memory and others their lives, Lily must discover what on earth—or beyond—connects them.

Teaser:

Lily often found her mother difficult, he know. He understood why, but he'd enjoyed collaborating with Julia on the wedding. She was pushy, yes, and inclined to hold a very opinion of her opinions. But once they'd established that Rule could not be pushed somewhere he did not wish to go, they'd dealt with each other quite well.