Friday Memes: Path of Needles by Alison Littlewood

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 Path of Needles by Alison Littlewood. I got this eARC from Edelweiss. Here is the description:

When an expert on fairy tales is called in to consult on the investigation of bizarre murders, her premonition and insight causes suspicion; she must solve the case--and fast--to prove her innocence.

Alice Hyland is an expert on fairy tales--lecturing on the well-known stories and their lesser-known variants--and the natural choice for Police Constable Cate Corbin to consult when a dead girl is found in the woods dressed up as Snow White. Especially when the girl's grieving mother receives a parcel containing a glass bottle of blood stoppered with the dead girl's toe. Cate's boss, Detective Superintendent Heath, isn't convinced of the connection to folklore until a second girl is found, this time dressed as Red Riding Hood and with claw marks gouged into her flesh, like a wolf had been at her.

As she dives deeper into the case, Alice beings to sense a supernatural pull connecting her to the murders. A series of uncanny events seem to be pointing her in the right direction, but she's not the only one noticing; By the time a third girl is found in the local castle, Heath begins to wonder if their fairy tale expert knows too much, and Alice finds herself no longer an asset, but a suspect. But she can't stop following the clues, and her determination to solve the mystery herself and prove her innocence may lead her somewhere she can't return from.

Beginning:

When Alice Hyland woke, she knew that a new year had begun. No matter that it was April instead of January; to her mind a new year meant new life, and she knew that daffodils would be pushing green shoots up through the cold dark earth and the sun would be shining over the top of Newmillerdam Wood.

Friday 56:

She was discovered by passers-by shortly after her mother, Angela - Angie Farrell - had the box hand delivered to her home, containing a bottle of blood, most likely her daughter's, with the severed toe used as a stopper.

ARC Review: Caught Dead by Andrew Lanh

Caught Dead: A Rick Van Lam Mystery
Author: Andrew Lanh
Series: Caught Dead (Book 1)
Publication: Poisoned Pen Press; 1 edition (November 4, 2014)

Description: One of the beautiful Le sisters is dead. Hartford, Connecticut’s small Vietnamese community is stunned. Mary Le Vu, wife of a poor grocery-store owner, is gunned down in a drive-by. Her twin sister insists dutiful Mary “wouldn’t be caught dead” in that drug-infested zone. The police rule it an unlucky accident. Skeptics hire private eye Rick Van Lam to get to the truth. Amerasian Rick—his father an unknown US soldier—is one of the Bui Doi, children of the dust, so often rejected by Vietnamese culture. But his young sidekick, Hank Nguyen, a pureblood Vietnamese, can help Rick navigate the closed world of Little Saigon. Surrounded by close friends—a former-Rockette landlady, his crusty mentor, and his ex-wife Liz—Rick immerses himself in a world that rejects him, but now needs his help. Especially when a second murder strikes in Little Saigon. Rick and Hank delve into the families of the Le sisters, one poor, one very rich, and uncover a world of explosive ethnic tension and sinister criminal activity ranging from Hartford’s exclusive white suburbs to the impoverished inner city. To solve the murders—and bring closure to Mary’s grieving circle—Rick looks to long-buried memories of his Buddhist childhood for the wisdom that will lead him to a murderer. Caught Dead starts a smart, unusual series.

My Thoughts: CAUGHT DEAD was an intriguing story. Rick Van Lam - the Vietnamese son of an unknown American soldier - is a private investigator in Hartford, Connecticut. He specializes in insurance fraud. But when his friend Hank Nguyen comes to him and asks him to investigate the death of Mary Le Vu, one of the beautiful Le sisters, he agrees. Actually, he says that he will talk to some people.

Rick talks to Mary's husband and two children. He talks to Mary's sister Molly, her husband and her two children. He talks to the housekeeper and her successful son. He quickly gets immersed in the various stories of all of these characters. Benny Vu is a poor storekeeper. His son Tommy and daughter Cindy are American and both disappointments. Both with dead end jobs and no ambition for more. Mary's sister Molly married rich American Larry Torcelli and had two children Jon and Kristen. Jon is a perpetual student at Yale and Kristen is a member of the country club set. Another intriguing character is Danny, who is the housekeeper's son, and Larry's protege. Larry sent him to prep school and Harvard and now Danny is a banker. He's the only one of the kids' generation that is a success.

When Molly is killed in the same place as her sister Mary, the investigation intensifies. Rick is such an intriguing character because of his outsider status. He aches to be part of the Vietnamese culture but is looked down on by many because of his mixed heritage. He has become a part of Hank's family and loves his grandmother but Hank's father and grandfather have nothing to do with him. Rick also has an ex-wife that he still has a close relationship with. Other support for Rick is his crusty business partner and his former Rockette landlady.

This story was as much about the Vietnamese immigrants who are trying to keep their culture while living in the US and their Americanized children as it was a mystery. Rick's mixed heritage and his Buddhist upbringing make him an interesting and unusual entry into the ranks of modern detectives. I liked the story and look forward to more by the author.

Favorite Quote:

"Stop looking at the money. Start asking yourself what other kinds of love are there, love that has nothing to do with money. You identify that love, and you will know what happened to Mary and Molly."

I got this eARC from Edelweiss. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Review: The Red Book of Primrose House by Marty Wingate

The Red Book of Primrose House
Author: Marty Wingate
Series: Potting Shed Mysteries
Publication: Alibi (November 4, 2014)

Description: In Marty Wingate’s charming new Potting Shed Mystery, Texas transplant Pru Parke’s restoration of a historic landscape in England is uprooted by an ax murderer.

Pru Parke has her dream job: head gardener at an eighteenth-century manor house in Sussex. The landscape for Primrose House was laid out in 1806 by renowned designer Humphry Repton in one of his meticulously illustrated Red Books, and the new owners want Pru to restore the estate to its former glory—quickly, as they’re planning to showcase it in less than a year at a summer party.

But life gets in the way of the best laid plans: When not being happily distracted by the romantic attentions of the handsome Inspector Christopher Pearse, Pru is digging into the mystery of her own British roots. Still, she manages to make considerable progress on the vast grounds—until vandals wreak havoc on each of her projects. Then, to her horror, one of her workers is found murdered among the yews. The police have a suspect, but Pru is certain they’re wrong. Once again, Pru finds herself entangled in a thicket of evil intentions—and her, without a hatchet.

My Thoughts: This was an entertaining, cozy mystery. Pru Parke is an England and has landed a dream job. She is restoring the gardens at an eighteenth-century manor house. If only someone wasn't trying to sabotage her work by acts of vandalism and, if only, her employer would quit sending her emails filled with her latest "good ideas."

Pru is busy working on restoring the gardens on a very short timeline. She is also trying to maintain a long-distance relationship with Inspector Christopher Pearse who is also massively busy in London. When vandalism turns to murder, Pru begins investigating to clear her employees and winds up putting herself in danger.

I had figured out the murderer early on but it was still entertaining to watch Pru investigate. The story was filled with interesting characters. Even the most minor, like the nosy neighbor, were well-rounded people.

I enjoyed watching Pru try to juggle her work responsibilities with her growing romance with Christopher. I also enjoyed seeing her work out her relationship with her newly-discovered family. I think what I liked best was the the romance was between two fifty-somethings who had lives and histories that had to be balanced.

Fans of cozy mysteries and gardeners (I don't know a dandelion from a petunia myself) will enjoy this story.

Favorite Quote:

All the breathable air seemed to have been sucked up by the cloud of irritation that surrounded the inspector.

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

Teaser Tuesday: Caught Dead by Andrew Lanh

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!

Teaser:

He smiled, a little sheepishly. "Your name came up."

"Why?"

"Grandma always thinks of you. You know, you and her, the two Buddhists in the house. In fact, she said something about a hole in the universe that only you can fill."

My teaser this week comes from Caught Dead: A Rick Van Lam Mystery by Andrew Lanh. I got this eARC from Edelweiss. Here is the description:

One of the beautiful Le sisters is dead. Hartford, Connecticut’s small Vietnamese community is stunned. Mary Le Vu, wife of a poor grocery-store owner, is gunned down in a drive-by. Her twin sister insists dutiful Mary “wouldn’t be caught dead” in that drug-infested zone. The police rule it an unlucky accident. Skeptics hire private eye Rick Van Lam to get to the truth. Amerasian Rick—his father an unknown US soldier—is one of the Bui Doi, children of the dust, so often rejected by Vietnamese culture. But his young sidekick, Hank Nguyen, a pureblood Vietnamese, can help Rick navigate the closed world of Little Saigon. Surrounded by close friends—a former-Rockette landlady, his crusty mentor, and his ex-wife Liz—Rick immerses himself in a world that rejects him, but now needs his help. Especially when a second murder strikes in Little Saigon. Rick and Hank delve into the families of the Le sisters, one poor, one very rich, and uncover a world of explosive ethnic tension and sinister criminal activity ranging from Hartford’s exclusive white suburbs to the impoverished inner city. To solve the murders—and bring closure to Mary’s grieving circle—Rick looks to long-buried memories of his Buddhist childhood for the wisdom that will lead him to a murderer. Caught Dead starts a smart, unusual series.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Oct. 27, 2014)

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.

I had a busy week filled with author events. On Tuesday evening I traveled with a friend to The Red Balloon Bookshop to meet Kendare Blake. She had a small but enthusiastic turnout to hear about her new book and her up-coming trilogy. I got bookplates signed for the library copies I didn't want to carry with me and got her new book signed too.

On Sunday, my friend and I traveled to The Red Balloon again to meet Brian Farrey and get his latest book in his Vengekeep Prophecies series. I haven't read these yet but they sound really good. Brian was an entertaining speaker as he told us about his story.

Beyond that I had a disappointing workshop day at school last Monday. The speakers all sounded like commercials for their other longer workshops or commercials for their latest books. I felt that I wasted a day and didn't take away anything I could use.

Read Last Week

A Call to Duty by David Weber and Timothy Zahn begins a new series within the Honorverse. This one takes place early in the days of the Star Kingdom and has a male main character. My review will be posted on Nov. 20 for this book from my TBR stack.

On Her Father's Grave by Kendra Elliot is the first of four connected romantic suspense novellas. This one was action-packed. My review will be posted on November 12 for this review book.

Gone to Her Grave by Melinda Leigh was the second of the four novellas and introduces another couple while continuing the mystery from the first story. My review will be posted on Nov. 19 for this review book. 

On the Edge by Allison van Diepen was the last YA review book on my stack for November. This is a gritty contemporary romance. My review will be posted on November 20.

I read Unbinding by Eileen Wilks which is the most recent book in her World of the Lupi urban fantasy series and which was a new arrival on my TBR mountain. It was interesting but not my favorite of the series. My review will be posted on November 22.

Currently

I am currently reading Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld. This chunkster has 599 pages and is heavy. I am so used to reading on my Kindle that it is hard, sometimes, to go back to reading physical books. I have to lean this one against something to read it or my hands get sore. 

Next Week

I have my most recent Amazon Vine arrivals on my review stack for next week. Sleep with the Lights On and Wake to Darkness by Maggie Shayne are the first two books in the Brown and DeLuca series. These were published in 2013.

On my YA stack, I have Snake Bite by Andrew Lane which is the most recent in his Sherlock Holmes: The Legend Begins series. I had the others for review but bought a copy of this one because I need to know the rest of the story.

I also have Princess of Thorns by Stacey Jay on my stack. I got this review book from NetGalley when I was looking for December releases to review. I don't think I've ever read anything by this author since everything I know about for YAs has been about zombies. Her adult urban fantasy series sounds good though.

Reviews Posted

• Chasing Power by Sarah Beth Durst
• Atlantia by Ally Condie
• Festive in Death by J. D. Robb
• Beware the Wild by Natalie C. Parker
• Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews
• Get Happy by Mary Amato
• The Gift of Darkness by V. M. Giambanco

Here's What I Added to My Stack Last Week

• Inside of a Dog
• Ms. Martin Teaches Media

I have a nice quiet week coming up. No meetings. No signings. I look forward to getting lots of reading time. Of course, being the week of Halloween, my students may have different plans for my week. What is on your calendar?

Stacking the Shelves (Oct. 26, 2014)

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.

Review Books:

Melinda Leigh emailed me and asked if I wanted to read the novellas in the new Rogue River series that she is writing with Kendra Elliot. I said yes because I enjoy both authors' work. I got and read On Her Father's Grave by Kendra Elliot and Gone to Her Grave by Melinda Leigh. Now I have to patiently wait for the other two novellas to be released.

Melinda also asked if I would like to read and review her latest novel. I now have Hour of Need on my review stack. The book will be released on December 9.

I was looking at Amazon Vine for the first time in a long time and found a couple more romantic suspense titles that sounded good. Wake to Darkness by Maggie Shayne arrived this week but I am still waiting for Sleeping with the Lights On which is the first book in the series. 

Bought:

Don of the Dead by Casey Daniels sounded like an interesting paranormal. I went to Amazon Marketplace and bought a used copy. 

What did you add to your stack this week?

ARC Review: The Gift of Darkness by V. M. Giambanco

The Gift of Darkness
Author: V. M. Giambanco
Publication: Quercus (November 4, 2014)

Description: In Seattle's upscale Blueridge neighborhood, James Sinclair, his wife Anne, and their two small boys are found brutally murdered in their home. Their bodies are carefully laid out: blindfolded, hands tied, and crosses drawn in blood across their foreheads. Above the bedroom door, the words "thirteen days" are scratched into the frame. At the same time, a card with the words "thirteen days" written on it is delivered to the office of powerful lawyer Nathan Quinn, a partner at Sinclair's law firm.

From the evidence found at the scene, rookie homicide detective Alice Madison and her seasoned partner Detective Sergeant Brown determine that the prime suspect is John Cameron, a fugitive long wanted for the infamous Nostromo killings. But only Cameron's attorney knows his whereabouts, and though the clock is ticking, he seems more interested in protecting his client than preventing another murder. That attorney is none other than Nathan Quinn.

Madison and Brown discover the three men are linked in other ways, too. Years ago, when they were just boys, Sinclair, Cameron, and Quinn's younger brother David were abducted. Blindfolded and taken to the woods near the Hoh River, on the picturesque Olympic Peninsula, the three boys endured a night of terror. Only Sinclair and Cameron survived. With no other witnesses, the case went unsolved and David's body was never found.

After a savage attack that leaves Brown in the hospital and Madison working alone, she discovers a flaw in the investigation that puts her at odds with the department brass. To stop the killer, Madison must go back into the woods and confront the unsolved mystery of the Hoh River Boys. She must forget her training and follow her instincts to the terrifying end, even as enemies become allies in the fight against the terrible darkness descending over them all.

My Thoughts: THE GIFT OF DARKNESS wove a tangled web of events and characters into a very engaging mystery. New to Homicide, Alice Madison and her much more experience partner are given the case of the murder of a man, his wife, and his two young children. The case leads them to a kidnapping that happened when the man was young. Three boys were taken but only two survived.

Now grown, James Sinclair has become a tax attorney working for the older brother of the lost boy. The other survivor - Jack Cameron - is suspected of being a murderer but has been a fugitive for years. The older brother - Quinn - is still Jack's lawyer and is the only one who can contact him.

Clues at the scene of James' family's deaths leads the police to Jack and to Quinn. When Madison's partner is severely injured in an attack that could have killed Madison too, Madison comes to the conclusion that Jack is being set up. Further investigation makes Quinn, Jack and Madison very reluctant allies in the hunt for the real killer.

This was a long, detailed story that spent more time on accuracy in the police procedural part of the story and less time on character development. I feel like I have only scratched the surface of who Alice Madison is. I do know that her desire to find answers is more important to her that her career. She is very determined and very dogged in her approach. She has a strong friendship still with a childhood friend but seems to have no other family connections.

I will be eager to read more in this series to see if I can learn more about Alice Madison.

Favorite Quote:

"I thought we were working on the presumption of transparency," she said to his back.

"I've never lied to you, Detective, and I'm not about to start now."

"Why is that no comfort to me whatsoever?"

"Because you're wise beyond your years."

I got this eARC from Edelweiss. You can buy your copy here.

Friday Memes: The Gift of Darkness by V. M. Giambanco

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 The Gift of Darkness by V. M. Giambanco. I got this thriller from Edelweiss. It will be released on November 4. Here is the description:

In Seattle's upscale Blueridge neighborhood, James Sinclair, his wife Anne, and their two small boys are found brutally murdered in their home. Their bodies are carefully laid out: blindfolded, hands tied, and crosses drawn in blood across their foreheads. Above the bedroom door, the words "thirteen days" are scratched into the frame. At the same time, a card with the words "thirteen days" written on it is delivered to the office of powerful lawyer Nathan Quinn, a partner at Sinclair's law firm.

From the evidence found at the scene, rookie homicide detective Alice Madison and her seasoned partner Detective Sergeant Brown determine that the prime suspect is John Cameron, a fugitive long wanted for the infamous Nostromo killings. But only Cameron's attorney knows his whereabouts, and though the clock is ticking, he seems more interested in protecting his client than preventing another murder. That attorney is none other than Nathan Quinn.

Madison and Brown discover the three men are linked in other ways, too. Years ago, when they were just boys, Sinclair, Cameron, and Quinn's younger brother David were abducted. Blindfolded and taken to the woods near the Hoh River, on the picturesque Olympic Peninsula, the three boys endured a night of terror. Only Sinclair and Cameron survived. With no other witnesses, the case went unsolved and David's body was never found.

After a savage attack that leaves Brown in the hospital and Madison working alone, she discovers a flaw in the investigation that puts her at odds with the department brass. To stop the killer, Madison must go back into the woods and confront the unsolved mystery of the Hoh River Boys. She must forget her training and follow her instincts to the terrifying end, even as enemies become allies in the fight against the terrible darkness descending over them all.

Beginning:

On a good night you can smell the sea from way up on University Hill. 

Friday 56:

What would be more helpful? Telling the man that they suspected his neighbor of at least four brutal murders, would that get them his cooperation?

ARC Review: Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews

Burn for Me
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Hidden Legacy (Book 1)
Publication: Avon (October 28, 2014)

Description: #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews launches a brand-new Hidden Legacy series, in which one woman must place her trust in a seductive, dangerous man who sets off an even more dangerous desire . . .

Nevada Baylor is faced with the most challenging case of her detective career—a suicide mission to bring in a suspect in a volatile situation. Nevada isn't sure she has the chops. Her quarry is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, who can set anyone and anything on fire.

Then she's kidnapped by Connor "Mad" Rogan—a darkly tempting billionaire with equally devastating powers. Torn between wanting to run and wanting to surrender to their overwhelming attraction, Nevada must join forces with Rogan to stay alive.

Rogan's after the same target, so he needs Nevada. But she's getting under his skin, making him care about someone other than himself for a change. And, as Rogan has learned, love can be as perilous as death, especially in the magic world.

My Thoughts: I was completely blown away by BURN FOR ME which begins an new urban fantasy series. The main character and the narrator of the story is Nevada Baylor. She and her family - mother, grandmother, younger sisters and younger cousins - run a small private investigations business. She isn't a member of any of the magical houses that have divided up Houston and she isn't known to be a powerful magic user.

When her father was dying, the family mortgaged the business to Montgomery International Investigations. Now MII has invoked one clause of the contract and has demanded that Nevada locate a powerful Prime named Adam Pierce and turn him over to his family. MII knows Nevada is overmatched; they want her to fail.

Adam's magical power is fire-starting and he is on a rampage through Houston. Houston cops are eager to shoot him on sight. Nevada has no choice but to try to track him down and convince him to surrender to his House.

Mad Rogan is also interested in finding Adam Pierce. Rogan's cousin's son was with Pierce when he firebombed a bank and killed a guard. The boy is now also wanted for murder. Rogan's loyalty to his family is his trigger. Rogan is an immensely talented magic user who can bring down buildings. He had a successful military career and has become an object of fear to most.

Nevada isn't interested in working with Rogan, especially when their relationship begins with him kidnapping her and trying to force her to tell him what she knows about Pierce. Nevada uses her own not-inconsiderable magical talents to thwart him.

The two do work together despite gross reservations on Nevada's part. She is fascinated by him and sexually attracted to him but she doesn't like him or the way he lives his life. She can't trust him and believes that he is a psycopath. Beyond the action scenes which were very prevalent and dramatic, the whole book is a flirtation between the two of them. They are learning about each other and getting to want each other more with each page. Many of the scenes between them are super hot and packed with romantic tension.

I loved Nevada's voice and her determination to protect her family. I liked her strong values and her determination to be able to look herself in the face at the end of each day. This determination guides her actions and illuminates her character.

The only bad part about reading an October release in July is that I will have to wait so terribly long for the next book in this series. I wonder if I can pre-order it yet?

Favorite Quote:

My wrists and ankles were bleeding. My knees too--I must’ve scraped myself trying to draw the circle. So far today I’d seen a woman almost die, I’d shot a person, I’d killed another person with my shockers, I’d been strung up on wires and almost crushed by a car, and now I was bleeding all over the place. If I could, I would punch today right in the face.

I got this ARC through Amazon Vine. You can buy your copy here.

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

Festive in Death
Author: J. D. Robb
Series: In Death (Book 39)
Publication: Putnam Adult (September 9, 2014)

Description: Eve Dallas deals with a homicide—and the holiday season—in the latest from the #1 New York Times bestselling author.

Personal trainer Trey Ziegler was in peak physical condition. If you didn't count the kitchen knife in his well-toned chest.

Lieutenant Eve Dallas soon discovers a lineup of women who’d been loved and left by the narcissistic gym rat. While Dallas sorts through the list of Ziegler’s enemies, she’s also dealing with her Christmas shopping list—plus the guest list for her and her billionaire husband’s upcoming holiday bash.

Feeling less than festive, Dallas tries to put aside her distaste for the victim and solve the mystery of his death. There are just a few investigating days left before Christmas, and as New Year’s 2061 approaches, this homicide cop is resolved to stop a cold-blooded killer.

My Thoughts: In this 39th book in the In Death series Eve is getting ready for Christmas when she catches a case. Her hair and body consultant, the terrifying Trina, discovers the body of a personal trainer who had just broken off a relationship with a friend of hers.

The more Eve learns about the murdered Trey Ziegler, the less she likes him. He was a narcissistic user who drugged, raped and blackmailed. The list of women he did wrong and the men in their lives is really, really long. She has quite an array of suspects. As she and Peabody interview the variety of cheating spouses, Eve takes the time to articulate her views of marriage and the promises that are its core.

As the list of suspects narrow and Christmas gets closer, Eve is determined to get things done before the holidays. I love Eve's relationships with her friends. She is still getting used to the idea of having friends, of letting people into her life. I love how well she knows them and how she manages to get each one the perfect Christmas gift despite waiting until the last minute to get them.

I also love Eve's relationship with Roarke. Neither one of them takes the relationship they have for granted. Both are willing to work to keep it. I love the way that they continue to surprise and delight each other.

This is a marvelous series. I read it because I love Eve and Roarke. The mysteries are a side issue for me. This one had an intriguing one that kept me guessing up until the end. I can't wait to see what comes next.

Favorite Quote:

"I wouldn't have cheated in the first place."

"Well, yeah, but—"

"There's no 'but.'" Eve pulled open the car door, slid in. "You go into marriage, you plow a road. You're going to hit rough patches, and some may be rougher and last longer than others, but you've got choices to make. You work to smooth them out, you hold until they do, or they don't. You stick with the road, or you get off. But you don't do something to make it worse, don't do something that maybe makes you feel better for the short term while it sucker punches the person you're married to."

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

Teaser Tuesday: Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews

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!

Teaser:

"It's time to expand your repertoire. You're showing a ninety percent success rate with your cases. You have our complete confidence."

We showed a 90 percent success rate because I didn't take a case unless I knew we could handle it. "He's a Prime pyrokinetic. We don't have the manpower."

I was so excited to get an ARC of Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews from Amazon Vine. I am a huge fan of their work and am eager to read this beginning of a new series. Here is the description:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews launches a brand-new Hidden Legacy series, in which one woman must place her trust in a seductive, dangerous man who sets off an even more dangerous desire . . .

Nevada Baylor is faced with the most challenging case of her detective career—a suicide mission to bring in a suspect in a volatile situation. Nevada isn't sure she has the chops. Her quarry is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, who can set anyone and anything on fire.

Then she's kidnapped by Connor "Mad" Rogan—a darkly tempting billionaire with equally devastating powers. Torn between wanting to run and wanting to surrender to their overwhelming attraction, Nevada must join forces with Rogan to stay alive.

Rogan's after the same target, so he needs Nevada. But she's getting under his skin, making him care about someone other than himself for a change. And, as Rogan has learned, love can be as perilous as death, especially in the magic world.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Oct. 20, 2014)

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.

I had a great reading week. My post-conference break let me read a couple of extra days. It was wonderfully relaxing to not be travelling for eight hours over the break. I got some organizing done at home too. Reluctantly, I packed away the summer clothes and hauled out my winter wardrobe. No more capris until May, I'm afraid. I didn't tackle my cupboard reorganization project though. It's too daunting a task. ;-)

Next week we begin with a teacher in-service day. Luckily, it is being hosted by my school district. So I don't have to drive to one of the neighboring schools to start my Monday. Unfortunately the offerings don't seem to have much that is relevant to a Media Specialist but, with enough Diet Pepsi, I can survive a few irrelevant hours.

Tuesday night a friend and I are driving up to the Cities to meet author Kendare Blake at the Red Balloon. At least this time, I know that my tires are in fine shape. I haven't read Blake's books because I'm not a big fan of horror but I do know that many of my students enjoy them. I'll be eager to get our books autographed and get her latest for our collection.

I suppose I'll also be spending a good part of next week watching the World Series. My team didn't make it but I'll still watch. I think I'll be rooting for Kansas City since they haven't been to the World Series for so long.

Read Last Week

Last week I read two middle grade books from my stack that, coincidentally, both had main characters named Jax.

The Secret Box by Whitaker Ringwald tells the story of a twelve-year-old girl named Jax who has an adventure when she tries to find out about a birthday present that her mother has taken away from her. Her journey leads her to ancient evils, dastardly villains, and a relative she didn't know she had. My review will be posted on Nov. 8.

The Eighth Day by Dianne K. Salerni tells the story of 13-year-old Jax who is an orphan living with a guardian he doesn't really know when he wakes up one morning to discover that he is living in the eighth day - a day between Wednesday and Thursday. There he encounters others like himself, members of the Kin who want to eradicate humanity, and a young girl who holds the spell keeping the Kin confined. My review will be posted on Nov. 13.

I have the sequels to each of this stories on my review stack and can't wait until they get to the top of the list.

I started Deeper than the Grave by Tina Whittle which was on my review stack but then decided that I needed to read the first book in the series to really appreciate it.

The Dangerous Edge of Things by Tina Whittle introduces Tai Randolph and Trey Seaver. Tai is new new owner of a gun shop in Atlanta. Trey Seaver works for a security firm. When Tai discovers a corpse in front of her brother's house, Trey is assigned to protect her. I especially enjoyed the character development in this story. My review will be posted on Nov. 6. 

Deeper than the Grave by Tina Whittle is the couple's 4th adventure. This time Tai discovers a skeleton when looking for a missing one after a tornado. Unfortunately, the one she finds isn't a civil war soldier but of much more recent vintage. I really enjoyed this story. The mystery was compelling and so was the relationship between Tai and Trey. My review will be posted on Nov. 8.

I finished two more mysteries from my review stack.

My Sister's Grave by Robert Dugoni is for a blog tour. I thought this thriller about a woman trying to find out what happened when her younger sister disappeared twenty years earlier. She has become a homicide detective and puts her skills to use when her sister's body is found in a shallow grave. This one deals with police cover ups and trial procedures and also features a new romance with a childhood friend. My review will be posted on November 13.

Mrs. Kaplan and the Matzoh Ball of Death by Mark Reutlinger was very different from My Sister's Grave. This one was a cozy where two elderly ladies living in a Jewish retirement home investigate the death of another of the residents. It was filled with Yiddish expressions and lots of humor. The narrator plays the role of Dr. Watson to her friend's Sherlock Holmes. It was a fun story. My review will be posted on November 15.

I got a chance to choose something from my TBR stack this week. Trust Me, I'm Lying by Mary Elizabeth Summer was a contemporary YA thriller similar to Ally Carter's Heist Society but with less humor and more emotional impact. I really liked it. My review will be posted on November 15.

Currently

I am currently reading A Call to Duty by David Weber and Timothy Zahn. This is the newest science fiction novel in the Honorverse but it takes place well before the events of the rest of the series. I am enjoying it so far. 

Next Week

I have a small gap in my blog calendars without review books. I am able to look at my TBR mountain for most of next week's choices.

Unbinding by Eileen Weeks is the most recent in her urban fantasy series. I enjoy the World of the Lupi books and am eager to read this one despite the fact that it isn't about the main characters in the series.

Closer to Home by Mercedes Lackey continues the story of Mags who is a new Herald in the early days of the Collegium. I enjoyed the trilogy where he became a Herald. This one should be interesting too.

I have heard great things about Afterworlds by Scott Westfeld and am taking this opportunity to fit it into my reading schedule.

On the Edge by Allison van Diepen is a YA contemporary that is my last November review book. 

Reviews Posted

• Clariel by Garth Nix
• Stitching Snow by R. C. Lewis
• Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch
• Shifting Shadows by Patricia Briggs
• Centaur Rising by Jane Yolen
• Rock Addiction by Nalini Singh

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

• Inside of a Dog
• Ms. Martin Teaches Media

What are your plans for the week? Leave me a link and I'll be sure to visit.

Stacking the Shelves (Oct. 19, 2014)

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.

Here is what I got this week.

I took advantage of two Kindle Daily Deals.

I bought Fatal Decree by H. Terrell Griffin. It sounded good but I didn't realize that it was the 7th book in the Matt Royal series. I haven't read any of the rest of the series.

Wickedly Charming by Kristine Grayson was also a Kindle deal. This contemporary romance based on fairy tale tropes sounded like fun.

I bought The Dangerous Edge of Things by Tina Whittle because I have the 4th book in that series for review. I felt like I need to, at least, know how the series started before I could appreciate book 4.

Too Hot to Handle by Katie Rose arrived at my house via a NetGalley email. I really can't resist romances where one character is a professional athlete. This review book will be released on Jan. 27.

What did you add to your stack this week?

Book Review: Rock Addiction by Nalini Singh

Rock Addiction
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Rock Kiss
Publication: TKA Distribution (September 11, 2014)

Description: A bad boy wrapped in a sexy, muscled, grown-up package might be worth a little risk…

Molly Webster has always followed the rules. After an ugly scandal tore apart her childhood and made her the focus of the media’s harsh spotlight, she vowed to live an ordinary life. No fame. No impropriety. No pain. Then she meets Zachary Fox, a tattooed bad boy rocker with a voice like whiskey and sin, and a touch that could become an addiction.

A one-night stand with the hottest rock star on the planet, that’s all it was meant to be…

Fox promises scorching heat and dangerous pleasure, coaxing Molly to extend their one-night stand into a one-month fling. After that, he’ll be gone forever, his life never again intersecting with her own. Sex and sin and sensual indulgence, all with an expiration date. No ties, no regrets. Too late, Molly realizes it isn’t only her body that’s become addicted to Fox, but her heart…

My Thoughts: ROCK ADDICTION was an excellent, spicy romance that I couldn't put down. Molly Webster is determined to live an ordinary life as a librarian. She has overcome the scandal of her teenage years when her politician father was caught in an affair with one of her classmates and when her parents died in a car accident in a car driven by her alcoholic mother. Molly is determined never to be in the public eye again.

However, she has long had a crush on rock star Zachary Fox whom she knows only from the gossip magazines she likes to read. When she attends a party with her sister, she catches his eye. He takes one look at her and decides that she is the one for him. He talks her into a one-night stand and then a one month affair but has no intention of ever letting her go.

Fox has issues of his own. Childhood abandonment by his mother has warped his view of love and relationships. He has, however, created his own new family with his band mates and a few other select friends. Forming a relationship with Molly won't be at all easy.

I liked the way both characters were strong, but damaged, people. I liked the way they gradually built their relationship. I liked the way each of them had built families by choice since their birth families had proved to be so disappointing. I liked the way Molly and Fox stood up to each other to get what they needed.

Fans of spicy romance with well-rounded characters will enjoy this story. I'm eager to read the stories of the secondary characters too.

Favorite Quote:

No, she didn't want excitement. What she wanted was blissful normality: a job she liked; a steady, faithful man; a house on an ordinary suburban street; a sedate minivan with room in back for the slobbering family dog. But...when she was living that safe, stable life, the memory of her night with a smart, sexy, roughly tender rock star would be a hidden treasure, a quiet acknowledgment of the other Molly. The Molly who might've lived a life more adventurous and less ordinary in another time, another place...a Molly who, in this world, was a little too broken to ever be permitted to hold the reins.

I bought this one for my Kindle. You can buy your copy here.