Thursday, December 31, 2015

ARC Review: Haunting Investigation by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro

Haunting Investigation
Author: Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
Series: The Chesterton Holte Mysteries (Book 5)
Publication: Smoke & Shadow Books (December 31, 2015)

Description: Spring 1924. The world has clawed its way back from the ravages of WWI and the Spanish Flu pandemic. The 20's are beginning to roar.

Poppy Thornton lives with her Aunt Jo and her excitable cat Maestro in upper-crust Philadelphia. Poppy is determined to make a name for herself as a serious crime reporter, but is stuck reporting on garden parties and ladies' fashion. Then one day her editor assigns her to collect background information on the suicide of a prominent businessman. She soon discovers it was actually a murder... but her surprising source for this information is the ghost of a man killed alongside her father during the Great War. Even if she dared tell anyone, who would believe it?

Together Poppy and her "gentleman haunt" follow the trail of a string of murders. But as their investigation narrows in on an all-too-familiar suspect, Poppy becomes a target herself and wonders if her ghost of a partner will appear in time to keep her from joining him in the after-life.

My Thoughts: I enjoyed the time period and setting of this historical mystery. Poppy Thornton is determined to make it as a crime reporter. However, as an independently wealthy young woman in Philadelphia, she has to deal with both family disapproval and prejudices at work. She lives with her aunt who doesn't understand why she isn't looking for a husband and looking to live the life as a society lady.

When her editor finally gives her a chance, it is to investigate the likely suicide of one of her cousin Eustace's friends. Montcrief supposedly hung himself from an antique chandelier in his own dining room. The coroner has discovered that he was poisoned before his death which makes suicide unlikely. It isn't long before there are more deaths.

Poppy is assisted in her investigation by Chesterton Holte. Holte was a spy during the Great War who was present when Poppy's father was executed as a spy. Holte, the actual spy, was killed a little bit later. He has returned as a ghost to haunt Poppy to make up for his part in her father's death. Despite being a practical, college-educated young woman, it really doesn't take Poppy long to believe that Holte is real. And, while he can spy out various information for her, she is the only one who can see and hear him. He also has the disadvantage of not being able to interact with the physical world beyond making the lights flicker and phone lines crackle.

This story was a great introduction to the characters and the setting. It was easy to see the advantages and disadvantages of Poppy's situation as a young woman who wants to do something real at a time when most women of her class are content to be sheltered. Her contrast with her best friend who is happily married and the mother of twins is quite noticeable.

I liked the investigation that Poppy did which gave a look into the lifestyles of the social elite. I liked her budding relationship with Inspector Loring who is the police officer in charge of the murder case.

However, this isn't a finished story. It is a great build-up to a mystery but, at the end, we don't know who the murderer is or why the murders happened. Since the publication information indicates that this is the first Chesterton Holte mystery, we can hope that the second WHICH ACTUALLY SOLVES THE CRIME isn't too long delayed!

Favorite Quote:
"But don't you see?" Mildred persisted. "This way—with a husband—you can have the best of both worlds? You can vote and run for office and all the rest of it, but you don't have to be on your own. You're protected."

"Protected means immature, incompetent, incapable," said Poppy. "We protect children, not adults."
I got this eARC for review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Book Review: Here I Stay by Barbara Michaels

Here I Stay
Author: Barbara Michaels
Publication: Harper (January 30, 2007)

Description: Andrea Torgesen is certain that hard work is exactly what her younger brother Jim needs to help him recover from the trauma of a serious car accident—and turning a decrepit old mansion into a beautiful country inn seems to be the perfect project. But unearthly voices and eerie visions haunt Jim from almost the first instant he sets foot in the dreary old house. And his strange obsession with a long-neglected graveyard is most troubling to his concerned sibling. There is evil in this place where the unthinkable is possible—a terrifying force that Andrea and Jim must confront . . . or forfeit their lives.

My Thoughts: This spooky story is about a woman who will do anything to care for her younger brother. Andrea has been in charge of her younger brother Jim since their parents' deaths when Andrea was 19 and Jim was 7. The parents left nothing and it has been a major struggle for Andrea. She became hyper-focused on creating a good life for them. When Jim is in a car accident and almost dies, Andrea pulls him back. Then she throws herself into turning an old house that she inherited from a great aunt into a bed and breakfast.

Andrea is so focused and single-minded that she refuses to acknowledge that the house has a presence that may not be good for either of them. She finds the previous owner, Mary Fairfax, to be a sort of role model for her as she was a widowed woman with a child who was determined to have a business and succeed in a time when Victorian ladies didn't do that sort of thing. Jim becomes obsessed with Mary's daughter Alice.

Martin Greenspan becomes a long term boarder at the B & B. He's a reporter who is writing a book. He also holds completely opposite political views from Andrea. He successfully befriends Jim and falls in love with Andrea. Andrea keeps him at arm's length because of her own obsessions with success and keeping Jim happy.

The story was spooky and just a little dated. It was written in 1983 in a time before cell phones and the internet. My first real clue to the age of this story was the number of people who were smoking. I have to say that I didn't like Andrea very much. She was so rigid and focused and blind to anything that didn't fit into her worldview.

If you are looking for a story that is spooky but with out graphic violence, this is the one for you.

Favorite Quote:
"You're crazy. Jim doesn't need a psychiatrist. He's fine."

"He is miserable," Martin said flatly. "He is desperately unhappy. You have an enviable capacity for ignoring things you don't want to see, but even you must have realized that. There have been times when his eyes remind me...."

"Say it. You couldn't offend me more than you have already."

"I once saw a couple of louts push a dog out of their car and take off," Martin said. "I suppose it had become a nuisance to them. It wasn't a particularly attractive animal—a mutt, middle-sized, shaggy... It stood their watching the car drive away. Its eyes had the same look Jim's have now. Bewildered, lost, uncomprehending."
I bought this one on May 8, 2008. You can buy your copy here.

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Teaser Tuesday: Haunting Investigation by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro

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:
"You were questioned by the police?" Mildred Fairchild suppressed a shriek as they closed the curtains on their booth at Wendover's Continental Restaurant.
This week my teaser comes from Haunting Investigation by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro. I got this eARC from NetGalley. Here is the description from Amazon:
Spring 1924. The world has clawed its way back from the ravages of WWI and the Spanish Flu pandemic. The 20's are beginning to roar. Poppy Thornton lives with her Aunt Jo and her excitable cat Maestro in upper-crust Philadelphia. Poppy is determined to make a name for herself as a serious crime reporter, but is stuck reporting on garden parties and ladies' fashion. Then one day her editor assigns her to collect background information on the suicide of a prominent businessman. She soon discovers it was actually a murder... but her surprising source for this information is the ghost of a man killed alongside her father during the Great War. Even if she dared tell anyone, who would believe it? Together Poppy and her "gentleman haunt" follow the trail of a string of murders. But as their investigation narrows in on an all-too-familiar suspect, Poppy becomes a target herself and wonders if her ghost of a partner will appear in time to keep her from joining him in the after-life.

Monday, December 28, 2015

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Dec. 28, 2015)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? was a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. She has decided to pass it on to 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 had a very quiet Christmas this year as I wasn't traveling. We did manage to get a white Christmas thanks to the inch or so of snow that fell on Wednesday. We also had light snow on Saturday.

I spent the time working on my blog and reading. I have 57 posts scheduled and ready to go. I also have the reviews, except for my thoughts, for the next six books on my reading pile ready to go.

I have some projects for next week. I am continuing to de-clutter and get organized for 2016. I still have quite a few closets and cupboards to look through for things I no longer want or need. 

Read Last Week
End Game by Tess Diamond was the concluding book in a trilogy. It was engaging and suspenseful. My reviews have been posted to Amazon, LibraryThing and GoodReads but, like the first two books, I won't be writing on review on my blog.

After that book, I decided to treat myself (and try to get out of my reading slump) by revisiting some books that I really enjoyed.

Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen by Lois McMaster Bujold is the latest in her Vorkosigan Saga and stars Cordelia who is making some major changes in her life after being widowed. I read this one first in October. It will be released on February 2 and my review will be posted on January 28.
I also read the two most recent Liaden Universe books to help me wait for the next which won't be released until July.

Necessity's Child by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller takes place on Surebleak and stars Syl Vor yos'Phelium who is a child who has been traumatized by the events the led to the Clan's relocation on Surebleak and who is trying to find in footing on a new planet and in times of lesser danger. Here is a link to my review.

Dragon in Exile by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller also takes place on Surebleak and is told from multiple viewpoints. I enjoyed this one because I got to catch up with favorite characters, learn more about the Bedel, and gain a new appreciation for Kareen. Here is a link to my review.
I did start She's No Angel by Leslie Kelly and read the first six chapters getting to page 145 before I abandoned this book which had been on my TBR mountain since 2008. While I was enjoying the main characters, I really hated the heroine's aunts who got way too much page-time for my liking. this one is now in the Donate Pile.

Currently

After my recent binge of old favorites, I decided I needed to catch up on YA books and haven't started a new adult book.

Next Week
First up are two review books from my stack. I got them both from NetGalley.

Fighting Dirty by Lori Foster is the newest in her series about Ultimate fighters. It will be released on February 23.

The Infamous Heir by Elizabeth Michels begins a new Regency series and will be released on March 1.
Next, from deep in the TBR mountain, comes Dragon's Fire by Anne McCaffrey and Todd McCaffrey. After this I will have removed one I bought in 2008 from my stack and will be left with only one more Pern book on TBR mountain.

Reviews Posted
Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?
I bought Crash and Burn by Allison Brennan and Laura Griffin for my Kindle this week. It was either a Kindle Daily Deal or featured on my daily BookBub email.

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

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Book Review: Closer to the Heart by Mercedes Lackey

Closer to the Heart
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: Valdemar: The Herald Spy (Book 2)
Publication: DAW (October 6, 2015)

Description: Mags was a Herald of Valdemar. But he had once lived the brutal life of a child slave. When he was Chosen by his Companion Dallen, his young life was saved, and he slowly adjusted to being well fed, educated, and treasured as a trainee in the Herald's Collegium at Haven. Singled out by the King's Own Herald, Mags would thrive in his secret training as a spy. His unusually strong Gift—an ability to Mindspeak and Mindhear anyone, not just others who were Gifted—made him a perfect undercover agent for the king.

Sequel to Mercedes Lackey's Closer to Home, this adventure continues Mags's journey as Valdemar's herald spy.

My Thoughts: This second volume in the Herald Spy series has as a central focus Mags and Amily's wedding. The king wants to use the occasion of the marriage of the King's Own Herald to do some political things. Mags and Amily put Lady Dia in charge and know that all they will need to do is show up. Both Amily and Mags are busy with their day jobs; Amily is learning her role as a the King's Own Herald and setting up a spy network among the impoverished young women of good family who are poor relations of little hope and prospects. Mags is busy working with his own spy network of orphans that he plans to train and put in households where he needs information.

Mags keeps having feeling that something is going to go wrong with the whole wedding. So he convinces Amily that the two should just slip off and get married. They won't tell anyone. But if something goes wrong with the spectacle that is being arranged, at least, they will already be married.

And something does go wrong. Someone is trying to force Valdemar to go to war with its neighbor Menmellith. Menmellith currently has a boy king who is in the care of the council and a disgruntled relative has taken the opportunity to try to foster a rebellion. Menmellith is certain that Valdemar is behind the potential usurper because his troops are using Valdemaran weapons. The King and council know very well that they haven't sanctioned this plan in any way. Heralds are sent scurrying including Mags and his new father-in-law to try to find out who is leading and funding these plan.

I especially liked seeing Mags go back to the area where he started his life and get to see what a well run mine that cares for its workers looks like. We also get to see Mags and some of the younger sons of the mine owners get all involved in Kirball.

This was another excellent story about the Heralds of Valdemar.

Favorite Quote:
It was with a feeling of profound relief that Mags kissed his bride under the combined (beaming) gazes of his new father-in-law, Brother Elban, Healer and tender of the little Shrine of Alia of the Birds, and three Companions.
I bought this book. You can buy your copy here.

Friday, December 25, 2015

Friday Memes: Closer to the Heart by Mercedes Lackey

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:
Technically, this was spring, but it certainly didn't feel like it. There was a definite bite to the air, and although there was no snow on the ground, the clouds looks as if they were contemplating dropping flakes any moment now.
Friday 56:
Since a set of really good lockpicks would probably make Nikolas's eyes light up like candles, Mags nodded. 
This week I am spotlighting Closer to the Heart by Mercedes Lackey. I have been reading her Valdemar books for years and am always eager to read the newest one. Here is the description from Amazon:
Mags was a Herald of Valdemar. But he had once lived the brutal life of a child slave. When he was Chosen by his Companion Dallen, his young life was saved, and he slowly adjusted to being well fed, educated, and treasured as a trainee in the Herald's Collegium at Haven. Singled out by the King's Own Herald, Mags would thrive in his secret training as a spy. His unusually strong Gift—an ability to Mindspeak and Mindhear anyone, not just others who were Gifted—made him a perfect undercover agent for the king.

Sequel to Mercedes Lackey's Closer to Home, this adventure continues Mags's journey as Valdemar's herald spy.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

ARC Review: Kill Without Mercy by Alexandra Ivy

Kill Without Mercy
Author: Alexandra Ivy
Series: Ares Security (Book 1)
Publication: Zebra (December 29, 2015)

Description: From the hellhole of a Taliban prison to sweet freedom, five brave military heroes have made it home--and they're ready to take on the civilian missions no one else can. Individually they're intimidating. Together they're invincible. They're the men of ARES Security.

Rafe Vargas is only in Newton, Iowa, to clear out his late grandfather's small house. As the covert ops specialist for ARES Security, he's eager to get back to his new life in Texas. But when he crosses paths with Annie White, a haunted beauty with skeletons in her closet, he can't just walk away--not when she's clearly in danger.

There's a mysterious serial killer on the loose with a link to Annie's dark past. And the closer he gets, the deeper Rafe's instinct to protect kicks in. But even with his considerable skill, Annie's courage, and his ARES buddies behind him, the slaying won't stop. Now it's only a matter of time before Annie's next--unless they can unravel a history of deadly lies that won't be buried.

My Thoughts: This is the first book in a new romantic suspense series. It introduces the five men who make up Ares Security but it focuses on Rafe Vargas. Rafe is gorgeous and the heart of the group. He is a covert ops specialist and a natural leader. He has come from Texas to Newton, Iowa, to pack up his grandfather's home and put it up for sale. He is filled with resentment for the way his grandfather treated his father and wants to get things done and get out of town.

Annie White has also come to Newton. She hasn't been back since she was ten. The town holds mostly bad memories for her. Her father was accused of being the Newton Slayer and brutally killing seven women. After being arrested, he died in jail in an apparent suicide leaving Annie in a state of shock and an orphan dumped into the foster care system. Annie has visions and, after many years, these visions have returned. She has come back to Newton in hopes of finding a reason for the visions and closure.

Rafe takes one look at her and decides that he needs to protect her. Annie is afraid that the only reason he's attracted is because of his savior complex. As a new series of young women are being taken, the danger heats up for Annie and Rafe since the killer is leaving messages for Annie. As they investigate the learn that what Annie remembers from the past isn't necessarily what happened and that the town has lots of secrets.

I liked the relationship between Annie and Rafe. I also liked the relationship between Rafe and his partners in Ares Security. They are a group of men who went through hell together as prisoners in Afghanistan and who have forged bonds stronger than brothers. They have made each other their families.

I'll be eager to read the stories of the other men who make up Ares Security.

Favorite Quote:
It was more than the usual fantasy of getting a beautiful female naked. Or the pleasure of seducing her into his grandfather's antique bed.

It was the primitive male urge to make sure she was well fed and comfortable in a place he was providing for her. And that nothing and no one could get past his defenses to harm her.
I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Book Review: Dragon's Kin by Anne McCaffrey

Dragon's Kin
Author: Anne McCaffrey and Todd McCaffrey
Series: Dragon Riders of Pern (Book 4)
Publication: Del Rey (November 25, 2003)

Description: Beginning with the classic Dragonriders of Pern, Anne McCaffrey has created a complex, endlessly fascinating world uniting humans and great telepathic dragons. Millions of devoted readers have soared on the glittering wings of Anne’s imagination, following book by book the evolution of one of science fiction’s most beloved and honored series. Now, for the first time, Anne has invited another writer to join her in the skies of Pern, a writer with an intimate knowledge of Pern and its history: her son, Todd.

DRAGON’S KIN
Young Kindan has no expectations other than joining his father in the mines of Camp Natalon, a coal mining settlement struggling to turn a profit far from the great Holds where the presence of dragons and their riders means safety and civilization. Mining is fraught with danger. Fortunately, the camp has a watch-wher, a creature distantly related to dragons and uniquely suited to specialized work in the dark, cold mineshafts. Kindan’s father is the watch-wher’s handler, and his son sometimes helps him out. But even that important job promises no opportunity outside the mine.

Then disaster strikes. In one terrible instant, Kindan loses his family and the camp loses its watch-wher. Fathers are replaced by sons in the mine–except for Kindan, who is taken in by the camp’s new Harper. Grieving, Kindan finds a measure of solace in a burgeoning musical talent . . . and in a new friendship with Nuella, a mysterious girl no one seems to know exists. It is Nuella who assists Kindan when he is selected to hatch and train a new watch-wher, a job that forces him to give up his dream of becoming a Harper; and it is Nuella who helps him give new meaning to his life.


Meanwhile, sparked by the tragedy, long-simmering tensions are dividing the camp. Far below the surface, a group of resentful miners hides a deadly secret. As warring factions threaten to explode, Nuella and Kindan begin to discover unknown talents in the misunderstood watch-wher–talents that could very well save an entire Hold. During their time teaching the watch-wher, the two learn some things themselves: that even a seemingly impossible dream is never completely out of reach . . . and that light can be found even in darkness.

My Thoughts: This is a story that takes place in the early years on Pern. The next threadfall is sixteen years away and a miner named Natalan is beginning a mine and hoping to make it a hold. Kindan is the youngest son of the the man who is bonded to the watchwher. Watchwhers are useful in mining because they can sense bad air and gases. But one of the men who came with Natalan, his uncle Tarik, is working against Natalan and subtly sabotaging his efforts to have a successful mine.

When a cave in kills Kindan's father and brothers and the watchwher, Kindan is taken in by the harper who begins to teach him to be a harper himself. However, Natalan wants Kindan to train a new watchwher. Natalan has a blind daughter named Nuella. He has kept her a secret from the rest of the people in the camp. Kindan learns about her and together they begin to raise the new watchwher Kisk. Not much is remembered about the watchwhers and so the two kids are on their own to raise and train her.

They are aided by the harper and some dragonriders he knows who are also interested in what watchwhers can do. As they begin to explore Kisk's talents Kindan and Nuella are also learning more about their own talents and strengths.

This was an interesting story about the early years on Pern and tells of a part of the world we don't get to see in the books that are dealing with dragons, dragonriders and threadfall.

Favorite Quote:
"Kindan, do you know what harpers are supposed to do?"

"They're supposed to teach, and to sing songs at gathers, and play instruments," Kindan said, not quite sure he had the right answer.

Master Zisk nodded. "That's part of their job. Harpers also gather information and pass it along. We preserve knowledge. We help with the healers."
I bought this book before I started my LibraryThing account in February of 2008. You can buy your copy here.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Teaser Tuesday: Kill Without Mercy by Alexandra Ivy

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:
"It's a stable career with growth potential." She mouthed the words she'd heard since she was ten years old.

"Did that come on the brochure?" he teased, holding out a hand as she jerked her head up to send him a warning glare. "Okay, okay. I didn't mean to offend you. I'm guessing that it's more functional than the job of your deepest fantasy."
This week my teaser comes from Kill Without Mercy by Alexandra Ivy. This romantic suspense story begins a new series for the author. I got this eARC from Kensington via NetGalley. Here is the description:
From the hellhole of a Taliban prison to sweet freedom, five brave military heroes have made it home--and they're ready to take on the civilian missions no one else can. Individually they're intimidating. Together they're invincible. They're the men of ARES Security.

Rafe Vargas is only in Newton, Iowa, to clear out his late grandfather's small house. As the covert ops specialist for ARES Security, he's eager to get back to his new life in Texas. But when he crosses paths with Annie White, a haunted beauty with skeletons in her closet, he can't just walk away--not when she's clearly in danger. . .

There's a mysterious serial killer on the loose with a link to Annie's dark past. And the closer he gets, the deeper Rafe's instinct to protect kicks in. But even with his considerable skill, Annie's courage, and his ARES buddies behind him, the slaying won't stop. Now it's only a matter of time before Annie's next--unless they can unravel a history of deadly lies that won't be buried.

Monday, December 21, 2015

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Dec. 21, 2015)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? was a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. She has decided to pass it on to 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 got to drive home from work in our first snow of the season on Friday. I even had to brush off and scrape my windshields. Of course it was over about an hour later and Saturday and Sunday are supposed to get warm enough to melt the snow. (I'm writing this Saturday morning.)

I seem to have entered the first reading slump that I can recall. I just haven't been in the mood to read this past week. It shows in my accomplishments. I do have some books I want to get to during my Christmas break which starts at 1:30 PM on Tuesday and lasts until January 4. But I'm not sure what I'm going to read. I may pick some old favorites off the shelf to see if I can get my reading mojo back.

Read Last Week

Nothing

Currently

Nothing

Next Week
She's No Angel by Leslie Kelly has been on my TBR stack since 2008. It is a romance that looks cute.

Fighting Dirty by Lori Foster is the next in her Ultimate Fighters romance series. I got this one for review from NetGalley but it won't be released until late in February.

Endgame by Tess Diamond is the third book in her romantic suspense trilogy of novellas. I got this one from the author via GoodReads. I'm eager to find out how the story resolves.

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

My reading slump hasn't stopped me from buying new books. Maybe one of these will end my slump.
With His Lady's Assistance by Cheryl is the first book in a historical mystery series. I bought it for my Kindle after seeing someone's Friday 56 post about the 4th book in the series.

No Good Duke Goes Unpunished by Sarah MacLean is the third book in her Rules of Scoundrels series. It was a Kindle daily deal and joins the first two books on my Kindle. I haven't read any of the series yet but have liked other books by the author.

The Work of Hunters by Laura Anne Gilman is the third novella in her urban fantasy Sylvan Investigations series. I have the first two already on my Kindle but haven't read them 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, December 19, 2015

Book Review: The Secrets of the Heart by Kasey Michaels

The Secrets of the Heart
Author: Kasey Michaels
Publication: Pocket; First Edition edition (February 1, 1995)

Description: Dashing and elegant, Baron Christian St. Clair is the toast of the ton…and a man with a closely guarded secret. For his dazzling looks and celebrated charm mask his late-night escapades as the elusive Peacock, enemy of the rich and benefactor of the poor. Now Gabrielle Laurence, the destitute beauty who loathes St. Clair's rakish ways and power over her social standing, is close to discovering the truth. But can he convince her to trust a rogue—and take a chance on the passion that flares between them?

My Thoughts: THE SECRETS OF THE HEART was a fun Regency romp that reminded me just a little of THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL.  The reminder was aided by a number of beginning of the chapter quotes from Baroness Orczy.

Baron Christian St. Clair is his generations Beau Brummel and Byron. Popularity in the ton rises and falls on St. Clair's whims. He has chosen to elevate to social prominence Gabrielle Laurence who has come to London to find a wealthy husband to save her impoverished estates before her father finally manages to gamble them away. While she is grateful for St. Clair's assistance, she thoroughly dislikes the power that his approval has over her success. The two spend almost every meeting verbally sparring with each other.

Gabrielle's rise to popularity has really put the former star of the ton - Lady ArianaTredway - in an uncomfortable position. She's jealous of Gabrielle's new social prominence and eager to remove St. Clair from his position of power.

Meanwhile, titillating the ton is the Peacock who is riding around and righting wrongs when evil factory owners mistreat their employees. This isn't a good time in England. The soldiers who fought against Napoleon have been mustered out into an economy that has no jobs for them. Besides raids on mill owners, the Peacock pens heart-rending missives to the newspapers which St. Clair delights in quoting. The Tory government wants the Peacock stopped!

Since St. Clair is the Peacock we see how his original good intentions are getting lost in the adrenaline inducing activities that he and his gang of friends are doing. When Gabrielle gets involved, the Peacock decides he has to retire. But there is one more thing he has to do: convince Tory Lord Buxley and the lovely Ariana that their conviction that he is the Peacock is mistaken.

I loved the way Gabrielle and St. Clair go from enemies to lovers. And I loved the complex plot that gave all the good guys a happy ending finally worked out.

Favorite Quote:
St. Clair's shrug was entirely French, for if he was every drop an Englishman, he had spent the years following Waterloo enjoying Parisian society, obviously taking on some of their more eloquent mannerisms, even to the point of sprinkling his conversation with snippets of not necessarily germane French.
I bought this book in 2008. You can buy your copy here.

Friday, December 18, 2015

Friday Memes: The Secrets of the Heart by Kasey Michaels

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:
Just shortly before ten of the clock, Herbert Symington bade his host and hostess a pleasant good night and rather drunkenly tripped down the stairs toward the impressively designed if a tad overly ornate coach and four that was his latest acquisition and one of which he was enormously proud.
Friday 56:
"You may have been amused, but I think the entire episode was distasteful in the extreme," Lady Ariana said feelingly, knowing now for certain that Lord Undercliff would be safe from social disaster, thanks to St. Clair.
I dug deep into TBR mountain to find The Secrets of the Heart by Kasey Michaels. I have had this book sitting unread since 2008. Here is the description from Amazon:
Dashing and elegant, Baron Christian St. Clair is the toast of the ton…and a man with a closely guarded secret. For his dazzling looks and celebrated charm mask his late-night escapades as the elusive Peacock, enemy of the rich and benefactor of the poor. Now Gabrielle Laurence, the destitute beauty who loathes St. Clair's rakish ways and power over her social standing, is close to discovering the truth. But can he convince her to trust a rogue—and take a chance on the passion that flares between them?

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Book Review: Killing Trail by Margaret Mizushima

Killing Trail
Author: Margaret Mizushima
Series: A Timber Creek K-9 Mystery (Book 1)
Publication: Crooked Lane Books (December 15, 2015)

Description: When a young girl is found dead in the mountains outside Timber Creek, life-long resident Officer Mattie Cobb and her partner, K-9 police dog Robo, are assigned to the case that has rocked the small Colorado town.

With the help of Cole Walker, local veterinarian and a single father, Mattie and Robo must track down the truth before it claims another victim. But the more Mattie investigates, the more she realizes how many secrets her hometown holds. And the key may be Cole's daughter, who knows more than she's saying.

The murder was just the beginning, and if Mattie isn’t careful, she and Robo could be next. Suspenseful and smart, Killing Trail is an explosive debut that will have readers clamoring for more Mattie and Robo for years to come.

My Thoughts: Deputy Mattie Cobb and her new partner K-9 Robo are called in to search by a forest ranger who noticed something suspicious. Suspecting drugs which have started to be a problem in her small Colorado town, Mattie is surprised when Robo finds the body of a young girl being guarded by her wounded dog.

Mattie brings the dog to local veterinarian Cole Walker for treatment. Cole recognizes the dog because it is owned by one of his daughter's friends. Cole is overworked and stressed because his final divorce papers have just arrived and he is wondering how to tell his daughters and how he is going to take care of them alone.

Mattie and Robo are soon deep into investigating the girl's death and trying to find out who is bringing drugs into town. Mattie is also learning to trust her new partner but trust doesn't come easy to her. She was an abused child who turned in her father to the police and then spent years in foster care. Luckily her last foster home was a good one and she still has a relationship with her foster mother. Beyond that, she is essentially friendless because of her trust issues.

I liked the mystery. I was sidetracked, as Mattie was, by the red herring suspect. However, I also figured out who the villain had to be from clues the author gave. I enjoyed learning more about K-9 officers and enjoyed Robo.

I will be eager to read more stories about Mattie and her K-9 partner Robo.

Favorite Quote:
It was time to call it a night and get to bed. Doubt nipped at her heels while she ran. Maybe her suspicion of Brody was unwarranted. Maybe her attraction to the vet was silly. Maybe the lack of sleep this weekend was starting to make her go batshit crazy.
I got this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. You can buy your copy here.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Book Review: Siren's Call by Jayne Castle

Siren's Call
Author: Jayne Castle
Series: Rainshadow #4
Publication: Jove (July 28, 2015)

Description: In the mysterious world of Harmony, there are places filled with unexplored marvels. But Rainshadow Island isn’t about to give up its secrets…

In the alien catacombs of Rainshadow, there are creatures whose compelling songs lure the unwary to their death. That’s why Rafe Coppersmith, hired to clear out the catacombs for exploration, needs a music talent. He’s knows the perfect one, but she probably doesn’t want anything do with him...

Ella Morgan had once fallen hard and fast for Rafe, but then he disappeared for months…and he’s not about to tell her why. Ella, too, has secrets that only her dust bunny knows. She’s not just a music talent, she’s a Siren: a paranormal singer capable of singing men to sleep—or to their deaths.

But once on Rainshadow, Rafe and Ella will learn that surrendering to passion doesn’t come without risks—and fighting fire with fire only adds to the flame…

My Thoughts: This latest Rainshadow novel pairs Rafe Coppersmith and Ella Morgan. Ella is a very rare Siren talent. In fact, so rare that some people don't believe that talent exists and everyone is afraid of it. Ella and her family have kept the talent secret but that means that Ella is pretty much unmarriageable. In order to go to any of the matchmakers, Ella would have to lie on the applications and keep her talent secret from her husband forever.

Rafe Coppersmith needs her talent. After they met, he was called to solve a problem for his family on Rainshadow which caused a psychic burn and destroyed his talent to locate crystal. He has been plagued with nightmares and hallucinations. He is also running a psi-fever. He is afraid that the burnout ruined him and that he will become insane. However, his family has put him in charge of their holdings on Rainshadow and he has encountered a dinosaur problem. These dinosaurs hunt their prey using Siren abilities to sing and freeze their prey.

As soon as Ella signs her contract with Rafe to find a solution to the dinosaur problem, someone tries to kidnap them. In fact there is more than one attempt. Rafe and Ella need to band together to keep both of them safe. Of course they fall in love but Ella is so convinced that she will never find a husband because her talent is so scary that she can't believe that Rafe wants more than a short term relationship. And Rafe doesn't think he even has a future.

This was another great paranormal romance. This book's dust bunny was Lorelei who Ella calls her first client when she goes out on her own as a dream consultant. The dust bunny leads her to a cache of alien artifacts in the tunnels under the city and leads to her meeting Rafe for the first time.

Favorite Quote:
The tears were running down her face now. She knew full well that she did not look attractive when she cried. She tightened her hands into fists.

"You weren't born to destroy people," Rafe said.

"Then why do I end up hurting people and ... and helpless monsters?"

He smiled a little at the helpless monsters.

"There is always a dark side to any talent," he said gently. "You know that. A paranormal ability that is strong enough to heal is strong enough to kill. Power is power. It all comes down to how it's used."
I bought this one for my Kindle. You can buy your copy here.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Teaser Tuesday: Killing Trail by Margaret Mizushima

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:
After passing through the exam room, Cole found the deputy waiting in the lobby with the dog sitting quietly at her feet, a stoic expression on its face. The woman was bent forward, scratching the dog behind its ears.
This week my teaser comes from Killing Trail by Margaret Mizushima. I got this book to review from Crooked Lane Press. Here is the description from Amazon:
When a young girl is found dead in the mountains outside Timber Creek, life-long resident Officer Mattie Cobb and her partner, K-9 police dog Robo, are assigned to the case that has rocked the small Colorado town.

With the help of Cole Walker, local veterinarian and a single father, Mattie and Robo must track down the truth before it claims another victim. But the more Mattie investigates, the more she realizes how many secrets her hometown holds. And the key may be Cole's daughter, who knows more than she's saying.

The murder was just the beginning, and if Mattie isn’t careful, she and Robo could be next. Suspenseful and smart, Killing Trail is an explosive debut that will have readers clamoring for more Mattie and Robo for years to come.

Monday, December 14, 2015

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Dec. 14, 2015)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? was a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. She has decided to pass it on to 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 swear I don't know where the past week went. One day it was Monday. I blinked and it was Saturday. I didn't do anything but the time just zipped by. We are having an unusual December here in SE Minnesota. Temperatures were at or near 50 degrees all week. The grass is crispy but still green. It is hard to get in the mood for Christmas when the weather is more like Spring. I'm not complaining because any day without snow is a good day in the winter here. I really should start thinking about what my plans are for the holiday break though. We are off from December 23 until January 4 this year.

Read Last Week
Night Study by Maria V. Snyder is the most recent in her Study series. I enjoyed it despite the cliffhanger ending. I get the eARC from Netgalley. Look for my review on January 21.

Magic Stars by Ilona Andrews is a recently published novella. I read it the day it was released. I loved finding out more about Derek and Julie. I've reviewed this one on Amazon, GoodReads, and LibraryThing but won't be reviewing it on this blog. (The next open spot on my calendar is Feb 24.)

Sweet and Deadly by Charlaine Harris had been languishing on my TBR mountain since 2008. It is her first novel and was an enjoyable mystery. My review will be posted on Jan. 23.

Currently

I'm not reading anything adult right now. The next two weeks on my calendar are filled with book reviews of books I read a while ago. All that moving around of blog posts is finally showing up.

Next Week
She's No Angel by Leslie Kelly is another I dug out of TBR mountain. This romance has also been on the stack since 2008.

Fighting Dirty by Lori Foster is an eARC from NetGalley. I have been enjoying her Ultimate Fighters series. The book will be released on Feb. 23.

Reviews Posted
Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?
Played to Death by B. V. Lawson was a free book for my Kindle this week. It sounded like an interesting mystery and is the first in the three book series.

The Centered School Library by Cari S. Young looked like it had some fun ways to teach skills to my elementary students. My old ways have gotten a little stale and I need some new ideas.

Second Chance Summer by Jill Shalvis was also a Kindle deal. I like her writing and thing she writes nice romances.
The Infamous Heir by Elizabeth Michels is a review book from Amazon. This historical romance will be released on March 1.

Thief's Magic by Trudi Canavan was also a Kindle Deal. It begins a fantasy series.

Magic Stars by Ilona Andrews is a novella that the authors self-published. I love their work and can't wait to read it. (In fact, I already started it.)

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