TBR Triple Dog Dare 2016

The TBR Double Dog Dare

Hosted by James Reads Books

Full rules can be found HERE.

James says that The TBR Double Dog Dare is not really a reading challenge but a dare.
All you have to do to win the TBR Double Dog Dare is to read only from your TBR pile between January 1 and April 1.
I manage this one with the  "exceptions.". The rules, or non-rules, are flexible and you can exempt review books, arcs and book club books. With those exceptions I certainly have enough books to meet this dare. I even realized I have many Audible titles on my TBR that I can read during the first three months. I managed to pick up a few extra titles in 2015 so that I could count them in the first three months as I won't be purchasing any for three months. I do expect overlap with other TBR and Audio challenges. :-)

I was happy with last year's results. I completed 26 books from my TBR shelf out of 39 titles read before April 1. 10 of these were NetGalley or audio review titles picked up in 2014 but that still left 16 TBR books in the first three months so I am pleased with that. It exceeded the 13 new titles (all reviews and none purchased). :-)
I hope to improve on last year. 

Audible Book Review: Dead Reckoning: Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Mystery #11 by Charlaine Harris

I found this to be an entertaining, if interim, story in this series.
Dead Reckoning: Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Mystery #11
Written by: Charlaine Harris
Narrated by: Johanna Parker

Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins
Series: Sookie Stackhouse, Book 11
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:05-03-11
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
With her knack for being in trouble's way, Sookie witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte's, the bar where she works. Since Sam Merlotte is now known to be two-natured, suspicion falls immediately on the anti-shifters in the area. Sookie suspects otherwise, but her attention is divided when she realizes that her lover, Eric Northman, and his "child", Pam, are plotting to kill the vampire who is now their master. Gradually, Sookie is drawn into the plot - which is much more complicated than she knows.
Listen to more titles in the Sookie Stackhouse series.
©2011 Charlaine Harris, Inc. (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

Review:
Sookie, who can read minds of humans and to some degree the two-natured, has opened her home to her uncle and grandfather, two fae fairies who look about her age. Sookie seems to think that their nearness is increasing the fae qualities in her. While she ponders that Sookie is worrying about the loss of business at Merlot’s as some of the patrons are visiting a recently opened vampire bar. Business was down even before a fire bomb is thrown through the window.

Sookie learns that a two-natured female enemy has escaped from jail seeking revenge against Sookie. Sookie seeks help from her witch friend, Amelia, to re-strengthen protective wards around her home.

Adding to her troubles, Sookie’s boyfriend, vampire sheriff Eric, is struggling with the competition from the new vampire regent who is doing everything he can to encroach on Eric’s territory. Adding insult to injury, the regent has refused his permission for Eric’s ‘child’, Pam, to change a young woman who is dying. It is becoming clear that the two vampire leaders aren’t going to be able to share the area so plots for killing are working both ways. Sookie gets caught up in a plan to take out the regent even as she learns that Eric is keeping secrets that may break her heart.

I had stopped reading this series in 2010 and my recollection is that it had gotten a bit too racy plus the last title seemed a bit fractured. I apparently didn’t review book #10 when I read it. I am glad that I enjoyed revisiting these characters, including Sam, Eric, Bill and even Bubba. There is danger and death, as always seems to surround Sookie, the vampires and the two-natured, but I wasn’t offended by anything.

Although there are still plenty of open questions in the series, I appreciated the tension that remains with Eric’s dilemma at the end of this installment. I am also interested to find out what happens with the fae and the special stone that Sookie has found. So I’ll be getting the next book after April when I allow myself to buy books again – unless I add it on Audible before then.

I recommend reading this series in order for the best enjoyment and I recommend it in audio. Just be prepared for some sex in some of the volumes and violence in most of them. I did try to watch True Blood, the tv series based on the books, when that first came out but I found it too sexual and graphic for my tastes.

Audio Notes: I totally enjoy Johanna Parker as the narrator for this series. She does a great job portraying the Southern Sookie and the other characters. They each have an appropriate distinct voice that helps me to visualize the characters and enjoy the story more than just reading.

This title has been in my Audible library since September, 2012. This qualifies for COYER, TBR Double Dare, Audio Challenges and Alphabet Soup.

Audible Review: Heart of Stone: Irish Angel Series by Jill Marie Landis

This is a very sweet and engaging historical romance.
Heart of Stone: Irish Angel Series
Written by: Jill Marie Landis
Narrated by: Reneé Raudman

Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins
Series: Irish Angel, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-01-10
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Historical Romance, Christian
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In the first book of the Irish Angels series, we meet Laura Foster, a woman with the darkest of pasts, and Reverend Brand McCormick, a man with everything to lose by loving her. Having escaped a life she never chose, Laura Foster is finally living her dream. But even after four years of posing as a respectable widow in Glory, Texas, she is always afraid someone from her past might reveal her true identity.
Believing no man could love her if he knew the truth, Laura tries to resist Brand's courtship. His reputation would be shattered if Laura's former life is discovered. But it's not only Laura's past that threatens to bring him down - it's also his own. As they open their hearts to love and faith, will Laura and Brand find the depth and power of forgiveness from their community?
©2010 Jill Marie Landis; (P)2010 Zondervan

Review:
Laura Foster was a child, the oldest of four girls, when her parents came to America from Ireland. They settled in New Orleans but her father and mother died when she was only ten. The girls were taken in by their aunt and uncle...but not for long. The two younger girls were sent to an orphanage but the Laura and her 9 year old sister were sold to the owner of a brothel and separated. Laura had no way to save herself, much less keep her promise to take care of her younger sisters.

Years later Laura has managed to pull herself away from her past and remake herself as a respectable widow. She has operated a lovely boarding house in Glory, Texas for four years. Still, her past and shame press heavily on her and keep her in fear of exposure.

Reverand Brand McCormick has taken note how Laura is always gracious, kind, generous and willing to lend a helping hand to others in her community. He begins to court her even though she is resistant to his advances.

Suddenly the pastor is surprised by secrets from his own past which puts his standing in jeopardy. How can Laura risk exposing him to more difficulty with her own unsavory past?

I had not read a book by Jill Marie Landis for a few years and I had forgotten how I enjoy her writing. It is direct with an easy flow. The characters are warm and life-like with human flaws and problems. The villains are appropriately arrogant and nasty. There is wonderful, not always lovely, history showing hardships of the poor. This story has a lovely message speaking against those who judge others and how hard it can be to forgive ourselves even for things that we couldn’t control.

I would enjoy reading more in the series to discover what happened to Laura's sisters. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a sweet, historical romance with Godly principles that can inspire.

Audio Notes: Reneé Raudman does a nice job with the narration. Nothing over the top but it is solid and made the listening easy.

This audiobook is from 2011 in my Audible library. It qualifies for Audiobook Challenge, TBR Double Dog Dare, Winter Coyer and H on Alphabet Soup.

Audio Book Review: Betrayal in Death: In Death, Book 12 Written by: J. D. Robb

Another great mystery in this entertaining series.

Betrayal in Death: In Death, Book 12

Written by: J. D. Robb

Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Length: 12 hrs and 8 mins

Series: In Death, Book 12

Release Date:05-20-08

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Genre: Crime Thriller

My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

At the luxurious Roarke Palace Hotel, a maid walks into suite 4602 for the nightly turndown - and steps into her worst nightmare. A killer leaves her dead, strangled by a thin silver wire. He's Sly Yost, a virtuoso of music and murder. A hit man for the elite. Lieutenant Eve Dallas knows him well. But in this twisted case, knowing the killer doesn't help solve the crime. Because there's someone else involved. Someone with a more personal motive. And Eve must face a terrifying possibility - that the real target may, in fact, be her husband Roarke.

Crack another case with Eve Dallas.

©2007 J. D. Robb; (P)2007 Brilliance Audio

Review:
Eve’s gorgeous husband, (hunky Irishman) Roarke, is hosting, at his premier hotel, a prestige auction for a mature movie star selling her memorabilia. The actress and her handsome son are working to make the event a big success to raise funds to fund a foundation to help young actors. .

Roarke and Eve are at a pre-auction preview when Eve is called to a murder of a maid in one of the suites. Although the maid is no one of great importance the killer’s signature is well known. The very brutal killing, ending in humiliation and stragulation by silver wire, is a recognizable MO of an assassin who has been slipping by authorities, including the FBI, for years. Now the killer has stepped into Eve’s territory and made it personal by killing someone associated with Roarke.

The FBI who try to muscle in on the case are not readily cooperative. The female agent has some sensibilities but the male shows outspoken dislike for Roarke and distain for Eve. His arrogance is clearly going to get in the way of the investigation.

An old childhood mate of Roarke’s, Mick, shows up for a surprise visit. He admits he is a rogue and a thief but he would never hurt Roarke and although he loves a good brawl, killing is not his thing.

Eve and her team dive in with their usual meticulous attention to detail and a little added internet help from Roarke. After a second murder Eve and Roarke know that it won’t be enough to find the hit man. They must determine who paid the fees to kills innocents associated with Roarke. Eve is able to track the assassin within a week but the FBI insist on making, and flubbing, the bust. Now Eve and Roarke must search his history to determine the next victim before the killer can strike again.

Eve and Roarke have to balance their singularly independent and protective-of-each other natures. Peabody and McNab have to cope with their increasing intimacy while trying to maintain their professional duties. There is tension, suspense and emotion that keep the reader/listener on edge.

I have to give a big “Thank You” and kudos to J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts). She does a great job keeping the relationships among these characters interesting while provided an entertaining mystery with each story. I have now finished book 12 and she is on number 40! I am glad there is lots of entertainment still to come. There is some bad language in this series, which, fortunately, flows by quickly. The murders tend to be fairly graphic as the forensics and details play an important part in each story. The total package is worthwhile entertainment for avid mystery fans.

Audio Notes: Susan Ericksen does an excellent job with the character voices and personalities. She has this series down to a fine art and I am very quickly engrossed when I begin each new audiobook. I can highly recommend this series in audio as the narration enhances the character relationships and the suspense of the mystery.

This audiobook is a choice from my own Audible Library. It qualifies for my 2015 Audiobook Challenge, TBR Dare, Winter COYER, “B” in Alphabet Soup, and Continuing a Series in Full House Challenge.

Book Review: Just in Time for a Highlander (Sirens of the Scottish Borderlands) by Gwyn Cready

I found this story fun, active and entertaining.

Just in Time for a Highlander (Sirens of the Scottish Borderlands)
by Gwyn Cready

• File Size: 1119 KB
• Print Length: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (February 3, 2015)
• ASIN: B00NH1UK40

Genre: Time Travel, Highlander
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: February 3, 2015
From RITA winner Gwyn Cready comes a Scottish borderlands time travel romance perfect for fans of Outlander

For Duncan MacHarg, things just got real...
Battle reenactor and financier Duncan MacHarg thinks he has it made-until he lands in the middle of a real Clan Kerr battle and comes face to face with their beautiful, spirited leader. Out of time and out of place, Duncan must use every skill he can muster to earn his position among the clansmen and in the heart of the devastatingly intriguing woman to whom he must pledge his oath.

Abby needs a hero and she needs him now
When Abigail Ailich Kerr sees a handsome, mysterious stranger materialize in the midst of her clan's skirmish with the English, she's stunned to discover he's the strong arm she's been praying for. Instead of a tested fighter, the fierce young chieftess has been given a man with no measurable battle skills and a damnably distracting smile. And the only way to get rid of him is to turn him into a Scots warrior herself-one demanding and intimate lesson at a time.

Review:
Duncan is a handsome, modern day financier, He is accustomed to being successful in the boardroom and the bedroom. As he is participating in a SScottishbattle reenactment he suddenly finds himself in the middle of a real-life battle between Scottish Highlanders and the British. Duncan is trying to help a young boy under attack when he is hit by an arrow shot by a fierce young woman who is apparently the Scottish leader.

Abigail Kerr has her hands full as a reluctantly accepted chieftess of her clan. She has reached a rocky peace with the British and wants to get a loan to build a canal on the clan property, even while they struggle to pay the annual taxes. The favored solution is for her to marry her childhood friend, cousin and leader of a neighbor clan, Rosston Kerr. He is more than ready to bring his wealth and rule the clan as only a true Scotsman can. Abby is convinced that she doesn’t need to marry but she does need a strong arm to stand by her side as she leads. She is shocked to discover a strange foreigner who barely knows how to fight is to be that strong arm.

In only a matter of days (or was it more like hours) Abigail is kissing Duncan and tempting him. He’s not one to resist long and soon they are entangled in intimacies as well as the other material problems. He is convinced he can help her but he has a lot to learn of the times and ways. Undine, Abby’s potion brewing friend, is the one responsible for the magic that brought Duncan back in time. She explains that he must fulfill his purpose before he can return to his own time. He doesn’t have a choice even if he wanted to stay and even if the fulfillment of his mission results in Abby marrying his rival, Rosston.

I can appreciate the difficulties Abby faced as a female in a time when women were possessions, not leaders. She has to walk a fine line between independence and duty to her clan. I liked Duncan’s willingness to be what Abby needed and, even more, his willingness to accept her strengths. They both had flaws that contributed to conflicts. There was a goodly amount of sensual tension and involvement in a very short time.

I especially enjoyed the bit of mystery that simmered behind the clan difficulties. I also liked the interesting modern references and double entendres that were humorously blended with the past circumstances. I wanted to learn the solution to Serafina’s problem but that was a thread that was left loose for another story apparently. I definitely liked the time travel element which gave more interest beyond the highlander romance. All in all I found the story fun, active and entertaining.

I received this through Sourcebooks at NetGalley for an honest review.
I am counting it towards my NetGalley Challenge, TBR Double Dare, Winter COYER, and Alphabet Soup.