March 2016 Take Control of Your TBR Pile Challenge

I wasn't sure I would do this event but when I checked the rules the books have to be released before 3/1/16 so I should have a good group of those except for a few of the new March releases on my list.
I have a list of review titles this month so I am not going to guess which other TBRs I'll get to, but I will slip them in as I can!

Thank you to the host: Kimberly at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
The basics:

For the entire month of March you focus on reading/listening to books in your TBR pile released before March 1, 2016. They can be eBooks, physical books or audiobooks. Let’s clean off those shelves, finish those series and trilogies and have some fun.

Check the link for all of the rules -- and HAPPY READING!

Book Review: Priceless (A Rylee Adamson Novel, Book 1) by Shannon Mayer

This is an engaging, paranormal adventure. 

Priceless (A Rylee Adamson Novel, Book 1)

by Shannon Mayer

File Size: 713 KB
Print Length: 234 pages
Publisher: HiJinks Ink Publishing (November 19, 2013)
ASIN: B00A6CNV08
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

"My name is Rylee and I am a Tracker."
When children go missing, and the Humans have no leads, I'm the one they call. I am their last hope in bringing home the lost ones. I salvage what they cannot.
I'm on the FBI's wanted list.
I have a werewolf for a pet, a Witch of a best friend, and have no need for anyone else in my life.
But when a salvage starts to spin out of control, help comes from a most unexpected direction.
One that is dangerously dark, brooding, and doesn't know a thing about the supernatural.
One whose kisses set me on fire.

Review:
Rylee had some harsh times growing up in foster homes. She was a young teen when her little sister was kidnapped while she was with her at the park. There have always been suspicions that Rylee was responsible although there was never proof. Rejected by the parents she’d tried so hard to please, Rylee finds herself ousted but this brings her to meet the strange people who can help her begin to understand the odd gifts she has. Now Rylee knows that she is a tracker, with some other supernatural gifts, and she knows that the world is more than most people see.

Rylee’s mentor, Giselle, is an old seer who is losing touch with reality and needs Rylee’s help and protection. Her best friend, Milly, another foster child helped by Giselle, is a young witch who longs to become part of a coven. Rylee’s pet, Alex, is a werewolf who has been rejected by the local pack due to his lack of aggression. These three have helped Rylee on many searches to bring back children stolen by supernatural forces. Sometimes they are lucky to bring them back alive. Other times all they can bring is closure.

Rylee has a new kidnapping to investigate and it is eerily, and frighteningly, similar to her sister’s kidnapping. Only Alex is around to help as Giselle is too sick and Milly has reasons to stay away from Rylee.

Rylee never expected to get help from the FBI investigator, O’Shea, who has watched her for ten years hoping he will finally find the evidence to bring her in. He is tailing her on his own time when he stumbles into a situation that is hard to believe…but explains some of the unexplained mysteries. What he learns sends him on the run from authorities and causes him to step to Rylee’s side to help her.

There is a lot of action and a variety of supernatural beings, some good, many bad. At times it seems that Rylee makes rookie mistakes and that she unexpectedly, almost too easily, gets past the dangers. I really enjoyed Rylee and O’Shea as the strong, primary characters and I liked their slowly developing connection. Rylee’s friends are good secondary characters and I especially enjoyed the humor added through Alex, the lap werewolf. The story is told primarily in third person with a few shifts to first person. The story is entertaining and reads quickly.

I recommend this to readers who like Mercy Thompson and Charlie Davidson. When I want another adventure fix, and those favorites aren't available, I may well pick up more of Rylee's series to enjoy.

This was a title I purchased for $.99 in January 2014 so it is from my TBR shelf.

Book Review and Print Giveaway: Dying to Read (The Cate Kinkaid Files Book #1): A Novel by Lorena McCourtney

This story is a light, fun cozy mystery with a Christian foundation.
Dying to Read (The Cate Kinkaid Files Book #1): A Novel 
by Lorena McCourtney

• File Size: 1449 KB
• Print Length: 321 pages
• Publisher: Revell (August 1, 2012)
• Publication Date: August 1, 2012
• ASIN: B0073UPRD0
• Genre: Cozy Mystery, Christian Fiction

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

"Lorena McCourtney's lively cozy mysteries hit all the right notes for me, and her newest doesn't miss a chord. A quirky, likable heroine, a handsome guy, and oh, a murder. Don't miss Cate Kinkaid's first case as a PI. It's a killer."--Lyn Cote, author of La Belle Christian

All she wanted was a paycheck. What she got was a murder.
Cate Kinkaid's life is . . . well, frankly it's floundering. Her social life, her career, her haircut--they're all a mess. Unemployed, she jumps at the chance to work for her PI uncle, even though she has no experience and no instincts. After all, she is just dabbling in the world of private investigating until she can find a "real" job.
All she has to do for her first assignment is determine that a particular woman lives at a particular address. Simple, right? But when she reaches the dark Victorian house, she runs into an hungry horde of gray-haired mystery readers and a dead body. This routine PI job is turning out to be anything but simple. Is Cate in over her head?

Review:
Cate has struggled from one job to another. Her family makes her feel like she cannot do anything right. Her PI uncle kindly, if reluctantly, agrees to hire her on a trial basis. Her first task is supposed to be an easy assignment: find a young woman named Willow. Cate arrives at the address where Willow is supposed to be and she is greeted by a handful of elderly ladies meeting for mystery reader book club known as the Whodunit Club. When they enter the house they discover no lunch, no maid (Willow) and a deceased hostess.

Cate doesn’t want to tell her Uncle that she hasn’t found Willow, especially when she learns he has been hospitalized. Cate returns to the house looking for clues to Willow’s whereabouts. There she meets the deceased woman’s niece who is worried Willow may have taken jewelry. The niece isn’t worried about the abandoned cat and Cate ends up taking the cat home to take care of her temporarily. Although the death appears to be a tragic fall down a back, rickety stairs, Cate begins to investigate on her own. She has plenty of suspects with Willow, the Whodunit ladies, the niece and her husband and a recent boyfriend of the deceased who has also disappeared.

As Cate is hunting down Willow she meets Mitch, a young man helping an elderly woman whom Willow used to work for. Mitch offers to help but Cate doesn’t want to accept help from anyone and she suspects that he may have nefarious motives too.

Cate bumbles along in her search, with Mitch appearing unexpectedly to rescue her from dangerous situations. Mitch is a great, nice character and I was rooting for Cate to give him a chance. Meanwhile, Willow, a tree-hugging activist, the Whodunit quirky ladies and other suspicious characters make for a fun investigation. Even the fluffy cat adds to the story.

The writing is very easy and I appreciated that Ms. McCourtney shared the faith of several characters in a gentle, sure manner. I enjoyed the growing friendship between Cate and Mitch, which ends at a stage that would allow further development in the series. The story is a light, fun cozy with a Christian foundation. I recommend this to readers who enjoy light cozy mysteries, and/or light Christian fiction.

(We waited almost six weeks to discuss this at book club so we had to remind each other of the details. Everyone agreed it was an enjoyable, easy read.)

The was my ladies’ book club read in July. It has been in my Kindle Library since 2013 so I count it as a TBR read.

ONE (gently read) PRINT COPY GIVEAWAY

US Only

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries (a) comment on the review, OR

(b) Visit the AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you learned or like there.

* This contest is open to US only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) September 12, 2015.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after September 12, 2015.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

WINTER COYER Mini Scavenger Hunt

The Book Monster is hosting a scavenger hunt as a mini challenge for COYER.

Keeping with the COYER and TBR Doube Dare theme I am selecting books for this Scavenger Hunt that are in my TBR libraries with source noted by [brackets]:

Book Scavenger Hunt:

1. A Book that begins with “C” (for COYER)

2. A book that has been made into a movie/tv show

3. A series you love

4. An anthology of poems or short stories

5. A book on your TBR shelf, or your full TBR shelves

1. Book that begins with "C"

Cinder: Book One of the Lunar Chronicles 
by Marissa Meyer
[Kindle Purchase Feb 2014]

I hope to read this one in March!

2.  Book Made into Movie

I have at least four available: The Soulkeepers [Kindle free book 12/2013] but not yet released in movie; Life of Pi [Audible library 8/2011]; The Book Thief [Audible library 5/2013] (but to be honest, I started this last year and couldn't get into it); 

and the one I am picking: 

The Maze Runner

[Audible 9/2014]

by James Dashner

3. A Series you love

I will choose book 13 in the "In Death" Series:
Now I just have to find my CD version which my daughter may have borrowed or I have stuck on a shelf at home.
Seduction in Death
by J.D. Robb
[CD Audiobook on TBR Shelf -somewhere]

4. Anthology

Vector (The Extraterrestrial Anthology, Volume I: Temblar Book 1) 

[Free Kindle May 2012]

Mark Aragona (Author), Dave Robinson (Editor), Linda Hull (Editor), Andrew Gray (Editor), 3DGarden (Illustrator)

This will fill V in Alphabet Soup too. :-)

5. Book on your TBR -- all of the above are from my TBR shelves! AND I will add one more that I hope to read in March also:

Kiss of Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel 
(The Midnight Breed Series Book 1)
by Lara Adrian
[Free Kindle May 2009]

Audible Book Review: Firestorm: Destroyermen, Book 6, by Taylor Anderson

Book six continues the action and challenges facing the WWII Americans stranded in an alternate Earth where they battle new enemies.
Firestorm: Destroyermen, Book 6
    UNABRIDGED
    by Taylor Anderson

    Narrated by William Dufris
        Series: Destroyermen, Book 6
    LENGTH    18 hrs and 2 mins
    RELEASE DATE    10-10-11
    PUBLISHER    Tantor Audio
Genre: Alternate History
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Lieutenant Commander Matthew Reddy and the crew of the USS Walker find themselves caught between the nation they swore to defend and the allies they promised to protect. For even as the Allies and the Empire of New Britain Isles stand united against the attacks of both the savage Grik and the tenacious Japanese, the "Holy Dominion" - a warped mixture of human cultures whose lust for power overshadows even the Grik - is threatening to destroy them both with a devastating weapon neither can withstand.
©2010 Taylor Anderson. (P)2011 Tantor

Review:
I continue to enjoy this series, now in book six, which is full of action and human stories. I appreciate how the author tucks in social and political discussions or comments through the actions of the characters. As one example, the proper British Commander, Jenks, now Captain Reddy’s friend and traveling with him, questions attacking the Dominion ships without a warning shot. Captain Reddy points out that he doesn’t think such a step is needed when the enemy has already shown themselves without honor in their surprise attack against civilians at the New British Isles.

As they prepare for battle, one of the commanders comments:
“Plan for the best but prepare for the worst. Every battle is won or lost in the planning; in the mind before the first sword is ever fought.” They had to learn that they could not leave quarter to an enemy that would accept no surrender. “Any we don’t kill today, we will have to kill tomorrow.” There are other interesting comments on war including the theme of ‘killing murderers is not murder, but war with a certain justice in it.’

It is engaging to watch (read/listen) as Mr. Anderson shows the Grik, or at least some of them, becoming more than the savages they were in the first book. Some are now learning and changing their attitudes and there are even ‘civilian’ Grik who have become aides to the leaders of the Grand Alliance!

Although this might not be quite as exciting as the last book this is still engaging and left me anxious to follow the challenges of the characters into book seven!

Audio Notes: I can't think of much new to add to my previous comments on Dufris' excellent narration of this series.  I am continually amazed at the numerous voices and characters he successfully portrays.  His narration makes the listening a great enjoyment for me.

Here is a summary of some of the activities in this installment:

• Captain Reddy and the crew on USS Walker are traveling on to the ‘Colonies’ (headed towards what in our world would be southern California) to give warning against suspected attack by the Dominion. Unfortunately the enemy arrives before warning can help. The American and Imperial British ships begin to hammered the surprised Dominion ships but then receive their own surprise when attacked by flock of dragons dropping stones!
•  The marine troops under General Pete Alden, including Lemurians and some airplane support, are facing Grik at ‘Indiaa’ Salan in the ongoing Navy war. Frigate Skippers, Greg Garrett (Ship Donaghey), Russ Chapelle, Lemurian Captain Bakia and others, are serving as a blockade against the Griks to prevent communication with their homeland. The Griks are stretching and growing in their war tactics with the help of Hige Halik and Japanese General Niwa. The Grik manage a surprise trick to lure the Alliance close enough to damage the ships so they end up on the beach in a terrible, nearly overwhelming battle.
•  Several ships, with head of nurses, Lieutenant Sandra Tucker, New Britain Princess Rebecca, and salty sailor Silva, are traveling to New Ireland to assist in the battle there. Sandra had hoped to get to see Captain Reddy but he has already headed out to the colonies. 
•  Major Chack Sab-at (a highly respected Lemurian leader and warrior) and Major Blair (Imperial British) are busy at New Ireland and New Wales fighting the murdering Dominion. They receive some help from the local civilians who recognize that their interests were abandoned by their authorities but meanwhile there is concern about a spy in their midst.
•  There is a rescue of emaciated men who were being mistreated as prisoners of war on the Japanese prison ship Mizuki Maru which has now been transported to the alternate Earth. One of the men of the group is Orrin Reddy, a pilot and a cousin of Matt Reddy. Orrin joins with Silva to help in the battle at New Wales.
•  The Grik show up with another surprising weapon, Zeppelins. Only the salvaged PBY aircraft are able to defend against them and prevent disaster to the Alliance leaders and the ship yards at Baalkpan. 
•  High Priest Adar, Admiral Keje and Rohlac meet to discuss overall plans for ongoing engagement of the enemy and protection of the people. Some of the men returning from other battles and the rescued prisoners look for new assignments deciding where they should serve next.

This is from my Audible Library. I have book seven, Iron Gray Sea, downloaded and waiting for after a few review audio books. :-)

Audible Book Review: Rising Tides: Destroyermen, Book 5 by Taylor Anderson

I love this exciting series that is full of real characters, great story lines and enhanced by wonderful narration.

Rising Tides: Destroyermen, Book 5

• UNABRIDGED
• by Taylor Anderson
• Narrated by William Dufris
• Series: Destroyermen, Book 5

    LENGTH    17 hrs and 32 mins
RELEASE DATE    02-01-11
 PUBLISHER    Tantor Audio
Genre: Alternate World Fantasy
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

Stuck in an alternate universe during World War II, Lieutenant Commander Matthew Reddy of the U.S.S. Walker has found an unlikely but invaluable ally in Commodore Jenks of the New Britain Imperial Navy. And now they are united in their desire to hunt down the traitor who abducted two women both men would die to protect: Reddy's love, nurse Sandra Tucker, and young Princess Rebecca of the New British Empire. But first they have a new battle to win.

However, this battle will not be fought with broadsides and broadswords, but with cunning and intrigue. For when Reddy and Jenks report the situation to the New Britain Company, they are met with scorn and disbelief. It soon becomes obvious that the ruthless Company is attempting to overthrow the Imperial Throne - and that someone involved knows where Sandra and Rebecca are. From the halls of power to the ballrooms of the nobility, Reddy must navigate through a tempest of politics, deception, and betrayal if he is ever going to save the hostages and live to fight another day.
©2010 Taylor Anderson (P)2011 Tantor

Review:
This is a great addition to this series in which American and Japanese ships from WWII have gone through a warp to a parallel world filled with strange creatures and a cannibalistic enemy, the Grik.  I like facing the adventures in this strange world with these wonderful, quirky characters. The story had me laughing out loud when the Americans were introduced to the British Governor. At another part I was near tears as struggles to complete a mission turned to tragedy.

There is interesting detail of munitions, replacing supplies of weapons and transport, ships and aircraft, as well as battle strategy that I find fascinating. There is also plenty of action to keep the listener interested.  Taylor does a great job of making the characters full and real. One or two of the events are in the nature of miracles, but, hey - I believe in miracles! And not all of it has happy endings as this is full of war and struggling in hostile environments.

Audio Notes: Dufris does a fabulous job building on the real characters by giving them believable accents full of nuances and emotion. His narration is remarkable and definitely enhances the reading enjoyment for me. I am excited to listen/read on to book 6!

This is a summary of the action lines followed in this book 5:

• Captain Matthew Reddy, Commander in Chief of the Allied Forces, is back on the restored destroyerman, Walker, and is chasing after the half of dozen of his people who were kidnapped.  Walker follows his new friend, Commander Jenks, to the New Britain Empire Respite Island in the Philippines. There the Americans and New Britain leaders come under attack by the Holy Dominion.

•  General Pete Aldrich is pursuing the ongoing Navy war. He is leading a group of marines, including Lemurians, against the Grik on ‘Rangoon.’  His troops are getting some very helpful support from the newly built airplanes known as the “Nancys.”

•  Those kidnapped, including Matt’s not-so- secret love, Sandra, New Britain child Princess Rebecca, her friend, Lawrence and crazy sailor, Silva, as well as a few others, have escaped in life boats. Now they are trying to survive on dangerous Yap island. They have to find a way to get their small boat to the other side of the island  as the vicious chic-sac begin to swarm for their egg laying season. Along the way to get back to civilization they pick up a crazy talking bird.  “Eat?” he shrieks!

• Ensign Irwin Laumur is with a group at Talud Island trying to salvage a S19 submarine, while  the island volcano rumbles and threatens to blow. They ultimately have no choice but to take refuge in the previously abandoned sub. They scramble away when the eruption occurs only to be plunged under the resulting waves.

• Lieutenant Commander Russ Chapelle is directing the efforts at Chill-chaap trying to salvage a large freighter, the Santa Catalina, with it’s precious cargo of military equipment. They must face giant gecko-gators which turn out to be surprisingly social and responsive.

This download is from my own Audible Library. I have Book 6, Firestorm, ready next!

Audible Book Review: Distant Thunders: Destroyermen, Book 4 by Taylor Anderson

This is a action-packed series; entertaining listening!

Distant Thunders: Destroyermen, Book 4
UNABRIDGED
by Taylor Anderson
Narrated by William Dufris
    LENGTH    16 hrs and 47 mins
    RELEASE DATE    06-01-10
    PUBLISHER    Tantor Audio
Genre: Alternate Universe Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
After the battle in which the men of the destroyer Walker and their Lemurian allies repelled the savage Grik, Lieutenant Commander Matthew Reddy is shocked by the arrival of a strange ship captained by one Commaner Jenks of the New Britain Imperial Navy - an island-nation populated by the descendants of British East Indiamen swept through the rift centuries before
With the Walker undergoing repairs, Reddy already has a great deal on his hands. For the Grik will return, and Reddy will need all hands on deck to fight them off when they next attack. But Jenks's uncertain loyalties make Reddy question whether he can trust the man. As tension between the Allies and the Imperials mount, Reddy will come to realize that his suspicions are not misplaced - and that a greater danger than the Grik is closer than he ever suspected.

Review:
This is the fourth book in the series continuing the adventures of Captain Matthew Reddy and the Americans from the two destroyers, Walker, and Mahan, who have landed in a parallel world– out of time. Author Anderson, through a smooth process of flashbacks, presents the background information of the existing characters so new readers can identify them. I found the information helpful to refresh my memory without being at all boring. The reader also learns more about the newer characters, particularly the British Empire officer, Jenks, who might turn out to be honorable and the “East Indian Company” man, Billingsly, who clearly is not honorable.

There is quite a bit of interesting history on ship and weapon development. I appreciated how the author combines the more advanced, industrialized 1940s crew with the previous peaceful, but non-industrialized Lemurian culture so they work together to develop new materials and methods to build the assets needed to prepare for the war against the Grik.

The Grik are still in the picture with a few scenes keeping the reader informed on the changes happening with their leadership and machinations. It is interesting to observe the hunter having to deal with the realization that they are becoming the prey to the American and Allied forces.

After reintroducing the players there is plenty of action. Captain Reddy takes Captain Jenks along to Aryall to see the battle preparations and advance engagements against the Grik. Meanwhile, repairs to Walker and other damaged ships is underway at the shipyard at Baalkpan.  Billingsly, left behind with the British ship at Baalkpan, kidnaps the New Britain Princess, Rebecca, along with several others, including Matt’s sweetheart, Lieutenant Sandra Tucker, and the irrepressible, salty, but genius, sailor, Dennis Silva.

Matt returns to Baalkpan to head out in pursuit of Billingsly while Silva ruminates over escape plans for those kidnapped. There is plenty more story to look forward to in the next installment!

Audio Notes: I am utterly impressed with the narration by William Dufris. He portrays the character idiosyncrasies and his reading keeps pace with the emotions and actions. I love listening to this series!

This was a download from my own Audible Library; Just for Fun pick for August.

Audible Book Review: Maelstrom:Destroyermen, Book 3 by Taylor Anderson

This is the third installment in this fascinating adventure series.
Maelstrom: Destroyermen, Book 3
     by Taylor Anderson
    Narrated by William Dufris

    UNABRIDGED
          Series: Destroyermen, Book 3
    LENGTH      17 hrs and 45 mins
    RELEASE DATE      03-25-09
    PUBLISHER      Tantor Audio
Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Lieutenant Commander Matthew Reddy, along with the men and women of the U.S.S. Walker, are once again at war. Having sided with the peaceful Lemurians against the savage, reptilian Grik, they now find themselves scrambling to prepare for the attack that is sure to come, searching for resources to support their forces - even as they look for allies to join their struggle.
Meanwhile, the Japanese juggernaut Amagi, also trapped in this strange world, is under Grik control---with her fanatical commander approaching madness. And soon they will have amassed a force that no amount of firepower and technology will be able to stop.As the raging conflict approaches, Reddy, his crew, his allies, and his loved ones face annihilation. But if there is one thing they have learned about their new world, it is that hope - and help - may be just over the horizon.
©2008 Taylor Anderson; (P)2009 Tantor

Review:
Don’t let the slow start in this episode dissuade you - it just builds a basis for getting to know the characters and made me feel like part of the crew!

Two American destroyer ships, the USS Walker and Mahan, and a Japanese battle cruiser, the Amagi, were caught up in a storm and found themselves in an alternate version of the South Seas. Here the Americans have met a peaceful population of creatures resembling a mix of Lemure and a cat, called Lemurians and sometimes referred to as “Cats.”

For many years the Lemurians lived peaceably in the trees or large Tree ships. Now they are being pursued by a terrible race, the lizard-like Grik. The Grik do not just kill their enemies; they consume them. The Japanese warship Amagi and its power crazed commander having allied with the Grik to seek destruction against the Americans and the Lemurians.

The first half of this book fills in the backgrounds of the characters and events to bring a new reader up to date. There is a lot of behind the scenes details, building characters, setting the locations, revealing society positioning and strategy for the upcoming battles. Though it’s not exciting, still I found it very interesting. I liked even the geographical descriptions as a comparison between the alternate world and the world that the Americans came from. This story also introduces a few new characters, including some pre-American Revolution British officers who choose to remain outside of the alliance.

I had already like Captain Matthew Reddy and many of the crew members from the prior books. By the time the battle begins in the second half of this book I felt like I knew the American crew personally. When this book jumps into the battle action there is excitement, fear, horror, loss and sorrow. A couple times I actually found myself holding my hands over my face as I dealt with the emotions during the battle.

Audio Notes: William Dufris does a grand job of narrating that captures the nuances of the characters– good guys and bad guys– and the excitement of the battle. I get wrapped into the narration which to me signifies both a good story and a delivery that keeps the reader focused on the characters and action with no negative distractions from the reading.

I will be listening to Book 4 soon!  I recommend this series to those who enjoy adventure with alternate world, alternate species and some heavy battle action.

This is from my own Audible library.

Book Review: Fatal February by Barbara Levenson

This is an entertaining and fun read, filled with legal procedures.

Fatal February (Mary Magruder Katz)
by Barbara Levenson

• File Size: 335 KB
• Print Length: 265 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 193351552X
• Publisher: Oceanview Publishing (February 1, 2009)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005Y2AEBY

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Legal Procedures
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: February 1, 2009
For half Jewish, half Southern Baptist Miami criminal defense attorney Mary Macgruder Katz, life starts to spin completely out of control when a minor fender bender turns out to be an unlikely shot from Cupid’s bow.

Review:
Mary is a feisty defense attorney who works in a prestigious law firm with her fiance of five years.  One morning her car is rear-ended coming out of a car wash. She is ready to berate the loud, pushy driver until she gets a full look at the man’s Latin good looks and charming smile. Then things begin to spin out of control.

Carlos grabs Mary to serve as his attorney on a real estate transaction with some strange arrangements. When client relations heat up, Mary and Carlos are caught in a compromising scene by her boyfriend who fires her on the spot. She fires him as a fiancé and off she goes to set up her own office with encouraging support from Carlos.

Mary lands a new client through a referral from her brother who is an estate attorney. Lillian Yarmouth is accused of killing her husband though she claims she found him on the bed already stabbed and bleeding. The police and prosecutors fail to do a thorough job of investigation so Mary is pretty sure she can win a dismissal at an early hearing.

Mary has to fend off some nasty, low-blow proceedings brought by her ex who is more angry about losing to Mary than losing Mary. She is also coping with slashed tires, rocks thrown windows and a ransacked home.

I like Mary’s ‘go get ‘em’ attitude even though she did seem a little reckless (for my conservative nature.) Carlos is a little suspect but you have to appreciate that he is there giving Mary moral-- and other--support. It was fun that he was always sharing Spanish quotes that didn’t “seem to translate very well.”

I enjoyed the several court room scenes where Mary really kicked butt. Ms. Levenson also blends in some commentary on the lack of resources for proper investigations. This is an easy read with writing that flowed well with a chatty feel to it.  The characters are cute and Mary’s dilemmas make for fun revelations, especially with a little extra digging at the end of the case.

I picked this title out of my “Free Kindle” TBR library as it had “February” in the title. I am very glad I got to read such a fun mystery and I would be glad to read more from this author. I recommend this to fans of light, cozy mysteries and those who enjoy legal procedures and courtroom entertainment.

This was my choice for February from my Kindle Free Reads library shelves.

The story is set in Miami, Florida for my 2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge. This is also a New Author for me.

Book Review: Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa

This is a quick, light and fun read.
Summer's Crossing (The Iron Fey)

by Julie Kagawa

• File Size: 213 KB
• Print Length: 51 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin Teen (June 1, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B004XDYXN0

Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2011

A Midsummer's Nightmare?

Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existence—and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts.

Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's help—into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice—betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist.

An ebook exclusive novella from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series.

Review:
As most of us know, Robin Goodfellow, aka Puck and a few other aliases, is a faery trickster. He is clever and can almost always be found in mischief. Robin is a member of the Summer Court but tends to roam as a free spirit.

Ash, Prince of the Winter Court, is an enemy of the Summer Court but he and Robin are old and odd friends. They have reason to kill each other and, in fact, Ash has sworn to kill Robin...someday, but not today. Ash happened to win the heart of the girl that Robin had his sights on so Robin isn't too happy with Ash.

Robin agrees to help Ash recover a stolen object to fulfill a favor. Of course the adventure will be filled with danger. There is also the distinct chance that Robin could betray Ash.

Reading this novella reminded me why I enjoyed the first book in the Iron Fey series.  There is intrigue, danger, friendship and betrayal that make the story interesting. The writing is full of faery magic and for the most part reads smoothly.  I have only read the first book and I will probably have to skim that for review when I get ready to pick up the next in the series. If you haven’t started the series you could read this short novella to get just a little taste of the magic that is available. You might not know all of the history between the characters but there is enough given to make the conflict understandable. And you could enjoy the quick fantasy vanishing act that Robin arranges.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An example of the sometimes snarky humor:

She looked like she was going to a party where the theme was Most Sparkly Evening Gown, or maybe Quickest Way to Blind Someone. Location 71.

This was in  my "free" Kindle Library and picked for my "summer" read.

Book Review and Giveaway: Heroes Die Young by T. M. Hunter

This is a fun, fast sci fi read.

Heroes Die Young
by T.M. Hunter

• Paperback: 132 pages
• Publisher: Champagne Books (September 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1897445784
• ISBN-13: 978-1897445785

Genre: Science Fiction

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: September 1, 2008
A derelict freighter abandoned in outer space is too much for space pirate Aston West to pass up and he can't fight the urge to pilfer its valuable cache of illegal weapons. However, the ship's one last occupant has other ideas and fights to maintain her hold on the weaponry. After attack craft return to finish the ship off, Aston has no choice but to save her from certain destruction. Who is she? What are the weapons for? Why was the freighter destroyed? For every answer he finds, he discovers more questions, and his life is put in jeopardy every time he stops to catch his breath. Aston's life motto of never getting involved is put to the test, and he must decide whether to become a hero for a people in need, or continue on his path of self-preservation.

Review:

This was a fun, fast sci fi read.
Aston West is a space pirate who sometimes takes legitimate freight jobs. He is delivering a cargo when he comes across an abandoned freighter with a valuable cargo of illegal weapons. When he boards the ship to pick up the weapons he also picks up a living occupant, Rione. After first attacking him Rione ends up hitching a ride when local space craft move out to blow up the freighter. 

Aston’s set to dump his passenger, unload his legit cargo and take off to sell his booty. As a bonus he picks up a new delivery and all looks good until he gets arrested. The authorities can’t prove he has illegal cargo thanks to the camouflaging capabilities of his constant companion and aid: Jeanie, his ship’s computer. She is the closest you might get to a genie in a bottle.  But Rione is pointing the finger at him and in order to get released Aston has to make a deal.

Aston has no desire to take sides between two planet governments, nor rebels on either planet. He doesn’t want to be anyone’s hero. He just wants to enjoy the profits of his ‘salvage’ and live his life quietly and safely alone.  Fate and Rione have other plans as she manipulates him into helping her rebellion.

I really enjoyed Aston’s laissez-faire character and the light, ironic tone of this adventure. The plot involves hidden agendas and betrayals but it is complete in this story.  The writing is easy to read and there is plenty of action to keep it fast paced.

I'm glad I got to read this and would be glad to read more. This is just one episode in Aston’s career but I could see it being part of more adventures. And in fact... I just checked and there are other Aston adventures available. If you enjoy easy sci fi, I think this would make a great ‘series’ or related story group to pick up for light, fast reading.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aston speaking to his computer, Jeanie:

    “What would I do without you?” I stood from my chair.
    “Live your life as a hollow shell of a man.” Page 22.

Setting out for another deliver:

    I’d been shot at, threatened, imprisoned, verbally abused, and nearly sentenced to death. This definitely not my finest hour.  Page 55.

Aston's thoughts when being permitted to bring his friend along on a summons to visit with the President:

    It was a good sign. If I were in trouble, they would have shot down my demand. Still, I wasn’t sure what was going on, and though that seemed to be a common occurrence anymore, it bothered me. Page 99.

This book was from my TBR as I won it quite some time ago from the author at a Champagne Books chat. 

I will add this book to my New Author and TBR challenge lists.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the Review Copy:
1. Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest. This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower on any media (GFC, Twitter @MSEREADS, Facebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/ReviewsByMarthasBookshelf , Goodreads or Linky - links on right sidebar) or tell me if you are already a follower.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Two total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on July 27, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on July 28.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.  

Book Review: Stranded with a Spy by Merline Lovelace

Merline Lovelace is a favorite author for me.

Stranded with a Spy

by Merline Lovelace

• Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin (October 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373275536
• ISBN-13: 978-0373275533

Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating:  3.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 1, 2007
Escape from hell?

To hell was more like it! When Mallory Dawes, suddenly infamous in the States, decided to take that vacation to France, her problems were just beginning: a lost passport. A car swept out to sea. Missing travelers' checks. And a mysterious, if intriguing, man who always seemed to turn up just when she was in trouble...

Cutter Smith--code name: Slash--was told to keep the beautiful blonde in his sights. But as his interest in her veered from the professional to the intensely personal, Cutter knew the cost of falling in love would be high indeed. And he would have to pay the price...
--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Review:

Mallory Dawes needs a break from several months of not fun notoriety. Mallory left a good, quiet government job to work in a senior Senator’s office. Unfortunately the Senator had roaming hands and when he wouldn’t stop, Mallory quit and filed a sexual harassment suit. Problem is that Mallory’s two past loser lovers were eager to exaggerate their exploits and the press was more than willing to make her look like a loose, money grabbing woman. She is dismayed when the arbitration board rules against her so she is more than ready to go on her long awaited vacation to spend quiet time in the countryside of France.

Fate has other plans. A routine luggage check reveals a disc containing government secrets inside an innocuous music CD cover. Cutter Smith, a James Bond sort of American operative, is sent to keep Mallory in sight as they suspect she may meet with a Russian spy that they have been trying to track down.  Cutter is ruggedly sensual with a face that bears the burn scars from betrayal by his first love.

Mallory takes a side trip to a monastery where she gets stranded by rising tides that wash her rental car, baggage and all out to sea.  Cutter has already rescued Mallory from the unwanted attentions of a drunken tourist. Now he steps in as a “friend” to help her in her stranded distress.

Predictably, Cutter and Mallory fall for each other and he begins to believe that she is innocent of any crime and was being set up or used as a mule. Cutter wants to trust her but the betrayal in his past makes it hard for him to let go his guard. Then there are more attacks and Mallory’s hurt when she learns that Cutter has lied all along.

I liked the characters and the twisted plot. There is plenty of action but unfortunately the story seemed a little flat. There was so much that was predictable. It was pleasant reading but not my favorite book by this marvelous author. Merline Lovelace has written some marvelous historical romances and other really solid romantic suspense. You could read this for a light read but if you have not enjoyed Ms. Lovelace’s work I would recommend The Horse Soldier (historical romance) and the Cleo North Trilogy (military/romantic suspense).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The romance:

She’d seen that spark of heat in his eyes a few moments ago. Felt the sudden, subtle tension sizzle through the air between them. Location 958.

The betrayal:

Well, now she had it. She was the bait he wanted to dangle in front of a shadowy, international thug. Location 1914.

I read this from my own TBR pile. It was a free Kindle read from 2009..

This is set in Europe and in DC. I will add it to my TBR Challenge list too! (YAY)

Audible Book Review: Crusade: Destoryermen, Book 2 by Taylor Anderson

This story is full of action and character struggles!

Crusade: Destroyermen, Book 2

• UNABRIDGED
• by Taylor Anderson
• Narrated by William Dufris 
• Series: Destroyermen, Book 2

Also available in print and ebook formats.
Genre: Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Lieutenant Commander Matthew Reddy, along with the men and women of the USS Walker, have chosen sides in a war not of their making. They have allied with the Lemurians - a mammalian race whose peaceful existence is under attack from the warlike, reptilian Grik.

The Lemurians are vastly outnumbered and ignorant of warfare, and even the guns and technology of Walker cannot turn the tide of battle. Luckily, they are not alone. Reddy finally finds Mahan, the other destroyer that passed through the rift. Together, the two American ships will teach the Lemurians to fight and stand against the bloodthirsty Grik - or so they think.

For there is another vessel that does not belong on these strange seas - the massive Japanese battle cruiser Amagi, the very ship that Walker was fleeing from when the rift took them. Like Mahan, it followed them through. And now Amagi is in the hands of the Grik.

Battle stations! Listen to more in the Destroyermen series.

Review:
This is book two of the Destroyerman series. In book one, Into the Storm, Destroyermen, two American destroyers, Walker and Mahan, are limping away from a powerful Japanese war ship, the Amagi, during World War II when a Pacific storm whisks them into a parallel universe. They are separated and the first story focuses on Walker and her crew as they encounter new species: the friendly cat-like Lemurians, who are farmers and fishermen and the ugly, reptilian (dinosaur-like) Grik, who are clearly a barbaric foe. 

This second book expands on the personalities and relationships of the Americans and their Lemurian allies who they are training to fight and resist the attacks of the Grik. There are several cities and factions of the Lemurians to cope with. Young but fiercely brave Queen Moran of the Bibadans is one of the first to recognize the leadership of Captain Reddy and the need to take an aggressive stand. Unfortunately the neighboring tribe city of Arial is led by a cowardly King and a sniveling Prince who would betray a temporary alliance.  This causes civil war with the mature head of the army, Lord Rollack, joining forces with Queen Moran and the Americans to force back a Grik attack.

There are plenty of personal stories and drama to engage the reader in the characters. Sinji is a Japanese Lieutenant who has become part of the crew on Walker, as has a young Jac, who sees himself as a Destoryerman now, no longer a Lemurian sailor. The teams, American and Lemurian, have discovered that their vessels are more than just ships; they have become homes to the officers and crews. The story is rich with actions of individuals, some brave and some despicable. There is racial prejudice and discipline to deal with. There are strategy plans, vibrant battles, betrayal, dishonor and sacrifice. Well into this story it is discovered that the more powerful Japanese ship, the Amagi, has also been pulled into this alternate world. Its crazed Captain is seeking revenge against the Americans and has allied with the Grik. The Captain has no regard for innocents to the dismay of his second in command.

I am invested in the characters and am apt to hold my breath at times of betrayal and danger. If you like a story full of personal interaction, some military strategy and plenty of action I highly recommend this series.

Audio Notes: William Dufris does an excellent job keeping up the pace, presenting the characters and conveying the tension to bring the story alive. I am definitely looking forward to listening to the rest of the series!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Captain Reddy discusses the reason for war with Adar, a Lemurian leader and philosopher:

Captain Reddy:  "Why we fight - it's fight or die. You might die if you fight, but you will die if you don't."
Adar: "Looking at it like that, the war isn't an excuse; it's a blessing. A chance for survival."

I purchased this some months ago and listened to it from my Audible TBR shelf. 
This was my April Just for fun/from the TBR shelf book and I will add it to my Audio Challenge list.

2012 Challenges Post Six (20 - 23) Around, Audio, Where, And Addict

How did I do? Completed 14 and failed 9. 

 Twenty (genres) Failed -missed poetry.
Twenty-one - Completed -- signed up for 24 but listened to 45 Audios!
Twenty-two 50 States - failed by 15.
Twenty-three 16 Challenges to be completed - Failed by two.

These are the rest of the challenges TWENTY thru TWENTY-THREE!

I just found this one or I might have added it to Post One. :-)

TWENTY:  Around the Stack

Hosted by Dog Ear Discs

Missed this by one as I didn't ready a Poetry book. The genres we are using, are as follows:

1. Crime/Mystery – Sherlock Holmes, Rebus, Lincoln Rhyme. 
   Night Rounds by Helene Tursten; Mystery, Scandinavian Crime; my rating 4.0.
2. Thriller – Lee Child, Dan Brown.  The Whisperer by Donato Carrisi; Psychological Thriller; my rating 4.5
3. Romance – Smitten. Scrumptious by Amanda Usen; Contemporary Romance; my Rating 4.25.  
4. Fantasy – Can be anything from Lord Of The Rings to The Dark Tower.  Hounded: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 1 by Kevin Hearne; Fantasy; my rating 4.5.
5. Sci-Fi – Space Opera, China Mieville, Gollancz Classics.   Kicking Ashe by Pauline Baird Jones; Sci Fi Romance;  my rating 5.0.
6. Literary – Just look at the past Booker lists. Read a winner for bonus points. The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey; Fiction; my rating 4.5.  
7. Young Adult – There’s plenty out there, scour your local bookstore.  My Sparkling Misfortune by Laura Lond; Fantasy, YA; my rating 4.5. 
8. Historical Fiction – Wolf Hall, Conn Iggulden. The Book of Madness and Cures by Regina O'Melveny; Historical Fiction; my rating 4.25.
9. Dystopian – Never Let Me Go, Margaret Atwood.  Phantom Universe by Laura Kreitzer; YA, Fantasy, Dystopia;  my rating 4.5.
10. Steampunk – Boneshaker, Affinity Bridge.  The Jupiter Chronicles by Leonardo Ramirez; Children's, Fantasy, Steampunk; my rating 4.0.
11. Comedy/Black Comedy – Michael Chabon, Nick Hornby.  What In God's Name by Simon Rich; Comedy; my rating 4.0.
12. Horror/Ghost Story – Stephen King, Clive Barker, Susan Hill.  Creative Spirit by Scott Nicholson; Horror;  my rating 4.25
13. Adventure – Treasure Island, Jamrach’s Menagerie.  The Theft of Swords by Michael Sullivan; Fantasy Adventure; my rating 4.75.
14. War – Birdsong, My Dear I Wanted To Tell You.  Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein; Historical Fiction; my rating 4.75.
15. Gothic – Poe is a perfect example.  Firelight by Kristen Callihan; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.5.
16. Poetry – Research something that grabs you.
17. Drama – Graham Swift, Ishiguro, The Help. Henny on the Couch by Rebecca Land Soodak; Women's Fiction;  my rating 4.0.
18. Kids – Harry Potter, Narnia.  God Loves You. - Chester Blue by Suzanne Anderson; Inspirational, Children; my rating 4.25.
19. Graphic Novel – Anything from Marvel and DC to Jonathan Cape stuff. Titanium Rain by Josh Finney; Science Fiction, Graphic; my rating 4.25.
20. Classic – As it says on the tin, pick a classic book from Dickens to Haddon. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck; Adapted Classic, Dramatization; my rating 4.25.

Rewards:

• Hiker – Up to 5 genres
• Backpacker – 5-10 genres
• Traveler – 10-15
• Palin-esque – 20+

 I am starting with Traveler but I hope to upgrade! :-)

TWENTY-ONE:  Audio Challenge! You know I love my Audio and Audible listens!

Hosted by Teresa's Reading Corner

• Flirting-Listen to 6 Audio Books
• Going Steady- Listen to 12 Audio Books
• Lover- Listen to 25 Audio Books
• Married-Listen to +++  Audio Books

I Choose Lover-Listen I expect to do at least two a month!

1. Audible Book Review: Hounded: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 1 by Kevin Hearne; Fantasy; my rating 4.5.
2. Audible Book Review: How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.25. 
3. Audible Book Review: Grant Me Timely Grace by Timothy Woods; Historical Fiction; my rating 4.25.
4. Silver Borne: Mercy Thompson, Book 5 by Patricia Briggs My Rating: 4.75.
5. Audio Book Review: Lothaire by Kresley Cole; Paranormal Romance;  my rating 4.0.
6. Audio Book Review: Jacob's Return by Amanda Blair; Inspirational Romantic Fiction  my rating 4.25.
7. Audio Book Review: The Templar Chronicles 1 The Heretic by Joe Nassise; Urban Fantasy;  my rating 4.25.  
8. Audible Book Review: Illusion by Frank Peretti; Paranormal, Christian Fiction; my rating 4.5.
9. Audible Book Review: Crusade: Destroyermen Book 2 by Taylor Anderson; Science Fiction;  my rating 4.5.
10. Audio Book Review: A Tar's Wandering by Helen Sea; Paranormal; rating 4.5. 
11. Audio Book Review: The Withering of Willoughby and the Professor by Joe Bevilacqua; Fantasy Comedy, Sci Fi;  my rating 3.75.  
12. Audio Book Review: Forever by Maggie Stiefvater; Paranormal Romance, Werewolves;  my rating 4.0.  
13. Audio Book Review: Turn Up For the Book by Julia Franklin; Romantic Comedy;  my rating 4.25. 
14. Audible Book Review: River Marked by Patricia Briggs; Urban Fantasy; rating 4.5.
15. Audio Book Review: Phantom Universe by Laura Kreitzer; YA, Fantasy, Dystopia;  my rating 4.5. 
16. Audio Book Review: Web of Evil by J.A. Jance; Mystery, Thriller; my rating 3.5. 
17. Audio Book Review: Wired Kingdom by Rick Chesler; Thriller; my rating 4.25. 
18. Audible Book Review: Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen; Mystery (Historical); my rating 4.25. 
19. Audio Book Review: Whisper II: The Books by Terry Rich Hartley; Psychological Thriller; my rating 4.25. 
20. Audible Book Review: Timeless: The Parasol Protectorate Fifth by Gail Carriger; Paranormal Romance, Steampunk; my rating 4.5
21. Audible Book Review: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman; fantasy; rating 5.0
22. AudioBook Review: Eathed, A Dragon's Tale by Troy Lee Henderson; Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction; my rating 4.5.
23.  Audible Book Review: The Watchman of Ephraim by Gerard de Marigny; Thriller, Christian Fiction; my rating 4.25.
24. AudioBook Review: The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch; Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.25.
25. AudioBook Review: Insurgent by Veronica Roth; Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.25.  
26. Audio Book Review:  Titanium Rain by Josh Finney; Science Fiction, Graphic; my rating 4.25.
27. Audio Book Review:  Steel Whispers by Hayden Trenholm; Science Fiction; my rating 4.5.
28. Audio Book Review: Night Rounds by Helene Tursten; Mystery, Scandinavian Crime; my rating 4.0.
29. Audio Book Review:  The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck; Adapted Classic, Dramatization; my rating 4.25.
30. Audible Book Review: The Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card; Fantasy; my rating 3.75.
31. Audio Book Review: Bones Are Forever by Kathy Reichs; Forensic Mystery; my rating 4.25.
32. Audio Book Review:  Dying for You by MaryJanice Davidson; Paranormal Comedy; my rating 4.25.
33. Audio Book Review:  The Aleppo Codex  by Matti Friedman;Documentary Historical; my rating 4.5.
34. Audio Book Review: Scarifyers: 08 The Thirteen Hallows; full cast, comedy; my rating 4.5.
35. Audio Book Review: The Magician's Apprentice; Fiction, Middle Grade; my rating 5.0.
36. Audio Book Review: Emily Goes to Exeter: The Traveling Matchmaker, Book One by Marion Chesney; Historical Regency; my rating 4.5.
37. Audio Book Review: A Brew to a Kill: A Coffeehouse Mystery by Cleo Coyle; Cozy Mystery; my rating 4.5.
38. Audio Book Review: The Crooked Wreath by Christianna Brand; Mystery; my rating 4.5.
39. Audio Book Review: Karma's Law by Kristi Lamb; Mystery; my rating 4.5.
40. My Soul to Lose by Rachel Vincent; Paranormal; my rating 3.75.
41. Audio-Theater Book Review: The Man Who Murdered His Mother-In-Law by Jeffrey Hatcher; Audio Theater; my rating 5.0.
42. Audio Book Review: Colony Scott Reeves; Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.
43. Audio Book Review: Agenda 21 by Glenn Beck; Thriller; my rating 4.0.
44. Broken Token
45. Audio Book Review: Christmas in An Elevator by Kay Murky; Holiday Romance; my rating 4.0. 
 
 

TWENTY-TWO:  Where are you Reading Challenge
I never got started with this last year but I'll give it a shot this year!

Hosted by Book Journey

The point of the challenge is to read in each of the 50 States between January 1 2012 – December 31, 2012.

I am thinking this will be fun.

Here is my MBS Map link.
Missed 15
View MBS Where Are You Reading 2012 in a larger map
Alabama - Power
Alaska - How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf
Arizona - Hounded
Arkansas -
California - Irish Rogue and more
Colorado - The Proposal and more
Connecticut - Templar Chronicles
Delaware -
Florida -  Miss Hildreath Wore Brown
Georgia - Deeper Water
Hawaii -
Idaho - A Cold Creek Secret and more
Illinois - Home and more
Indiana -
Iowa - One Breathe Away
Kansas -
Kentucky -
Louisiana - Untouched
Maine - Beyond the Misty Shore
Maryland - Keeper of My Heart and more

Massachusetts - 52 Small Changes: One Year to a Happier, Healthier You

Michigan -
Minnesota - Forever and more
Mississippi - A Light on the Veranda
Missouri -
Montana - 77 Days in September
Nebraska - Secrets of the Red Box
Nevada - The Watchman of Ephriam
New Hampshire - Exclusively Yours
New Jersey - The Claimed
New Mexico -
New York - Scrumptious and more
North Carolina -  Creative Spirit and more
North Dakota -
Ohio - Scent of Rain and more
Oklahoma - Grapes of Wrath (starts in OK)
Oregon - Believe it or Not
Pennsylvania - Bossypant and more
Rhode Island -
South Carolina - Flabbergasted and more
South Dakota -
Tennessee - The Bridge
Texas - Calico Canyon and more
Utah -
Vermont - Smitten
Virginia - In the Doctor's Bed and more
Washington - Lucky in Love and more
Washington, D.C - Grant Me Timely Grace and more
West Virginia -
Wisconsin - Baby, Baby and more
Wyoming -


TWENTY-THREE: Obviously I now qualify for Reading Challenge Addict!

Hosted at Reading Challenge Addict

How addicted are you?

• Easy as Pie: 1-5 Challenges (Entered & Completed)
• On the Roof: 6-10 Challenges (Entered & Completed)
• In Flight: 11-15 Challenges (Entered & Completed)
• Out of This World: 16+ Challenges (Entered & Completed)

I didn't set out to do so many challenges but the list kept growing and there are more listed below that I'm still tempted by! Yikes!!
That puts me in the OUT OF THIS WORLD level.

How did I do? Completed 14 and failed 9.

 If I get time to figure out how this works I would like to participate in:
Seasonal Challenge - 11 Dec to 31 March

 
Other Challenges that Tempt Me:
1001 Books You Must Read - I may check to see if any of these fit my other challenges and thus read a couple.
Operation Deepen Faith - but I will probably stick with my read the Bible through the year and add some faith reads along the way.
Clocks, Cogs and Mechanisms Reading Challenge 2012 - I do like Steampunk!
Find the Cover, Coversuch 2012 - Match items on the covers to the letters in 2012 ie.: TWOTHOUSANDTWELVE  I'll check as I go along and see if I can do this.
Harlequin Silhouette - I'd like to do this if I find time to add more Harlequin books.
52 Books in 52 Weeks - I know I'll read that many books and I like the subcatagories.
Fairy Tales Retold - can sign up until "Junish."  I'll have to see if any of my reading goes this direction.
Time Travel Reading - I love this genre so I may sign up if I end up with books that fit.
I Want More - This entails reading a second stand alone book from an author you like.  It could happen for me. If I do this it will be for the lower challenge:   Waited too long: 2 - 4 books.

I'm almost up to date on Patterson 1st to Die Women's Murder Club Series and Sookie Series so I won't be joining the Challenges although I hope to read the latest releases. I have read/listened to the Outlander series but I could do the Lord John series.


ALL RIGHT ALREADY!! ENOUGH!! STOP!!

I scanned months of posts last week but as I go back through I see more and more of interest but I must STOP.
There are a lot more great challenges to be found... the best list I know of to check for challenges is at
A Novel Challenge.  If you host a challenge - send it in there to get it included in the long list!
HAPPY READING!!