Book Review and ARC #Giveaway: Free Fall by Catherine Mann

An okay read, but not as good as the other books in the series.
Free Fall (Elite Force)
by Catherine Mann

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (March 5, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402274963
• ISBN-13: 978-1402274961

Genre: Military Romance, Romantic Suspense

My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Release date: March 5, 2013 | Series: Elite Force: That Others May Live

"Catherine Mann writes an amazing combination of keen suspense, unique characters, and heart-stopping romance. I'm a fan!"—Lori Foster, New York Times bestselling author of Savor the Danger

On This Mission, There Are No Accidents...

Pararescueman Jose "Cuervo" James is the guy they call for the most dangerous assignments. He lives for his job.

On a high-risk rescue deep in the African jungle, Jose encounters sexy, smart Interpol agent Stella Carson. They'd once had an affair that burned hot and fast, but family is everything to Stella, and Jose just can't go there.

Fate has thrown them into the deadly hot zone together, and sparks will fly...but only if they can live to tell about it.

Review:
Stella is a smart, sexy Interpol agent who specializes in codes. She meets Jose Cuervo pulling him and his PJ team out of the water on a dangerous mission. Jose pretty much sweeps her off her feet but Stella has the white picket fence and family in mind while Jose has hot nights with no kids in mind. Jose has his issues with family, and especially children, because of his own background. Although the two care for each other they split because of their different life goals.

Stella’s mother went off to missions work in Africa leaving the family behind when Stella was a vulnerable teen. Stella is determined to find more about her mother’s death while she is on duty in Africa. Stella is undercover with a group of students who are all caught by brutal warlords.  She is able to get a message out and Jose becomes part of the rescue team. Barely getting out, they stumble on an assassination plot against the First Lady who is about to arrive for a visit. There is a threat of biochemical attack and the author reveals a mole but it takes a while for Stella to uncover him.

The story started with great promise as it jumped right into intense action and then a teasing peek of anticipated romance. A good bit of the romance was told through an interesting technique of flashbacks as the couple thought back to how intense it was yet things didn’t work out.  The romance scenes were rather detailed encounters though not vulgarly graphic. I did like that “the lovemaking [was] a process rather than a goal.”

I have enjoyed other titles by this author but was a little disappointed by this one. The plot line seemed a bit scattered to me with many unrealistic pieces. I figured out the traitors but there was little depth to how the younger one got involved and the primary one was completely lame in the end. It really bothered me that Jose and Stella seemed at times too loose and distracted for their duties in spite of being fiercely dedicated to their intense jobs.  There was too much repetition on Jose’s issues and the difficulties in the relationship. The issues were realistic but the conflict became more annoying than tension building. The warmth of the comradery of the other team members seemed weaker in this book too. The whole book felt a little rushed to me resulting in an okay, but not wonderful, read.

I received this book from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR ARC COPY.

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US and Canada Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on April 5, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on April 6, 2013.
Winners are asked to respond by email or the linked winners form within 72 hours of the announcement.

Mailbox Monday March 25, 2013

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
For MARCH: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Caitlin @ chaotic compendiums!
Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. 

I missed posting last week so there is plenty here for two weeks!
How are your mailbox and TBR piles doing?

Review Titles

I received these print titles for review:

Scorned Justice: The Men of the Texas Rangers | Book 3 

by Margaret Daley 

Set for review on April 16 as part of Pump Up Your Book tours.

The Forever Knight by John Marco;
April 22 review for Blog Tour for TLC Book Tours

SOURCEBOOKS for June

One Day on Apple Grove by C.H. Admirand

and

 The Magic of I Do by Tammy Falkner

I was given these titles from a new publisher friend I met at EPICon 2013.
I will have a few more eBooks to list in the next week or so.

Eco-Sisters: The Car by P. Ryan Hembree and Mary Ann Gustin
Sisterhood by Deleyna Marr
Convict Dad by P. Ryan Hembree

I plan to read at least one of these in April. :-)

And I brought home a lot of swag to share!

Wins

I previous win has still not come in. I have to remember to email a reminder.

Purchased

None this week.

Free

I did download a few free Kindle Titles linked through Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink and Kindle Review.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? March 25, 2013

This meme starts at Book Journey!

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I had a pretty good reading week. I finished five books; I posted three reviews, one with a Tour Giveaway. There is also a giveaways hop. I posted the Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I still didn't get to visit last week. I will try harder this week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? March 18, 2013.

• Book Review: Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder; Fantasy; my rating 4.0.
  

• MBS - 2nd Annual Spring Cleaning Giveaway Hop 3/20 to 3/25.
  

• Audio Book Review: Silver by Steven Savile; Mysteries; rating 4.0. 
  

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 22, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 3/28/13.
  

• Saturday Snapshot (3/23/13) Early Spring.
  

• Book Review and Blog Tour Giveaway:  The Persnickety Princess (Tales from Upon A. Time - Book 1) by Falcon Storm; Lower Grade+; my rating 4.25.  Ends 4/13.
  

• Sharing Beyond Books #92 Comment Giveaway 3/23/13. Ends 3/29/13.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 24, 2013.
  

Finished Reading:
1. Audio

Silver (An OgmiosTeam Adventure)
by Steven Savile
Interesting thriller; Review linked above.
Click on title for Book Description

2. Print and eBook/Kindle

Free Fall (Elite Force)
by Catherine Mann
I love how this series jumps into action.
I will post this review this week with ARC giveaway.
Read for Sourcebooks.

Release date: March 5, 2013 | Series: Elite Force: That Others May Live
Click on title for Book Description

3. ebook/Kindle

The Persnickety Princess
by Falcon Storm
A fun grade school aged fairytale. Review and blog tour giveaway linked above. 
Click on title for Book Description

4. Print

Last Chance Book Club
by Hope Ramsay
I really enjoyed this easy romance.
I'll post the review and ARC giveaway this week.
 Read for Hachette.
Book Description
Publication Date: March 26, 2013
Click on title for Book Description

5. ebook/Kindle

Cross the Line
by Jack Patterson
I liked this thriller. Review to post 3/27 as part of Partners in Crime blog tour.
Synopsis:
When veteran NFL quarterback Noah Larson finally guides his team to the Super Bowl, his dreams -- and life -- are dashed when his six-year-old son is kidnapped for a unique ransom: lose the game or his son dies. Seattle sportswriter Cal Murphy and photographer Kelly Mendoza get pulled into an FBI sting to help rescue Noah's son in Mexico. But when everything falls apart, Cal and Kelly are left to save themselves, save Noah's son, and save the Super Bowl.

Line Edits/Releases:
We released a very cute children's title last week:

Shelly the Hermit Crab by Stacey Leigh Malloy

Illustrated by Katie Cassidy

When Shelly, a Cape Cod hermit crab, is caught up in a fishing boat's net, she is separated from her family but finds a wonderful home with a little girl named Hannah. But where does a hermit crab really belong? And will Shelly ever see her crab family again?

This is the first in a series of beautifully illustrated stories for children ages 2-9.  Each Shelly story is a vivid, amazing travel tale with positive family and life themes.

Genre: Children's - Ages 2-9

Pages: 34 pages, fully illustrated

Tomorrow we will release another children's title.

Currently reading:

1. ebook/Kindle

Girl v. Earl
by Phillipa Ashley
I am about 25% into this fun romance. 
Reviewing for the Author; to post 3/28. 
US edition Published March 26th 2013
When Miranda finds herself fighting for her home, her job and her heart, sleeping with the enemy may not be the best tactic...

With no family of her own, Miranda Marshall has developed a healthy respect - some would say obsession - with other people's histories. As property manager of a spectacular island castle in Cornwall, she's made St Merryn's Mount one of the UK's most popular heritage attractions. While she may have the castle running like clockwork, Miranda hasn't bargained on its sexy owner returning to claim his birthright.

Dark, handsome and with a rakish reputation,  Jago, the Earl of St Merryn, not only looks like a pirate but is intent on flogging the Mount to a soulless leisure corporation. Miranda faces the battle of her life as she tries to persuade him to face up to his past and continue the St Merryn dynasty. But Jago has his own reasons for jumping ship and when he throws down the gauntlet to Miranda, she's forced to delve into painful memories she'd much rather keep hidden . . .

(Previously published in the UK as Miranda’s Mount)

2. Audio Book/MP3

Did You Miss Me [Audiobook, Unabridged]
Karen Rose (Author),
Marguerite Gavin (Reader)
This intense thriller is moving quickly.
I am reviewing this for Blackstone Audio, Inc. through Audiobook Jukebox.
Book Description
Publication Date: February 5, 2013
New York Times bestselling author Karen Rose is back with her fourteenth pulse-pounding thriller.
Best be nimble, best be quick, I'm right here and you're my pick . . .
The last thing Ford Elkhart remembers is walking his girlfriend back to her car. Now he's lying tied and gagged on a cold, dark floor, with only one chance to escape before he ends up like the bones surrounding him.
Assistant State's Attorney Daphne Montgomery is devastated by her son's disappearance and is immediately convinced that his kidnapping is connected to the white supremacist she's just had jailed for murder. FBI Special Agent Joseph Carter isn't so sure -- especially when he learns that Ford's girlfriend is also missing. Is Ford's abduction payback for Daphne's courtroom victory, or is he a pawn in an even more dangerous game?

3. eBook/Kindle

Sportsman’s Bet
by Judy Nichols
I didn't get to start this yet.
It looks like a good cozy mystery.
I am reading and reviewing at request of the Author.
Click on title for Book Description

4. Print

A Shot of Sultry
by Macy Beckett
This is fun so far.
Reading this from Sourcebooks;
I will be posting a review and ARC Giveaway.
Book Description
Release date: March 5, 2013 | Series: Sultry Springs

Welcome to Sultry Springs, Texas: where home can be the perfect place for a fresh start.

For West Coast filmmaker Bobbi Gallagher, going back to Sultry Springs is a last resort. But with her career in tatters, a documentary set in her hometown might be just what she needs to salvage her reputation. She just can't let anything distract her again. Not even the gorgeous contractor her brother asked to watch over her. As if she can't handle filming a few rowdy Texans.

Golden boy Trey Lewis, with his blond hair and Technicolor-blue eyes, is a leading man if Bobbi ever saw one. He's strong and confident and—much to her delight—usually shirtless. He thinks keeping his best friend's baby sister out of trouble will be easy. But he has no idea of the trouble in store for him...

I continue to listen to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. [Reading and listening on MP3.]  I am studying with the Tyndall One Year Bible this year, hoping to read daily along with my DH.

Line Edits: We are doing well with several more releases being prepared. I am also doing more Smashword conversions.

Now for March I have 17 on the list + 2 TBRs still to be determined so it should go nicely at about four a week. I have read and posted 8 reviews.  I hope to post 4 or 5 reviews this week. That will leave  a couple to roll into April Hmm- I may fall behind if I don't speed up this week. I still need to up the number of reviews each week to four.

MARCH Scheduled: 
3/27 Review + Cross the Line by Jack Patterson (Partners In Crime)
3/28+/- Review: Girl v Earl by Phillipa Ashley

Unscheduled 

Sourceboooks
     A Shot of Sultry by Macy Beckett

Hachette 
    Jake by R.C. Ryan

Thomas Nelson (through NetGalley invitation)
     An Angel by Her Side by Ruth Reid

Audios:
  For Audiobook Jukebox
     Did You Miss Me by Karen Rose

NetGalley:
(Maybe if I can fit it in) Hammer of Angels: A Novel of Shadowstorm by G. T. Almasi

Authors:
     Sportsman’s Bet by Judy Nichols
     Girl v. Earl by Phillipa Ashley

From TBR Collection - TBD
Won Book - Lady of Devices, a steampunk adventure novel (Magnificent Devices)
by Shelley Adina
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement March 24, 2013

Today is Palm Sunday. Our Pastor gave a message entitled "The Hands of God."  Pastor shared a story of a cowboy hearing the Palm Sunday story for the first time. The man marveled. He said: 'Jesus must have had amazing hands to bring calmness to an untrained colt while crowds shouted, waved branches and threw clothes before his path.' Those hands that hold the universe and created all things still reach out to us in daily acts.  They bring us comfort, healing, strength and peace.

Jesus made a triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem but the people were looking for a King, not a  Saviour/Reedemer. When you see the splendor of the world around you do you acknowledge the Creator? Are you willing to acknowledge the Savior? When we praise God we demonstrate what we believe to be ours - redemption and eternal life.

There is a song we are singing for Easter that includes the phrase:

"I am determined, ain't no rock ever takin' my place."
I searched out a song that speaks of the rocks singing out.

Verses for today:
Luke 19 (New International Version)
35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 
36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.
37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”[b]
“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”
40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

I thank God for creating the Universe, Earth and me. I thank Jesus for being the Kinsman Redeemer - for even me.  I will continually give thanks and praise, and worship Him.

Sharing Beyond Books #92 Comment Giveaway March 23, 2013

Hello, Welcome to SBB.
Ah - Saturday night. It's been a busy week back in the office. I had sort of a relaxing day today, taking my DH to a pot luck for afternoon socializing. I hope everyone else is doing well.
Thank you to all who shared last week.

I think Carol may have been surprised how few of you had read the Outlander series. If you like a Scottish hero, action and romance that reaches across time then you should enjoy this series. I think I will have to see The Spartans (suggested by nrlymrtl) to check those actors.

I guess I like more flowers than I realized as I kept agreeing with all the suggestions. :-) Roses got the most votes with 6, tulips were next with 4 and lilacs were chosen by 3.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #91 comments is: #20 Carol L, (fitting she wins on her own question!) who can make a book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #92 Questions

Q1. Becky asks: What are some questions you ask yourself when you're thinking of buying a book?

A:  When thinking about buying a book I consider a) if I like previous titles by the author; b) if I like the genre; c) if I like the blurb; d) if I think the heat level is acceptable; e) is the price acceptable and f) will I be able to fit reading it in my schedule ... sooner or later!

Image found at Taylor Books.

Q2. My non-bookish Question this week: What is your favorite juice?? (Guess I'm on a 'favorites' roll.)

A: My favorite juice may change from time to time. I used to like orange juice; then V8; but right now I like apple juice as it seems to give me some energy if I am really hot and tired.  

 Image found at My Health Master.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! We can always use fresh questions.

Your turn to share:

Q1. Becky asks: What are some questions you ask yourself when you're thinking of buying a book??

2. My non-bookish Question this week: What is your favorite juice??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the new Valentine and "Love" books  or the new Christmas Giveaway Books. Also I have added the Updated ARC/Review List now.
 
SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on any (or all) of the two/three questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made by Friday, March 29, 2013 at 10 PM central.