Audible Book Review: Omega Rising: Omega Force, Book 1 by Joshua Dalzelle

This is an quick, fun space adventure with likable characters and good action.
Omega Rising: Omega Force, Book 1
Written by: Joshua Dalzelle
Narrated by: Paul Heitsch

Length: 6 hrs and 41 mins
Series: Omega Force, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-24-14
Publisher: Joshua Dalzelle
Genre: Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Jason Burke was a man hiding from himself in a small cabin high in the American Rocky Mountains when his simple, quiet life was shattered one night by what he first assumed was an aviation mishap. But when he investigates the crash, what he finds will yank him out of his self-imposed exile and thrust him into a world he could have never imagined. He suddenly finds himself trapped on a damaged alien spacecraft and plunged into a universe of interstellar crime lords and government conspiracies, along the way meeting strange new friends… and enemies. As he struggles to find his way back home he is inexorably drawn deeper into a world where one misstep could mean his death. Or worse. He desperately wants to get back to Earth, but it may be the end for him...or is it just the beginning?
©2013, 2014 Joshua Dalzelle (P)2014 Joshua Dalzelle

Review:
Jason Burke is a former military man who has suffered losses. He has chosen to live secluded in a small cabin in the Rocky Mountains. A quiet night is disturbed when he hears and sees what he believes to be an aviation crash. He arrives on site to offer aid but accidentally gets trapped in a damaged alien spacecraft. He discovers the ship is manned by a ‘synthetic’ (humanoid-like robot) named Deetz. Jason wonders why there are no other living beings and is surprised when Deetz asks him to stay on board as the commander and help complete a secretive mission.

Although Jason has some misgivings, it is hard to refuse the opportunity to be the first human to see Jupiter up close and step onto Mars! Fortunately the ship responds to Jason as the recognized commander. Deetz is very secretive of his mission and as the undisclosed cargo is being loaded, two small craft start firing on the ship. Jason picks up a local mechanic, Twingo, who was caught in the cross fire and Deetz whisks them away from the hostile pursuit.

Jason is glad to have a new friend in Twingo but they soon learn that Deetz has unhealthy business connections. A rather nasty mob leader coerces Jason into taking on a delivery run. An angry “Doc” (a medical geneticist) is added to the crew along with a few henchmen. Jason, Twingo and Doc begin to share notes and discover some common issues. They are soon making plans to release captured aliens, hoping they will be grateful for the rescue. Three unique characters are added to Jason’s crew in the process of completing the rescue and making their escape. This group declares themselves to be the Omega Force with the mission to help those who can’t help themselves.

I liked the opening of the book but the next two and a half hours is a bit drawn out setting the scene of Jason on the alien ship. After that the plot thickens with danger, action, conspiracy, betrayal and battle. Although the translators make the characters all seem human, they are not. I liked the newly added characters: Crusher, the giant warrior, Cage, the four armed computer hacker, and Lucky Seven, a mammoth battle synth.

The writing is straight forward making for easy listening. I enjoyed the easy pace, the creative plot, the good action and the light humor in this opening book. I look forward to enjoying more in the series. Readers who enjoy Star Wars or Firefly type episodes, might want to try this out.

Audio Notes: Paul Heitsch does a nice job with the narration. It may not be stellar but it captures the military tone and carries the varied alien voices. The narration enhanced my reading enjoyment and I recommend it for a quick listen.

I received this title through Audiobook Jukebox. It qualifies for my Audio Challenge.

Book Review: Joy to the Worlds: Mysterious Speculative Fiction for the Holidays by Four Authors

This is an engaging collection with mystery, time travel, humor and some creepiness!

Joy to the Worlds: Mysterious Speculative Fiction for the Holidays

by Maia Chance , Janine A. Southard, Raven Oak,G. Clemans

File Size: 3951 KB
Print Length: 298 pages

Publisher: Grey Sun Press (November 26, 2015)
ASIN: B014RK5UX0
Genre: Speculative Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

What do you get when you mix mystery and speculative fiction, then toss in the holidays for good measure? A mobster Santa, genetic hanky-panky, Victorian villages, time-travelling detectives, Krampus, eerie bell spirits, and more–this collection of short cross-genre fiction is the perfect counterpoint to traditional holiday reading!

This collection stars four authors, each with their own distinct style. National bestselling mystery author Maia Chance, who is famous for her cozy mysteries, dazzles with humor and folklore. IPPY award-winning science fiction author Janine A. Southard beguiles with unexpected time-travel science. Science fiction and fantasy bestseller Raven Oak offers a look into the gothic past. And for a whole new perspective, debut fiction author and art expert G. Clemans dives into the intersections of creativity and mystery.

Joy to the Worlds brings together eight short works that explore mysteries across time and space. Ranging from dark dystopian worlds to comedic retro-futures, four diverse writers find new ways to combine these disparate worlds into something everyone will enjoy.

Review:
This is an engaging collection although more dark than light. There are elements of Christmas, particularly folklore connections, but I think this need not be limited to holiday season reading. I liked meeting the new authors through two short stories each which gave me a good feel for their writing styles. I am inclined to look for longer works by a couple of the authors.

Wild Hunt by Janine A. Southard - my rating 4.25
Tyson Wallenstein is a preternatural (dead man) trying to prove his right to be part of the Wild Hunt. The hunt group, who are known as the best detectives…when not devouring miscreant souls… are out with King Herla trying to capture wayward pixies. Tyson is distracted by a local murder investigation while the Hunt continues on the original search. Tyson must prove his sleuthing expertise if he hopes to rise in the Hunt and gain his own hound dog.

The story has a nice writing flow with good description and well developed mystery. I enjoyed the humor that made the dead huntsman engaging.

Escape from Yorktown by G. Clemans - my rating 4.0
Lizzy is a teenager living in a galactic, live museum. Victorian Yorktown is a tourist town on an isolated planet where the inhabitants are stuck as full time reenactment characters. Lizzy is frustrated by her isolation but her mother is the Old Yorktown manager. Lizzy’a life gets excitement from an unplanned visit from J.D., the teenage son of the President of the Galaxy. He has slipped his security team but his father declares that he has been kidnapped. As Lizzy and her friend Cab try to hide J.D., they begin to run into bizarre clues that point to rebellion and conspiracy. J.D. may be in danger from threats but the biggest threat may be closer to home than anyone realizes.

This story is light with YA elements. I did enjoy the puzzle features that the youths unraveled. There were secrets but not a lot of awe in this piece.

Odysseus Flax & The Krampus by Maia Chance - my rating 4.25
This bit of darkness features a Krampus, a judgmental demon character who comes out on Christmas eve to capture bad boys or girls in his basket. The protagonist, Odysseus Flax, is an unlikely hero. His occupation is stealing from criminals. He inadvertently got off the train at the wrong station and finds himself the framed first for robbery, then kidnapping and worse. Odysseus has to hunt down the real Krampus if he wants to save his own reputation… and neck.

What I noted most in this story was the author’s wonderful ability at storytelling. It reminded me of a good ghost tale told in the dark around a campfire. There is a unique, steampunk element of surprise that caps the ending.


Ol’ St. Nick by Raven Oak - my rating 4.25
This is a version of the murder in a locked room. It is set on a spaceship and the victim is a mobster traveling under the alias of St. Nick. The dead man’s name really is Nick and he is the estranged father of the Captain of the crew who is taking the abandoned ship as salvage. Since the murder occurred after the crew boarded the disabled craft, everyone is suspect until they can be eliminated.

In addition to the mystery the story dealt with some prejudices, pitting the crew members against each other. The story also laughs at some holiday myths. I liked the space setting, the fast paced mystery and the alien crew member.

Bevel & Turn by G. Clemans - my rating 4.25
Anyone who has ever had or seen a Christmas whirligig (spinning angels or characters propelled by the candle heat) will enjoy this story built on wood crafting and a curse. Georgia comes from a long family line of wood crafters. Unfortunately many of her ancestors suffered serious accidents from their craft. Georgia’s parents seemed to have escaped the craftsman’s curse and they are hoping Georgia will too. However Georgia’s beloved Aunt and the prized three-tiered Christmas tower have disappeared and Georgia is obsessed with building a new whirligig in shop class. A new boy in class, Caleb, steps up to help Georgia finish her special project before winter break. Together they make a macabre discovery about the whirligig and the curse in Georgia’s family.

I enjoyed the time traveling element and the German history peppered through the story. The folk tale and history features show good research used to create a new tale.

Death Node by Janine A. Southard - my rating 4.25
This tale takes the reader on a time warp where alternate realities occur … either in spite of, or because of the time travel. The chapters jump between different times, past and present, as Marie Postrel, fulfills a mission to travel back in time. At first the style was a bit confusing but once I realized the author was presenting different time scenarios it became quite intriguing. It isn’t quite clear if Marie is to keep the directive of observation only or if she is being sent to proactively impact the people in the past in an effort to change the future. And perhaps the purpose changes with the timeline. I felt there were obvious clues that the reader gets but the time traveler misses. The ending is not the result I would have wished for but it makes for an engaging story.

The Ringers by Raven Oak - my rating 4.75
This is a story with a different tradition of bells and death, and fresh and twisted magic. The Ringers are soul eating wraiths that roam the town of Dekwood five nights before the Yule. The town people are oppressed and defeated in their daily drudgery with little hope of escape or change.
Elise is a fourteen year old girl hoping to enter the Acadame to study magic. Her father has always worked hard to set aside funds to support her efforts but now they have fallen on hard times. They move to Dekwood where magic is forbidden but Elise is not willing to settle for the depressing surroundings. When a friend who tries to help her disappears, Elise is even more determined to uncover the dark magic that is killing the community.

The story is creepy in a fascinating way. The plotting is precise and the story well-told. Even with the dark magic the author’s wonderfully creative imagination is revealed.


Mr. And Mrs. Mistletoe by Maia Chance - my rating 4.0
This story is a retro-future tale set in the 1950s that uses a theme along the line of The Stepford Wives. The local doctor tries to convince the spinster librarian, Miss Pynne, that she needs to find a mate. He reels her into an elaborate scheme by asking her to hunt down the missing Mistletoe Trophy. As she interviews the winners and scheduled contestants she begins to see several motives and bizarre likenesses in children of similar ages.

This is a bit funny crazy as well as creepy. I really liked the creative world of hover pads, Hooverpets and Robarmaids.

I received this title through NetGalley for an honest review. It is part of my NetGalley Challenge

Sunday Post November 29, 2015/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 30, 2015

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

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 lovely week visiting in Biloxi for Thanksgiving with family. I even got to drive the RV part way home. I was nervous but I did just fine.
My reading and listening went well with four books completed. I finished two audiobooks, and two ebooks . I posted three reviews, a Thanks from a reader and the usual memes.

I enjoyed visiting other bloggers again at the beginning of the week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post November 22, 2015/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 29, 2015.

• Book Review and Giveaways (print and ebook): You Know What I'm Sayin'?: Poetry * Drama by Daniel García Ordaz; Poetry, Drama, English/Spanish; my rating 4.5. Ends 12/1/15

• Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Steal Me (NYPD's Finest) by Lauren Layne ; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5. Ends 11/29/15.

• Happy Thanksgiving from a Reader.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 27, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/4/2015.

• Audio Review: Special Talents: Goon Squad, Vol. 1 by Jonathan L. Howard; Sci Fi, fantasy; my rating 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #229 Comment Giveaway November 28, 2015; Open Worldwide. Ends 12/5/15.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 29, 2015.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Joy to the Worlds: Mysterious Speculative Fiction for the Holidays
by Maia Chance , Janine A. Southard, Raven Oak,G. Clemans
I liked this different collection - 
several time travel stories.
I will post the review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3

Omega Rising: Omega Force, Book 1
Written by: Joshua Dalzelle
Narrated by: Paul Heitsch
This is another Sci Fi that I chose
and received through Audiobook Jukebox.
This was an engaging start to a space series.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/MP3

Silent Night, Holy Night:
A Colleen Coble Christmas Collection
Written by: Colleen Coble
Narrated by: Devon O'Day
I thought this would be perfect for the season.
The stories are okay but not as good as I hoped.
This was on my TBR Audible shelf.
Publisher's Summary
Tis the season for mystery and romance featuring characters from two of Colleen Coble’s most popular series!
As Christmas day nears, Bree Matthews and her faithful search-and-rescue dog Samson follow the trail of a troubling mystery into the snowy forests of Rock Harbor.Newlywed Bree Matthews and her husband Kade are preparing for Christmas guests when word arrives that a parachuter has disappeared in the North Woods, along Lake Superior's icy shore. Bree and Samson plunge into the search.
Will this snowy, silent night search lead Bree and Samson to the missing girl?
Holy Night
One sinister phone call has derailed their Christmas wedding. Will it keep them apart forever?Leia and Bane are looking forward to their long-awaited Christmas wedding on the beach. Everything is going as planned - until Leia's phone rings and her world skids out of control. A muffled voice informs Leia that her sister has been kidnapped and will be killed unless Leia calls off the wedding without explanation - and no police. If she disobeys instructions and tells Bane, she'll risk her beloved sister's life. But can she handle this trauma without his help? And will he ever trust her again if she lies to him now?
Irresistible romance meets thrilling suspense in this holiday update to USA Today best-selling author Colleen Coble's Aloha Reef series.
©2014 Thomas Nelson Publishers (P)2014 Thomas Nelson Publishers

4. ebook/Kindle

Sheltering Hearts (Virgin River Book 11)
by Robyn Carr
I liked this novella which focuses on the needs of single mothers.
This is Book 9 for my TBR Pile Challenge.

Currently reading:

1. Audible/MP3

Suspect
Written by: Robert Crais
Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews
I didn't re-read the blurb
so I was a bit surprised as this started.
I am loving this audio at 37% in.
This is from my Audible TBR shelf.
Publisher's Summary
Audie Award Finalist, Thriller/Suspense, 2014
For 25 years, Robert Crais has written extraordinary novels of crime and suspense. He is "a master of crime fiction" (Associated Press); "his novels get better with every new book" (Portland Oregonian); "Crais is hands-down the world’s greatest crime writer" (The Huffington Post).
But in Suspect, he may have written his most remarkable novel of all.
LAPD cop Scott James is not doing so well, not since a shocking nighttime assault by unidentified men killed his partner, Stephanie, nearly killed him, and left him enraged, ashamed, and ready to explode. He is unfit for duty - until he meets his new partner.
Maggie is not doing so well, either. The German shepherd survived three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan sniffing explosives before she lost her handler to an IED and sniper attack, and her PTSD is as bad as Scott’s.
They are each other’s last chance. He was a young cop on the rise; she was bred to guard and protect. Now they are shunned and shunted to the side. They are suspect. And together they will set out to investigate the one case that no one wants them to touch: the identity of the men who murdered Stephanie.
Nine months and sixteen days later, they remained free. They were still out there.
What they begin to find is nothing like what Scott has been told, and where it will lead them will take them both through the darkest moments of their own personal hells. Whether they will make it out again, no one can say.
Thrilling, emotional, intense, with some of the best characters and well-crafted writing in all of crime fiction, Suspect is further proof that "Crais just keeps getting better" (Publishers Weekly).
©2013 Robert Crais (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

2. eBook/Kindle

The 12 Brides of Christmas Collection: 12 Heartwarming
Historical Romances for the Season of Love
by Mary Connealy (Author), Diana Lesire Brandmeyer (Author), Margaret Brownley (Author), & 9 more
At 546 pages in length this may take the week.
This is (might be) my last NetGalley title to be read for the year.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (Print)

A Change of Fortune (Ladies of Distinction Book #1)
by Jen Turano
 I purchased this book in print for Ladies Book Club.
(I purchased it at Amazon for my reading.)
This is our November read to be discussed 12/5/15.
Lady Eliza Sumner is on a mission. After losing her family, her fiance, and her faith, the disappearance of her fortune is the last straw. Now, masquerading as Miss Eliza Sumner, governess-at-large, she's determined to find the man who ran off with her fortune, reclaim the money, and head straight back to London.
Much to Mr. Hamilton Beckett's chagrin, all the eyes of New York society--all the female ones, at least--are on him. Unfortunately for all the matchmaking mothers and eligible daughters, he has no plans to marry again, especially with his hands full keeping his business afloat and raising his two children alone.
When Eliza's hapless attempts to regain her fortune put her right in Hamilton's path, sparks instantly begin to fly. The discovery of a common nemesis causes them to join forces, but with all their plans falling by the wayside and their enemies getting the better of them, it will take a riot of complications for Hamilton and Eliza to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along.
"Set in New York City circa 1880, Turano's historical romance has witty dialogue, a spunky heroine, a bounty of humor, and a fast-paced plot. There are wonderful secondary characters, too, including an ankle-biting boy, a relentlessly matchmaking mother, and a full cast of despicable villains. A Change of Fortune will make a delightful addition to any library." --Booklist (starred review)
"Turano's charming story of losing and gaining both wealth and love in 1880s New York City will certainly please fans of witty and classic romance stories."--RT Book Review
"[A] delightfully lighthearted debut novel."--Desert News

October 1, 2015- I am still up to date on Bible reading and greatly enjoying the readings-- It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning. I am reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I am also listening to the companion commentary online.

I posted three reviews last week which keeps me up to date with four for this week. I finished one NetGalley selection and added the last one on my shelf -- at the time. (There is one other but it has to be read on the computer so I'm not sure if I will get to it so I haven't been counting it.)
I have read 9 of my 12 TBR Pile books.  The last three are full novels so I will have to read one a week after the Netgalley reading is complete.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

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) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I did select one NetGalley title for 2016.
I purchased one kindle title at $.26.
And of course I added more free kindle titles to my library.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I picked out on;y one title at NetGalley although I have my eye on a couple others for 2016:

Night Study
by Maria V. Snyder
This releases in January 26, 2016 so I can save it for January reading.
I really like this series and thought I would see if it was available at NetGalley since I saw other bloggers reading it.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I stumbled across this for the strange, but very affordable (click) price of $.26.

A Texas Christmas: Six Romances from the Historic Lone Star State Herald the Season of Love
Ramona K. Cecil, Lena Nelson Dooley, Darlene Franklin, Pamela Griffin, Cathy Marie Hake, Kathleen Y'Barbo
This looked charming and I couldn't resist at the price. :-)

Free

Over the past week I added 48 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement November 29, 2015

I had prepared thoughts from an older Sunday School message but then I was directed to a different song and brief message for the conclusion of Thanksgiving week.
I gave a short devotional a week ago for our Women's Club. I found the wisdom in a sweet book, Tell Me Again Lord I Forget by Ruth Harms Calkin. The message was that we are often ready to give thanks for blessings but do we ever stop to give thanks for the divine "No"?
Another woman shared that her pastor son reminds her that God answers prayer in four ways: Yes, No, Not Now and I have a better plan.

I found this song Saturday night while preparing for this post and it fits perfectly.

Verse for Today
James 1:12 NIV
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”


As I gave thanks this past week, I was mindful to give thanks for the times God told me "No" and "I have a better plan". In ALL things, Lord - I give thanks to YOU.

Sharing Beyond Books #229 November 28, 2015

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
I hope everyone has had a lovely week and maybe a little time to relax. Our weather started the week cold but finished beautifully. We've had a grand visit with our son and family. :-)

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Most of us (eight) had not seen bookish accessory blogs/ads. Also most of us agreed that it wouldn't change our choices. Two think it is too early to think about gifts for Christmas and two only want books, with a third only wanting adult coloring books.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #228 comments is: #10 Linda  who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. I'm hoping to update the book choices - maybe the beginning of next year, lol. Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #229 (One Question.)

Nikki asks: 1) If you were given the choice of getting one book, would it be a book from a brand new and positively reviewed series or would it be a book from a series you are currently collecting??

This is such a hard question and one I face often. When I am choosing a review book or how to "spend" my audible credits I am often weighing the choice of picking the next title in a series I love or am collecting or picking a book from a new series. I try to get to both. However, based on my last few Audible choices I think I have chosen books in series I am currently collecting. Three examples: The Monster Hunter Series; The Destroyermen Series; The Andy Carpenter Series.

 There is truth in this quote. :-)
Image found at Lifehack.

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! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.
THE COMMENTS IN NOVEMBER WERE FROM: bn100, Elizabeth, Miki and Nikki. The Comment winner for November is ELIZABETH.

Your turn to share:
Nikki asks: 1) If you were given the choice of getting one book, would it be a book from a brand new and positively reviewed series or would it be a book from a series you are currently collecting??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question 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 through Saturday December 5, 2015 at 5 PM central.

Audio Review: Special Talents: Goon Squad, Vol. 1 by Jonathan L. Howard

This is fun listening entertainment in the style of Marvel superheroes – with offbeat talents!
Special Talents: Goon Squad, Vol. 1
Written by: Jonathan L. Howard
Narrated by: Gabrielle de Cuir

Length: 4 hrs and 42 mins
Series: Goon Squad, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:08-25-15
Publisher: Blackstone Audio Inc. and Skyboat Media, Inc.
Genre: Sci Fi, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
An ongoing, episodic "prose comic" from which the pictures are summoned by the magic of words, Goon Squad is set in a version of modern-day Manchester. Its biggest divergence from the real city is that it - along with most other large urban centers - has a team of superheroes to protect it against unusual threats with which the conventional forces of law and order would have problems.
Goon Squad, Volume 1: Special Talents is composed of six tales: "The New Girl", "Nightclubbing", "By the Water, by the Grave", "Changes", "No-No Dojo", and "Exterminating Angel" as well as an introduction read by the author.
©2015 Jonathan L. Howard (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc., and Skyboat Media, Inc.

Review:
Nadiya has a very special talent. At one time she was part of a minor crime group and earned the name “puppet girl”. Over the past year Nadiya has succeeded in suppressing her skill. Then a quick stop at a local mini-market changes her life. She is present when two young thugs commit armed robbery, knocking an older woman to the floor. Nadiya watches the thugs exit the store and her anger grows. She loses her control and manages to bring down the thugs and hold them until the cops arrive. Nadiya is taken to the police station before she can leave town. She expects trouble but is surprised when a man, who has previously warned her, appears to interview her. Nadiya is surprised to be recruited to an unusual crime group – the special talents force - known to the others as “the Goon Squad”.

Nadiya meets her three new team mates, each with their own special talent. Ian is clearly a “dead man” walking, Gilbert appears to be a geek interested in history, and Tessler is a huge metallic robot. Nadiya isn’t told of their skills, and they don’t learn the full extent of her abilities, until they are suddenly called into action. Although there is some stumbling in the pursuit of the gangsters they are after, the Goon Squad, working together, finally manage to complete their assignment.

Think of The X Men or Marvel superheroes with unusual - as in paranormal - talents. This very fun story starts with an introduction from the author that begins: “Hello, and welcome to the first volume of the Goon Squad saga. I’m Jonathan L. Howard, and I wrote it, so I’m to blame. Sorry about that.” No need to be sorry. I found the characters and stories delightfully fun and the sound effects included in the audio book add to the entertainment. The first story, The New Girl, sets the stage, introducing Nadiya to the squad. "Nightclubbing" is her first experience in the field which could have gone better if she had been prepped. "By the Water, by the Grave" continues the team’s efforts to capture the mobster, Des Garbo, as they track him through a graveyard. "Changes" shares some difficulties that Ian has observed over the years, while "No-No Dojo" gets Nadiya some desperately needed training. In the final installment, "Exterminating Angel", the team faces a truly deadly power that takes some non-human help to overcome.

The characters are developed through the short story collection. The stories fit together like an old time radio serial. The author’s wonderfully creative imagination and humor quickly shine through. I will definitely look to pick up Volume two in the audio format for more unusual crime fighting stories from the Goon Squad. The stories are available individually in eBook format.

Audio Notes: Gabrielle de Cuir does a great job with each of the voices, British and others. The underlying humor comes through easily in the narration and the sound effects enhance the listening experience. This is a quick listen (under five hours) of entertainment that I recommend in audio format.

I received this title through Audiobook Jukebox. It qualifies as part of my Audio Challenge.

#1 The New Girl; #2 Nightclubbing; #3 By the Water, by The Grave; #4 Exterminating Angel

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 27, 2015

Happy Friday.
We had a lovely Thanksgiving day with our son, d-i-l and granddaughter. We are visiting with our RV. 
There is one more week of double winners. {As I noted last week I celebrate Friday Pick's anniversary (year 6) during the month of November. I like to award extra wins in November so this week and the next three weeks will have some extra winners. I have now posted 62 groups of 16 books so the total books up for grabs has come to 992! Happy Picking!}

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up too late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two + TWO (from 11/6 - 11/27) winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the November 20 Pick. There were THREE automatic wins this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were no blocked titles.
AUTO: Betty gets Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook
Di gets The Bride Thief 
and Alyn gets the Jane Feather Pair

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from November 20 Pick:
Becky gets The Joan Johnston Pair

Jess1 gets The DeBurgh Bride
CarolL gets A Highlander for Christmas
Marjorie gets a GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

I don't know if the turkey got to read but I read three Thanksgiving books to our Sweetpea!

Image found at Inspiring Moms.

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015
(I was getting ready to leave the office and realized I hadn't taken the photo of the books yet.
I took this very quickly. I may try to get another next week but this will have to do for now.)

PAIRS
Joan Johnston – Colter’s Wife and The Rivals
Nora Roberts – Born in Ice and Carnal Innocence
SINGLES
The Wedding Night by Jane Ann Krentz
The Marriage Prize by Virginia Henley
In Shelter Cove by Barbara Freethy
Into the Valley by Rosanne Bittner
Never Look Back by Linda Lael Miller
The Sleeping Doll by Jeffery Deaver – CD Audiobook
Touch Me by Beverly Rae (personally autographed)
Driven by Desire by LuAnn McLane (personally autographed)
To Marry a British Lord by Judith Obrien
A Highlander For Christmas by Sandy Blair
A Midnight Clear by Katherine Stone (slight seam creasing)
Silver Bells by JoAnn Ross, Fern Michaels, Mary Burton, Judy Duarte


New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015
After I noticed the trend I went on a hunt for “bride” titles. I even pulled a couple from some of my long time collections(*). (But they are not getting read on my shelves.)

PAIRS:
Leigh Greenwood –  The Reluctant Bride and The Independent Bride
Jane Feather(*) – The Hostage Bride and The Accidental Bride
SINGLES:
The de Burgh Bride by Deborah Simmons
The Forever Bride by Evelyn Rogers (Seam creasing)
Short Straw Bride by Dallas Schultz
The Bride Thief by Susan Spencer Paul
Bride by Stella Cameron (Seam creasing) (*)
An Unwilling Bride by Jo Beverley (*)
Bride Enchanted by Edith Layton
The Maiden Bride by Linda Needham (hardback)
Bride of Lochbarr by Margaret Moore (*)
The Ideal Bride by Stephanie Laurens (*)
Honor’s Bride by Galye Wilson
A Necessary Bride by Debra Mullins
Border Bride by Deborah Hale


New Book Group #60 September 18, 2015
A set of "haunting" tales and a few mysteries for October!

Shannon Drake –  Realm of Shadows (Alliance Vampires#4) 
SINGLES:
Bloody Good by Georgia Evans
Cat of Nine Tales by Deborah Macgillivray
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Renegade Hunter by Lynsay Sands
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)


New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015
A few more summer titles, historicals and mysteries!

ANTHOLOGIES:
Broken Vows, Mended Hearts by Lynn Stone, Gail Ranstrom and Anne O'Brien
3,2,1 Married! by Sharon Sala, Marie Ferrarella and Beverly Barton
SINGLES:
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels
Little Girl Lost by Shirlee McCoy
You Don't Know Jack by Erin McCarthy

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015
-- A few summer titles, a few mysteries, a few historicals...

SINGLES:
Sevant, The Awakening by L.L. Foster

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015

SINGLES:
A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess by Trish Morey
Rally Fever by Crea Jones

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

SINGLES:
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

SINGLES:
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes


BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Commander by Kate Bridges
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
Tara Taylor Quinn: Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Death Angel by Linda Howard

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in almost six years I have posted 62 groups of 16 (992) books to find new homes! (as of November 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 899+ books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

Happy Thanksgiving from a Reader

I thought I'd make this an author's quotes for Thanksgiving.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! GIVE THANKS!
Have a beautiful day with loved ones.

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Steal Me (NYPD's Finest) by Lauren Layne

This is an engaging and well done romantic suspense.

Steal Me (NYPD's Finest)
by Lauren Layne

• File Size: 582 KB
• Print Length: 352 pages
• Publisher: Forever (November 24, 2015)
• ASIN: B00U6DNY7W

Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

IN HOT PURSUIT
Being a cop might be in Anthony Moretti's blood, but protecting and serving the city of New York has always been more than just the family business. If that means his love life stays locked up, well then that's just another sacrifice made in the line of duty. That is, until he sets eyes on the gorgeous new waitress at The Darby Diner and suddenly Anthony's morning coffee is leaving him a whole lot more hot and bothered than usual.
Though waitressing at The Darby isn't exactly Maggie Walker's dream job, it pays the bills and gives her time to work on her novel. Now if only she could stop fantasizing about gorgeous Anthony Moretti every time he sits down at her table, she'd really be in great shape. But when he needs her help identifying a criminal threatening The Darby-and Maggie recognizes her ex-husband-she fears her fresh start might be a pipe dream. Faster than a New York minute, Maggie and Anthony find themselves in one perilous pursuit that only gets hotter with each and every rule-breaking kiss.

Review:
Maggie enjoys serving food to the Moretti family who visit The Darby restaurant. They are warm and friendly towards her – except Anthony. When he isn’t scowling at her for spilling drink or food on him, he is gruffly reminding her to call him “Captain”. Maggie doesn’t want to spend years waitressing, but right now it pays the bills as she writes her first novel. She is recovering from her divorce to her shiftless ex-husband, Eddie. Her efforts to save have also been tapped by her alcoholic father and wastrel brother. Maggie has a history of letting men in her life ‘use her’, leaching money, as well as emotions.

Anthony is focused on following in his father’s footsteps all the way to Police Commissioner. He has recently been promoted to Captain but has run into a stumbling block of a crime spree. A petty thief is roaming town stealing minor items and leaving his calling card – a smiley sticker. Anthony is frustrated by the frequency of the thefts especially as the media hypes up how the robber, known as ‘Smiley’, is eluding the police.

Anthony and Maggie are at arm’s length until she spots a sketch of the thief in the papers he is studying over lunch. Maggie recognizes that face and presents the best lead in the case.

Maggie is the only informant on his top case and Anth knows he should be staying away from her. Besides, Anthony has reason to think his work and a relationship can never mix. Too bad emotions and attraction don’t always stay logically in control. The case heats up and so does their relationship. Maggie wants to help, but doesn’t want to just be used for the case. Is there any way to avoid a crash for Anth and a heartbreak for Maggie?

I enjoyed the tone of this novel from the very beginning. You could tell that Maggie and Anthony are characters who would dance away from each other until something brings them together. Ms. Layne does a great job of mixing the chemistry and building the tension. The mystery develops strength alongside the reluctant relationship. Ultimately there are two pretty heavy sexual encounters but they were nicely done with a lot of steam, and no real crassness.

The large Moretti family make for great secondary characters and I would anticipate stories for each of the other siblings. This is the second book after Frisk Me, the story for Luc.  I would be interested in reading more novels by Ms. Layne. I recommend this title to readers who enjoy sexy romance with great build up and a sound plot as a foundation.

I received this title through NetGalley for tour review and feature for Forever Romance.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1kbncdn
B&N: http://bit.ly/1RUCX2P
iBooks: http://apple.co/1WwEbry
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1klj9Ls
BAM!: http://bit.ly/1l87YpG
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1NQnHDk

About Lauren Layne
A long-time romance reader, Lauren Layne thinks the only thing better than reading about happy endings is writing them. She now pursues a full-time career in Happily Ever After, a job she's naturally suited for after marrying her high school sweetheart. A bit of a nomad, Lauren's lived everywhere from Orange County to Manhattan, and currently lives in the Seattle-area. Her hobbies include coffee by day, wine by night, and lots of writing in between. She's also a total website nerd and insists you check out laurenlayne.com!

http://laurenlayne.com/

https://twitter.com/_LaurenLayne

https://www.facebook.com/LaurenLayneAuthor/?fref=ts

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