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Saturday, July 7, 2018

Audible Book Review: Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire

This has good elements for urban fantasy but didn’t grab me.
Discount Armageddon
InCryptid, Book 1
By: Seanan McGuire
Narrated by: Emily Bauer
Series: InCryptid, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 20 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-20-12
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Urban Fantasy
My Rating: Story and Audio: 3.75 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
Ghoulies. Ghosties. Long-legged beasties. Things that go bump in the night....
The Price family has spent generations studying the monsters of the world, working to protect them from humanity - and humanity from them. Enter Verity Price. Despite being trained from birth as a cryptozoologist, she'd rather dance a tango than tangle with a demon, and is spending a year in Manhattan while she pursues her career in professional ballroom dance. Sounds pretty simple, right? It would be, if it weren't for the talking mice, the telepathic mathematicians, the asbestos supermodels, and the trained monster-hunter sent by the Price family's old enemies, the Covenant of St. George.
When a Price girl meets a Covenant boy, high stakes, high heels, and a lot of collateral damage are almost guaranteed. To complicate matters further, local cryptids are disappearing, strange lizard-men are appearing in the sewers, and someone's spreading rumors about a dragon sleeping underneath the city....
©2012 Seanan McGuire (P)2012 Audible, Inc.


Review:
Verity Price is from a long line of monster hunters who broke away from the original Covenant of St. George. The Covenant believes in killing all monsters whether they are predators or not. The Price family line realized that some cryptids (other than human) are harmless and innocent. The Price family now train as cryptozoologists who study the cryptids, protecting them instead of killing them. They still need to defend themselves and the criptids so they train in all sorts of battle skills and weaponry. Verity’s favorite method of training is through dance but her family will only let her participate in dance under an assumed name and if she can show she still manages her true family purpose.

Verity has gained the privilege to be away from the family, living in Manhatten with a wonderful collection of special talking mice who love to Hail a new celebration almost every day. Verity works as a waitress at a local strip bar which is owned by a boogeyman. She participates in local dance contests hoping to advance to regional and national contests.

Verity stumbles into a trap set by a Covenant hunter in town scouting the monster situation. Their first encounter is less than friendly although they soon find themselves working together to help find local criptids who are going missing. Dominic and Verity encounter lizard-men in the sewer while investigating the missing women and a rumor about a dragon under the city.

I was drawn to the description of various monsters and monster hunters. There is plenty of action but for some reason I had trouble connecting with the main character. I don’t know if it was her portrayal as a young, rather careless warrior or the audio presentation just didn’t jive for me. I liked the secondary characters including Dominic, the Covenant hunter, and Verity’s friend/cousin Sara, a telepathic mathematician. There was more sexual discussion that I like, which isn’t unusual for the genre. As the story moved along I did enjoy the danger and the rescues. Although there are good elements for a strong beginning to an urban fantasy series, it just didn’t get me enthused. There are mixed reviews so take a peek at the inside of the ebook or listen to the sample and see if you want to give it a try.

Audio Notes: Emily Bauer provides a perky presentation with sometimes nasally and whiney sound. She does provide distinct character voices and energy. Still, the narration didn’t make the package work for me.

Source: 2016 Audible Credit Purchase after I saw this at Book Haven. This qualifies for 2018 TBR and Audiobook Challenge.

Friday, July 6, 2018

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 6, 2018

Happy Friday! Happy July!

This has been a busy week. We had a quiet 4th although we had both our country's BD and my husband's to celebrate! He was glad I stayed home from work. I spent the morning pulling weeds in the backyard. Then most of the afternoon packing clothes from my closet. Hubby put on Facebook to be careful of leaving clothes too long in the closet because they apparently shrink. Ha Ha!
We've had some rain to help cool down the 90+ temps. 

Here's wishing everyone a cool week of reading!

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 winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the June 29 Pick. There was one automatic wins this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. No title was blocked.
AUTO: Bn100 gets The Fireman's Fair.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from June 29 Pick:
Natalija gets a GC and
MaryP 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.}

Related image
I just couldn't resist this cover image. What do you think?
Image found at Goodreads.

New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018
Midnight Rainbow
Betrayal
Indigo Blue
By a Spider's Thread 
Johanna Lindsey Pair 
Judith Krentz Pair
Breaking Point

New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018
I thought I would look for some 'Springish' titles but that didn't happen. Hope someone finds a title or two you like.
PAIRS
Betty Neals: Tabitha by Moonlight and Fate Takes a Hand
Nora Robert: Hot Ice (spine creased) and Sanctuary
SINGLES:
My Lord Conqueror by Samantha James
Surrender by Pamela Clare
Dessert Rogue by Suzanne Simmons
The Rose and the Shield by Elaine Barrieri
Hannah’s Courtship by Emma Miller
Someone to Watch Over Me by Judith McNaught
Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
Heroes Are My Weakness by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
A Husband’s Wicked Ways by Jane Feather
Hot on Her Heels by Susan Mallery
Indigo Blue by Catherine Anderson
Between the Devil and Desire (Scoundrels of St. James Book 2) by Lorraine Heath (hardback)


New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
21 books remain of the original 37:

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
Echo Burning by Lee Child
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
Tempted All Night by Liz Carlyle
Day of the Dead by J.A. Jance
White Night by Jim Butcher
Five Gold Rings Anthology Constance O’Banyon and three others
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Depraved Heart by Patricia Cornwell
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Wizard’s Daughter by Catherine Coulter
Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks
The Wicked Wyckerly by Patricia Rice
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
Night Whispers by Judith McNaught
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff

 THESE BOOKS CHOSEN/WON ARE THE ONES STRICKEN HERE:
Finger Licken' Fifteen
How to Tame a Highland Warrior
The Texan
Total Control
Atlantis Found
Stephanie Laurens Pair
Desperado 
Rebellious Desires 
Forget Me Not 
The Eighth Commandment
Ghost Riders
The Manning Brides by Debbie Macomber 
Shadow Music 
Corbin's Fancy 
Hawk's Lady


This shelf of 35 books are what is left from Groups #1 (11/27/09) through Group #75 September 29, 2017
(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 14 titles.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
Named of the Dragon
Daring

Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
The New Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover)
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen

Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn 

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I found.
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
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
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

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 EIGHT years I have posted 75 groups of 16 (1,200) books to find new homes! (as of November 2, 2017).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,172+books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A month or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers 11/2/17 I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] 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!

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

MBS 2018 NetGalley & Edelweiss MId Year Update

http://bookishthingsandmore.com/2017/12/2018-netgalley-edelweiss-reading-challenge-sign.html

Welcome to the fifth annual Netgalley and Edelweiss Reading Challenge!
This Challenge is hosted by Bookish Things & More where the sign up and rules can be found

I selected the level I just barely made last year. I am behind a few titles and need to add more NetGalley reading to my schedule.
Gold – 50 Books
Ratings:
5.0 - none yet.
4.75 - 2
4.5 - 6
  1. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: What If God Wrote Your To-Do List? by Jay Payleitner; Christian Living, Inspirational, Religion & Spirituality; my rating 4.5.
  2. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Precisely at Midnight (Kinsman Book 2) by Joyce and Alexandra Swann; Christian, Inspirational, Holiday; my rating 4.25.
  3. NGTBR-#NetGalley Book Review: Rise of the Fallen: Wars of the Realm, Book 2 by Chuck Black; Action/Adventure, Christian, Fantasy; my rating 4.75.
  4. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: A Gem of a Problem by Irene Sauman; Cozy Mystery, Historical; my rating 4.5.
  5. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Battle Hymn (America Rising) by William C. Dietz; Alternate History, Military Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.0.
  6. NGTBR- #NetGalley Review: All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai; Alternate History, Sci Fi, Time Travel; my rating 4.0.
  7. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover by Susan Wittig Albert; Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth; my rating 4.0.
  8. NGTBR- #NetGalley Review: The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip; Fantasy, Magical, Romance; my rating 4.75.
  9.  NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: If I Live by Terri Blackstock; Christian, Mystery, Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.25.
  10. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Fade to Black by David Rosenfelt; Crime Thriller, Police Procedures; my rating 4.0.
  11. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Consent of the Governed by Bernard LoPinto; Dystopian, Political; my rating 4.0.
  12. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: In Wolves' Clothing by Greg Levin; Crime Fiction, Thriller; my rating 4.5.
  13. NGTBR-#NetGalley Book Review: The Edge of Memory by Maura Beth Brennan; Drama, Psychological Thriller, Suspense; my rating 4.0.
  14. NGTBR- #NetGalley Review: Mind Game: A Novel (Eve Duncan) by Iris Johansen; Crime, Thriller, Woman Sleuth; my rating 4.0.
  15. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Out of the Box by Jemma Westing; Children, Crafts; my rating 4.5.
  16. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Let There Be Light by Dan Gordon and Sam Sorbo; Christian, Inspirational; my rating 4.0.
  17. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: The Hills of Mare Imbrium by Carleton Chinner; Colonization, Sci Fi, Space; my rating 4.0.
  18. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Nick Newton is Not a Genius by S.E.M Ishida; Adventure, Clockwork, Middle Grade, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.
  19. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Lock 'N' Load (Federal K-9) by Tee O'Fallon; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.0.
  20. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Queendom of the Seven Lakes (Legends of the Godskissed Continent) by A B Endacott; Fantasy, Historical, New Adult; my rating 4.25.
  21. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: The Voice Inside by Brian Freeman; Crime, Psychological Thrillers; my rating 4.5.

MBS 2018 Audiobook Challenge Mid Year Update

2018 Audiobook Challenge Update:
2018 Audiobook Challenge

I am in good shape since my Challenge goal was:
Marathoner (Look Ma No Hands) 50+
I completed 79 Audiobooks in 2017 so I am well on my way to beating that.
5.0 - 4 overall plus 3 narration.
4.75 - 2
4.5 - 9
  1. A2018- Audible Book Review: Year One by Nora Roberts;Fantasy, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Supernatural; my rating 4.25.
  2. ATBR- Audible Book Review: One Year After by William R. Forstchen; Post-Apocalyptic, Thriller; my rating 4.25.
  3. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Storm Front: The Dresden Files, Book 1 by Jim Butcher; Fantasy, Paranormal, Private Investigator, Wizards; my rating 4.25.
  4. ATBR- Vintage Sci Fi - Audible Book Review: Time for the Stars by Robert A. Heinlein; Classic, Space Marine, Vintage Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.
  5. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Emerald Atlas, Books of Beginning; Fantasy, Middle Grade (ages 8-10), Siblings; my rating 4.25.
  6. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Ubik by Philip K. Dick; Classic, Sci Fi, Vintage; my rating 4.0.
  7. A2018- Audible Book Review: Island by Aldous Huxley; Classic, Vintage Sci Fi; my rating 2.0.
  8. ATBR- Vintage Sci Fi - Audible Book Review: X Minus One: A Gun for Dinosaur (March 7, 1956) by L. Sprague de Camp; Classic, Time Travel, Vintage Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.
  9. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Brothers in Valor, Man of War, Book 3by H. Paul Honsinger; Sci Fi, Military, Space Opera; my rating 4.5.
  10. A-ABB- Audible Book Review: River Rising, Carson Chronicles, Book 1, by John A. Heldt; Adventure, Time Travel; my rating 4.0.
  11. A-Author- Audio Review: The Earth Bleeds Red by Jackson Baer; Mystery, Thriller; my rating 4.0.
  12. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Scarlet, The Lunar Chronicles, Book 2, by Marissa Meyer; Adaptations, Alien, Fantasy, Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.
  13. ATBR- Audible Book Review: For We Are Many by Dennis E. Taylor; Sci Fi; my rating 4.75.
  14. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Golden Son, Red Rising Trilogy, Book II, by Pierce Brown; Dystopian, Fantasy, Sci Fi; my rating 5.0.
  15. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Dead Ever After, A Sookie Stackhouse Novel, Book 13, by Charlaine Harris; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.0.
  16. ATBR- Audio Book Review: If I Run by Terri Blackstock; Christian, Mystery, Suspense; my rating 4.25.
  17. A2018- Audible Book Review: If I'm Found by Terri Blackstock; Christian, Mystery, Suspense; my rating 4.25.
  18. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Hell Divers, The Hell DIvers Series, Book 1, by Nicholas Sansbury Smith; Dark Fantasy Sci Fi, Technothriller; my rating 4.0.
  19. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Quarter Share by Nathan Lowell; Mercantile, Sci Fi, Space Opera; my rating 4.5.
  20. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Lords of Space by Michael Wallace; Action, Sci Fi, Space Marine; my rating 4.0.
  21. ATBR- Audible Review: Xenos: Warhammer 40,000, Eisenhorn by Dan Abnett; Fantasy, Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.
  22. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Warship by Joshua Dalzelle; Sci Fi, Space Opera; my rating 5.0.
  23. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Fledgling by Nicole Conway; Dragons, Fantasy Adventure; my rating 4.25.
  24. ATBR- Audible Book: Across the Nightingale Floor, Tales of the Otori, Book One by Lian Hearn; Asian, Fantasy; my rating 4.25.
  25. ATBR- Goodreads Audio Book Review: She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith; Classic, Poetry & Drama; my rating 5.0.
  26. ATBR- Goodreads Audio Book Review: Dagon by H.P. Lovecraft, Booktrack Edition; Horror, Short Story; my rating 4.0.
  27. ATBR- The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wild; my rating 4.5.
  28. ATBR- Audiobook Review: The Mysterious Howling, Book 1 by Maryrose Wood; Children, Fantasy, Growing Up, Middle Grade; my rating 4.25.
  29. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Portrait in Death by J.D. Robb; Female Detective, Mystery; my rating 4.75.
  30. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Devil's Due: Destroyermen, Book 12, by Taylor Anderson; Alternate History, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.
  31. A2018Author- Audible Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Hunting in Bruges by E.J. Stevens; Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating 4.0.
  32. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Never Hero by T. Ellery Hodges; Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Time Travel; my rating 4.5.
  33. A2018- Audible Book Review: Start with Why by Simon Sinek; Business, Inspirational; my rating 4.0.
  34. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Cold, Cold Ground by Adrian McKinty; Irish, Mystery, Police Procedure; my rating 4.0.
  35. ATBR- Audible Book Review: NPCs by Drew Hayes; Fantasy, Humor; my rating 4.5.
  36. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Zombie Fallout, Book 1, by Mark Tufo; Horror, Humor, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.0.
  37. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Aspire by Kevin Hall; Communication, Inspirational, Self-Development; my rating 4.5.
  38. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Joshua by John S. Wilson; Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.
  39. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Geekerella by Ashley Poston; Adaptation, Fairy Tale, Romance; my rating 4.0.
  40. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Koban: The Mark of Koban, Volume 2 by Stephen W. Bennett; Alien Invasion, Colonization, Sci Fi, Space Opera; my rating 5.0.
  41. ATBRSYNC- Audio Book Review: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater; Fantasy, Romance, Teens, YA; my rating 4.0.
  42. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Vanished Man: A Lincoln Rhyme Novel by Jeffery Deaver; Detective, Police Procedures; my rating 4.5.
  43. ATBR- eBook Review: Audible Book Review: Leader of the Pack by David Rosefelt; Legal Thriller, Mystery; my rating 4.0.
  44. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Search by Nora Roberts; Contemporary, Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.0.
  45. A2018BR- Audible Book Review: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black; Bullying, Fae, Fantasy, YA; my rating 4.0.
  46. ATBR- Goodreads Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Nemesis by Larry Correia; Fantasy, Paranormal, Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.
  47. ATBR- Goodreads Audible Book Review: Trackers by Nicholas Sansbury Smith; Post Apocalyptic, Suspense; my rating 4.0; Narration 3.5.
  48. A2018- Goodreads Audible Book Review: A Rare Book of Cunning Device by Ben Aaronovitch; Fantasy, Shortstory, Supernatural Detective; my rating 4.0; Narration 5.0.
  49. ATBR- Goodreads Audible Book Review: Beneath the Skin The Sam Hunter Case Files By Jonathan Maberry; Fantasy, Paranormal, Short story Collection; my rating 4.5 for story (language); Narration and Overall 5.0.
  50. ATBR - Heartless by Mary Balogh; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5; Narration 5.0.




Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Audible Book Review: Heartless by Mary Balogh

I zipped right through enjoying this historical romance with conflict and suspense.
Heartless
By: Mary Balogh
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
Series: Georgian (Balogh), Book 1
Heartless audiobook cover art
Series: Georgian (Balogh), Book 1
Length: 14 hrs and 3 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 07-07-15
Language: English
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Georgian, Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0; Narration 5.0


Publisher's Summary
From New York Times best-selling legend Mary Balogh - the beloved author of Longing, Silent Melody, and Beyond the Sunrise - comes a ravishing novel of passion and duty, love, and menace....
Life has taught Lucas Kendrick, duke of Harndon, that a heart is a decided liability. Betrayed by his elder brother, rejected by his fiancée, banished by his father, and shunned by his mother, Luke fled to Paris, where he became the most sought-after bachelor in fashionable society. Ten years later fate has brought him back home to England as head of the family who rejected him. Unwilling as he is to be involved with them, he must assume responsibility for his younger siblings, the family estate he once loved - and the succession. He faces the prospect of marrying with the greatest reluctance - until he sees beguiling Lady Anna Marlowe across a ballroom one night.
Anna, far from being the bright-eyed innocent Luke takes her for, is no more a stranger to the shadows of a painful past than he is. But for her, marriage cannot so easily solve what is wrong in her life - not when a tormentor stalks her to the very doors of Bowden Abbey, where Luke and Anna must learn to trust in each other or risk any chance they may have for a happy future.
©1995 Mary Balogh (P)2015 Recorded Books.


Review:
This is engaging and charming! A little more sexual spice than I like which is surprising as this is a back title (1995 I think) set to audio.

Luke has steeled himself to block out love after losing his first love. He is a consummate dandy but all man, skilled at pistol, sword and women. He has returned from Paris to London at the request of his Uncle to take on the responsibilities of being a Duke and head of the family since his elder brother died two years before. He has been away since he was banished ten years before over a family quarrel. Although he hasn't thought about marriage, and doesn't have love to offer, he decides he should marry before going to face his country home and his widowed sister-in-law.

Lady Anna is a young woman of bright, sunny disposition which hides pain and secrets. She has not planned to marry due to the threat of a man in her not too distant past. But he has not returned from America and she decides to enjoy this taste of freedom in London.

Luke and Anna agree to marry after a three day acquaintance. They have much to learn about each other and the secrets begin to unravel on the wedding night. They both experienced betrayal in their past and current situations and have to reach beyond that if they are going to save their marriage.

I really enjoyed the tone of this story and I loved the growth and transition for these characters. There is good conflict and suspense that carries through to the end. I don't agree that Anna should have held her secrets so long but she had cause to be fearful. I really liked Emily as a character and other secondary characters added to the delightful package. I do enjoy this author highly recommend her stories to readers who love historical fiction.

Audio Notes: Rosalyn Landor is a wonderful narrator. She nails the voices and emotions and I love listening to her.

Source: 2016 Audible Sale Purchase. This is part of 2018TBR and 2018 Audio Challenge.

MBS June 2018 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2018 Reading List - JUNE
Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABJ = Audiobook Jukebox; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2017
Favorites for June: Beneath the Skin and Columbus Day

  1. ATBR- eBook Review: Audible Book Review: Leader of the Pack by David Rosefelt; Legal Thriller, Mystery; my rating 4.0.
  2. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Queendom of the Seven Lakes (Legends of the Godskissed Continent) by A B Endacott; Fantasy, Historical, New Adult; my rating 4.25.
  3. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Search by Nora Roberts; Contemporary, Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.0.
  4. LBCTBR-Book Review: Stranger Things by Erin Healy; Christian Suspense, Crime; my rating 4.5.
  5. A2018- Audible Book Review: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black; Bullying, Fae, Fantasy, YA; my rating 4.0.
  6. ATBR- Goodreads Audible Book Review: Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force #1) by Craig Alanson; Alien, First Contact, Sci Fi, Space Marine; my rating 4.75.
  7. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: The Voice Inside by Brian Freeman; Crime, Psychological Thrillers; my rating 4.5.
  8. ATBR- Goodreads Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Nemesis by Larry Correia; Fantasy, Paranormal, Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.
  9. ATBR- Goodreads Audible Book Review: Trackers by Nicholas Sansbury Smith; Post Apocalyptic, Suspense; my rating 4.0; Narration 3.5.
  10. A2018- Goodreads Audible Book Review: A Rare Book of Cunning Device by Ben Aaronovitch; Fantasy, Shortstory, Supernatural Detective; my rating 4.0; Narration 5.0.
  11. ATBR- Goodreads Audible Book Review: Beneath the Skin The Sam Hunter Case Files By Jonathan Maberry; Fantasy, Paranormal, Short story Collection; my rating 4.5 for story (language); Narration and Overall 5.0.
  12. 2018Author: Goodreads Review Lance: A Spirit Unbroken by Walter Stoffel; Animal, Dog, Memoir; my rating 4.5.
    Plus 17+ Children titles

I kept up with my goal to read more than 15 per month provided you count the children's titles. Although I haven't listed all of the children's titles at Goodreads, I am still 4 books ahead on my Goodreads Challenge.
Total read = 29; TBR = 9; New Authors = 9
Audio/Audible = 8 (6 TBRs)
eBook = 1 (0 TBRs)
NetGalley = 2 (2 TBRs)
Print = 1 (1 TBR)

Sunday, July 1, 2018

Sunday Post July 1, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 2, 2018

Sunday Post #318 Chairs, Compliance, and Storms
I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
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 am back home in the office working again to catch up. We are looking forward to our July 4 celebration even with temps in the 90s and possible rain.

My reading was good this week. I finished three books: 2 Audibles and 1 ebook. I  posted two reviews on the blog and three at Goodreads.  I did get to all of my usual memes.

I visited only 19 blogs again last week.
Shout Out this week to A Magical World of Words
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
  • Goodreads Review A2018- Audible Book Review: A Rare Book of Cunning Device by Ben Aaronovitch; Fantasy, Shortstory, Supernatural Detective; my rating 4.0; Narration 5.0.
  • #NetGalley Book Review: The Voice Inside by Brian Freeman; Crime, Psychological Thrillers; my rating 4.5.
  • Goodreads Review ATBR- Audible Book Review: Beneath the Skin The Sam Hunter Case Files By Jonathan Maberry; Fantasy, Paranormal, Short story Collection; my rating 4.5 for story (language); Narration and Overall 5.0.
  • LBC-Book Review: Stranger Things by Erin Healy; Christian Suspense, Crime; my rating 4.5.
Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (TBR)
A Rare Book of Cunning Device audiobook cover art


A Rare Book of Cunning Device
By: Ben Aaronovitch
Narrated by: Kobna Holdbrook-Smith
Length: 29 mins
This is a fun, quick mystery.
Goodreads review linked above.
Source: 2018 Free Audible Credit Purchase.
Publisher's Summary
Exclusive to Audio! Somewhere amongst the shadowy stacks and the many basements of the British library, something is very much amiss - and we're not talking late returns here. Is it a ghost, or something much worse? PC Peter Grant really isn't looking forward to finding out....
©2017 Ben Aaronovitch (P)2017 Audible Studios



2. Audible/Smartphone (TBR)
Beneath the Skin audiobook cover art


Beneath the Skin
The Sam Hunter Case Files
By: Jonathan Maberry
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Length: 4 hrs and 55 mins
I was really drawn into these stories. 
My Goodreads review is linked above.
Source: 2018 Audible Sale Purchase from 2017 Daily Deals.
Publisher's Summary
A collection of short stories featuring Sam Hunter, from best-selling author Jonathan Maberry!
Sam Hunter is a bit of an animal. He's a former Twin Cities cop who lost his badge because of excessive force. Abusive husbands, child molesters, and other lowlifes wound up looking like they'd been mauled by a dog...or a wolf.
Now Sam's a low-rent PI in Philadelphia. He takes the kinds of cases no one wants. His clients are usually on the fringes of society. The kind who are prey for all manner of predators - human and otherwise.
When Sam takes on a client, they become part of his pack, and no one protects their own better than a werewolf. At least the kind of werewolf like Sam, who comes from a long, long line of Benandanti - also known as "the hounds of God".
Stories in this collection include "Like Part of the Family", "Toby's Closet", "Crazy Town", "We All Make Sacrifices", and "A House in Need of Children".
©2016 Jonathan Maberry (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.



3. eBook/Kindle (Author)


Lance: A Spirit Unbroken
by Walter Stoffel
This was a sad and beautiful memoir of a mistreated dog.
My Goodreads review is linked above.

Source: Author Review offer.
Click on book title for full description.


These are some of the books I read to my grandchildren last week.



Currently Reading:
1. Print (LBCTBR)


The Letters (The Inn at Eagle Hill Book #1): A Novel
by Suzanne Woods Fisher
I haven't quite finished but am enjoying this!
Source: 2013 print copy;  2016 Kindle. This is for Ladies Book Club discussion July 14.
Click on book title for full description.



2. Audible/Smartphone (TBR)


Discount Armageddon
InCryptid, Book 1
By: Seanan McGuire
Narrated by: Emily Bauer
Series: InCryptid, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 20 mins
I thought I might like this "monster-hunter" fantasy.
Source: 2016 Audible Credit Purchase after I saw this at Book Haven.
Publisher's Summary
Ghoulies. Ghosties. Long-legged beasties. Things that go bump in the night....
The Price family has spent generations studying the monsters of the world, working to protect them from humanity - and humanity from them. Enter Verity Price. Despite being trained from birth as a cryptozoologist, she'd rather dance a tango than tangle with a demon, and is spending a year in Manhattan while she pursues her career in professional ballroom dance. Sounds pretty simple, right? It would be, if it weren't for the talking mice, the telepathic mathematicians, the asbestos supermodels, and the trained monster-hunter sent by the Price family's old enemies, the Covenant of St. George.
When a Price girl meets a Covenant boy, high stakes, high heels, and a lot of collateral damage are almost guaranteed. To complicate matters further, local cryptids are disappearing, strange lizard-men are appearing in the sewers, and someone's spreading rumors about a dragon sleeping underneath the city....
©2012 Seanan McGuire (P)2012 Audible, Inc.



3. eBook/Kindle (2017 NetGalley)


The After War: (Book One of The After War Series)
by Brandon Zenner
I really liked how this post apocalyptic has started. 
Source: 2017 NetGalley.
Two years have passed since humankind faced extinction: Two cousins are leaving the protection of their underground bunker for the first time, after a cataclysmic war and unrelenting disease ravaged the earth. On the other side of North America, a young survivalist is leaving the seclusion of his cabin deep in the woods, traveling with his aging canine companion, Winston. For individual reasons, these men are traveling east, where the fragmented lives of a small number of survivors will soon be decided by the choices of a corrupt few. Although they are not yet aware, the strength that resides inside them will soon be tested, and destiny will call for their fates to be forever intertwined. "A fierce post-apocalyptic story of war and loss, of nature's vengeance, of survival in the face of overwhelming odds." - Manhattan Book Reviews



4. Audible/Smartphone (TBR)
Heartless audiobook cover art


Heartless
By: Mary Balogh
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
Series: Georgian (Balogh), Book 1
Length: 14 hrs and 3 mins
I started this on my MP3 to listen while doing chores. I am so engaged I switched to the smartphone and am more than half way through!
Source: 2016 Audible Sale Purchase.
Publisher's Summary
From New York Times best-selling legend Mary Balogh - the beloved author of Longing, Silent Melody, and Beyond the Sunrise - comes a ravishing novel of passion and duty, love, and menace....
Life has taught Lucas Kendrick, duke of Harndon, that a heart is a decided liability. Betrayed by his elder brother, rejected by his fiancée, banished by his father, and shunned by his mother, Luke fled to Paris, where he became the most sought-after bachelor in fashionable society. Ten years later fate has brought him back home to England as head of the family who rejected him. Unwilling as he is to be involved with them, he must assume responsibility for his younger siblings, the family estate he once loved - and the succession. He faces the prospect of marrying with the greatest reluctance - until he sees beguiling Lady Anna Marlowe across a ballroom one night.
Anna, far from being the bright-eyed innocent Luke takes her for, is no more a stranger to the shadows of a painful past than he is. But for her, marriage cannot so easily solve what is wrong in her life - not when a tormentor stalks her to the very doors of Bowden Abbey, where Luke and Anna must learn to trust in each other or risk any chance they may have for a happy future.
©1995 Mary Balogh (P)2015 Recorded Books.


July1, 2018 - I am still enjoying the prayer app which gives me five prayer groups each morning! I continue on track with my morning reading the One Year Bible plan on my smartphone. You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.


I completed 3 books and completed 5 reviews. This gets me to just 1 review due. 
I need to find time to add more reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf is at 11; I still have one more author title in queue. Still many through InstaFreebie and many new author requests but I haven't replied to.


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 (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I didn't pick up any new review books this week although I am eyeing several.
I did get the SYNC Audios this week.
I resisted all the Audible daily deal titles and kindle bargain deals.

I did pick up some free kindle titles this week. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles
NONE


Won
NONE

Purchased
NONE

Free
I have not yet downloaded week 10 SYNC audio titles:

Macbeth by William Shakespeare Read by Josh Cooke, JD Cullum, Dan Donohue, Jeannie Elias, Chuma Gault, James Marsters, Jon Matthews, Alan Shearman, André Sogliuzzo, Kate Steele, Kristoffer Tabori, Joanne Whalley
The Curse of Crow Hollow by Billy Coffey Read by Gabe Wicks

I added 36 free titles to my Kindle library this week.  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 July 1, 2018

We went to Panama City Beach this morning to join our daughter’s family for church. The 9:40 service is a contemporary service designed for the young people. The music was good, if loud.

The minister leader shared a sermon titled The Goodness of God. He noted that even from his days in seminary he learned that all people have different understandings about God. Some perceive God’s aloofness, majesty and anger. Human, distorted views create a problem in understandings by the world, church and among Christians.

God's acts do not sustain us.
God's ways do sustain us.
God revealed his Goodness to Moses with compassion. Exodus 33:19.
At the heart of God's goodness is generosity.
God gives us life, hope, and joy in His word. True happiness comes from peace.

When you pray, how do you see God? With his arms crossed?
Goodness is not what God possesses. It is who He is. God is not good to you because you are good, but because He is good.
Sometimes God’s goodness is shown by his discipline of us. “Do not despise the Lord’s discipline.” Proverbs 3:11-12.

There are benefits in recognizing God’s goodness. God is our sun and shield; an unlimited source and unlimited protection. Psalm 84:11.

How does God reveal His goodness to us?
He loves us. Psalm 145:9.
He delivers us from trouble. Psalm 107.
In lostness and loneliness. In bondage. In foolishness. In natural occurrences.

What is our proper response? Our response is thanks.
God’s plan for man was always redemption; from the very beginning. In perfect time He sent His son. God's goodness is revealed through his son; through the death and resurrection. Romans 5:6-8.

We sang this song in worship this morning and I think it works with the message.
Verses for Today:
Romans 5:6-8 (NIV)
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Lord - I praise you and give you thanks continually for being so Good and loving to me, even when I don't deserve it. Help me to thank you each morning for the good You will do for me each day!

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Saturday, June 30, 2018

Sharing Beyond Books #347 Comment Giveaway June 30, 2018

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

I am back home playing catch up at work again. :-)

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Most of us, 13, have never put ourselves on a book buying ban. Mystica has successfully not purchased a book for four years! CarolL has done a 5 month ban mostly because her bookshelves were already full. Several people have a budget they have to maintain while several others will never ban their one true indulgence!

The Winner from SBB #346 comments is: #6 Linda who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post.

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #347
(One Question.)

MaryP asks: If you could choose to be reincarnated as an animal, what would you like to be and why??
This was hard to decide. Cat? Dog? Horse? I chose bird (if I can count that as an animal) as I think I would like to soar in the sky. So make that a majestic eagle. If bird doesn't count then a well loved horse so I could run fast on the ground and have human friends.
Image result for reincarnated as animal
Image found at Quiz Break.

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.
Miki, Natalija and MaryP shared the questions for June and each gets $2.50 credit.

Your turn to share. MaryP asks: If you could choose to be reincarnated as an animal, what would you like to be and why??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

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 July 14, 2018 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: Stranger Things by Erin Healy

I enjoyed this suspenseful story that weaves faith and a touch of supernatural.
Stranger Things
by Erin Healy
File Size: 1866 KB
Print Length: 357 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 7, 2014)
ASIN: B00DNBECVQ
Genre: Christian Suspense, Crime
My Rating: 4.5. of 5.0


In the burnt-out hollow, a house of dark secrets and an eerie beauty beckon.
Serena Diaz’s life is imploding. A troubled student has accused the young biology teacher of sexual misconduct, cutting off her promising career just as it was starting to blossom. But that’s just the beginning of Serena’s problems.
When a therapeutic walk in the woods leads her to a ruined house overtaken by criminals, Serena is assaulted and finds herself witness to the senseless murder of the one man who tries to help her.
Hurled into a world of false accusations and hounded by the press, Serena must confront evil itself to unravel the mysterious visions—and terrifying danger—that pursue her. But she can’t ignore the most haunting question: Why would a mysterious stranger give his life to save hers?
The answer, if she can find it, will point the way to her freedom from evil men in a lascivious trade.
“With her typical flair and eloquence, Healy takes readers through an incredible journey that will leave you thinking long after the last page closes.” —Lifeisstory.com
“Healy’s latest is thought-provoking and engaging, and becomes even more so as the story progresses. The author uses courageous characters to address the sex trade crisis. Themes of hope and redemption are seamlessly woven with spiritual elements and a touch of the supernatural.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 stars


Review:
Serena is a dedicated teacher who cares about her teen students. One of those students gets angry when his teacher’s grade threatens his scholarship. He speaks to his corrupt uncle to try take revenge by making false accusations against Serena.

Serena is shocked by the accusations and takes a drive out to a secluded wood where she likes to walk and reflect. She stumbles upon an old dilapidated house which seems to shimmer into something marvelous under a golden beam of sunlight. Serena isn’t aware that the house has been commandeered by criminals who are involved in human trafficking. A creepy man comes out of the house and grabs her, but another strange man steps out of the woods trying to pull her away. Serena witnesses the murder of the strange man who steps in front of her.

Serena is glad to have the help of her lawyer boyfriend. He has promised to resolve the accusations against her and to let the authorities know about the murder without getting her involved. Yet he doesn’t seem to be making progress and is dodging her many questions.

Soon Serena is tangled between the predators and the forces who are trying to stop them. She is experiencing confusing visions of young girls in fear and danger and young girls sharing laughter.

The author provides strong descriptions and the plot is well developed. This story is well written and full of good suspense with interesting twists and supernatural edges. I liked the characters and the struggles against the sinister leaders of the human trafficking ring. I also liked the faith aspects. I recommend this to readers who enjoy suspense with supernatural and faith elements.

Source: I picked up the print version at discount at Christianbook.com in 2016 for Ladies Book Club. This qualifies for 2018TBR.

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