Mailbox Monday June 21, 2010

This Meme starts with Marcia at The Printed Page


Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I received Risk No Secrets (Black Ops, Inc.) by Cindy Gerard.
This was a win from Romance in the Backseat.  Thank you Terry.

Product Description

A deadly international mission reunites a sexy Black Ops, Inc. hero and his sizzling former love in Cindy Gerard’s seductive new romantic thriller. A RED-HOT ATTRACTION . . .Twelve years of chasing bad guys didn’t erase beautiful Sophie Baylor from Wyatt Savage’s memory. If he had another chance, he’d never let her leave. So when she tracks him down from El Salvador and begs for help, he doesn’t ask questions—he just goes.STARTS WITH A TERRIFYING THREAT . . .Sophie is grateful her daughter survived a kidnapping attempt, but she won’t forgive herself until the girl who was mistakenly abducted is safe. Wyatt is the only man brave enough to take on the mysterious terrorists behind the crime—and the one irresistible man she wishes she had never let go. . . . AND UNLEASHES AN UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE.Sophie knows Central America’s steamy jungles and sticky politics better than anyone. Yet she refuses to hide in fear. Then she becomes the enemy’s number one target. Wyatt lost her once, and he won’t lose her again—even if he has to fight, kill, or die to save her.

I also received The Postmistress by Sarah Blake from The Book Studio. Thank you Book Studio.

What would happen if a postmistress chose not to deliver the mail?

It is 1940. While the war is raging in Europe, President Roosevelt promises he won't send American boys over to fight.

Iris James is the postmistress of Franklin, Massachusetts a small town at the end of Cape Cod. She firmly believes her job is deliver and keep people's secrets, to pass along the news of love and sorrow that letters carry. Faithfully she stamps and sends the letters between people such as the newlyweds Emma and Will Fitch, who has gone to London to help out during the Blitz. But one day she slips a letter into her pocket, and leaves it there.

Meanwhile, seemingly fearless radio gal, Frankie Bard is reporting the Blitz from London, her dispatches trinkling across the Atlantic, imploring listeners to pay attention. Then in the last desperate days of the summer of 1941, she rides the trains out of Germany, reporting on what is happening to the refugees there.

Alternating between an America on the eve of entering into World War II, still safe and snug in its inability to grasp the danger at hand, an a Europe being torn apart by war, the two stories collide in a letter, bringing the war finally home to Franklin.

I also won The Prophecy: Anslem’s Son by Gwyn Lacy at Coffee Time Romance.  Thank you Gwyn and CTR.

It is 558 B.C.E., the Throne of Anslem and its King, Alois, and his son, Prince Lukas  are prophesied to die by the Keeper’s of the Curse, the Oligsarco. The Oligsarco have tormented and tried to destroy the Throne of Anslem for centuries and failed. But each new Prince must face his death and the end of his line before his twenty first birthday. The Oligsarco have not revealed themselves to previous generations although the lineage of Anslem knew of their existence. This time the Oligsarco capture a beautiful slave, Marliele and transform themselves into her voluptuous body in order to get at the Throne of Anslem and Lukas.

 
Through Lukas lust for Marliele, he inadvertently let the Oligsarco in the Castle. The Oligsarco are a humanoid mass of shape-shifting, mucoids that capture his parents and take them to their hidden lair in a cave of bats.

Lukas has to save the King and Queen of Anslem , his parents, and the woman he loves, Marliele, from death in the Oligsarco lair. The only option he may have is to accept the dark proposition of the Oligsarco: Trade his life for the lives of his loved ones. Once the trade is made and Lukas is taken back to the lair of the Oligsarco they will kill him as the prophecy allows. At Lukas death,  the Throne of Anslem will end  and the Prophecy will be fulfilled.

Lukas must use every skill he has learned as warrior and future king to distinguish his friends and loved ones from the shape-shifting Oligsarco. If he makes a mistake the Oligsarco live or he kills a loved one by mistake. The Oligsarco have secrets that when Lukas learns of them could destroy the Throne of Anslem with or without his death. Lukas can also stay off the Curse by siring an heir to the throne, in case of his death.  He must seduce the real Marliele and conceive a child. But a man with a remarkable likeness to the Prince of Anslem brutalized this girl and then she suffered at the hands of the Oligsarco. He needs time to build her trust, but time he does not  have.  The future of the Throne of Anslem rests on Lukas’ shoulders and love and courage have to be stronger than the Curse of the Prophecy.

It's Monday! What are you Reading June 21, 2010?

This meme starts at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

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 good week with several closings. Seemed more productive and less stressful. I completed several reviews this week too.

I got to visit some others blogs, including some more visits with author friends at Coffee Time Romance June Jubilee where The Sweetest Romance authors are being spotlighted this month.

Finished:
PB: PART TWO The Dragon at Noonday. The Brothers of Gwynedd: The Legend of the First True Prince of Wales by Edith Parageter. This historical fiction is really remarkable.  Check Tuesday for the review.


Ravished by a Highlander by Paula Quinn.
I Loved this book! Review and Hachette giveaway to be posted this week.
Full Description

FORBIDDEN LOVE
Davina Montgomery is no ordinary English lady. For her own protection, she's been locked away from society, her true identity the Crown's most closely guarded secret. Until a shocking betrayal--and a bold rescue--land her in the arms of a fierce Highlander, a powerful warrior whose searing gaze and tantalizing touch awaken her body and soul.

UNDENIABLE DESIRE
As the firstborn son of a powerful Scottish laird, Robert MacGregor has no loyalty to the English throne, but he's not the kind of man to leave a woman in distress, even if she is English. He vows to deliver Davina to safety, unharmed and untouched. Yet one stolen kiss leaves them both smoldering with desire...and desperate for more. With Davina's secret threatening to destroy his clan, Rob must choose between everything he holds dear and the one woman he can't live without.

Kindle: Yikes! Kindle on the blink.  New one should be in this week - I hope.

Audio CD: The 9th Judgment (The Women's Murder Club) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro.  I enjoyed the latest in this series. Review and Hachette Giveaway to be posted this week.

Product Description

The most personal
A young mother and her infant child are ruthlessly gunned down while returning to their car in the garage of a shopping mall. There are no witnesses, and Detective Lindsay Boxer is left with only one shred of evidence: a cryptic message scrawled across the windshield in bloodred lipstick.

The most dangerous
The same night, the wife of A-list actor Marcus Dowling is woken by a cat burglar who is about to steal millions of dollars' worth of precious jewels. In just seconds there is a nearly empty safe, a lifeless body, and another mystery that throws San Francisco into hysteria.

The most exciting Women's Murder Club novel ever
Lindsay spends every waking hour working with her partner, Rich--and her desire for him threatens to tear apart both her engagement and the Women's Murder Club. Before Lindsay and her friends can piece together either case, one of the killers forces Lindsay to put her own life on the line--but is it enough to save the city? With unparalleled danger and explosive action, The 9th Judgment is James Patterson at his compelling, unstoppable best!

Line Edits: Finished edits on Gifts to the Goddess.

Currently reading:

PB: To Surrender To A Rogue (Circle of Sin Trilogy) by Cara Elliott.
Review and Q&A to be posted Saturday as part of Hachette Blog Tour.

Product Description

An expert in antiquities, Lady Alessandra della Giamatti arrives in Bath to excavate newly discovered Roman ruins-only to find herself caught in a web of evil intrigue by a blackmailer threatening to expose her scandalous past. The one man who can help her is Lord James "Black Jack" Pierson, a fellow member of the expedition and a sinfully handsome rogue whose tempting presence ignites a different sort of danger.

Jack has clashed with Alessandra in the past, so when she suddenly surrenders her body he can't help being suspicious. Is she a scheming temptress? Or is she truly a lady in trouble? As desire and deceptions swirl around them, Alessandra and Jack must find a way to win each other's trust. For if they don't work together to uncover a shocking truth, their enemy-and their own simmering passions-may destroy them and everything they cherish.

PB: The Wild Irish Sea: A windswept tale of love and magic by Loucinda McGary
I will start this later in the week. Reviewing for Sourcebooks to post in July.

Product Description

Drawn to a force he can't resist...
Former police officer Kevin Hennessey is running from his past-choosing to battle smugglers instead of dealing with his personal demons. When a desperate, rain-drenched American woman appears on his doorstep with wild tales of danger, Kevin is drawn to helping her, despite his reservations...
She never saw him coming...
Amber O'Neill knew without a doubt that her brother was in mortal danger. Rushing heedlessly to the rocky shores of Ireland, Amber was stunned to find her rescue mission derailed by a gorgeous, but deeply flawed Irishman...
The tumultuous sea, the intertwined fates of the coastal villagers, and unearthly tales of a hidden selkie prince bring Kevin and Amber together in a connection of mind, body, and soul that neither can deny...

 Kindle: --------

Audio CD:  The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker.  Just started today. Reviewing for Hachette.

Product Description

FBI Special agent Brad Raines is facing his toughest case yet. A Denver serial killer has killed four beautiful young women, leaving a bridal veil at each crime scene, and he's picking up his pace. Unable to crack the case, Raines appeals for help from a most unusual source: residents of the Center for Wellbeing and Intelligence, a private psychiatric institution for mentally ill individuals whose are extraordinarily gifted.

It's there that he meets Paradise, a young woman who witnessed her father murder her family and barely escaped his hand. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, Paradise may also have an extrasensory gift: the ability to experience the final moments of a person's life when she touches the dead body.

In a desperate attempt to find the killer, Raines enlists Paradise's help. In an effort to win her trust, he befriends this strange young woman and begins to see in her qualities that most 'sane people' sorely lack. Gradually, he starts to question whether sanity resides outside the hospital walls...or inside.

As the Bride Collector picks up the pace-and volume-of his gruesome crucifixions, the case becomes even more personal to Raines when his friend and colleague, a beautiful young forensic psychologist, becomes the Bride Collector's next target.

The FBI believes that the killer plans to murder seven women. Can Paradise help before it's too late?

Line Edits: Continuing line edits on Fourth Son by Joy Brooks.

Upcoming books:

PB: Still the One by Robin Wells. Upcoming Hachette review and Giveaway.

Barely a Lady (The Drake's Rakes series) by Eileen Dreyer. Upcoming Hachette Blog Tour review and Giveaway - July 10, 2010.

The Fire Lord's Lover (The Elven Lords) by Kathryne Kennedy. Reviewing for Sourcebooks; to post in July.

Kindle: none in queue.

Sunday Words of Encouragement June 20, 2010

It is Father's Day - I thank my heavenly Father for my earthly father. I am glad he is still here at age 86. I love you Dad.

I found this wonderful video - A Father's Love Letter.
There are several versions. 

I chose this one because it has a wonderful song that reminds us that God says that "you're amazing!"

A Verse for today:

Proverbs 22:6 (King James Version)

⁶Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Let us pray for fathers everywhere - may they be more like our heavenly Father and remember that He is there for all of us, especially for those who do not have a good earthly father or whose father is no longer with them.

Giveaway Five Copies - Desire Me by Robyn DeHart

THANKS ONCE AGAIN TO HACHETTE AND ANNA for the opportunity to give away this fun book.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:

1. For your main entry make a comment on one of the three links
a) - c).  Make sure you leave your e-mail address!
a) Check out the Author's Website and tell me something you found interesting there.OR
b) You can visit five fun facts and comment on one of those.OR
c) Listen to the Blog Talk Radio Live Interview and tell me something you liked or learned. (If you go in 20 minutes you'll get to hear my questions. It surprised me as that it is not what I think I sound like.)

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For another entry, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

4. For one more extra entry comment on my review post.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)  MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!  Five winners!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons
* This contest will close Midnight (Central) on July  9, 2010. The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

Review - Desire Me by Robyn DeHart

Title:  Desire Me (The Legend Hunters)
Author:  Robyn DeHart

• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Forever (June 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446541974
• ISBN-13: 978-0446541978

Rating: 4.5 of 5

Product Description
The Legend Hunters . . .

The Men of Solomon's meet in secret, their very existence only a rumor among the best of Victorian society. They are treasure hunters, men of wealth and title, seekers of myths and legends. And no legend is as mystifying as the lost city of Atlantis . . .

DESIRE ME

Years ago, Maxwell Barrett found a map to Atlantis and dedicated his life to the search for the mystical lost continent. But when an alluring woman makes a wager for the priceless artifact, he may have discovered an even greater treasure.

A descendant of Atlantis, Sabine Tobias needs the map to decipher an ancient prophecy. What she doesn't need are the sparks flying between her and Max. He's too devilishly charming to be trusted: The fate of her people is at stake as well as her heart. Yet a ruthless killer also covets the map. Now Max and Sabine must race to decode the prophecy's riddle before this criminal fulfills his deadly mission.

Review: Take a secret race with guardians protecting a special elixir, add in an Indian Jones hero and Lara Croft puzzle clues, then top with reluctant attraction.  The result is a good recipe for this fun romance!

Sabine is an exotic but quiet beauty.  She is determined to protect her elderly aunts and their family secrets by helping them hide in plain site.  Unfortunately someone knows the secrets of Atlantis and it killing the guardians to get control of the power.  Sabine has to get the ancient map to figure out the prophecy and prevent a world take over.

Sabine sets off to try to get the map from Max by seductive distraction, gambling at cards or sneaky theft.  Whatever will work. Unfortunately, she has gotten Max’s interest and he is more accustomed to sneaking than she is and seems to be one step ahead of her.  She doesn’t really trust him but he may be the safest bet she has after attacks threaten her Aunts in the safety of their home.  Sabine and Max will face more attacks as they race around the countryside following clues from the map.

It is hard enough dodging one villain, much less two. There is an egotistical, power hungry enemy to uncover. Plus a red herring in a Cruella Deville-like female villain who is complete with inept thugs.

How long can Sabine and Max cope with the adrenaline from the adventures and the dangerous threats without also mixing in the electric attraction between them?  Once they succumb (okay - you guessed they would) is it real or just the excitement of the chase? What happens when they get trapped in a closet ... or two?  Yes... use your imagination! But will Max betray her by sneaking away the elixir?  Can Sabine face the killer and save the world?  All good questions and the best way to find out is to read this adventure.  Go on - if you like riddles, escapades, and sensual loving I’m willing to bet you’ll enjoy reading this book!