Book Review: Deadly Dance by Dee Davis Plus A Giveaway

Dee Davis delivers her usual punch of adrenaline and passion!

Deadly Dance
by Dee Davis

• File Size: 545 KB
• Print Length: 392 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: B0072Q50UA
• Publisher: Forever; Original edition (March 27, 2012)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• Language: English
• ASIN: B004QZ9P9M

Genre: Romantic Suspense (Book 5 in the A-Tac Series)

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

 Book Description

Publication Date: March 27, 2012

As the intelligence officer for A-Tac, a black-ops CIA unit masquerading as Ivy League faculty, Hannah Marshall is used to working behind the scenes. But when a brutal murder hits too close to home, Hannah finds herself in the middle of the action, falling in love while racing to outwit a sadistic mastermind.

A KILLER CLOSES IN

After the death of her A-Tac partner, Hannah doubts everything she thought she knew about love and loyalty. When handsome Harrison Blake joins the team, she's reluctant to trust him - or to act on her intense attraction to him. Then Hannah receives a podcast of a gruesome murder, and the only person who can help her find the killer is Harrison.

Harrison has spent years trying to hunt down the cunning monster who killed his sister. Now investigating with Hannah, he faces a shocking possibility - his sister's murderer has resurfaced. As the danger escalates, Hannah and Harrison grow closer, the desire simmering between them ignites. And when Hannah disappears, Harrison has only one chance to save the woman he loves.

Review:
Hannah is a member of the elite crime team, A-Tac, who work as college professors as their cover. Hannah has experienced betrayal and lose as a child and as a member of the team. Even as a young girl she learned to hold herself apart to protect herself. She doesn’t trust easily and doesn’t plan on ever opening up to love.

Harrison is a newer member of the team, adding his computer, technical expertise, FBI and private security experience. Through the years he has never stopped hunting the serial killer who tortured and murdered his twin sister. He feels that he failed her and he questions his ability to risk loving and protecting.

When Hannah’s teaching assistant is sent an email of a brutal murder, everyone, but especially, Harrison’s, emotions are set on edge. Is there a copy cat of the dreaded serial killer? Or could the enemy Consortium be targeting the team?  As the team works together to piece out the clues before another death occurs, Hannah and Harrison are drawn closer and their relationship shifts from friendship to passion to more. Will either be able to move beyond the pain of their past to look to a future together?

I really liked how there were different clues of sight or sound in each video hint of the crimes for the team to locate the victims. I think Ms. Davis does a wonderful job of providing fast paced, high adrenaline in her stories.  She also has flawed characters who have to show courage to risk loving. I did love the section where Hannah pulls out of her safe hiding place in response to Harrison’s voice.

The one thing I felt was weak in this story is the likely exposure of their cover as college professors. It might work for the campus and students to think that several of their professors were helping the FBI because one of their assistants was somehow connected to the killings. But it seemed to me that the Consortium would be able to spot all of the members of the A-Tac team as they kept gathering in public places, like Hannah’s house. I also felt that the love making was a little heavier than need be in this book - but that is just me. Other romance readers will love the extra heat and passion.

This might not be my favorite of Dee Davis reads but it is still satisfying with strong characters, lots of excitement, and a compelling romance. If you love adrenaline and passion you must try a Dee Davis title!

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

Hannah’s thoughts on the death of a team member as the result of the betrayal of another:

Betrayal was the worst human offense because it came at such a high price. Trust broken, possibly forever.  Location 246

Harrison’s response to their growing relationship:

“...but I know that walking away isn’t an option. At least not for me.” Their gazes met and held, her heart constricting at the raw emotion reflected in his eyes. Location 1897

Thank you to Forever Romance, Hachette Books for providing this book through NetGalley.

The story was set in Sunderland, New York for my Where Are You Reading Challenge.

Check out my other reviews in this series: Desperate Deeds and Dangerous Desires
I have these two of the prior books available in my book boxes:

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for Winner's choice of Dangerous Desires or Desperate Deeds:
1. If you have read Dee Davis before, tell me your favorite of her books. I think mine is still Just Breath although After Twilight and Dark of Night are tight in the race. If you haven't read her, take a look at her titles and tell me which you think you would like to read.  This is required for entry.

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

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

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

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on June 29, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on June 30. 
Winner will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Giveaway Link: Covenant (The Samsara Chronicles Book 3)

The danger, romance and action begins to pick up in book three of this engaging series.

Covenant (The Samsara Chronicles Book 3) 

by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley

• File Size: 147 KB
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: eXtasy Books (May 25, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0086FP8TE

Genre: Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: May 25, 2012
Pursued by increasingly violent Eletarii minions, Aislinn and Dylan acquire the first and most important talisman necessary to open the celestial gate.

Targeted by Eletarii minions, Aislinn and Dylan are guided to acquire the crystal skull, the core of Aislinn’s past and future power. After a terrifying encounter with the dark forces while spending Christmas at her parents, Aislinn and Dylan accept the perilous journey ahead of them.

Review:
The action begins to pick up in this book three of the series. 
Aislinn is clearly able to see auras around her now and has close escapes from Eletarii attacks.  She stumbles onto the crystal skull which is a source of power intended for her. She also picks up a music box that seems to be special as a gift for Dylan.

Dylan is opened minded to Aislinn’s explanation of her continued danger and the fact that their connection was planned. The light spheres and voices appear to Dylan affirming his involvement.
Aislinn and Dylan make a Christmas visit to Aislinn’s parents who were the characters from Book 1.  Unfortunately the enemy elementals attack at the farmhouse and drive Aislinn and Dylan to leave rather than risk more danger to her family.

I appreciate that Dylan’s character is more developed in this book. The reader learns more of his background in addition to his charm and strength. The reading continues to flow easily and I like that the mission is explained more fully and the action picks up in this volume. I am ready to read book 4, Itineras, to see what dangers Aislinn and Dylan will face next.

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

Aislinn recognizes the importance of Dylan in her life:

But for now, the most important factor of all was that he brought her hope. She would no longer have to struggle alone, fearful of what the next day might bring. Location 291

I am reviewing this series for the authors through Pump Up Your Book Blog Tours.

~ ~ ~ KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~

Pump Up Your Book and The Samsara Chronicles are teaming up to give you a chance to win a Kindle Fire!

Here’s how it works:

Each person will enter this giveaway by liking, following, subscribing and tweeting about this giveaway through the Rafflecopter form placed on blogs throughout the tour.  If your blog isn’t set up to accept the form, we offer another way for you to participate by having people comment on your blog then directing them to where they can fill out the form to gain more entries.
This Kindle Fire promotion will run from June 1 – August 31. Winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter, contacted by email and announced on September 1, 2012.
Each blogger who participates in The Samsara Chronicles virtual book tour is eligible to enter and win.
Visit each blog stop below to gain more entries as the Rafflecopter widget will be placed on each blog for the duration of the tour.
If you would like to participate, email Dorothy at thewriterslife(at)gmail.com. Last day to sign up is July 27. What a great way to not only win this fabulous prize, but to gain followers and comments too! Good luck everyone!

Click on the graphic below to find out how you can win!

[If the picture link doesn't work, go to this page].

~ ~ ~WIN $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE ~ ~ ~

One lucky person who comments the most on The Samsara Chronicles’ blog stops will receive a $50 gift certificate. The blog host who receives the most comments through the tour will also receive a $50 gift certificate!

Blog Tour Interview with Maria Hammarblad, Author of Kidnapped

I am happy today to welcome Author Maria Hammarblad to Reviews at Martha’s Bookshelf

MH: Thank you for having me on your blog, I'm delighted to be here!

 

See the Full Blog Tour List Here.

Q1. What’s a “Typical” writing day like for you? 

MH:  A typical writing day… I have a part-time job besides writing, and I go to school full time for a Bachelor's degree, so my days are normally a bit chaotic. I try to plan so I don't have to be anywhere first thing in the morning. I check my online stuff, and like to write or edit until noon. It's not continuous, I have three doggies and sometimes they want an extra walk, my husband might need help with something, or I have to do homework, but I at least want to get a couple of hours in every morning. Then, it's off to work or to school. I usually have to do some homework in the evening, but I like to write while my husband is watching TV. I dream of being able to make a living out of writing, of course. It would make life so much easier. Maybe one day. 

Sounds like you keep very busy. I enjoyed Kidnapped and am glad you find time to write entertaining tales!
Q2. Do you do anything especially helpful for your world building? (Notebook, Bulletin board, etc?)

MH:  I normally just keep it in my head, but I am doing something new right now, and my brain isn't big enough. It is an anthology project where several different writers have worked on the world for years. I have a binder filled with notes about the existing world and all its quirks, and I'm making notes for my part of the project on large papers taped all around my office. It's a challenge, and a lot of fun!

It makes sense to me that you would have to have good notes to keep it all straight.
Q3. Did you have special inspiration for writing Kidnapped?

MH:  I did, the hero is inspired by a song from the 1980's: Misguided Angel by Cowboy Junkies. The song is about a woman talking to her family about her man. It has a feeling of goodbye, because she's going with him no matter what, and he is not a model boyfriend. I kept listening to the song while writing, and Travis in Kidnapped became a complex character. He isn't normal even by the widest set of standards, but he tries so very hard, and is willing to sacrifice anything for the heroine.

Travis does turn into a rather lovely hero.  :-)
Q4. If you could jump into a book, and live in that world, which would it be OR If you could be one of the characters in your books, who would it be?

MH:  Hmm, I give most of my characters a hard time, I don't know if I'd be up to the challenge. I might enjoy being Alex from Embarkment 2577, because she mostly gets herself into trouble and is rescued. If I could live in someone else's book, I'd love to go to Tolkien's world in Lord of the Rings.

 Tolkien's a great choice... as long as your are a nice character and not an Orc!
Q5. What was the first story you remember writing?

MH:  That's a good question. I remember making picture books when I was maybe four years old, and from there there's a gap until I'm eleven or twelve. I'm sure I wrote a lot of things in between, but I can't remember them. Anyway, when I was about twelve, I wrote a story about a young woman on Mars. The world is dying, turning into what it is today, and the people know they're doomed. They have one rocket on the entire planet, and she becomes accidentally involved with a person trying to flee the impending doom. They make it to the rocket and end up being the first people on Earth. I've been thinking of dusting it off and re-writing it from an adult perspective, but I haven't gotten around to it.

Sounds like that would be a fun adventure... for the characters and for you to pull it together for a book now.
Q6. In your wildest dreams, which author would you love to co-author a book with?

MH:  Margaret Atwood! A girl can dream, right? Or Dean Koontz. I admire the way he writes children and dogs. They're so funny, quirky, and accessible.

Ah - I think dreams play a big part of the dedication and imagination for authors.
Q7. Which word would you use to describe yourself and your personality?

MH:  Bubbly. I love the word, and it describes me pretty well.

Interesting choice. Although I don't see any of the characters in Kidnapped as 'bubbly', the story has a certain light humor to it that helps make it really enjoyable.
Q8. Who are some of your favorite authors to read when you are not writing? What are you reading now? 

MH:  Lately, I've read a lot of indie and small press writers. I'll buy anything by Christy Elkins or Chris J. Randolph. Right now, I'm reading a book by P.I. Barrington. She writes thrillers and science fiction.

Now I may have to locate some books by those authors to try. Thanks for the names.
Q9. What is one of the best tips you’ve received on writing?

MH:  For me personally, the best tip has been to watch out for the words "that" and "had" - they sneak their way into sentences where they're not necessary. I didn't even see it until Christy Elkins gave me feedback on a script and pointed it out. I used "had" as both safety belt and airbag to make absolutely sure I stayed in past tense. I still do it, but now I know to watch out for them and throw them out.

Great point. I often have to go back and read even my reviews to take out unnecessary 'fill' words.
Q10.  Is there anything you need in order to write? (ie Chocolate, quiet, music)

MH:  I need coffee and dogs. If I don't start the day with a mug of coffee, I'll just sit staring straight ahead for hours. Without doggies I feel lonely. I sometimes need to change what I write on and with - I type a lot on the computer, but sometimes I get stuck and need to go outside with a notebook and a nice pen. I wrote most of Kidnapped on my iPod touch, e-mailed the chapters to myself, and put it all together in the computer.

I can appreciate your need for coffee to give you a jolt and dogs to give you comfort.
Thanks so much for sharing today.

Besides writing and playing bass, Maria enjoys driving off-road, archery, and Tameshigiri. 

Website: http://www.hammarblad.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariahammarblad 

Blog: http://www.scifiromance.info 

Twitter: @mariahammarblad 

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4114780

Maria_Hammarblad Publisher's website: http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com 

Brief "about the book" from author Lynette Endicott 

Kidnapped is a well-written Science Fiction story of a woman kidnapped from earth and taken on a whirlwind tour of the universe with a captor whose heart is thawed by her innocence. This does not please his commander, who pursues, captures and loses both characters. In the process there is fun, adventure, sizzle, and an introduction to different worlds and their impact, one day, on our own. Be sure to pick up Kidnapped by Maria Hammarblad available from Desert Breeze Publishing.

Books by Maria Hammarblad: 

The Goddess's Saga, a series of novels consisting of Touch of the Goddess, Wrath of the Goddess, and Return of the Goddess. 

Embarkment 2577, a series of novellas consisting of Brand New World, High Gravity, and Adam and Eve. 

Invasion and other short stories 

Kidnapped Upcoming releases: Undercover, to be released by Desert Breeze Publishing September 11, 2012. 

Youtube book trailers: 

Kidnapped: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPsVFxWCtJo 

The Goddess's Saga: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hSYB3kkXx4 

Embarkment 2577: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8stZVGieh1g 

Invasion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irVn1ky7Roo

Book Review: Kidnapped by Maria Hammarblad

I found this sci fi romance engaging and entertaining and I think I would enjoy more writing from this author. I recommend trying this!

Kidnapped 

by Maria Hammarblad

• File Size: 387 KB
• Print Length: 210 pages
• Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc (May 10, 2012)
• ASIN: B00825645A
Genre: Sci Fi Romance My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: May 10, 2012
It's a late winter night when Patricia Risden heads home in her car, on a road she's driven many times before. She doesn't have a care in the world, that is, until a man appears from nowhere, right in front of her.

The next thing she knows is being a prisoner of the unscrupulous Alliance Commander Travis 152; an intimidating man who demands information and complete cooperation. Travis soon realizes his mistake; Tricia doesn't know anything, and she is incapable of even getting a glass of water from the ship's computer.

Infamous for being a ruthless executioner, conditioned since childhood to feel nothing besides fear and pain, he still deems her harmless, and finds enough pity for the lost young woman to let her out of the cell; a decision that will change both their lives forever.

Review:
Patricia Risden goes unconscious in a car wreck and wakes up in a very strange place. If she isn’t hallucinating, she has been brought onto a spaceship. Her kidnapper is a big man with one side of his face burned. Initially he seems almost brutal, cold and uncaring as he demands to know why she had contact with an infamous Alliance rebel.  It doesn’t take long before he realizes that this slip of a girl has no information or knowledge that would be helpful to him.  Surprisingly, Travis decides to allow Tricia to roam freely on the ship as long as she doesn’t create trouble.

Whether its Stockholm syndrome or something more Tricia soon learns to care for Travis. Remarkably the conditioned training that Travis has been taught that had him loyal and dedicated to following every order of the domineering Alliance leader is replaced with the same directives but focused on pleasing and saving Patricia.

Travis has to seek help from unlikely sources to protect himself and Tricia.  Can Patricia survive her adventures into a foreign and mostly hostile world? Will Travis be able to find a way to protect Patricia from his Supreme Commander and keep her by his side?

There is plenty of imagination, action and romance in this story.  It didn’t take long for me to be rooting for Travis to find a way to keep them alive and together. I loved how Travis shifts his personality from cold, almost robotic, to a protective lover.  There are surprising friends to seek as well as unpleasant foes to escape. Ms. Hammarblad’s writing flows at a good pace with good descriptions and good character development. The story was fun and engaging. I read it through quickly and was sorry when it ended. If you enjoy action, sensual and sweet romance, and a different world plot, please try this book!

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

Travis' early view of Patricia:

“I know she’s innocent. She wouldn’t hurt a fly, and on top of that she has the technical skills of a stuffed toy.” Location 853.

Tricia's view of Travis:

He’d been the only refuge she had in this alien environment, and without him, she was deeply lonely and unhappy. Location 1061.

“I always stay close to you. It’s the only safe place.” Location 1263

Thank you to the Author and Bewitching Blog Tour for this book to read, review and share.

This is set primarily in another galaxy although there is a part set in Colorado. I will include this in my ARC and New Author challenges.

Mailbox Monday June 18, 2012

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
FOR JUNE: the Mailbox Monday Tour host has been updated to Burton Book Review.

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

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

My book garden is steadily growing! How about yours?

Review Titles

I didn't receive or download any titles for review this past week.

 Wins

WHEW! I won a Nook with Glowlight  from The Romance Studio Romance and Coffee Anniversary Extravaganza hosted by Coffeetime and The Romance Studio!
 

In addition to winning the Nook I won all of the items noted below. I have received so far the seven that are highlighted. Needless to say I haven't had a chance to pick out books for the GCs yet.

Publisher Prizes (To go along with the ereaders)

Soul Mate Publishing –  $25 gift certificate
J. Taylor Publishing –
Darkness & Light by J.A. Belfield
Little White Lies by Aimee Laine
The Glass Man by Jocelyn Adams
Into the Unknown by all three of the above authors
Instinct by J.A. Belfield
Touch of Frost by Jocelyn Adams
Hide & Seek by Aimee Laine
The P.U.R.E. by Claire Gillian
and we'll include Tidal Whispers by Jocelyn Adams, Julie Reece, Clair GIllian and Kelly Said as well (it releases June 4th).
Ellora’s Cave -    5 eBooks of the Winner’s Choice
The Wild Rose Press - $25 gift certificate
Books for a Buck – Gift Certificate for $11.97
eXtasy Books - $5.00 gift certificate
Eternal Press/Damnation Books- ???
Untreed Reads - $15.00 gift certificate
Torquere Press - $15 gift certificate
Liquid Silver – 2 books
Changeling Press – Free books for a month at ChangelingPress.com (2 books a week for 4 weeks)
Total E-Bound – ???
Champagne Books – Gift Certificate
Carnal Passions – Gift Certificate
BURST - Gift Certificate
JMS Books - $25 gift certificate
Inspired Romance Novels – 3 books, winners choice
Red Rose Publishing - $25 gift certificate
Loose Id – $10 gift certificate to each
Beachwalk Press – eBooks of  Barely Dreaming by Stephanie Beck (Fantasy Romance), Soul Dancer by Aurora Rose Lynn (Science Fiction Romance/Interracial Romance) Fool Me Once by Lacey Wolfe (Erotic Contemporary Romance)
Gypsy Shadow Publishing – 50% off for the winners
Black Velvet Seduction – 3 eBooks (winner’s choice) 

Purchased

No purchases this past week.

Free

I think I was too busy even to pick up free Kindle books last week.