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Saturday, December 29, 2012

Book Review: Perfection Unleashed by Jade Kerrion

This is an intense and engaging science fiction.
  • File Size: 893 KB
  • Print Length: 213 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1469980355
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Genre: Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: June 23, 2012
What would you do if you came face-to-face with perfection, and it looked just like you?

Two men, one face. One man seeks to embrace destiny, the other to escape it.

Danyael Sabre spent sixteen years clawing out of the ruins of his childhood and finally has everything he wanted--a career, a home, and a trusted friend. To hold on to them, he keeps his head down and plays by the rules. An alpha empath, he is powerful in a world transformed by the Genetic Revolution, yet his experience has taught him to avoid attention.

When the perfect human being, Galahad, escapes from Pioneer Laboratories, the illusory peace between humans and their derivatives--the in vitros, clones, and mutants--collapses into social upheaval. The abominations, deformed and distorted mirrors of humanity, created unintentionally in Pioneer Lab's search for perfection, descend upon Washington D.C. The first era of the Genetic Revolution was peaceful. The second is headed for open war.

Although the genetic future of the human race pivots on Galahad, Danyael does not feel compelled to get involved and risk his cover of anonymity, until he finds out that the perfect human being looks just like him.


Review:
This is full of a variety of characters and human derivatives – clones, mutants, in vitros and a genetically created ‘perfect human’, Galahad.  Zara is a human who has teamed up with Xin (a clone) to get DNA from Galahad. But when Zara breaks into Pioneer Lab she becomes attracted to Galahad and decides to rescue him from the lab-prison where he has been raised for the past 25 years. As Zara modifies her objectives, a pro-life mob headed by a bitter and zealous Jason Rakehell, the son of Roland Rakehell, one of the founders of Pioneer Lab, attacks the lab.

Zara and Galahad escape with injuries to Galahad. In their zeal the mob releases five other specimens--monster abominations--who tear through all the humans attacking the lab and break out.

Zara and Xin take Galahad to the estate of Lucien, an in vitro, who is extremely wealthy and influential. He calls in a life long friend, Danyael, who is a mutant alpha empath and healer. Danyael was abused as a child and had to be trained to compartmentalize his feelings with shields or his thoughts will cause those around him to commit suicide.  He has always tried to work in a public medical system and to avoid attention.  Everyone is shocked when they realize that Danyael and Galahad look like twins!

Fighting breaks out between humans and mutants in Washington, D.C. as a result of the Pro-human attack and hostilities. Meanwhile the abominations are seeking their ‘brother’ creature, Galahad, and killing anyone who gets in their way. The Mutant Counsel sends Miriya, a telepath, to help protect Danyael who is sought after by several rival forces because of his extensive powers. Now the group is trying to protect Galahad and Danyael as the government, opposing forces and the Rackhells, son and father, try to track them down.

This book reminded me a bit of X-Men with all the rivals and bitter hostilities. There are conflicting interests, intense emotions and overt and subtle betrayals. Galahad’s treatment and Danyael’s sufferings evoke sympathy for their characters. The writing is clean and the pacing good. Zara isn't my favorite character because of her dislike and misconceptions regarding Danyael.  I am rooting for the whole team although it is clear that there are more obstacles to face and more pain for Danyael in the next book. I am anxious to see what happens next.  If you like mutant characters with powers and a story with lots of emotion and actions, I highly recommend this book.

My word thoughts noted: action, emotion, compelling, betrayal.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Danyael’s strengths are continually taxed:
He needed to relax for a few minutes,.... He did not have the time for that, not with so much at stake, and so many questions that demanded answers he did not have. I can resst in a few hours. I can do this....Location 939.
Galahad is grateful to Zara:
“You’ve always been free, and it’s hard to express how much what you did–even if on a whim–means to someone who has never been free.  Location 2175.
I received this title for an honest review as part of a Bewitching Blog Tour. 
This is set in Washington, D.C. I will also add it to my New Author Challenge lists.

 See the additional post for more Blitz info and Giveaway. I will also be hosting an Author Guest Post on January 7.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick December 28, 2012

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]

Happy FridayThanks for being patient and understanding why this is posting late today as we were flying home last night. We had a lovely vacation but it is nice to be home... I am soon heading for a nap!

Is everyone ready to start a new year next week??

Thank you to all who entered the December 21 Pick. There were two automatic winners this week (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). Once again, three titles were blocked picks this week.

June M chose Hannibal Rising
Linda K chose The Days of Summer

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from December 21 Pick:

Michelle130 won Everything to Gain

Mary P 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 or sexy and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks.
Here's toasting to a wonderful, book-filled, 2013!
Image found at On The Write Track.

New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

Pairs:
Fern Michaels
    Payback and Full Me Once
Luanne Rice
    Silver Bells (spine wear) and True Blue
Janet Evanovich
    Full Tilt and Full Bloom
Linda Howard:
    Duncan's Bride and Again Forever
Singles:
Dark Desires After Dark by Kresley Cole       
All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins
Savage Thunder by Johanna Lindsey (Cover is loose)
Angel's Peak by Robyn Carr
Captain's Woman by Merline Lovelace (This is a favorite author and book of mine)
*Death in High Heels by Christina Brand
*From Doon With Death: The First Inspector Wexford Novel by Ruth Rendell
*Mrs Mallory and the Silent Killer by Hazel Holt


New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing
PAIRS:
Gena Showalter:
     The Darkest Kiss and the Darkest Night
Mary Balogh:
     Simply Perfect and A Summer to Remember
Tami Hoag:
     Ashes to Ashes and A Thin Dark Line (Both have spine creasing)
Dick Francis:
     10 LB Penalty and Risk
Tom Clancy:
     Op-Center State of Siege and Op-Center Mission of Honor
SINGLES - CHRISTMAS TITLES (Better sizes for international) 
*A Gift of Murder by M.D. Lake  (slight spine creasing)
*The Mistletoe Wager by Christine Merrill
*Deck the Halls by Arlene James (slight spine creasing)
*A Holiday Prayer by Deb Kastner  (slight spine creasing)
*A Family for Christmas by Kate Welsh  (slight spine creasing)
*A Regency Christmas Anthology - Lyn Stone, Carla Kelly and Gail Rainstorm


New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012


 Demon's Fire by Emma Holly
- Oops upside down book! 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 - A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley
The Gift by Constance O'Day-Flannery
The Days of Summer by Jill Barnett
Tangled by Mary Balogh
Please Remember This by Katleen Giles Seidel
Twice Upon Time by Nina Beaumont
Angel of Midnight  by JoAnn Power (auto win 11/30)
Heart of the Hawk by Justine Dare
[One for the Money by Janet Evanovich]
Touchstone by Linda Hilton
Restless Hearts by Marta Perry
Rogue Stallion by Diana Palmer
The Boy's Tale (Sister Frevisse Medieval Mysteries) by Margaret Frazer
Calculated Revenge by Jill Elizabeth Nelson
A Delecate Deception by Jenna Jones


New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
I pulled some more books from several of my boxes.

An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
Beautiful Dreamer by Elizabeth Lowell

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
This time I pulled some books from one of my older boxes.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing


The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
Mistress by Amanda Quick - Audio Cassettes
*Long Time Coming by Sandra Brown

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
*One is the Lonliest Number - Tom Clancey's Net Force

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books suitable for international.
Wanna Get Lucky? by Deborah Coonts
Sleeping Alone by Barbara Bretton

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012 (All gone)
Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris (spine damage)
*The Dream Horse by Virginia Campbell Scott

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)

New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October -
Halloween or dark minded.
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Emily's Good Nightmare by Cosmic Debris Cosmic

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011
Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20
Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books: Group #19
Primary Colors - audio tapes
*Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone).

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

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 in November 27, 2009 and in three years I have posted 33 groups of 16 (528) books to find new homes! (November 2012)

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! I am happy to say that so far about 450 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.

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 $5.00 and $6.00 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)

TO ENTER:
Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.
WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

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!

1/14/11 New List #17--- (All gone)

12/3/10 Book Set: #16
Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

Here is set #13 of Used books!
Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11
Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Looking Back by Belva Plain

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4
Talking God by Tony Kellerman
Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford
The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)

Pick #5
See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel
Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8
(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray
Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes
Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10---(All Gone)

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Delay in Friday Pick Giveaway Post

Hi blogger friends! I just wanted to let you know that the Friday Pick post will probably not publish until mid-day on Friday instead of early morning.
 We will be boarding late this afternoon in Hawaii, probably before the time for entries to close.  Unless I can pick winners and post from the Atlanta airport in the morning, I will not be back to the office and computer internet until mid-day.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Double Danger by Dee Davis

This is solid romantic suspense from one of my favorite authors.
Double Danger (An A-Tac Novel)
by Dee Davis

  • File Size: 530 KB Print
  • Length: 359 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 044658293X
  • Publisher: Forever (December 18, 2012)
  • Sold by: Hachette Book Group
Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
Book Description Publication Date: December 18, 2012 Ignoring his instincts once cost Simon a vital op-and the life of his best friend, Ryan. Now as escalating, violent attacks hit A-Tac, another person he loves is in danger. Homeland Security agent Jillian Montgomery's investigation has suddenly brought her back into Simon's life, and unless they can learn to trust each other, their dangerous mission will fail. After her husband Ryan's death, Jillian dedicates herself to saving others. She can't afford to be tempted by Simon, even though his every touch reignites the desire they once shared. But in the last desperate minutes before disaster strikes, their second chance at love might be the most lethal trap of all . . .

Review:
Simon is glad to be part of the A-Tac undercover team. He was once a Seal until a leg injury sidelined him. While a Seal he led a mission that resulted in the death of his best friend, Ryan. His guilt and his long time attraction to Ryan’s wife, J.J., has kept him away from her.

Now J.J., as Jillian, shows up as a Homeland Security agent assigned to the A-Tac team to investigate several terrorist suspected attacks. J.J. had fallen in love with Simon back in college but Simon turned away because she was Ryan’s girlfriend. J.J. married Ryan, more as a second choice, only to discover that Ryan had anger control issues. J.J. suffered through an abusive marriage because she had no where else to turn, especially when Simon refused to take her last resort call.  But Ryan died and J.J. reformed herself as Jillian, a strong, self reliant security agent who wouldn’t have to rely on any man.

The chemistry and draw between Simon and Jillian still burns high but he tries to resist out of guilt for the death of Ryan and she resists out of fear of rejection and fear of another violent relationship.  The attacks keep throwing them together in dangerous situations until they finally break down and face their past and fears. Meanwhile the team is feeling like they are one step behind a bomber and a target that they have to figure out before they are too late.

I do enjoy the action and intensity of Dee Davis’ romantic suspense novels. There is always a lot of background activity to add to the romantic conflict and ultimate romantic passion. The writing is well paced. I have to say I felt there was a bit of repetition on this one as it took half of the book before Simon and Jillian finally talked about their past. Still, I enjoyed the whole story.

Although this is a part of a series, it could be read alone. However I enjoy knowing the stories of some of the other team members.  If you like action-packed romantic suspense this is a book you would enjoy and an author you can rely on to deliver!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Simon's reaction to a stolen kiss:
And yet, truth be told, he wasn't actually sorry he'd done it. She tasted just exactly the way he'd remembered. Her lifts soft and pliant. And if things were different.... Page 119.
Jillian's decision:
So maybe she was being foolish to try to keep him at arm's length. Maybe it was time to let go of the past and grab on to the future. That is if they had one. Page 271.
I received this title, for an honest review, from Forever division of Grand Central Station, Hachette.
This is set in New York for my Where Are You Reading Challenge.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy.


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

* This contest is open US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on January 4, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on January 5, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Book Review: Godspeed: a Love Story by Dan Chabot

This story is rich with sorrow survived by uplifting encouragement. Well worth reading!
by Dan Chabot
  • File Size: 419 KB
  • Print Length: 307 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1477435360
  • Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
  • Publisher: Babop/Dan Chabot; 1 edition (September 28, 2012)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Genre: Inspirational Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: September 28, 2012
How far will a man go to atone for guilt?
When Derry and Amedee meet during her first day on the job at the Milwaukee Ledger, it is a collision of destinies. Their love affair is so intense and perfect and pure that they are certain it will be eternal. But when it ends in heartbreak, compounded by the ignominy of a disastrously mismanaged funeral service, Derry descends into an abyss of devastation and remorse and despair.

In his overpowering grief this tormented newspaperman embarks on an obsessive crusade for redemption, an astonishing twist that will leave readers tearful yet smiling in sympathetic admiration. His improbable, tender quest eventually will lead him to peace of mind, and to someone who will help him build a new life from the ashes of the past.

"Godspeed" is a bittersweet story of laughter and tears, irrepressible humor, reckless devotion, the value of true friendship, and unimaginable longing for the "forever" that can no longer be. And as the story and its astonishing twists unfold, a poignant question lingers: How can a lie be wrong if it makes so many people feel so good?


Review:
The story begins with a prologue set in 2012 and then flashes back in time to tell “how it all happened."  The first Chapter presents a view of a funeral in 1974. Other chapters of vignettes covering funerals are scattered through the story of Derry and his romance.  Each one the funeral services is winding down when an older gentleman stands up and shares some remarkable things that the deceased did that encouraged or helped others. These special deeds were not known by the community, the closest friends or even the family. After several of these testimonies it is clear that each life had a tragic error or wrong in the past but there was a later heroic behavior or good, kind deeds that made a difference and redeemed the past.  Each family was left with a wonderful, warm memory of their loved one.

Between the funeral eulogies we meet Derry, a younger newspaperman surrounded by other eccentric newspeople, consisting of some unique friends and a few curmudgeon and not so nice co-workers.  One day a beautiful young woman walks in as the new copy editor and Derry falls in love. The romance between Derry and Amedee is passionately and wonderfully developed with humor and warmth.  They share the joys of new love, new passion, comfortable companionship, and the excitement and anticipation of a wedding and birth. Then tragedy strikes.

The reader is swept along with Derry’s sorrow, grief, dark depression and guilt.  Derry is so devastated by Amedee’s death that he is unable to properly plan her funeral which turns out to be a disaster. It takes some time, but finally Derry discovers a way to begin to pull himself from the bleakness of his despair and guilt.  It still takes a confrontation by a stranger and the support of family and friends to push Derry beyond his grief and by then the reader realizes “how it all happened.”

This is an emotional love story that experiences great, happy highs and a deep, sad low. But it is also a story that affirms love and life for 'ordinary', every-day people. Although there is tragedy and sadness the author entertains with passion, humor and a very uplifting and positive message. The story is very well written with good characters, strong descriptions and great empathy shared in the funeral testimonies. I especially enjoyed the newsroom input since I have a journalism degree.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes warm emotional stories and especially to anyone who might need encouragement. If you think that your life, or others around you, are not each of great individual worth and importance, please read this book.

I loved this closing phrase that is perfect:
“A pebble, once cast into the pond, cannot be retrieved. The ripples spread ever outward.”
My note thoughts: Beautiful, touching, poignant.

I received this from the Author for an honest review.
This is set in Milwaukee for my Where Are You Reading Challenge and I will also add it to my New Author challenge list.

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