It's Monday! What Are You Reading? April 28, 2014

This meme starts at Book Journey!

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 got some good work done this week and had enjoyable reading. I finished four books and posted five reviews; one with giveaway link and one print giveaway . Also posted the usual memes. :-)

I did get visiting done early in the week and at the end of the week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? April 21, 2014.

• Mailbox Monday April 21, 2014.

• Audible Book Review: The Undead Pool: The Hollows Book 12 by Kim Harrison; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.75.

• Book Review with Giveaway link: The Temptations of Anna Jacobs by Robyn DeHart; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.  Ends 4/27/14.

• Book Review: Anointed: The Cantati Chronicles by Maggie Mae Gallagher; Urban Fantasy, Action; my rating 4.5. 

• Audio Book Review: Love You to Death Charlie D. Mysteries, Book 1 by Gail Bowen; Mystery, Rapid Read; my rating 4.5. 

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 25, 2014.  Open Worldwide. Ends 5/1/14.

• Book Review and Giveaway: The Seducer by Madeline Hunter; Historical Romance; my rating 3.75. 

• Sharing Beyond Books #148 Comment Giveaway 4/26/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 5/3/14.

• April Winners: Tall Dark & Fangsome, Unwillig Warrior, You're Not Safe, Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza and Hard to Handle

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 27, 2014.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

The Temptations of Anna Jacobs
A Dangerous Liaisons Novel (InterMix)
by Robyn DeHart
I really enjoyed the characters and the suspense in this story.  Review and tour giveaway are linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible

After Dark: Ghost Hunters, Book 1
Written by: Jayne Castle
Narrated by: Joyce Bean
This was a satisfactory listen.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

Fair Play: A Novel
by Deeanne Gist
This is absolutely DELIGHTFUL!
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audio

One Fine Day You're Gonna Die
Charlie D. Mysteries, Book 2
by Gail Bowen
These short mysteries are entertaining!
Click on book title for full description.

eTreasures Publishing New Release:
No new releases this week.
Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
Current giveaway link:  Flick, Flick and Dreamer by Margaret Karmazin
Check for the new giveaway every two weeks.

Currently reading:
1. Print

The Windflower
by Laura London
I have started this but I think it may go a bit slowly.
Book Description
Publication Date: April 29, 2014
The classic tale of passion on the high seas, available in print for the first time in 20 years . . .

Merry Wilding is a lady of breeding, of innocence, and of breathtaking beauty. With high hopes for a holiday in England, she sets sail from New York-but the tide of her life is destined to turn. Mistakenly swept aboard an infamous pirate ship, Merry finds herself at the mercy of a wicked crew . . . and one sinfully handsome pirate. Soon she's spending her days yearning for escape, and her nights learning the pleasures of captivity.

Devon Crandall believes Merry is in league with his greatest enemy. He's determined to slowly urge her secrets from her. But along the way, he discovers her beautifully unbreakable spirit . . . and a desire unlike any he's ever known. She is hiding something from him, and yet, each day that passes brings her deeper into his heart. When fierce arguments give way to fiercer passion, can a pirate learn to love a woman? Or will true love be lost at sea?

2. Audible

Monster Hunter Vendetta
Written by: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
I have started this and it is a kick!
Publisher's Summary
Accountant turned professional monster hunter Owen Zastava Pitt managed to stop the nefarious Old Ones' invasion plans last year, but as a result made an enemy out of one of the most powerful beings in the universe. Now an evil death cult known as the Church of the Temporary Mortal Condition wants to capture Owen in order to gain the favor of the great Old Ones. The Condition is led by a fanatical necromancer known as the Shadow Man. The government wants to capture the Shadow Man and has assigned the enigmatic Agent Franks to be Owen's full-time bodyguard, which is a polite way of saying that Owen is monster bait.

With supernatural assassins targeting his family, a spy in their midst, and horrific beasties lurking around every corner, Owen and the staff of Monster Hunter International don't need to go hunting, because this time the monsters are hunting them. Fortunately, this bait is armed and very dangerous.

©2010 Larry Correia (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

3. ebook/Kindle

Sonata for a Scoundrel
Anthea Lawson
I received this as part of a review bundle.
Book Description
Publication Date: November 12, 2013
* 2014 RITA Award Finalist!*
The Muse...
Clara Becker is a supremely gifted composer - a talent of little to use to a woman in 1830s Europe. Her compositions only have worth when they are published under her brother's name, yet this deception barely enables them to scrape out a living in the poorest quarter of London.

Meets the Master...
Darien Reynard, the most celebrated musician in Europe, pursues success with a single-minded intensity. When he comes across Becker's compositions, he knows that this music will secure his place in history. Darien tracks the composer down and, with some difficulty, convinces the man to tour with him. Mr. Becker agrees, but with the most unusual condition that he bring along his sister...

Set against the glittering backdrop of 19th century celebrity, Sonata for a Scoundrel is the newest full-length historical romance novel from RITA-nominated author Anthea Lawson.

4. Audio/MP3

Harmless
Written by: Ernie Lindsey
Narrated by: DJ Holte
This looks like a fun mystery with humor.
Publisher's Summary
From the USA TODAY and Amazon best-selling author of Sara's Game,..this is Harmless, an unconventional love story, a murder mystery, and a laugh out loud, hilarious work of fiction.
There's someone for everyone...even Steve.
Steve Pendragon is an eccentric (and sometimes delusional) used car salesman in love with Kerry, the quiet, secretive girl next door - only she doesn't know it. When the would-be love of his life turns up dead, all signs point to Steve.
Once the detectives hit a dead end in their investigation and he becomes the prime suspect, Steve is left with only a reluctant police officer and a crooked private investigator to help him prove his innocence. Could a kindhearted homeless woman and a cryptic note in Kerry's diary provide the key to the mystery?
©2013 Ernie Lindsey (P)2013 Ernie Lindsey

I am up to date on my daily Bible reading. I have disciplined myself each morning to read my Bible passage before I pick up print, Kindle or mp3. I am really enjoying the reading.

Line Edits: We are now finalizing formatting for two ebook re-releases, as well as working on two non-fiction releases.

This month I have more review books than from my own TBR. :-) 
I completed all five reviews from prior titles so last week's four books will have reviews for this coming week.  

April Scheduled -
done
5/3 Ladies' Book Club - we are reading Uncertain Heart by Andrea Boeshaar. I did not include it on my current reading list as I read and reviewed in 2010. I hope to have a book left over for giveaway next week.

NetGalley: I did pick up some more titles for April. 
Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig
The Escape (Survivor's Club) by Mary Balogh

Authors
 Many requests to field and reply to.

AudioBook Jukebox (waiting on requests.)

From TBR Collection - The Seducer by Madeline Hunter (done)
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords - TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 27, 2014

Pastor’s sermon today was an exhortation to boldness and action. If we truly believe then we are standing on the rock and we do not have to fear. It is not a time to be wishy-washy but a time to stand firm. God is sounding a wake up call as end times draw closer. He did not call us to a life of comfort, but we are expected to use whatever gifts we have to share God’s message of love. (Matthew 28:18-20 - the great commission to reach the world).

We need to recognize that a ‘normal’ Christian life should be a supernatural one - not a worldly one. Pastor believes that our church is experiencing a move from God if we will respond. God is going to heal and chains will be broken. God is anointing us with boldness and supernatural power. Our Bible reading is producing more fruit as He prepares us to live in the supernatural; preparing us to be victorious. Proverbs 20:31 .

People hunger and thirst and we need to be showing them love and testifying to God’s gift of grace. We need to move beyond complacency.  We need to stand, be bold and move in the authority of God. We can soar, like an eagle, in the power of the Spirit because we move in God’s authority.

As I was looking up some of today’s verses I came upon a Bible study online  based on Joshua that fits this message- Preparing for Victory.

Sometimes I go right to the song I want for Sunday. 

Today's was Victor's Crown but I posted that in March so I decided to see what else 'fit'.

I spent over two hours listening to some wonderful Christian music.

This is the song I found that I thought fit for today. I hope you enjoy.

Verses for Today:
1 Corinthians 15:56-58
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Lord I pray that you continue to prepare me and give me boldness to share your message.

April Winners: Tall Dark & Fangsome, Unwilling Warrior, You're Not Safe, Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza and Hard to Handle

CONGRATULATIONS TO WINNERS FROM APRIL GIVEAWAYS:

Giveaway Ended April 4, 2014
Giveaway: Tall, Dark & Fangsome (Immortality Bites) by Michelle Rowen. 
WINNER: KMICHELLEC87

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Giveaway Ended April 14, 2014

Giveaway: Unwilling Warrior by Andrea Boeshaar;
WINNER: BOOKLADY

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Giveaway Ended April 18, 2014

Giveaway: You're Not Safe (Texas Rangers) by Mary Burton
WINNER: CYNDI F

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Giveaway Ended April 24, 2014

4th Annual Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop April 17th to 24th

WINNERS: Entry #69 elaing8 and Entry #5 Karen H.

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Giveaway Ended April 25, 2014

Giveaway: Hard to Handle (Love in the Balance) by Jessica Lemmon
WINNER: LINDA K

ALL WINNERS - Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form AND if you want you can email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I will arrange the mailing or notify the publishers.
[I ask that all winner's fill in the form as it helps me keep track of when I have completed the mail outs or notice to the publishers rather than tracking individual emails. But of course -- feel free to email me too! :-)]

Sharing Beyond Books #148 Comment Giveaway April 26, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Only three people, miki, Alyn and Faith Hope CherryTea (FHCT), remember dreaming of books. Miki dreams as secondary characters, Alyn cannot remember which and FHCT dreams from the Bible.  Some of us would like to dream about books we read and some figure they wouldn't remember once they woke up anyway. :-)  I agree with Ricki that sometimes I dream (or daydream) of scenes that could be in a book.

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The Winner from SBB #147 comments is: #10 Marjorie who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.  Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #148 (One Question.)

Q1. Lisa C asks: Would you DNF a book for historical inaccuracies or gaps in worldbuilding, or might the characters and plot keep you reading??

A:  I cannot think of a book I DNF due to errors. I know I have recognized historical inaccuracies but I can't think of too many gaps in worldbuilding. So I would keep reading those. It does put me off the book though when there are obvious character errors. That stopped me from reading a particular author even though I realize it is the fault of bad proofing. Still, I think the author should catch that on a galley proof.

Image found at Turbocharger writing guide.

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! We still have a supply of questions but from the same people so hopefully others will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use. 
April questions were submitted by bn100,Becky, Liss and Lisa C. Random pick is #4 so Lisa C gets a book choice.

Your turn to share:

Q1. Lisa C asks: Would you DNF a book for historical inaccuracies or gaps in worldbuilding, or might the characters and plot keep you reading??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books, the Christmas Giveaway Books (this is the new link), or the June 2013 Newly Updated ARC/Review List.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two questions 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 May 3, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Seducer by Madeline Hunter

This shares a romance leading to redemption of a dark hero.

The Seducer
by Madeline Hunter

• Series: Get Connected Romances
• Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Bantam; Reprint edition (September 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553585894

Genre: Regency, Historical Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: September 30, 2003
THE SEDUCER
From the moment he arrived to rescue her, Diane Albret saw more in the darkly handsome, charismatic gentleman than just a guardian. Over the years that have passed since she first laid eyes on Daniel St. John, he had become, quite simply, the most dangerously irresistible man she could ever have imagined. Diane herself has changed from a bewildered schoolgirl, tragically orphaned, into a determined young woman of alluring charm and beauty. Now, leaving the cloistered life of her school, she has been brought to Daniel’s home with dreams of her own amid rumors and hints of scandal. But the legendary seducer seems to have other plans for Diane—and he possesses a secret about her lost past that he will do everything to keep: a secret that will put both their lives in jeopardy, even as the passion they have denied for so long threatens to break out of all control.

Review:
Diane Albret, raised in a girls’ home since a toddler, doesn’t really remember her past. However she obsesses on finding a family connection to ease her sense of being alone. Now Diane is grown and facing trouble from one of the staff. Her guardian, Daniel St. John, whom she knows as “the Devil Man” who visits once a year, is called in. Diane is more clever and observant than they realize. She recognizes a danger in St. John but she also sees more - and a way out. She weighs the consequences of remaining in the home or going with St. John where she plans to seek a governess position while seeking her ancestors.

St. John, although handsome and sophisticated, is primarily a harsh-visaged, curt man. When he sees that Diane had grown to be a fetching, innocent beauty he realizes that he can use her in a plan of revenge. He takes her home where Diane is relieved to discover his crippled sister, Jeanette, who will serve as a chaperone and mentor to Diane.

St. John and Jeanette won’t let Diane pursue her goals of finding a suitable position. Diane tries to resist being drawn into the setting of luxury and comfort as she suspects there will be a price to pay. Slowly friendship, affection and attraction pull her in. Jeanette senses St. John’s plans and argues with him not to allow any harm to Diane. St. John assures that he plans to protect her but soon that sense of protection begins to interfere with his plans of revenge.

St. John, as a dark man obsessed with his plans of revenge, is not an easy character to like. Fortunately Diane’s willingness to look for the good in others manages to pull St. John into a more likable person..
St. John's and Jeanette's secrets are not shared until well into the book when the twisted connections of enemies and pawns are slowly revealed. This gives understanding to the darkness that covers St. John and the sorrow that surrounds Jeanette.

I found the story hard to get into because of St. John’s dark character. I was also disappointed at Diane’s volatile personality - acute observation at times and cluelessness at others. Yet, as the story progressed and the depth of the treacheries was revealed, I found myself satisfied with the development of the romance. There is danger and sensual passion that seep through the story. There were times when more than one character could be considered ‘the seducer.’ I recommend this to readers who enjoy regency romance and who are willing to push past a dark beginning.

I have had this series on my TBR shelf for some time.

The Seducer series consists of seven books, all set in early 19th-century Great Britain. Their order is: 
THE SEDUCER
THE SAINT
THE CHARMER
THE SINNER
THE ROMANTIC
LORD OF SIN and LADY OF SIN which are spin-offs of the series. They are not as closely tied to the others. However, they take place in the same world, and characters from the series appear in them.

The next book in the ‘connected romances’ deals with a man who is a lighter, more charming character and I am looking forward to reading that down the road. I really enjoyed this author's Medieval romances which I read before I started blogging.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my Print Copy.

ENTRY FORM HERE

Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! 

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

For 3 Extra Bonus entries comment on the review, OR

 visit THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open to U.S. address only for print.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on May  4, 2014.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after May 4, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.