Contact email: mesreads AT gmail.com
###Winner Announcement Posts are linked here.###

GIVEAWAYS ARE NOW LOCATED ON THEIR OWN PAGE - CLICK ON TAB ABOVE; Giveaways also linked on right sidebar.

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Audio Book Review: One Fine Day You're Gonna Die Charlie D. Mysteries, Book 2 by Gail Bowen

This is an engaging, psychological mystery that is a good, quick listen.
Charlie D. Mysteries, Book 2
by Gail Bowen


Narrator: Daniel Maté
# of Audio CD's: 2
# of MP3 CD's: 1
Audio CD ISBN: 978-1-927401-92-7
Genre: Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5..0

Charlie D is back doing his late-night radio call-in show. It's Halloween--The Day of the Dead. Not a day filled with good memories for Charlie, but the show must go on. His studio guest this evening is Dr. Robin Harris, an arrogant and ambitious "expert in the arts of dying and grieving," who also seems to be auditioning for her own radio talk show. Charlie and Dr. Harris do not hit it off. Things go from bad to worse when the doctor's ex-lover, Gabe, goes on air to announce that he's about to end his life. Dr. Harris is entirely unsympathetic until she learns that Gabe also has her daughter Kali and plans to poison her too. It will take all of Charlie D's on-air skills to save both Gabe and Kali.


Review:
This is the second in the Charlie D mystery series. In this episode it is Halloween and Charlie D has a guest hostess to deal with The Day of the Dead. Dr. Robin Harris is extremely arrogant and thinks that only her opinions on grieving are the right and worthy ones. She hopes to use this night with Charlie as an opportunity to gain her own talk show. There is a big difference between Charlie and Robin. Charlie has learned to listen to his audience and they appreciate him for that. Robin is too busy trying to tell the callers what she thinks instead of waiting to hear their experience and needs.

Robin is angry that Charlie’s producer, Nova, refuses to bar Robin’s ex-boyfriend, Gabe, from calling in. She doesn’t want to talk to him but she finally begins to listen when she learns that Gabe has her young daughter, Kali, and he is planning to poison her before killing himself. Can Charlie manage to talk Gabe out of harming Kali, or at least keep him on the line until they can locate him and the police can arrive. As Robin panics and continues to make a fool of herself some of Charlie’s other callers are able to call in and give some wise advise for the situation.

Once again this is a psychological mystery that is engaging and enjoyable for a quick listen. The introduction fills the listener in on  Charlie’s particular uniqueness and his occupation so a reader could select this title to enjoy as a stand alone.

Audio Notes: Daniel Maté presents the characters with panache and makes this ‘rapid read’ a smooth,
easy listen.

I received this audio book from Post Hypnotic Press for an honest review.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Audible Book Review: After Dark: Ghost Hunters, Book 1 by Jayne Castle

This solid paranormal romance makes an engaging listen. 
After Dark: Ghost Hunters, Book 1
Written by: Jayne Castle
Narrated by: Joyce Bean


Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins
Series: Ghost Hunters
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:06-01-09
Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Genre: Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
Life is tough these days for Lydia Smith, licensed para-archaeologist. Seriously stressed-out from a nasty incident in an alien tomb, she is obliged to work in Shrimpton's House of Ancient Horrors, a very low-budget museum. She has a plan to get her career back on track, but it isn't going well. Stuff keeps happening.
Take the dead body that she discovered in the sarcophagus exhibit. Who needed that? Finding out that her new client, Emmett London, is one of the most dangerous men in the city isn't helping matters either. And that's just today's list of setbacks. Here in the shadows of the Dead City of Old Cadence, things don't really heat up until After Dark.
©2007 Jayne Castle; (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc.


Review:
Lydia Smith lives in a world with alien past that left tunnels full of dangers of ghostly attackers and webs of traps that disrupt the victims memories and sanity. Although a strong woman, Lydia is struggling back from a bad incident that others believe has impacted her abilities as a para-archaeologist. She has been let go by University officials who do not think she can be trusted to preform her ghost trap untangling skills on future expeditions. Lydia has developed a strong distrust for ghost hunters as she feels that the two who were with her on the disastrous trip failed to protect her when it was their job.

Lydia is working at a low-budge museum while she tries to rebuild her reputation helping private clients. She didn’t need the difficulties of finding a friend dead in a museum exhibit. She is glad to track down an artifact for her first major client, Emmet London, until she learns he is a powerful ghost hunter and considered a rather influential and dangerous man. But she can’t afford not to fulfill their contract.

Emmet is attracted to Lydia and he is willing to give her a chance to regain her reputation. When her apartment is attacked, Emmet suspects that his investigation may be drawing danger to her so he decides he will have to stick close by to make sure she is safe. Lydia isn't happy when Emmet pulls her into some political wrangling with the local guild boss and his new wife.

Trust is a fragile thing and it takes a bit for Lydia and Emmet to open up. Their initial at-odds relationship slowly grows into more even though they try to resist temptation. I enjoyed the reluctant attraction between these two head strong characters and the mystery and danger added a good element of suspense. I love the cuddly and fierce pet dust bunny.

Audio Notes: I found this book much more satisfying than the later book, Ghost Hunter, that I listened to out of order in the series. I think this may be attributed to the narrator as I was much more comfortable with the narration by Joyce Beau of this story. She managed to give appropriate strength to the characters and still convey some vulnerabilities as well. The narration added to the romance to make this an engaging listen.

This book is from my own Audible library.
ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my used Print Copy.

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  6, 2014.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after May 6, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Mailbox Monday April 28, 2014

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 Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.


I received nine ebooks for review and feature and an audiobook from an author. 
(I still have many author requests to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles
Audio Title:
I received this title from DJ Holte for an honest review.

Written by: Ernie Lindsey
Narrated by: DJ Holte

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




eBooks for review:

I received a "Bundle" of romance ebooks for feature and review from StoryBundle. This looks like a great deal for readers and I am excited to start reading the books for review this week.

The books will be available from April 30-May 21 at www.storybundle.com.
I’d like to invite you to join us on a journey of Romance: Past, Present, and Paranormal. This exciting bundle is a fun and romance-filled voyage from some of the best romance writers out there. We have threeUSA Today bestsellers and two RITA-award finalists. Most of these authors have appeared on Yearly Top 5 and Top 10 lists including: RT, Barnes & Noble, NPR, and Publisher's Weekly to name just a few.
Readers who pay at least $3 will read: Anthea Lawson (Regency), Dean Wesley Smith (Old West time travel), M.L. Buchman and Kay Stockham (contemporary), and Kristine Grayson and Terry Spear (paranormal).
Readers who pay over $10 will also read bonus books: M.L. Buchman (contemporary romantic suspense), Kristine Kathryn Rusch (contemporary), and Karen L. McKee (paranormal)


Won

None.

Purchased
I purchased two books at Audible:
I used one April credit to purchase:
After The Ending: The Ending Series, #1
Written by: Lindsey Fairleigh, Lindsey Pogue
Narrated by: Natalie Duke

The best-selling first audiobook in the emotionally charged post-apocalyptic romance series, The Ending Series.
The virus spread. Billions died. The ending began. We may have survived the apocalypse, but the virus changed us.

I received a $5.00 Easter Gift from Audible
I used $2.99 (discounted because I had the Kindle version) to pick up:

Written by: Richelle Mead
Narrated by: Jennifer Van Dyck
Eugenie Markham is a shaman for hire, paid to bind and banish creatures from the Otherworld. But after her last battle, she s also become queen of the Thorn Land. It's hardly an envious life, not with her kingdom in tatters, her love life in chaos, and Eugenie eager to avoid the prophecy about her firstborn destroying mankind...

I purchased two eBooks for $.99:

Gotcha Detective Agency Mysteries Boxed Set (3 Books)Gotcha Detective Agency Mysteries Boxed Set (3 Books)
Jamie Lee Scott
Kindle Edition
Sold by Amazon Digital Services, Inc.


Seducing the Rake (Mad, Bad and Dangerous Heroes)Seducing the Rake (Mad, Bad and Dangerous Heroes)
Christina Skye
Kindle Edition
Sold by Amazon Digital Services, Inc.


 Free
Plus I downloaded another 60 or so free Kindle titles. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

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:
  • Book Review and GiveawayThe Seducer by Madeline Hunter; Historical Romance; my rating 3.75. 
  • April Winners: Tall Dark & Fangsome, Unwillig Warrior, You're Not Safe, Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza and Hard to Handle
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.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails