MBS 2015 Audiobook Challenge -- Update #1

MBS 2015 AUDIOBOOK CHALLENGE
First Update Giveaway hosted by Jennifer @ The Book Nympho

My Goal (to beat 63 listens in 2014): Marathoner (Look Ma No Hands) 50+

I need a little more than 5 a month to make 64 this year. 15 of 64 = 23.4%. I'm just barely on track so I guess I better pep it up the listening!

JANUARY

1. Audible Book Review: 25 Perfect Days by Mark Tullius; Sci Fi, Dystopian; my rating 3.75. (This one might be better in text.)
2. Audible Book Review: FREE: The Jester (A Riyria Chronicles Tale) Written by Michael J. Sullivan; Fantasy;  my rating 4.5.
3. Audio Book Review: The Eighth Day by Michael O'Neal; Thriller, Action Adventure, YA; my rating 4.0. 
4. AudioBook Review: Time and Again: Book 1 in the History Mystery Series by Deborah Heal; Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Time Travel; my rating 4.0.
5. Book Review: Immortality by Kevin Bohacz; Sci Fi, Apocalyptic; my rating 4.25.
6. Audio Book Review: Enchanted by Alethea Kontis; Fantasy, Highlander; my rating 4.25. 
FEBRUARY
7. Audio Book Review: Betrayal in Death: In Death, Book 12 by J. D. Robb Crime Thriller; my rating 4.75.
8. Audio Book Review: Heart of Stone: Irish Angel Series by Jill Marie Landis; Historical Romance, Christian; my rating 4.0.
9. AudioBook Review: Cleansed by Fire: A Father Frank Mystery by James R. Callan; Mystery, Christian; my rating 4.0.
10. Audible Book Review: Contingency: Sage Hannigan Time Warper, Book 1 by Peggy Martinez; Fantasy; my rating 3.75. 
11. Audible Book Review: Dead Reckoning: Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Mystery #11 by Charlaine Harris; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.0.
12. Audible Book Review: Review: The Beast Master by Andre Norton; Sci Fi, Fantasy; my rating 4.0.
MARCH
13. Audio Book Review: The Keeper's Calling: The Keeper's Saga, Book 1 by Kelly Nelson; Time Travel, YA Romance; my rating 4.0.
14. Audible Book Review: Finding Mr. Right by Emily Carmichael ; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.0.
15. Quitter by Jon Acuff - Review to be posted 

Book Review and Giveaway: Interlude In Death: In Death, Book 12.5 by J. D. Robb

This is a quick novella that shows true Eve Dallas intensity.

Interlude In Death: In Death, Book 12.5
by J. D. Robb

• Publisher: Berkley (2006)
• ASIN: B000J1BO82

Genre: Futuristic, Crime Thriller
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: August 29, 2006
Publisher's Summary
In early spring of 2059, Lieutenant Eve Dallas is called off planet to face a grueling ordeal - giving a seminar at the largest police conference of the year, to be held in a swanky resort. A resort which just happens to be owned by her husband, Roarke, of course.
Even though Eve can't quite see it that way, it's supposed to be at least partly a vacation. But work intrudes in the form of a bloody homicide, and Eve is off and running. The case is complicated by Eve's personal history with the victim - and by the killer's history with Roarke. As danger closes in and the body count rises, Eve must find a way to stop the cycle of violence and revenge, and shove the past back where it belongs.

Review:
I have to admit that I am pleasantly surprised that each book in this series brings its own complete mystery event as well as the growing relationships among the characters.
Roarke has accompanied Eve, and many of her NY team, to one of his off planet resorts for a police conference. It’s a toss up which Eve likes least: space travel or leading a seminar. Roarke is hoping they can enjoy some of the luxuries of the resort as a bit of a vacation after her seminar.

Eve’s strong personality–sometimes popular, sometimes no–is shadowed by the attendance of a legendary 50 year icon in the police world, retired Commander Douglas Skinner. Even Peabody is awestruck. Eve is summoned by Skinner only to learn that he is a chauvinist and has it in for Roarke. He thinks he can bribe her to assist in taking Roarke down. As if! When Eve moves to step away she is blocked by one of Skinner’s security guards.

Next thing you now, fortunately– or not– for Eve, the guard shows up dead with Roarke as a prime suspect. At least the murder takes Eve’s attention away from her other issues, even though she is not in jurisdiction and has to share command with local authority. Peabody, Feeney and Dr. Mira get to assist in helping to profile and track the killer.

Once again there is wonderful interaction in the team, including Roarke. The mystery is well thought out even, or especially, for a quick novella. The action is fast paced and I thoroughly enjoyed the read.

Reading this alone would give the reader a good sense of the formula of this engaging series. However, I do recommend reading the books in order to get the full character development and interaction. Now I am ready for the next one on audio!

I checked the list and this came before the next one I was preparing to listen to on audio. It just so happens this was in my TBR box. :-)

ONE PRINT COPY GIVEAWAY

Since it is small I am including US and Canada.

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  (a) comment on the review, OR

(b) tell me a favorite character in the series and why

OR

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

* This contest is open to US/CANADA only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 7 PM (Central) March 31, 2015.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after March 31, 2015.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Audible Book Review: Legendarium by Kevin G. Summers, Michael Bunker

This ended up being a crazy fun listen!
Legendarium
Written by: Kevin G. Summers, Michael Bunker
Narrated by: Robert Rossmann

Length: 3 hrs and 13 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-20-14
Publisher: Kevin G. Summers
Genre: Humor, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In every generatioen, certain writers are chosen to be protectors of The Legendarium, a metaphysical library that exists at the nexus of the multiverse. Inside this library are doorways that lead to every world ever created in literature. There are forces of evil constantly at work to destroy the library and send the world back into an age of darkness. Now, in a time of growing illiteracy, two heroes are chosen to defend The Legendarium. Bombo Dawson, newly published author and the hero of Michael Bunker's novella Hugh Howey Must Die!, and Alistair Foley, aspiring author and Bombo's harshest critic, become unlikely partners in a mission to protect The Legendarium. Their adventures will take them across the worlds of literature, but will hostile enemies learn to work together before the accumulated knowledge of all of humanity is lost forever?
©2014 Michael Bunker and Kevin G. Summers (P)2014 Michael Bunker and Kevin G. Summers

Review:
When I started this I was a bit startled by the opening strangeness with post-zombie-apocalypse comments. Bombo Dawson is a heavy set, doughnut loving author who has released his first novel to reasonably good reviews. Unfortunately the book received a one star, scathing review from Alistair Foley, a professor and maybe aspiring author. These two odd characters are chosen as ‘heroes’ to protect the secret Legendarium where all books are protected as any work may have influenced someone along the way. Though hostile toward one another, Bombo and Alistair have to work through their animosity if they want to save the multiverse of publishing works that have impacted people and thereby history throughout time. If they don’t work together then the world they have known will never exist.

Once you get beyond the strange beginning the irony and timeliness of the story became very amusing. I enjoyed the forays into several classic stories like Through the Looking Glass and Moby Dick and a few others that I was not familiar with. There are snide comments about current electronic publishing and classics that might never have been published in today’s industry.

This turned out to be a fun listen, especially while attending an EPIC (electronic publishing industry coalition) conference. Anyone who loves literature and has interest in the reviewing world should enjoy the irony.

Audio Notes: Robert Rossmann does a really good job of adding to the fun of this story. He gives good portrayals for the unlikely heroes and for author legends like Tolstoy, Hemingway, Twain and more. The narration enhanced the story for me.

This was a free audible I downloaded in Dec 2014. It qualifies for Audio Challenge and TBR Double Dare, plus L on Alphabet Soup.

It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 23, 2015

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 had a busy time last week catching up briefly in the office before heading off for spring vacation with our kids. Now we are in Orlando planning to enjoy some true R&R and time with the kids - when they aren't off in the Disney Parks. :-)

I did get to post three reviews last week and I also posted the usual memes.

I visited some blog friends early this week but then was precluded by my rushed schedule from more visits.  Maybe? I will do better this 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? Plus Mailbox Monday March 16, 2015.

• Audio Book Review: The Keeper's Calling: The Keeper's Saga, Book 1 by Kelly Nelson; Time Travel, YA Romance; my rating 4.0.

• Book Review: The Last Heiress by Mary Ellis; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 20, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 3/26/15.

• Book Review: Echoes (A Harp Security Novel) by Laura K. Curtis; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5.
  

• Sharing Beyond Books #195 Comment Giveaway March 22 (for 21), 2015; Open Worldwide, Ends 3/28/15.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 22, 2015

Finished Reading:
1. Print

Interlude In Death: In Death, Book 12.5
by J. D. Robb
I enjoyed this quick novella story. 
Review to post this week.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Monday's Lie
by James Mason
This read very quickly and I really liked it.
I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

Echoes (A Harp Security Novel)
Laura K. Curtis
I nearly forgot I had set this for review on 3/21. 
This is a very good romantic suspense and I will look to read more in the series.
The review is linked above.
Book Description
Publication Date: March 17, 2015
Who is she?
A single photo of herself as an infant on a beach, taken before the date on her birth certificate, throws everything Calliope Pearson knows about herself into question. Hoping to find answers, she takes advantage of her job as a travel writer to make a reservation at the Caribbean island resort in the picture.
Resort security chief Mac Brody distrusts Callie on sight. After all, she looks exactly like his deceitful missing wife, Nikki, who owns half the resort. But when Nikki’s found dead, Mac's facing murder charges, and he’s sure that Callie must hold the key to proving his innocence.
The deeper Callie and Mac dive into the mystery of her past, the more bodies surface. And they’ll have to learn to trust each other, or become victims of a dark danger neither could've imagined….
Praise for TWISTED:
“Sexy small town suspense, with finely drawn characters that will tug at your heart and keep you up at night turning pages.”—Bestselling Author Dee Davis
Laura K. Curtis has always done everything backwards. As a child, she was extremely serious, so now that she’s chronologically an adult, she feels perfectly justified in acting the fool. She started teaching at age fifteen, then decided to go back to school herself at thirty. And she wrote her first book in first grade. It was released in (notebook) paperback to rave reviews and she's been trying to achieve the same level of acclaim ever since. She lives in Westchester County, New York, with her husband and a pack of wild Irish Terriers, which has taught her how easily love can coexist with the desire to kill.

Currently reading:

1. Audible/MP4

Quitter
by Jon Acuff
I have just started this title which my son recommended to me and I picked up as a free read over a year ago.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Scandalously Yours (The Hellions of High Street)
by Cara Elliott
I picked this up last minute for blog tour for Forever Romance.
Review to post on March 31.
Book Description
Publication Date: January 7, 2014
Proper young ladies of the ton-especially ones who have very small dowries-are not encouraged to have an interest in intellectual pursuits. Indeed, the only thing they are encouraged to pursue is an eligible bachelor. So, the headstrong Sloane sisters must keep their passions a secret. Ah, but secret passions are wont to lead a lady into trouble . . .
SCANDALOUSLY YOURS
The eldest of the three Sloane sisters, Olivia is unafraid to question the boundaries of Society-even if it does frequently land her in trouble. Disdaining the glittery world of balls and courtship, Olivia prefers to spend her time writing fiery political essays under a pseudonym for London's leading newspaper. But when her columns attract the attention of the oh-so-proper Earl of Wrexham, Olivia suddenly finds herself dancing on the razor's edge of scandal. With the help of her sisters, she tries to stay one step ahead of trouble . . .
However, after a series of madcap misadventures, Wrexham, a former military hero who is fighting for social reform in Parliament, discovers Olivia's secret. To her surprise, he proposes a temporary alliance to help win passage of his bill. Passion flares between them, but when a political enemy kidnaps the earl's young son, they must make some dangerous decisions . . . and trust that love will conquer all.

3. eBook/Kindle

A Kiss to Build a Dream On (A White Pine Novel)

by Kim Amos

This cover pulled me in.
I picked this up also for blog tour for Forever Romance.
Review to post 4/2.

Book Description
Publication Date: March 31, 2015
TROUBLE IN HIGH HEELS . . . 
If pride goes before a fall, Willa Masterson's trip back to White Pine, Minnesota, should be one heck of a tumble The girl who left her hometown-and her first love, Burk Olmstead-in the rearview twelve years ago was spoiled and headstrong. But the woman who returns is determined to rebuild: first her family house; then her relationships with everyone in town . . . starting with a certain tall, dark, and sexy contractor.>
MEETS HER MATCH
Burk has no reason to believe Willa has changed, and every reason to discourage her from converting the Masterson house into a B&B. He has plans of his own for that house, and they certainly don't include a no-vacancy sign. But Burk didn't count on how distracting Willa's bright green eyes or her all-too-familiar touch would feel-or how impossible she will be to resist . . .

I am reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I am also listening to the companion commentary online. -- Really enjoying my Bible reading. It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning. To go a step beyond the Bible reading I am also reading Jesus Daily 365 Interactive Devotions.

March Schedule:
March (dateTBD but looks like pushed off until April) - Ladies Book Club Book: Before the Scarlet Dawn: Daughters of the Potomac - Book 1
3/31 Scandalously Yours by Cara Elliott

I am still focusing on reading NetGalley titles and TBR titles for the next couple of months.

I did post three reviews last week so I have three reviews pending for this week. :-)
I am continuing to read the waiting NetGalley titles in between blog tours.

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 two new ebooks from Hachette/Forever for review.
I downloaded more free kindle titles to my library.

(Although I have gotten to a couple, I still have many author requests, old and new ones, to consider and reply to.)
 Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I picked up two last minute blog tours for Forever Romance: (through NetGalley)

A Kiss to Build a Dream On (A White Pine Novel)
by Kim Amos
(See more info in Current reading above)

Scandalously Yours (The Hellions of High Street)
by Cara Elliott
(See more info in Current reading above)

I also accepted one Author invite title from NetGalley for review:

The Shadow Cartel
The Dominic Grey Series
by Layton Green
Crime Thriller -"Lying in wait is an enemy known only as the General: a criminal mastermind whose uncanny ability to avoid detection while cowing even the most ruthless of rival cartels has made him a legend."

Won

None

Purchased

I am continuing to resist making any purchases. :-)

Free

Over the past week I added 49 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sharing Beyond Books #195 Comment Giveaway March 22, 2015 (for March 21)

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

I had a very busy three and one-half days at work to get ready for this week of spring break. We have taken the motor coach to Orlando to spend the week with our kids and grandkids. They will be visiting several days at Disney parks while we enjoy quite at the campground.  AND BTW-- HAPPY SPRING officially although it feels like we slid right past spring and into summer weather.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Sarah noted: "I don't remember what it's like to have a manageable TBR pile." I think that most of us have that same situation and therefore we have no need to panic at the thought of running out of books. However, most of us keep a set of 3-6 books as the 'next' to read.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #194 comments is: #1 Mystica (odd 1 and 11 have been repeated winning numbers over the past several months) who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. I'm hoping to update the book choices this week. Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #195 (One Question.)

Q1. Rubynreba asks: What is the best** movie you have ever seen?? **Note please distinguish this from your fav movie which is a question for another day.

A: It is difficult to pick a "best" movie. Once again we have to determine if best means best production, best story or some other value. I think I will pick two: The Shawshank Redemption for its story and its beautiful execution and The Matrix for its story and innovative effects.  

The Shawshank Redemption
Image found at IMDb

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.

Your turn to share:

Q1. Rubynreba asks: What is the best** movie you have ever seen?? **Note please distinguish this from your fav movie which is a question for another day.
SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the  Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. I still have to go back and update that list with what is left and a few new titles to add.)

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 March 28, 2015 at 5 PM  central.