Sharing Beyond Books #201 Comment Giveaway May 2, 2015

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

I am feeling better, thank the good Lord. This was another good week at the office. I hope everyone else is doing well as we enter the fifth month of this year!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
There were seven wonderful quotes shared. I shared from Inkheart, Mary shared from Dr. Seuss, Miki quoted from Hob Bargain, Fredamans from Art of War, Rubynreba from Wuthering Heights, Nikki form P&P (Pride and Prejudice) and poetryinleaves quoted from The BFG.
The winner from these six, who gets any book choice up to $12.00, is #4, rubynreba. Rubynreba, please comment this week what book you would like to receive.

~~~~

The regular Winner from SBB #200 comments is: #10 Poetryinleaves 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 #201; (One Question.)

Q1. Miki asks: What do you prefer to do with books you don't want anymore? (sell them at second hand bookstore, gift them, used them in contest etc)??

A: I think everyone here knows what I do with the books I no longer want! Many are given away at review giveaways or on Friday Pick Giveaways. Some hardback books I take to the local library or occasionally to thrift stores or boxes sent to soldiers.
I used to trade them in at a second hand bookstore where I got credit. But that store is an hour away and just keeps me replacing books instead of getting some out of my house. So it is better for me to give books away.

Image - screenshot of Friday Pick Giveaway May 1, 2015. :-)

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. Miki  asks: What do you prefer to do with books you don't want anymore? (sell them at second hand bookstore, gift them, used them in contest etc)??

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. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

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 9, 2015 at 5 PM  central.

Audible Book Review: Trident's First Gleaming: A Special Operations Group Thriller by Stephen Templin

This is a fast-paced and engaging action thriller.
Trident's First Gleaming:
A Special Operations Group Thriller
Written by: Stephen Templin
Narrated by: Brian Troxell

Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins
Release Date:09-24-14
Publisher: ListenUp Audiobooks
Genre: Military Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Former SEAL Chris Paladin leaves SEAL Team Six to become a pastor, but CIA spook Hannah Andrade pulls him back into Special Operations Group, the ultra-secret unit that SEAL Team Six operators and others served under to eliminate bin Laden. Chris and Hannah are joined by Delta Force’s Sonny Cohen to stop a new terrorist threat from launching a deadly cyber-terror against the United States.©2014 Stephen Templin Recorded by arrangement with the author c/o Trident Media Group LLC (P)2014 ListenUp Production, LLC.

Review:
Chris put his former life as a SEAL behind him and is serving as a pastor when a prior operations teammate seeks him out. Chris always like CIA spook Hannah but they could never interact socially due to their job restrictions. Chris is hesitant to be puled back into a Special Operations Group until he learns that they are seeking his help to stop an enemy well known to Chris. Chris and SEAL Team Six had captured Professor Mordet in Chris’ last assignment. Chris was close to killing the terrorist for his heinous actions, including chewing off a part of Chris’ ear, but instead he turned him over for imprisonment.

Now Professor Mordet has escaped and is believed to be involved in trying to acquire new and secret US military drone technology, known as the ‘Switchblade Whisper’. The drone has been misdirected by Mordet and is now missing. Whoever gets their hands on this technology could conceivably break through military defense security to cause havoc in military and other major infrastructure systems.

Chris agrees to step back into service for the mission. He meets with Hannah and two other operatives to fly to Afghanistan to recover the equipment. Although they retrieve the Switchblade something goes wrong. Chris is abandoned in a field filled with insurgents. Before he can reach his car it blows up when an enemy opens the door. Now Chris is seriously worried about his team mates, especially Hannah, as it appears that there has been a major betrayal.

Chris heads back to the rendevous point to find another team member dead. Chris faces off with the traitors who plan to frame him. Along the way to find Hannah, Chris runs into (literary) a strange man on a donkey. The man, Sonny, helps Chris restart the stolen van and it soon is apparent Sonny is a skilled operative. Sonny is a helpful, rascally addition who joins Chris in his escape from enemies as he continues to hunt down Hannah and the Switchblade. After plenty of action and before the story gets to its suspenseful ending, Chris has to face the extreme dark madness of his enemy.

I enjoyed the fast-paced action and conflict. Some of the escapes that Chris makes seemed a stretch but I suppose it is possible for a SEAL. He wasn’t quite a one man army but close to it. Of course, in my opinion, it helped that he had prayer support on his side. The author did a good job of putting the reader into the action and especially into the thought process as Chris dealt with the dangers, decisions and emotional conflicts of war, including how his faith in God impacted his actions. There was romantic tension between Chris and Hannah without any overt sexual scenes. I also appreciated the fact that the bad language was minimal.

I would be interested to listen to more by this author. I recommend this to readers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers and especially military action.

Audio Notes: Brian Troxell does a fairly good job of narration. He managed a variety of voices for the characters, especially getting distinct personalities for Jim Bob, Victor, Sonny and Mordet. I didn’t feel his interpretations were as strong for Hannah or the main character. Also there wasn’t as much intensity in the action as I felt there could have been. Still I was well engaged and am glad I listened to this on audio.

I received this title from Audible through AudioBook Jukebox for an honest review. This qualifies for my Audiobook Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 1, 2015

Happy Friday! I hope everyone is doing well. I've had a good week - I have work left but then - I always have more work. :-) 
Oh rats - I just realized that I pulled books together for a new group this week but forgot to write up the list and take a picture. I'll try to remember to get the list ready early Friday morning and post the picture by Saturday.

TO ENTER:

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up to late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the April 24 Pick. Only one automatic win again this week.  Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was one title blocked.
Becky gets Virtually His

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from April 24 Pick:
Carol NW gets Hour Game

MaryP 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, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

HAPPY MAY DAY!

Image found at Thadeaus.

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015
(I'll finish the list with authors on Saturday 5/2/15)

PAIRS:
Virginia Henley: The Dragon and the Jewel and Tempted
Jude Deveraux: The Invitation and Remembrance
Nora Roberts: The Heart of Devin MacKade and the Pride of Jared MacKade
SINGLES:
A Little Better Bit Wild
Veil of Night
World's Greatest Dad
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess
Skin Game
Special Agent
Heart of the Wolf
Dean in The Water
Rally Fever
Jack with a Twist

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Dick Francis: A Jockey's Life and Proof (spine creases)
Catherine Lanigan: Tender Malice and Elusive Love (spine creases)
SINGLES:
Parent Trap Anthology, Dallas Schulze, Lisa Jackson, Kasey Michaels
Madison Avenue Marriage (Silhouette Desire #129) by Cassandra Bishop
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Ain't Myth-Behaving by Kate MacAlister
Death at Play by Nancy Gotter Gates
Where is He Now? by Jennifer Greene
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
Aphrodite's Secret by Julie Kenner
Virtually His by Gennita Low
Dead Even by Brad Metzger
Mommy Midwife by Cassie Miles
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks


New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Virginia Henley: The Pirate and the Pagan (spine creases) and The Falcon and the Flower
James Patterson: London Bridges and Roses are Red (both spine creases)
SINGLES:
Pale Kings and Princes by Robert Parker Audio Cassette Tapes
Hour Game by David Baldacci (spine creases)
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
The Girl With the Golden Spurs by Ann Major
Can't Take My Eyes Off of You by Kasey Michaels
Dark Possession by Christine Feehan
Daisy's Back in Town by Rachel Gibson
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood
Paradise Bay by James Michael Pratt
The Last Two Bachelors by Debbie Macomber
Exclusive Anthology by Fiona Hood-Stewart, Sharon Kendrick and Jackie Braun
Duets Romantic Comedy: Lady and the Scamp by Candy Halliday & The Doctor Dilemma by Dianne Drake

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

PAIRS:
Lisa Gardner: Alone and Gone
Janet Evanovich: Eleven on Top and Twelve Sharp
Stuart Wood: L.A. Dead and Fresh Disasters
SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes



BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
Maybe This Time by Victoria Barrett
The Commander by Kate Bridges
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose
Intrepid Encounter by Rebecca Ashley
A Stranger's Wife by Maggie Osborne
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
At The Stroke of Madness by Alex Kava
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Catherine Anderson PAIR: Seventh Heaven and Always in My Heart
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Mariah Stewart PAIR: Priceless and Brown-Eyed Girl
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Fulfillment by Barbara Delinsky
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
Diana Palmer PAIR: Diamond Spur, Long Tall Texan
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Illegal Possession by Kay Hooper


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Final Justice by Jasmine Cresswell
Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Mary Higgins Clark PAIR: Let Me Call You Sweetheart and Moonlight Becomes You (SC)
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- 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
The Millionaire's Daughter by Sophie Weston
Tara Taylor Quinn: Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.
Bride by Command by Linda Winstead Jones
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon
The Darkroom by Minette Walters
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
McNally's Puzzle by Lawrence Sanders
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Death Angel by Linda Howard

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 on November 27, 2009 and in five+ years I have posted 54 groups of 16 (864) books to find new homes! (as of February 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 808+ 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. 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!

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 $7.00 and $10.00 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)

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!

Blog Tour Book Review Plus Giveaway: The Brass Giant: A Chroniker City Story by Brooke Johnson

This story has wonderful steampunk elements.

The Brass Giant: A Chroniker City Story
by Brooke Johnson

• File Size: 1155 KB
• Print Length: 236 pages
• Publisher: Harper Voyager Impulse (May 5, 2015)
• Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers
• ASIN: B00M719Z06

Genre: Steampunk, YA
My Rating:  3.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: May 5, 2015
Sometimes, even the most unlikely person can change the world

Seventeen-year-old Petra Wade, self-taught clockwork engineer, wants nothing more than to become a certified member of the Guild, an impossible dream for a lowly shop girl. Still, she refuses to give up, tinkering with any machine she can get her hands on, in between working and babysitting her foster siblings.

When Emmerich Goss--handsome, privileged, and newly recruited into the Guild--needs help designing a new clockwork system for a top-secret automaton, it seems Petra has finally found the opportunity she's been waiting for. But if her involvement on the project is discovered, Emmerich will be marked for treason, and a far more dire fate would await Petra.

Working together in secret, they build the clockwork giant, but as the deadline for its completion nears, Petra discovers a sinister conspiracy from within the Guild council ... and their automaton is just the beginning.

Review:
Petra is an orphan who works as a shop girl in a poorer section of Chroniker City. The good thing about her work is that she gets to help fix clock mechanisms under the guidance of a kind expert. Petra has always dreamed of entering the Guild University to study and become a certified engineer. She tries to sneak in disguised as a boy but is rejected because she has no background school and no money for tuition.

Some of the young students are passing the shop and one of the young men has an automaton following him. Petra is fascinated but challenges the mechanism. Emmerich, who created the remote controls, recognizes the look of awe and intensity in Petra’s eyes. He pursues her and asks her to help him build a special project for the Guild. Not only is the project highly secret but if it is discovered that Emmerich allowed Petra to work on it they would both be in danger of charges of treason leading to execution. Although reluctant and fearful, Petra cannot resist the opportunity to truly work in the Guild.

Their first prototype is well received by the council leaders who move up the deadline for the final project. Petra and Emmerich grow closer as they work late at night to build the clockwork giant until Petra tries to walk away when she realizes the danger her involvement poses to Emmerich.

An attack by Luddites, who hate the machines, brings a fire to the University causing Petra to rush to Emmerich. The incident brings back memories of the night her parents died in a similar fire. Now Petra has even more reason to fight to be a part of the Guild. She returns to help Emmerich finish the project only to discover that the purpose of the machine has been twisted by a conspiracy of leaders seeking their own agenda. Petra is caught and accused of treason and she feels completely betrayed by Emmerich.

The story is set in 1881 and the steampunk world is wonderfully developed. I really enjoyed the rich descriptions of sights, smells and sounds. The steampunk world had much in common with other steampunk stories I have read. Still, I found the focus on the mechanics engaging and the development of the young friendship enjoyable for about two thirds of the book. Then the young adult angst and the gushing romance became too much. Plus Petra repeatedly made stupid, childish decisions that put her in danger. I suppose the effusive romance and the impetuous, rash behaviors are consistent for young adult but these issues broke my engagement with the otherwise good story.  The scenes to wrap up this book seemed a bit forced and the story ends intentionally with problems remaining to be addressed in the next book.

I liked the steampunk aspects of the book enough to still give this a pretty positive rating. I do think this book would be enjoyed by young adults and those who like steampunk as long as they are prepared for YA romance too.

I received this through Edelweiss for Pump Up Your Book Blog Tour.

To Purchase The Brass Giant
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Add to Goodreads


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brooke is a stay-at-home mom, amateur seamstress, RPG enthusiast, and art hobbyist, in addition to all that book writing. As the jack-of-all-trades bard of the family, she adventures through life with her fiercely-bearded paladin of a husband, their daughter the sticky-fingered rogue, and their cowardly wizard of a dog, with only a sleep spell in his spellbook.
They currently reside in Northwest Arkansas, but once they earn enough loot and experience, they’ll build a proper castle somewhere and defend against all manner of dragons and goblins, and whatever else dares take them on.
Visit Brooke at her website

Visit her at the following locations
Facebook
Twitter
Google+

GIVEAWAY

Brooke and Harper Voyage Impulse are giving away a $25 Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Gift Certificate to the e-retailer of your choice
• This giveaway begins April 27 and ends on May 15.
• Winners will be contacted via email on May 17.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!
ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review and Giveaways: Sinfully Yours (The Hellions of High Street) by Cara Elliott

Another sister gets a romantic adventure in book two of this fun series.
Sinfully Yours (The Hellions of High Street)
by Cara Elliott

• File Size: 667 KB
• Print Length: 316 pages
• Publisher: Forever (February 4, 2014)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• ASIN: B00D19E05I
• Genre: Historical Romance
• My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: February 4, 2014
THE HELLIONS OF HIGH STREET SERIES CONTINUES WITH SINFULLY YOURS...
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 things they are encouraged to pursue are eligible bachelors. So, the headstrong Sloane sisters must keep their passions a secret. Ah, but secret passions are wont to lead a lady into trouble . . .
SINFULLY YOURS
After an eventful Season, Anna Sloane longs for some peace and quiet to pursue her writing. Though her plots might be full of harrowing adventure and heated passion, she'd much prefer to leave such exploits on the page rather than experience them in real life. Or so she thinks until she encounters the darkly dissolute-and gorgeously charming-Marquess of Davenport.
Davenport has a reputation as a notorious rake whose only forte is wanton seduction. However the real reason he's a guest at the same remote Scottish castle has nothing to do with Anna . . . until a series of mysterious threats leave him no choice but to turn to her for help in stopping a dangerous conspiracy. As desire erupts between them, Davenport soon learns he's not the only one using a carefully crafted image to hide his true talents. And he's more than ready to show Anna that sometimes reality can be even better than her wildest imaginings . . .

Review:
Anna has always presented a kind, lovely and proper presence in society. Although she is the middle daughter, she is the one who was expected to marry well to save the family. Now that her older sister has succeeded in marrying a wealthy Earl, the pressure has been lifted from Anna. Only her sisters know that Anna publishes adventure novels under a male pseudonym. If the ton were to discover her secret she would be ruined. Like any writer, sometimes she struggles with new adventures for her characters but she never really expects to experience the excitement of mystery and danger in her own life. The extent of her brush with danger is sharing sharp tongued wit with the Marquess of Davenport, aka the Devil. He ruffles her calm composure as he brings out her daring, and perhaps wicked, thoughts.

Davenport perpetuates his reputation as a rake, staying at the fringe of society while hiding his own secrets. He agrees to investigate a possible murder plot in Scotland not only for the pay, but also hoping it will allow him distraction from his attraction to the intriguing and puzzling Anna Sloane. He is surprised when Anna turns out to be a house guest attending the country party.

Disturbing events cause Anna to question Davenport’s actions. While she checks up on him, he is investigating her odd behavior. When they uncover each others secrets they decide the best thing they can do is work together. In addition to adding exploits for her novels Anna realizes that Davenport can teach her a thing or two to help the love scenes.

Anna is a lovely character with hidden abilities taught by her father who thought his daughters should be prepared to protect themselves. I like Davenport’s character and his secret talents too. The dialogue is amusing and, as in the first book, the author has fun playing with alliteration. The plot is lively and fast paced. There is mystery, danger, conflict and a reluctantly building romance which is sensual without being vulgar.

This is a fun series and I look forward to book three which tells Caro's adventures in love. I believe her obstinate beau has been introduced in this novel and I look forward to their fireworks. I highly recommend this series and this author to those who enjoy engaging historical romance.

I received this book through NetGalley for an honest review as part of Hachette/Forever Book tour. It counts towards NetGalley Challenge.

Buy Links:

Amazon

B&N

iBooks

GooglePlay

Kobo

BAM

About the author:

Cara Elliott started writing Western novels at the age of five. Later she changed her genre to Regency romance after reading Pride and Prejudice. She graduated from Yale University, and she now lives and works in New York City.

Social Media Links:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Excerpt:

     A high note of the aria died on his lips as a frown strangled all further sound.
     He stared for a long moment at the front of Manton’s shop, trying to quell the erratic quickening of his pulse as he suddenly recognized the figure standing there. Shaking off the physical response to the person in question, Devlin made himself concentrate on the practical question her presence raised. What was she doing there? Ladies did not usually linger in front of a gunsmith’s display window.
     Lightening his footsteps, Devlin approached in silence. “Planning on murdering someone, Miss Sloane?”
     Anna started, nearly dropping the small notebook in her hands, and then whirled around.
“Some men,” she snapped, “deserve to be shot.”
     “More than a few,” he agreed, angling his head to try to catch a glimpse of what she had been writing.
     The covers quickly snapped shut.
     “If you like,” he went on, “I could draw up a list of the most offensive characters.”
     Chuffing a rude sound, Anna darted one more look at the pistols on display before shoving her pencil and notebook into her reticule. “Come along, Nettie,” she called to the young maid hovering near the corner of the storefront. “Let us be on our way.”
     Devlin shifted his stance just enough to block her path. “It’s unusual for a lady to have an interest in firearms. I confess, I am curious as to why.”
     “There is an old adage about curiosity killing the cat,” she shot back.
     He smiled, which appeared to annoy her even more.
     “Then it is lucky that I am an imp of Satan.”
     “Why is it that I have a feeling Luck has nothing to do with your choice of habits?”
     Because your wit and your tongue are lethally sharp.
     Keeping such thoughts to himself, he merely said, “An interesting question. But you haven’t yet answered mine, and I asked first.”
     A glare, which he countered by stretching his smile into a grin.
Her nostrils flared as she drew in a sharp breath. “Not that it is any of your business, but I—I am looking to find a special gift for Wrexham.”
     A reasonable reply. So why did he have the feeling that she was lying? “Manton’s pistols are frightfully expensive,” responded Devlin, carefully watching her face. “Dare I assume that the poor-as-churchmice Sloane family is now no longer under the hatches, thanks to the generosity of your older sister’s new husband?”
     A light breeze ruffled the ribbons of her bonnet, and for the space of a heartbeat a flutter of a shadow seemed to hang on her gold-tipped lashes.
     “Indeed, knowing the earl’s noble nature, I would imagine that you and Miss Caro are now in possession of a very generous dowry.”
     Her cheeks darkened to an angry shade of red. “You are not only impertinent, you are offensive, Lord Davenport. Kindly step aside.”
     “But of course.” He slowly shifted, deliberately dragging his boots over the paving stones to make a loud rasping sound. It was ungentlemanly to goad her into a temper, but the fire in her eyes was mesmerizing to watch. Heat blazed in a burnt-gold swirl of sparks, turning their deep green hue into a pool of molten jade.
    “Allow me to make amends for my churlish manners by offering a recommendation on which of Manton’s models the earl might like.”
     “On second thought, I have decided to look elsewhere for a gift,” replied Anna tightly.
     “A simple but elegant watch fob, perhaps? A bejeweled cravat stickpin would not be at all in keeping with the earl’s sense of style.”
     “I can’t help but wonder something, sir,” she said in reply.
     “Which is?”
     “Why you take such fiendish delight in tormenting me.”
     “Perhaps because you react with such delightfully explosive ire.” Devlin waggled a brow. “Most young ladies are afraid to stand up for themselves. But not you.”
     She brushed past him without comment.
     Devlin watched her stalk away. Miss Anna Sloane was known for her effortless grace, and yet there was no other word than “stalk” for her stiff-legged gait. Which in itself spoke volumes about her state of inner agitation.
     Again, he wondered why.
     Turning, he moved to where she had been standing and made a careful study of the display window.
     He frowned. It was conceivably the sort of firearm a lady might tuck in her reticule . . .
     Assuming she had reason to fear for her safety.
     Anna Sloane in danger? For an instant, his hands fisted, but he quickly dismissed the idea as absurd.
     Absurd.
     “I have been reading too many adventure novels.”

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BONUS GIVEAWAY

ONE PRINT COPY (US/Canada only).

Graciously provided by the publisher:

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 2 Extra Bonus entries (a) comment on the review,

OR

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

For 3 Extra Bonus entries:

 Tell us in the comment what secret you think a rake might try to hide.

* This contest is open to US/CANADA only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) May 8, 2015.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after May 8, 2015.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.