Audible Book Review: One Man's Opus by Boyd Craven III

This is a charming romance with a great dog included.

One Man's Opus

A Survival and Preparedness Story

By: Boyd Craven III

Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Series: One Man's Opus, Book 1

Length: 6 hrs and 14 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 04-26-17

Language: English

Publisher: Boyd Craven III

Genre: Preparedness, Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

Man's best friend.

Rick is like many Americans. He's concerned with what he sees on the news, and how the country seems to be ready to tear itself apart. His biggest concern has been civil unrest. Already an avid camper, he sets out to secure his future, and career, by finding his own Eden.

Tina is a small-business owner and knows what she wants in life. She and her furry companion find themselves at gunpoint when Rick walks back into her world and forever changes the dynamic between them.

One dog, who's been the savior, protector, and companion...Opus. The owner of two humans that mostly understand him. Mostly.

When the police walk into an ambush, a series of events forces the couple to bug out. The problem with having to leave for a small town, at a remote location, is it really isn't a secret. Small towns bring their own problems with crime, and power plays. Everybody knows everybody, and the gossip mill runs as fast as lightning.

Will the trio be as prepared as they need to be?

©2017 Boyd Craven III (P)2017 Boyd Craven III

Review:
Rick is a serious introvert and sort of a geek author. He thought he would write a different genre but, on a dare, he started writing paranormal romance which provides a decent living. A friend offers him an old RV and Rick re-meets Tina when he goes to ask to park the unit at her storage facility. In an unexpected situation he is surprised to meet her guard dog, Opus.

Rick goes camping and begins to set up a campsite/bug out place. He thinks he may need to be more prepared for rough times. Rick, with Tina visiting, spends more time at the RV especially as unrest and riots spread in the city. Most of the campsite neighbors are friendly but one man and his unpleasant friends object and look to cause trouble.

The relationship between Rick and Tina develops slowly, always with Opus making his presence known. Rick and Tina are very relatable, real to life characters and Opus is a gem. This is a charming romance story which moves along at a nice pace with the decisions of life and impact of friends added in.

I have read and enjoyed a couple of post-apocalyptic tales by Mr. Craven. This story is not truly post-apocalyptic but rather a preparedness story as stated. I was pleased to find this engaging even though it is not full of tension and action. It is not a steamy romance either; just a nice, warm love story. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a natural life, warm romance and might like the touch of prepper elements.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce does a solid job of narrating. He creates voices for characters and provides appropriate emotion while being a very easy listen. I enjoy his portrayal which added to my enjoyment of the book.

Source: Audible Credit Purchase June 2017. This qualifies for 2018TBR and Audiobook Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 24, 2018

Happy Friday! Happy Back to School!

I've had another busy work week; coming home and crashing fairly early as I am tired.

I did not get to the GCs last weekend so it it first thing for me to work on this Saturday.

I continue to hope everyone is staying safe from fires, rain, storms, floods and heat.

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK

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 too 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 August 17 Pick. There were no automatic wins this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. One title was blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from August 17 Pick:
MARJORIE gets a GC and
BN100 gets The Broken Window

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.}

We've had our share of cloudy beach days this summer. How about you?
Image found at Skis.Com.

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

There are three audios at the top:
No One Left to Tell is MP3
Kisscut is Cassettes
Dark Summer is CDs
Pairs: Kay Hooper and Carla Neggers
The rest are singles


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Pairs: Fern Michaels and James Patterson
The rest are singles
Note:
The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes



New Book Group #79 July 13, 2018
I found this box of books buried under some other boxes.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lenox by Maggie O’Farrell
P.S. by Helen Schulman
Her Sexiest Surprise by Dawn Atkins (personally autographed)
The Maverick Preacher by Victoria Bylin (personally autographed)
The Broken Window by Jeffery Deaver
The Doctor’s Forever Family by Marie Ferrarella
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Branded by the Sheriff by Delores Fossen
The Italian’s Inexperienced Mistress
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
Rhapsody in Time by Judith O’Brien
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham
The Cowboy’s Christmas Miracle by RaeAnne Thayne


New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

Midnight Rainbow
Betrayed
Indigo Blue
By a Spider's Thread 
Johanna Lindsey Pair 
Judith Krentz Pair
Breaking Point 
My Dark Prince
Fatal Defect

New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018
I thought I would look for some 'Springish' titles but that didn't happen. Hope someone finds a title or two you like.

PAIRS
Betty Neals: Tabitha by Moonlight and Fate Takes a Hand
Nora Robert: Hot Ice (spine creased) and Sanctuary
SINGLES:
My Lord Conqueror by Samantha James
Surrender by Pamela Clare
Dessert Rogue by Suzanne Simmons
The Rose and the Shield by Elaine Barrieri
Hannah’s Courtship by Emma Miller
Someone to Watch Over Me by Judith McNaught
Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
Heroes Are My Weakness by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
A Husband’s Wicked Ways by Jane Feather
Hot on Her Heels by Susan Mallery
Indigo Blue by Catherine Anderson
Between the Devil and Desire (Scoundrels of St. James Book 2) by Lorraine Heath (hardback)


New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
21 books remain of the original 37:

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
Echo Burning by Lee Child
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
Tempted All Night by Liz Carlyle
Day of the Dead by J.A. Jance
White Night by Jim Butcher
Five Gold Rings Anthology Constance O’Banyon and three others
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Depraved Heart by Patricia Cornwell
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Wizard’s Daughter by Catherine Coulter
Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks
The Wicked Wyckerly by Patricia Rice
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
Night Whispers by Judith McNaught
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff

 THESE BOOKS CHOSEN/WON ARE THE ONES STRICKEN HERE:
Finger Licken' Fifteen
How to Tame a Highland Warrior
The Texan
Total Control
Atlantis Found
Stephanie Laurens Pair
Desperado 
Rebellious Desires 
Forget Me Not 
The Eighth Commandment
Ghost Riders
The Manning Brides by Debbie Macomber 
Shadow Music 
Corbin's Fancy 
Hawk's Lady

This shelf of 35 books are what is left from Groups #1 (11/27/09) through Group #75 September 29, 2017

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 14 titles.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
Named of the Dragon
Daring
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
The New Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover)
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn 

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I found.
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
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
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

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 almost EIGHT years I have posted 75 groups of 16 (1,200) books to find new homes! (as of November 2, 2017).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,180+books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A month or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers 11/2/17 I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] 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!

Audible Book Review: Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

This is an easy, light and lovely historical romance.
Because of Miss Bridgerton
The Bridgerton Series
By: Julia Quinn
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

• Series: The Rokesbys, Book 1
• Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins
• Unabridged Audiobook
• Release date: 03-29-16
• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Historical Romance
My Review: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Sometimes you find love in the most unexpected of places....
This is not one of those times.
Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors for centuries, and as a child the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband...someday.
Sometimes you fall in love with exactly the person you think you should....
Or not.
There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate, and that is George. He may be the eldest and heir to the earldom, but he's arrogant and annoying, and she's absolutely certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can't stand the sight of him, either.
But sometimes fate has a wicked sense of humor....
Because when Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, a whole new sort of sparks begins to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can't abide is the one person they can't live without....

Review:
I always enjoy this author. There is no big suspense or crisis in this story (well maybe a little crisis) but Ms. Quinn tells a tale of two unlikely neighbors who have been antagonistic as they grew up. Now they are mature and are suddenly discovering new facets of each other’s personality. Quinn creates believable characters and manages to give them an engaging story of conflict to be resolved.

The story is fun, light and an easy read/listen. The sexual chemistry and tension grows even as it is appropriately portrayed for the status of a 27 year old Viscount and a 23 year old outgoing country noblewoman. I totally recommend this to readers who enjoy historical romance.

Audio Notes: Rosalyn Landor is an exquisite narrator for historical romance. She nails the setting tone and character voices. I am sometimes astounded by how she manages to give even the male characters a voice that suits their personality. It is a joy to listen to her narration.

Source: 2017 May Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2018TBR and 2018 Audiobook Challenge.

Audio Book Review: Christmas at the Inn by Andrea Twombly

This is a sweet, easy read.

Christmas at the Inn

Rose and Briar Inn Stories, Book 1

By: Andrea Twombly
Narrated by: Lisa Leslie

Length: 50 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 05-24-18
Publisher: Annie Acorn Publishing LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Annie Acorn Audio is pleased to present Christmas at the Inn written by Andrea Twombly and narrated by Lisa Leslie.
“The sign says NO VACANCY, not VACANCY.” The innkeeper's gruff reply belied his handsome face, and Angela Perkins took a step back.
Heading north for the holidays, things certainly hadn't gone as she had planned. A snowstorm, an apple pie, and an old friend all conspire to bring her to a crossroads. Will a Christmas Eve detour send her back to her snug village home, or will she forge ahead and let a turn in the road lead her to newfound happiness?
In this, the first entry in her new Rose and Briar Inn series, internationally beloved From Women's Pens author Andrea Twombly weaves a warm story of the Christmas season, rich in challenges overcome and courage discovered along a twisting road to love.
You won't want to miss this one!
©2015 Annie Acorn Publishing LLC (P)2018 Annie Acorn Publishing LLC

Review:
This is a sweet, quick novel with mature characters who have lost their life partners. A snow storm brings an unexpected encounter that could change the future lives of the retired teacher and the lonely innkeeper. Will they be held by their past loves or will they see a chance for a new future?

I enjoyed the easy flow of this story. The characters are nicely developed even though this is short. The reader anticipates this to be a second chance at love story and the author delivers in a sweet fashion. I recommend this to readers who enjoy mature characters and a second chance at love.

Audio Notes: Lisa Leslie provides a direct narration with distinct voices. I felt that the reading was a calmer emotional presentation than might have been. Still, it was a pleasant performance.

Source: author through AudioBook Boom. This qualifies for Audiobook and 2018Alphabet Challenges.

Sunday Post August 19, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 20, 2018

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date (at Wordpress).

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 another busy week with a trip out of town Thursday for a Friday conference.
Our weather early in the week was hot and muggy, then it turned rainy and stormy again at the end of the week.

I had more good reading and listening. I finished two eBooks and one audio title. I posted three reviews and all of my usual memes.

I visited 22 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Wonders of Anomalies Book Reviews. Tammy reads suspense, thriller, horror, mystery, true crime, and paranormal and has been sharing reviews for four or five years.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post August 12, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 13, 2018.

• ATBR-Audible Book Review: Under a Tell-Tale Sky by R.E. McDermott; Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• 2018Review- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Tribal Affairs by Matt Dallmann; Fantasy; my rating 4.0 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 17, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/25/2018.

• 2018LBC Print- Book Review and Giveaway: One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon; Contemporary Romance, Inspirational; my rating: 4.75 of 5.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 19, 2018.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (iRead)

Tribal Affairs
by Matt Dallmann
This is a different take of genie magic. 
My review and tour giveaway are linked above.
Source: iRead Book Tours.
Click on review link above for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (Author - Review)

Must Love Babies
by Lynnette Austin 
This is a charming read.
Source: Author Marketing Experts.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (2017 Christian Audio)

Invitation
Written By: Alton Gansky, Angela Hunt, Bill Myers, Frank Peretti
Narrated By: Bill Myers, Ali Ahn, Cherise Boothe, Jeff Brick
Duration: 9 hours 5 minutes
This is entertaining and an easy listen.
Source: ChristianAudio Sale Summer 2017.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Because of Miss Bridgerton
The Bridgerton Series
By: Julia Quinn
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
Series: The Rokesbys, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins
I was looking for something light and this sure fit the bill. I always find humor and romance with Julia Quinn characters.
Source: 2017 May Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
Sometimes you find love in the most unexpected of places....
This is not one of those times.
Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors for centuries, and as a child the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband...someday.
Sometimes you fall in love with exactly the person you think you should....
Or not.
There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate, and that is George. He may be the eldest and heir to the earldom, but he's arrogant and annoying, and she's absolutely certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can't stand the sight of him, either.
But sometimes fate has a wicked sense of humor....
Because when Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, a whole new sort of sparks begins to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can't abide is the one person they can't live without....

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)

Silent Threat (Mission Recovery Book 1)
by Dana Marton
I really did pick this for the blurb and not the cover. :-)
This sounds like good romantic suspense.
I want to keep working on my NetGalley titles, especially the ones requested/received early in the year.
Source: NetGalley.
A former Navy SEAL, Cole Makani Hunter has returned home from a disastrous black ops mission without his best friend, his hearing, or the use of his right arm. So when his ex–commanding officer assigns him to an undercover mission at a rehab center for vets to discover who leaked sensitive military information to an enemy, he’d rather be anywhere but there. Almost immediately, Cole finds himself at odds with Annie Murray—a peace-loving ecotherapist whose dream is to open an animal sanctuary out of her home. While the two seemingly have nothing in common, their spirited arguments soon fuel a passion for each other.
But just as things begin to heat up between therapist and patient, dangerous complications arise. So does the past—and a shocking revelation that puts Cole and everything he now holds dear in the path of a murderous traitor.

3. Audible Smartphone (2018Audible)
I know I will be starting another audio book mid week but I just haven't decided
if I should listen to a 2018 pick or a TBR.
I'll have to decide when I am ready.

August 19, 2018 - I am still enjoying the prayer app which gives me five prayer groups each morning! I continue on track with my morning reading the One Year Bible plan on my smartphone. You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.

I completed 3 books and posted 3 reviews. That keeps me at two reviews to post.
I still need to find time to keep adding reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf is still at 12. I now have two author titles in queue and one more review titles. Still many through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

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 (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I picked up one NetGalley review book this week.
I resisted the Audible Daily Deals but selected my two Audible credit titles and got one free fitness audio.
I only picked up a handful of free kindle titles this week. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Received from NetGalley:

Someone to Trust (A Westcott Novel)
by Mary Balogh
This is one of my favorite authors and I love this cover.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I picked up two Audible titles with July credits.
Push Back
The Disruption Series, Book 2
By: R.E. McDermott
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
Length: 12 hrs and 58 mins
Release date: 09-12-16
This is a sequel to one I just finished.

How to Marry a Werewolf
A Claw & Courtship Novella, Book 1
By: Gail Carriger
Narrated by: Emma Newman
Length: 6 hrs and 6 mins
Release date: 06-07-18
I liked the original Protectorate series and this looked like it would be a fun listen.

Free

8/19/18 Free Download
Walk to Run One Mile
By: Aaptiv
Narrated by: Jaime McFaden
Length: 6 hrs and 20 mins
Release date: 08-16-18


I added 49 free titles to my Kindle library this week - I downloaded while listening one afternoon. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.