Audible Book Review: Dead Girl Running by Christina Dodd

This is an engaging suspense with an ending that leads to another book.

Dead Girl Running
Cape Charade
By: Christina Dodd
Narrated by: Vanessa Johansson

Series: Cape Charade Series, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 04-24-18
Language: English
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
I have three confessions to make:
1. I've got the scar of a gunshot on my forehead.
2. I don't remember an entire year of my life.
3. My name is Kellen Adams...and that's half a lie.
Girl running...from a year she can't remember, from a husband she prays is dead, from homelessness and fear. Tough, capable Kellen Adams takes a job as assistant manager of a remote vacation resort on the North Pacific Coast. There amid the towering storms and the lashing waves, she hopes to find sanctuary. But when she discovers a woman's dead and mutilated body, she's soon trying to keep her own secrets while investigating first one murder...then another.
Now every guest and employee is a suspect. Every friendly face a mask. Every kind word a lie. Kellen's driven to defend her job, her friends, and the place she's come to call home. Yet she wonders - with the scar of a gunshot on her forehead and amnesia that leaves her unsure of her own past - could the killer be staring her in the face?
©2018 Christina Dodd (P)2018 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Review:
Kellen Adams has a few secrets in her background…and some mysteries. Kellen has reinvented herself after escaping from a brutal, abusive husband. She is pretty sure he is dead, but it is still hard to put it behind her and out of her dreams…or nightmares.

Kellen spent seven years in the military honing combat and deductive skills. Now she has taken a job as an assistant manager at a remote vacation resort. Kellen has a brain that observes, delineates details and categorizes people and situations. This helps her working with various employees and guests and aids in directing the activities. She didn’t expect to have to deal with an uncovered, mutilated body and the subsequent investigation. The facts point to the murderer being someone, most likely staff or a long-time resident, at the resort. This news soon puts all the current staff and guests on edge.

One particular guest is supposed to be a moody author, but he keeps sticking his nose into the investigation. Finally, he pulls Kellen into his secret intrigues claiming to be an undercover officer of a little-known government artifact recovery department. The theory is that a master criminal has been smuggling stolen artifacts through the resort. Now Kellen has these headaches to add to her nightmares of running from an abusive husband and losing a year of her memories.

I was pulled into the story right away. Kellen’s unique quirk of identifying the characteristics of each person she encounters is an interesting (although sometimes awkward) technique to introduce the other characters. There are several threads of intrigue weaving through the story: Kellen’s past, the suspected smuggling and the current investigations. The author includes flashback chapters to fill in Kellen’s history and people from her past who ultimately collide with her present. There is more than one strong suspect which kept the twists going until the end. After several suspenseful, dangerous confrontations, the story ends with a surprise that is likely to have me picking up the next book.

Over the years I have enjoyed many books by Christina Dodd, both historical romances and romantic suspense. This one had different writing elements but still the well-developed characters and twisty plot. I recommend this to readers who like romantic suspense that is strong on intrigue and action.

Audio Notes: Vanessa Johansson does a good job with the narration. The characters are distinct, and the energy helps keep the listen moving. The audio made it easier for me to listen through the story.

Source: December 2018 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: SkyLine: The Dragon Commander - A Military Science Fiction Romance Adventure

This was a quick read; intro to a series.
SkyLine The Dragon Commander
A Military Science Fiction Romance Adventure
by Kennedy King

File Size: 4302 KB
Print Length: 90 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Mind of Khan Studios (October 21, 2018)
ASIN: B07JL9PNKD
Genre: Cyberpunk, Dragon, Fantasy, Military Sci Fi
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

It's 2350. Cold Fusion, AI nanotech cops, and the SkyLine between a dying Earth and a developing Mars are parts of life.
Major General Christopher Droan has survived a crisis. It left him with trauma and a deeper understanding of his dad’s distrust for technology.
Now all he wants is to focus on the love of his life, Sheeba.
It’s a turbulent time to be a Major General, even one resigned to desk work. But the calm can only last so long. When tragedy strikes Precinct 117 in Shanghai, Chris and his unit are forced to gear up again.
What waits for them in the heart of a robot with a beta personality matrix will change the planets on both ends of the SkyLine, mankind, and Major General Christopher Droan, forever.

Review:
Major General Christopher Droan leads a special team who has survived some traumatic battles. They have seen and survived devastating attacks. Droan is trying to put his love life first as he helps his fiancé, Sheeba, plan their wedding. Sheeba is afraid to tell Droan of the nightmares that are increasing. When she’d like to keep Droan close to hand, he is called away to meet his team at the site of a radical attack.

Droan suspects that something is troubling Sheeba but she isn’t telling him the problem. He has no choice but to respond to the call out. A strong precinct in Shanghai has had all of the officers killed but one, Finch. The attack wasn’t from outside, but rather by the AI partners of the officers. Finch only survived because his new partner, DA-Vos, protected him. What, or who, could cause these specialized AI units to turn on their human masters?

The story has intrigue and some strange paranormal twists. Sheeba’s nightmare visions have a strange connection to an unexplained power that challenges Droan. How can Droan deal when confronted with “You cannot shoot a thought”?

I really liked the action and intrigue in the story. Droan’s assignment is a little confusing but I imagine it would come clear in the next book. There is some sexual contact (not vulgar) and some (gruesome) killing. The writing is easy and the story moves quickly. I just feel it could have used a little more depth and clarity. I recommend this to readers who like military sci fi with cyberpunk and dragon elements.

Source: NetGalley 2019. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

Sunday Post April 28, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 29, 2019

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.

Everyone was in this week except my secretary finished her job as she is moving across country.
Work continues. It was nice to have a week with fewer appointments so I could work more.
I had contact with the architect's office but still no proposal.
Thought you might like to see some of the chickens who follow us. We now have 10 chickens after losing two this past month.

Tiger Lily (our cat) had a relapse this week. First started limping and the next night was walking crookedly as if her back legs are crippled. It is heartbreaking to watch but her spirits are good and she continues to eat. She seemed a little better today.
Our weather has been warming with cooler nights. We had the one night of storm that moved through.
This post will continue to be late the next few weeks as we watch the final season of Game of Thrones on Sunday nights.

I enjoyed my reading and listening this week although I had trouble with the Audible on my phone. I finished 2 books: 1 ebook and 1 audiobook. Our internet was out half the week which hindered my postings until work or Saturday. I posted two reviews and my usual memes.

I only visited 20 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Lily Element. This looks like a fun review blog managed by Melissa and Drea.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post April 21, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 22, 2019.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 26, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 5/2/2019.

• A2019- Audible Book Review: SpecOps, Expeditionary Force, Book 2, by Craig Alanson; Sci Fi, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5 and Narration 4.5.

• NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: The Book of Ruin by W.G. Hladky; Military, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 28, 2019.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Dead Girl Running
Cape Charade
By: Christina Dodd
Narrated by: Vanessa Johansson
Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
This is an engaging suspense with an ending that leads to another book.
Source: December 2018 Audible Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

The White City
by Grace Hitchcock
This is a very sweet historical romance.
Source: NetGalley 2019.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (A2019)

The House with a Clock in Its Walls
By: John Bellairs
Narrated by: George Guidall
Length: 4 hrs and 33 mins
I picked up the wrong 5 hour book, downloading this one instead. The Audible program is glitching on my phone so I still have an hour and a half.
Source: January 2019 Audible Daily Deal $1.95.
Publisher's Summary
A haunting gothic tale by master mystery writer John Bellairs - soon to be a major motion picture starring Cate Blanchett and Jack Black!
When Lewis Barnavelt, an orphan, comes to stay with his Uncle Jonathan, he expects to meet an ordinary person. But he is wrong. Uncle Jonathan and his next-door neighbor, Mrs. Zimmermann, are both witches! Lewis is thrilled. At first, watching magic is enough. Then Lewis experiments with magic himself and unknowingly resurrects the former owner of the house: a woman named Serenna Izard. It seems that Serenna and her husband built a timepiece into the walls - a clock that could obliterate humankind. And only the Barnavelts can stop it!
©1973 John Bellairs (P)1992 Recorded Books, LLC

2. eBook/Kindle (eBookTBR)

April's Desires (Larry Macklin Mysteries Book 6)
by A. E. Howe
I slipped this mystery in last minute for my "April" title. I am 40% in and liking it quite well.
Source: Free Kindle March 2018.

The peace of spring is shattered for criminal investigator Larry Macklin when his best friend, Pete Henley, is accused of brutally killing his daughter’s ex-boyfriend. Larry knows that Pete is innocent, but the evidence is heavily weighted against him.
Before Larry can even begin to clear Pete’s name, he is pulled off of the case to investigate a another murder where the prime suspect is the local chief of police. As Larry investigates the latest death, it soon becomes clear that the murders may be related, part of a string of killings stretching back almost two decades.
In order to solve the case, Larry will have to risk everything he holds dear—his ethics, his friendships, his loyalty to the sheriff’s department… and his life.

3. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Wizards of Once
By: Cressida Cowell
Narrated by: David Tennant
Length: 5 hrs and 56 mins
This is the one I was supposed to pick up last week.
Source: 12/2/2018 Audible Daily Deal $1.95.
Click on book title for full description.

4. eBook/Kindle (Author TBR)

Vigilante Assassin: An Action Thriller
(Jake Wolfe Book 2)
by Mark Nolan
I start this ebook next.
Source: Author review request December 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

April 28, 2019 - I got a half day behind and had to catch up this week. I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I am on day 3 of a 5 day reading plan: The Annointing. I'll pick another study later in the week. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed two books and posted two reviews. That keeps me current with three reviews to post for current reading.
I keep working to add newer reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Audible again. (Eventually I will add older reviews.)
My NetGalley shelf is still at 14 unread (down to one from December). The 6 that release in April are on my list for May now. I have 4 old titles (2012!) that I might get read this year too.
I still have four author ebook titles in queue.
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 did not add any new NetGalley or review titles.
I selected one Audible books with a $5.00 credit and picked up two free Audible Originals offered in April.
I realized that SYNC Audio 2019 started and I downloaded this weeks titles. 
I picked up NO free kindle titles. (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

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

4/28/19 I had a $5.00 Credit from picking a "Pre-Order" a few weeks ago.
I chose a Whisper Sync title for $7.95 so it cost me only $2.95
Written in Red
A Novel of the Others
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris
Length: 18 hrs and 33 mins
Release date: 03-05-13

4/28/19 I picked up the Kindle version of our Ladies Book Club title for April:

The Breaking Point
by Karen Ball
"Caught in a blizzard, they expected to fight for their lives. What they didn’t expect was a miracle…"
I bought the print book several years ago and decided this would be good to share with my LBC.

Free

Audible Free Originals:
The Darkwater Bride, An Audible Original Drama
By: Marty Ross
Narrated by: Clare Corbett, Donal Finn, Jamie Glover, Freya Mavor, Adrian Scarborough
Length: 6 hrs and 45 mins
Release date: 10-29-18


Riley Mack and the Other Known Troublemakers
By: Chris Grabenstein
Narrated by: Kevin Pariseau, Charlie Thurston, Suzanne Toren, Chris Andrew Ciulla, Khaliah Adams, Lauren Fortgang, Jennifer Van Dyck, Betsy Hogg, Josh Hurley, Eliza Foss, Edoardo Ballerini, Allison Hiroto, Ann Osmond, Bryan Kennedy, J. J. Myers
Length: 4 hrs and 16 mins
Release date: 04-04-19

SYNC Audio 2019 has started already!!

I added NO free titles to my Kindle library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 28, 2019

Our Sunday School teacher gave a good lesson based on 1 Corinthians 15 where Paul continues instructing the church about the importance of the Resurrection. Christ is risen and give believers the hope of eternal life. This led well into Pastor’s Sermon, after lovely worship.

Pastor reminded us that last week, Easter, we celebrated Easter and he spoke of the Depth of God’s Love.
Last week’s Point: In the midst of our worst moments-- God's love conquers all.
The after continues to be important. We celebrate the Resurrection but then we are given the Holy Spirit, another gift from Jesus that we should continue to celebrate.
Pastor noted that in the Parable of the Sower of Seed, only the seed that fell on good soil flourished.
Sometimes we do not have the right resources or enough resources.
Too often we give our best and most of our energy to someone other than family. Also, we often get by with minimum praise and Bible study.
When Jesus faced his worst attacks, the disciples scattered, just as Jesus said they would. John 13:18-38.
Jesus explained to his disciples that he had to go away but he would them a comforter. John 16:5-7.

Point: The Holy Spirit that lives IN you is your closest, most faithful partner in this life.

The Holy Spirit and all that He does is God's gift to us. John 14:15-20.
Jesus was God with us. The Holy Spirit is God IN us.

Do we rely on Him? Or do we keep our life separate until we need him?
Pastor gave us a page of 50 scriptures showing part of what the Holy Spirit does.

The gift of the Holy Spirit was the good that came after Christ’s death and Resurrection.
Imagine living without the Holy Spirit working in you.
Our response to the Spirit is crucial.
What are we afraid of? Why would you reject the Holy Spirit?
If we want to encounter all of God, we should pray: Holy Spirit I give you complete access; fill me.

This is a song that I think fits the Resurrection and the gift we have been given.

Verse for Today:
John 14:15-20 NIV
15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.


I pray: Holy Spirit I give you complete access; fill me.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Book of Ruin by W.G. Hladky

I'm glad I pushed on to read this post-apocalyptic story full of action and intrigue.

The Book of Ruin
by W.G. Hladky

File Size: 1705 KB
Print Length: 371 pages
Publisher: Middle River Press; 1 edition (August 26, 2018)
ASIN: B07GVNZJXM
Genre: Military, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Generations after solar storms sent the world spiraling into a Second Dark Age, descendants of American soldiers defend the last NATO stronghold in Germania. From the Asiatic Steppes comes the mysterious Vucari. NATO sends Senior Chief Loveboy Weir and a team of rangers to investigate. Traveling in anti-gravity vessels, they visit the beautiful city-state of New Reykjavik and mountains where Kazaks use giant eagles to hunt enemies. The rangers also journey to the City of Ghost that spews poison and to a floating monastery where monks protect the Book of Ruin. They also encounter Vladimir the Resurrected, the Vucari’s warrior prince, who claims to want peace but decimates any population that resists him. Weir struggles to convince NATO not to trust Vladimir. While politicians and clerics make backroom deals to appease Vladimir, Weir prepares for a war he fears is coming...

Review:
Years ago the world was plunged back into a dark age after solar storms and wars destroyed the ‘enlightened’ society. Rather than rebuild in unity, society again divides with religious factions and territorial countries. A mysterious and brutal force, disclosed as the Vucari, are making a move to capture the surrounding nations of Germania, where the descendants of American soldiers have survived.

I am glad I pressed beyond the first 10% of the book to where the political posturing, intrigue, and battle activities take precedence. I became invested with the integrity and dedication of the primary characters of Senior Chief Weir and his associates. They have to overcome the obstacles of corrupt and incompetent superiors in their own governing and military branches while preparing to face a new enemy which is greater in numbers and dark evil.The individual honor and self sacrifice of the protagonist soldiers had me rooting for them to prevail.

There are internal intrigues, battles with leadership strategy and plenty of (mostly gritty) action that kept my attention. The enemy is gruesome, drinking blood, torturing victims and more gruesome preversions. Definitely “Ugh” but well developed and interesting. I was glad of the unusual allies that stepped up to face the enemy.

I had trouble getting into this because the beginning is full of “locker room” sexual content – a lot of who is married to whom (heterosexual and homosexual), and who is “doing” whom or wants to. This also peppers the remainder of the book but is secondary to the plot by that time. I was fearful initially that I would not be able to keep the multiple characters straight but then the connections became clear as the story moved into a strongly developed, intertwined plot.

The history of the nations and geography were well researched. Some underlying societal and political thoughts and theories are shared through the plot and characters. These were not overly emphasized so the reader can ponder them or just let them be.

My final reaction is that this is a creative, good versus evil, post-apocalyptic society story with engaging characters and intrigue. I just forewarn readers to push past the first 10% to get to the true plot.

Source: NetGalley 2018. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019NetGalley goals.