Audible Book Review: Rath's Deception by Piers Platt

This is a suspenseful story of assassins.

Rath's Deception
The Janus Group, Book 1
By: Piers Platt
Narrated by: James Fouhey

Series: The Janus Group, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 1 min
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 12-04-15
Language: English
Publisher: Piers Platt
Genre: Assassins, Military Thriller, Military Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
On the cut-throat streets of Tarkis, orphaned teens like Rath end up jailed...or dead. So when the shadowy Janus Group offers Rath a chance to earn riches beyond his wildest dreams, he seizes it. But the Janus Group is as ruthless as the elite assassins it controls. Rath will have to survive their grueling, off-world training, and fulfill all 50 kills in his contract before a single cent comes his way. And ending so many lives comes with a price Rath can't anticipate. It'll certainly cost him what's left of his innocence. It may well cost him his life.
©2015 Piers Platt (P)2015 Piers Platt

Review:
He had a sad childhood, losing his mother to drugs and his beloved older brother to a gang killing. His brother had always encouraged his excellent memory (photographic). Rath is looking at gang life himself when the secret Janus Group offers him a dangerous dream. If he commits to become their trained assassin, he will receive millions of dollars once he completes all 50 kills.

Rath is put through a merciless test to get the job. He is then modified with implants, provided with a portable replication machine and trained to begin his career as an assassin. The monitors watching him see his inexperience and errors. They are sure he won’t make it past 10 kills. But Rath has an unconventional and unexpected success in his assignments.

As time goes on Rath is even pulled in to capture or kill a former assassin who succeeded in the job but has had to dodge the Group who doesn’t plan to honor their pay out commitments. Rath occasionally struggles with the ethical issues of his job. Although most of the targets are wicked, evil people there are also contracted killings purchased by the extremely wealthy. As his job completions increase and the assignments become more dangerous, Rath has reason to suspect he may not be able to trust the Group.

Meanwhile there is a detective who continues to try to uncover the secret Janis Group. He was disgraced after early claims of the existence of such a shadowy group, but he is truly a good detective. A reporter investigating the assassin’s guild reaches out to the detective. When the reporter and his family are killed the detective becomes more convinced that the Group has some highly placed leadership that even controls some enforcement officers.

I liked the danger and twists in this space sci fi thriller, even though I didn’t like the swearing. Rath is not the easiest character to like. He is young, impulsive and sloppy. I had mixed feelings about the  I enjoyed the dogged efforts of the detective and I was engaged to see what would happen with Rath and with the admired, precise assassin who escaped after she completed her 50 kills.

The story moved along at a good pace. There are a few chapters that showcase other assassins whose lives are expected to cross with Rath. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy assassin stories. Just be prepared for some language and gritty killing.

Audio Notes: James Fouhey does a good job with the narration. He provides good voices and appropriate energy. I am glad that I listened to the book on audio.

Source: Audible Sale Purchase December 2016. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Forever in a Moment by Charlotte O'Shay

This is an enjoyable, light romance.
Forever in a Moment
by Charlotte O'Shay

File Size: 3791 KB
Print Length: 114 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc (April 10, 2019)
ASIN: B07Q5Q4XWW
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday Fiction, Holiday Romance,
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

A stormy encounter...
Samantha DeMartino's Christmas wedding is two weeks away when her fiancé calls the whole thing off. Word on the street: his cold feet are being heated by an old flame. With her well-ordered world in complete disarray, Sam's friends convince her to go on her honeymoon—alone. A week at a charming Vermont inn away from the city and her demanding corporate career could be just what she needs to figure out her next steps.
Between his twenty-four seven work schedule on his family's dairy farm and teaching tourists to ski, Jed Armstrong's too busy to think about how lonely he is...until Sam sings her way into his life during a Christmas blizzard. Now he has to figure out a way to convince her to stay.
Can a vivacious city girl find forever with a reclusive farmer?
Will her secret keep her from trying?

Review:
Samantha’s friends convince her that she needs to take her ‘wedding’ trip as a break away after her fiancé cancels their wedding. Her week in Vermont starts with her car breaking down in a snowstorm, leaving her to be rescued by a local dairy farmer. Samantha is skeptical of her quick attraction to this stranger and finds herself being pulled along as she discovers he is her ski instructor.

Jed has a full work schedule on his family’s dairy farm and taking turns as a ski instructor. He had set aside his own personal life after a set back from a prior romance and an unexpected death in his family. Now he has found a snow angel by the side of the road. How can he convince her to give him/them a chance?

The cover is an immediate draw and the story set-up sounds like a Hallmark romance scenario … and it is. The very likeable primary characters are well developed with natural relationship fears and a conflict that will require strengths to take a chance. I enjoyed the local Inn desk manager who nudges Sam towards a relationship with Jed and the local pub owner who gives Sam the evil challenge eye.

The descriptions and dialogue are clean, crisp and engaging. I found this to be a quick, easy, feel good read. This would be a perfect holiday read but it is a nice warm romance for anytime. I recommend this to readers who enjoy light, clean, easy romance.

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

Sunday Post June 16, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 17, 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.

We had a lovely visit with family in Illinois.
We enjoyed time outside with the children but it was a bit too cool to enjoy the pool.

A ride/walk around the block. I had a hard time keeping up and getting a picture.

Everyone gathered to say goodbye.

I am still praying for so many people suffering from floods, tornadoes and severe weather. We know that it takes time to recover.
The weather in south Illinois has been quite nice: highs of 80, lows of 57.

I enjoyed my reading/listening and finished five books total. 2 audiobooks, 1 full ebook and two childrens titles. I posted four reviews on the blog and two on Goodreads. Plus I posted my usual memes.

I didn't do more than quick visits last week: visited only 15 blogs.
Shout Out this week to Hot Listens (another audio blog during audiobook month). Lupdilup, Melanie and Lisa share audio love.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post June 9, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 10, 2019.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Noble Beginnings by L.T. Ryan; Genre: Military Thriller; My Rating: 3.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.0; Narration 3.0.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Event By Nathan Hystad; Genre: First Contact, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.

• A2019- Audible Book Review: Mirror Gate, The Harbinger Series, Book 2 by Jeff Wheeler; Genre: Fantasy, Gaslamp Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• NG2019- Goodreads #NetGalley Book Review: Feel Better, Mommy by Risa Kirschner; Genre: Children; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 14, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/20/2019.

• NG2019- Goodreads #NetGalley Book Review: Don't Let the Beasties Escape This Book! by Julie Berry (Author),April Lee (Illustrator); Genre: Children; My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Finder by Suzanne Palmer; Genre: Action Adventure, Sci Fi, Space Colonization; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

• Sharing Beyond Books #371 Comment Giveaway June 15, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/29/2019.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 16, 2019 and Happy Father's Day.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

Forever in a Moment
by Charlotte O'Shay
This is an easy, light romance.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Rath's Deception
The Janus Group, Book 1
By: Piers Platt
Narrated by: James Fouhey
Series: The Janus Group, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 1 min
This is a suspenseful story of assassins.
Source: Audible Sale Purchase December 2016.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Computer (NG2019)

Feel Better, Mommy
by Risa Kirschner
I selected this to share with our granddaughter since our daughter-in-law is struggling with cancer.
It is good for sharing about hospital visit. My review is linked above.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Abby's mom has a boo boo, so her Nana takes her to the hospital to visit. Follow Abby's adventures as she finds a magical bed that moves, takes her teddy on a wheelchair ride, and learns that spending time with her mom can make a hospital feel like home. Based on the real experiences of the author's then two-year-old daughter, this sweet story teaches that hospitals are safe places for healing and that parents always love their children, even if they have to spend time away from home.

4. eBook/Kindle or Computer (NG2019)

Don't Let the Beasties Escape This Book!
by Julie Berry
I loved this cover.
Sadly, the book doesn't do so well as ebook.
My review is linked above.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

5. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Cry Wolf
by Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Holter Graham
Series: Alpha and Omega, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins
Strong writing and entertainment; reliable Briggs.
Source: Feb 2018 Audible January Credit.
Publisher's Summary
Anna never knew werewolves existed until the night she survived a violent attack...and became one herself. After three years at the bottom of the pack, she'd learned to keep her head down and never, ever trust dominant males. But Anna is that rarest kind of werewolf: an Omega. And one of the most powerful werewolves in the country will recognize her value as a pack member - and as his mate.
©2008 Patricia Briggs (P)2008 Penguin

Currently Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (A2019)

The Tale of Despereaux
Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread
By: Kate DiCamillo
Narrated by: Graeme Malcolm
Length: 3 hrs and 30 mins
This is sad so far (2/3rds) but interesting.
I've met the characters and now want to know what happens.
Source: May 2019 Audible Sale purchase $5.24.
Publisher's Summary
This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in darkness but covets a world filled with light. And it is the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl with a simple, impossible wish. These characters are about to embark on a journey that will lead them down into a horrible dungeon, up into a glittering castle, and ultimately, into each other's lives.
And what happens then?
Listener, it is your destiny to find out.
Click here to see a full list of Newbery Medal Winners and Newbery Honor Books.
©2003 Kate DiCamillo (P)2003 Random House, Inc., Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

The Time Collector
by Gwendolyn Womack
I am liking the history and uniqueness of this story.
Source: NetGalley 2019.
A thrilling page-turner from Gwendolyn Womack, the USA Today bestselling author of The Fortune Teller
Travel through time with the touch of a hand.
Roan West was born with an extraordinary gift: he can perceive the past of any object he touches. A highly skilled psychometrist, he uses his talents to find and sell valuable antiques, but his quiet life in New Orleans is about to change. Stuart, a fellow pyschometrist and Roan’s close friend, has used his own abilities to unearth several out-of-place-artifacts or “ooparts”—like a ring that once belonged to the seventeenth-century mathematician and philosopher René Descartes, but was found buried in prehistoric bedrock.
The relics challenge recorded history, but soon after the discovery, Stuart disappears, making him one of several psychometrists who have recently died or vanished without a trace. When Roan comes across a viral video of a young woman who has discovered a priceless pocket watch just by “sensing” it, he knows he has to warn her—but will Melicent Tilpin listen? And can Roan find Stuart before it’s too late?
The quest for answers will lead Roan and Melicent around the world—before it brings them closer to each other and a startling truth—in the latest romantic thriller from Gwendolyn Womack, the bestselling, PRISM Award-winning author of The Memory Painter and The Fortune Teller.

3. Audible/Smartphone (A2019)

Changeling: A Novel of Sorcery and Society
by Molly Harper
Narrated by Amanda Ronconi
Series: Sorcery and Society, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins
I'm enjoying the start of this.
Source: 2/20/19 Audible Daily Deal $2.95
Publisher's Summary
If 14-year-old Cassandra Reed makes it through her first day at Miss Castwell’s Institute for the Magical Instruction of Young Ladies without anyone discovering her secret, maybe, just maybe, she’ll let herself believe that she really does belong at Miss Castwell’s. Except Cassandra Reed’s real name is Sarah Smith and up until now, she lived her whole life in the Warren, serving a magical family, the Winters, as all non-magical “Snipes” are bound by magical Guardian law to do. That is, until one day, Sarah accidentally levitates Mrs. Winter’s favorite vase in the parlor....
But Snipes aren’t supposed to have magical powers...and the existence of a magical Snipe threatens the world order dictated during the Guardians’ Restoration years ago. If she wants to keep her family safe and protect her own skin, Sarah must figure out how to fit into posh Guardian society, master her newfound magical powers, and discover the truth about how an ordinary girl can become magical.
©2018 Molly Harper White (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

June 16, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App.  I didn't pick a study last week but I plan to pick another this week. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed five books and posted six reviews. That means I have three current reviews to post.
I have been adding newer reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Audible. (Eventually I will add older reviews.)
My NetGalley shelf is at 15 unread. I am still working on remaining April titles. [Plus I have 4 old titles (2012-13!)]
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 picked up 4 childrens titles with my Granddaughter but we didn't get to read them all.
I made no purchases but downloaded one free title.
I downloaded week 8 titles from SYNC.
No 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

These four NetGalley Read Now titles were picked by/for our Granddaughter:
Princess Arebeena and the Crystal Fairies
by Fiona Boyd
"Welcome to the magical Kingdom of Treenesta, governed by King David and Queen Trixie!"




The Fairy in the Kettle Gets Magical
by Pauline Tait
"Perfect for 4 to 8 years olds this beautifully illustrated picture book continues the adventures of Leona and her friends."



Feel Better, Mommy
by Risa Kirschner
(see full description above)





Birds of a Feather
by Vanita Oelschlager
"Birds of a Feather introduces children to the magic of idioms words that separately have one meaning, but together take on something entirely different."

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

6/15/19 June Audible Original - Free
Alien III
An Audible Original Drama
By: William Gibson
Narrated by: Tom Alexander, Barbara Barnes, Michael Biehn, Lance Henriksen, Lorelei King, Laurel Lefkow, Keith Wickham
Series: Alien


SYNC Audio 2019
Week 8: June 13 – June 20
THE GOLDEN DAY by Ursula Dubosarsky, narrated by Kate Rudd (Candlewick on Brilliance Audio)
GULP by Mary Roach, narrated by Emily Woo Zeller (Tantor Audio)

I added no titles this week 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 June 16, 2019 and Happy Father's Day

We will be on the road starting our trip home Sunday Morning.

A month or so ago I was honored to serve communion during service. I was overwhelmed with the thought of service to others.

We had been reading in the Bible app of the many laws and rituals in Leviticus and Numbers. It was clear to my mind that it is impossible to live under the ritual of the laws. Only with God's continuous help and grace can we come to Him.

I am so thankful that through the sacrificed blood of Christ we are no longer under law but under Grace. We have hope through the promise of Christ.

This is a song we sang for Communion Celebration:

Remembrance

Verses for Today:
Luke 22:19-20 (NIV)
19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

I give thanks for God's unfathomable love for each of us.

I look forward to seeing my Heavenly Father and my earthly Father in Heaven someday!

Sharing Beyond Books #371 Comment Giveaway June 15, 2019

Hello again and Welcome back to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Ten of us are not embarrassed that we haven't read any certain book. Natalija mentioned she should perhaps read more Russian Classics; Ashfa hasn't yet read Cassandra Clare's books or Stephanie Meyer's; Life's Simple Pleasures mentioned reading more classics; and Mystica would have liked to read and understand more Shakespeare. But my favorite answer was from Fredamans who said: The book should be embarrassed it hasn't found me for me to read it, whatever book it may be.


The Winner from SBB #370 comments is: #6 BECKY who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post. -- [12/15/18 I am pulling out some new Christmas and Love titles to add to the Win box choices. I had to move the books due to the water threat in office. I will dig them out again soon.]

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #371

(One Question.)

Miki asks: Did you already have problem trying to post your review on a specific website ( not your blog but amazon, bookbub, kobo, goodreads etc)? did you get a motive of why it was refused, deleted etc???

I occasionally have trouble adding reviews at Audible. Sometimes I have to go back to resubmit or reenter. I can't think that I have entered some with the wrong email and tried to switch but Amazon didn't let me do that. I have had reviews rejected at any site.

We are celebrating our son's BD today and tomorrow, on Father's Day, we will start our drive home.
Image found at Read Tuesday.

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! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify.

Your turn to share. Miki asks: Did you already have problem trying to post your review on a specific website ( not your blog but amazon, bookbub, kobo, goodreads etc)? did you get a motive of why it was refused, deleted etc???

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question 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 June 29, 2019 at 5 PM central.