Mailbox Monday April 8, 2013

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
For APRIL: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Mari at MariReads!
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) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. 

I received several titles last week plus one win!
How are your mailbox and TBR piles doing?

Review Titles

I received these print titles from Forever Romance which I will try to fit in as I can:

April Release:
Barefoot in the Sun

by Roxanne St. Claire

May Releases
The Sweet Spot
by Laura Drake

and

It Had to Be You

by Jill Shalvis

June Release
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
by Molly Cannon

and

July Release

Flirting with Texas

by Katie Lane

Also I received from Tell Harlequin:

                 Better Than Chocolate

                     by Sheila Roberts

Wins

Won for posting a Kindle Giveaway 

through I Am a Reader, Not a Writer

Two Equals
By Marta Szemik

 

I also picked up Marked, 

book 1 in this series which was for free:

Thank you Marta and Kathy!

Purchased

None this week.

Free

I downloaded a couple of books from Free Partay and downloaded a few free Kindle Titles linked through Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink and Kindle Review.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? April 8, 2013

This meme starts at Book Journey!

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Work is still fairly busy and reading is still fairly good. :-) 
I finished three books and have started three for this week. I posted three reviews, one with ARC Giveaway.  There were also two Kindle Giveaway posts and a post to support a giveaway by one of my eTreasure's authors.  I also posted the weekly Mailbox Monday meme, Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I got to visit some Saturday Snapshot posts at the end of the week. I may visit some Monday posts this eve although that would put me a week behind. I might spend the time preparing  review and then visit tomorrow instead.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? April 1, 2013.

• Mailbox Monday April 1, 2013.
  

• NO JOKE - Win Big April Fools Giveaway Kindle Fire HD 7" Giveaway.
  

• Audio Book Review: Did You Miss Me? by Karen Rose; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5.
  

• Blogger & Author Sponsored Kindle Fire Giveaway April 2013.
  

• Book Review and ARC Giveaway: A Shot of Sultry by Macy Beckett; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.25.
  

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 5, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 4/11/13.
  

• A Chance to win Children's Titles and $15.00 GC for books at eTreasures Publishing.
  

• Saturday Snapshot (4/6/13) Deer Nature
  

• Book Review: Sportsman's Bet (Ian Dodge Mysteries) by Judy Nichols; Cozy Mystery; my rating 4.0. 

• Sharing Beyond Books #94 Comment Giveaway 4/6/13. Ends 4/12/13.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 7, 2013.
  

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Hammer of Angels: A Novel of Shadowstorm
by G. T. Almasi
I enjoyed the action but not so much the language. 
I will post a review this week.
I am reviewing this through NetGalley.

Click on title for Book Description.

2. Audio

CIVIL WAR (MARVEL)
Author: Mark Millar, Steve McNiven
This is a fun audio and interesting story.

Reviewing for GraphicAudio
through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on title for Book Description.

3. Print

Jake (A Wyoming Sky Novel)
by R.C. Ryan
I like the writing style and solid story.
Reviewing for Hachette.
Click on title for Book Description.

Line Edits/Releases:

We released a Florentine Romance: 

Love is Not Proud by Monica Spense.

Marco de Medici, a Florentine nobleman, cuts through a moonlit alley and stumbles upon a woman being attacked. He springs to her defense and is stabbed for his efforts.

Susanna d'Angelo, a widowed midwife, feels obligated to care for her mysterious defender. A budding friendship blossoms into love. Marco keeps his family name from her, wishing to be judged on his own merits while Susanna has her own secrets.

Facing a strict Society, the Medici’s power, and Susanna’s dark history, will their love survive?

Genre: Historical Romance, Mystery
Pages: 131

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

An Angel by Her Side
by Ruth Reid
I am enjoying the writing style and this story.
Reviewing for Thomas Nelson through NetGalley.
Book Description
Publication Date: January 1, 2013 | Series: A Heaven On Earth Novel

Katie has lived through tragedy and heartache. But with the angel Elias by her side, the best years of her life are just ahead.

A Heaven on Earth Novel, #3

When Katie Bender’s fiancé died in a tragic accident, so did her hope of finding love. Though heartbroken, Katie is also practical. In the years since the accident she has discovered her gift for teaching. But when a tornado destroys her small Amish settlement, including the schoolhouse, Katie doesn’t know how she will provide for herself.

Seth Stutzman arrived in Hope Falls days before the storm. And when he helps usher Katie and the children to safety, sparks fly. But Seth is only in town to help his brother, Amos, get back on his feet following the death of his wife. He can’t afford to have feelings for Katie.

Rebuilding the community is a huge task, and soon, Katie and Seth are working side by side. As they privately wrestle with their feelings for each other, another silent—and ultimate—battle for their hearts rages unseen.

2. Audio

That Night on Thistle Lane
by Carla Negger
I am a couple chapters in on this 
and anxious to keep listening.
Reviewing for AudioGo through Audiobook Jukebox.
Book Description
Release date: January 29, 2013 | Series: Swift River Valley
New York Times bestselling author Carla Neggers returns with the second book in the Swift River Valley series, That Night on Thistle Lane, following Secrets of the Lost Summer.

More than just make-believe

Librarian Phoebe O'Dunn deals in stories, but her passion for history has taught her that happy endings are rare. Her life in Knights Bridge, Massachusetts, is safe and uneventful...until she discovers the hidden room.

Among its secrets is a cache of vintage clothing, including a spectacular gown--perfect for a gala masquerade in Boston. In the guise of a princess, Phoebe is captivated by a handsome swashbuckler who's also adopted a more daring persona. Noah Kendrick's wealth has made him wary, especially of women: everybody wants something.

When Noah and Phoebe meet again in Knights Bridge, at first neither recognizes the other. And neither one is sure they can trust the magic of the night they shared--until an unexpected threat prompts them to unmask their truest selves.

After all, it takes more than just the right costume to live out your personal fairy tale. It takes heart...and the courage to be more than you ever dreamed.

3. Print

Scorned Justice: The Men of the Texas Rangers
by Margaret Daley
Another story I like from the get go.
Reading and reviewing as part of 
Pump Up Your Book Tour.  Review to post on 4/16.
Book Description
Publication Date: April 1, 2013 | Series: Men of the Texas Rangers (Book 3)
Texas Ranger Brody Calhoun is with his parents in west Texas when an unexpected attack injures the brother of Rebecca Morgan, Brody's high school sweetheart. The local sheriff, a good friend, asks for Brody’s help. At first, it seems like an open-and-shut case.

As Brody digs deeper, he realizes the attack may be related to an organized crime trial Rebecca will be overseeing. With Rebecca's help, he compiles evidence involving cattle rustling, bribery, and dirty payoffs that shatter the entire community and put Rebecca directly in the line of fire.

Brody expects to protect her. What he never expects is to fall for Rebecca all over again, or for a murder to throw the case wide open. Is Brody's faith strong enough to withstand not only deep-rooted corruption and cattle rustling, but also love?

I continue to listen to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. [Reading and listening on MP3.] I am studying with the Tyndall One Year Bible this year, hoping to read daily along with my DH.

Line Edits: We are doing well with several more releases being prepared. I am also doing more Smashword conversions.

I completed the 3 reviews for March. I have read three books for April and have to start getting the reviews up this week.  I started with 13 + two TBR to read and post for April.

April Scheduled:
4/16 Review: Scorned Justice: The Men of the Texas Rangers by Margaret Daley (PUYB)
4/22 Review: The Forever Knight by John Marco (TLC)

Sourcebooks
Jack Absolute by C.C. Humphreys

Hachette
Cowboy Take Me Away by Jane Graves

Audios:
For Audiobook Jukebox
    That Night on Thistle Lane - AudioGo (now Blackstone)
    Hunter: A Thriller - Robert Bidinotto

NetGalley:
     An Angel by Her Side by Ruth Reid 
     The Sword in the Stars (Book1) in The Dark Sea Annals Series by Wayne Thomas Batson
     The Wolf of Tebron by C. S. Lakin

From TBR Collection - TBD
Won Book - Lady of Devices, a steampunk adventure novel (Magnificent Devices) by Shelley Adina
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 7, 2012

We are continuing to study Revelations in Sunday School. This morning our leader reminded us what "worship" means -- declaring worth-ship. One of the songs we sang last week for Easter is a powerful worship song.

This version is a choral performance that reveals the power of the song.
The only drawback in such a 'performance' is that some of the sheer joy and freedom of praising is missing.

A Verse for Today:
1 Corinthians 15:24 (NASB)
24 then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power.

Again I am thankful for an Awesome God who loved me enough to create me, guide me and save me. He is worthy of all my worship.

Sharing Beyond Books #94 Comment Giveaway April 6, 2013

Hello, Welcome to SBB.

Our weather is still on the cool side but there are lots of signs of spring in the air -- especially pollen!

Thank you to all who shared last week.

I loved the different childhood books that were shared. Nancy Drew got four mentions and Enid Blyton got three. I had to look up Enid Blyton and those look like great books for kids. The Little House series also got several mentions. I had almost forgotten the Dick and Jane books mentioned by Carol L! And nrlymrtl picked the Choose Your Own Adventure books. I really loved those too but they were books I purchased for my kids. :-)

Interestingly, the items mentioned purchased most for the Easter weekend were chocolate and books. Commentors purchased items for others more than themselves. Several had Easter dinners or breakfast.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #93 comments is: #8 nrlymrtl, who can make a book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #94 Questions

Q1. Abby asks: Do you exercise??

A: We-eelll. I try to exercise and need to do more! I use a stationary bicycle for up to half an hour two to three times a week -- when I am being good. During spring to fall months I fast walk 2 miles if I get into the practice of it. During the summer I try to swim about once a week. I like to listen to audiobooks while doing walking or cycling and often wish I could think of a way to listen while swimming!

Image found at Cartoon Sample Gallery.

Q2. My bookish Question this week: Do you look at/post/like cover reveals??

A: I barely have time to post and look at memes and book reviews. I just don't have time to post or visit on cover reveals. However sometimes it is fun when authors show alternative covers.  

Image found at Good Choice Reading Promotions

.
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 can always use fresh questions.
I forgot last week to announce the Question Contributor winner for March: Those whose questions were used were: MaryP, nrlymrtl, Becky, Carol L and Emily.  Random.org picked #5 so Emily gets a book pick or GC.

Your turn to share:

Q1. Abby asks: Do you exercise??

Q2. My bookish Question this week: Do you look at/post/like cover reveals??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the new Valentine and "Love" books  or the new Christmas Giveaway Books. Also I have added the Updated ARC/Review List now.
 
SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on any (or all) of the two/three 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 by Friday, April 12, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Winners: Free Fall, Last Chance Book Club and Admission

Congratulations to Winners of

Giveaways Ended April 5, 2013. 

ARC Giveaway: Free Fall by Catherine Mann

Winner: Jolene



ARC Giveaway:  Last Chance Book Club by Hope Ramsay

Winner: Angela

Jolene and Angela please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I'll get the books mailed.  Please reply within 72 hours!   


Updated to include another winner:

Giveaway Ended March 26, 2013.

Giveaway: Admission by Jean Hanff Korelitz 

Winner:
Cindy C

Book Review: Sportsman's Bet (Ian Dodge Mysteries) by Judy Nichols

I like the Cockney rhyming slang in this solidly plotted mystery.
Sportsman’s Bet (Ian Dodge Mysteries)
by Judy Nichols

• File Size: 426 KB
• Print Length: 229 pages
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B008OY00QS

Genre: Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: July 24, 2012
Velma Saunders, the town clerk of Tobias, North Carolina never had a kind word to say to anyone. In fact, most people were afraid of her, including her boss, Mayor Mike Ellis.

Still, the whole town is shocked when Velma's body is found in the Municipal Building's old bomb shelter. The only clue to her murderer is a copy of a cryptic message from a Nigerian Email scammer.

All the evidence points to Mayor Mike, who's charged with killing Velma. Investigator Ian Dodge, a British transplant who's never quite taken root in the Deep South, sets out to find out who else hated Velma enough to kill her.

In the course of his investigation, Ian discovers the dark secrets Velma has been hiding all these years, and exactly why she was so mean.

Review:
One afternoon Mayor Mike is visited by a State Auditor claiming they are investigating a $2,000.00 accounting discrepancy. Mike wheedles the help of PI Ian Dodge, a British transplant with wonderfully quirky habits like Cockney rhyming slang. They start their search at the computer of the Mayor’s hardnose, but oh-so-efficient, office manager, Velma. The next morning Velma doesn’t show up for work which is very rare.  doesn’t show up one morning.

The title, and other interesting phrases, come from Ian’s sharing of Cockney rhyming slang. I really enjoyed those word games. Sportsman’s Bet rhymes with internet and the clues branch from what appears to be an internet scam where the sender is in Nigeria and asks for financial assistance from Velma.

Velma is found dead in a little known basement room. A spurious police search learns that Mayor Mike was familiar with the room and suspicion quickly turns into Mike’s arrest. Now Ian is fully engaged to uncover the truth to clear Mike. The investigation leads Ian to delve into the history of Velma’s youth. Ian interviews Aunts and nieces with a few surprises. Clues reveal a troubled family, a secret pregnancy and a connection to the government Eugenics program during the 1960s. Step by step the author leads Ian to the pieces of the puzzle until he has to race to prevent the killing of another witness.

I liked how the story jumps into rich characters and the hometown mystery. The investigation might not have been overly exciting although there is action and excitement as the mystery culminates. The family history was interesting and the mystery was really well plotted. The writing is descriptive with some nice humor that makes this an easy and fairly quick read. I enjoyed Ian’s personality and could see myself enjoying more investigations with him and his rhyming slang. 

I received this eBook from the Author for an honest review.

This story is set in North Carolina for my 2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge.

Saturday Snapshot (April 6, 2013) Deer Nature

I missed some wonderful moon shots a week or so ago as I didn't have the camera in my car.
One twilight I caught the moon across through the trees.

A couple of evenings later I stopped to take these pictures of some deer down our street.
We have a mile and a half drive to our house and there is one other house before it dead ends.
We learn to drive slowly as the deer cross the street at different spots and you have to be careful going around the curves in case they are there.

The first shot is from the street - not zoomed.

The next three are as I zoom closer.

Thanks again to all the nice people who have commented on my Saturday pictures. I am so sorry I have not been getting to return the visits until late in the week. :-(

To participate in the Saturday Snapshot meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky hosted by Alyce of At Home With Books. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don’t post random photos that you find online.

A Chance to win Children's Titles and $15.00 GC for books at eTreasures Publishing

Help J.D. Pooker celebrate the release of the VERY cute children's book: Mr. Chocolate and the Magic Js.

Visit J.D. Pooker to enter giveaways to win two different children's books and also a chance to win a $15 gift certificate to eTreasures -- ENDS 4/5/13.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 5, 2013

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]

Happy Friday!! Did anyone get fooled on April 1?? Not me. :-) It's been a good week. 

[***I'm sorry I have bad news for the international entrants -- I have to ask you to stick with GCs as the new postage rates have almost doubled. What might have been a $6.25 mail out is now close to $12.00.]

Thank you to all who entered the March 29 Pick. Still no automatic wins this week especially with four blocked titles from 10 picks. (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). Both wins were blocked titles. 

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from March 29 Pick:

June M gets the Linda Howard Pair

bn100 gets Beautiful Dreamer

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 or sexy and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks.

 Image found at Tumblr.com Book giveaways

New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013

As I am linking these titles it is clear to me why they were in my TBR boxes and it is really hard to let them go but I have soooo many. Better that they find good reader homes than sit on my shelves, or in a box, and collect dust. 
Pairs:
Linda Howard:
     While Lies and A Game of Chance
Carly Phillips
     The Heartbreaker and Simply Sinful
Singles:
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
To Tame a Rebel by Georgina Gentry
While Passion Sleeps by Shirlee Busbee
Lord Liar by Laurie Grant
Silk and Steel by Theresa Michaels
Lady in Red by Karen Hawkins
The Admiral's Bride by Suzanne Brockmann
Marry Me, Maddie by Rita Herron
Lady Ice by Joan Hohl
Dark Roots & Cowboy Boots by LuAnn McLane
Only My Dreams by Anna Blundy



New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

Pairs:
Laurell K. Hamilton
     Cravings (actually an Anthology) and A Kiss of Shadows
Tara Taylor Quinn
     Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
Tom Clancy
     Power Play: Cold War (paperback) and Power Play: Ruthless.com (audio cassette tapes)
Singles:
Deadline by Fern Michaels
Timeline by Michael Crichton
And Then You Die by Iris Johansen
Bride of Shadow Canyon by Stacey Kayne
Echoes by Maeve Binchy (worn spine)
One Dead Under the Cukoo's Nest by Lori Avocato
The Thunder Keeper by Margaret Coel
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Always a Lady by Sharon Sala
Her Wedding Wish by Jillian Hart


New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing 

Pairs
Beverly Barton:
    Downright Dangerous and What She Doesn't Know
Heather Graham Pozzessere
    Renegades (Western Anthology) and Everytime I Love You (The spine is creased.)
Mary Baxter
    His Touch and One Summer Evening

Singles-- I found a couple of boxes of romances (a lot of Harlequins) that I haven't gotten to read over the past 8 years so... I will send them off to others to read!
Flashpoint by Linda Barnes
Across a Thousand Miles by Nadia Nichols
Lady Beware by Fayrene Preston
Secrets of the Outback by Margaret Way
Never Say Never Again by Tori Carrington
*Merger of Fortunes by Peggy Moreland
*Married to His Business by Elizabeth Bevarly 
*The Banker's Convenient Wife by Lynne Graham
*Chance Adventure by Kelly Eileen Hake
* The Millionaire's Daughter by Sophie Weston


New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012--- (All gone)

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

SINGLES - CHRISTMAS TITLES (Better sizes for international) 
*Deck the Halls by Arlene James (slight spine creasing)
*A Holiday Prayer by Deb Kastner  (slight spine creasing)


New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012

- Oops upside down book! 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 - A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley
The Gift by Constance O'Day-Flannery
Please Remember This by Katleen Giles Seidel
Twice Upon Time by Nina Beaumont
Heart of the Hawk by Justine Dare
The Boy's Tale (Sister Frevisse Medieval Mysteries) by Margaret Frazer
Calculated Revenge by Jill Elizabeth Nelson


New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
I pulled some more books from several of my boxes.

An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
Beautiful Dreamer by Elizabeth Lowell

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
This time I pulled some books from one of my older boxes.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander (postage too much - replaced with GC)
Mistress by Amanda Quick - Audio Cassettes
*Long Time Coming by Sandra Brown

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
*One is the Lonliest Number - Tom Clancey's Net Force

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012 (All gone)

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012 (All gone)

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)

New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October -
Halloween or dark minded.
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Emily's Good Nightmare by Cosmic Debris Cosmic

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011
Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20
Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books: Group #19
Primary Colors - audio tapes
*Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone).

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

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 in November 27, 2009 and in three years I have posted 33 groups of 16 (528) books to find new homes! (November 2012)

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! I am happy to say that so far about 494 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.

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 $5.00 and $6.00 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)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.
WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

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!

1/14/11 New List #17--- (All gone)

12/3/10 Book Set: #16
Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown  (postage too much - replaced with GC)

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

Here is set #13 of Used books! ---(All gone)
Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11
Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Looking Back by Belva Plain

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4
Talking God by Tony Kellerman
Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford
The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)

Pick #5
See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel
Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8
(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray
Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes
Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10---(All Gone)

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: A Shot of Sultry by Macy Beckett

This is a steamy, just short of sleazy, make-you grin romance.

A Shot of Sultry
by Macy Beckett

• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (March 5, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402270399
• ISBN-13: 978-1402270390

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Release date: March 5, 2013 | Series: Sultry Springs

Welcome to Sultry Springs, Texas: where home can be the perfect place for a fresh start.

For West Coast filmmaker Bobbi Gallagher, going back to Sultry Springs is a last resort. But with her career in tatters, a documentary set in her hometown might be just what she needs to salvage her reputation. She just can't let anything distract her again. Not even the gorgeous contractor her brother asked to watch over her. As if she can't handle filming a few rowdy Texans.

Golden boy Trey Lewis, with his blond hair and Technicolor-blue eyes, is a leading man if Bobbi ever saw one. He's strong and confident and—much to her delight—usually shirtless. He thinks keeping his best friend's baby sister out of trouble will be easy. But he has no idea of the trouble in store for him...

Review:
Bobbi Gallagher was a child when her mother moved them away from Sultry Springs, leaving her older brother, Luke, behind. Bobbi struggled all through school as a poor child  but rose above it to become a serious documentary filmmaker. Things were good until some ‘confidential’ information sent a project into trouble, tanking her career and reputation. She is offered a chance to do a rural version of the reality show, Real Life, Real Love. Bobbi needs a place to recoup over the summer and thinks that living with her brother, Luke, in her hometown of Sultry Springs will provide just the right opportunity to film Sex in the Sticks.

No sooner does Bobbi walk into Luke’s bar than she meets the “Golden boy” Trey and the dark, sexy lawman, Colton. She decides these two will be the perfect subjects to help find summer-time love for her documentary project. Trey jumps to the wrong conclusion and tries to oust Bobbi before he learns that she is his best friend’s sister. Now he is roped into her project and, to make matters worse, Luke appoints Trey to be Bobbi’s bodyguard by keeping away the hound-dogs in town.

Trey will be leaving at the end of summer for a contractor job in Dubai as a means of redeeming his less than honorable discharge from the service. He might be interested in a hot summer fling except the only woman he wants is the one he can’t have--Bobbi.  Bobbi knows it is totally wrong to engage in any shenanigans with her film subject but she finds that she is able to open up so comfortably with Trey. One thing sort of leads to another and soon they are hiding their passionate affair from the cameramen and Luke.

These characters are really wonderful together and the story is plain fun. Bobbi is a bit insecure and a lot OCD. When she gets troubled she gets cleaning and sorting... in alphabetically or color coded order from kitchen pantry to work tools. The dialogue and images are sassy and liberally peppered with guy humor that is on the low side but very funny. If you are overly sensitive to sexual innuendos, and pretty steamy lovemaking, this might not be the author or series for you. The premise is just this side of sleazy (really--Sex in the Sticks???) but anyone not grinning by the end of the book could only be a real grump. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bobbi’s reaction to Trey:

Although Bobbi wanted to push him into the path of an oncoming Mack truck, she couldn’t deny he had a face that would tempt a saint and a body made for sinning–tall and lithe and bulky in all the right places. Page 17

I received this book from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

This story is set in Texas for my 2013 Where Are Your Reading Challenge.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR ARC COPY.

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US and Canada Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on April 12, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on April 13, 2013.
Winners are asked to respond by email or the linked winners form within 72 hours of the announcement.

Blogger & Author Sponsored Kindle Fire Giveaway April 2013

Kindle Fire HD 7" Giveaway
The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HD (US Only)

Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)

Sponsoring Bloggers & Authors

1. I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
2. Author Jennifer Laurens
3. Author Lena Sledge
4. Kelly's Lucky You
5. Author Lori Verni-Fogarsi
6. Phantasmic Reads
7. Author Rebecca Talley
8. Author Ednah Walter
9. Author Heather Bixler
10. Girls With Books
11. My Life With Books
12. Author Rae Z. Ryans
13. All Fantasy Worlds
14. Author Michael Young
15. Book Angel Booktopia
16. Lori's Reading Corner
17. Books R Us
18. Books 4 Tomorrow
19. Author T. Lynne Tolles
20. Good Choice Reading
21. Curling Up With A Good Book
22. Auggie-Talk
23. A Bookish Escape
24. Paranormal Book Club
25. Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf
26. Amethyst Daydreams
27. Pink Fluffy Hearts
28. Love. Without You
29. Books, Books, the Magical Fruit
30. Author Lisa Voison
31. Tasty Book Tours
32. Fae Books
33. Author Cindy C. Bennett
34. Author Emma Michaels
35. Author Lia Fairchild
36. Fade Into Fantasy
37. Pieces of Whimsy
38. Author Rachael Renee Anderson
39. Feed Your Reader
40. Lovely Reads

Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire 7" HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International). Ends 4/30/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Prize value $199 US.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Audio Book Review: Did You Miss Me? By Karen Rose

I really liked this strong, intense thriller with a warm romance.
Did You Miss Me [Audiobook, Unabridged]
Karen Rose (Author),
Marguerite Gavin (Reader)

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.; Unabridged edition (February 5, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1470842572
• ISBN-13: 978-1470842574

LENGTH: 20 hrs and 46 mins

Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: February 5, 2013
New York Times bestselling author Karen Rose is back with her fourteenth pulse-pounding thriller.
Best be nimble, best be quick, I'm right here and you're my pick . . .
The last thing Ford Elkhart remembers is walking his girlfriend back to her car. Now he's lying tied and gagged on a cold, dark floor, with only one chance to escape before he ends up like the bones surrounding him.
Assistant State's Attorney Daphne Montgomery is devastated by her son's disappearance and is immediately convinced that his kidnapping is connected to the white supremacist she's just had jailed for murder. FBI Special Agent Joseph Carter isn't so sure -- especially when he learns that Ford's girlfriend is also missing. Is Ford's abduction payback for Daphne's courtroom victory, or is he a pawn in an even more dangerous game?

Review:
State Attorney Daphne Montgomery is involved in an intense trial bringing a young, white supremacist to justice. At completion of the trial other family members attack. That is scare enough but what really has Daphne trembling is the kidnapping of her teenage son, Ford. At first it is thought that the supremacist group is involved, but the listener learns more about the killer’s motives while bit by bit the clues reveal his personal vendetta against Daphne. She will have to acknowledge a horrifying kidnapping from her own childhood and uncover a terrible betrayal before she is released from this nightmare.

This is a story that pulled me in quickly with a murder and kidnappings. It leads the reader through Ford’s struggle to escape and survive, and then along a dark, chilling race by Daphne and investigators to save other innocent girls.  Woven within the danger is a strong love story. FBI Special Agent, Joseph Carter, fights his own memories as he fights to protect Daphne from a killer and from the pain of losing her son.

There was some unnecessary repetition and some drawn out sections that slowed the pacing a time or two. I was not pleased that Daphne, a strong career professional, became a whining mess when her son was kidnapped. But those issues didn’t stop my enjoyment of the twisting mystery and dark suspense. I also enjoyed the interaction with characters from earlier stories and I was impressed that Ms. Rose incorporated a battle with cancer as part of Daphne's history.

I have only read a couple of Ms. Rose’s works but I really appreciate her ability to develop a good, twisting mystery and twine in a believable and warm romance. ( I hope Clay gets a story for himself.) I recommend this book and this author to readers who love a good romantic suspense and those who love a solid, dark thriller.

Audio Notes: The narrator for this is Marguerite Gavin who is familiar to me from another series I really like. Although I recognized her voice when I first started listening, I was quickly caught up in the story after that first recognition. Ms. Gavin does a good job of distinguishing characters by their voices and conveying their many emotions. She even managed the ugly whininess of Daphne - a character flaw I attribute to the author as it was repeated several times. The truly creepy rendition of “I’m baa-aack. Did you miss me?” adds to the suspense. There were a couple of bad editing breaks that were just a shame and momentarily startled me but for the most part the audio added to the story for me. This would no doubt be a good suspense read but it was wonderful to listen to.

I received this Audio download for review from Blackstone Audio, Inc. through Audiobook Jukebox.

This story is set in West Virgina for my 2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge.