Celebrate with Sourcebooks and Samantha Grace: In Bed with a Rogue Spotlight Tour

In Bed with a Rogue

By Samantha Grace

Soucebooks Casablanca

Historical Romance

September 2, 2014

ISBN: 9781402286612

$6.99/£4.99

Mass-Market Paperback

He’s the Talk of the Town

The whole town is tittering about Baron Sebastian Thorne having been jilted at the altar. Every move he makes ends up in the gossip columns. Tired of being the butt of everyone’s jokes, Sebastian vows to restore his family’s reputation no matter what it takes.

She’s the Toast of the Ton

Feted by the crème of society, the beautiful widow Lady Prestwick is a vision of all that is proper. But Helena is no angel, and when Sebastian uncovers her dark secret, he’s quick to press his advantage. In order to keep her hard-won good name, Helen will have to make a deal with the devil. But she’s got some tricks up her sleeves to keep this notorious rogue on his toes…

SAMANTHA GRACE

Historical romance author Samantha Grace discovered the appeal of a great love story when she was just a young girl, thanks to Disney’s Robin Hood. She didn’t care that Robin Hood and Maid Marian were cartoon animals. It was her first happily-ever-after experience and she didn’t want the warm fuzzies to end. Now Samantha enjoys creating her own happy-endings for characters that spring from her imagination. Publishers Weekly describes her stories as “fresh and romantic” with subtle humor and charm. Samantha describes romance writing as the best job ever.      

Website: http://www.samanthagraceauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Samantha-Grace/264436686918343

Twitter: @SamGraceAuthor https://twitter.com/SamGraceAuthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4946067.Samantha_Grace

Buy: Amazon | B&N | BAM! | IndieBound | !ndigo | iTunes

The six Samantha Grace books include:

·         Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel

·         Lady Amelia’s Mess and a Half

·         Miss Lavigne’s Little White Lie

·         Lady Vivian Defies a Duke

·         One Rogue Too Many

·         In Bed with a Rogue

Rafflecopter widget:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Wolf by Don Mann

This is an action packed and engaging story.

SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Wolf

by Don Mann 
A SEAL Team Six Novel

• File Size: 704 KB
• Print Length: 320 pages
• Publisher: Mulholland Books (June 26, 2012)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• ASIN: B006L87BUW

Genre: Military Thriller, Action
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: June 26, 2012
Navy SEAL Team Six commando Don Mann infuses his debut military thriller with the real-life details only a true insider can reveal.
In the midst of a grueling training exercise, Thomas Crocker, USN, unearths a pocket of terrorism that leads straight from the slopes of K2 to the cities of Europe and the Middle East. Crocker and his team, who are trained for the most intense kinds of combat in the most extreme environments, must blaze through a perilous web of terrorist cells to track down a ruthless sheikh who is running an international kidnapping ring before his captives pay the ultimate price.
HUNT THE WOLF is an adrenaline-packed novel sure to appeal to fans of Vince Flynn and Brad Thor, featuring the world's most elite soldiers and based on the experiences of renowned SEAL Team 6 commando Don Mann.

Review:
Crocker is a Navy Seal team leader who likes to ‘get the job done’ with minimal mess and minimal collateral damage. He and his team are sent into a covert op to take out Zaman, an al-Qaeda terrorist. They destroy the dwelling target thinking they have accomplished the mission. There are two problems though and Crocker takes them both personally. First, a young girl is killed in the blast. Second, it appears that the primary target was allowed to exit the building in disguise. Although unavoidable, these errors still impact Crocker’s confidence, not to mention the fact that his superiors don’t want to give him a second chance to get Zaman.

Crocker has a thin clue to pursue and, unlike the powers who spend time disputing policies, Croker is a man who takes action. While waiting for more information Crocker and his team head to climb the dangerous mountain of Concordia in Pakistan. The climb keeps the teams’ skills sharp and also provides them cover to be in the country. Before beginning the climb Crocker is asked to help track down a daughter of an important Norwegian official who has gone missing. Crocker’s gut tells him that there is a connection between Zaman and the slave traders who have been taking beautiful blonde girls to deliver them to a ruthless sheikh.

There is plenty of action that keeps this moving at a fast pace. Although the climb is a little off track, I really enjoyed the action, the danger and the excitement of the climb as well as the danger of the hunt for the kidnappers. Crocker is a strong, honorable and steady character. The other team members are not deeply developed although each has their own skills and foibles.

Author Mann creates a reasonably realistic plot with engaging action and manages to convey some philosophical statements along the way. Caution: there is some bad language and, needless to say, violence. I would gladly read more from this author and more in this series.

I picked this up to read through NetGalley.

Audible Book Review: Forsaking Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 4 by A. American

There are more survivor basics and adventures in this fourth book.
Forsaking Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 4
By A. American
Narrated By Duke Fontaine
Length: 11 hrs and 15 mins
Series: Survivalist, Book 4
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:06-24-14
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Release Date: 06-24-14
Morgan Carter has weathered the weeks after the collapse of the nation's power grid, reuniting with his family and ensuring their safety, but his struggle isn't over yet. Carter must focus on survival in an increasingly unstable society - but the challenges he faces are beyond his wildest imagination. Meanwhile, the enclosed quarters of the nearby government-run refugee camp make for an environment where injury, assault and murder are the norm.

Review:
The survival saga continues in book four of this series. Morgan and his family are managing fairly well in the cabins by the lake. It is more crowded and rustic than their suburban community but the family is still together. Morgan shows the family how to forage in the swamp for natural foods and Thad is teaching the group how to make homemade soaps and other handy, old fashioned survival skills. They are staying safe for the most part except for a few thawrted attacks on their pigs.

Meanwhile Sarge and his unofficial army crew are making plans to take over the nearby government camp that is more prison and slave training than refugee camp. They know that Jess is in the camp but they don’t know how much danger she is in.

I enjoyed the educational survival details even though it isn’t necessarily exciting. There are issues of emotional stress from the society changes, including depression and degredation of morals. The matters in camp have gotten worse with Jess and her friends targeted for execution. Sarge’s plan for takeover of the camp is rather simplistic and goes surprisingly well with the exception of an unexpected twist.

This isn’t full of action and excitement like books 1 and 2 but it is still entertaining. A. American does a good job of pulling together loose ends. This might not be a book to rave about but it is a satisfactory installment, maybe even conclusion, to the series.

AUDIO NOTES: Duke Fontaine continues to do a really nice job with the narration. This was a very easy, quick and engaging listening experience.

I purchased this fourth book with my Audible subscription so I could continue the series.

My review links for the other books in the series:
Going Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 1
Surviving Home: A Novel (The Survivalist Series)
Escaping Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 3

Mailbox Monday August 18, 2014

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 Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I didn't get to post this Sunday night or Monday morning but I am posting it on Monday night. :-)
I received one audio review book this week and I realized I hadn't listed several NetGalley selections I picked up this month.
 I also purchased three Kindle $.99 collections and picked up many free kindle titles.

(I still have many author requests to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

This sounds like quite the adventure! Download received from Post Hypnotic Press.

The Curve of Time
Written by: M. Wylie Blanchet
Narrated by: Heather Henderson
Publisher's Summary
At a time when Vancouver Island was still an extremely remote and sparsely populated backwater, a young widow packed her five children into a 25-foot boat dubbed The Caprice and set off on an adventure. Summer after summer the brave young mother, who became known as "Capi," would set sail and explore the rugged coastline for months with her young crew. Although the hazards the family faced were numerous-tides, fog, storms, rapids, cougars, and even grizzlies-Capi brought them through it all. The Curve of Time is Capi's poignant, thoughtful, and poetic recollection of these days.This classic coastal tale has been a bestseller since it was first published in 1961. That was also the year of the author's death. In print continuously since it's original publication, this is the first time it has been made available in audio.
©1961 The Estate of M. Wylie Blanchet (P)2014 Post Hypnotic Press Inc.

NetGalley Selections for August/early September:

Bound to Danger
by Katie Reus
Legend Publishing
Military romantic suspense.

The Traitor (Captive Hearts)

by Grace Burrowes

Sourcebooks

Regency Romance from a favorite author.

Global Predator 

by Jack Maclean  

Penguin Group Berkley, NAL 

A story of technology and the war on terror.

Won

None

Purchased

I purchased three $.99 cent Kindle collections that caught my eye. Two are romance and one is post-apocalyptic.

Shades of Chaos

Cameron Jace, Katie Salidas, Chrystalla Thoma, Alexia Purdy, Megan Duncan, Nadege Richards

Post Apocalyptic

Sutton Capital Series Boxed Set: Books 1-3

Lori Ryan

Romance with good ratings.

Lovers' Lane: The Sweethearts Collection
Sandra Edwards, Debra Elizabeth, Regina Duke
More Romance

Free

Plus I downloaded another 46 free Kindle titles. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

It's Monday! What are You Reading? August 18, 2014

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.

I had a good week. Busy but not overly stressful.
Reading and listening was good. I posted three book reviews, one with giveaway. 
I also posted the usual memes. :-)

I did get to visit early in the week, but didn't get back to more.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday! What are You Reading? August 11, 2014.

• Mailbox Monday August 11, 2014.

• Audible Book Review: Sixth Grave on the Edge by Darynda Jones; Paranormal; my rating 4.25. 

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 15, 2014.  Open Worldwide. Ends 8/21/14.

• Book Review: Of Triton (The Syrena Legacy) by Anna Banks; Paranormal, YA; my rating 4.25.  

• Book Review and Giveaway: The Freezer (The Tanner Sequence) by Timothy S. Johnston; Sci Fi Thriller, Mystery; my rating 4.5. Open Mixed - Worldwide and US. Ends 8/23/14.

• Sharing Beyond Books #164 Comment Giveaway 8/16/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 8/23/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 17, 2014.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

Of Triton (The Syrena Legacy)
by Anna Banks
I really enjoyed this ebook and my review is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3

Forsaking Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 4
UNABRIDGED
By A. American
Narrated By Duke Fontaine
Series: Survivalist, Book 4
I enjoyed the continuation of this series.
This is from my own Audible Library.
I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

3.  eBook/Kindle

SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Wolf
by Don Mann A SEAL Team Six Novel
This is a solid action read I picked up through NetGalley. I'll post my review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audio/MP3

Of Neptune: Syrena Legacy, Book 3
Author: Anna Banks
Narrator: Rebecca Gibel
Publisher/Date: Blackstone Audio, 05/13/14
I will post my review this week for this
download from Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.

eTreasures Publishing New Release:
Two print releases going through final adjustments before we link them up at the website.
Two more ebooks still out for galley proofs; to be released soon.

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

Chieftain by Command
by Frances Housden
I am mid-way in this and curious how it will continue/conclude.
I received this for review from Escape Publishing. 
Blurb:
From the bestselling, RITA-nominated author Frances Housden comes the gripping, sensual, suspenseful follow-up to The Chieftain’s Curse...
Gavyn Farquhar’s marriage is forged with a double-edged blade. Along with the Comlyn clan’s lands, a reward from the King, he is blessed with an unwilling bride, Kathryn Comlyn, and an ancient fort with few defences that desperately needs to be fortified before it can act as a sufficient buffer between Scotland and the Norsemen on its northern borders.
Gavyn needs wealth to meet his king’s demands, and he knows of only one way to get it — with his sword. Leaving his prickly bride behind in the hands of trusted advisors, he makes his way to the battlegrounds of France and the money that can be made there.
Two years married and Kathryn is still a virgin. A resentful virgin, certain that, like her father before her, she is perfectly capable of leading the Comlyn clan. In her usurper husband’s absence, she meets the clan’s needs, advising and ruling as well as any man.
But she is an intelligent woman, and she knows the only respect and power she will ever hold will be through her husband. And to wield it, she needs to make him love her. An easy task to set, but impossible to complete, when said husband has been gone for two years, and there is no word of his return. But Kathryn is undeterred. After all, a faint heart never won a Chieftain.

2. Audio

The Curve of Time
by M. Wylie Blanchet
Narrated by: Heather Henderson
I will start this Monday.
I received the download from Post Hypnotic Press.
Publisher's Summary
At a time when Vancouver Island was still an extremely remote and sparsely populated backwater, a young widow packed her five children into a 25-foot boat dubbed The Caprice and set off on an adventure. Summer after summer the brave young mother, who became known as "Capi," would set sail and explore the rugged coastline for months with her young crew. Although the hazards the family faced were numerous-tides, fog, storms, rapids, cougars, and even grizzlies-Capi brought them through it all. The Curve of Time is Capi's poignant, thoughtful, and poetic recollection of these days.This classic coastal tale has been a bestseller since it was first published in 1961. That was also the year of the author's death. In print continuously since it's original publication, this is the first time it has been made available in audio.
©1961 The Estate of M. Wylie Blanchet (P)2014 Post Hypnotic Press Inc.

3. eBook/Kindle

Bound to Danger: A Deadly Ops Novel
by Katie Reus
This sounded like a good  Military Romantic Suspense.
I received this from the Publisher through NetGalley.
Book Description
Publication Date: August 5, 2014
At a benefit dinner, community activist Maria Cervantes overhears two men plotting a terrorist attack that could rock Miami to its core. But before she can alert authorities, she’s almost killed in a massive explosion—and wakes up in a hospital with no memory of what happened. As the sole survivor of the attack, she is now a person of interest to the NSA—and especially to Agent Cade O’Reilly. Because Maria is the one woman Cade has never been able to forget.

Years ago, they were closer than either was willing to admit—until Cade disappeared when Maria needed him most. Now he’s sticking by her, whether she likes it or not. Because the memories locked inside her mind could hold vital clues to the next attack. Because terrorists want her dead—and because he never wants to let her go again.

I am pretty sure I will pick one more during the week but I haven't decided what title yet.

I am one day ahead on my daily Bible reading.
I have disciplined myself each morning to read my Bible passage before I pick up print, Kindle or mp3. I am really enjoying the reading.

Line Edits:
We are still finalizing formatting for four ebook re-releases, two fiction and two non-fiction. We are also working on releasing several novels in print.

I still have some books carried forward.  I still hope to read at least one of my own TBRs this month. 
I completed three reviews last week and hope to post at least three this week.  

August Scheduled -

NetGalley - To be read in August thru September:
Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve, Illustrated by Sarah McIntyre
Bound to Danger by Katie Reus (Penguin Group Berkley) (reading)
The Traitor (Captive Hearts) by Grace Burrowes (Sourcebook)
Neverhome by Laird Hunt (Little, Brown and Company) 
The Night Visitor by Dianne Emley (Random House)
Global Predator by Jack Maclean  (Legend Publishing)

Authors:
From Story Bundle -  I am enjoying the romance bundle and so glad I got these.  There are several other Bundles available now.
Huntress For Hire by Terry Spear
Peter's Christmas by M. L. Buchman
The Death of Davy Moss by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
Shades of Moonlight by Karen L. McKee

Still many requests to field and reply to.

AudioBook Jukebox
Requesting new titles

Post Hypnotic Press
I have several more audiobooks from this publisher that I will be reviewing.

From TBR Collection - TBD
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords - TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement August 17, 2014

Pastor spoke this morning on The Gifts of God. He pointed out that ‘every good and perfect gift is from above....’ James 1:17. Pastor noted that the gifts and calling of God “are irrevocable”. Romans 11:29.

Sometimes people try to find another work but when we work within our own power we work with a lot of sweat. Instead, work done in His power is easy and smooth. Pastor told of one missionary who waited until his later years before seeking appointment to serve. When he was turned down because of his age, he raised his own funds and ministered for twenty years to those who hadn't heard the word.

Pastor exhorted that if you are to be fulfilled in your life you should “do your own thing” - in the sense that you do the thing as God has given. Doing the work that God has directed us to do brings us “life”, energizes us.

We are not all called to serve as missionaries... but we are all called to serve... as He directs and equips.

This is a lovely video of service.

Here Am I Lord

1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

Thank you Lord that you give each of us special gifts to use to do Your work. Please give us wisdom to know what you want us to do to share Your message and love.

Sharing Beyond Books #164 Comment Giveaway August 16, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
I did some 'catch-up' work at the office today and came home early enough to relax with my DH.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Well our friends from the other side of earth (Mary P and Llehn) are in the middle of their second semester which started in January. That is hard to comprehend. Others have school start dates that range from as early as August 5 (Becky in TN), all weeks in August, many after labor day and then the latest listed was university starting September 15 for miki. Sarah also mentioned their schools will start depending on the settlement of a teacher strike.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #163 comments is: #2 Mary P who can make a GC choice if international or 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 (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #164 (One Question.)

Q1. bn100 asks: Do you do anything after you read a really bad book??

A: It has been a while since I read a "really bad book" - thank goodness. I think if I read one I didn't like I would try to find one by a favorite author that I could rely on so I'd have a good read the next time. 

Well - he could just be tired - or....
Image found at Salon.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! We still have a supply of questions but from the same people so hopefully others will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

Your turn to share:

Q1. bn100 asks: Do you do anything after you read a really bad book??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books, the Christmas Giveaway Books (this is the new link), or the June 2013 Newly Updated ARC/Review List.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday August 23, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Book Review with Giveaway: The Freezer (The Tanner Sequence) by Timothy S. Johnston

This is another sharp, intense mystery with heart-pounding suspense.

The Freezer (The Tanner Sequence)
by Timothy S. Johnston

File Size: 542 KB
Print Length: 308 pages
Publisher: Carina Press (August 25, 2014)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
ASIN: B00KPJNL3E
Genre: Mystery, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: August 25, 2014
A Tanner Sequence Novel
2402 AD
CCF homicide investigator Kyle Tanner and his girlfriend are on their way to Pluto, en route to a new life together. Just one little death to check out in the asteroid belt first. But when you're as tangled up in conspiracy as Tanner is, a few hours on a case can change your life. Or end it.

The mystery is a strange one—one man dead, a cryptic message his dying breath. Still, Tanner's ready to wrap it up until another gruesome murder shakes him to his core. The discovery of a microscopic bomb near his own heart offers the first faint clue, but the clock is ticking. He has four days….

A desperate search for answers takes Tanner to The Freezer, an isolated facility on one of Jupiter's moons. With anti-CCF dissidents targeting the facility, a team of scientists conducting experiments the military would rather remain hidden, and a mysterious man in white hunting him on the ice, Tanner will have to choose his allies carefully. Putting his faith in the wrong person will leave him bleeding out in seconds.

Review:
Lieutenant Kyle Tanner has a reputation as one of the most persistent and best CCF homicide investigators. He used to be a lone wolf but, since his last case, The Furnace, he has been enjoying recently discovered emotions with his new girlfriend, Shaheen. They are traveling to Pluto to start a new life together when Tanner is assigned a new case that takes him to a base known as “The Freezer” located on an ice moon of Jupiter.

The case begins when a doctor is found dead having left a cryptic message accusing his murderer of 'having reached him'. Tanner learns that the man died of a microscopic bomb that erupted near his heart and a similar device has been found within Tanner. The clock is ticking as Tanner forces two other doctors and a civilian engineer to return to The Freezer where the connections lead.

Tanner and his companions aren’t particularly welcomed. The other scientists and the station leader are clearly hostile, frightened and hiding more than a murder. Tanner soon realizes that he is dealing with several Confederacy dissidents who should have been turned in by the leader but, for some reason, were not. This adds an additional layer of hostility among the scientists. A second murder and sabotage to communications result in making everyone a suspect and it is hard for Tanner to know who, if anyone, can be trusted.

Tanner is sharp and keenly observant as he puts together pieces of information to uncover the motive and murderer. Tanner is challenged not only by the uniquely dangerous surroundings and a deranged, superhuman opponent, but also by his own grief and exhaustion as he races against external and internal deadlines.

I really like the plot details and the non-stop, heart- pounding action of this series. Author Johnston uses finely crafted, unique twists and details to create the mystery and intertwine the characters. There is continual danger and suspense with surprises just as the reader thinks the situation is under control. The story is told in first person by Tanner sharing an interesting view of calm precision and dedication in his job mixed with rare glimpses of emotional turmoil. The wonderful deduction process is summed up showing how Tanner pieces the facts together. My final reaction at completion was somewhere between “whew” and “wow”! I definitely look forward to the next Tanner ‘roller coaster’ mystery!

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

This story begins with a great opening quote from Poe [“The boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where the one ends, and where the other begins?...”], then slides into a good hook:

I left Mars on a Tuesday in a jumpship bound for Ceres and I didn’t know it at the time but by Saturday I would be dead.    (Location 8.)

I received this title from the author for an honest review.

The author has graciously offered the following for Giveaway:
a) Mobi format eBook copy of The Freezer (available after release 8/25/14) - open worldwide
b) Mobi format eBook copy of the first book The Furnace - open worldwide
c) Five signed covers of The Freezer - US and Canada only.


d) One TSJ Mug - US and Canada only. 

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for chance 

to win items a) through d)

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries comment on the review, OR

visit THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open as noted: worldwide for ebook copies; US or Canada for swag items.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) August 23, 2014.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after August 23, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Book Review: Of Triton (The Syrena Legacy) by Anna Banks

This is an engaging sequel to book one.
Of Triton (The Syrena Legacy)
by Anna Banks

File Size: 932 KB
Print Length: 256 pages
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends; Reprint edition (May 28, 2013)
Sold by: Macmillan
ASIN: B00BCFZLQ0
Genre: YA, Paranormal
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: May 28, 2013
Emma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess, and now struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she’s a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm. Syrena law states all Half-Breeds should be put to death.
As if that’s not bad enough, her mother’s reappearance in the Syrena world turns the two kingdoms—Poseidon and Triton—against one another. Which leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen’s request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? Or should she risk it all and reveal herself—and her Gift—to save a people she’s never known?
Once again, Anna Banks infuses Emma and Galen’s points of view with humor, intrigue, and waves of romance.

Review:
Emma has learned that her mother, Nalia, is the missing princess of Poseidon. Syrenas, the mer-people, do not accept half-breeds and Nalia is afraid of what they will do to Emma so Nalia convinces her to run. Emma is reluctant as she doesn’t want to leave behind Galen who has gone to get his brother Grom, the Triton king and Nalia’s long ago fiance.

Grom is excited to discover that Nalia is alive but he has many complications to face. He has recently agreed to strengthen the relationships between Tritons and Poseidons by accepting Paca as a mate. Paca is a young woman who supposedly has the gift of Poseidon because she can direct dolphins with hand signs. When Grom returns with Nalia, Paca’s father, Jagen, and his friends question Nalia’s true identity. Jagen is a danger as he is challenging the royal family for control of the Syrena people.

Meanwhile, Galen still thinks that they should keep Emma’s exsistence as a half-breed a secret even though Emma clearly has the true gift of Poseiden. She can talk to all the fish and mammals of the ocean who are more than glad to play with her or follow her direction.

There are more fun moments with volatile Rayna, Galen’s sister, and her new mate, Toraf, the best tracker of the Syrena. Also there is much help from Galen’s faithful human assistant, Rachel. Although there is mutual, strong attraction, Gavin and Emma continue to honor their commitment to keep their relationship pure until they can mate.

The plot is very engaging with changes in several of the characters and danger from within and without the Syrena community. I found this to be a good sequel to book one, Of Poseidon, and a quick and enjoyable read. I am looking forward to listening to the final book for review.

I selected this story in eBook form to read before reviewing the third book.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 15, 2014

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

Oh Sigh. Another busy week. It is almost hard to keep up with everything. :-) I just have to keep on keeping on!

[UPDATED NOTE - US entrants I prefer, please, that you pick a book as that is the first purpose of this giveaway - to find new homes for books. The GCs are for the international entrants because postage has jumped up.]

Thank you to all who entered the August 8 Pick. There was one automatic wins this week.  (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.) There was one title blocked.
Anita gets Wild Escapade

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from August 8 Pick:
Carol NW gets Primary Colors Tapes

Sue F gets the the Phyllis Whitney Pair

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.}

Just because it's back to school time doesn't mean we have to stop traveling does it?

Image found at Rio Grande Family.

New Book Group #50! August 8, 2014

PAIRS:
William J. Coughlin: The Court and The Judgment
Phyllis J. Whitney: The Ebony Swan and Woman Without a Past
SINGLES:
Maybe This Time by Victoria Barrett
The Commander by Kate Bridges
So Hard to Forget by Evelyn Crowe
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
Whirlwind Affair by Jacquie D'Allessandro
Let Darkness Come by Angela Hunt
Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione 
ChiefTain by Nan Ryan
A Place Called Home by Loir Wick
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
True Believer by Nicholas Sparks
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose

New Book Group #49 June 27, 2014

PAIRS:
Sandra Brown:  The Thrill of Victory and Temperatures Rising
Beverly Barton: The Last to Die and Raintree: Sanctuary
SINGLES:
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
Down by the Water by Caroline Upcher
Hawkes Harbor by S.E. Hinton
Savage Thunder by Cassie Edwards
Miracle by Deborah Smith
Desperate Alliances by Cory Daniells
Never Walk Alone by Paula Detmer Riggs
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
Running Blind by Lee Child
Dirty Sexy Knitting by Christie Ridgway
The Grey Beginning by Barbara Michaels
The Highlander's Bride by Michele Sinclair


New Book Group #48 May 30, 2014

PAIRS:
Karen Haper:  Black Orchid (spine creases) and Shaker Run
Elizabeth Lowell: Fever and The Color of Death
SINGLES:
After Dark by Phillip Margolin Audio Tapes
Dangerous by Debra Dier
First to Fight Anthology
Full Bloom by Jayne Ann Krentz
Mesmerized by Gayle Lynds
On the Edge by Susan Kearney
Safe by His Side by Linda Conrad

New Book Group #47 April 25, 2014

SINGLES:
Trey's Secret by Lois Faye Dayer
Midnight Reign by Chris Marie Green
Once Upon a Moon by Julie Kistler
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy



New Book Group #46 March 15, 2014

SINGLES:
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Penhollow by Georgette Heyer
The Last Heiress by Bertrice Small (spine creases)
Strong Arms of the Law by Vicki Kennedy


New Book Group #45 January 31, 2014

SINGLES:
Out of Darkness by Lynn Erickson
Lord Braybrook's Penniless Bride by Elizabeth Rolls
Contract Dad by Helen Shelton
Hearts Are Wild by Laura Wright

New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013---(All gone)

New Book Group! #43 November 1, 2013 ---(All gone)

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013 ---(All gone)

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

Singles:
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)

New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Singles:
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford

New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh

New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013
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.

New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe

New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013 (All gone)

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

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012---(All gone)

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

New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology

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
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

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

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011---(All gone)

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20---(All gone)

3/25/11 Group #19---(All gone)
Primary Colors - audio tapes

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 on November 27, 2009 and in four years I have posted 43 groups of 16 (688) books to find new homes! (as of November 2013).

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 696+ 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 $7.00 and $6.00 $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)

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
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown 

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

Here is set #13 of Used books! ---(All gone)

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4---(All gone)

Pick #5---(All gone)

Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape

Pick #8
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Pick #10---(All Gone)

Audible Book Review: Sixth Grave on the Edge: Charley Davidson, Book 6 by Darynda Jones

"I have a perfect body; it’s in my trunk." T-Shirt.

Sixth Grave on the Edge: Charley Davidson, Book 6
Written by: Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 9 hrs and 46 mins
Series: Charley Davidson, Book 6
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:05-20-14
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Paranormal
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Sometimes I wrestle my demons. Sometimes we just snuggle. (Bumper Sticker)
Most girls might think twice before getting engaged to someone like Reyes Farrow - but Charley Davidson is not most girls. She’s a paranormal private eye and grim-reaper-in-training who’s known to be a bit of a hell-raiser, especially after a few shots of caffeine. Her beloved Reyes may be the only begotten son of evil, but he’s dark and sultry and deeply sexy and everything Charley could hope for. Really. But when the FBI file on Reyes’ childhood happens to land into her lap, she can’t help herself: She opens it...and then the real fun begins. First, Charley finds a naked corpse riding shotgun in her car. Then, a man loses his soul in a card game. Throw in a deaf boy who sees dead people, a woman running from mobsters, and a very suspicious Reyes, and things can’t get any worse for Charley. Unless, of course, the 12 Beasts of Hell are unleashed.
©2014 Darynda Jones (P)2014 Macmillan Audio

Review:
Once again Charley, a paranormal PI who not only sees the dead but is a grim reaper who allows them to pass, sets off to help a client resolve an unusual issue. It seems the man has gambled away his soul to a ‘demon’ dealer. Charley’s “almost fiance” (she just has to say “yes”) Reyes, the sexy son of Satan, doesn’t want Charley getting close to any demons. Of course that won’t stop her. At least she enlists the help of another sexy friend, Garret.

Garret is trying to help decipher the prophecies regarding Charley, the daughter of light, and Reyes, the son of dark. He now thinks there are twelve hell-hounds who may be after Charley so she needs to be extra careful.

While challenging the ‘demon’ dealer, Charley is also researching a cold FBI kidnapping case that involves Reyes’ childhood. Reyes would just as soon she stay out of his past but, again, that won’t stop Charley.

Between research for the jobs, Charley is playing match-maker for her employee/across the hall neighbor/best friend, Cookie, and Charley’s beloved Uncle Bob. Charley’s plan is to make Uncle Bob jealous by having Cookie go out on ‘fake’ dates. Meanwhile someone is tailing Charley and there is a scare for Cookie’s twelve year-old daughter, Amber, who sneaks off to play hooky with Quentin, Charley’s deaf, teenage friend, who also sees ghosts.

Readers get to learn more about Angel’s background and also to enjoy all the usual Charley sass including a visit with Rocket. The t-shirt or bumper sticker slogans that introduce each chapter continue to bring smiles to my face. The relationship between Charley and Reyes is warm and sensual with a few nice surprises. Occasionally I am frustrated by Charley’s ‘ditziness’ but - hey - it fits her character. And of course there are some twists and surprises at the end of this installment’s dangers that left me eager for the next book - Seventh Grave and No Body releasing in October, 2014.

Audio Notes: Lorelei King does a great job with this series. She captures the voices of the characters and conveys danger, sensuality and, of course, the snarky humor. This is a fun series to listen to.

I downloaded this from my own Audible Library.

Winners: Christmas in July, July Kindle, Every Time I Love You and Priceless

CONGRATULATIONS WINNERS!

Giveaways Ended August 9, 2014

Giveaway: Priceless by Christina Dodd
WINNER: JESSICA

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

Giveaways Ended August 2, 2014

Giveaway: Every Time I Love You by Heather Graham
WINNER: RITA








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

Giveaways Ended July 31, 2014

July Kindle Fire Giveaway.
WINNER:  Entry #37886 Laura

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

Christmas in July Giveaway Hop
WINNER: Entry #67 Summer L.







ALL WINNERS: Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form AND if you want you can email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I will arrange the mailing or notify the publishers.
[I ask that all winner's fill in the form as it helps me keep track of when I have completed the mail outs or notice to the publishers rather than tracking individual emails. But of course -- feel free to email me too! :-)]