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Saturday, April 25, 2015

Book Review: The Fire Sermon by Francesca Haig

This is an engaging and imaginative dystopian story.
by Francesca Haig
  • File Size: 3075 KB
  • Print Length: 385 pages
  • Publisher: Gallery Books (March 10, 2015)
  • Sold by: Simon and Schuster Digital Sales Inc
  • ASIN: B00LD1OQQO
Genre: Fantasy, Dystopian, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: March 10, 2015
The Hunger Games meets Cormac McCarthy’s The Road in this richly imagined first novel in a new post-apocalyptic trilogy by award-winning poet Francesca Haig.

Four hundred years in the future, the Earth has turned primitive following a nuclear fire that has laid waste to civilization and nature. Though the radiation fallout has ended, for some unknowable reason every person is born with a twin. Of each pair, one is an Alpha—physically perfect in every way; and the other an Omega—burdened with deformity, small or large. With the Council ruling an apartheid-like society, Omegas are branded and ostracized while the Alphas have gathered the world’s sparse resources for themselves. Though proclaiming their superiority, for all their effort Alphas cannot escape one harsh fact: Whenever one twin dies, so does the other.

Cass is a rare Omega, one burdened with psychic foresight. While her twin, Zach, gains power on the Alpha Council, she dares to dream the most dangerous dream of all: equality. For daring to envision a world in which Alphas and Omegas live side-by-side as equals, both the Council and the Resistance have her in their sights.


Review:
Cass lives in a society that is still recovering from nuclear destruction. Four hundred years after the fires there is a generation of twins, always male and female, who are separated into two distinct classes. The Alphas are without deformity and they get to remain with their parents, go to school and enter the ruling society. The Omegas, who have at least one defect are branded, separated from their family and sent to Omega working communities. The controlling Alphas would like to ignore their twins, but they cannot because if either twin dies, so does the other.

Cass is a rare seer, dreaming or sensing future events around her. She was able to hide this ‘defect’ for years which caused anger and resentment to grow in her twin, Zach. The family suffered ostracism because they could not separate out the Omega. Zach tricked Cass into revealing her secret when they were 13 and she was finally sent away to an Omega farming community.

Cass spends six years working and dreaming of a world where people are given equal chance. Meanwhile Zach, known as the Reformer, has gained a powerful position on the Alpha Council creating enemies in both factions. Zach captures Cass and imprisons her in a secluded cell, presumably to protect her from his own enemies. But there is a devious conspirator working with the Alpha Council, another seer known as The Confessor. The Confessor relentlessly questions Cass regarding any visions of a rumored Island of refuge where Omega’s live without the oppressive restrictions and taxes imposed by the Alphas. Cass refuses to break under the hateful probing and one day she pushes back and sees awful sights in the mind of The Confessor.

Fearing what they will do to her next, Cass escapes and manages to release another prisoner before leaving the fortress. The young boy, who is missing an arm, has lost his memories of life before his imprisonment. Cass names him Kip and they manage, with the aid of Cass’s foresight, to elude pursuers as they travel in hope of finding The Island. They find bits of help along the way and even spend a few weeks in relative safety. But Cass knows that The Confessor is always probing her thoughts and wherever Cass and Kip go they expose friends to danger.

Cass and Kip find what appears to be an Omega safe place. At least it was safe until Cass arrived. Piper, the young leader, is not sure if he can believe Cass found their carefully hidden refuge without help. Some of the leaders want to kill her, especially when they discover the identity of her twin. Even if she isn’t a spy, chances are she brings danger. But Piper hopes he can use her abilities to help the rebellion forces. Cass tries to get Piper and other rebels to understand her desire to find a world of peace instead of a world where Omegas are cast aside and twins are killed for political advantage.

The story continues with the clever rebel Omegas battling the ruthless, manipulative Alphas. A new character is added rather late in the story giving aid and challenging Cass to stop running and take a stand. There is also a good twist, or two, as the book reaches its climax. It is clear that there is still a lot of story left for a sequel and it will be interesting to see where the author’s creative imagination takes this difficult society.

I enjoyed the easy writing style, the determined characters and the action. There were a few drawbacks where I questioned the lack of sense and caution but these actions could well fit young people who tend to be impetuous, reckless and don’t always recognize their own mortality. The story is entertaining and suitable for young adults. I think it could make an interesting movie.

I received this title through NetGalley for an honest review. It qualifies for NetGalley Challenge.

Friday, April 24, 2015

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 24, 2015

It is hard to believe April is almost over! Four months whizzed by. This has been another busy week...mostly productive. Just today (Thursday) I started to experience cold symptoms so I am planning on going to bed early in hopes to nip it in the bud.
I'll have to get a new set of books together for next week.

TO ENTER:
US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)


CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up to late 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 without other people asking for that book during those weeks.

Thank you to all who entered the April 17 Pick. Two 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 were no titles blocked again.
LindaK gets Midwife Mommy 
and
SueF gets the Dick Francis Pair

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from April 17 Pick:
(two lucky first week picks)
Janhvi gets a GC
Betty gets the Lisa Gardner 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.}
Have you found a Best Book this month?
Image found at The Slanted.

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)
PAIRS:
Dick Francis: A Jockey's Life and Proof (spine creases)
Catherine Lanigan: Tender Malice and Elusive Love (spine creases)
Parent Trap Anthology, Dallas Schulze, Lisa Jackson, Kasey Michaels
Madison Avenue Marriage (Silhouette Desire #129) by Cassandra Bishop
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Ain't Myth-Behaving by Kate MacAlister
Death at Play by Nancy Gotter Gates
Where is He Now? by Jennifer Greene
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
Aphrodite's Secret by Julie Kenner
Virtually His by Gennita Low
Dead Even by Brad Metzger
Mommy Midwife by Cassie Miles
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks


New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Virginia Henley: The Pirate and the Pagan (spine creases) and The Falcon and the Flower
James Patterson: London Bridges and Roses are Red (both spine creases)
SINGLES:
Pale Kings and Princes by Robert Parker Audio Cassette Tapes
Hour Game by David Baldacci (spine creases)
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
The Girl With the Golden Spurs by Ann Major
Can't Take My Eyes Off of You by Kasey Michaels
Dark Possession by Christine Feehan
Daisy's Back in Town by Rachel Gibson
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood
Paradise Bay by James Michael Pratt
The Last Two Bachelors by Debbie Macomber
Exclusive Anthology by Fiona Hood-Stewart, Sharon Kendrick and Jackie Braun
Duets Romantic Comedy: Lady and the Scamp by Candy Halliday & The Doctor Dilemma by Dianne Drake

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014



PAIRS:
Lisa Gardner: Alone and Gone
Janet Evanovich: Eleven on Top and Twelve Sharp
Stuart Wood: L.A. Dead and Fresh Disasters
SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes



BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
Maybe This Time by Victoria Barrett
The Commander by Kate Bridges
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose
Intrepid Encounter by Rebecca Ashley
A Stranger's Wife by Maggie Osborne
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
At The Stroke of Madness by Alex Kava
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Catherine Anderson PAIR: Seventh Heaven and Always in My Heart
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Mariah Stewart PAIR: Priceless and Brown-Eyed Girl
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Fulfillment by Barbara Delinsky
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
Diana Palmer PAIR: Diamond Spur, Long Tall Texan
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Illegal Possession by Kay Hooper


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Final Justice by Jasmine Cresswell
Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Mary Higgins Clark PAIR: Let Me Call You Sweetheart and Moonlight Becomes You (SC)
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
The Millionaire's Daughter by Sophie Weston
Tara Taylor Quinn: Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
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
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon
The Darkroom by Minette Walters
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
McNally's Puzzle by Lawrence Sanders
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Death Angel by Linda Howard

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 five+ years I have posted 54 groups of 16 (864) books to find new homes! (as of February 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 806+ 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. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.
Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Book Review and Giveaways: Fringe Benefits (The Ladies Who Lunch) by Sandy James

This is fine writing and a good romance but certain aspects don’t suit my tastes.
Fringe Benefits (The Ladies Who Lunch)
by Sandy James

  • File Size: 1246 KB
  • Print Length: 300 pages
  • Publisher: Forever Yours (April 21, 2015)
  • Sold by: Hachette Book Group
  • ASIN: B00RTY0X7K
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Small Town
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 (see review for specifics on rating)


Book Description
Publication Date: April 21, 2015
When life gets tough and love is hard to find, four friends take their troubles to lunch. High school teacher Danielle Bradshaw deserves a happily ever after, and the Ladies Who Lunch are determined to deliver Mr. Right.
HOT FOR TEACHER
As the new head of the English department, Dani doesn't have much time for anything but lesson planning and literature. Romance-or even sex? Forget about it. But then the principal introduces her to last-minute hire Nate Ryan. Finding time to mentor a new teacher won't be easy, especially when his incredible body and equally disarming charisma are enough to make her heart skip a beat . . .
Nate may be fresh out of school, but he's confident in his teaching skills-and in his feelings for Dani. But while she's everything he's ever wanted, he knows his place on her staff-and his age-may be problematic for his sexy boss. How can he convince her to ignore the gossip mill currently in full swing in the teacher's lounge and surrender to what's meant to be?
"Sweet, endearing and delightful...Sometimes you just need that heartfelt, hometown romance and Fringe Benefits hit the spot." ~ Beth, Tome Tender, 5 stars


Review:
Danielle is the last of the Ladies Who Lunch to settle down with Mr. Right. She is a 32 year old school teacher who has achieved the head of the English Department through dedication and planning. Dani has a tendency towards control and she had her last day before school started all planned out until the new teacher arrived. Her principal calls her to the office, introduces her to the gorgeous hunk, Nate, and turns him over for Dani to prepare him for the next day.

Nate is excited to land his first teaching position and although he is confident in his skills he is flustered at having only one day to get his room and lessons prepared. He is very pleased that Dani is able to help him as he is smitten at first sight and glad to spend time getting to know her. Nate may be younger but he has his first love, broken-heart behind him and is ready to go for what he wants – which is Dani. He just has to figure out how to convince her to get over the age and ‘boss’ issues and gain her trust so she can loosen up her controls. Moving into her basement apartment gives him opportunities to woe her to his side.

Unfortunately Dani has other major concerns that will have to be addressed sooner or later. And
Nate’s ex-girlfriend makes an unexpected play to rekindle their relationship which adds one more obstacle to his relationship with Dani.

I liked the naturalness of the primary characters, Dani and Nate. The chemistry is hot and the issues are real to life. Dani’s friends, the Ladies Who Lunch, and their husbands make a nice support system and Nate’s mother, stepfather and grandpa add some interference as good secondary characters. I enjoy Ms. James writing style which makes for smooth, easy and quick reading.

My disappointment with this book was two fold. The book, especially the beginning, is liberally peppered with unnecessary words that I consider swear words. I know they have grown increasingly acceptable but I don’t like them and it effects my reading pleasure. The other issue is that the sex scenes are fairly graphic. They are done in a loving situation but by the fourth or fifth one I just skipped those pages as I wasn’t interested in the details of their bed sport.

I have enjoyed several of Ms. James’ books in the past and I looked at my review of Sealing the Deal which did not note these concerns although I did say the encounters were "bold". If the author and her editors have decided that her books need more spice through swear words and graphic sex then I guess I will have to take her off my reading list which is too bad. I am sure many readers won’t be bothered by these issues and will really enjoy the otherwise warm (I wouldn't term this as "sweet") and well-written romance. The story and romance deserve a 4.0 or better but the 3.75 rating reflects my reaction of the language and detailed sex.

I received this title from Hachette/Forever for an honest review as part of blog tour blitz . This qualifies for NetGalley Challenge.

Buy Links:
About the author:


Sandy James lives in a quiet suburb of Indianapolis with her husband. She's a high school social studies teacher who especially loves psychology and United States history. Since she and her husband own a small stable of harness racehorses, they often spend time together at the two Indiana racetracks.

Social Media Links:
Excerpt:
     This will be a great story to tell the kids one day.     Why that ridiculous thought kept tumbling through Nate’s head was beyond him. But it did.
     Your mom and I got locked in a supply closet together. That’s when we decided to start dating.
     There was a stack of papers they’d used to play what seemed like a million games of tic-tac-toe, which had been followed by hangman. Over an hour had passed, and there was no sign of the custodian.
     Funny, but he no longer minded losing all that time to get things ready for the first day of school. Instead, he found himself drawn to his pretty, witty boss.
     He recognized her perfume. Angel. Once, he’d gone to the trouble of picking a perfume he thought was the perfect scent and bought his fiancée what the salesman called a “recruitment set.” The bundle of Angel products had everything from the perfume in a star-shaped bottle to body lotion.
     Kat had hated it.
     Obviously Dani liked it as much as he did. Everything about her appealed to him and—Jesus have mercy. She was his boss. So why did he keep forgetting that?
     “My legs are getting stiff.” She struggled to stand, groping for one of the shelves. A hiss fell from her lips. “S---.”
     The pain on her face hit Nate hard, and he grabbed her arm to help steady her. “What’s wrong?”
     “Cramp. Leg cramp.” She leaned heavily on him as she got to her feet and immediately stuck out her right leg, pointing and flexing her foot. “Damn, that smarts.”
     “Where?” He didn’t want to start pawing her leg, but he wanted to help.
     “Calf.” Dani’s face tightened into a grimace again.
     Nate eased down on one knee and started rubbing her leg.
     “Nice knot you’ve got there.”
     “I think I’m dehydrated.” As he kept working on the knot, she flexed and extended her foot. “Left my water in my room.”
     “Yeah, well, neither of us expected to be here so long.” The muscle relaxed under his kneading fingers. “Getting better?”
     “Much.”
     So why couldn’t he stop touching her? When it dawned on him that he wanted to trail his fingers up her leg, to her slender thigh and beyond, he slowly stood. Her eyes were locked with his, and tension rose between them as he gently put his hands on her waist, easing her forward.
     Her head cocked just enough to show that she would allow him to kiss her. With a smile, he lowered his face to hers. With a loud rattle of the lock, the door suddenly swung open, and the sixty-something custodian stared at them wide-eyed.
     “What in the hell are you two doing?”

THE BOTTOM LINE by Sandy James (May 6, 2014; Forever Yours E-Book; The Ladies Who Lunch Book #1)
When life gets tough and love is hard to find, four friends take their troubles to lunch. Surviving a failed marriage and an illness that almost takes her life, high school teacher Mallory Hamilton needs the Ladies Who Lunch more than ever . . . 

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED by Sandy James (July 1, 2014; Forever Yours E-Book; The Ladies Who Lunch Book #2)
When life gets tough and love is hard to find, four friends take their troubles to lunch. High school teacher Juliana Kelley tells the Ladies Who Lunch that her life needs an overhaul . . . and gets a whole lot more than she wished for.
Buy Links:

SEALING THE DEAL by Sandy James (November 4, 2014; Forever Yours E-Book; The Ladies Who Lunch Book #3)
After losing her sister, Bethany Rogers needs a shoulder to lean on more than ever-though she never expects that shoulder to belong to her new boss . . . 
Buy Links:

GIVEAWAY ONE: RAFFLECOPTER

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY TWO:
In addition to the Rafflecopter giveaway I get to give One Winner at this blog
an ecopy of Fringe Benefits 
from the publisher through NetGalley.

(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 this review, OR
visit THE AUTHOR'S Website and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open Worldwide - whoever can receive ebook through NetGalley.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) May 2, 2015.
Winners are asked to respond, within 72 hours, by the winners form linked in the announcement.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Audio Book Review: Blood for Ink: The Scarlet Plumiere Series, Book 1 by L. L. Muir

This is a delightfully fun romantic engagement of wits with a dash of danger.
Blood for Ink: The Scarlet Plumiere Series, Book 1
Written by: L. L. Muir
Narrated by: Jim McCance
Length: 10 hrs and 12 mins
Series: The Scarlet Plumiere Series, Book 1
Release Date:01-18-13
Publisher: Lesli Muir Lytle
Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
If he unmasks her, she's as good as dead....
As the mysterious writer who exposes gentlemen's secrets, it is not the first time The Scarlet Plumiere has been hunted. But this time it's different. This time, she interferes with one of the Four Kings, and the brotherhood will not rest until they marry her off and place her securely under a man's thumb. Only they have to catch her first.
The Earl of Northwick is falling for this writer, sight unseen. Will she be pretty? Will she have all her teeth? In his rush to claim her for himself, regardless of who she might ultimately be, he places her in grave danger - her desperate enemies are watching closely for the moment her mask is removed.
Blood for Ink is a full-length Regency romance and is the first of four novels in The Scarlet Plumiere Series. The sequel is Bones for Bread and an excerpt is included at the end of Blood for Ink.
©2012 Lesli Muir Lytle (P)2012 Lesli Muir Lytle


Review:
The Earl of Northwick, North, is one of the Four Kings, four men who fought in the war, escaped with some mental if not physical injuries, and are stalwart bachelors in the ton. One of their group is engaged to be married but his reputation is sullied by innuendos from a columnist known as The Scarlet Plumiere. This is a woman who reports the bad behavior of ‘supposed gentlemen’ in an effort to save the women who might otherwise fall prey to those wicked and false men. This time the Plumiere has made false statements and North and his friends are determined to uncover her identity and rein her in. They decide the best way to control her will be to get her married to a strong husband. The men set out a unique and reckless method to choose a husband. Next they have to find a way to unmask her.

North finds himself charmed and fascinated by the wit and cleverness of The Plumiere. He fantasizes about her other attributes too. He begins a dialogue in the paper where they exchange challenges and North announces publicly that he plans to marry the woman when he finds her. He is sure he can lure her out and is set to expose her before he realizes the danger she will be in.

The Scarlet Plumiere keeps her secrets close. She has a fine line of information that helps her to expose men of immoral or untrustworthy behavior. She is enjoying her written exchange with “Mr. Lot”, aka North, who drew the lot to marry her. However, when the Four Kings set out spies to uncover clues to her name and informants she is almost too late to realize the grave danger this presents to her and her loved ones. After all she has ruined the lives of several gentleman who would be more than happy to know her identity so they could take revenge.

Olivia, Livvy, has been a recluse since the scandal of her broken engagement two years ago. She was about to marry a wealthy man of the ton until The Scarlet Plumiere exposed his unnatural habits and despicable plans towards his intended bride. Livvy has also stayed close to home to take care of her father. She is just beginning to think she might venture out in society when the Earl of Northwick appears at her door. She would avoid him except that he has already been ushered in to visit with her father so she must intervene.

Livvy remembers the Four Kings as young boys when she had a crush on North. She never expected to have the chance to gain his adult attention. She is nervous that he has sought her out because he hopes she can provide assistance in finding the true name of The Scarlet Plumiere. North is enchanted by Livvy’s intelligence and finds himself caught between his desire for two women, the one he is sharing time with and the one he wants to find and protect. His friends rally around to offer support and the danger escalates.

I really enjoyed the smart repartee between the characters, which includes the men as well as the Plumiere and Olivia. I found myself chuckling and all was good until about a third into the book. Unfortunately Olivia starts acting like an idiot and making some stupid mistakes that diminished her strong character in my opinion. North and his friends make a wonderful crew of heroes, each adding depth through their own personalities.

I enjoyed the characters, the dialogue and the plot. I got past the lunacy and went with the danger and the humor of the story. I would really like to read more in the series and look forward to a  romance for Ashmore.

Audio Notes: It was very strange to start listening and realize the narrator was a deep voiced male which seemed incongruous for a romance. (Although I can think of a couple of excellent male narrators who do great with romance, i.e. Simon Vance.) It only took a few minutes for me to appreciate the presentation by Jim McCance who is able to capitalize through the point of view of Northwick and his friends. By the time the POV shifted to Olivia I was totally enjoying the narration. If you listen to a sample try to be open minded because the voice might just grow on you. I will look for more audios narrated by Mr. McCance.

I received this audio through AudioBook Jukebox for an honest review. It qualifies for AudioBook Challenge.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Winners: January 2015 Through April 11, 2015

I am so sorry - I didn't realize I hadn't posted Winners in the Winners Announcements for three months!
The Winners can always be found listed on the Giveaway page and they are shown in the sidebar for a week or so after announced.
Some of these are tour wins so winners canl check the rafflecopter announcements on those giveaway posts.

***ALL WINNERS at MBS: 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 am now asking for mailing info in the giveaway forms so I can mail the books even if I don't hear from the winner.
[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! :-)]

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WINNERS!

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

Giveaway Ended April 11, 2015



Giveaway: A Kiss to Build a Dream On (A White Pine Novel) by Kim Amos;
Rafflecopter ended - check for winners.
Print copy through Hachette - WINNER: BETH C




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Giveaway Ended April 10


Giveaways: Scandalously Yours by Cara Elliott
Rafflecopter - 10 Copies ended 4/5/15 - check rafflecopter
One Print Copy through Hachette - WINNER: SUE F




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Giveaway Ended March 31, 2015

Print Giveaway: Interlude In Death: In Death, Book 12.5 by J. D. Robb
My giveaway
WINNER: CINDI C



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Giveaway Ended March 1 and 2, 2015

Giveaways: What a Devilish Duke Desires by Vicky Dreiling
Rafflecopter - 3 Sets Sinful Scoundrel Series WINNERS: check rafflecopter
One Print Copy through Hachette - WINNER: VICKI W




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Giveaway Ended February 15, 2015


Giveaway: Saving Hope: The Men of the Texas Rangers - Book 1 by Margaret Daley; 
My giveaway
WINNER: LAURIE B



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Giveaway Ended February 14, 2015


Romance is in the Air $250 Cash Giveaway
Multiple Bloggers Giveaway
WINNER: Amy H.



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Giveaway Ended January 26, 2015

Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop 2015!
My giveaway as part of Hop
WINNER: RENATA S.




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Giveaway Ended January 18, 2015



GiveawayAmish White Christmas Pie& by Wanda E. Brunstetter
My giveaway
WINNER: MICHELLE T

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