#NetGalley Review: Mind Game: A Novel (Eve Duncan) by Iris Johansen

The strong suspense and sharp romantic tension reminds me why I enjoy this author.

Mind Game: A Novel (Eve Duncan)
by Iris Johansen

File Size: 4763 KB
Print Length: 373 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1250075858
Publisher: St. Martin's Press (October 24, 2017)
ASIN: B06Y16RFM6
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Woman Sleuth
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Mind Game takes Jane MacGuire back to Scotland where she continues her search for the treasure she’s been chasing for years. But now she’s being plagued by dreams of a girl in danger. Who is this girl, and what is she trying to tell Jane? And will Jane figure it out before it’s too late—for her and the mysterious young woman? Things are further complicated when Seth Caleb comes back into Jane’s life. This time he’s the one in trouble, and Jane will find herself pulled unexpectedly into his world as she fights to save him.
With the adventure, intrigue, and explosive energy that Iris Johansen fans love, Mind Game is a high-octane thriller that readers won’t be able to put down.

Review:
Jane MacGuire is a strong young lady and a gifted artist. Not only can she draw what she sees, she can also draw what she dreams. For years she had dreams about an ancient Roman woman, Cira. Now they are close to finding Cira’s hidden treasure back in Scotland with her friends.

Recently Jane has had new dreams – a young woman in trouble is reaching out to her. Jane is just the type of person who must try to help no matter the danger.

Seth Caleb is a dark, mysterious man who has a strange impact on Jane. She has tried to keep him at a distance but is pretty sure that at some point they will collide, if not combust. Seth is on hand to help with the treasure hunting. He quickly realizes that Jane is disturbed by something and he wants to find out what so he can help her. The mystery deepens as it becomes clear that the girl is reaching out to Jane because of Seth.

I admit that it has been quite a few years since I have read Iris Johansen and the Eve Duncan series. I was immediately drawn by the characters even as I Seth reminded me of an earlier dark, mysterious and sexy character - Sean Galen in The Search. Johansen does a wonderful job of building sexual tension leading to a scene that is tasteful and adds to rather than distracts from the mystery plot.

The plot is twisted with dark skills and people who want to control and use the skills for their own greed and evil plans. The story moves at a good pace. I did roll my eyes a few times as Jane walks herself into danger, but it rather fits her headstrong character. I enjoyed how Eve and Joe were a supportive part of the story.

I collected and read this author’s titles from 1990 through 2008 which took me through Book 7 in the Eve Duncan series. (I didn’t stop because I didn’t like them, I just got busy with blogging and reading many new authors. I was glad to enjoy an older favorite author.) Having read the early books in the series helped me to know these characters better although the author does give some introductory background on the connections and personalities. I am inclined to think this would read fine if picked up as a stand-alone. I am pleased to find that Ms. Johansen has not lost her knack at writing strongly engaging thriller with nice romantic tension. I recommend this author, the series and this book.

Source: NetGalley 2017. This qualifies for 2018TBR, NetGalley and Alphabet Challenges.

Audible Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Hunting in Bruges by E.J. Stevens

This is a fun, action listen.
Hunting in Bruges: Hunters' Guild, Book 1
by E.J. Stevens
Narrator: Melanie A. Mason, Anthony Bowling

Length: 7 hrs and 10 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 04-03-18
Language: English
Publisher: Sacred Oaks Press
Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Finalist for the 2017 Raven Award for best urban fantasy.
The only thing worse than being a hunter in the fae-ridden city of Harborsmouth, is hunting vampires in Bruges.
The medieval city of Bruges is quaint, but the local Hunters' Guild is understaffed, the canals are choked with dead bodies, and there's no shortage of supernatural predators as likely suspects.
On second thought, maybe Bruges isn't so bad after all.
With a desire to prove herself, protect the innocent, and advance within the ranks of the Hunters' Guild, Jenna Lehane hits the cobbled streets of Bruges with blades at the ready. Someone, or something, is murdering tourists and dumping their bodies in the city's scenic canals. With the help of a mysterious stranger, Jenna begins to piece together clues that are dotted throughout the city like blood spatter.
Determined to stop the killings, Jenna delves into a bloody local history that only raises more questions - but some secrets are best left buried. Jenna must put her combat training to the test as she struggles to unearth the truth about an ancient enemy.

Review:
The Harborsmouth Guild Hunter master has sent Jenna on assignment to Bruges. She suspects that the assignment to find a serial killer is a test and she plans to be up for the challenge. One of Jenna’s unique skills is seeing ghosts and she finds plenty in the medieval city. There are living – well maybe undead – killers to hunt too.

Jenna meets Ash, a dashing fellow, on the train. He is a bit strange but eagerly volunteers to show her around. Jenna discovers the local guild is short handed and has some severe member problems. The man left in charge doesn’t think women should be hunters and he is belittling and abusive. The witch member is drugged out, the archivist in the library is blind, one warrior is bomb happy and the doctor is surly, resentful and has no records of the autopsies to help Jenna’s investigation.

In spite of the difficulties Jenna heads out alone to scout out the previous murder sites. When she walks into a trap of deadly vampires, Jenna is glad that Ash shows up to protect her back. While dealing with rusalka, grindylow and swan maidens, in addition to the vampires, Jenna uncovers a plot by the vampires that could be even worse than the current killings. Jenna will have to rally the other hunters and use her smarts as well as her combat skills if she wants to stop the plot and save the innocents.

Jenna is a friend of Ivy Granger and a character in the psychic detective stories. This spinoff introduces new characters, good and bad. I especially liked Ash and the blind archivist. Although Jenna is narrowly focused on saving everyone around her, I felt that she didn’t always think things through as expected. Still, I like how she rallied the hunters for battle. I enjoyed this spinoff with the fast pacing and consistent action. It is a good start to more adventures. I recommend this to readers who enjoy urban fantasy and monster challenges.

Audio Notes: I liked the alternating voices provided by Melanie A. Mason and Anthony Bowling. They both do a fine job of presenting different characters with personalities and emotional energy. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: Author for Review and Giveaway Post. This qualifies for Audiobook Challenge and 2018 entry for Alphabet Challenge.

Start Listening Now

Audible
| Audible UK | Amazon

Learn more on Goodreads, Audible, and the author's website.  Keep reading for a chance to win a Hunting in Bruges prize pack.

Want more fun? Take a trip to Bruges with monster hunter Jenna Lehane in this Hunting in Bruges animated book cover video. Watch a few times to find all of the effects!  Things to look for...

• Sword
• Jenna's hair
• Clock
• Jenna's arm and face
• Clouds
• Lights in Windows 

Did you find all of the special effects?

Audiobook Release Party Giveaway

Happy audiobook birthday to Hunting in Bruges! We're celebrating the audio release with a giveaway.

GIVEAWAY

Enter to win a Hunting in Bruges Prize Pack, including
a pen, custom earbuds, a Hunting in Bruges mini
poster signed by the author, and a Passport to the World of Ivy
Granger signed by the author and the audiobook narrators!
To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below.

This giveaway is open to the US/UK/CA.  Giveaway ends April 30, 2018 midnight EST.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday Post April 22, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 23, 2018

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.

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.

Heather and I headed out Sunday for a leadership conference which was fun and inspiring but took up half the week. I returned to a half day trial and then I had to man the office alone on Friday as two staff members were at our second office. I was pretty tired by Friday night.

Listening was pretty good but I didn't get to write reviews until I got home. I finished 2 Audible titles and one digital. I posted only two reviews, one with giveaway, and my usual memes.

I only visited 22 blogs last week with quick visits Tuesday and Wednesday.
Shout Out this week for The Infinite Curio featuring "books, photo, knitting, comics and other findings".
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post April 15, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 16, 2018.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 20, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 4/26/2018.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Portrait in Death by J.D. Robb; Female Detective, Mystery; my rating 4.75.

• Review2018- Book Review and Giveaway: Dog Training the American Male by Steve Alten; Humor, Romantic Comedy; my rating 3.75.

• Sharing Beyond Books #342 Comment Giveaway April 21, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 5/5/2018.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 22, 2018.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio/MP3 (TBR)

Devil’s Due
Destroyermen, Book 12
By: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: William Dufris
Series: Destroyermen, Book 12
Length: 19 hrs and 22 mins
I really enjoy this series!
Source: 2017 Audible Credit Purchase.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (TBR)

Hunting in Bruges: Hunters' Guild, Book 1
by E.J. Stevens
Narrator: Melanie A. Mason, Anthony Bowling
Duration: 7 hrs and 10 mins
This is a fun, action listen. Watch for Giveaway Post early this week as it closes 4/30.
Source: Author for Review and Giveaway Post.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Digital/Adobe (NetGalley 2017)

Out of the Box
by Jemma Westing
This is great fun with imaginative projects for kids.
Source: NetGalley 2018.
Twenty-five interactive cardboard model projects that engage kids' creativity and "out of the box" thinking skills through hands-on learning and the application of science-based principles.
Kids can bring old cardboard to life and build recycled creations they can play with, sit in, and wear.
Supporting STEAM education initiatives and the Maker Movement, Out of the Box includes 25 interactive cardboard model projects to inspire kids' creativity through engaged and hands-on learning, and, as the founder of Maker Faire Dale Dougherty says, "to realize with their hands what they can imagine in their minds."
From small-scale gifts to large constructions, author and award-winning paper engineer Jemma Westing uses clear, step-by-step instructions to show kids how to make dinosaurs, masks, race cars, and so much more, and inspirational images encourage them to make their own unique models when they are feeling more confident. The projects utilize only recycled materials, including cardboard rolls and boxes, so all the supplies should be easy to find right at home.
Build something brilliant with Out of the Box. The possibilities are endless!

Currently Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NetGalley 2017)

Let There Be Light
by Dan Gordon and Sam Sorbo
I didn't realize this was released as a movie in October 2017. I am midway and enjoying it.
Source: NetGalley 2017.
Click on book title for full description.

2. LBCPrint (TBR)

Know Your Bible: All 66 Books Explained and Applied
By: Paul Kent
This is our March read for Ladies Book Club. I haven't quite finished this as I am enjoying soaking in the summaries. I have two more days to finish.
Source: 2017 Purchase at CBD.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/Smartphone (2018)

Start with Why
How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
By: Simon Sinek
Narrated by: Simon Sinek
Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins
We (daughter and I) made it about 2/3rds in this book for the conference.
Source: Audible sale Purchase 2018.
Publisher's Summary
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audio/MP3 (TBR)

The Never Hero
The Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs, Book 1
By: T. Ellery Hodges
Narrated by: Steven Barnett
Series: The Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs, Book 1
Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins
This pulled me in as soon as I started listening!
Source: Audible Credit Purchase 2015.
Publisher's Summary
At the gates between worlds...
In a war outside of time...
He fights for us.
Reclusive college student Jonathan Tibbs wakes in a pool of blood, not a scratch on him. His life is about to undergo a massive shift. A violent and merciless otherworldly enemy unleashes slaughter in the streets, calling out in a language only he understands.
And it is seeking its challenger.
In order to defeat the threat, Jonathan must become a temporal weapon...while remaining completely anonymous. Unfortunately, harnessing off-world powers has its own special challenges...
The Never Hero is the first installment in The Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs - a mind-bending, genre-crossing action-adventure trilogy.
©2014 T. Ellery Hodges (P)2015 Foggy Night Publishing

5. eBook/Kindle (NetGalley 2017)

The Hills of Mare Imbrium
by Carleton Chinner
This is my next NG selection. 
I'm looking forward to a space opera.

Source: NetGalley 2017.
When Jonah arrives on the Moon, he isn't expecting much. All he wants is to stay out of trouble and start a new life working on the Helium mine at Chang’e Base. He doesn’t expect to be swept into the raging undercurrent of the Moon's racial tensions and politics.
Yesha is desperate to escape her domineering uncle. In a moment of rebellion, she agrees to have dinner with Jonah and his friend. A simple decision that will change her entire life and set her on a collision course with her uncle.
Unknown to either of them, the head of security, Wang Mei, has plans to enslave the people of the Moon and seize control of the incredible wealth that comes from supplying the world with energy.
Their lives collide in a perfect storm where no one is safe and freedom is the ultimate prize.

6. Audible/Smartphone (2018)

Aspire
By: Kevin Hall
Narrator: Patrick Lawlor
Duration: 5 hrs and 32 mins
 I won't get back to this until the end of the week.
Source: Audible 2018 sale purchase.
Click on book title for full description.

April 22, 2018 - I continue on track with my morning reading the One Year Bible plan on my smartphone. It is a great way to start my day and I share the joy of the word with other friends on the YouVersion Bible App. You can check out the audio on the companion commentary online.

I completed 3 books and posted 2 reviews on the blog. That puts me at 4 current reviews.
I am behind again linking at Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf is at 9 and I still have one committed author title in queue and many through InstaFreebie. I have more new author requests but still haven't replied.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I didn't accept or receive any review titles.
I picked up two Audible daily deal titles and no Kindle deals this week.
I picked up nine free kindle titles through Amazon Crossing for World Book Day (4/24).
I also picked up some free kindle titles as usual. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

Audible Purchase Daily Deals:
4/17/18 Daily Deal $3.95
The Lost Airman
A True Story of Escape from Nazi Occupied France
By: Seth Meyerowitz, Peter F. Stevens
Narrated by: Jonathan Todd Ross
Length: 9 hrs and 36 mins
Release date: 01-19-16

4/20 Daily Deal $1.95
All Systems Red
By: Martha Wells
Narrated by: Kevin R. Free
Length: 3 hrs and 17 mins
Release date: 10-30-17

Free

 
Amazon Crossing: 9 free international titles.


I added only 52 (including those 9) free titles to my Kindle library this week. (I was just too tired early in the week to download titles.) Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 22, 2018

Our Sunday School teacher continued a message on Christians and sin. Service began with lovely worship and then Pastor proceeded with his Sermon series on Relationsslips. This series addresses the question: “How do we navigate live in a Godly way?”

Last week’s message dealt with Guilt – a debt that “I owe you”.
Last week’s Point: Confession is the way to relieve the weight of guilt.

Pastor stated that he has a video of his daily plan, but it often gets interrupted. This causes frustration. When we tie our hopes and dreams to someone else, it creates Expectations. Expectations that aren’t met create problems. [We need to learn to put our trust in God, not others. Psalm 37:1-5, 8.]

Family and friends include expectations. When they, or others, don’t meet our expectations, a new debt is created. Now it is a “you owe me” debt. Sometimes there are few solutions. How do these debts ever get paid? Most of the debts owed to us can never be repaid.


The only way to get rid of disappointment, bitterness and anger is to cancel the debt. Do not let them continue to control your anger. While in prison Paul wrote: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” Ephesians 4:31.

Point: Just as God has forgiven you of your unpayable debt, so you must forgive the unpayable debt of others.

You have the power to set yourself free from disappointment and anger. Matthew 6:14-15.
Look at your calendar and make a specific date to declare your freedom by forgiving the debt owed to you.
1. Identify who you think owes you a death.
2. State what (you perceive) they owe
3. Cancel the debt by speaking forgiveness.
4. Dismiss it so it does not continue to poison or taint your feelings.

I found this song that I think fits perfectly!

Verses for Today:
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Lord, reveal to me any bitterness I hold toward others and help me to forgive and release it. I give you Praise and Thanks for Your great loving example!

Sharing Beyond Books #342 Comment Giveaway April 21, 2018

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Aargh! I turned around and it is already three weeks into April! I am going to continue to post this event biweekly (every other week) for now. My work is so hectic that I appreciate the break every other weekend. Thank you for understanding and continuing to participate.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Four commenters are the only readers in their household. Four others are lucky that everyone reads! Four are the biggest readers in their families and three more have others in the family that read too. I like that Linda's took to reading as the youngest in a family who all read.

The Winner from SBB #341 comments is: #8 Elizabeth who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post.

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

WEEK #342

(One Question.)

Rubynreba asks: Would you step in if you felt your adult child was being overly strict with your grandchild who is a teenager?? [If you are closer to teen years or have siblings with children we would still like your thoughts on the question.]

I can certainly see that this could be sensitive. My grandkids are just reaching the teen years and so far troubles have been minimal. (Praise God.) We are close enough with our children that I can see me speaking my piece as gently as I could. Being careful not to speak in front of the young person - just as we were told not to disagree with our spouse in front of the kids. (And no, we did not always keep to that rule when we should have.)

Image found at Pinterest.

<<<Who else remembers these rules?
 Image also found at Pinterest from German Gift Outlet.


Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify.
Questions this month were provided by CarolL and Rubynreba who each get $2.50 toward GC or 1/2 book credit.

Your turn to share. Rubynreba asks: Would you step in if you felt your adult child was being overly strict with your grandchild who is a teenager??

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

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday May 5, 2018 at 5 PM central.