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Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Audible Book Review: Leader of the Pack by David Rosefelt

I always enjoy the mystery and the self-deprecating humor of this series.
Leader of the Pack
By: David Rosenfelt
Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Series: Andy Carpenter, Book 10
Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 07-27-12
Language: English
Publisher: Listen & Live Audio, Inc.
Genre: Legal Thriller, Mystery
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
Over the course of his legal career, Andy Carpenter has lost a few cases. But that doesn't mean he forgets his clients. Andy has always been convinced that Joey Desimone, a man convicted of murder nine years ago, was innocent and believes that Joey's family's connections to organized crime played a pivotal role in his conviction. While there isn't much Andy can do for him while he serves out his prison sentence, Joey suggests that he check up on Joey's elderly uncle. He'd rather not, but as a favor to Joey, Andy agrees to take his dog, Tara, on a few visits.
The old man's memory is going, but when Andy tries to explain why he's there, it jogs something in the man's mind, and his comments leave Andy wondering if Uncle Nick is confused, or if he just might hold the key to Joey's freedom after all this time. Andy grabs on to this thread of possibility and follows it into a world where the oath of silence is stronger than blood ties, and where people will do anything to make sure their secrets are kept.
©2012 David Rosenfelt (P)2012 Listen & Live Audio, Inc.


Review:
Andy Carpenter is a criminal defense lawyer who gets to be very selective about his cases since he is independently wealthy. One of his previous clients, Joey Desimone, is in jail for killing his former lover and her husband. Joey insists he didn’t commit the murder but was the prime suspect due to his family ties with organized crime. Joey asks Andy to visit his elderly uncle. Andy takes his lovely golden retriever, Tara, along to visit. Uncle Nick seems to have lost touch with reality, but something disturbs him and he shares what seems to be a random statement. This sets Andy off searching clues even as deaths begin to occur around the investigation. The plot expands to a bigger issue with a few good twists before the conclusion.

I always enjoy the good mystery crafted by Rosenfelt and the self-deprecating humor of his quirky character Andy. Each of the main characters, Andy, his love, Lori, and his friends, Pete and Sam, are portrayed with very real-to life traits. There is almost always a connection with an organized crime family.  Tara and the rescue foundation he founded with a friend are a steady part of Andy's life even if they are not central to the plot. Each story is self-contained and entertaining. I recommend this story and the series to those who enjoy mystery with natural life humor.

Audio Notes: Grover Gardner does a great job narrating. He is the voice for Andy. The combination of story and presentation makes these easy, enjoyable listens.

Source: 2017 Audible Sale Purchase. This qualifies for 2018TBR and Audiobook Challenges.

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

#NetGalley Book Review: Queendom of the Seven Lakes (Legends of the Godskissed Continent) by A B Endacott

I liked this engaging fantasy adventure.
Queendom of the Seven Lakes (Legends of the Godskissed Continent)
by A B Endacott
File Size: 5133 KB
Print Length: 294 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0648187519
Publication Date: November 14, 2017
ASIN: B077GTFNG6
Genre: Fantasy, Historical, New Adult
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


“Your Majesty, I take life. I am not certain that my skills actually extend to preserving it.”
There are always those who are willing to pay for someone else’s death. Having grown up amongst the Family of Assassins, ELEN-AI knows well the prices people are willing to pay to see their enemies fall quickly, quietly, and discreetly. When she is asked to preserve life rather than take it, she is surprised. Upon hearing that her charge is the Queen’s only child GIDYON, who is secretly being groomed to succeed his mother, she is horrified. To ensure political stability, no man has ever sat on the throne of the Queendom of the Seven Lakes. Yet one does not easily refuse a Queen, and so reluctantly, Elen-ai accepts the contract.
Her fears only deepen upon meeting the sixteen-year-old Prince Gidyon, who treats her as no better than a petty murderer. However, following an attack on his life, Elen-ai is forced to admit that the danger of leaving this boy-prince alone may be even worse than leaving him to his own devices. Elen-ai reluctantly accompanies Gidyon across the country to identify those within the seven most powerful families who are responsible for the attempt on the Prince’s life.
Somewhere in their travels from the calm waters of Lake Tak to the looming cliffs above Lake Bertak, the two form an unlikely yet profound friendship, and Elen-ai begins to see that Gidyon has the makings of a great ruler within him. As they meet with the families of power, it becomes increasingly clear that secrets and power games run far deeper throughout the Queendom of the Seven Lakes than either of them ever suspected.


Review:
Elen-Ai is a member of the Family of Assassins. Elen-Ai has been raised by a community that teaches their trade and craft from very young age. She is a young adult who practices hard to keep her skills sharp. She is surprised when she is hired by the Queen, not as an assassin, but as a guard to the Queen’s only child, her teenaged son. The Queendom is supposed to pass through the female line but she is about to announce that she will pass her position to Prince Gidyon. This is likely to cause a stir and she fears that rival families will seek to kill the boy.

Gidyon resents being baby-sat by a guard almost as much as Elen-Ai resents having to baby sit. But there are rumors and those who could be a threat. Both Gidyon and Elen-Ai are surprised and become cautious when they are attacked on a journey to the country. Instead of turning back, Gidyon insists that they travel on to seek who among the other royal families will be loyal to the Queen’s wishes. The are greeted with welcomes, neutrality, arrogant belligerence and betrayal.

This story shares a strong fantasy world with well-developed characters. I liked Elen-Ai as a shadow assassin guarding the young prince. They both grow as they face danger and change together. I liked the adventure and intrigue and would read more in the series to find out how the characters manage in the next phase. I recommend this to readers who enjoy fantasy with action and intrigue.

Source: 2017 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2018TBR, NetGalley Challenge and "Q" for Alphabet Challenge.

Monday, June 11, 2018

MBS May 2018 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2018 Reading List - MAY
Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABJ = Audiobook Jukebox; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2017
Favorite for May: Koban

  1. ATBR- Audible Book Review: NPCs by Drew Hayes; Fantasy, Humor; my rating 4.5.
  2. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: The Hills of Mare Imbrium by Carleton Chinner; Colonization, Sci Fi, Space; my rating 4.0.
  3. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Zombie Fallout, Book 1, by Mark Tufo; Horror, Humor, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.0.
  4. A2018- Audible Book Review: Aspire by Kevin Hall; Communication, Inspirational, Self-Development; my rating 4.5.
  5. eT2018- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: The Deadliest Sport by June Trop; Historical Fiction, Mystery; my rating 4.0.
  6. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Joshua by John S. Wilson; Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.
  7. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Geekerella by Ashley Poston; Adaptation, Fairy Tale, Romance; my rating 4.0.
  8. eATBR- Book Review: Hearts Under Fire by Antonio Scotto di Carlo; Mystery, Romance, Suspense; my rating 4.25.
  9. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Nick Newton is Not a Genius by S.E.M Ishida; Adventure, Clockwork, Middle Grade, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.
  10. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Koban: The Mark of Koban, Volume 2 by Stephen W. Bennett; Alien Invasion, Colonization, Sci Fi, Space Opera; my rating 5.0.
  11. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Lock 'N' Load (Federal K-9) by Tee O'Fallon; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.0.
  12. ATBRSYNC- Audio Book Review: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater; Fantasy, Romance, Teens, YA; my rating 4.0.
  13. PLBC-TBR- Book Review and Giveaway: A Simple Change (Home to Amana Book #2) by Judith Miller; Christian, Historical; my rating 3.75.
  14. eTBR- eBook Review: Meet Your Match by Lindzee Armstrong; Contemporary Romance, Teen and Young Adult; my rating 4.0.
  15. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Vanished Man: A Lincoln Rhyme Novel by Jeffery Deaver; Detective, Police Procedures; my rating 4.5.

I kept up with my goal to read 16 per month. That keeps me 6 books ahead on my Goodreads Challenge.
Total read = 15; TBR = 11; New Authors = 12
Audio/Audible = 8 (7 TBRs)
eBook = 3 (2 TBRs)
NetGalley = 3 (1 TBRs)
Print = 1 (TBR)

Sunday, June 10, 2018

Sunday Post June 10, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 11, 2018

Sunday Post #318 Chairs, Compliance, and Storms
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.

I made more progress in the law office this week but had to juggle with title office work since Heather was out sick two days.
Our weather is reaching the 90s now. We've still had rain on and off.

My reading was again comfortable with three books completed: 2 Audibles and 1 ebook. I only got three reviews posted with my usual memes.

I visited only 23 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week for Mystica who shares books and tidbits of her world in Sri Lanka. I love having blog friends who live across the world and share different cultures.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
  • eTBR- eBook Review: Meet Your Match by Lindzee Armstrong; Contemporary Romance, Teen and Young Adult; my rating 4.0.
Finished Reading:
1. Audible/MP3 (ATBR)
The Search audiobook cover art


The Search
By: Nora Roberts
Narrated by: Tanya Eby
Length: 14 hrs and 53 mins
This is solid romantic suspense with the bonus of dog training tips.
Source: 2012 Audible Credit Purchase.
Click on book title for full description.



2. eBook/Kindle (LBCTBR)


Stranger Things
by Erin Healy
I enjoyed this suspenseful story that weaves faith and a touch of supernatural.
Source: I picked up the print version at discount at Christianbook.com in 2016 for Ladies Book Club.
I picked up the Kindle version in May 2018.
Click on book title for full description.



3. Audible/Smartphone (TBR)



The Cruel Prince
By: Holly Black
Narrated by: Caitlin Kelly
Length: 12 hrs and 36 mins
This is an entertaining YA story with some good twists.
Source: 2018 Win from Bookish Owl.
Click on book title for full description.



Currently Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)


The Voice Inside: A Thriller (Frost Easton Book 2)
by Brian Freeman
I am 30% into this: enjoying the primary character as he begins to face down a horrific serial killer.
Source: 2017 NetGalley.
In the follow-up to bestselling psychological thriller The Night Bird, a serial killer mistakenly set free becomes a city’s worst nightmare—and a detective’s deadliest challenge.
Four years after serial killer Rudy Cutter was sent away for life, San Francisco homicide inspector Frost Easton uncovers a terrible lie: his closest friend planted false evidence to put Cutter behind bars. When he’s forced to reveal the truth, his sister’s killer is back on the streets.
Desperate to take Cutter down again, the detective finds a new ally in Eden Shay. She wrote a book about Cutter and knows more about him than anyone. And she’s terrified. Because for four years, Cutter has been nursing revenge day after stolen day.
Staying ahead of the game of a killer who’s determined to strike again is not going to be easy. Not when Frost is battling his own demons. Not when the game is becoming so personal. And not when the killer’s next move is unlike anything Frost expected.



2. Audible/MP3 (TBR)
Columbus Day audiobook cover art


Columbus Day
Expeditionary Force, Book 1
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Series: Expeditionary Force, Book 1
Length: 16 hrs and 23 mins
I am 3 hours in and very engaged by this military space sci fi.
Source: 2017 Audible Purchase at $2.99 with Kindle purchased at $.99.
Publisher's Summary
We were fighting on the wrong side of a war we couldn't win. And that was the good news.
The Ruhar hit us on Columbus Day. There we were, innocently drifting along the cosmos on our little blue marble, like the Native Americans in 1492. Over the horizon came ships of a technologically advanced, aggressive culture, and BAM! There went the good old days, when humans got killed only by each other. So, Columbus Day. It fits.
When the morning sky twinkled again, this time with Kristang starships jumping in to hammer the Ruhar, we thought we were saved. The UN Expeditionary Force hitched a ride on Kristang ships to fight the Ruhar wherever our new allies thought we could be useful. So, I went from fighting with the US Army in Nigeria to fighting in space. It was lies, all of it. We shouldn't even be fighting the Ruhar; they aren't our enemy. Our allies are.
I'd better start at the beginning.
©2016 Craig Alanson (P)2016 Podium Publishing



3. Audible/Smartphone (TBR)
Monster Hunter Nemesis audiobook cover art


Monster Hunter Nemesis
By: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
Series: Monster Hunter, Book 5
Length: 16 hrs and 30 mins
I have just started this but I really enjoy this fun series.
Source: 2016 Audible Credit Purchase.
Publisher's Summary
Agent Franks of the U.S. Monster Control Bureau is a man of many parts - parts from other people, that is. Franks is nearly seven feet tall and all muscle. He's nearly indestructible. Plus he’s animated by a powerful alchemical substance and inhabited by a super-intelligent spirit more ancient than humanity itself. Good thing he’s on our side. More or less.
Sworn to serve and protect the United States of America from all monsters by one of the country’s founding fathers, Franks has only one condition to the agreement: No matter what the government learns of him, no matter what is discovered concerning his odd physiology or the alchemy behind the elixir that made him, the government is never, ever allowed to try and make more like him. Such is absolutely forbidden and should the powers-that-be do so, then the agreement is null and void.
Project Nemesis: in a secret location, using sophisticated technology and advanced genetic engineering, the director of the very agency Franks works for is making more like him. And the director is not content with making one. Nope, he’s making 13. Now all bets are off, and Hell hath no fury like a monster betrayed. Particularly if that monster happens to be an undying killing machine capable of taking out vampires and werewolves with one hand tied behind his back.
©2014 Larry Correia (P)2014 Audible Inc.



June 10, 2018 - I am still enjoying the prayer app which gives me five prayer groups each morning! I continue on track with my morning reading the One Year Bible plan on my smartphone. You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.


I completed 3 books and posted 3 reviews. This keeps me with 5 reviews due. 
I need to find time to add more reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf is at 12 since I am reading one. I still have two author titles in queue. Still many through InstaFreebie and many new author requests but I haven't replied to.


Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I didn't get any new review books this week - looking at a couple though.
I picked up three Audible daily deal titles this week.
I resisted the Kindle deals this week.
I got week seven free SYNC audios.
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
I picked up three Daily Deals this week!
6/3/2018 DD $3.95
Frankenstein: Prodigal Son audiobook cover artFrankenstein: Prodigal Son
By: Dean Koontz
Narrated by: Christopher Lane
Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins
Release date: 12-04-17


6/5/2018 DD $5.95
Red Sister audiobook cover artRed Sister
First Book of the Ancestor
By: Mark Lawrence
Narrated by: Heather O'Neill
Length: 19 hrs and 21 mins
Release date: 04-04-17

6/9/2018 DD $1.95
Natural DisasterNatural Disaster
I Cover Them. I Am One.
By: Ginger Zee
Narrated by: Ginger Zee
Length: 5 hrs and 47 mins
Release date: 12-05-17


Free
I downloaded week 7 SYNC audio titles:

Everland by Wendy Spinale Read by Fiona Hardingham, Steve West
The Just Men of Cordova by Edgar Wallace Read by Bill Homewood

I added 20 free titles to my Kindle library this week. (Too tired most nights and no internet over most of the weekend.) Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement June 10, 2018

This weekend Hubby took our motorcoach to a park near our daughter’s new home. I drove down on Saturday. We attended church near their home. The service was more traditional with some lovely hymns. We enjoyed the pastor’s sermon. He has a good sense of humor.
The sermon was titled “Wisdom to Discern.”
We all need to obtain divine direction. Even Paul had his moments of indecision. (1 Corinthians 16:6-9.)
We grow in God's will one step at a time. God’s direction will never be contrary to scripture.
The steps to take seeking wisdom are:
1. Walk. Walk with the wise. Proverbs 13:20. Friends can provide positive or negative influences. It is important to pick friends wisely. It has been determined that group therapy has positive impact on patients. There is strength in numbers.
2. Ask. The formula that works is “pray - promise”. James 1:5.
Read scripture. Discuss with others. Listen for the still, small voice of God. Psalm 32:8.
3. Decide. God gave man free will. You will make mistakes, but God will teach you even in mistakes. 1 Thessalonians 3:1.
You can find influences all around you: family, friends, TV and Facebook. Be careful that you do not keep company with the wicked! Proverbs 24:1-2.
Always seek to serve Him perfectly in any given moment.

This is a song that I think fits today's message.
A Verse for Today:
James 1:5 (NIV)
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

My Prayer: Lord, Keep me in Your Will. Help me to seek Your word, and surround me with good influences.
Image result for James 1:5

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