Audible Book Review: Spider Bites by Jennifer Estep

This left me with mixed feelings. It is entertaining with a few positives, but not enough to make me continue the series.

Spider's Bite
Elemental Assassin, Book 1
By: Jennifer Estep
Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang

Series: Elemental Assassin, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 09-28-10
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
They call me the Spider. I'm the most feared assassin in the South -- when I'm not busy at the Pork Pit cooking up the best barbecue in Ashland. As a Stone elemental, I can hear everything from the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet to the vibrations of the soaring Appalachian Mountains above me. My Ice magic also comes in handy for making the occasional knife. But I don't use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.
Now that a ruthless Air elemental has double-crossed me and killed my handler, I'm out for revenge. And I'll exterminate anyone who gets in my way -- good or bad. I may look hot, but I'm still one of the bad guys. Which is why I'm in trouble, since irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine has agreed to help me. The last thing this coldhearted killer needs when I'm battling a magic more powerful than my own is a sexy distraction... especially when Donovan wants me dead just as much as the enemy.
©2010 Jennifer Estep (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Gin is better known as Spider, a feared assassin. Gin has been honing her skills since she was rescued off the streets by her mentor/handler, Fletcher. Gin is a stone elemental with some Ice magic. Although she has worked with her magic she prefers to rely on her physical dexterity and weapons, particularly knives.

Fletcher has an assignment for Gin even though she is asking for a break. He assures her that this assignment could be the final one and then she can retire. Instead, the job turns into a double cross with the murder framed back to Spider so the evidence can be eliminated with the target. As Spider tries to extricate herself from the job, she comes face to face with Donovan Caine, a hero type detective, whose partner Spider killed.

Fletcher is brutally tortured and slain and Gin has to save his son, Finn, before the Air elemental gets to him. Although Gin is on the run as a murder suspect, she soon has a surprising ally on her side. And the client who hired her has underestimated Spider’s skills and determination.

There is strong action as Spider takes down opponents, usually quickly, leaving bodies in her wake. I liked the premise of the fantasy and the elemental magic skills. I liked the secondary characters -- the older mentor, Fletcher, his young, almost flamboyant son, Finn, and the betrayed cop, Caine, as well as other friends who help Gin when she returns with injuries. I was glad for Caine as so many of the other cops were corrupt, child molesters.

Sadly, I couldn’t embrace Gin/Spider as a character. For a skilled assassin she makes careless mistakes and poor decisions. There are vulnerabilities and caring of those she considers family, but I think I found her just a tad too harsh and cold. That fits her assassin nature but doesn’t make for a warm, empathetic character. I also didn’t care for the sexual aspects of the story. It is mostly primal, pushy lust which is not my thing.

There is unnecessary repetition of trite phrases – descriptions of eyes and body shapes. I did find some humor in the repetitious “sloppy, sloppy, sloppy” and “MMmm” comments. Although the package didn’t quite grab me, there are many positive reviews. I think many urban fantasy fans would enjoy the series. Take a peek at the “inside” sample or listen to the audio sample to see what you think.

Audio Notes: Lauren Fortgang does an interesting job with the narration. I actually like her accents and drawls that fit the female character. I didn’t care for it as much with the ‘rugged detective’ who sounded growly or druggy most of the time. I can’t say the narration hurt the story but it didn’t help make it for me either.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If anyone has read this series I would be curious to know if the writing got more mature as the series continued. What kept you interested?

Source: Audible 2012 Sale purchase. This qualifies for 2018TBR and 2018 Audiobook Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 31, 2018

Happy Friday! Say goodbye to August!

Work continues busy. Reading continues to take away to imaginary worlds!

Oh fiddle! I totally forgot about the GCs last weekend as I ended up on another computer doing bookkeeping and office admin. I promise these will be done this Saturday. I now have them lined up and ready to go.

I continue to hope everyone is staying safe from fires, rain, storms, floods and heat.

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK

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 too late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the August 24 Pick. There were no automatic wins again this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. No title was blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from August 24 Pick:
BECKY gets Zombies of the Gene Pool and
NATALIJA gets a GC

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.}

And here we are - at the end of August.
Image found at Pinterest @ReadersDilemma.

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

There are three audios at the top:
No One Left to Tell is MP3
Kisscut is Cassettes
Dark Summer is CDs
Pairs: Kay Hooper and Carla Neggers
The rest are singles
Zombies of the Gene Pool


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Pairs: Fern Michaels and James Patterson
The rest are singles
Note:
The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes



New Book Group #79 July 13, 2018
I found this box of books buried under some other boxes.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lenox by Maggie O’Farrell
P.S. by Helen Schulman
Her Sexiest Surprise by Dawn Atkins (personally autographed)
The Maverick Preacher by Victoria Bylin (personally autographed)
The Broken Window by Jeffery Deaver
The Doctor’s Forever Family by Marie Ferrarella
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Branded by the Sheriff by Delores Fossen
The Italian’s Inexperienced Mistress
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
Rhapsody in Time by Judith O’Brien
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham
The Cowboy’s Christmas Miracle by RaeAnne Thayne


New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

Midnight Rainbow
Betrayed
Indigo Blue
By a Spider's Thread 
Johanna Lindsey Pair 
Judith Krentz Pair
Breaking Point 
My Dark Prince
Fatal Defect

New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018
I thought I would look for some 'Springish' titles but that didn't happen. Hope someone finds a title or two you like.

PAIRS
Betty Neals: Tabitha by Moonlight and Fate Takes a Hand
Nora Robert: Hot Ice (spine creased) and Sanctuary
SINGLES:
My Lord Conqueror by Samantha James
Surrender by Pamela Clare
Dessert Rogue by Suzanne Simmons
The Rose and the Shield by Elaine Barrieri
Hannah’s Courtship by Emma Miller
Someone to Watch Over Me by Judith McNaught
Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
Heroes Are My Weakness by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
A Husband’s Wicked Ways by Jane Feather
Hot on Her Heels by Susan Mallery
Indigo Blue by Catherine Anderson
Between the Devil and Desire (Scoundrels of St. James Book 2) by Lorraine Heath (hardback)


New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
21 books remain of the original 37:

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
Echo Burning by Lee Child
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
Tempted All Night by Liz Carlyle
Day of the Dead by J.A. Jance
White Night by Jim Butcher
Five Gold Rings Anthology Constance O’Banyon and three others
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Depraved Heart by Patricia Cornwell
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Wizard’s Daughter by Catherine Coulter
Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks
The Wicked Wyckerly by Patricia Rice
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
Night Whispers by Judith McNaught
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff

 THESE BOOKS CHOSEN/WON ARE THE ONES STRICKEN HERE:
Finger Licken' Fifteen
How to Tame a Highland Warrior
The Texan
Total Control
Atlantis Found
Stephanie Laurens Pair
Desperado 
Rebellious Desires 
Forget Me Not 
The Eighth Commandment
Ghost Riders
The Manning Brides by Debbie Macomber 
Shadow Music 
Corbin's Fancy 
Hawk's Lady

This shelf of 35 books are what is left from Groups #1 (11/27/09) through Group #75 September 29, 2017

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 14 titles.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
Named of the Dragon
Daring
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
The New Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover)
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn 

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I found.
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
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
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

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 almost EIGHT years I have posted 75 groups of 16 (1,200) books to find new homes! (as of November 2, 2017).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,181+books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A month or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers 11/2/17 I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] 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!

Audiobook Review: Invitation by Alton Gansky, Angela Hunt, Bill Myers, Frank Peretti

This is entertaining and an easy listen.
Invitation
Written By: Alton Gansky, Angela Hunt, Bill Myers, Frank Peretti
Narrated By: Bill Myers, Ali Ahn, Cherise Boothe, Jeff Brick

Series: The Harbingers Series, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 04-04-17
Language: English
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Christian, Collection, Mystery, Sci Fi, Supernatural
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Summary:
In the first cycle of the Harbinger series, four strangers discover they have extraordinary gifts and are brought together to fight a growing darkness. Meet the members of the Harbingers team--each written by an acclaimed author--in four linked episodes! Fast-paced and ongoing, this thrilling suspense collection reads like your favorite TV series. Four Bestselling Authors Team Up for Thrilling Supernatural Suspense Gathering four stories from four bestselling author friends, Invitation is the first collection in the ongoing Harbingers series. In "The Call" by Bill Myers, four strangers are drawn together to help a student at the mysterious Institute for Advanced Psychic Studies. His gifts are supposedly being honed to assist world leaders . . . but there are some very disturbing strings attached. Frank Peretti's "The Haunted" confronts a supernatural mystery, a case of murder, and an exploration into the darkness of the human heart, all centering around a mysterious house. In Angela Hunt's "The Sentinels," animals around the world are mysteriously dying. What could it mean? When the tragedy begins to touch Andi's dreams, she discovers a terrifying theory. "The Girl" by Alton Gansky is a gripping tale of a young barefoot girl found holding a scroll in the snowy Oregon mountains. She is sweet, innocent--apparently not of this world--and something wants to kill her...

Review:
Four strangers are pulled (or called) together to meet in one dangerous situation. After that they are pulled together again to face other supernatural circumstance.

"The Call" by Bill Myers introduces all four characters. It is written from the perspective of Brenda, a street raised, brash tattoo artist who happens to draw images of visions she sees effecting her customers. The four characters come together as they try to help a student trying to escape from a mysterious Institute for Advanced Psychic Studies. The student and characters are faced with their worst nightmare and have to struggle to make it out of the grounds safely.

"The Haunted” by Frank Peretti finds the professor, a former priest who now argues in favor of logic rather than faith, facing a mysterious haunted house which appears and disappears, trapping it's victims in their own evil pasts. His assistant, Andi, Brenda and Tank, are all drawn to the location to help solve the mystery and keep the professor from becoming a victim. During their creepy encounters they discover a little boy, Daniel, with an imaginary friend who protects him.

Angela Hunt focuses on Andi in "The Sentinels". Andi is the professors brilliant, geeky assistant who sees mathematical and natural patterns. Animals around the world are mysteriously dying and soon there are birds plummeting from the sky and dead fish littering the beach near Andi’s vacation house. The professor flies in Tank and Brenda, with Daniel in tow, to help solve another mystery. Daniel quickly forms a bond with Andi’s dog who is at risk of the killing phenomenon. Hopefully Tank’s gifts can help while Andi tries to unravel the mystery.

Finally, "The Girl" by Alton Gansky, gives us more of Tank’s background. Tank is a country boy jock excited to get a football scholarship until he realizes his soft heart doesn’t like hurting other players. He is sweet, caring and has a gift for healing. He and his uncle try to locate a barefoot girl in the cold snow. They discover that she is not what they think, more than they expect and in danger from unknown creatures. The other members of the team are called in to help face another supernatural occurrence.

I imagine it is not a simple thing for four authors to write of four characters and four situations and still make them fit seamlessly. The introduction noted the authors’ approach which was to have an overall storyline with episodes featuring each character – similar to a TV series. I found the work impressive for that achievement. I also enjoyed the four characters, the different stories and the gentle faith elements that are interwoven with the supernatural aspects.

I have read and enjoyed novels by three of these authors; Alton Gansky is new to me. I would be interested in reading more of this collaborative team as they use their gifts to fight an encroaching darkness. I recommend this to readers who enjoy supernatural mysteries and gentle faith elements.

Audio Notes: The four narrators, Bill Myers, Cherise Boothe, Ali Ahn, Jeff Brick each do a good job with the story presentations. The two females narrate the female character stories and the males narrate the male views. I enjoyed all four efforts which kept the work interesting. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

Source: ChristianAudio Sale Summer 2017. This qualifies for 2018TBR and 2018 Audiobook Challenge.

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: The Former Assassin by Nikki Stern

This is a page turner with twists to the end!

The Former Assassin
by Nikki Stern

File Size: 846 KB
Print Length: 311 pages
Publisher: Ruthenia Press (January 3, 2018)
Language: English
ASIN: B0786RCS9C
Genre: Suspense Thriller
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Susan Foster wants to retire. Her boss wants her dead.
After decades as Victor Kemp’s off-the books killer, Suzanne finally quits. Not until five years later does Kemp discover how thoroughly she’s deceived him. Determined to punish her, he tracks her to Wales to watch her die. Instead, he walks into a trap.
Believing themselves safe at last, Suzanne and her family relocate to London, where she hopes to find the peace that has eluded her for so long. Her son is engaged to a nobleman’s daughter; her husband has a good job with British Intelligence. Yet she still struggles with restless dreams and the premonition that her nemesis has survived.
He has: Kemp, though severely injured, is rebuilding his empire and plotting revenge. He’s prepared to risk everything to end the former assassin. He may not be the only one.
Suzanne has no choice: to protect those she loves, she will be forced to kill again. Assassins, it seems, can never retire.

Review:
Suzanne took a rash act of revenge over a friend in college. That one mistake put her under the thumb of a vicious, controlling business tycoon. Victor Kemp hired Susan as a security chief but more importantly as his off the books assassin. When Susan unexpectedly falls in love it is a threat to Kemp’s control. Rather than allow her to leave his employ and have a family, Kemp will eliminate them.

Susan continues for decades in reluctant and intimidated service to Kemp. Finally, she walks out choosing to go into hiding to thwart Kemp’s rule that no one retires from his organization.

Kemp is obsessed with continuing his control over Susan, even if it means killing her.
Five years after she walked out Kemp finds Susan and attempts to kill her. Instead he and his cohorts, including his eldest son, are eliminated by a surprise trap. But Suzanne can’t shake the feeling that she and her family are still in danger. Her son is about to marry a nobleman’s daughter and she wants to insure they can marry and live safely.

She is right to listen to her gut. Kemp has survived and built a new empire as he plans his ultimate revenge against Susan. Fortunately, Suzanne is no longer rash, nor alone. She now has family members who are skilled and prepared to back her up…knowing they can’t stop her from doing what she feels she must to protect her family.

Susan/Suzanne is a complicated character. She has great confidence and poise in some things but is vulnerable in her aloneness and self-doubts. Ms. Stern builds the suspense wonderfully. Just as the reader thinks a situation is resolved, a twist moves the characters to the next level. The last third of the book had me turning pages to discover what happens. And there are twists all the way to the end.

Well done! I recommend this to readers who like a well plotted suspense with strong characters.

Source: Partners in Crime. It qualifies as part of my 2018 Alphabet Challenge.

"An explosive page-turner which owes its momentum to it two well-drawn opponents and a conflict that goes beyond good-vs.-evil.” ~IndieReader, Four Star review
"Later turns in the smashing final act come at a searing pace." ~ Kirkus Reviews
"Keeps readers guessing the outcome right up to its conclusion." ~D. Donovan Midwest Book Review

Book Details:

Genre: Suspense Thriller
Published by: Ruthenia Press
Publication Date: January 8, 2018
Number of Pages: 304
ISBN: 9780999548721

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

Today is not a good day to die.

No day is, not really. We humans are hard-wired to survive. By most standards, though, this morning is exceptional. The weather is balmy, even for May. The fierce winds that often pound the Welsh coastline have remained offshore. Purple heather blankets the emerald cliffs that encircle Bristol Bay. Small breakers gently lap the shoreline and wash the sand clean of debris. The water sparkles in the sunlight. Shades of azure and aquamarine yield to cyan and lapis further out. In the distance, the sea meets a cerulean sky just where the earth curves. No slate clouds gather at the horizon. All is calm.

Nothing suggested that today I would find myself on a bench in one of the most breathtaking spots in the world with a gun to my head, held by a predator who speaks just two words: “Don’t move.”

***
Excerpt from The Former Assassin by Nikki Stern. Copyright © 2018 by Nikki Stern. Reproduced with permission from Nikki Stern. All rights reserved.

Author Bio:

Nikki is the author of two works of non-fiction: HOPE IN SMALL DOSES, a 2015 Eric Hoffer finalist for books that provoke, inspire and redirect thought, and BECAUSE I SAY SO: MORAL AUTHORITY'S DANGEROUS APPEAL, as well as dozens of short stories. She is co-author on the Cafe Noir interactive murder mystery series, published by Samuel French. Nikki's suspense novel, THE FORMER ASSASSIN has garnered strong reviews, including a four-star rating from Indie Reader. She's working on a mystery/sci-fi series starring an unorthodox crime fighter named Samantha Tate. When she's not writing about strong complex women, Nikki is working with several non-profits, taking Pilates classes, and attending to the needs of her dog, Molly.

Catch Up With Nikki Stern On:
Website, Goodreads, Twitter, & Facebook!

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaways!

ENTER GIVEAWAY:

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Nikki Stern. There will be 2 winners of one (1) Amazon.com Gift Card. The giveaway begins on August 1, 2018 and runs through September 1, 2018. Void where prohibited.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours

Sunday Post August 26, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 27, 2018

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

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

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.

My week was fairly standard: work 9-6; come home, eat, work on the computer, then crash around 10pm or so.
Our weather is starting to cool off in the morning. It is very pleasant to sit on our balcony sharing coffee with hubby and watching the chickens. We are now getting 2-3 eggs each day. :-)

I enjoyed my listening and ereading was good but a little slower. I finished two audio titles and am making good progress in two ebooks. I posted four reviews and all of my usual memes.

I visited 26 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Nerdy Reader Girl, an "avid reader, writer, and blogger."
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post August 19, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 20, 2018.

• A2018- Audio Book Review: Audio Book Review: Christmas at the Inn by Andrea Twombly; Contemporary Romance, Holiday; my rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 24, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/30/2018.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: One Man's Opus by Boyd Craven III; Preparedness, Romance; my rating 4.0 of 5.0.

• 2018eBook- Book Review: Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #351 Comment Giveaway August 25, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 9/11/2018.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 19, 2018.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Because of Miss Bridgerton
The Bridgerton Series
By: Julia Quinn
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
Series: The Rokesbys, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins
I was looking for something light and this sure fit the bill. I always find humor and romance with Julia Quinn characters.
My 4.5 review is linked above. 
Source: 2017 May Audible Credit.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

One Man's Opus
A Survival and Preparedness Story
By: Boyd Craven III
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
Series: One Man's Opus, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 14 mins
I enjoyed this solid story. My review is linked above.
Source: 2017 May Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
Man's best friend.
Rick is like many Americans. He's concerned with what he sees on the news, and how the country seems to be ready to tear itself apart. His biggest concern has been civil unrest. Already an avid camper, he sets out to secure his future, and career, by finding his own Eden.
Tina is a small-business owner and knows what she wants in life. She and her furry companion find themselves at gunpoint when Rick walks back into her world and forever changes the dynamic between them.
One dog, who's been the savior, protector, and companion...Opus. The owner of two humans that mostly understand him. Mostly.
When the police walk into an ambush, a series of events forces the couple to bug out. The problem with having to leave for a small town, at a remote location, is it really isn't a secret. Small towns bring their own problems with crime, and power plays. Everybody knows everybody, and the gossip mill runs as fast as lightning.
Will the trio be as prepared as they need to be?
©2017 Boyd Craven III (P)2017 Boyd Craven III

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (Partners in Crime)

The Former Assassin
by Nikki Stern
I am at 70% in this interesting thriller. 
(I realized I had to get this read for my review date.)
Source: Partners in Crime; Tour Review and Giveaway 8/29.
Susan Foster wants to retire. Her boss wants her dead.
After decades as Victor Kemp’s off-the books killer, Suzanne finally quits. Not until five years later does Kemp discover how thoroughly she’s deceived him. Determined to punish her, he tracks her to Wales to watch her die. Instead, he walks into a trap.
Believing themselves safe at last, Suzanne and her family relocate to London, where she hopes to find the peace that has eluded her for so long. Her son is engaged to a nobleman’s daughter; her husband has a good job with British Intelligence. Yet she still struggles with restless dreams and the premonition that her nemesis has survived.
He has: Kemp, though severely injured, is rebuilding his empire and plotting revenge. He’s prepared to risk everything to end the former assassin. He may not be the only one.
Suzanne has no choice: to protect those she loves, she will be forced to kill again. Assassins, it seems, can never retire.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)

Silent Threat (Mission Recovery Book 1)
by Dana Marton
35% in I like the characters and story so far. I was sorry to put it on hold but I'll get back to it early this week.
Source: NetGalley 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Spider's Bite
Elemental Assassin, Book 1
By: Jennifer Estep
Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins
I'm a good third into this urban fantasy; 
having mixed feelings.
Source: Audible 2012 Sale purchase. 
Publisher's Summary
They call me the Spider. I'm the most feared assassin in the South -- when I'm not busy at the Pork Pit cooking up the best barbecue in Ashland. As a Stone elemental, I can hear everything from the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet to the vibrations of the soaring Appalachian Mountains above me. My Ice magic also comes in handy for making the occasional knife. But I don't use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.
Now that a ruthless Air elemental has double-crossed me and killed my handler, I'm out for revenge. And I'll exterminate anyone who gets in my way -- good or bad. I may look hot, but I'm still one of the bad guys. Which is why I'm in trouble, since irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine has agreed to help me. The last thing this coldhearted killer needs when I'm battling a magic more powerful than my own is a sexy distraction... especially when Donovan wants me dead just as much as the enemy.
©2010 Jennifer Estep (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

4. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)

Tale of the Spectacular Spectacles: Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore (book one)
by K. Kibbee
I'll try to squeeze this cute looking book in for August reading.
Source: NetGalley 2018.
Living life as a bumbling breadbox with fur, was hardship enough for Theodore the Corgi, but when the young dog finds himself cold and alone in a frightening animal shelter, it’s clear that his struggles have only just begun.
Labeled “unadoptable,” by shelter staff, Theodore mires in the gloom until a kind-eyed stranger with a pocket full of handcrafted jerky and a quirky smile, rescues him with the intent of making Theodore the newest addition to his curious Bookstore. Though overwhelmed at first, Theodore soon finds both his new friend and the odd bookstore are welcoming hosts, despite the Corgi’s run of clumsy mishaps. And while Theodore’s formerly dull and lonely life fades to memory, a new, adventurous one blooms before him—for hidden amongst the dusty stacks of books and things at the Enchanted Bookstore, waits a peculiar little man with a set of the most magical, Spectacular Spectacles imaginable.

August 25, 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 2 books and posted 3 reviews (plus one previously linked to Goodreads). 
That leaves me one review to post. I actually thought I had completed it but it was all in my mind! :-)
I'm doing pretty good adding current reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible. I have some older ones to catch up on.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 11. I still have two author titles in queue and one more review titles. Still many through InstaFreebie and many new author requests 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 picked up one review book this week.
I resisted the Audible Daily Deals and am eyeing sale titles.
I did pick up one Kindle title.
I only picked up a handful of free kindle titles this week. (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

Received from Author Marketing Experts.
A Nanny For Christmas: A Harper's Corner Series Novella
by Christina George
I'm starting to be drawn to Christmas titles. This sounds like a fast, cute read.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I am eyeing the Audible $5.95 sale but haven't made any purchases yet.
I did pick up the kindle version of Pandemic (The Extinction Files Book 1) by A.G. Riddle for $2.49.
This will allow me to pick up the Audible for $1.99, which is still less than the $5.95 sale price. :-).

Free

I added 23 free titles to my Kindle library this week - I downloaded while listening one afternoon. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.