Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Teaser Tuesday: A Creature of Moonlight by Rebecca Hahn

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Teaser:
It may be irritating, to be courted with sideways glances and half-formed flatteries, but at least these village lads are harmless. The real danger, I know, is from the lords.
This week my book is A Creature of Moonlight by Rebecca Hahn. I got this book through the Amazon Vine program and will be attending an author signing on May 9. Here is the description of her debut novel:
As the only heir to the throne, Marni should have been surrounded by wealth and privilege, not living in exile—but now the time has come when she must choose between claiming her birthright as princess of a realm whose king wants her dead, and life with the father she has never known: a wild dragon who is sending his magical woods to capture her.Fans of Bitterblue and Seraphina will be captured by a Creature of Moonlight, with its richly layered storytelling and the powerful choices its strong heroine must make.

Monday, April 28, 2014

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (April 28, 2014)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

It’s Monday!  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.

Last week was as busy as I had anticipated. My trip to The Red Balloon to see Andrea Cremer was the highlight. I am so eager to read her new release because I am a big fan of steampunk stories. She came all dressed up in her steampunk best.
Otherwise, our weather has been on a roller coaster this week. One day its is nice and Spring-like then the next day we experience almost wintry weather. It could explain the Spring cold I've caught.

Next week looks quiet. I have no meetings or trips planned. I should be able to carve out some quality reading time.

Read Last Week
The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen was my favorite book of the year so far. This first book in an epic fantasy series had great characters and a fascinating world. My review won't be posted on my blog until July 5 but I have posted my review at GoodReads, LibraryThing, and Amazon already.

Royally Lost by Angie Stanton was a cute contemporary romance that will satisfy all royalty lovers. My review will be posted on May 1.
Despite a rushed ending, Monument 14: Savage Drift by Emmy Laybourne brings the Monument 14 series to a satisfying conclusion. My review will be posted on May 3.

The Falconer by Elizabeth May was another excellent start to a fantasy series. My review will be posted on May 3.
Midnight Crossroad by Charlaine Harris begins a new trilogy complete with a new cast of characters and a new setting. The mystery was almost overshadowed by the introductions of all the characters but all the characters were intriguing and I look forward to finding out their stories. My review will be posted on May 8.

Caged Warrior by Alan Lawrence Sitomer was an excellent contemporary YA that tells the hard story of a young boy who has been trained by his father to fight MMA-style. He lives in poverty in Detroit and is surrounded by criminal activity. He tells his story which is full of heartbreak and hope. My review will be posted on May 8.

Currently
I am currently reading We Were Liars by e. lockhart. I chose this eARC from NetGalley because I thought the story sounded interesting and I'd never read anything by the author.

Next Week

Everything on my stack for next week is from my YA review stack. They are all May releases.
Mila 2.0: Renegade by Debra Driza (May 13)
Second Star by Alyssa B. Sheinmel (May 13)
The Summer Invitation by Charlotte Silver (May 20)
I Kill the Mockingbird by Paul Acampora (May 20)
The Girl with the Windup Heart by Kady Cross (May 27)

Reviews Posted
What was your week like? Do you have any big plans for this coming week?

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Stacking the Shelves (April 27, 2014)

Tynga of Team Tynga's Reviews has a meme to spotlight the books we receive each week. Visit her site to check out the linky and see what everyone gets. I guarantee that your TBR pile will grow.

This week I mostly added to my review stack.
I was offered the whole Echoes of Empire series by Justin at Amazon Publishing. I downloaded them all to my Kindle but don't think I'll be able to begin reading them until June. The Pillars of Sand by Mark T. Barnes is the third book in the series. It will be released on May 20. The Obsidian Heart is the second book and was released on Oct. 15, 2013. The Garden of Stones began the series and was released on May 21, 2013.
Midnight Crossroad by Charlaine Harris is the first in a new series. It will be released on May 6. I got this eARC through Amazon Vine.

Risky Game by Tracy Solheim is also a May 6 release. It came to me autographed from the author.
I had asked for Heaven's Queen by Rachel Bach at NetGalley quite a while ago and had given up hope of ever being approved to read it. I was approved on April 23 for this April 22 release. After I downloaded it, I found out it was the third book in this series. I bought Honor's Knight for my Kindle so that I could catch up and read the series in order.

Other Books
I got a copy of Otherwise Engaged by Amanda Quick for my keeper shelf. I read and enjoyed the eARC earlier.
I took advantage of a $.99 sale price to get the Dark and Deadly boxed set of eight paranormal romance stories for my Kindle. It contains books by a number of authors I have been wanting to try.

What did you add to your stack this week?

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Book Review: Who Needs Enemies

Who Needs Enemies
Author: Keri Arthur
Publication: IGLA (August 28, 2013)

Description: Harriet Phillecky is a rare part elf, part siren and wanted by neither race. Not that she really cares. A successful news photographer turned paranormal investigator, she now has a 'family' of friends that includes ogres who constantly raid her refrigerator and take over her TV, and a dragon who drinks far too much for his own good.

But when the only elvan relative she has any contact with asks her to investigate the disappearance of a siren, she finds herself unable to refuse.

All too quickly the disappearance becomes murder, relatives come out of the woodwork, and a man she'd much rather forget steps back into her life. Harri wants nothing more than to run—especially when the evidence beats a path to the doors of those who'd long ago abandoned her. But when the life she's created for herself comes under threat, Harri has little choice but to hunt down a killer—before everything she holds dear is destroyed.

My Thoughts: Harri Phillecky is a former newspaper photographer turned private eye. She is also half siren and half elf and not accepted by either side of her family. She isn't like her siren mother though she understands and accepts her lifestyle. Nor is she acknowledged by her elf father whose relationship with a siren is a matter of great embarrassment to him.

When her elven Uncle Lyle comes to her to have her find out what happened to his siren girlfriend Mona, Harri is back in the middle of things she would rather not relive. Her Uncle Lyle is the only one who has acknowledged her at all mostly because he is just as much an outcast as she is. And he doesn't consider her family.

Harri quickly discovers that Mona has been killed and the missing person case has become a murder case. Mona was living in a building owned by Harri's half-brother Val and had her other half-brother Gilroy as one of her clients. Harri quickly has more suspects than she knows what to do with.

Harri is also busy trying to help her friend Keale who is a dragon. Keale has a reputation for flying drunk but this time he hit a helicopter and killed the four people inside. Only Keale has no idea what he was doing in the area and swears he hadn't been drinking. She is certain that he was drugged. She calls on her Uncle Lyle who is a lawyer to represent Keale and make sure he is drug tested.

Adding even more emotional intensity to the story is the fact that Harri's ex Kaij has been called back to town to investigate Mona's death. They split apart after Harri miscarried their daughter. Harri, at least, hasn't been able to move on and we get some hints that Kaij isn't as over the relationship as he would like Harri to believe.

The story is filled with twists and turns and all sorts of fantastical creatures from the ogres who are Harri's friends and who visit frequently to drink her beer and watch football on her big screen to the trolls who are hired by the villain to beat Harri up and get some evidence back. Sirens, elves, witches, and dragons also populate this world.

This story was fun to read. I enjoyed learning about Harri and hope she has more adventures.

Favorite Quote:
"Just be careful, won't you?" Val caught my hand and squeezed it gently. "You may not be much of a sister, but you're all I've got."

"Don't worry, little brother," I said, "I intend to be her to ignore and neglect you for many years yet."

"Such a sweet thing to say. You'd better go before I get all teary."
This one is from my TBR pile. You can buy your copy here.

Friday, April 25, 2014

Friday Memes: Who Needs Enemies by Keri Arthur

Happy Friday everybody!
Book Beginnings on Friday is now hosted by Rose City Reader. The Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice. Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.


This week I am spotlighting another book from my TBR mountain. I chose Who Needs Enemies by Keri Arthur. I have read a number of books by this author and enjoyed them. This one begins a new series. Here is the description:
Harriet Phillecky is a rare part elf, part siren and wanted by neither race. Not that she really cares. A successful news photographer turned paranormal investigator, she now has a 'family' of friends that includes ogres who constantly raid her refrigerator and take over her TV, and a dragon who drinks far too much for his own good.

But when the only elvan relative she has any contact with asks her to investigate the disappearance of a siren, she finds herself unable to refuse.

All too quickly the disappearance becomes murder, relatives come out of the woodwork, and a man she'd much rather forget steps back into her life. Harri wants nothing more than to run—especially when the evidence beats a path to the doors of those who'd long ago abandoned her. But when the life she's created for herself comes under threat, Harri has little choice but to hunt down a killer—before everything she holds dear is destroyed.
Beginning:
The sense of trouble slipped across my skin like a teasing caress, making the hairs on my arms stand on end and my heart race.
Friday 56:
And that was his first lie—a thought confirmed by the sudden evasiveness of his sapphire gaze. I glanced thoughtfully at Maggie, who was as lovely a person as you could ever get, but who couldn't keep a secret to save a life. Whatever had gotten Lyle beaten up, he wasn't about to mention it with her in the room. 

Thursday, April 24, 2014

YA ARC Review: The Taking by Kimberly Derting

The Taking
Author: Kimberly Derting
Series: Taking
Publication: HarperTeen (April 29, 2014)

Description: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer meets The Fifth Wave in this chilling and explosive new series from author Kimberly Derting.

The last thing Kyra Agnew remembers is a flash of bright light. She awakes to discover that five whole years have passed. Everyone in her life has moved on—her parents divorced, her boyfriend is in college and dating her best friend—but Kyra's still the sixteen-year-old she was when she vanished. She finds herself drawn to Tyler, her boyfriend's kid brother, despite her best efforts to ignore her growing attraction. In order to find out the truth, the two of them decide to retrace her steps from that fateful night. They discover there are others who have been "taken," just like Kyra. Only, Kyra is the first person to have been returned past the forty-eight-hour taken mark. With a determined, secret government agency after her, Kyra desperately tries to find an explanation and reclaim the life she once had . . . but what if the life she wants back is not her own?

My Thoughts: THE TAKING was an amazing beginning to a new science fiction series. Star softball player Kyra Agnew remembers a bright light and then nothing until she wakes up behind a convenience store on day. She has been gone five years but only one night has passed for her. She returns to a very different world than she left.

Her parents have divorced. Her mom has remarried and had another child. Her dad has become a conspiracy theory nut who is convinced that Kyra was abducted by aliens. Her boyfriend and best friend have moved on to college and fallen in love. Nothing is the same for Kyra.

Her boyfriend's younger brother Tyler has caught up in age and become quite a "hottie." Kyra first has trouble seeing him as a serious romantic interest but his sincerity, kindness, and persistence finally convince Kyra that he is someone she can trust.

She is quite sure that she can't trust Agent Truman who says he is from the NSA and she has real doubts about the boy who keeps popping up in places where she goes. When the NSA tries to capture her, it is that boy - Simon - who tells her about the others like her and who tries to help her.

The story was very fast-paced. I couldn't put it down! I was as eager as Kyra to find out more about her and to try to find out what had happened to her. I loved her relationship with Tyler and had tears in my eyes at the very thrilling climax.

I hope the next book comes out really, really soon. I need to know what happens next!

Favorite Quote:
That was it. He undid me with those words.

It would have been better if he'd said nothing at all, because I could live with nothing. Love...well, love was another matter altogether.

Love required sacrifice and making hard choices and doing things that were bigger than just you.

It wasn't something you asked for, or could control or change. It was something you accepted.

Love was a force of nature.
I got this eARC from Edelweiss. You can buy your copy here.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Teaser Tuesday: The Taking by Kimberly Derting (YA)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Teaser:
I was still getting up, brushing away bits of rocks and gravel from my uniform where I'd landed and from my hands, which had taken the brunt of the skidding part of my fall, when everyone around me went white.

White, like blinding white.
My teaser this week comes  from The Taking by Kimberly Derting. I got this eARC from Edelweiss for review. Here is the description of this April 29 release:
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer meets The Fifth Wave in this chilling and explosive new series from author Kimberly Derting.

The last thing Kyra Agnew remembers is a flash of bright light. She awakes to discover that five whole years have passed. Everyone in her life has moved on—her parents divorced, her boyfriend is in college and dating her best friend—but Kyra's still the sixteen-year-old she was when she vanished. She finds herself drawn to Tyler, her boyfriend's kid brother, despite her best efforts to ignore her growing attraction. In order to find out the truth, the two of them decide to retrace her steps from that fateful night. They discover there are others who have been "taken," just like Kyra. Only, Kyra is the first person to have been returned past the forty-eight-hour taken mark. With a determined, secret government agency after her, Kyra desperately tries to find an explanation and reclaim the life she once had . . . but what if the life she wants back is not her own?

Monday, April 21, 2014

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (April 21, 2014)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I had a great week last week. My friend and I went to a book signing at The Red Balloon. I got to meet Deb Coletti and buy her newest book for our media center. I haven't read her books but am eager to give them a try when I finally get my review stack under control. I have so many YA May releases that I am spreading them out between both my blogs. My adult books are just going to have to wait!

This coming week will be busier. I have a townhouse association meeting Monday evening, a book signing in St. Paul on Tuesday evening, and a school committee meeting on Thursday evening. I also need to find time to watch The Voice on my computer since I'll be missing both shows this week.

I'm glad I could get some extra reading in because of our one-day Spring Break on Friday. Easter was a great reading day too because I decided not to travel this weekend and am just nesting in at home.

Read Last Week
I read Project Paper Doll: The Hunt by Stacey Kade and enjoyed this second book in the Project Paper Doll series. It had lots of action. My review is here. The book will be released on April 22.

The Taking by Kimberly Derting was also an excellent science fiction story that begins a trilogy. My review will be posted on April 24. This book will be released on April 29.
Foolish Games by Tracy Solheim was an engaging sports romance. I enjoyed it. My review is here. This book was from my TBR stack.

The Wizard's Promise by Cassandra Rose Clarke was an engaging fantasy novel. My review will be posted on April 26. This book will be released on May 6.
Nick and Tesla's Secret Agent Gadget Battle by Bob Pflugfelder and Steve Hockensmith is the third book in this middle grade mystery series. I liked the story and I like that there are directions for projects for young scientists to do. My review will be posted on April 24.

Who Needs Enemies by Keri Arthur is from my TBR mountain. This urban fantasy novel begins a new series and features a half elf, half siren as the main character. I enjoyed the character, the story, and the world Arthur created. My review will be posted on April 26.
A Creature of Moonlight by debut author Rebecca Hahn was an amazing fantasy. I loved the world and really loved the main character. I am so excited that I will get a chance to meet the author on May 9 at The Red Balloon. My review will be posted on May 1.

Currently
I am currently reading Royally Lost by Angie Stanton which is a cute contemporary romance. It will be released on May 6.

Next Week
These two are the last of my seven May 6 releases.

Monument 14: Savage Drift by Emmy Laybourne finishes the Monument 14 post-apocalyptic series. She is also part of the Fierce Reads tour I'll be meeting in June.

The Falconer by Elizabeth May sounds like an amazing combination of historical fiction, steampunk, and paranormal. I got this one from LibraryThing and it has been on my wishlist since I first heard about it. 
These three begin my five May 13 releases.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart has been getting lots of buzz. It sounds intriguing. I got the eARC from NetGalley.

Second Star by Alyssa B. Sheinmel was one of the books sent to me from Macmillan.

Caged Warrior by Alan Lawrence Sitomer sounded like a gritty contemporary. I requested it from NetGalley.
The Queen of the Tearling by Erikan Johansen doesn't release until July but I need to read it soon to stay in good standing at the Amazon Vine program. It sounds like a wonderful fantasy.

Reviews Posted


Something cool happened this week. Tracy Solheim saw my Friday post when I spotlighted Foolish Games and asked me if I would like a copy of the next book in the series. I quickly said yes. I can't wait to read that story!

How was your week? What do you have planned for this one?

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Stacking the Shelves (April 20, 2014)

Tynga of Team Tynga's Reviews has a meme to spotlight the books we receive each week. Visit her site to check out the linky and see what everyone gets. I guarantee that your TBR pile will grow.

Here is what I added to my shelves over the past two weeks.
I got the latest book in the Honor Harrington Universe for my Kindle this week. Cauldron of Ghosts is the third book in the Crown of Slaves story arc. 

Firebird by Susanna Kearsley is also a Kindle book. It was a daily deal that I had heard good things about.
Freak of Nature by Julia Crane was a free science fiction romance. I saw it on someone's stacking post and had to have it for my own.

Killer Librarian by Mary Lou Kirwin is a mystery by author Mary Logue. She talked about it at a conference I recently attended. 
The Collector by Nora Roberts was on my "must by" list since I really love Nora Roberts' books. It was also my only print book of the week.

New Orleans Requiem by D. J. Donaldson was a Kindle daily deal recently. I bought the whole 4 book series of mysteries for my Kindle for $.99 a book.
Bad Karma in the Big Easy by D. J. Donalson
Sleeping with the Crawfish by D. J. Donaldson
Louisiana Fever by D. J. Donaldson
Frost Moon by Anthony Francis was also a Kindle Daily Deal. It sounded like an interesting urban fantasy story. 

What did you add to your stack this week? Does anyone else feel like ebooks don't count when considering how many books are on their TBR stack?

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Book Review: Foolish Games by Tracy Solheim

Foolish Games
Author: Tracy Solheim
Series: An Out of Bounds Novel
Publication: Berkley (December 3, 2013)

Description: This Hail Mary play for the heart is the latest sports romance in the sizzling Out of Bounds series. 

Bridal gown designer Julianne Marchione knows better than to lose her head at a client’s wedding. But, much to her embarrassment, a mix of migraine medication and a smoking hot football player lead to a steamy one night stand resulting in a surprise pregnancy. Julianne has every intention of leaving her NFL hookup far in the past until her son, Owen, is born with a life-threatening blood disorder that requires a transfusion—and Julianne is not a match.

Will “William the Conqueror” Connelly grew up tough, shouldering the stigma of being a bastard child born on the wrong side of the tracks. He refuses to let any child face the same discrimination. When he finds out about Owen, he’s furious that Julianne kept his son a secret. But when he sees her again at the hospital, he realizes that his feelings for her go far beyond anger.

Will insists that Owen recuperate at his home in North Carolina, and he’s adamant that Julianne become his wife—even if it’s only a temporary marriage in name only. But will their simmering attraction ever lead to a real connection?  Or are they just playing foolish games?

My Thoughts: This was an interesting story that explores the "secret baby" trope. Julianne had never intended to let Will know that she had had his baby. But when the baby suffers a medical emergency that can only be solved by a transfusion of parental blood and Julianne's isn't right, she has to let Will know he is a father. Will who grew up as an illegitimate child in a small town has always been determined that no child of his would suffer the same fate.

This one night stand will have life-changing consequences for both of them. These two people don't know each other but Julianne's guilt at keeping her son from his father and Will's need to make things right has them marrying with every intention of it being a temporary situation.

While they don't know each other, and Will certainly doesn't trust Julianne, the chemistry between them is evident to the people around them. And there is a strong cast of people around them. Will's mother has a strong role in the book as does Will's general manager. Julianne also has her friends Carly and Nick and her business manager Sebastian to support her. Julianne's brother the Senator also has a role in the story which adds tons of complications.

Besides the romance part of the story, Will is also dealing with accusations of collecting bounties for hitting players too hard. The coach he idolized and who got him out of his poverty-stricken background and into Yale is right in the middle of it. Will is determined to be loyal to that coach despite what it could do to his career. Julianne's brother is chairing the Senate investigation into these activities by calling them racketeering.

I enjoyed the intensity of this romance and am eager to seek out other books in the series.

Favorite Quote:
Her challenge hung in the air for a moment before he descended on her. "Stop telling me I don't want my son." He wanted to strangle her, but only a psychopath would do that to his child's mother with their kid in the room. So he opted for kissing her instead. And it was an incredible kiss. Like a mon who'd gone without food or water for days, he devoured her.
I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

Friday, April 18, 2014

Friday Memes: Foolish Games by Tracy Solheim

Happy Friday everybody!
Book Beginnings on Friday is now hosted by Rose City Reader. The Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice. Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

This week I am spotlighting Foolish Games by Tracy Solheim. I first saw this book on Penguin's First To Read website. I wasn't chosen to be an early reader but I bought it as soon as I could. I am a sucker for sports romances and this one sounded really good.
Here is the description:
This Hail Mary play for the heart is the latest sports romance in the sizzling Out of Bounds series. 

Bridal gown designer Julianne Marchione knows better than to lose her head at a client’s wedding. But, much to her embarrassment, a mix of migraine medication and a smoking hot football player lead to a steamy one night stand resulting in a surprise pregnancy. Julianne has every intention of leaving her NFL hookup far in the past until her son, Owen, is born with a life-threatening blood disorder that requires a transfusion—and Julianne is not a match.

Will “William the Conqueror” Connelly grew up tough, shouldering the stigma of being a bastard child born on the wrong side of the tracks. He refuses to let any child face the same discrimination. When he finds out about Owen, he’s furious that Julianne kept his son a secret. But when he sees her again at the hospital, he realizes that his feelings for her go far beyond anger.

Will insists that Owen recuperate at his home in North Carolina, and he’s adamant that Julianne become his wife—even if it’s only a temporary marriage in name only. But will their simmering attraction ever lead to a real connection?  Or are they just playing foolish games?
Beginning:
Paternity.

The word reverberated inside Will Connelly's head, pummeling his temples until they began to throb. 
Friday 56:
"Julianne will always be a part of Owen's life," he said. "We all need to try to get along, for his sake. Beyond that, she isn't a part of this family."

"In a few minutes, she will be."

"That's just a legal technicality, Mom."