Sunday, July 30, 2017

Sunday Post #175

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share new about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Another week in the wind. Where does the time go? It seems crazy how fast it flashes by. I don't even know what I accomplished this week. If anything! I know I was busy, but with what? Maybe it's my memory and mind that's slipping...

This week coming is going to feel like a short, busy week. We will be leaving on Friday to go to a dear friends daughters wedding. We'll return Sunday bright and early as Kiddo has to be at college for some meetings. So it's going to be a fast getaway. We have my father-in-law coming to stay with the girls while we are gone. The girls...that's another topic. Ugh.

So, the allergy shot didn't work for Sheba. She's sick again. She's got her paws a sore, bloody mess. Ugh. So she's back on the expensive allergy pill and on antibiotics for her skin infection. I had a nice talk with the vet. She seems to think that since this shot didn't work that she has a food allergy. So I have to research doing food trial to switch things up and see what works. Ugh. Lots of work and time to see what happens. So, onward we go with seeing what we can do for Sheba.

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

The Fit Booker:

Goal:  Workout in any form of exercise (or on Wii Fit) 2x's a week. (to feel better and hope to drop a few pants sizes)

How did I do last week... I've been slacking at working out. I worked out on Monday. I did weights and treadmill. I did push mow the grass one day a week.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:
Assassin's Rival by A.F. Grappin


Current Audiobook:
I'll start a new audio book Monday.

Current Podcast Book Listen:
Stonebriar Casefiles: Bad Alchemy by Laura Nicole Spencer (You can listen for free too!)


Finished Last Week: 
Unleash by Lauren Harris


Audiobooks from Audible:
Queen of the Night by Craig Schaefer


Finished Podcast Book Listen:
Nothing yet.


DNFed:

~~~~~~~~~~

Last Week on the Blog:


Cover Reveals: (click titles to go to post & learn more)




Guest Posts:



Posts:

Spellbound in a Flash:
I've started back up again! I'll work on more pictures.


Challenged Writers:
April, May, and why not June Update on writer-ly items.


Around the Internet...


Reviews:
Demon Magic by Linsey Hall

"I very much enjoyed this story as we learn about Del and her parents. Though we haven't met them we get a feel for how she grew up. This is interesting and I'm curious to learn more about them, and who they are. I really think they are special."


Laced in Lies by Colleen Helme

"Colleen is amazing at writing the characters so I love them and I'm drawn into every moment with them. There is something with each scene that keeps me listening to the words. Shelby has amazing chemistry with everyone she meets. Awesome job!"


Podcast Review:




Mama Bitchstress Reviews:



GIVEAWAYS:


~~~~~~~~~~

This Week to Come on the Blog:


I will write up two reviews and schedule.



~~~~~~~~~~

Received Last Weeks:
(Note: Links to Amazon are buy links where I could earn commission, in case you are interested.)


For Review Consideration:
Danger's Halo by Amanda Carlson
NOT AVAILABLE YET.
STAY TUNED THIS WEEK FOR COVER REVEAL!
Goodreads Synopsis:
Holly Danger’s current assignment, gleaned from a set of foggy instructions and a handful of coin stuffed into a slot, is pick up a street kid who’s about to terminate himself by jumping off a cliff. And, as a rule, she doesn’t turn down currency. Her job as a salvager keeps her fed and clothed above the norm, which isn’t saying much.

The norm in this city is a scrape-by existence in a post-apocalyptic world, where the rain never stops, food is always scarce, and the elite have deserted the ranks in search of something better. Picking up this urchin won’t take much time, even if he’s located outside city limits. Her craft is fast, her weapons deadly, and her tech has been optimized as well as it can be for a climate clogged with iron dust. 

But things take a big turn when she decides to become the boy’s guardian instead of hand him over. Outskirts have descended on the city, and their plans don’t include playing nice. When her crew is backed against a graphene wall, it’s a good thing her Gem is primed and ready to go. It’s almost as deadly as she is…

A Secret History of Witches by Louisa Morgan
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
An ancient and dangerous power is being handed down from mother to daughter through some of the most consequential historic events of the last two centuries.

After Grandmére Ursule gives her life to save her tribe, her magic seems to die with her. Even so, her family keeps the Old Faith, practicing the spells and rites that have been handed from mother to daughter for generations. Until one day, Ursule’s young granddaughter steps into the circle, and magic flows anew.

From early 19th century Brittany to London during the Second World War, five generations of witches fight the battles of their time, deciding how far they are willing to go to protect their family, their heritage, and ultimately, all of our futures.





Audio Books Requested for Review:
Greatshadow: The Dragon Apocalypse by James Maxey
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Greatshadow is the primal dragon of fire, an elemental evil whose malign intelligence spies upon mankind through every candle flame, waiting to devour any careless victim he can claim.
The Church of the Book has assembled a team of twelve battle-hardened adventurers to slay the dragon once and for all. But tensions run high between the leaders of the team who view the mission as a holy duty and the super-powered mercenaries who add power to their ranks, who view the mission primarily as a chance to claim Greatshadow's vast treasure trove. If the warriors fail to slay the beast, will they doom mankind to death by fire?




Purchased/Winnings/Gifts:
Book:
Gifted by Liz Long
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Even in a world of freaks, being a Firestarter is considered a dangerous Gift.

Lucy was born with the ability to create and control fire. She longs to leave the human world for one filled with Earthshakers, Transporters, and Chameleons, to name a few. When she rejoins the circus, it’s everything she hoped it could be—new friends, a potential love interest or two, and a place where she can be herself.

When troupe members begin turning up dead, however, Lucy is suspected of foul play. She must not only prove her innocence but also realize the full extent of her power. To find the real murderer, she must uncover the truth behind her father’s fiery legacy while figuring out whom to trust within her new circle. Little does she know the history of the Donovan Circus and its enemies might actually destroy the entire gifted world.
 

Binding Curse by T. F. Walsh
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
She needs him to save the world. He needs her to save himself. 

A terrifying darkness has risen and is sweeping Kutia Hollow, leaving dead bodies in its wake. Luna Vale, a fae militia lieutenant in post-apocalyptic Moscow, discovers evidence that a criminal holds the answer to stopping the murders. Except those in charge at the precinct are corrupt. She’s determined to protect everyone from extinction and breaks Axel out of prison. 

Devastated to be on the run from her former friends and colleagues, she must now work together with Axel before the killers close in on them. But time is running out, and falling for Axel only heightens the dangers. To survive, Luna must find strength in her arcane powers and confront the cursed creatures whose malevolence knows no bounds. Failure isn’t an option. Not when it means losing her family, her job, and her life. 

Don’t miss this thrilling, fast-paced, conflict-ridden urban fantasy from T.F. Walsh. If you enjoyed works by Ilona Andrews and Kelly Meding, Binding Curse is for you. 

BINDING CURSE is a standalone contribution to the Charmed Legacy Dark Fae Hollows collection. Stories can be read in any order.

The Return by Blake B. Rivers
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
After countless adventures, Andi finds herself trapped on Earthwith none of the strange abilities she has come to rely on. Forced to find a way back to Jyra’s dimension, the young woman finds the answers to questions she didn’t know she had. Such as what is the strange creature of Light that Genesis is so afraid of, and why she and Jyra were able to connect outside of the Meeting Place.

Join Andi in her final battle for Jyra’s home as the race for the cure commences before Genesis can enact its final plans. Faced down with the culmination of their Great Choice, the Strangers have one last chance to stay their voracious enemy.
 

Audio:




Free Ebooks:
(On my Kindle and Nook App) Links to books under title. They may or may not be free at this time.
Soul Rebel by C.J. Pinard
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
A vampire took his soul. He wants it back.

When 21-year-old Nolan Bishop meets a seductive woman named Eva at a dark club in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana, little does he know his soul will be gone as soon as she is. Realizing she's taken something from him, he finds out he has a very limited time to destroy her before he turns into something sinister and inhuman. In a race against all that is holy, Nolan has to find Eva and get his soul back while trying not to fall in love with Charity, the twin sister of the succubus who took his soul - all in 7 days.

Cerulean Magic by Aimee Easterling
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Even a dirigible can't out-fly these secrets....

Sabrina Fairweather is an airship captain with a bleak birthright. In an effort to keep her family history under wraps, she finds herself blackmailed into the unthinkable --- kidnapping a traumatized shifter out from under the noses of Sabrina's only true friends.

Unfortunately, a handsome dragon with a flair for sniffing out mysteries makes her task more difficult than it at first appeared. Can Sabrina protect her heritage and shield her friendships...or will desperate lies and layer upon layer of deceit finish turning the Fairweather name to mud?

Cerulean Magic is a standalone adventure in the Dragon Mage world. Although all novels in this series can be enjoyed as one-offs, chronological reading order begins with Verdant Magic.

Sonnet Vale by Gena D. Lutz
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Paranormal hunter, Sonnet Vale, has the unique ability to hunt and kill vampires. But a chance encounter with a handsome stranger is about to change everything, teaching Sonnet what it's like to be hunted and possessed.

Smoke by Val St. Crowe
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
When Naelen Spencer shows up at Clarke Gannon’s apartment saying he wants to hire her to hunt his sister down, she’s got zilch inclination to actually take that job. 

For one thing, she’s not actually looking for an employer. For another thing, Naelen is the kind of rich, entitled playboy that she hates. For a third thing, he’s a dragon shifter, and she’s a dragon slayer. Those things don’t mix. 

Sure, okay, she doesn’t kill shifters, only soulless, monster dragons that do nothing but burn, kill, and destroy. 

And fine, he does happen to have eyes like the sky in high summer and a deep voice that makes her feel warm all over. 

And all right, she needs the money he’s offering. She could use it to help her sister, who’s never caught a break her entire life. 

But screw that guy. 

That’s what she wants to say, anyway. Instead, she ends up taking him up on his offer, and then she’s flying off in a private jet to get mixed up with a creepy country town, a nest of powerful vampires, and a bunch of potent magical objects.

Her Dragon To Slay by Julia Mills
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Lots of sass and the patented cock of her eyebrow have gotten Kyndel through most anything life has thrown at her. But will her moxie help when her destiny falls at her feet on a long dark trip home from work? 

Over 100 years of honor and commitment to his ancient clan’s Guard have made Rayne the fearless leader all are proud to follow into battle. When the long foretold pull of his mate makes the calm, cool and collected Commander fall from the sky will he be able to save his mate from his enemies in time? 

The chemistry between this strong-willed curvy girl and fierce warrior makes all the difference in the world where nothing is as it seems. The existence of an ancient race of honor-clad, tradition-bound protectors might be hard to accept but now the dead are coming back to life and holding a knife to her neck. 

The Universe made her for him now it’s up to them to stay alive long enough to live happily ever after.

The Scars of Her Dragon by Julia Mills
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Book 14 in the Dragon Guard series. The books can be read as stand-alone stories, but it is advisable to read them in order to get the most enjoyment from the series. 

The past is never just the past especially when it haunts your every thought and turns your dreams to nightmares. Forgiveness is the only path to peace. Unfortunately, that route is filled with the faces of the dead. 

The dove brings love, peace and protection to the world. She has the power to restore what’s been lost and heal the wounds of the past. If only he would let her. 

A love created by the Universe was supposed to be enough. Their happily ever after had been woven in the fabric of time, but that was before the years of guilt and shame ate away at the heart of the man and his beast. 

Can one woman’s faith in a love that conquers all erase the scars of her dragon? 

This book contains explicit sexual material and violence. It is only suited for mature readers 18 years of age and older.

Dead Wrong by Leighann Dobbs
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
There’s more than one secret in the old Blackmoore house. Some have been buried for a long time and some are sitting closer to the surface. Morgan and Fiona Blackmoore enjoy their simple life in the sleepy ocean-side town of Noquitt Maine where they offer herbal remedies and crystal healing for locals and tourists alike.... Until Morgan is accused of killing the town shrew, Prudence Littlefield.

A Spirited Tail by Leighann Dobbs
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Middle-aged bookstore owner Willa Chance is looking forward to the opportunity of appraising a valuable private library that hasn't seen the light of day for fifty years ... until she finds a dead body in the backyard and the ghost of the home's previous owner anxiously waiting for her inside. 

Hampered by the persistent ghost who insists on keeping secrets from her, Willa navigates a sea of confusing clues as she struggles to uncover the connection between the recent murder and two murders fifty years ago. 

Is the answer contained in the secret she found in the library? Or the unusual bequest left by the long-dead owner of the house? Or maybe it has something to do with the mysterious journal that everyone seems to be after. 

Once again, Willa's cat Pandora has to help her figure out the clues, while she and the other cats of Mystic Notch try to keep vital mystical knowledge from getting into the wrong hands. 

Can Willa discover the identity of the killer in time or will she end up being the fourth victim?

Mikolaus: Seduced by the Gladiators by Margo Bond Collins
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
They’ll change her life. She’ll change their world. 

The days of pitched battles to win the hand of one of Lurra’s very few women may be over, but as the top fighters in the ceremonial, gladiator-style games, Mikolaus always assumed that he and his triad—including his triad-brothers Domiku and Luken—would settle down with a traditional Lurran girl. 

Until the day he meets Hannah. 

She’s eager enough to learn about Lurra, but despite her attraction to the culture and Mikolaus, he’s not sure he can get her to reconcile her Earth-2 upbringing with Lurra’s strict ideas about marriage. 

Not alone, anyway. 

Maybe together, his triad can convince her that marriage should be between one woman … and three men. 

Steamborn by Eric Asher
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Jacob, a tinker's apprentice and sometime thief, has lived his entire life in the mountain city of Ancora, protected by the city walls. These towering barriers keep the Deadlands creatures at bay, but the monsters move higher into the peaks every year. More and more, they breach the defenses of the Lowlands while the Highlands rest easy.

A swarm overruns the walls and wreaks utter devastation on the Lowlands. Charles, the old tinker, suspects the attack may not be natural. With help from Jacob's closest friend, Alice, and Samuel, one of the city's elite spider knights, Jacob and Charles will uncover a terrible darkness at the heart of their city.




Free Audio Books/Stories:


~~~~~~~~~~
Reviews to Come:

Soulless by Skyla Dawn Cameron
The Sentinel by Chris Lester
The Muse by Chris Lester
Metamor City: Making the Cut by Chris Lester
Metamor City: Whispers in the Wood by Chris Lester
Lex Talionis by Starla Huchton
Spark by Starla Huchton
Heir to Kale by K.L. Bone
Tales from the Archives Vol 4 #5 - Old Sinner's Bones
The Death of Dulgath by Michael J. Sullivan
The Malaise Falchion: The Spade Case Files by Paul Barrett
Queen of the Night by Craig Schaefer
Unleash by Lauren Harris

Friday, July 28, 2017

Orbit Books Turns 10!


Wow. It's exciting to hear that Orbit Books has turned 10. A decade! Barnes & Nobles has put together a lovely post honoring the great milestone. They ask Tim Holman, publisher, what sparked the founding of Orbit US and what makes them stand out.

They are also celebrating with an anniversary of 10 of their best sellers in ebook form for $2.99. Pretty cool! This is a limited time though!

I also have a link to the books through Orbit's site to many book sellers where they are $2.99.

Head over and check it out.

And happy birthday to Orbit books!

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Audio Book: Laced in Lies

Laced in Lies

By:  Colleen Helme

Publish Date:  May 5, 2017, Audiobook Release May 12, 2017

Format:  Audiobook - 9 hrs 43 mins
Narrated By:  Wendy Tremont King

Genre:  Paranormal Mystery

Series:  10th in Shelby Nichols series; 1st Book ~ Carrots, Book 2 ~ Fast Money, Book 8 ~ Devious Minds, Book 9 ~ Hidden Deception

Impression:  Being family means something.

Synopsis:
Meet Shelby Nichols, mind reader extraordinaire.

A typical day in the life of Shelby Nichols involves cheating husbands, solving the hardest cases for the police, and working for a big time mob-boss, all because of her little secret that she can read minds. It can get complicated, especially considering she has a husband and two kids.

Ramos, Uncle Joey’s hit-man, is reluctant to involve Shelby when an acquaintance from his past comes into town. Uncle Joey has a favor to ask Shelby which involves heading to New York City and meeting his estranged relatives. Then there’s Dimples, a police detective, who needs her help finding the person behind a deadly new drug.

It’s no wonder Shelby has a hard time keeping everything straight. But the worst is deciding how to explain her crazy, mixed-up life to her kids. So far, her explanations have all been laced in lies, and she worries that, if the truth ever comes out, they will never trust her again.

Of course, none of that matters if she doesn’t escape the deadly enemy that takes her by surprise. Facing death has a way of putting things into perspective, if only she can stay alive long enough to appreciate it…

First Sentence:
I stopped across the street from the shabby looking bar and turned off my car.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Shelby's life is always full with the kids and her work as a consultant for Uncle Joey and the police. Her clients cross when she takes a job to follow a friends husband, and ends up in a bar of a gang that's got an amicable deal with Uncle Joey. She calls for help from Ramos, and afterward finds out Ramos has something going on he doesn't want her involved in, but ultimately needs her skills to help him. Uncle Joey meets her family and wants Shelby to go with his son, Miguel, to New York for his audition in a Broadway musical.

Wow. Wendy is one amazing voice actor. She gives Shelby the full feel of a person. I love the lightness to Shelby yet the complete package that she's well aware of what's happening around her is not good (when in trouble). When Wendy slips into Shelby's persona I feel like I'm watching Shelby as she goes through her day and stumbles into troubles. A wonderful combination of Colleen's writing and Wendy's voice makes me giggle in the right moments and feel the excitement in Shelby. Wonderful job.

Shelby is amazing at getting into trouble. But the best part is, even through she's nervous, she works her way out with quick thoughts. She does have a small consulting business of her own and helps with the cops on special cases, and these sometimes cross into the life that's including Uncle Joey. But if Shelby ever gets in trouble she can call on Ramos for help, and she does.

Goodness! Ramos. He's amazing. If you love dark, sexy men you'll love Ramos. I love the time Shelby and him spend together. They tease each other so well, and mean some of what they say. lol. Harmless flirting...maybe? Sometimes I wonder if Ramos doesn't have his own dose of reading minds ability. He's great at knowing and reading people, and finding them in a crowd. He even makes me smile when that all is focused on Shelby. Oh, Shelby is amazing with her husband too. He's different from Ramos, yet just as sexy. I really love both men when Shelby is with them.

Being part of the family with Uncle Joey is growing to a new level for Shelby with her husband and kids. All starting with the family barbecue that they agreed to when at Miguel's musical. Things have really grown with Uncle Joey personally. This leads us to get to spend time with Miguel, which is really nice. The family feel really comes through strong. There are ties that are reconnected and ties that grow to bring a big family feel to the whole story.

Colleen is amazing at writing the characters so I love them and I'm drawn into every moment with them. There is something with each scene that keeps me listening to the words. Shelby has amazing chemistry with everyone she meets. Awesome job!

I absolutely love these books and will continue with Shelby and all the characters as long as there are books written!




****If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you!

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Audio Book Review: Demon Magic

Demon Magic

By:  Linsey Hall

Publish Date:  December 19, 2016, Audiobook Release February 15, 2017

Format:  Audiobook - 7 hrs 2 mins
Narrated By:  Laurel Schroeder

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  2nd in Dragon's Gift: The Seeker series; 1st Book ~ Magic Undying
Also affiliated with Dragon's Gift: The Huntress series

Impression:  Del faces her past and grows closer to Roarke.

Synopsis:
Del Bellator’s simple life of treasure hunting and demon slaying ended the moment she learned she was a Guardian between the Underworld and Earth. The only problem? She has no idea what that means and no control over the magic that could help her. Sure, she can turn into a Phantom and walk through walls, but in a world where demons can throw fireballs or strike her down with lightning, she needs control of some bigger magical weapons.

To make matters worse, demons are now drawn to her like flies to honey. She’s a walking, talking demon magnet. To save her own life, she must master her powers. That means embarking on a treasure hunt unlike any she’s ever conducted. Fortunately, she has the help of Were-demon and Warden of the Underworld, Roarke Fallon, along with her FireSoul sisters, Cass and Nix. As the clock ticks down, she can only hope it will be enough.

Demon Magic features kick butt heroines, a powerful hero, and otherworldly adventure.

First Sentence:
"I think I've got it." My magic finally sparked to life, a little ember shining inside my mind.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Del learns she has bigger problems than she thought. Not only does she have to learn to control her powers for herself, but also to keep from taking other demon souls. She released one soul in the previous book, and now attracts other demons to her. The Order of Magica has picked up that a demon has died, but it's soul is still on Earth. The man that kissed her once and now is acting strange has an idea. Roarke has an acquaintance at Cambridge, in the magical University of England, who may be able to help her master her powers. Del agrees to go, with Roarke and her sisters, Cass and Nix.

I've grown accustom to listening to Laurel voice this world. I enjoy the voices she gives the men, and all characters. But the men with accents, yes ma'am. lol. There are accents needed for secondary characters as well, and Laurel voices them to give us a feel as we are traveling in those areas of the world.

Now, this book feels more Del than a Cass remake. Sure, there are similar patterns with the guy, learning her new magic, and soul stealing. We even meet a new character - Horatio - who reminds me much of Professor that Cass talks to for help. But the events around all that are very different and very Del like. I like the death magic associated with Del. It's different yet very believable system. Roarke even has his own system of contacts to call when things are needed.

We learn a secret of Roarke's when Del finally shares her big secret. Yes, the one about his brother. Though, it's a big thing for him and makes him who he is, it didn't feel that weighted as it was told to us. It is a terrible feeling he carries with him though and something that affects his thinking on their potential relationship. Roarke is a wonderful companion for Del. He feels to fit her well with the darkness of the Underworld in him, and Del.

I very much enjoyed this story as we learn about Del and her parents. Though we haven't met them we get a feel for how she grew up. This is interesting and I'm curious to learn more about them, and who they are. I really think they are special.

This book leads us to something (or someone) that will be who Del has to fight. There is a reason for the curse on her, yet no one knows it. This book leaves the hints of a possible next adventure for Del to learn about why the curse from who cursed her. And maybe a big battle with that person.



***If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you.

Sunday, July 23, 2017

Sunday Post #174

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share new about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes, I took a day off last weekend. I didn't do a Sunday Post. I think summer is getting to me. I've been slacking all over the place. I think when winter settles in again I'll be more apt to sit in the house and play on the computer. With summer, it's not that I've been outside as much but doing more because the weather is nicer. We seem to be on the go all the time lately.

We went to see fireworks last weekend at a local fair. Wow, they were amazing! They are known for their fireworks but I haven't been in years. The ending was done in 4 corners! There were fireworks going off around us. It was different and so neat to see.

We've had rain the last few days, which is a bummer. I've started relaxing outside in the new hammock in the evening. It's so nice. I either write or take the laptop out with me. I think I might love the hammock. lol.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Fit Booker:

Goal:  Workout in any form of exercise (or on Wii Fit) 2x's a week. (to feel better and hope to drop a few pants sizes)

How did I do last week... I've been slacking at working out. I do push mow the grass one day a week but this last week I didn't do anything else. *sigh* I need to change that.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:
Unleash by Lauren Harris


Current Audiobook:
Queen of the Night by Craig Schaefer

Current Podcast Book Listen:
Stonebriar Casefiles: Bad Alchemy by Laura Nicole Spencer (You can listen for free too!)


Finished Last Week: 
Nothing yet.


Audiobooks from Audible:
Demon Magic by Linsey Hall
Laced in Lies by Colleen Helme
The Malaise Falchion: The Spade Case Files by Paul Barrett

Finished Podcast Book Listen:
Nothing yet.


DNFed:

~~~~~~~~~~

Last Week on the Blog:


Cover Reveals: (click titles to go to post & learn more)
Guest Posts:



Posts:

Spellbound in a Flash:
I've started back up again! I'll work on more pictures.


Challenged Writers:
April, May, and why not June Update on writer-ly items.


Around the Internet...


Reviews:
Steampunk Is Dead by Harmon Cooper

"I thoroughly enjoy the way these storylines are written in the gaming world. I know we are in a video type game, but Quantum and Frances interact as though they were associating with other people. The worlds are different but a pleasure to visit. It's like a treat when we get to dive into The Loop."


Exiled by Amanda Carlson

"I enjoyed this journey with Phoebe. Her time in Helheim was a great time. She has grown as a Valkarie and in her own abilities."


Assassin's Victim by A.F. Grappin

"This book is Luc forming into the person he becomes. He's young, 15 years old, and given an opportunity in something that could help him in what he loves - lacrosse. But he learns it's a lie, to get to him. When his family life is destroyed, he vows to find the people who did this."


Perses by K.A. Finn

"Bray and Garvan. Yes ma'am. And thank you. These two characters were growing to be some of my favorite secondary characters in the previous two books. Well, they aren't the only ones. So to get the treat of them together and fighting to survive along with learning about their pasts, sign me up! I was thrilled to get into this story with them."

Podcast Review:




Mama Bitchstress Reviews:



GIVEAWAYS:


~~~~~~~~~~

This Week to Come on the Blog:


I have two reviews scheduled.



~~~~~~~~~~

Received Last Weeks:
(Note: Links to Amazon are buy links where I could earn commission, in case you are interested.)


For Review Consideration:



Audio Books Requested for Review:
Fantasy Online: Hyperborea by Harmon Cooper
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Nineteen-year-old Ryuk Matsuzaki and his best friend Tamana decide to start over with new avatars. When Tamana is suddenly killed right in front of him in a Tokyo subway, Ryuk knows there is only one place he can search for answers –Tritania, the world’s most popular online fantasy world. Standing in his way are a mysterious guild known as the Shinigami, and his older brother, a Yakuza crime lord hell-bent on squashing his dreams. 

As a lowly Ballistics Mage, Ryuk must quickly recruit guild members, level up, loot and shoot his way across Tritania to discover the dark and sinister secret behind Tamana’s untimely death. Joining him in his quest are a famous Swedish gamer, a powerful half-dragon half-human female assassin, and a devious ax-wielding goblin. 



Purchased/Winnings/Gifts:
Book:
Fire Maiden by Erin D. Andrews
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
When Violet hires Frank to be her accountant, everything clicks. They hit it off, but Violet convinces herself that she only needs him for work and nothing else. After she decided to date him, she's surprised by how easy it is - until she learns one small detail - he’s a dragon. 

How can she love someone who is a dragon, a creature she didn’t even know was real? Will she be able to accept Frank for who he is?

Ghost Colony by Blake B. River
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
The crew of Starship Bethany has mysteriously disappeared on Planet Nexus; their vessel empty and the Cryogenic sleepers in it lying unattended. 

Michael Brenner, 28, holder of a dead end analyst job at NASA 2, accidentally comes across this covert information, and when he tries to bring it to his higher-up’s knowledge, he finds himself being followed, his life in danger. 

He uncovers a deeper mystery to the disappearance of the crew, and in his self-led quest to do the right thing, Michael, with the help of his young protégé and a merry band of interplanetary adventurers who call themselves the Redbands, finds himself travelling across thousands of light years to discover the truth behind this strange disappearance. 

A tale of serendipitous love, an unexpected adventure, and corruption, Lost Planet is a must read if you love space operas and stories that leave you laughing, inspired and filled with wanderlust.


Audio:
Beacon by Chess Desalls
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
When Serah’s life in Havenbrim becomes unbearable, she accepts an apprenticeship with a celestial mechanic and glazier. Her master assigns her the task of opening a globe framed in copper. But the glass and seal are unbreakable. The solution to the puzzle traps Serah inside the globe, and transports her to a world where she longs for home.



Free Ebooks:
(On my Kindle and Nook App) Links to books under title. They may or may not be free at this time.
Unveiled by Lysa Daley
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Yesterday, Astrid was a regular sixteen-year-old junior at an elite prep school in a sleepy California town whose biggest problem was trying to figure out how to get hottie Chad Olson to notice her. 

But today, after an otherworldly meteorite nearly destroys her house, she discovers a shape-shifting bounty hunter is hot on her trail. 

Her only hope of survival is to team up Jax, the arrogant handyman who works for her uncle. Lucky for Astrid, Jax turns out to be more than she bargained for. 

In her quest to stay alive, Astrid learns the dark truth about her past and how she fits into an ancient alien prophecy about the future of the entire planet.

Cursed by Fire by Danielle Annett
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
It has been six years since the Awakening and peace in Spokane, Washington is still tenuous at best. The vampires and shifters are all vying for control of the city and the humans seem to be the ones suffering the consequences, or so it seems.

Aria Naveed has spent the last two years of her life fighting to make the many wrongs of the world right, but soon finds out that the humans aren’t as weak as they appear and may be a more terrifying foe than any of the other races combined.

When a stranger rolls into town with trouble on his heels, Aria finds herself trapped in the middle of a battle that could cost her more than she has bargained for as a fight for justice turns into an unexpected fight for her life.

Rendezvous by Skye Jordan
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Keaton Holt knows all about the badass throwdown—on the movie set and in the bedroom. As the only sixth-degree black belt stuntman for Renegades, he’s made a career of translating those fighting skills to the big screen. He’s sown his oats and is ready for hometown and apple pie. Too bad his rough exterior is a magnet for the women who think vanilla sex includes a drawerful of sex toys that could pass as weapons of mass destruction. So when he gets a second chance with the stunning personal assistant who looks like an angel and feels like home, he knows she’s exactly what he needs—and he’s ready to use all his best moves to keep her this time.

With a demanding new boss and a chronically ill nephew, the last thing Brooke Dempsey needs in her life is one more problem. Even if that problem is a sexy stuntman who knows exactly how she likes it. Keaton is just passing through, while Brooke is just settling in. Her nephew depends on Brooke, and her life is dedicated to getting him through this health crisis, but she’s not going to make the same mistake and part ways with Keaton before taking the chance to love him—just once.
But when Keaton pushes for a future, Brooke finds her heart torn over going after the love of a lifetime or giving her nephew a lifetime of happiness.

Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T. Michelle
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Nara Collins is an average sixteen-year-old, with one exception: every night she dreams the events of the following day. Due to an incident in her past, Nara avoids using her special gift to change fate…until she dreams a future she can’t ignore.

After Nara prevents a bombing at Blue Ridge High, her ability to see the future starts to fade, while people at school are suddenly being injured at an unusually high rate.

Grappling with her diminishing powers and the need to prevent another disaster, Nara meets Ethan Harris, a mysterious loner who seems to understand her better than anyone. Ethan and Nara forge an irresistible connection, but as their relationship heats up, so do her questions about his dark past.

Ministry Protocol: Thrilling Tales of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
From the Creators of the award-winning steampunk Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series ( Phoenix Rising and the Janus Affair) comes a collection of new adventures from around the world. 

The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences investigates the bizarre and unusual, and protects the citizens of the Empire from forces of darkness. Every agent knows that thrusting themselves into danger is part of the job, and may demand of them the ultimate sacrifice. They call on their own inner strength, wits, intellect, and innovations of science and technology. 

But is it enough to face the unknown and the unexplainable? 

This is Ministry Protocol: Thrilling Tales of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, a collection of short stories featuring the derring-do of secret agents cut from a different cloth. These original short stories feature the imagination and voices of… 

Leanna Rennee Hieber 
The League of S.T.E.A.M.’s Glenn Freund 
Delilah S. Dawson 
Jared Axelrod 
Tiffany Trent 
Karina Cooper 

…and many more! 

Travel to the farthest corners of Queen Victoria’s mighty empire and back again to the shores of Old Blighty, unlocking the mysteries of legend, lore, and shadowy societies. Welcome to a world of steam, secrets, machinations and madness.

Sweet Venom by Gena D. Lutz
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
My name is Cassis Dark, and I am a Spider Venin. My bite is venomous and can paralyze a man within seconds of exposure, and if I choose, it can kill.

When I was a teenager, my stepmother sold me into slavery. As a newly freed woman, I fight to protect the innocent from a world of pain with which I'm all too familiar.

The evils that stalk the night aren’t all human. Good thing for their intended victims…neither am I.
 

Infinite Spring by J.A. Armitage
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
With the evil Jago caught and locked in the cellar and the girl of her dreams in her arms, Anais has finally got everything she ever wanted. Things are not always what they seem though and soon Anais realises she's in for the fight of her life, not just to save the world but also to save her first love.

Strain of Defiance by Michelle Bryan
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
It's been eight years since the invasion. Eight years of fighting alien and human predators alike. Each day a struggle to survive. 
Bixby, and her crew of survivors at the Grand Hotel, thought they had lived through the worst of it.

They were wrong.

The invaders have evolved. They've become smarter. Stronger. Deadlier.

There may be a way to eradicate this new threat. But that entails a perilous expedition over three hundred miles of infested territory. Three hundred miles of leeches, ravagers, and hybrids, all on the hunt for blood.

What could possibly go wrong?

Raven by Stacey Rourke
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
An infamous love, destined nevermore,
For death could not claim, the enchanting Lenore.

Cursed by the malevolent spirit of the Headless Horseman, Ireland Crane ventures to Manhattan in search of a way to break her soul crushing bond. Instead, she discovers the lines between fact and fiction are blurring once more. Croaking ravens. Telltale hearts. Could the works of Poe be coming to pass with handsome Wall Street Midas Ridley Peolte as their unwilling target?

She walks the Earth, a plague on mankind,
searching for he, her rotted heart doth pine.

Together, the two unknowingly release a dark force death itself could not tame. Surrounded by the unrelenting violence and mayhem they’ve unleashed, Ireland feels her control over the Horseman slipping. Before the beast within consumes her, she and her crew must follow the clues of the dead to right a centuries’ old wrong. Will it be enough to sate the Horseman’s appetite?

Hell hath no fury like a ghoul scorned.

Lover's Knot by Karen Chance
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
One of the most powerful vampires alive has gone missing, which is fine with Dorina Basarab. As a dhampir, a half human, half vampire hybrid, her job is killing vampires, not saving them. But then the man sent to find the missing vampire also goes missing, and he happens to be her lover, Louis-Cesare. She therefore finds herself on a rescue mission with an old enemy, while forgotten memories from deep in her past play out in her head. What are they trying to tell her? And can she figure it out before it's too late?



Free Audio Books/Stories:


~~~~~~~~~~
Reviews to Come:

Soulless by Skyla Dawn Cameron
The Sentinel by Chris Lester
The Muse by Chris Lester
Metamor City: Making the Cut by Chris Lester
Metamor City: Whispers in the Wood by Chris Lester
Lex Talionis by Starla Huchton
Spark by Starla Huchton
Heir to Kale by K.L. Bone
Tales from the Archives Vol 4 #5 - Old Sinner's Bones
The Death of Dulgath by Michael J. Sullivan
Demon Magic by Linsey Hall
Laced in Lies by Colleen Helme
The Malaise Falchion: The Spade Case Files by Paul Barrett