Teaser Tuesday- March 31, 2015

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhyme.  
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.   

The Teaser:

"I am convinced that for the typical American, and maybe for you and many of your friends and family, the most important health step you can take is to stop drinking soda, sports drinks, or artificially flavored and sweetened waters and replace them with pure water."

From Effortless Healing by Dr. Joseph Mercola - 

What Else I Read in March of 2015

Books:

The Skull Throne by Peter V. Brett- This is the fourth book in the Warded Man Series. The books are about mankind's war with the Demons that come at night. At the end of the third book Arlen threw himself and Jardir off a cliff during their combat to decide who was the Deliver. It was a true cliffhanger. The prologue shows the response of the parties watching the single combat, Brett then moves on and throws a twist into the story. It appears that he will continue his habit of retelling part of the story from previous books from another character's perspective, this time Jardir's niece, who doesn't seem as central to the story as the retellings in 2nd and 3rd books.  I quickly realized it wasn't as deep a retelling as from those books, and the story of the Daylight War dominates most of this book. This book is longer than the previous books, and with out giving spoilers I have to say the story line takes some twists that I didn't see coming.  I don't think it advanced the series as much as I expected. I thought the series was going to be five books, but I am not sure everything can be tied up in one more book even if it is longer than this one. So while mildly disappointed that it didn't seem to move forward as much as I would like, I still look forward to the next book in the series. 

The Peyti Crisis: A Retrieval Artist Novel:  Book Five in the Anniversary Day Saga (Retrieval Artist series 12) by Katherine Kristine Rusch This series just gets better and better.  In the Peyti Crisis everyone begins to see that there is more to the attacks than they thought.  There are some new characters in the book but most of the action is centered on DeRicci, Miles Flint, Bartholomew Nyquist and Deshin.  All main character we have met before.

Start this series from the beginning of the Anniversary Day Saga as all the action and characters build from that point.  For even more fun start with book one of the Retrieval Artist series.  Rusch is publishing one book a month in the Anniversary Day Saga so there is much more to come and you don’t have a long wait until the next book.  I have the next book on pre-order so I can start reading on its release day.

The Argent Star (The Monarchy Book 1) by Emerson Fray – I did a book blast tour for The Argent Star because I liked the concept of owning a star because someone in the past named it.  The tour did not come with a copy of the book so I purchased it on Amazon. 

Despite the great concept the book was a disappointment.  I almost put the it down several times.  The world building, back-story and characters all needed a good editor to bring everything into focus.  This is the start of a series so I hope that things jell more in the next book.  Having said that it was a disappointment I will still give book two a try because it does have great potential. 

The Counterfeit Heiress (Lady Emily #9) by Tasha Alexander – This is a very nice addition to the Lady Emily series.  Again Emily and Colin are drawn into a mystery that leads to another mystery.  Starting in London at a Masquerade ball they travel to Paris as they work to find out where the real heiress is.  I caught on sooner than either Emily or Colin but that did not keep me for enjoying the book.  In fact I think when I do know before everyone in the book it just makes it more fun.

A Matter of Trust by Greta van der Rol – A really good SFR story with great characters and action.  The romance is believable.   Amira and Admiral Ul-Mellor have met before.  When she is in danger he is the one to come to her rescue. It is only 94 pages but van der Rol uses each to maximum advantage.  The story line keeps moving, the two main characters are very well drawn and the romance nicely done.  This could lead to future stories so maybe Amir and her Admiral will grace the pages of a future story.

Stars Across Time by Ruby Lionsdrake – Yes, yes, yes.   I would love more about Andie and Theron.  Ruby Lionsdarke wrote Stars across Time while taking a break from her Mandrake Company series.  Stars Across Time is a time-travel story with some really interesting characters and a great story line.  With all of the world building and character development it would be a share if this were the only story in this setting.  The ending leaves room for a whole lot more so I hope to see Andie and Theron again.

Conspiracy (The Iron Admiral #1) by Greta van der Rol – This is

book one so don’t look for a nice neat ending.  One thing is over but there are still a lot of issues to resolve.  Allysha’s husband is still out there somewhere and she still cannot forgive the Admiral.  My only problem with the book was how Admiral Saahren fell in instant love with Allysha.   I did think it should have taken a little longer.  I did like the no HEA in Conspiracy.  There is a lot of tension and danger in Conspiracy.  The world building and back story are very well done.  Now I just have to get the next book in the series.

Moon Called (Mercy Thompson #1) by Patricia Briggs – I have

read several of the Mercy Thompson books but never Moon Called. When I dropped off books for my local library’s used book store I saw it on the shelf and decided to pick it up.  Reading it after reading other Mercy Thompson books and reading the Alpha and Omega series added to my enjoyment.  I could see the hooks to other stores and to the Alpha and Omega series.  Moon Called has great character development, back story and world building.  All in all very enjoyable.

Reckless Rescue (A Barren Planet Romance Book 1) by Rinelle

Grey – What happens when you have a planet that affects fertility and a male who crash lands on that planet.  This is how Tyris meets Marlee and what follows is a slow growing romance that may or may not work.  This is book one and only one problems is solved.  The story is very well written, the back-story revealed as needed, and the world building is solid.  All in all a nice Science Fiction Romance.

The Navy SEAL’s E-Mail Bride by Cora Seton – I read one of Seton’s other E-Mail order bride stories and thought it was really cute.  The Navy SEAL’s story is just as fun.  Mason Hall is a great character and Regan is his match.  It was fun seeing them get together.  Like some other’s I did not like the debt that was thrown in.  It was unfair to put that on Mason but it did serve a plot purpose.  Cute story and an easy read.

Her Mule Hollow Cowboy by Debra Clopton – Maddie Rose is one of those strong characters who just cannot ask for help.  She also keeps her heart secure by keeping everyone at a distance.  Enter Cliff Masterson who sees Maddie’s need for control but works very hard to get into her heart.  This is a nice sweet story with some Christian influence.  It is just a short few paragraphs so it is not enough to be a turn off if that is something you don’t like in a book.  No explicit sex just some hot kisses as Cliff wins Maddie over.  A really nice short love story.

Joe Steele by Harry Turtledove – I can’t say I liked or disliked Joe Steele.  I can say I found it was a depressive read but one that struck an uncomfortable cord.  This could happen today.  We could take that slippery slope that leads to a country we don’t want.  I have to wonder if that is the reaction Turtledove wanted.  Read at your own risk.

Audio Books:

Raging Heat by Richard Castle - I love Castle the TV show and have watched from the first episode.  Richard Castle is the fictional hero on the show and he is the author of the Nickki Heat books.  It turns out there are actual books being released with Richard Castle listed as the author.  Raging Heat is the first one I have read/listened too.  It is a fun book with lots of action, romance and tension.  I don't know who actually writes them but I think any fan of the show would enjoy the story.  

The Blood of an Englishman by M.C. Beaton - Agatha is once

again looking for love and this time it looks like she might find it.  Her luck has not changed though.  All of her possibilities fall through.  As all of this happens she is trying to solve several murders.  I have followed this series from book one and it just does not get old.  Look for all the previous characters to appear and some like Charles to play a major role.  There was a twist in the book that I did not expect.  I  won't be eating certain foods for awhile.

Musing Mondays - March 30, 2015

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme sponsored by A Daily Rhythm that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

• I’m currently reading…
• Up next I think I’ll read…
• I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
• I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
• I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
• I can’t wait to get a copy of…
• I wish I could read ___, but…
• I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION: How old were you when you realized that you are an AVID reader?

I was very young.  I remember having a book under the desk where the teacher could not see it so I could read instead of being bored by what was going on in the classroom.  I was 8 or nine then.  That habit continued through the 12th grade.

Total Surrender (Sin Brothers #4) by Rebecca Zanetti

Contemporary Thriller

What Goodreads says:

A fight he must win...

Piper Oliver knows she can't trust him. They warned her that the tall, dark, and sexy black-ops soldier Jory Dean would try to win her over with his steel-gray eyes and deadly charm, but she won't be conned by this man they call a traitor. All she has to do is figure out the science necessary to save his life, and she's done. Something isn't adding up, though, and she won't rest until she uncovers the truth-even if it's buried in his deep, dangerous kiss.

A passion she can't resist...

Jory will do anything to reunite with and save his brothers-even kidnap the gorgeous woman who's working to deactivate the deadly chip in their spines. But the forces determined to destroy his family won't let them go so easily. Keeping Piper alive is more than he bargained for-and so is his burning desire for her. But with every second bringing him closer to certain death, can he afford to lose himself in her hot and willing embrace?

I love this series and have looked forward to Jory’s story from book one.  I wondered who they would pair him with but I never suspected it would be the Commander’s daughter.  Of course Piper was introduced in this book so she is a new character.

I found the story to be a little slow at the beginning but it picked up speed after the first few chapters and was non-stop action from then on.  Jory just wants to save his brothers and he will use anyone he can to make it happen.  He starts wanting to use Piper but as he gets to know her things change.  Along with the action and adventure we also get a romance.  The two have a heart stopping journey to their HEA.  

Total Surrender also introduces some important new characters and new information comes to light.  I started the book sad to leave the Sin Brothers but by the end I saw new hooks for future stores in the series.  I hope that those hooks are not just a tease but an indication that there is more to come.

This is a series that is best if read from book one. You can start with Total Surrender but it will be a lot more fun to start with book one and let the tension that is such a big part of the series build.

Hachette published Total Surrender by Rebecca Zanetti in 2014.

I received an ARC of Total Surrender from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Stacking the Shelves - March 28 , 2015

Books Stacked on My Shelves

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books I added to my shelves this week. They may it be physical or virtual. I include books I buy in a physical store or online, books I borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!  Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews.  Follow the link to see what others have on their shelves. 

Purchased:

The Navy SEAL’s E-mail Order Bride (Heroes of Chance Creek #1) by Cora Seton

Her Mule Hollow Cowboy: New Horizon Ranch by Debra Clopton

Reckless Rescue (A Barren Planet Romance Book 1) by Rinelle Grey

For Review:

Undercover Bride by Margaret Brownley

The Shadow Revolution: Crown and Key by Clay and Susan Griffith

The Iron Ship by K.M. McKinley

Nothing Like a Cowboy by Donna Alward

Night of the Highland Dragon by Isabel Cooper

Effortless Healing by Dr. Joseph Mercola

Won:

Midnight's Kiss: A Novel of the Elder Races by Thea Harrison

Book Beginnings and The Friday 56

I'm linking up with Rose City Reader for Book Beginnings and Freda's Voice for Page 56. Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Pick the closest book on your book stack and join the fun.

The Beginning:

"Once upon a time, Chauncy "Choo" Childers made himself a secret lair."

Page 56:

"I'm actually watching Alison's car when it exploits. It's a habit of mine."

From Daring (Pax Arcana #2) by Elliott James. This is a book from my TBR pile. I purchased it when it came out and still have not started reading it. I did move it to the top so it is next after several I have to review.

Betrayed by Your Kiss by Laura Landon

Historical Romance

From Goodreads:

It should have been the happiest night of her life…

Lady Olivia Sheridan knows one thing: she has loved Lord Damien forever. But when her beloved is accused of fathering another woman’s child, Olivia’s world is shattered in ways she never thought possible. Especially when Damien’s accuser sets a huge price on his head, and Olivia discovers Damien’s death will be the only outcome…unless she does the one thing he will never forgive her for doing.

When Olivia’s plan to save him goes disastrously, dangerously awry, Damien doesn’t think he’ll ever see the light of day again and, with bitterness, he realizes that the woman he loves is capable of the ultimate betrayal.

Now, four years later, Damien has returned. His eye is on one thing: seeking revenge for what Olivia did to him. Only his heart may get in the way…

Because hell hath no fury…like a man betrayed.

I love Laura Landon’s books.  She puts an unusual slant to her stories making them unique and interesting.  Betrayed by Your Kiss does not disappoint.  This theme asked when is something done out of love a betrayal?

Lady Olivia Sheridan must live with her actions, action that were done out of love but were seen by Lord Damien as a betrayal.  She is strong enough to do just that.  It takes a very strong person to do that and she has that strength.

While Lord Damien sees betrayal it is apparant that he is way off base.  What he needs was a good kick in the head and in the end he gets one. There is a lot of good story before that happens.

Montlake Romance published Betrayedby Your Kiss by Laura Landon in 2015.

I received an ARC of Betrayed by Your Kiss from Netgalley in return for an honest review.