What Else I Read in June of 2015

Books:

The Major's Faux Fiancee by Erica Ridley - The Major’s Faux Fiancee uses the false engagement as the main plot point.  The story develops from there.  It turns out that Daphane and Bartholomew both have things they need to learn about themselves.  Ridley does a great job developing the plot that leads up to each making the discovery they each need to live life to the fullest.  It makes for an interesting journey for both.

What does not take long is each discovering that they want the engagement to be real.  Of course neither will tell the other keeping the tension high and the romance at a simmer.  It was nice to meet the characters from the previous stories.  This is part of The Dukes of War series but will stand-alone.  For more fun pick up the other books if you have not already read them.

Shards of Hope by Nalini Singh - While this is Aden and Zira’s story it also sets the political stage for future books.  There are some new characters and a new leopard pack.  RainFire shows up early in the book and Remi the alpha looks like a great new main character.  Look for JoJo who steals the show from everyone else.  There are also many new and unexpected changes for the Arrows.  This is book 14 in the series and it looks like there could be that many more. 

Knight's Shadow by Sebastian De Castell - I loved Traitor’s Blade book one in the Greatcoat’s series.  Knight’s Shadow did not disappoint.  Just like book one Knight’s Shadow was full of surprises.  This is an action driven series and the action is non-stop.  So are the surprises.

There is the same cast of characters lead by Falcio Val Mond and the acition revolves around each.  Some are what they seem but some provide some of the surprises in the plot.  About the plot – some things have been revelaled but there is much that is left for future books.  The danger is not over and the tension is still building.  This is a four book series so there is more to come for Falcio and the Greatcoats.

Forget Me Not by Erika Marks - What happens when your writing career is not what everyone expected? Mallory Reynolds has just found out. It puts her back in the same town as Josh Loveless, the one she left behind. Or was it the one who did not fight for her. A nice sweet romance about second chances. Some sex but not too much. More about how you feel about decisions you made years ago.

Kiss Me by Susan Mallery -  What happens when you mix someone who tries to save everyone with someone who really needs saving.  Well if you put them on a ranch, mix in tourists and a cattle drive you get romance.  Zane Nicholson was mentioned in the previous Fools Gold book and Phoebe Kitzke is a new character.  They should not be a mix.  Zane is a down to earth rancher and Phoebe talks to the animals.  She does admit that they do not talk back.  They are both great characters and it turns out that they are a perfect mix.  Since the setting is a cattle drive on a ranch there are not that many previous Fools Gold characters but there are several set ups for more stories.

Once Upon a Cowboy by Maggie McGinnis - This is the third Whisper Creek book I have read and this time it is Jessalyn Alcott’s time to find romance.  I loved both Jessalyn and Cole Driscoll.  Jessalyn has a secret.  In fact she has several and we get to see them in flashbacks.  Cole has always been a player but for some time he has been ready to settle  down.  He realizes that Jess has something in her past that scares her and he is taking it very slow.  This is a very good story about how the past can affect the future.  It also speaks to the kind of abuse that some women suffer.  A great addition to the series and all the characters at Whisper Creek.

The Silver Ships by Scott Jucha - This is the authors first published story and it shows great promise.  The story starts with a familiar theme. From there it develops into its own original movement.  I could see the planning.  The plot is very well developed and the characters are interesting.  It is a tension filled and character driven.  This is the start of a series and while there is the start to a solution to the danger there is much more to be done.  The book ends on a tease. I am waiting for the next books to see how the adventure will continue.

The Silver Ships is self-published.  There were places where I felt it needed additional editing.  Some things needed more attention and some things could have been cut.  Even so I enjoyed reading it.

Wicked Ride by Rebecca Zanetti – I loved the Sin Brother series by Zanetti and when I saw she was starting a new series I had to give it a try.  What I didn’t know was that this is a spin-off from another series.  Once again there is a strong alpha male and a very strong female who strike sparks and lust when they meet.  The plot centers around a new drug on the street, a drug that is killing people. The two main characters are Alexandra and Kellach and both are trying to find the source of the drug.  However they are often working at cross purposes.  While this is book one in Realm Enforcers the back story and world building was done in a previous series.  Zanette does a good job of filling in the blanks but there were times I knew I was missing something.  Wicked Ride does stand alone but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the previous series.

Audio Books:

Twelve Days By Alex Berenson – John Wells has 12 days to stop a war.  This is book #9 in the series and the first one I have listened to or read.  This is a true series where one book follows the next with a cliffhanger ending.  Set in the present there is a lot that could really happen.  Expect non-stop action and lot of tension and some interesting characters.  The book just ends without letting the reader guess what will happen next.  I will find out in the next book which is not out yet.

Dirty Magic (Prospero’s War #1)  by Jaye Wells – A great start to a new series.  The world building works right into the plot, the characters are developed and interesting and everything builds on back-story and previous relationships.  The danger and tension build as the story progresses.  Some things are solved and some things are left for the next books. 

I loved the characters and their interactions.  This is trilogy so I will get to see more of them and more action and danger.

Teaser Tuesday - June 30, 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 Tease:

"You're going to make a pet of that?"
"Why not?"
"Because it is the ugliest little brute I've ever seen."
Page 59

From The Spring Bride by Anne Gracie, the third book in the Chance Sisters Romance series.  Just started it and it looks to be a very good one.
  

Musing Mondays - June 29, 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: Last week, I came across someone’s idea to create waterproof books {see it here}. What do you think about this? Good idea, or bad?

Not a campaign I would support.  I having a waterproof book would be nice for some people but I really don't see the point.

Redemption Bay (Haven Point #2) by RaeAnne Thane

Contemporary Romance

What Goodreads says:

New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne brings you back to Haven Point—a place made for second chances…

McKenzie Shaw would do anything for her beloved hometown of Haven Point. It may be small and struggling, but it's never let her down…unlike gorgeous, infuriating Ben Kilpatrick. He was her childhood hero until he closed his family's factory, leaving the town's economy in shambles. Now he's back—his tech firm is considering opening a local facility. For Haven Point's sake, McKenzie has to grit her teeth and play nice.

What could a town filled with painful memories ever offer Ben? He left Haven Point behind years ago, for good reason. Yet seeing the town through the eyes of McKenzie—its fiery young mayor—he suddenly has his answer. If only he can resolve the animosity crackling between them, Ben may have found the place where he can build ties and find healing…a place where love arrives when it's least expected.

It is good to be back in Haven Point and to see who will be the next to find love.  This time it is McKenzie Shaw and Ben Kilpatrick.  It is hard to believe that they could ever get together but they do have some things in common.

I loved the story.  Both McKenzie and Ben are great characters and their story unfolds in a very believable way.  As usual Thayne’s story line is well thought out.  Back-story happens when needed and adds to the flow.  One thing I loved was something that was lacking.  There were some hot kisses but no page after page of sex.  I read an ARC so I hope that stays the same.  It was refreshing to have all of the action mean something without all of the sex scenes interrupting the story line.

This is just book 2 in the Haven Point series.  The town has some other great characters just waiting for their story.

Harlequin published Redemption Bay by RaeAnne Thayne in 2015.

I received an ARC of Redemption Bay from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Stacking The Shelves - June 27, 2015

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:

Betting on Hope (A Four of Hearts Ranch Romance) by Debra Clopton

Mirror Image by K.G. Stutts

The Deepest Poison: A Clockwork Dagger Story by Beth Cato

Heart Fire by Robin D. Owens

A Man’s Word (The King’s Hounds) by Martin Jensen

Abracadaver by Laura Resnick

For Review:

Protecting the Colton Bride by Elle James

Ether & Elephants by Cindy Spencer Pape

Final Protocol by J.C. Daniels

Book Beginnings and The Friday 56 - June 26, 2015

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:

"A year after the Callisto attacks, almost three years after he and his crew had headed out for Ilus, and about six days after they'd gotten back, James Holden floated next to his ship and watched a demolition mech cut her apart."

Page 56:

"Naomi sipped at her tea, buying time. Not a good sign, because it meant this was something she wasn't sure how to talk about."

From Nemesis Games by James S.A. Corey. This is book five of The Expanse series. I have followed from book one, Leviathan Wakes. It is pure Space Opera and fun to read. Nemesis Games is almost like a place holder. It does not go anywhere. It just sets up the next book in the series while filling in the back-story for Naomi, Alex and Amos, the other three main characters in the series. A nice book for series fans. Also nice to see less of James Holder and more of his crew.

A New Hope (Thunder Point #8) by Robly Carr

Contemporary Romance

From Goodreads:

Starting over is never easy, but in Thunder Point, where newcomers are welcome and friends become family, it's possible to find yourself again. In this brand-new story, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr takes us on a moving and rewarding journey as a young woman finds new hope.

After losing her child, Ginger Dysart was lost in grief. But since moving to Thunder Point, a small town on the Oregon coast, and with the help of her cousin Ray Anne, Ginger is finally moving forward. Her job at the flower shop is peaceful and fulfilling, and she's excited to start her first big assignment, assisting with the Lacoumette wedding.

In spite of her lasting heartache, Ginger finds herself swept up in the pleasure of the occasion. But the beauty of the Lacoumette farm and the joy of the gregarious family are ruined by an unfortunate encounter with the bride's brother, Matt. Struggling with painful memories of his own recent divorce, Matt makes a drunken spectacle of himself and Ginger when he tries to make a pass at her, forcing Ginger to flee the scene in embarrassment.

But when Matt shows up at the flower shop determined to make amends, what started out as a humiliating first meeting blossoms into something much deeper than either of them expected. Discovering they have a lot in common, they form a solid friendship, though everyone around them worries that Ginger will end up with a broken heart yet again. But if Ginger has the courage to embrace the future, and if Matt can finally learn to let go of the past, there may still be hope for a happy ending.

Both Ginger Dysart and Matt Lacumette are characters from One Wish, the previous book in the Thunder Point series.  Both have suffered a severe event in their lives that has left them injured.  We do know what happened to Ginger and I could guess what happened to Matt long before he told Ginger what was causing his pain.

I loved both characters.  After a very long period of depression Ginger is working hard to start a new life.  Matt starts out as a real looser but quickly turns a page as he and Ginger become friends.  Carr has the nack of creating really wonderful settings and characters and in A New Hope she has done it again.  The problems and tension in the story seem so real and just drew me in.  There is a side story and a new very interesting character whose problems are left hanging.  I am hoping that is the hook for the next book in the series.

A New Hope is a very good addition to the series.  As always we do get to see some of the characters from previous books but the further from their stories we get the less we see of them.  That is always a disappointment.  The stories and characters seem so real that I always want to know how everyone from previous books are getting along.

Mira published A New Hope by Robyn Carr in 2015.

I received an ARC of A New Hope from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

The Shadow Revolution (Crown & Key #1) by Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith

Paranormal and Steampunk

From Goodreads:

A thrilling new Victorian-era urban fantasy for fans of Kevin Hearne’s Iron Druid Chronicles, the Showtime series Penny Dreadful, and the Sherlock Holmes movies featuring Robert Downey, Jr.

They are the realm’s last, best defense against supernatural evil. But they’re going to need a lot more silver.

As fog descends, obscuring the gas lamps of Victorian London, werewolves prowl the shadows of back alleys. But they have infiltrated the inner circles of upper-crust society as well. Only a handful of specially gifted practitioners are equipped to battle the beasts. Among them are the roguish Simon Archer, who conceals his powers as a spell-casting scribe behind the smooth veneer of a dashing playboy; his layabout mentor, Nick Barker, who prefers a good pub to thrilling heroics; and the self-possessed alchemist Kate Anstruther, who is equally at home in a ballroom as she is on a battlefield.

After a lycanthrope targets Kate’s vulnerable younger sister, the three join forces with fierce Scottish monster-hunter Malcolm MacFarlane—but quickly discover they’re dealing with a threat far greater than anything they ever imagined.

There is a strong paranormal element with just a small amount of steampunk in The Shadow Revolution.  Set in the Victorian Era the story starts with a tension filled scene and does not let up.  Fair warning it contains a lot of blood and guts.

This is book one in a new series and it requires quite a bit of world building and back story.  Both are woven into the plot in a way that keeps the tension and danger at a high level. There are two very strong main characters and some equally strong supporting characters that keep every thing moving.  Several of the characters come with secrets that are yet to be revealed.

The plot looks to be simple.  Kill the werewolves but there are surprise elements that keep creeping in.  Those elements set up the next book and keep the story unique.  This is a high drama, tension filled story with interesting characters.  Everything is set up for the same in book two.

Del Rey published The ShadowRevolution by Clay Griffith and Susan Griffity in 2015.

I received an ARC of The Shadow Revolution in return for an honest review.