What Else I Read in December 2015

Books:

The Cowboys Convenient Bride by Donna Alward - We met Laura Jessup in the previous book in this series.  She is running from the Father of her baby and has let the small town believe someone else is the Father.  I wondered how Alward would bring Tanner and Laura together.  She does it in a very convincing way.  A great follow up to The Cowboy’s Christmas Family.  Both are great feel good books.

Rustler’s Moon (Ransom Canyon #2)  by Jodi Thomas – Another great story in Thomas’s new series for Harlequin.  She does a great job with stories with an ensemble cast.   Angela Harrell is new to the series.  She is the perfect match for Wilkes Wagner but of course it takes awhile for him to realize that he wants to do more than protect her from danger.  Lauren Brigman and Lucas Reyes are back in the story along with another new character, Lauren’s’ college roommate.  Look for a surprising development for one of the original character from book one.

One Rogue at a Time (Rakes and Rogues #2) by Jade Lee – Two very interesting characters meet and fall in love in book 2 of Jade Lee’s Rakes and Rogues series.  I loved Maybelle.  She knows what she wants and does not hesitate to go after it.  Bram is the opposite.  He has settled for life on the edge of the ton.  While I really liked both Maybelle and Bram I really disliked their family members and really enjoyed seeing the two fall in love and get their HEA.

Into The Fury by Kat Martin - I started reading Kat Martin when she started the Against series. After awhile I stopped even though I enjoyed all that I read. When Amazon Prime offered Into the Fury book one in the new Boss trilogy I decided to give them another try. The format is the same. There is danger to a female character. She is supported and helped by the very dangerous male characters. They end up with an HEA. It was fun to see the men from the first trilogy re-appear in the Boss trilogy. The characters were predictable but fun to meet. The same with the plot. There is a hook for the next book in the series and I will be looking for it to see what happens. If you like contemporary romance with danger attached try this series. All of the book stand alone so start anywhere.

Wildfire in His Arms by Johanna Lindsey.  This is the first time for an Johanna Lindsey book.  I started with an audio book.  Then two of the disk had bad spots on them so I finished with the hard copy.  Both gave me some really good laughs and smiles.  A very fun read.

Taking Aim At The Sheriff by Delores Fossen – Book two in the new Appaloosa Pass Ranch series.  A good addition to the story 

line.  Like all Intrigue books this is full of danger, tension and romance.  The two main characters are from two families who are bitter enemies.  Laura Tate loves Jericho Crockett but has kept a dangerous secret to protect him.  Jericho knows even being with Laura is dangerous but then that secret comes out and he has to protect her and the secret.  Good plot and story line.  If you like the books in Harlequin’s Intrigue series check out the ones written by Fossen.

Jail for the Damned by T.S. Mercer – A familiar theme with a twist.  The jail is a supermax located somewhere on Earth in the very near future.  The prisoners do not know where it is located and no one has ever escaped and lived to tell it.  Feral humans who love to capture and kill the inmates surround it.  A interesting story that was listed as SciFi.  I did not find much SciFi in it.  The main characters were interesting, the story predictable and the plot very simple.

Anything for You (Blue Heron #5) by Kristan Higgins – A new Blue Heron book that features Connor O’Rourke and Jessica Dunn 

with visits from all the other favorites in the series.  This is a story that is very long in the making.  It tells the history of both from the time they were 12 and now they are both in their 30’s.  It does not look good for the two of them as Jessica always holds back but in the end they have a great HEA.  A nice addition to the series.

Kill Without Mercy (ARES Security #1) by Alexandra Ivy – Military heroes are very popular right now.  Kill Without Mercy 

features 5 former Taliban Prisoners why have banded together to start a security business.  The concept is not new but Ivy makes it sound fresh.  I love the five main characters.  Each has his own different strength and personality.  They are very close and each is there for the other.  This first book features Rafe Vargas.  Annie White is in trouble and Rafe is just the one to help but he does not do it alone.  The story brings all five in to help and providing a little of the back-story for each.  I think the series will be a real winner.

1635: A Parcel of Rogues by Eric Flint and Andrew Dennis

Alternate History

From Goodreads:

Book #20 in the multiple New York Times best-selling Ring of Fire series. When the diplomatic embassy from the United States of Europe was freed from the Tower of London during the Baltic War, most of its members returned to the continent. But some remained behind in Britain, including notorious enemy to the crown Oliver Cromwell. Now,  the hunt for Cromwell is on, with King Charles himself demanding Cromwell’s head.

When the diplomatic embassy from the United States of Europe was freed from the Tower of London during the Baltic War, most of its members returned to the continent. But some remained behind in Britain: Oliver Cromwell and a few companions, including the sharpshooter Julie Sims, her Scot husband Alex Mackay, and Cromwell’s Irish-American self-appointed watchdog Darryl McCarthy.

Soon, the hunt is on for the most notorious rebel in English history, with King Charles himself demanding Cromwell’s head. The new chief minister Richard Boyle, Earl of Cork, brings over from Ireland a notorious crew of cutthroats led by the man called Finnegan to track down and capture the escapees from the Tower.

The hunt passes through England and into Scotland, where the conflict between Cromwell and his companions and their would-be captors becomes embroiled in Scotland’s politics, which are every bit as savage and ruthless as Finnegan and his men. To make things still more conflicted and confused, the time Darryl McCarthy spends fighting alongside Cromwell forces him against his will to admire and respect—and even like—the man, despite Cromwell’s demonic reputation among all self-respecting Irish nationalist families like Darryl’s own.

It’s a Gordian knot anywhere you look—until Julie Sims brings out her rifle. Now it’s the turn of Scot partisans and English lords and Irish toughs to learn the lesson already learned on the continent:

A safe distance isn’t what you think it is. Not after the American angel of death spreads her wings.

A Parcel of Rogues is a must read for fans of the Ring of Fire series.  In the time line this fills in an event that happened early in the series.  Mike Stern is still running the United States of Europe and the escape from the Tower of London just happened.  Alex and Julie, two of the main characters as the series began stayed in England after the escape and we are just now finding out what happened to them and to Oliver Cromwell.

I found the first part of the book a little slow.  Since I am reviewing an ARC of A Parcel of Rogues some of the things that slowed the book down may be edited out.  There is a lot about Finnegan, the man tracking them down, that I could have skipped.  The same goes for all of the explanations about history and how it is changed.  That  could be shorten.  Of course that is me and some readers may think it needs the long explanations.

The last part of the book was just the opposite.  There was plenty of action, danger and tension.  Julie, Alex, Darryl McCarthy and Cromwell all play a part in keeping everyone safe.  A nice ending to the question of what happened in England and Scotland after the escape.

A Parcel of Rogues is not the best book in the series but it is an important side story and may lead to future books set in England.

Baen published A Parcel of Rogues by Eric Flint and Andrew Dennis.  The book is due out in 2016.

I received an ARC of A Parcel of Rogues from Edelweiss in return for an honest review.

A Princess is Always Right by Stephanie Burkhart Review Tour and Giveaway

A Princess is Always Right

by Stephanie Burkhart

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GENRE: Steampunk Romance

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BLURB:

Sophia may be the youngest Windsor, but she knows her mind. A Princess of York, she's committed to do her duty – prevent Jonas Byron from finding Nikola Tesla and decimating the time line.

Jax Ruston is a rugged metalsmith with curly hair and dimples to die for. A resident of 1855, he's pledged to help Sophia find Jonas. Together, they journey across continental Europe in pursuit of Jonas.

Despite her duty, Sophia's attracted to handsome Jax. However, he's committed to living in 1855. Can Sophia keep her focus on her mission, or will desire interfere with her task? Only one thing is certain: a princess is always right.

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REVIEW:

I have followed this series since it started.  A Princess is Always Right is a nice addition.  The parings of characters from different time periods are at the heart of the series.  There is a romance but also a problem that must be solved.  That is part of the fun.  Historical characters are always part of the problem.  It is fun to see how they are worked into the story line. Look for action, tension and of course romance. It can be read as a stand alone but works best read in order.

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EXCERPT

Jax raked a hand over his hair. He did not want her to leave without him. That meant only one thing. He had to go to her and convince her they couldn't be separated. He stood and cast his gaze on Ian. The boy slept soundly. Jax had to find a compromise by doing right by the boy and doing right by his heart.

He closed the door behind him gently and checked on Sophia's room. She wasn't there. Then he went downstairs. Peeking into the study, he saw Lady Charlotte placing covers over Lord Ridgecroft and making him comfortable. Could she be in the kitchen? He continued down the hall and caught a glimpse of two people sitting on a bench. Jeeves and Sophia. Fisting his hands, he drew in a breath and steeled up his courage.

Jax knocked on the glass of the french doors and stepped out. She looked up at him, sadness etched in her face.

"Can we talk?" he asked.

Jeeves glanced at Sophia. She offered the butler a small smile. "It's fine."

Jeeves stood and bowed. "If you'll excuse me, I'll finish my rounds and retire for the evening."

"Good night, Jeeves," Jax said.

The butler nodded and left.

"I had no idea I had a son. This was a surprise."

"It's clear the boy is yours," she said, softly. "And so is your duty."

"I won't deny it," Jax paused. "And I do want to get to know him, but I don't want to lose you either."

"I have to leave tomorrow."

He pursed his lips, frustrated. "I knew Fiona briefly. I was attracted to her because she was kind, but I knew nothing would ever come of us. My father suggested she knew that, too, that's why she never told me."

"I'm sorry." Sophia looked at her fingers in her lap, then up at him. "She should have contacted you. It would have been the right thing to do."

He sighed and took the seat next to Sophia placing her hand between his. He snared her eyes with his stare. "The right thing to do is let me go with you tomorrow. I care for you."

"I know what it's like to lose a parent. I was twelve when my mother passed away. I still remember the little things, like her smile. I remember traveling all over Britain with her. When my mother passed away, a sadness filled my heart that I thought I would never replace. That little boy is hurting right now. He needs you."

"He can come with us." Jax just blurted out the first thought that came to his mind. If Sophia wanted Ian to be close to Jax, then it only made sense to have Ian come with them. Jax thought the idea was inspired.

Sophia's mouth fell open, then she closed it, before she scrunched up her brows. "Are you serious? That we take a five-year-old traipsing all over Europe with us?"

"Why not? It's the only way we can be all together." He had no idea what it would entail, but what better way to solve his problem? He would get to know his son and remain close to Sophia.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD.  She was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire.  After serving 11 years in the US Army she currently calls Castaic, California her home. Stephanie was married in Denmark in 1991 and has two young sons. She adores chocolate, is addicted to coffee and enjoys early morning walks.  She's also an assistant den leader for her son's Cub Scout den and is a Boy Scout mom. She writes paranormal, contemporary, and steampunk romance and has two children's books published with 4RV Publishing.

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:

WEBSITE:

http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

TWITTER:

http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:

http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee

PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

BUY LINKS FOR A PRINCESS IS ALWAYS RIGHT:

PUBLISHERS'S WEBSITE http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/the-windsor-diaries-book-four-a-princess-is-always-right-epub/

AMAZON:http://www.amazon.com/Princess-Always-Right-Windsor-Diaries-ebook/dp/B01593SYZU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443912470&sr=8-1&keywords=A+Princess+is+Always+Right

BARNES AND NOBLE:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-princess-is-always-right-stephanie-burkhart/1122644143?ean=2940150862906

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

Stephanie will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In Time For You by Chris Karlsen Book Blast and Giveaway

In Time for You

by Chris Karlsen

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GENRE: Historical Romance

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BLURB:


While horseback riding in the English countryside, sisters, Electra and Emily Crippen find themselves trapped in a tear in time. Thrown back to 1357 England and caught by a local noble, they are in a place that is home but as frightening and unfamiliar as an alien world would be. With no idea how the tear in time came about, the one thing they do know is: they must stay together and stay near to where the event took place in hopes of discovering the way back to their modern life. That certain need to stay together is the first certainty taken from them when one sister is forced to remain in England and one is sent miles away to Wales by royal order.

There is one other hope for help the sisters don’t know exists. It’s Electra’s lover, Roger Marchand. A time traveler himself, he never told her of his past. When he realizes what has happened to the sisters, he enlists the help of a scientist friend to help him open the suspected passageway through time. Any effort to save Electra and Emily will likely cost him his life. This was the time Roger came from, a time when his country, France, was at war with England. If he is discovered on English soil while searching for the sisters, he will either be killed or taken prisoner of war. Any risk is worth saving the life of the woman he loves.

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EXCERPT

"Just ahead. I have a surprise set up," Roger said as he trotted toward Elysian Fields again.

He led them to an open field where the sunlight was bright and the ground flat. The cafe staff had laid everything out on a red and white checked tablecloth from the restaurant. A platter held cheeses and fruit arranged around chunks of the baguette. The champagne sat chilling in a silver bucket with two flutes at the side. He'd share a flute with Electra.

“Damn,” he muttered, they’d forgotten the flowers.

Everyone dismounted and tied the horses to an oak tree with low hanging branches.

"It's lovely. You are such a romantic," Electra said, kissing him on the cheek.

Emily gave him a sheepish look. "Tell the truth, Roger. You planned for this to be enjoyed by just the two of you. I'm the proverbial third wheel, aren't I?"

Only a lout with a complete lack of chivalry would answer truthfully. "Don't be silly. What man..." he tipped his head at her, "especially a Frenchman, wouldn't be delighted to have two charming ladies at his side?"

"You're sweet to say that," Emily said. "Is there some sort of all occasion book Frenchmen work out of that tells them what to say to women? If not, you should consider writing one. You'd make a fortune."

"Thank you—I think."

Electra turned to Emily. "Want to pick some flowers?"

Emily nodded.

Electra emptied a wicker basket that held honey and butter while Emily took the sharp meat knife from the platter. "We'll be back in a flash," Electra said.

"Where are you going?"

"We passed a blanket of wildflowers not far back. I thought we'd gather a bunch for our table."

"Where exactly is this spot that's not far back?" He asked, anxious to pour the champagne and his heart out and propose.

"By that granite outcropping."

Roger reached for the basket. "You can't go there. That's not Alex's land. It's part of the acreage he donated to Dr. Gordon's group."

Electra held tight to the basket. "So? It's not like Gordon is going to know we were there. What harm are we causing picking a few flowers? None."

"His knowing is not the point. It's the principle. You've no right to go traipsing about on his property without permission." This was a thorny issue for him. In her defense, Electra didn't know that. Over the years, Roger had had his share of trespassers and poachers on his land. He'd never have given poachers permission to cross his land, but the trespassers, had they asked, he'd have let cross.

"Since you're determined to do this, hurry up and get away from there," he told Electra. "I'll open the champagne and have a glass ready for you."

"We'll work double fast," Emily added and the two jogged off.

He'd opened the champagne and was in the process of pouring when Electra's panicked scream came from the spot near the outcropping.

"Roger!"

He dropped the bottle and ran.

Gone. Both sisters were gone. The basket with a handful of flowers inside lay on the ground.

"Electra," he called out. "Emily."

He ran in a widening spiral hoping to find them. When he didn't, he returned and checked the scattered patches where the flowers grew for a clue. He looked for any sign someone had come along and taken them by force. Perhaps one of Dr. Gordon's crew had hustled them back to the trailer that served as their lab. Perhaps they demanded an explanation for what the women were doing.

He was grasping at straws and knew it. Anyone of the Gordon group could clearly see the women were picking flowers. Taking them off to their camp was heavy-handed especially for a bunch of scientists. Nor were there any footprints other than those left by Electra and Emily's riding boots.

What the devil could've happened to them? People don't just vanish without a clue.

He climbed to the top of the outcropping called out again. Only the rustling of the breeze through the trees and the low roll of thunder from the storm miles away could be heard.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

I was born and raised in Chicago. My father was a history professor and my mother was, and is, a voracious reader. I grew up with a love of history and books.

My parents also love traveling, a passion they passed onto me. I wanted to see the places I read about, see the land and monuments from the time periods that fascinated me. I’ve had the good fortune to travel extensively throughout Europe, the Near East, and North Africa. 

I am a retired police detective. I spent twenty-five years in law enforcement with two different agencies. My desire to write came in my early teens. After I retired, I decided to pursue that dream. I write three different series. My paranormal romance series is called, Knights in Time. My romantic thriller series is Dangerous Waters. The newest is The Bloodstone Series. Each series has a different setting and some cross time periods, which I find fun to write.

I currently live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband and five wild and crazy rescue dogs. 

Links:

http://chriskarlsen.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4822048.Chris_Karlsen

https://twitter.com/AuthorCKarlsen

https://www.facebook.com/chriskarlsenwriter

https://plus.google.com/117369224297604815922/posts

PRE-ORDER THE BOOK FOR ONLY $0.99:  http://www.amazon.com/Time-You-Knights-Book-ebook/dp/B019JKXR5G/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1450544230&sr=1-1&keywords=In+Time+For+You+by+Chris+Karlsen

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION 

Chris will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit the other blogs on the tour for additional chances to win:

December 28:
1: Travel the Ages
2: Hope. Dreams. Life... Love
3: Harlie's Books
4: Mixed Book Bag
5: Dawn's Reading Nook

December 29:
1: Tina Donahue
2: Romance Novel Giveaways
3: Harlie Williams, Writer
4: Jen's Reading Obsession
5: Underneath the Covers

December 30:
1: Liz Gavin's Blog
2: Marlow Kelly History and other Ponderings
3: Urban Girl Reader
4: Writer Wonderland
5: Welcome to My World of Dreams

December 31:
1: Edgar's Books
2: 3 Partners in shopping, Nana, Mommy, and Sissy, Too!
3: Dena Garson - Real... Hot... Romance
4: Straight from the Library

January 1:
1: FictionZeal
2: Multiuniverses of Liza
3: CBY Book Club
4: Punya Reviews...
5: It's Raining Books

Rewinder (Rewinder #1) by Brett Battles

Alternate History/Time Travel

From Goodreads:

You will never read Denny Younger’s name in any history book, will never know what he's done.

But even if you did, you’d never believe it.

The world as you know it wouldn't be the same without him.

Denny was born into one of the lowest rungs of society, but his bleak fortunes abruptly change when the mysterious Upjohn Institute recruits him to be a Rewinder, a verifier of personal histories. The job at first sounds like it involves researching old books and records, but Denny soon learns it's far from it.

A Rewinder's job is to observe history.

In person.

Embracing his new duties with enthusiasm, Denny witnesses things he could never even imagine before. But as exciting as the adventures into the past are, there are dangers, too. For even the smallest error can have consequences.

Life-altering consequences.

Time, after all, is merely a reference point.

Rewinder is the second book I have read that is about what happens when you mess with time and get our specific time period.  One makes it a mistake to be changed.  The other makes it a much better place to live.

Rewinder’s change is the last one.  Denny changes history because he delays someone for 12 seconds.  When he does he wipes out his world and brings on ours.  Then he has to decide which one he wants to keep.  It does not seem like that hard a choice.

I really liked Denny.  Of course I knew what his choice would be but the journey to get there was really fun.  With the help of Iffy from our time line he takes a tour of 2015 in our world.  Then he has to find a way to keep the change.  I kept wondering what or how he could do that.  That kept the tension and danger very high.  Rewinder is a fun book that kept my attention and was very hard to put down.

Rewinder is book one so it will be interesting to see what will happen in future books in the series.

CreativeSpace published Rewinder by Brett Battie in 2015.

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