Waiting on Wednesday #7

Posted March 4, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 14 Comments

“Waiting on” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

I am such a fan of Jayne Ann Krentz and her historical alter-ego, Amanda Quick.

Garden of Lies is due out on April 15, 2015. Definitely looking forward to another Quick trip back in history.

The Kern Secretarial Agency provides reliable professional services to its wealthy clientele, and Anne Clifton was one of the finest women in Ursula Kern’s employ. But Miss Clifton has met an untimely end – and Ursula is convinced it was not due to natural causes.

Archaeologist and adventurer Slater Roxton thinks Mrs. Kern is off her head to meddle in such dangerous business. Nevertheless, he seems sensible enough to Ursula, though she does find herself unnerved by his self-possession and unreadable green-gold eyes…

If this mysterious widowed beauty insists on stirring the pot, Slater intends to remain close by as they venture into the dark side of polite society. Together they must reveal the identity of a killer – and to achieve their goal they may need to reveal their deepest secrets to each other as well…

Isn’t it funny how different countries end up with different covers. After giving it serious consideration I think I actually like the United Kingdom cover better. It speaks more of mystery, murder and mayhem to me… in my opinion, anyway. 🙂 Garden of Lies

Teaser Tuesday #6

Posted March 3, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 14 Comments

teaser tuesday One of the fun parts of taking part in blog hops (aside from getting to visit new to me blogs) is finding great ways to interact with other book lovers. This is one:

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Just a reminder – MizB will be moving her site to a new self-hosted one on March 9th… check her site for more information.

Could we possibly have gotten any more of a cozy table?

“Yeah, it could be cozier if we were sitting on a couch in front of a fire.” I heard the voice inside my head say. Okay. Where was this stuff coming from?! ~My Blood Runs Blue by Stacy Eaton 45% Kindle

“I’m still a cop, and my blood runs blue.” Officer Kristin Greene has always felt that something was missing from her life. Even though her job with the Fawn Hollow Township Police Department keeps her busy, she continues to feel as if there is something else out there she is meant to be doing. Kristin finds herself investigating a homicide where a young woman has had her throat ripped brutally out. As she begins to dig for the answers, she finds herself thrown into a world she never knew existed. When Julian and Alexander crash into her life, she finds herself being pulled into a love triangle that has been going on longer than she has been alive. Kristin in determine to figure out who they are and why they keep calling her Calista. Join Kristin as she fights to learn the truth about the recent murder, the two seductive men who have entered into her life and the real truth about herself in a suspenseful tale that weaves paranormal into to the realistic world of law enforcement.

Stacking the Shelves #6 and Monthly Wrap-up

Posted February 28, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 12 Comments

StackingTheShelves Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

Hosted at Tynga’s Reviews If you want to find out more about Stacking The Shelves, please visit the official launch page!

My stack this past week is sorta low, for me. I’ve been trying to get caught up enough to devote most of March to getting my To Be Read pile dwindled down considerably. This post I Vow ~ To Take Control of My TBR Pile! pretty much explains what that is all about. Did I tempt you to check out another Challenge?

“I’m still a cop, and my blood runs blue.” Officer Kristin Greene has always felt that something was missing from her life. Even though her job with the Fawn Hollow Township Police Department keeps her busy, she continues to feel as if there is something else out there she is meant to be doing. Kristin finds herself investigating a homicide where a young woman has had her throat ripped brutally out. As she begins to dig for the answers, she finds herself thrown into a world she never knew existed. When Julian and Alexander crash into her life, she finds herself being pulled into a love triangle that has been going on longer than she has been alive. Kristin in determine to figure out who they are and why they keep calling her Calista. Join Kristin as she fights to learn the truth about the recent murder, the two seductive men who have entered into her life and the real truth about herself in a suspenseful tale that weaves paranormal into to the realistic world of law enforcement.

So last week I picked up My Blood Runs Blue, which is the first book in a reissue of the series. My Blood Runs Blue was originally released in 2011. This 2014 version has been revised and re-edited. I missed it first time around so I figured I would read the first one and see if I want to continue the series. And that is it. I know. Unbelievable, right? It’s been too cold to walk down to the local library, and I’m basically book dollar broke for a bit, and since I just got my 80% badge at NetGalley (Yay) I’m trying to not get so overloaded there either.

Besides, I really need to concentrate on my TBR pile for awhile now. So, it’s good to not have anything else to distract me. Right. *laughing at myself* — I’m going to go into withdrawals not picking up more books. 😉

And as far as the Monthly Wrap-up goes. I’m not doing too badly. I’ve been in a reading frenzy trying to get my NetGalley books not only under control (I kinda went crazy for a bit there), but to get my ratio numbers in a much better range. It’s been so cold in Pennsylvania that going outdoors is only done on a need to basis – I’m such a summer person – so what better to do than read and work on getting this blog of mine in better shape.

That’s it for me. Hope your stack was interesting this past week. 🙂

I Vow To ~ Take Control of My TBR Pile!

Posted February 28, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 2 Comments

Since today is the last day of February (already?!) – I’m doing some sorting and deciding on exactly what I want to get off of my Towering TBR Pile of Doom next month. Why? Well because of this really interesting Challenge that starts tomorrow.

The sign-up page is located over at Caffeinated Book Reviewer. Go ahead click on the link (or on the graphic) – you’ll be whisked away to the sign-up page and the listing of all the rules.

March is the month that I ditch the current reads (except for scheduled launch day reviews due in March) and concentrate on the virtual and physical pile of books that I’ve wanted to read – but never seem to find the time.

It’s time to take control – and make room for more books (You knew there had to be an ulterior motive, right?)

If your TBR pile is taking up most of your Kindle space – if your physical TBR pile is in danger of toppling over or crashing through the ceiling tiles – then maybe you might like to check out this fun Challenge too.

I’ll be using this post to list the books I’ve read from my TBR in March 2015, and I’ll do a wrap-up post on the 31st. Personally, I cannot wait to get started. Motivation, my friend, it makes all the difference. 🙂

Go on. Check it out. You know you want to.

Update

Here’s a little more information for you.

There are a few additional things happening at the Take Control of Your TBR Pile Challenge… things to help us meet those goals. Check it out… <– that graphic is the link to more good stuff. 🙂

The Challenge Starts Now.

Spock A Final Farewell

Posted February 27, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

This morning Leonard Nimoy passed away.

This morning Spock made his final voyage.

There are not words equal to the task of conveying just how sad Mr. Nimoy’s passing is to me.

No, I did not know him personally – but I “knew” Spock. Spock who for years provided me with entertainment, exploration and a smile whenever I managed to move my fingers into the double V of the Vulcan greeting and murmured to a friend or family member “Live Long and Prosper”.

There just are no words – only sadness. Rest in Peace Mr. Nimoy – thank you for giving us Spock.

spock trek orig cast

Review: Kittens Can Kill by Clea Simon

Posted February 27, 2015 by Marsha in Mystery / 2 Comments

Title: Kittens Can Kill
Series: Pru Marlowe Pet Noir
Author: Clea Simon
Genre: Mystery
Published: March 3, 2015
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

The dead don’t keep pets. So when animal behaviorist expert Pru Marlowe gets a call about a kitten, she doesn’t expect to find the cuddly creature playing beside the cooling body of prominent Beauville lawyer David Canaday. Heart attack? His three adult daughters angrily blame drug interactions, feline allergies—and each other. And begin to feud over their father, his considerable estate, and that cute ball of fluff.

While the cause of death is pending, each sister has an axe to grind –with arguments that escalate when David’s partner reads out the will. Pru’s special sensory talents and sensitivity to animals that caused her to flee the cacophony of Manhattan for the quiet Berkshires add further problems. The local vet is overwhelmed with money running out. There’s that needy Sheltie and some invasive squirrels? But the dead man’s kitten, his former partner, and his troublesome family keep drawing “wild-girl” animal psychic Pru back in.

Despite the wry observations of her trusty tabby Wallis, now the wrongfully accused kitten’s guardian, and the grudging compliance of her cop lover, this may be one time when Pru can’t solve the mystery or save the kitten she wants to believe is innocent. A single witness knows the truth about that bright spring morning. How far can Pru investigate without risking her own hidden tale?

Read on for my thoughts on Kittens Can Kill. No true spoilers, promise

Review: Vampires Never Cry Wolf by Sara Humphreys

Posted February 27, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 2 Comments

Title: Vampires Never Cry Wolf
Series: Dead in the City (book 3)
Author: Sara Humphreys
Genre: Paranormal
Published: March 3, 2015
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

Sadie Pemberton is the DJ at the hottest vampire club in New York City, and she loves her freedom almost as much as she hates werewolves. She has no desire to tie herself to anyone for eternity—even the deliciously sexy Killian Bane—werewolf prince and heir apparent who has been sent to patrol the city.

But Sadie bears the mark of the moon—the mark that Killian has been looking for, the mark that’s meant to reveal his perfect mate. How can the fates be so cruel? Even more importantly, how is he ever going to change her mind?

Read on for my thoughts on Vampires Never Cry Wolf. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: The Captain’s Bluestocking Mistress by Erica Ridley

Posted February 26, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: The Captain’s Bluestocking Mistress
Series: The Dukes of War (book 2)
Author: Erica Ridley
Genre: Regency Romance, Historical Romance
Published: March 2, 2015
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

Captain Xavier Grey’s body is back amongst the beau monde, but his mind cannot break free from the horrors of war. His friends try to help him find peace. He knows he doesn’t deserve it. Just like he doesn’t deserve the attentions of the sultry bluestocking intent on seducing him into bed…

Spinster Jane Downing wants off the shelf and into the arms of a hot-blooded man. Specifically, the dark and dangerous Captain Grey. She may not be destined to be his wife, but nothing will stop her from being his mistress. She could quote classical Greek by the age of four. How hard can it be to learn the language of love?

Read on for my thoughts on The Captain’s Bluestocking Mistress. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation by Erica Ridley

Posted February 26, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

The Viscount's Christmas Temptation Title: The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation
Series: Dukes of War
Author: Erica Ridley
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance
Published: October 21, 2014
Source: personal collection, owned

Story Blurb:

Certain individuals might consider Lady Amelia Pembroke a managing sort of female, but truly, most people would be lost without her help. Why, the latest on-dit is that rakish Viscount Sheffield is canceling the fête of the year because he hasn’t time for silly soirees. He doesn’t need time—he needs her!

When a flash of lightning destroys the venue for his family’s annual Christmas ball, Lord Benedict Sheffield intends to enjoy a relaxing holiday for once. But after twelve days of beguiling Lady Amelia’s guerrilla tactics, he’s up to his cravat with tinsel . . . and tumbling head over heels in love.

Read on for my thoughts on The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: A Lonely Magic by Sarah Wynde

Posted February 26, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: A Lonely Magic
Series:
Author: Sarah Wynde
Genre: Fantasy
Published: July 10, 2014
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

Nothing is what it seems in a glittering new fantasy by best-selling author Sarah Wynde

When a gorgeous guy demands Fen choose between getting shot or overdosing on drugs, she plunges into a sea of trouble. Although she’s rescued from her would-be killer by Luke, a teenage boy, and Kaio, his sexy older brother, escape won’t be so easy.

The protection the brothers provide simmers with unnerving undercurrents. They have secrets and Fen has questions. Who are they? How did they find her? What do they want with her? And why was she targeted for murder in the first place?

When Fen and Luke are forced to run for their lives, Luke spirits Fen down into an enchanting underwater city. But every enchantment has its dark edges. Caught in the tides of emotion, romance, and a plot to destroy humanity, Fen must look deep within herself to find the strength and courage she’ll need to stay afloat in this amazing new world.

Submerge yourself in the latest gripping novel from Sarah Wynde, author of the Tassamara series. You won’t want to come up for air before the final enthralling page of A Lonely Magic.

Read on for my thoughts on A Lonely Magic,. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Gates of Thread and Stone by Lori M. Lee

Posted February 26, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 2 Comments

Title: Gates of Thread and Stone
Series: Gates of Thread and Stone (book 1)
Author: Lori M. Lee
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Published: August 5, 2014
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

In the Labyrinth, we had a saying: keep silent, keep still, keep safe.

In a city of walls and secrets, where only one man is supposed to possess magic, seventeen-year-old Kai struggles to keep hidden her own secret—she can manipulate the threads of time. When Kai was eight, she was found by Reev on the riverbank, and her “brother” has taken care of her ever since. Kai doesn’t know where her ability comes from—or where she came from. All that matters is that she and Reev stay together, and maybe one day move out of the freight container they call home, away from the metal walls of the Labyrinth. Kai’s only friend is Avan, the shopkeeper’s son with the scandalous reputation that both frightens and intrigues her.

Then Reev disappears. When keeping silent and safe means losing him forever, Kai vows to do whatever it takes to find him. She will leave the only home she’s ever known and risk getting caught up in a revolution centuries in the making. But to save Reev, Kai must unravel the threads of her past and face shocking truths about her brother, her friendship with Avan, and her unique power.

Read on for my thoughts on Gates of Thread and Stone. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: A Beastly Scandal by Shereen Vedam

Posted February 25, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 1 Comment

Title: A Beastly Scandal
Series:
Author: Shereen Vedam
Genre: Regency Romance, Paranormal
Published: February 28, 2015 (original April 15, 2013)
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

Inspired by Beauty and the Beast

A BELLE OF THE BALL…
Lady Annabelle Marchant was a belle of the ball in London until she used her psychical senses to save a man’s life. She failed miserably, leaving him dead and her disgraced. All she wants now is a chance to comfort his widow by cleansing the woman’s home of her husband’s restless spirit. But the widow’s son, the beastly Lord of the Manor, accuses her of coming to the wilds of Cheshire to snag him as a husband. Thoroughly disgusted, she is bent on proving him wrong.

…BECOMES PERSONA NON-GRATA…
Rufus Marlesbury, the Earl of Terrance, is suspected of murdering his father. He has come home to clear his name by finding the real killer before the new year or Rufus will be called in front of the House of Lords to answer for the crime. He does not have time to waste fending off a marriage-minded miss who has inveigled an invitation to his home by playing on his grief-stricken mother’s worst fears.

…WHEN A MURDERER IS ON THE RAMPAGE
With an unruly manor ghost terrorizing the occupants and corpses piling up in the village, Belle must find a way to see the man beneath the beast and Rufus must learn to believe in the love of a woman who has no reason to trust him. Only by working together can they stop a vengeful ghost before it torments the guests or before the killer strikes again.

(New Regency Romance/Fairytale)

Read on for my thoughts on A Beastly Scandal. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Scandalously Yours by Cara Elliott

Posted February 25, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Scandalously Yours
Series: The Hellions of High Street (book 1)
Author: Cara Elliott
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance
Published: January 7, 2014
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

Proper young ladies of the ton-especially ones who have very small dowries-are not encouraged to have an interest in intellectual pursuits. Indeed, the only thing they are encouraged to pursue is an eligible bachelor. So, the headstrong Sloane sisters must keep their passions a secret. Ah, but secret passions are wont to lead a lady into trouble . . .

SCANDALOUSLY YOURS

The eldest of the three Sloane sisters, Olivia is unafraid to question the boundaries of Society-even if it does frequently land her in trouble. Disdaining the glittery world of balls and courtship, Olivia prefers to spend her time writing fiery political essays under a pseudonym for London’s leading newspaper. But when her columns attract the attention of the oh-so-proper Earl of Wrexham, Olivia suddenly finds herself dancing on the razor’s edge of scandal. With the help of her sisters, she tries to stay one step ahead of trouble . . .

However, after a series of madcap misadventures, Wrexham, a former military hero who is fighting for social reform in Parliament, discovers Olivia’s secret. To her surprise, he proposes a temporary alliance to help win passage of his bill. Passion flares between them, but when a political enemy kidnaps the earl’s young son, they must make some dangerous decisions . . . and trust that love will conquer all.

Read on for my thoughts on Scandalously Yours. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Miss Truelove Beckons by Donna Lea Simpson

Posted February 25, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Miss Truelove Beckons
Series:
Author: Donna Lea Simpson
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance
Published: February 9, 2015
Source: NetGalley

Story Blurb:

When Truelove Becket’s betrothed went missing in a naval battle, she vowed never to marry unless she found someone she loved as much. In the seven years since then, the quiet vicar’s daughter has lived a simple and contented life helping the poor people of her village. But now another man has asked for her hand in marriage and, unsure if she is ready to commit to him, she agrees to accompany her beautiful cousin Arabella on a trip to visit friends so she can take time to think it over.

Viscount Drake cut a dashing figure when he returned from war to a hero’s welcome, but the Battle of Waterloo left him a shattered and haunted man. As his dreams are invaded by the terrors of war he becomes a sleepless shell of a man, and as his torment grows he begins to wonder if marriage to the lovely Arabella will help restore him again. But as Arabella coquettishly flirts to secure Drake’s hand and his riches, it is the pretty and practical True he turns to for solace.

With the weight of her marriage proposal bearing down on her, True finds herself irresistibly attracted to Drake’s quiet dignity and genuine distress, just as he finds himself drawn to her honest nature and soothing compassion. When a spark of passion ignites between these two who have both lost so much to war, they will have to confront their biggest fears—and everyone else’s plans for their futures—to discover if love can truly cure all ills.

Read on for my thoughts on Miss Truelove Beckons. No true spoilers, promise.

Waiting on Wednesday #6

Posted February 25, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 8 Comments

“Waiting on” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

In the past few weeks, I’ve read several posts (and commented on some) about the lack of Romance novels (or many genre for that matter) featuring women over 30. No matter who the novels are targeted at, there seems to be a true absence of heroines who are beyond their 20’s. Now I’m going to read any novel that catches my eye, no matter the age of the main characters. But the conversation has gotten me thinking and more aware of the novels that I’m picking up lately. (Yes, I am over 30).

So my pick today is a Romance (not a true cougar romance, but an age difference) where the Heroine is not a sweet, young thing but a mature woman who wasn’t looking for love, but wasn’t too afraid to take a chance.

When newly divorced Kate Adams is approached on the sunny deck of a California hotel by hockey star David Burke, and he invites her to dinner, she almost says no. He’s obviously younger than her. And charming. And drop dead gorgeous. But there’s also something sweet about David, so Kate—who hasn’t done anything spontaneous in a very long time—accepts his invitation.

It is, after all, her fortieth birthday.

However, a real romance with thirty-year-old David, whose picture is in the gossip pages as often as it’s in the sports pages, is out of the question. No matter how much she wants him, it’s just too risky.

But meeting Kate has been David’s lightning strike. She’s the one for him, and he has no intention of giving up on her.

So while Kate guards her fragile heart, David sets out to win her over with the same determination that drives him on the ice.

And he’ll break every rule in the book if he has to.

No warlocks, no time travel, no mystery – just a good old fashioned love story. Available late March 2015 – this week I’m looking forward to love at any age.