Sunday, April 30, 2017

Sunday Post #166

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.

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*Yawn* Sorry. I stayed up waaaay to late last night. All is good, just chatting with friends.

So. What's been up... Hmm. I always struggle to remember what I've done as it all runs together. I'm working on a scrapbook for my kiddo for graduation. I also got some blog visiting in this week. I know only a few days, which is a small amount for me but at least it's days to say hi and see what you all are sharing. I enjoy visiting. :) Other than that, I'm living life.

I do have two books in the reading stack. I started a second one this week because when I'm on the elliptical or treadmill it's easier to read from my ebook than from a print book. Do any of you find this as well? So I don't get far in this book, even though the story grabbed me from the go. I'm hoping to put full time read to it after this week (with hopes of finishing the print book).
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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... Lifting and elliptical on Tuesday, cut grass for over an hour on Wednesday, and walked for half hour at lunch and got to the gym to do weights and elliptical on Thursday.

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What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:
Cursed Moon by Jaye Wells
Slipspace: Harbinger by P.C. Haring
Content Editing Work

Current Audiobook:
I'll start a new one Monday at work.

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:
Magic Undying by Linsey Hall
Ghosts of Empire by Terry Mixon



Finished Podcast Book Listen:
Nothing yet.


DNFed:

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Last Week on the Blog:


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



Posts:
Mythical Monday - A Mantichor in Valdur

Spellbound in a Flash:
Nothing new last week. I have pictures to touch up and share, but time has not been sharing lately.

Challenged Writers:
March Update on writer-ly items, with a picture of book working on.


Around the Internet...


Reviews:
The Perils of Prague by Doc Coleman

"Doc Coleman has set a high bar in this book and I look forward to seeing what he does in the next city as we carry on with Crackle and Bang."

Command Decisions by Terry Mixon

"Oh Terry has done an amazing job of creating a system with the Empire I find believable. And the history to go with it! I love the chain of command we see in the space fleet. We get to see that a bit more here. I get the feel we are constantly moving forward with the characters, never going backward - except for that darn new Captain getting in our way, even then things move forward. There is always something to explore and learn about here. And Kelsey is written in a way that she wants to hear all opposing thoughts, which opens up the story even more. Wonderfully written!"



Podcast Review:




Mama Bitchstress Reviews:



GIVEAWAYS:
STILL TIME TO ENTER: (ends today!)
Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza - 5 winners. You pick 1 of 2 audiobooks offered.

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This Week to Come on the Blog:


I have two reviews finished and scheduled.

Mythical Monday posts are now on hiatus until next year.


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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:




Purchased/Winnings/Gifts:
Book:
Shadowbound by Bec McMaster
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
When a powerful relic goes missing from a secret society that dabbles in the occult, Miss Ianthe Martin is charged with finding it at all costs. She needs help, but all clues point to someone on the inside being the thief. The only sorcerer she knows that can't possibly be involved, is the very man she saw locked in Bedlam a year ago... 

The mad, bad, dangerous Earl of Rathbourne. 

When the seductive Miss Martin appears in his Bedlam cell, Rathbourne fears he's finally lost his mind. The devilish sorceress played a hand in his incarceration, and now she comes asking for help? Perhaps she should begin by begging for mercy... 

But Ianthe's offer of freedom is one he can't refuse, although he has a clause of his own to add. She may bind him with her power–the only way to still the demons haunting him–but for every day spent under her command, the nights will be his... to wreak delicious revenge on her willing flesh.

Audio:




Free Ebooks:
(On my Kindle and Nook App) Links to books under title. They may or may not be free at this time.
Mistress of Masks by C. Greenwood
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
An ancient evil has awakened in Earth Realm. The dead are rising, the oracles haven fallen silent, and foul creatures are devastating the baselands. When the dark sorcerer, Rathnakar, escapes his tomb, the First Mother chooses three champions to become the saviors of their time. 

The hopeful adherent, Eydis, wants nothing more than to lead a life of solitary devotion within the sheltered walls of a seclusionary. But when her pilgrimage to a sacred grove ends in a vision of the end of the world, she realizes the Mother requires a more dangerous service from her. Seeking the catalysts prophecy says can overcome chaos, she aligns herself with a notorious traitor, Orrick of Kroad, and Geveral, a dryad mage who has yet to tame his powers. Together, can the three unlikely heroes thwart Rathnakar and the wave of darkness threatening to devour their world?

Magic of Thieves by C. Greenwood
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
In a province where magic is forbidden and its possessors are murdered by the cruel Praetor, young Ilan, born with the powerful gift of her ancestors, has only one hope for survival. Concealment. In the shadow of Dimmingwood, she finds temporary protection with a band of forest brigands led by the infamous outlaw Rideon the Red Hand.

But as Ilan matures, learns the skills of survival, and struggles to master the inherent magic of her dying race, danger is always close behind. When old enemies reappear and new friendships lead to betrayal, will her discovery of an enchanted bow prove to be Ilan’s final salvation or her ultimate downfall?

Spell Disaster by Leighann Dobbs & Traci Douglass
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
When elderly witch Enid Pettywood unwittingly summons a demon to Silver Hollow, it’s up to Issy Quinn and her cousins to send it back before the committee finds out. Summoning a demon is a serious offense and no one wants to see Enid suffer the punishment the committee is sure to hand down. 

But a simple plan of vanquishing the pesky demon before anyone notices goes awry when the demon makes the leap from wreaking havoc with the town’s electrical circuits to possessing a human. Even worse, it uses that human to commit murder. When another murder attempt is made, it quickly becomes clear that the demon is looking for a permanent human host… and the Quinn witches have only three days to stop it. 

With the town Sheriff investigating the murder, Issy has to avoid casting suspicion on herself while trying to track down the demon and dodge Dex Nolan, the government agent sent to town to study paranormals. Too bad Issy can’t seem to forget the stolen kiss she and Dex shared because she has no intention of getting involved with a human. 

When the demon’s evil intentions hit too close to home, Issy is forced to make a sacrifice that may haunt her for the rest of her days. Will she be able to stop the demon before it kills again? 

Beauty Conquers the Beast by Jenny Schwartz
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Lady Nora and Prince Alexander were never friends, and she can’t think of anyone more deserving of the curse that made him the Beast of the Sighaway Forest. But when six princesses from neighboring kingdoms fail to break the curse, it’s more than just the big and brutish Alexander who is suffering. 

For her country, and out of an overdeveloped sense of duty, Nora will enter the beast’s castle. She’ll fight mysterious magic and confront the secrets of her heart, but the elusive beast remains untamable. 

The shocking solution to breaking the curse will change Nora’s life forever. 

Julia Blake Cozy Mystery Collection
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Synopsis:
A collection of 7 cozy mysteries with cleaning lady/amateur sleuth, Julia Blake. 

A Secret Killer
In this story, Julia visits one of her clients, a genealogist called Hugo Barnes. Hugo has uncovered a family secret during the course of his work. He tells Julia that the client won’t be happy about the secret he’s discovered.
Julia finds Hugo’s dead body the next day. She makes her own investigations into Hugo’s death and soon discovers that his assistant, Dinah, and his brother, Gilbert have strong motives for killing him.

Death Takes A Trip
When one of Julia’s elderly clients, Douglas Pedley, is found dead at the bottom of his stairs, it is soon obvious that he was murdered.
Julia first suspects the building contractors who have been hounding Douglas to sell his land and property. It’s not long before another suspect appears.
Julia is determined to find out who murdered the old man.

A Fair Murder
In this story, Julia helps out at the school fair for a local school. The new head teacher, Deborah Paignton has made herself unpopular by implementing changes to the school and continually upsetting members of staff.
Julia discovers the murdered body of Deborah Paignton after the fair has finished. She knows immediately there is more than one person who would have liked to see the end of Deborah.

Death Shows Up
Julia provides moral support for her friend, Louisa, as they go to a slimming club meeting. They are shocked to discover that the slimming club venue has been taken over by the local amateur dramatics group. 
The am-dram group are performing a play written by the enigmatic Brandon Briggs. Julia soon suspects that Louisa and Brandon have a secret past. At the next meeting, Julia finds Brandon’s murdered body hidden in a costume room.

Murder Makes A Claim
Julia agrees to cover some cleaning work for a friend. The cleaning work takes her and her colleague, Cain, to the offices of Inkwell’s Insurance in Leeds.
It isn’t long before Julia and Cain discover the dead body of Karl Rayburn, the manager at Inkwell’s Insurance. They find out that everyone has a secret when it comes to their relationship with Karl. Julia is reluctant to get herself involved. But she soon realises she has no option but to make her own enquiries to find out who the killer is.

Knitting And Murder
Julia’s colleague, Cain, asks for her help in a love matter. He’s met a young woman called Kayla at his knitting class. He likes Kayla and wants to know if she feels the same way. He can’t tell how Kayla feels about him and asks Julia to come along to the knitting class to meet her. 
Everything goes well until a member of the knitting class is found murdered the next morning. It’s not long before Julia discovers Kayla is a murder suspect. She can’t tell Cain this. She has no option but to make discreet investigations into the murder case.

Murder At The Spa
In this story, Julia goes on a spa break with her mum. They look forward to relaxing and being pampered. Julia is particularly excited to experience the new chocolate therapy sessions, and her therapist, Erin, assures her it will be a wonderful experience.
It is not a wonderful experience as Julia soon discovers a body in the chocolate floatation tank. She is happy to leave the investigation to the police, but her new friend has other ideas.

Stranded with the Cyborg by Cara Bristol
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
The daughter of the Terran president, Penelope Aaron resented the restrictions imposed upon her, but that was no reason to take it out on the man assigned to protect her. She regrets how she got Agent Brock Mann booted from the security force. But now that she’s an interplanetary ambassador about to embark on her first diplomatic mission, she still doesn’t want him tagging along. Especially since he seems to be stronger, faster, more muscled, and sexier than she remembers. And pretending to be her husband? This mission couldn’t get more impossible!

Ten years ago Penelope Isabella Aaron had been a pain in Brock Mann’s you-know-what. Much has changed in a decade: “PIA” as he code-named her, has grown up and is about to attend her first Alliance of Planets summit conference, and Brock was transformed into a cyborg after a near-fatal attack. Now a secret agent with Cyber Operations, a covert paramilitary organization, Brock gets called in, not when the going gets tough, but when the going gets impossible. So when he’s unexpectedly assigned to escort Penelope to the summit meeting, he balks at babysitting a prissy ambassador. But after a terrorist bombing, a crash landing on a hostile planet, and a growing attraction to his protectee, Operation: PIA may become his most impossible assignment yet.

Rogue, Prisoner, Princess by Morgan Rice
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
17 year old Ceres, a beautiful, poor girl from the Empire city of Delos, finds herself forced, by royal decree, to fight in the Stade, the brutal arena where warriors from all corners of the world come to kill each other. Pitted against ferocious opponents, her chances of survival are slim. Her only chance lies in drawing on her innermost powers, and making the transition, once and for all, from slave to warrior. 

18 year old Prince Thanos wakes on the isle of Haylon to discover he has been stabbed in the back by his own people, left for dead on the blood-soaked beach. Captured by the rebels, he must crawl his way back to life, find who tried to assassinate him, and seek his revenge. 

Ceres and Thanos, a world apart, have not lost their love for each other; yet the Empire court teems with lies, betrayal and duplicity, and as jealous royals weave intricate lies, they each, in a tragic misunderstanding, are led to believe the other is dead. The choices they make will determine each other’s fate. 

Will Ceres survive the Stade and become the warrior she was meant to be? Will Thanos heal and discover the secret being withheld from him? Will the two of them, forced apart, find each other again? 

ROGUE, PRISONER, PRINCESS tells an epic tale of tragic love, vengeance, betrayal, ambition, and destiny. Filled with unforgettable characters and heart-pounding action, it transports us into a world we will never forget, and makes us fall in love with fantasy all over again. 

Silver Linings by Tee Morris & Pip Ballantine
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Wellington Books and Eliza D. Braun arrive in Cairo, Egypt, sent from Ministry headquarters on an archival audit. What Wellington hopes will be a stay in the cradle of civilization and a break from the bitter winter of England instead looks to be a brief visit on account of Eliza’s poor attitude and the disdain of the area field director, Marcus Donahue. 
The plans for an uneventful collection of case documents and artefacts are soon shattered by a massacre that that can only be described by the visiting archivists as peculiar. 
Tales from the Archives are short stories set in the world of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences. They explore events mentioned in the novels, characters seen and unseen and may include novel teasers of things to come.


Free Audio Books/Stories:


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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
Gilded Cage by Sherry D. Ficklin
Fire Water by Jaye Wells
Agent G: Infiltrator by C.T. Phipps
Magic Undying by Linsey Hall
Ghosts of Empire by Terry Mixon

14 comments:

  1. Staying up late and chatting with a friend is worth the extra cups of coffee in the morning! I need to move too Melissa. My lung capacity is really weak from the illnesses. Hope this week is a good one!

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    1. Kimba, it is work chatting with friends. :) Hope you feel better so you can get a little bit of moving in. :) Take care!

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  2. I have trouble reading on the treadmill, I guess I have to be not moving to read lol.

    Shadowbound and Mistress of Masks both look good. Love those covers.

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    1. Greg, a lot of people have told me they can't read on the treadmill. So you are not alone. I like it because I feel like I'm accomplishing something and it distracts me from what I'm doing. ;D Have a great week!

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  3. Ooh. Hauntings and Silver Linings especially caught my eye. I too stayed up very late last night. Ended up reading an entire book.. I'm in slo mo today. LOL

    My Sunday Post

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    1. So glad you liked to looks of those two book, Laura Thomas! :D Those darn books. ;D LOL! Glad it was a good one.

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  4. I've got a couple of late nights coming up on May 4th and June 8th to watch the election results coming in. I'm dreading what it will do to my sleeping patterns! It's funny how one late night can throw you off for the week!

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    1. Oh Chuckles, those are the kind of late nights that are hard for me to keep my eyes open. lol. But it does mess with sleeping patterns. I'll be off track for the week now. *sigh*

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  5. Exercising and reading just don't get along for me. I'm usually jelly of those that can do both. Congrats on your son's graduation. So bittersweet! Have fun living and visiting friends.

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    1. Melissa (B&T) I've been told by many they can't read while on the treadmill. And then they look at me goofy. lol. I like that I am distracted from exercise and feel like getting stuff done. ;D Thank you on the congrats. It is, but I've raised him to move on and that's what he needs to do. :)

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  6. Ohh scrapbook! I bet he'll love it

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    1. I'm hoping so LilyElement. I have many pictures and stickers to put together. It's a surprise, so I'm hoping he loves it. :)

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