Monday's Beginnings (159)

And it's Monday...

So, I'm not so bad (yet!) this morning.  It's okay, I think.  But things always change at a drop of a dime, so we shall see how it goes.

I had a decent week last week.  I got through one beta read of novella and one book then started a novella I'd had for a while but decided it wasn't for me and quit.  But started a new book and have a great lineup of books to read.  I'm feeling excited about what I've got lined up here. :)  I also got a few more chapters listened to with my podcast too!  Now I have a review or two to write up, but I'll get there.

The ankle is finally starting to feel a bit better.  Which means more moving, but I've not got back on the treadmill yet.  I can't wait to get back to my exercising routine, I really miss it.

I plan on eating in at lunch hour, which means more reading done (okay, only an hour, but every hour counts!).  I ordered up new glasses this morning too.  Maybe I'll share a picture when I get them in a few weeks. :)

Current Read:
Soul Trade by Caitlin Kittridge

Finished Last Week:
Fool Moon by Jim Butcher

Reviews to Come:
Tethered by Meljean Brook
Full Blooded by Amanda Carlson
Hunter of the Dead by Katee Robert
The Battle of Blood and Ink by Jared Axelrod & Steve Walker
Shadows Before the Sun by Kelly Gay
Shades of War by Sarah-Jane Lehoux

Book Reviews Posted:
Bloodhound by S.A. Archer and S. Ravynheart
The Dragonslayer's Sword by Resa Nelson

Movie Review Posted:
Battleship

Podcast Reviews Posted:
Avalon Revisited by O.M. Grey Chapter 1 & 2

Books and Covers Shared:
Cover Sneak of third book in Spirit Caller series by Krista D. Ball
Echo Location by Frances Pauli

Special Posts:
Interview with fantasy author Resa Nelson
UF Book Chat schedule for Soul Trade
Freebies and Deals, on Nook too (24)

Sorry, no Flash Fiction Friday last week.  No picture was up.  And I've kinda fallen away from doing them too.  Crazy times with running with the kid's sports.

My WANT List...Hmm, it looks like I only added 3 books last week.  I had thought I added more than that though. Hm.

Received Last Week:
Won:
I'm EXCITED to have won Head Rush at Carolyn Crane's blog.  I have completed the trilogy to show off to my friends.  I did review the audiobook, so if you are curious please stop by to read it. :)

Head Rush by Carolyn Crane
Goodreads Synopsis:
Justine Jones faces her ultimate enemy: herself.

In an attempt to put her unhappy past behind her, Justine Jones throws herself into nursing school and planning her wedding to Otto Sanchez, the man of her dreams. But something is off. Random details aren’t adding up…and is it her imagination, or are her friends and fiancé keeping secrets from her? And what’s with the strange sense of unease, and her odd new headaches?

Justine tries to stay upbeat as Midcity cowers under martial law, sleepwalking cannibals, and a mysterious rash of paranormal copycat violence, but her search for answers leads her into the most dangerous mind game yet.

With the help of unlikely allies, including her paranoid dad and best frenemy Simon, Justine fights her ultimate foe…and unravels the most startling mystery of all.

Warning: This book contains high-speed rollerblade chases, a mysterious green dashboard ornament, a father of the bride in full hazmat gear and a delicious kebab.

This one I won over at the wonderful Melliane's blog, Between Dreams and Reality.

In a Fix by Linda Grimes
Goodreads Synopsis:
The start of an original new urban fantasy series starring human chameleon Ciel Halligan

Snagging a marriage proposal for her client while on an all-expenses-paid vacation should be a simple job for Ciel Halligan, aura adaptor extraordinaire. A kind of human chameleon, she’s able to take on her clients’ appearances and slip seamlessly into their lives, solving any sticky problems they don’t want to deal with themselves. No fuss, no muss. Big paycheck.

This particular assignment is pretty enjoyable... that is, until Ciel’s island resort bungalow is blown to smithereens and her client’s about-to-be-fiancé is snatched by modern-day Vikings. For some reason, Ciel begins to suspect that getting the ring is going to be a tad more difficult than originally anticipated.

Going from romance to rescue requires some serious gear-shifting, as well as a little backup. Her best friend, Billy, and Mark, the CIA agent she’s been crushing on for years—both skilled adaptors—step in to help, but their priority is, annoyingly, keeping her safe. Before long, Ciel is dedicating more energy to escaping their watchful eyes than she is to saving her client’s intended.

Suddenly, facing down a horde of Vikings feels like the least of her problems.

For Review:
Oh oh oh.  I can't wait to get into this world again to see what will happen.

Wrayth by Philippa Ballantine
Goodreads Synopsis:
In the Empire of Arkaym, the Order of Deacons protects and shelters the citizens from the attacks of the unliving. All are sworn to fight the evil forces of the geists—and to keep the world safe from the power of the Otherside… 

Although she is one of the most powerful Deacons in the Order, Sorcha Faris is still unable to move or speak after her last battle. Even her partner, Merrick Chambers, cannot reach her through their shared Bond. Yet there are those who still fear Sorcha and the mystery of her hidden past. 

Meanwhile, Merrick has been asked to investigate a new member of the Emperor’s Court. But when Sorcha is abducted by men seeking Raed Rossin, the shapeshifting rival to the throne, Merrick must choose where his loyalties lie.

Purchased:
For National Book Buying Day (on Friday past) I purchased this one (which I've been WANTING) for my Nook.

Badlands by Seleste deLaney
Goodreads Synopsis:
After a brutal Civil War, America is a land divided. As commander of her nation's border guards, Ever is a warrior sworn to protect her country and her queen. When an airship attacks and kills the monarch, Ever must infiltrate enemy territory to bring home the heir to the throne, and the dirigible Dark Hawk is her fastest way to the Union.

Captain Spencer Pierce just wants to pay off the debt he owes on the Dark Hawk and make a life for himself trading across the border. When the queen's assassination puts the shipping routes at risk, he finds himself Ever's reluctant ally.

As they fly into danger, Ever and Spencer must battle not only the enemy but also their growing attraction. She refuses to place her heart before duty, and he has always put the needs of his ship and crew above his own desires. Once the princess is rescued, perhaps they can find love in the Badlands--if death doesn't find them first...

So...how was your week last week?  How does this week look for you?

Here's hoping you have a great week in words and pages.