Book Review: The Diamond Conspiracy

The Diamond Conspiracy

By:  Tee Morris & Philippa Ballantine

Publish Date:  March 31, 2015

Format:  ebook

Genre:  Steampunk

Series:  4th in Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series; 1st Book ~ Phoenix Rising, 2nd Book ~ The Janus Affair, 3rd Book ~ Dawn's Early Light
Tie in with: Tales from the Archives.

First Glance Feel:  Holy.... Steampunk with the history we know mixed in. Oh wow! I love the connections, the steampunk, the action, the love! Can I go on and on?

Synopsis:
For years, the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences has enjoyed the favor of Her Majesty the Queen. But even the oldest loyalties can turn in a moment…

Having narrowly escaped the electrifying machinations of Thomas Edison, Books and Braun are looking forward to a relaxing and possibly romantic voyage home. But when Braun’s emergency signal goes off, all thoughts of recreation vanish. Braun’s street-wise team of child informants, the Ministry Seven, is in grave peril, and Books and Braun must return to England immediately.

But when the intrepid agents finally arrive in London, the situation is even more dire than they imagined. The Ministry has been disavowed, and the Department of Imperial Inconveniences has been called in to decommission its agents in a most deadly fashion. The plan reeks of the Maestro’s dastardly scheming. Only, this time, he has a dangerous new ally—a duplicitous doctor whose pernicious poisons have infected the highest levels of society, reaching even the Queen herself...

First Sentence:
"Welly, would you please listen to me for just a moment?".

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Noble  /  Book Depository

My Thoughts and Summary:
Eliza and Wellington return from the states in a rush. The Ministry Seven is in deadly danger and have called Eliza home. What the Ministry Seven have found, and trouble they dipped into, brings the dangers of the Queen and others into light. But when talking to the children, Wellington and Eliza realize the Department, another agency they know of under the Queen, is cleaning up...the Ministry. The Ministry is in grave danger and scattered about. Eliza and Wellington will learn great secrets that they will use to help restore society to it's rightful standing. But the Maestro and another new evil work to stop them at every turn. However, maybe a new ally will help give them an inside scoop on what they are up against...

Good grief, Charlie Brown! Talk about a kick start beginning. WOW! So much happening and I'm rushing to keep up.

My smile grew with each word of Eliza and Wellington's banter and brilliance in it. Goodness do I enjoy these characters, and even as a couple they are just as much fun. The humor and banter is not lost with a relationship started, as this is part of the foundation in their relationship as well. They both are taken with each other, but it seems Wellington is the one swooning a bit more. It's great to see Eliza is the strong woman we all know her to be. She is a field agent first and foremost with the Agency she knows and loves crumbling around her and danger on the heals of her loved ones. At the same time - when the time is there - she loves, hard. Wellington is new to field work and Eliza's knowledge of field work and the secrets not stored in Wellington's archives are important to their survival. Both their strengths play a huge importance in the book, and this is why this couple will survive as a duo of outstanding agents and a couple.

It was amazing to see the Ministry Seven in this book. They play an important part and have moved up in their standings from street children to much more. I'm hoping this is the list of new agents in the future, as they deserve it! We also get to see what happens to a few of the Ministry Agents through their eyes as the even is happening. Good and bad.

Pip and Tee take me through an array of emotions as I read this book. I'm relaxed with Wellington and Eliza, enjoying their banter and good humor. Then I picked up with the Ministry Seven. Oh the tension in me grew with theirs. And the worries and fears of what could happen with... Then the secrets I learn, and they don't stop! Oh it's a circle of emotions repeatedly.

By George! I do think this is my favorite book of the series. I don't know how Tee & Pip are going to top this one. This book is only 368 pages, but when I was done I felt like I read a door stopper 1,000 pages (enjoying every minute of it as it flew by). There was so much information packed into these minimal pages. It's hard to believe all that is here!

GOOD GRIEF, THE SECRETS!!!

The secrets we learn! Are you curious about the Restricted Section of the Archives? You'll learn it. Curious about Director Basil Sound? Yes, your speculation was raised with those subtle moments by him. You learn about it!! Want a bit more on Wellington's past? We get to dip a bit further into that as well. Enjoy the assassin Sophia del Morte? You'll see her here in closer proximity, and if an assassin can have limits.

The immense amount of information and TWISTS will have your eyes bulging and jaw dropping throughout the book! There are also a few big names from history mentioned in this book. Oh to see them here!

Now, to wait with baited breath for the next Ministry book to arrive. As I know Tee and Pip can top what they've done, and I NEED to see it!

Steampunk Book Trailer!

I'm thrilled to share this amazing new trailer. Tee Morris is at it again with his filming work...

I saw this and knew I had to share it. I loved the first one, which was like a mini movie. This one isn't as long, but just as powerful. The events that happen in this video... well, you'll want to read the book to learn what is happening to The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.

Do enjoy! And hope you head over to order the book. It's out March 31st!






Need the first 2 books yet?

Sunday Post #79

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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, not much on the sleeping in today. The girls (my two German Shepard's) know what time everyone should be up, and that's by 7:30. *sigh* So I'm up, but moving a little slow.

I didn't do much posting last week, but there's a reason. I was taking the commenting system I put on, off. But I wanted to wait until after the giveaway I had going was done. I wasn't all that happy with it and it was dropping comments on the blog. It just wasn't working right. I knew that when I took it off and went back to blogger, I would lose all my comments. And I did. So now I'm back to blogger and I guess if blogger acts up (as it's known to do) I'll have to suffer through it. 

In real life... Not much is happening. Busy as can be with a dog that was sick Friday and got her to the vet Saturday to find she has an UTI. And family stopping by. So my weekend time I was planning on getting lots of stuff done with, yeah gone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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... I didn't get two sessions in this week. I only got one. So much on the go-go with kiddo. I'm hoping well for next week.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:

I'm working on some 'work' books

Fury by Krista D. Ball

Current Podcast Book Listen:
7th Son: Descent by J.C. Hutchins

The Horde by Patrick Scaffido

Finished Last Week: 

House of Grey 4 by Collin Earl

Finished Podcast Book Listen:

Nothing

~~~~~~~~~~

Last Week on the Blog:

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

Click the link to learn more about the books and their series:


Posts:



Around the Internet...


Reviews:

A Curse Unbroken by Cecy Robson

Podcast Review:

Mama Bitchstress Reviews:

GIVEAWAYS:

~~~~~~~~~~

This Week to Come on the Blog:

I have a trailer I want to share with you all. And I'll post two reviews this week as well.

~~~~~~~~~~

Received Last Weeks:

Review & Review Consideration:

Fury by Krista D. Ball
Goodreads Synopsis:
As Lady Champion, Bethany has always made the big sacrifices, the ones that plague her with nightmares so that others can sleep. Trapped behind enemy lines and powerless to take down the barrier surrounding the Magi army, Bethany struggles to keep herself and her small team of soldiers alive – no matter the cost. 
However, when Apexia’s daughters discover the true source of Magic, Bethany is forced to make the biggest sacrifice imaginable in the name of peace: the death of the Gentle Goddess herself.


Purchased/Winnings/Gifts:

Heir to Kale by K.L. Bone
Goodreads Synopsis:
“Fear to the fearless. Hope to the hopeless. Mercy to those who hate you. Death to those who love you.” – Prophesy of the Kalian Twins. 

In the land of Kale there lies a delicate balance between the powerful Temples and the rulers from an ancient, royal bloodline. The Temples are ruled through combat, determined by a series of tournaments. Of these tournament champions, sixty are chosen to become Defendants, an elite team charged with protecting the realm from all enemies. Selection to this team is considered the highest of honours and leadership of the team is decided only once every thirteen years. 

Princesses Mariana and Ameria, twin daughters of two such champions, are taken as children to separate, yet equally powerful Temples. Through years of rigorous training both are educated in the arts of combat, swordplay, and the ancient traditions of the Temple Gods. Both eventually obtain the rank of Kalian Champions with the expectation of one day serving upon the coveted Defendant Team. 

Then, not long after their seventeenth birthday, the childless King declares that one of the sisters must succeed him as the future Queen. As the race for the throne begins, the sister’s long standing rivalry intensifies, leading both upon a dangerous path that threatens not only their lives, but the fate of the very kingdom. 

Unbeknownst to the twins, this treacherous path to the throne is the elaborate collaboration of an ancient prophecy and two creatures charged by the Gods themselves ensure it comes to pass. As primeval powers awaken, the two sisters must struggle to learn the truth behind the prophesy and search for a way to change their inevitable fate. 

Black Rose by K.L. Bone
Goodreads Synopsis:
“May the Black Rose protect you in life and avenge you in death.” – Vow of the Black Rose

Six hundred years ago, the Muir Court was wiped from existence, destroyed by an elite group known as the Black Rose Guard. Their Captain, Mara, has a reputation of being a harsh woman who leads the guard with a fierce formality. During her long years, she has known pain, loss, heartache…and one great love.

Edward was the Captain of the Royal Guard of the Ciar Court. He loved her once. However, it was a love that faded the day he met young Liza, the Princess who stole the heart he had once sworn belonged to Mara alone. Liza was also the woman Mara was fated to protect. When the Queen learns of her daughter’s forbidden love for Edward, she devises a series of punishments, torturing Edward while her daughter is forced to watch. In a an act of desperation, Mara takes Liza’s place and looks on helplessly as Edward endures torments which break his body and Mara’s soul.

All of their pain is put aside when Liza is murdered by the rulers of a rival court. Haunted by her failure to protect the Princess and adhering to tradition, Mara takes the vow of the ‘Black Rose.’ It is an ancient oath which compels those under its power to abandon the lives they knew for the sake of a single goal: vengeance. Her quest leads her on a dark path of violence, rage, and bloodshed.

Tormented by a fate they can neither accept nor escape, Black Rose is a tale of retribution, love, and above all, honor—at any cost.


Won:

Tethered by Pippa Jay
Goodreads Synopsis:
She can kill with a kiss. But can assassin Tyree also heal one man's grief, and bring peace to a galaxy threatened by war?

For Tyree of the Su, being an assassin isn’t simply something she was trained for. It's the sole reason for her existence. A genetically enhanced clone—one of many in Refuge—she's about to learn her secluded lifestyle, and that of all her kind, is under threat by a race capable of neutralizing their special talents to leave them defenseless.

For Zander D'joren, being a diplomat has not only cost him his appearance, but also the love of his life. Scarred, grieving, he must nonetheless continue in his role as co-delegate to the fearsome Tier-vane or risk a conflict that could only end one way.

Now both of them need to keep each other alive and maintain a perilous deception long enough to renegotiate the treaty with the Tier-vane, or throw their people into a war that could wipe out Terrans and Inc-Su alike. But there's more at stake than humanity, whether true or modified. Can the love growing between them save them both? Or merely hasten their destruction?

Free Ebooks:

(If you belong to the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences News Letter you get a FREE novella each month!)
A Ruby in Rain by Grant Stone
Goodreads Synopsis:
From the farthest edge of the Empire, New Zealand agents Lachlan King and Barry Ferguson are called to interview a recent arrival to Auckland’s prisons. An infamous gambler, according to the constable’s account, has turned himself into their custody, not for the safety of society but for his own. The Ministry steps in to uncover a man’s story of impressive luck, and more incredible vision.


(On my Kindle App)

Merminia by Emma Cole
Goodreads Synopsis:
In an underwater world that is as beautiful as it is ruthless, the mertribes are not about to make peace with each other. Selinne is a mermaid who is certain she can take care of herself. But when she is captured by the bloodthirsty Litiants, she finds unlikely help from Gabriel, a warrior who appears as indifferent as he is handsome. As Selinne struggles to make sense of the good and evil around her, she discovers that there is no escaping love or her place in the raging war of the sea.

Keeping Merminia by Emma Cole
Goodreads Synopsis:
In the concluding sequel to Merminia, Ulric and Selinne are both about to find out just how much they stand to lose.

Upon seizing Dencur with Adessia’s ring, Ulric leaves everything beyond the city walls in chaos. As Selinne tries to save Merminia from ruin, she finds a hesitant group to aid her in the perilous journey to Dencur. 

But while Selinne works to stop Ulric from destroying all that she holds dear, friendships are tested to their breaking point. The final battle is brewing between Humans and Enchanteds.

Kingdom Chronicles: Part 2 by Marie Hall
Goodreads Synopsis:
The final two Kingdom Series Books as well as Danika's Surprise, a companion novelette and the first sneak peek to the next Kingdom Book. Book 6, The Huntsman's Prey, will spinoff from the Bad Boys and introduce the Dark Princesses. 

Jinni's Wish: Book 4

A long, long time ago there lived a man. A Jinni, who had one wish. To know love. But the woman he thought he knew betrayed him and the love he thought they shared. Tortured for his crimes, he was cast out of Kingdom, stripped of all his powers, left to langour in pain and solitude, until eventually he becomes nothing but a ghost...

Paz Lopez is an artist with a dream. To buy a ridiculously large penthouse in the swankiest section of Chicago. But there's just one hitch, she has no man to share her dream with. A fateful visit to a carnival and Madam Pandora's tent sends Paz on a mission to find the love of her life before it's too late. 

But the Madam forgot to tell Paz one very important detail... to meet him, Paz will have to die first.

Hook's Pan: Book 5

Trishelle Page has known pain in her life, but instead of it making her weak, she's stronger. Confident. That is until the day a fairy kidnaps her during her starring role in Peter Pan's play and tells her not only do fairy tales exist, but that she's the soulmate of the pirate they call Hook, making her question everything she ever thought she knew.

Captain James Hook is a man at the end of his rope. He's not the villainous bastard tales have made him out to be. So when the feisty blonde drops literally at his feet, he aims to prove it to her. If only to get her into his bed. 

What neither one knows is that fate and magic are conspiring and they can deny the attraction all they want but their happily ever after is already written, it's just a matter of getting there.

My Familiar Stranger by Victoria Danann
Goodreads Synopsis:
WHAT IF YOU SUDDENLY LOST EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE YOU KNEW? In a matter of minutes Elora Laiken lost everything familiar. She escaped assassination by being forced into an experimental device that left her broken, physically and emotionally, in another world. She woke up to find modern day knights, elves, vampires, werewolves, witches, demons and fae. This is the story of how they became her allies, friends, and family.

Best selling author, Victoria Danann, brings us a complex, unique, and wonderfully heartwarming serial. 

AN EROTIC PARANORMAL ROMANCE. If you love romance, paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, strong female leads, alpha males and complex storylines with erotic elements, this series is right for you. 17+

Never Forgotten by Kelly Risser
Goodreads Synopsis:
One minute Meara Quinn is making plans for the summer before her senior year. The next she finds out that her mother's cancer has returned and they're moving away from the only home she's ever known. Every day becomes a struggle as Meara tries to cope with her mother's illness while being forced to move to another country to live with grandparents who are strangers. 

Add weird visions of a father who was absent her entire life and top it all off with one whopping secret that everyone seems bent on keeping from her, and Meara has the perfect ingredients for a major melt down. The only things keeping her from coming unglued are some new friends and Evan—the son of her mother's childhood friend—who seems to know Meara almost better than she knows herself. 

Together with Evan and her friends, Meara embarks on a new journey to unlock the secrets that will not only tell Meara who she is, but what she is.

(On my Nook)

Free Audio Books/Stories:

~~~~~~~~~~

Reviews to Come:

The Secret World Chronicle: World Well Lost by Mercees Lackey,Steve Libby, Cody Martin, & Dennis Lee

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

Master of Myth by Starla Huchton

Danube Waves by Katharina Bordet

Rhune by Michael J. Sullivan

Heartstealer by K.T. Bryski

Lex Talionis by Starla Huchton
The Diamond Conspiracy by Tee Morris and Philippa Ballantine
Space Casey by Christiana Ellis
Tales From the Archives: Blessings of Baalshemin
Tales From the Archives: Bitter Pill
Tales From the Archives: What the turtle saw.
Tales From the Archives: Clockwork Portal When Timelines Go Awry
Tales From the Archives: Foothold
Tales From the Archives: 2014 Christmas Special 
Space Casey: Season 2 by Christiana Ellis
Phantom's Dance by Lesa Howard (in audiobook)
House of Grey 4 by Collin Earl

Book Review: A Curse Unbroken

A Curse Unbroken

By:  Cecy Robson

Publish Date:  March 10, 2015

Published By:  Loveswept

Format:  eARC

Genre:  Paranormal Romance

Series:  5th in Weird Girls series; 0.5 Novella ~ The Weird Girls, Book 1 ~ Sealed with a Curse, Book 2 ~ A Cursed Embrace, 2.5 Novella ~ A Cursed Moon, Book 3 ~ Cursed By Destiny, Book 4 ~ A Cursed Bloodline

Recommendation:  Oh my. Weeeeelll worth the read. Celia's life is rough, but oh so worth the fight.

Synopsis:
The preternatural world is changing. After a massive magical throwdown tore apart the established order, the dark elements are rebuilding their ranks unopposed. Celia Wird’s world is changing, too. She’s the mate of the pureblood were Aric, and his Warriors are honor-bound to protect her family as she and her sisters recover from unimaginable horrors.

Celia hesitates to reveal the true extent of the Wird sisters’ trauma, but they aren’t the only ones keeping secrets: Aric and the werewolf Elders are tracking a stone that grants limitless power. So is a tough coven of witches. Then Misha, a master vampire with his own plans for the stone, sends Celia after it. Can she and the vamps beat both the weres and the witches to the treasure before it falls into the wrong hands?

Fearing for Celia’s safety, Aric begs her to stay out of the hunt. What they don’t realize is that they’re the ones being hunted. But Celia’s ready to prove that she’s not easy prey.

First Sentence:
Aric's hand skimmed over the small of my back as we strolled along the shore of Lake Tahoe.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

My Thoughts and Summary:
Celia is doing better, but still healing and on the day that should be one of her happiest and all about the love, shifters attack. There is something odd about one shifter. Something is off when Celia touches it.  Alric doesn't want Celia to fight, he wants her safe. So when a new mission comes to light, and Shah, a powerful stone that grants wishes, is to be tracked down and kept hidden or used for good Alric wants Celia no where near it. Celia has other plans and feels ready to go back to work and Misha has no qualms with that.

Shah is an interesting entity here. He is powerful and used. He reminds me a bit like a genie, but not a living being in a bottle or lamp, but a rock with a personality. His power and time are coming to an end, and that last wish he could grant will be a doozy of one. So both evil and good are fighting hard to get to him. He could sway the outcome of the war between good and evil. However, the connection he makes with one of our characters is unique and I loved it.

All are struggling. After what they lived through with Anara... yeah, they are all going to have troubles. Each of the sisters are affected differently and are different now. Whether physically or emotionally (or even both), they are scared and working through it. The wolves believe no harm should come to their mates, no matter what. With what happened with Anara... they feel they have failed. They are all devastated.

We get to see more of other beings in the world. We learned more with the interaction we had with shifters and witches.

I don't know how Cecy does it, but her talented writing grips me and holds me there. I'm gripped to the pages and intent on having to know what happens next, what troubles lurk, and how will they come out of this one. Outstanding work. I love how Cecy remembers what's happened to the sisters, tying all the past to now without rehashing it all but reminding me. And it's all very important.

Each trouble that comes to Celia, her sisters, and the wolves grows deeper in depth with each instance. To the point I can't stop read. I have to see them through the whole book right at this moment.

I felt this book finished one major story arc, but there feels as there's more to come. We have a few threads with a few of the sisters and what's to come of... Well. I can't say that as it'll give away the end of the story!

In the end of this one I'm happy. And I'm hoping to see more of the Weird Girls.

Sunday Post #78

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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Okay, okay, okay. I'm up but a bit sluggish today. It's been a few late nights this weekend, and I haven't minded at all. I stayed at my mom's Friday night watching over my grandma and came home when they returned, then last night I went out for a few drinks. It was nice to kick back and enjoy music and talk.

Other than that the weeks been a boring one. I feel like I'm getting a lot done in books as I'm finishing up two jobs this weekend. And got an audiobook under my belt.

I've been trying a new commenting system. See, I was having troubles with Blogger's commenting system as comments were disappearing and not showing up in my emails and all sorts of things. Not to mention the hundreds (I'm not kidding) of spam comments I get without the verification on. It's terrible. So I tried the new one I have going now, InteseDebate. And I'm not happy with it either. First, I lost all my Sunday Post comments on the blog last week. I have the email and record on InteseDebate, but they are not on the blog. And it reverted back to Bloggers comment system for that one post. Grrr. I also am the spoiled type in that I like to use the link that is with the name to find my commenters and visit them back.

So, I guess after my current giveaway is over, I'll switch back to blogger. Anyone else have an idea on any commenting systems that can be used in blogger?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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... I did it! I got my two days in on the treadmill. I was hoping for a third day, but kiddo has places to be and kaboshed that day for me. But I'm happy with the two days. And something else I'm noticing, I sleep better on the nights that I workout. So now I want to do it more.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:

I'm working on some 'work' books but I have a novella going along with an audiobook.

House of Grey 4 by Collin Earl

Current Podcast Book Listen:

The Horde by Patrick Scaffido

Finished Last Week: 

Phantom's Dance by Lesa Howard (in audiobook)

Finished Podcast Book Listen:

Space Casey: Season 2 by Christiana Ellis

~~~~~~~~~~

Last Week on the Blog:

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

Click the link to learn more about the books and their series:


Posts:

New Book & Excerpt: Phantom's Dance by Lesa Howard

Around the Internet...


Reviews:

Podcast Review:

Tales from the Archives Vol 3 #6

Mama Bitchstress Reviews:

GIVEAWAYS:

Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman

~~~~~~~~~~

This Week to Come on the Blog:

....

~~~~~~~~~~

Received Last Weeks:

Review & Review Consideration:

Phantom's Dance by Lesa Howard (in audiobook)
Goodreads Synopsis:
Christine Dadey's family uprooted their lives and moved to Houston for her to attend the prestigious Rousseau Academy of Dance. Now, two years later, Christine struggles to compete among the Academy's finest dancers, her parents are on the brink of divorce, and she's told no one about her debilitating performance anxiety and what she's willing to do to cope with it. Erik was a ballet prodigy, a savant, destined to be a star on the world's stage, but a suspicious fire left Erik's face horribly disfigured. Now, a lonely phantom forced to keep his scars hidden, he spends his nights haunting the theater halls, mourning all he's lost. Then, from behind the curtain he sees the lovely Christine. The moldable, malleable Christine. Drawn in by Erik's unwavering confidence, Christine allows herself to believe Erik's declarations that he can transform her into the dancer she longs to be. But Christine's hope of achieving her dreams may be her undoing when she learns Erik is not everything he claims. And before long, Erik's shadowy past jeopardizes Christine's unstable present as his obsession with her becomes hopelessly entangled with his plans for revenge.



Purchased/Winnings/Gifts:

The Nothing by Kerry Schafer
Goodreads Synopsis:
When people in Wakeworld begin dying in their sleep, Vivian Maylor travels through an increasingly unstable Between on a quest to stop the mysterious epidemic. Although she has no love for the dark magic of the Sorcieri, they hold the only hope of stopping the disaster. Vivian has one chance to save the worlds – if she can persuade the Master of the Sorcieri to share his secrets, and if she is willing to sacrifice everything she loves…


Won:

Free Ebooks:
(On my Kindle App)

Primani by Laurie Olerich
Goodreads Synopsis:
Mica Thomas is Sean O'Cahan's worst nightmare. Part angel, all Primani, he's a ruthless protector with unusual talents. Jaded by the weakness of humans, he takes a hands-off approach to his charges. His job's to protect her. That's all. But Mica's got other ideas. He's strong, but she's stronger. Will his one moment of weakness destroy them both?

Jenny Pox by JL Bryan
Goodreads Synopsis:
Eighteen-year-old Jenny Morton has a horrific secret: her touch spreads a deadly supernatural plague, the "Jenny pox." She lives by a single rule: Never touch anyone. A lifetime of avoiding any physical contact with others has made her isolated and painfully lonely in her small rural town.

Then she meets the one boy she can touch. Jenny feels herself falling for Seth...but if she's going to be with him, Jenny must learn to use the deadly pox inside her to confront his ruthless and manipulative girlfriend Ashleigh, who secretly wields the most dangerous power of all.


(On my Nook)

Free Audio Books/Stories:

~~~~~~~~~~

Reviews to Come:

The Secret World Chronicle: World Well Lost by Mercees Lackey,Steve Libby, Cody Martin, & Dennis Lee

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

Master of Myth by Starla Huchton

Danube Waves by Katharina Bordet

A Curse Unbroken by Cecy Robson

Rhune by Michael J. Sullivan
Heartstealer by K.T. Bryski

Lex Talionis by Starla Huchton
The Diamond Conspiracy by Tee Morris and Philippa Ballantine
Space Casey by Christiana Ellis
Tales From the Archives: Blessings of Baalshemin
Tales From the Archives: Bitter Pill
Tales From the Archives: What the turtle saw.
Tales From the Archives: Clockwork Portal When Timelines Go Awry
Tales From the Archives: Foothold
Tales From the Archives: 2014 Christmas Special 
Space Casey: Season 2 by Christiana Ellis
Phantom's Dance by Lesa Howard (in audiobook)

Tales from the Archives Vol 3 #6

Tales from the Archives, Vol. 3: #6

By:  Nobilis Reed

Written & Narrated by:  Nobilis Reed & Dee Reed

Format:  Podcast, 44:56 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  6th in Tales of the Archives Vol. 3 podcasts, part of A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series

Recommendation:  Nice way to meet new characters and authors in this steampunk-ish world particularly if you enjoyed the book; A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel, Phoenix Rising.  The archives are full of stories to be told.

Synopsis:
Blessings of Baalshemin

In the Spring of 1869 Mrs Isabel Burton begins a correspondence with the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Director, Woodruff Spring, on a strange device she has run across in her travels. Ministry agents are dispatched and a soon enough the Burtons, both Isabel and her husband Sir Richard, are deep in a very peculiar occurrence.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Mrs. Isabel Burton has been a connection of the Ministry's for far some time. She has now come across something she strongly feels they should investigate. Her letters draw the story of what has been happening and that something peculiar has very much taken place, and wants agents to come and stop what might happen.

This is a neat way to tell the story. I found it interesting as this is told through letters between Mrs. Isabel Burton and Director Spring. Then the letters turn into the two agents who are investigating the situation's story.

The hexagram that was recovered, and the script that was translated seems to have created troubles. We see a touch of history and a connection to Solomon in this item that was recovered and causing troubles with the Russian Consul who's now suffering from insomnia. Terrible screams and moans escape the consulate, keeping the locals as far away as possible because they fear a curse or such.

This story connects a few things together with the steampunk feel of the world. There's a hexagram, Egyptian astronomy, and the worship of one of those planets. Very neat how it all fits together.

And enjoyable listen.



Would you like to listen to these? For a taste of the characters or in addition to the book... Visit The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.

You can find these for your Reading pleasure in any eFormat you would like at Smashwords.

You can find the Archives: Amazon Kindle ~ Tales from the Archives Scroll through the list for them all, and the ones you still need.

There are short stories always added to the listing. So keep checking back!



I listened to this short story for my own enjoyment.

New Book To Come & Excerpt: Phantom's Dance

I've been thinking of the Phantom of the Opera a lot the last few months. So when I saw this book, I was drawn to it for that reason. This has the feel of the connection and the danger of the original Phantom of the Opera. I'm curious to learn more of what the book has in store for us.

I'm thrilled to share about the book with you. And an excerpt as well!

Check this out:

Phantom's Dance

By: Lesa Howard

Due Out: April 6th 2014

Blurb:

Christine Dadey’s family uprooted their lives and moved to Houston for her to attend the prestigious Rousseau Academy of Dance. Now, two years later, Christine struggles to compete among the Academy’s finest dancers, her parents are on the brink of divorce, and she’s told no one about her debilitating performance anxiety and what she’s willing to do to cope with it.

Erik was a ballet prodigy, a savant, destined to be a star on the world’s stage, but a suspicious fire left Erik’s face horribly disfigured. Now, a lonely phantom forced to keep his scars hidden, he spends his nights haunting the theater halls, mourning all he’s lost. Then, from behind the curtain he sees the lovely Christine. The moldable, malleable Christine.

Drawn in by Erik’s unwavering confidence, Christine allows herself to believe Erik’s declarations that he can transform her into the dancer she longs to be. But Christine’s hope of achieving her dreams may be her undoing when she learns Erik is not everything he claims. And before long, Erik’s shadowy past jeopardizes Christine’s unstable present as his obsession with her becomes hopelessly entangled with his plans for revenge.

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EXCERPT!

After pacing a while, I went to the edge of the stage to sit down, hang my legs over the side, and look out on the pencil-straight rows of burgundy theater seats.

Several minutes passed when I heard, “Christine—I’m over here.”

I whipped my head to the left and my mouth fell open. Erik was standing on the stage for me to see, dressed in black warm-ups and arrayed in an elaborate costume mask that concealed his face.

With effortless grace he approached me, every step revealing his nimble dancer’s body. When he stopped he extended his open hand to me and I took it, allowing him pull me to my feet with a strong arm.

Mere inches from me, he waved a hand in front of the mask. “I know this is strange. But it was the only thing I could think of. And it didn’t seem right for me to be behind the curtain and you out here crying all by yourself.”

Still surprised to see him on stage, I stared open-mouthed at the mask. Full-faced, it was white with angular, almond shaped eyes. The upper half was stippled gold, with raised filigree swirling across the forehead and down the sides of each cheek. The lips were of a softer, more buttery, shade of gold. The face-piece connected to a length of black knit that was swathed in an Arabian style across the top of the mask, draped under his chin and wrapped back up to be pinned high on the other side. It was stunning.

“Are you afraid?” he asked.

I closed my mouth and shook my head.

He was still holding my hand in his, and lifting it between us, he placed his other on top so that he held my hand warmly between his, and asked, “Then will you let me dance with you?”

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Bio for Lesa Howard:
Lesa Howard lives in the greater Houston area where she works as a writer-in-residence for the nonprofit organization Writers in the Schools, but her students know her as Lesa Boutin. Lesa was passionate about writing for teens before it was ever labeled Young Adult, and her latest YA novel is PHANTOM'S DANCE, which is a modern retelling of Gaston Leroux's PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. She has two books written under the name Lesa Boutin: AMANDA NOBLE, ZOOKEEPER EXTRAORDINAIRE, and AMANDA NOBLE, SPECIAL AGENT. Visit Lesa at www.lesahowardboutin.com or contact her at lesaboutin@gmail.com

Find Lesa and more about her books:
Site:  www.lesahowardboutin.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/lesakhoward
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/lesaHowrdBoutin
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8056585.Lesa_Howard




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