Unexpected Month Away from Blog...

Life can be like a waterfall, speeding over the edge without notice. Just when you think you are ironing life out and getting back on track, it throws you a loop-de-loop that wasn't there before. And gets stuck in the cycle.

So, I mentioned in one of my Sunday Posts, that my dad was in the hospital. The short of it... he had serious surgery to remove a little more than half his colon. The result, he had colon cancer. After testing, they found it did hit four of the twenty lymph nodes they removed. The good news, they feel they got it all and it had not spread.

Unfortunately this was pretty much a whole month process at the hospital with recovery for my dad. As many of you who've been here for a while with me know, my dad is handicap. He had a severe stroke almost 19 years ago that left him paralyzed on the right side and unable to speak. His health has slowly been deteriorating in the last year or two, which makes healing for such a serious surgery harder.

He was on intravenous food for a while. He just got off that and we are trying to get him back on regular food, but he's just not eating much when he eats. I don't know if the struggle was that he's tired or the pain medicine, or both. But it's a real struggle. I saw improvement in him yesterday, so it leaves me hopeful.

He went into the hospital on February 2nd, had surgery on the 6th, and released....well, as of today he's still there and I'm hoping he'll be released to the nursing home in a day or two. Until I get him back to the nursing home he was in, I won't be on the blog much.

I know some people go to the hospital and have time to be on the computer or read. I don't get to experience that with dad. Sure he has moments when he's sleeping and I can get on the computer, but that's usually only an hour at the most. When he was on pain medicine, oh wow that was some serious stuff, I was paying attention to his stats and trying to help keep him calm. I had a few moments to work on a few photos as I am behind on getting those out too, but when I'd start I would get off track with dad needing something. He was in ICU from surgery on the 6th to the 17th. So I really didn't get much done.

I was there for him, and that's what I did. I helped him as I could to make him comfortable and let nurses know when he needed them. Now, he's alert and hits the nurse call button and knows what's happening. So he's doing much better, but for a while there it was touchy.

He's looking better and things are looking good for him now.

Thank you for sticking with me through all that's happened and my absence. I appreciate all the great friends here and look forward to getting caught up with everyone again soon!

Take care!! (The photos as just two of many I took at Niagara Falls earlier this month, before dad getting sick. I thought I'd share the two that I got to touch up.)

Audio Book Review: Rogue's Quest

Rogue's Quest

By:  Sarah K.L. Wilson

Publish Date:  December 26, 2018, Audiobook Release December 31, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 2 hrs 22 mins
Narrated By:  Sean Rhead

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  1st in Dragon Chameleon series

Impression:  War's over, but there's still trouble to handle.

Synopsis:
It takes a special kind of magic to hide in plain sight.

I've been hiding all my life but now I'm doing it for my country.
My partner in crime? A chameleon dragon who takes things way too seriously.
They keep telling me that the world hangs in the balance, but I try not to take things like explosions, spies, and illicit magic too seriously.
After all, I get to ride a dragon! That is ... when she lets me.

DRAGON CHAMELEON: ROGUE'S QUEST is episode one of a brand new series set in the world of DRAGON SCHOOL.

First Sentence:
Dragons.
They haunted my dreams and brought their magic to my thoughts.

Purchase At:
Amazon  

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Tor remembers riding on the back of Hubric's dragon when they saved Tor and people from the burning buildings in Tor's home of Vanika. It was a feeling he wants to have again, in the sky on a dragon. Hubric promised to return, and he finally has. But his vague words about where Tor will go and do has Tor wondering if he should leave his burnt out husk of a home town or not. But if there's a chance of flying a dragon... And not starving...

Sean Rhead is a new narrator for me, and I very much enjoyed his voice for Tor. As I got to know Tor through his actions, Sean voiced him with feeling. The story is clean and clear as we listen. I look forward to hearing more.

This is another series in a dragon world Sarah has created. I've listened to the first book in the Dragon School series. But I don't think you have to listen/read the Dragon School series to understand this series. Although, looking through the books available for Dragon School series, I believe it will tell of the war that's said to have ended in the beginning of this book.

Tor is in for more than he expected. Hubric figures with Tor's background and skills, he'd be perfect as his apprentice in the position he recently was placed in. Then we meet Saboraak. Saboraak is brought in to help with this new position. She is special too! She's the first female to join the Dominic and brings skills to the job that are needed. Female dragons can do something cool that males can not! You have to read or listen to find out.

Tor and Saboraak are a fun match. Well, match... They have strong personalities that clash a bit. The clash is a way that each tell the other what they need to hear, to make them stronger. They made me smile as they told the hard truths to each other. In this short story I grew fond of Tor and Saboraak together and as characters.

This story is the beginning of much more with Tor and Saboraak. We pick up a few potential allies and ready for what's to come. At the end, I wanted to story to keep going. I wanted to formally meet our new characters and learn what is going on with the Magica. I guess I'll have to keep an eye out for the next section.



****If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you!

Audio Book Review: Witchbreaker

Witchbreaker

By:  James Maxey

Publish Date:  February 21, 2015, Audiobook Release September 12, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 12 hrs 21 mins
Narrated By:  Jake Urry

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  3rd in Dragon Apocalypse series; Book 1 ~ Greatshadow, Book 2 ~ Hush

Impression:  Following the connection to Rott the dragon.

Synopsis:
Five hundred years ago, the famed Witchbreaker, Lord Stark Tower, launched a war against the cult of witches, nearly wiping them out. Today, only a handful of women still practice the craft in secret. A young witch named Sorrow has dedicated her life to changing this reality, vowing to wipe out the Church of the Book and launch a new golden age of witchcraft. In pursuit of her goals, she bonds her soul with Rott, the primal dragon of decay, giving her nearly limitless powers of destruction. Unfortunately, tapping this power comes at the cost of her humanity, leading her into a desperate quest to find the greatest witch of all time, Avaris, in hopes of mastering her dark magic before it destroys her. But she's not alone in hunting Avaris, as fate throws her into an uneasy partnership with a man who wants to be the new Witchbreaker. Can either of them survive their mutual quests when their journey leads them into battle with Tempest, the primal dragon of storms?

First Sentence:
Sorrow shivered as she opened the blanket clasped around her shoulders long enough to feed the last shards of the kitchen table into the stove.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

If feels fitting, yet I felt unsure to have Jake Urry return to voice the story. Unsure because Stagger is not telling the story this time. But it fits as Jake has voiced these characters in the previous two books. He fits the same tone and personality to the characters we have become use to, easing my worry with quickness. Once I got over Stagger not being the voice of the story, I was happy to have Jake back to tell the tale of Sorrow's adventure. As usual, Jake's narration is clear and full of life for the characters.

Sorrow has a plan. She wanted to find the lost witches graveyard to learn more about putting special nails in her head to get more power. Now, she has more to fuel that desire. She needs to learn how to control the new power she has with a part of the dragon Rott's tooth in her skull as she's slowly turning into a dragon.

We meet Sorrow in the previous book and learned how and why she has a piece of Rott's tooth in her skull. It is fitting for the story to follow her next, as it's a series of the Dragon Apocalypse and she's now connected to a dragon. Sorrow has her vision set on what she's going to do. But her friends open her eyes to somethings she didn't see about herself. This is Sorrow's journey in what she wants and what she learns, sometimes they are connected but don't lead to the same result. I found I felt as though Sorrow's ending fits what she learns of herself and sees of the world and those around her.

Sorrow knows she needs allies, and picks up a few along the way. We reconnect with friends we made in the previous books. Brand and Bigsby. And we spend most of the book with the sea fairing Romer family. I enjoy the special talents and how the Romer family is a tight knit family. We have a new character as well. I very much like Slate. He's a new friend we find in this book. He's got a different look on things than Sorrow has. He gives Sorrow somethings to think about. He's a mystery for us for most of the book, but we do find out about him. These are all great friends that stick with Sorrow through the thick of troubles and help her see more than what she was seeing.

I found I enjoyed the beginning and the ending of the book. Even much of the meat of the story. But there were times I felt like I didn't have to listen to every word to know what was happening. I don't know why this is as we learn details that all build on each other as the story goes. I can piece back to where we learned details and even drew conclusions as to what would come to pass, which does.

This story finishes the troubles of Sorrow's, but it leaves us with new troubles in the world that need to be tended to. Cool.



****If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you!

Audio Book Review: Wild Hawk

Wild Hawk

By:  Justine Davis

Publish Date:  February 24, 2015, Audiobook Release October 23, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 12 hrs 9 mins
Narrated By:  Rayna Cole

Genre:  Paranormal Romance

Series:  1st in The Hawk Trilogy series

Impression:  Bitterness and anger can lead to great or terrible things.

Synopsis:
Jason Hawk is the sole heir to a fortune he refuses to inherit, left by a wealthy father whom he always despised. Kendall Chase, his father's assistant, is determined to show Jason his rightful destiny by way of a mysterious book. Yet, as their mutual attraction grows, they remain unaware of the danger that threatens to tear them apart.

First Sentence:
IT snowed in Sunridge for the first time in twenty years and the day they put the old man in the ground, and Jason West knew damned well the bastard had summoned it up himself.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

I've come to enjoy Rayna Cole as a narrator. I know I'll get feelings in her voice for each character, and I do. The hatred comes through so true when spoken with spit. She even voices the anger that is fulled by love so well. It's a mix of feelings and sounds to come through for me. You'll see the main character is male, but we have a female voice for the story. That's true, but Rayna voices Jason's personality and feelings very well. We also have the story from other character's POV's which are female, so it balances out the story.

So much bitterness and anger, it can be motivation for great or terrible things. A few people in this book demonstrate it. All these terrible feelings are fueled by love that was felt to be betrayed in some fashion. But there is one person that might be able to help one of the emotionally hurt people.

We get the story from a few different view points: Jason Hawk, Kendall Chase, and Alice Hawk. Wow, these people couldn't be more different than night and day. All have strong personalities. Alice and Jason have such anger stored up that they want to take it out on someone, but their actions are very different. Alice is cunning and vindictive, wanting all the money for herself. She will use her strong influence and money to make it happen her way. Jason is hurt by a father that never saw him, a man his mother always loved from a distance. This has pushed Jason to be who he is and do as he does. Kendall, she's the calm voice in all this. Kendall has a job to do for the deceased Aaron Hawk, and she's determined to carry out Aaron's last wishes, even if it kills her.

Kendall seems to stay herself strongly through the book. She has a job to do and she'll do it. Also, she's determined to not let Alice get away with what should be Jason's. Jason, now he's an interesting character. As much as he fights everything in the first half, he makes a turn for the second half. He has a plan and needs Kendall's help to accomplish it, though Kendall doesn't know that. Jason seems to be as much a tycoon as his father was. Jason's not sharing all about himself and I started to see this in the second half, making me even more curious about this mysterious, hot man.

The magic in this world... it's a very gentle addition to the world and story. Meaning, this world is not throwing fireballs at each other or have magic beings hiding from the normal world. It's an influence from a past that has a long line in the Hawk family.

This book has highly intimate moments present. Definitely an adult read. Wow. Jason really knows how to make images appear and stick in Kendall's mind. Great sensual writing by Justine Davis.

This book has a story that brings our two characters together, but it's more romance relationship building. The story is there, which keeps the characters together, the character and connection building created through events in the story. It's very good.



****If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you!

Sunday Post #113

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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This week was shot in the foot from the get-go.

I went to Ligonier where they had Ice Sculpting going on over the weekend. It was a cold one for it, perfect for the ice! I went with a few from the photography club and we took pictures with our cell phones for something different. Also, one of the lady's daughter opened a new store, Paws on Main. She has so many awesome items that are different than what you find at a normal pet store and the prices are so reasonable! She was taking pictures of every dog that walked into the store. lol. They have delicious looking, fresh treats for sale too!

Monday evening was spent at eye doctor. It's hard to pick new glasses! But I did. Tuesday was spent at the car dealer doing paperwork for the new car. Wednesday, well, I had to go talk to my dad at the nursing home. I had some concerns about his care and after talking to the home I talked to him about a doctor that will come talk to him. Thursday was a photography meeting. And Friday I got my hair done.

Then... I made a spur of the moment decision with friends and we went to Niagara Falls Friday night to spend the day on the American side Saturday. It was pretty neat as there was ice on the falls. I did take photos of it and was hoping to have pictures for you, but it's been another full week. I got the call Saturday night that my dad was sick. I spent the week with him at the hospital talking with doctors and waiting for results between being at work. He ended up having surgery on Wednesday due to a tumor that was blocking his colon along with large polyps. He's recovering now.

So... yea, it was packed full. Lots of good and some bad, but I think the bad is working out. I think I need to stay home and not spend any money for a while. lol.

Hope you've been having lots of great happening.

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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... I didn't get on the treadmill at all.

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What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:

King of Ashes by Raymond E. Feist
Editing work.


Current Audiobook:
I'll start a new book this week.

Current Podcast Book Listen:
Nothing new.

Finished Last Week: 

Books:
Not yet.

Audiobooks :

Darkmage by M.L. Spencer

Valley of Dry Bones by J.F. Penn
Storm & Fury by Gail Z. Martin & Larry N. Martin

Finished Podcast Book Listen:

Nothing new yet.

DNFed:

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Last Week on the Blog:

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

Guest Posts:

Posts:

Spellbound in a Flash:
Spellbound in a Flash now has a Facebook Page!



Challenged Writers:

Around the Internet...

Reviews:

Storm Watcher by Lilith Saintcrow

"This is a romance read mixed with action and worry. We learn there is still trouble in the city that needs tending to yet Mari and Hanson are drawn to each other as they work through all the troubles. There are sensual moments along with a growth of trust and feelings between them. I love the blend of action and love in this story. This is an adult read with these special moments."

Nobody Gets the Girl by James Maxey

"The story was enjoyable with the comic book feel to it. There were some expected twists to the characters to go with the comic book feel, but a few nice little leads into other directions too. If you want a superhero story with a comic book feel, this is a cool one to pick up."

She Dreams of Fire by M.K. Gibson

"I really liked the story as we learn about Aggy and Marcus in this book. Gibson gives us the information we want about our characters as we fight through the troubles they come into or follows them. And as they decide what to face and how they want to do it. There is action and fighting in the story along with the characters growing in personality and their thinking."

Storm & Fury by Gail Z. Martin & Larry N. Martin

"Mitch is so drawn to the science-y things. Jacob feels to be the grounded person. But both are big on guns. Mitch and and Jacob kind of have a feel of Lethal Weapon movies with Riggs and Murtaugh for me. They don't always agree but are a great team that gets the work done. Also, one's a little more grounded than the other. And, things do seem to go boom around these two. lol."

Podcast Review:

Mama Bitchstress Reviews:

GIVEAWAYS:

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This Week to Come on the Blog:

I have two reviews scheduled for you this week.

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Received For the Last Week:

(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:

The Centaur's Last Breath by April Fernsby
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Goodreads Synopsis:
A Paranormal Cozy Mystery 

Cassia Winter is a witch. With the help of her cat, Stanley, she investigates crime in the magical town of Brimstone. 

A centaur has died while out on a run. His death is confirmed as heart failure by a doctor. But the centaur’s father is adamant that his son was murdered and asks for Cassia’s help. 

Cassia starts to investigate the centaur’s death and is soon convinced it was murder. Furthermore, she discovers the centaur had made many enemies in the lead-up to his death. 

As Cassia and Stanley get deeper into the investigation, a stranger comes into their lives. This stranger is welcome, but things quickly take a turn for the worse and Cassia realises someone is out to cause her a great deal of harm.

Ancient Echoes by Joanne Pence
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Over two hundred years ago, a covert expedition shadowing Lewis and Clark disappeared into the wilderness of Central Idaho. Now, seven anthropology students and their professor vanish in the same area. The key to finding them lies in an ancient secret, one involving alchemy, gold, and immortality...a secret that men throughout history have sought to unveil.

Michael Rempart is a brilliant archeologist whose colorful and controversial career has earned him admiring fans and implacable foes, but he is plagued by a troubling sense of the supernatural and a mysterious spiritual intuitiveness. Joining Rempart in this adventure are a CIA consultant on paranormal phenomena, a washed-up local sheriff, and a former scholar of Egyptology. All must overcome their personal demons as they attempt to save the students and, ultimately, the world.

From the Journal of Francis Masterson, 1806--

All hope is gone. Evil is victorious.

In the time I have remaining I will, herewith, impart a tale so filled with Dread and Terror that my heart overflows with immeasurable Sorrow to tell it. It began with the highest of Good Will and Promise and, on my part, great Excitement. I can only trust to Providence that one day this small account which I leave in a land of unimaginable desolation and Wildness, may be discovered, and that it will serve to warn others of the wickedness that may ensnare Good men.

Ours was to be a Secret Expedition...

The Tournament of Supervillainy by C.T. Phipps
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Being a supervillain was all Gary ever wanted to be but the constant beatings, moral ambiguity, and the fact he now has a young daughter to look after have caused him to reconsider his career path. As he debates making a jump to the "other side", Gary finds himself recruited by Death to serve as her champion in a multiversal tournament for the ultimate prize: anything you could desire! 

Gary and a oddball collection of champions from a variety of universes must prevent the prize from falling into the hands of the genocidal space wizard Entropicus! He also must discover just where his heart really lies when his two closest loves reveal shocking secrets.

Guest starring Jane Doe from I Was a Teenage Weredeer, Agent G from Agent G: Infiltrator, and Cassius Mass from Lucifer's Star.

Wraith Knight by C.T. Phipps
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Goodreads Synopsis:
The King Below, Enemy of the World, is dead. Will his successor save the world...or rule it? Jacob Riverson was once the greatest hero of an age. Cut down during what should have been the final battle against the King Below, he was condemned to centuries of torment as a Wraith Knight in the service of said monster. With the destruction of his master, Jacob finds his free will returning and discovers he is in a world torn by civil war between the King Below's former slaves and the heroes who "saved" them. Joining forces with the overly-idealistic but brilliant warrior Regina Whitetremor, Jacob must determine whether he has any place in the new world and whether his destiny is as a hero or monster. Or both. Wraith Knight is book one of the Three Worlds saga by C.T. Phipps.




Purchased/Winnings/Gifts:

Book:

Shades of the God by Erin Hayes
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Caught between life and death, all Callie wants is to live again.

Homicide detective Callie Saunders knows that death isn’t all pearly gates and angels. After being hit by a bus, she finds that it's the ancient gods and goddesses of Greek mythology who are in charge of everything.

So when Hades offers her a deal, she accepts. If she wants to be brought back to life, she’ll have to figure out who is trying to kill his son. But if she fails, both her soul and the world will be destroyed.

With the odds mounting against her, it’ll take everything she has within her to wake up from death. But the rules are constantly changing. And someone wants her to stay dead.


(This book was formerly titled Death is but a Dream. The covers and titles have changed for The Elysium Legacies, but the content is still the same.)


Audio:

Free Ebooks:
(On my Kindle and Nook App) Links to books under title. They may or may not be free at this time.

Book of Watchers by Mary Ting
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Enoch wants to live an ordinary life. He’s content to lie low, skip his college classes, and avoid committing to any one girl. But ordinary isn’t on the syllabus for Enoch because at night, he dreams of demons. Vivid dreams that leave him wanting escape more than ever. When they escape his dreams and attack him during daylight, his reality becomes a nightmare. 

As he pieces together the meaning behind the encounters, supernatural creatures emerge. Demons. Vampires. Witches. Angels. And they all want something from him. In a supernatural world he never thought possible, Enoch uncovers a secret that either will destroy him or force him to become much more than he ever wanted.

Happy Howlidays: Shifters in Love Romance Collection
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Snowed in With the Bear - Isadora Montrose - Billionaire black bear tempts curvy grizzly. Is their sniping and snapping a cover for forbidden passion? Will a Christmas Eve blizzard turn BBW widow Amanda and playboy Calvin’s lust into a forever love? 

Dreaming of a Wolf Christmas - Elsa Jade - Bitten and changed—betrayed—by her high school sweetheart, Solange has spent the last twenty years denying her wolf…and her love. Now her grandchildren are celebrating their first Christmas, and her mate has returned to the little town of Angels Rest. Can the sweetness of the season melt away an old bitterness at last? 

Hoarding Christmas – Becca Fanning - Bah, humbug! This capitalist Dragon Shifter knew what mattered during the holiday season: profits! That’s why his eye fell upon the charming little knickknack store and the prime piece of real-estate it occupied. But just as he fantasized about the strip-mall he’d replace it with, he saw her... 

Seducing Her Christmas Cowbear – Liv Brywood - All Jessica wants for Christmas is sexy cowboy bear shifter Toby. Unfortunately, he’s her new boss and totally off-limits. When his “bah, humbug” attitude threatens to ruin Christmas, she decides it’s time to play dirty. She knows exactly how to get him into the holiday spirit, but she’s about to get more than she bargained for under the mistletoe. 

Guarding Her Dragon - Julia Mills - With six older sisters, two baby reindeer, and an evil Gnome of an auntie hellbent on world domination, Elsa’s got her hands full. It’s gonna take more than a little Elven magic and the love of her Dragon to make it to Christmas Eve, but this little Elf refuses to give up. She’s guarding her Dragon with all she’s got and finding out the best things in life come wrapped in glittering green scales. 

Angel Kisses - Élianne Adams - Jenna hasn’t been home for Christmas in years. Life happened—actually, her asshole ex happened—but this year, she’s back if only to lick her wounds and salvage her pride. When an unfortunate Christmas tree incident reunites her with her high school crush, Dereck, the last thing she needs is a fling, much less a relationship. But the alpha wolf is too sexy for his own good, and she’s not sure she can resist or even if she wants to. 

The Ocelot’s Surprise Present - Olivia Arran - Ocelot shifter Julie is happy hiding out, blissfully ignoring the law that says she has to move to one of those new shifter towns. Her best friend is about to have a baby and Christmas is just around the corner. When a sexy wolf shifter shows up on her doorstep and informs her that they’re fated mates, she’s not sure if she should run from this unexpected Christmas present … or start unwrapping him. 

Little Puma’s Christmas Adventure- Scarlett Grove - Tired of waiting for a mate, Puma shifter Stephanie takes a Christmas cruise to the Caribbean. Working for a covert squadron, grizzly shifter Max hopes he can make up for his past. When disaster strikes it leaves both shifters stranded on a tropical island and interrupts Max’s mission to change everything for the shell shocked shifter. Can he save the girl, save the day, and learn to let himself be loved? 

The Reindeer Shifter's Christmas Gift - J.K. Harper - Bear shifter Wyatt and reindeer shifter Brynna have lots of history. Their youthful dreams were dashed years ago when Wyatt left town, but now he's come home for good. Can a sexy, possessive bruin and a stubborn, holiday-hating reindeer heal their busted hearts just in time to make some mistletoe magic that will last forever? 

Second Chance Xmas - Jacqueline Sweet - The Bearfield tree lighting ceremony is a chance for s

Catwalk: Messiah by Nick Kelly
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Nitro City, 2033.

Leon "Catwalk" Caliber left his cop job in DC behind, heading to the City of Angels to earn a living off the grid. He took a few odd jobs that called for his particular skill set – extortion, espionage, and the occasional hit – and managed to carve out a niche for himself among the Downtown dwellers. 

All that changed when a new breed of MetaHuman cyborg appeared on the streets with explosive violence. Cat’s quiet existence is sent into turmoil when he finds himself right in the crosshairs. He must evade the assassin squads sent by a vengeful pimp, uncover the origin of these mysterious new mechs, and keep the cops off of his tail. Simple enough, except that the cybernetic technology that powers his body threatens to sever his humanity at any moment. 

Can the killer with a conscience find a cure, solve the case, get the girl, and live to see another day?

Catwalk: Making an Entrance by Nick Kelly
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Available only on Kindle Fire.

Read it here exclusively - The first appearance of Leon "Catwalk" Caliber!

Leon "Catwalk" Caliber, former cop, involuntary cybernetic metahuman, odd jobs guy. Follow Catwalk as he runs protection detail for model/actress/beauty, Delilah Dupree. Take a look inside the mind of the killer with a conscience in this fast-paced, noir meets cyberpunk story. (Prologue to the 2013 novel, "Catwalk: Messiah.")

Includes never-before-seen cover art!

Written by Nick Kelly & David Napoliello
Art by Corey Zayatz
Inked by Dan Parsons
Lettered by Vince Sneed
Cover by Nick Kelly

Originally published in "Independent Voices 3" from Peregrine Entertainment (2001).

The North Star by Killian Carter
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Bringing down his ship was their biggest mistake…

When Jason Grimshaw, First Commander of the Starship Bakura, leads a routine training mission to Colony 115, an unidentified alien vessel forces them to crash-land. 

Ensign Clio Evans is separated from her crew in the wreckage. She must re-join them if she stands any hope of surviving, but an alien army stands in her way. 

With the invaders hot on their heels, Grimshaw and Evans must find a way off the battle-scarred planet in time to warn the Galactic Council before the mysterious new race tears the Alliance asunder. 

Meanwhile, on the other side of the galaxy, Randis Kahn fights for survival on the lower levels of Sentinel Station. Caught between warring gangs and a political conspiracy, he must look to a past he would rather forget or lose everything he holds dear. 

Put three fresh characters in a glass. Fill it with action, and mix in some intrigue. Give it a good shake, and you have a cocktail called The North Star. 

If you enjoyed Star Wars, Mass Effect, and similar science fiction stories, you’ll love The North Star. 

Perfect for those who like books about alien invasion, first contact, colonisation, military science fiction, space opera, space fleet adventures, or anything related to the above.

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

Danger's Halo by Amanda Carlson
The Books and Braun Dossier by Philippa Ballantine & Tee Morris

Solomon Key by David Wood

Wild Hawk by Justine Davis

Witchbreaker by James Maxey

Rogue's Quest by Sarah K.L. Wilson
Darkmage by M.L. Spencer
Valley of Dry Bones by J.F. Penn

Giveaway & Audio Book Review: Storm & Fury

Storm & Fury

By:  Gail Z. Martin & Larry N. Martin

Publish Date:  February 23, 2018, Audiobook Release October 30, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 12 hrs 27 mins
Narrated By:  Neil Hellegers

Genre:  Paranormal

Series:  Short stories in the world of Iron & Blood novels and the related Storm & Fury Adventures.

Impression:  Short stories in a magical and steampunk world.

Synopsis:
New Pittsburgh, 1898 – a crucible of invention and intrigue. Born from the ashes of devastating fire, flood and earthquake, the city is ruled by the shadow government of The Oligarchy. In the swarming streets, people of a hundred nations drudge to feed the engines of progress. The Department of Supernatural Investigation was set up to take care of those things that live below, that go bump in the night… those odd cases that go beyond ‘standard’ investigation. Nicknamed ‘Storm and Fury’, Mitch Storm and Jacob Drangosavich are two of the more creative agents, working in New Pittsburgh and obeying the rules – when they have to.

A collection of short stories and novellas set in the world of the Iron & Blood novels and the related Storm and Fury Adventures.

Includes: Airship Down, Ruin Creek, Resurrection Day, The Hunt, Grave Voices, and Rogue. Plus two bonus stories: Ghost Wolf and a Steampunk fairy tale: The Patented Troll


Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

This is a collection of novellas and short stories set in the worlds of Iron & Blood novels and Storm & Fury Adventures. It's sort of an anthology. Some of the stories were published in other anthologies, but it's always great to have them all in one handy place.

This is my first adventure in a world I've been wanting to visit. I'm pleased that I took the journey. I love how destruction seems to be left in their wake. I laugh as they are always being shot at and blowing something up, likely blowing up of something valuable too. lol. Also, the "bad guys" don't always fair well when they go against Jacob and Mitch.

Mitch is so drawn to the science-y things. Jacob feels to be the grounded person. But both are big on guns. Mitch and and Jacob kind of have a feel of Lethal Weapon movies with Riggs and Murtaugh for me. They don't always agree but are a great team that gets the work done. Also, one's a little more grounded than the other. And, things do seem to go boom around these two. lol.

Airship Down
This was an interesting investigation for Mitch and Jacob as they follow orbs that make electricity flash. It's fun watching them destroy their travel methods along with a few other things along the way. lol.

I was a little bummed at the end of the short as I felt we didn't get a resolution to the orbs. I'm not sure if these show up in the books or another short though. So maybe there is a resolution in another story? It is sort of mentioned in another short, briefly.

Resurrection Day
Oh this is neat. I like what they find in this short. Resurrection day indeed. This gives a blend between steampunk and supernatural in this world.

This is, however, another case that's not fully answered. I still have questions, like how the resurrection is done and what about two of the bad guys. I do love the world I'm getting glimpses of in these shorts and curious if the answers are given in the novels.

Langiappe
Oh this one is cool. I love the mystery to solve here. This kept my attention the whole time. I love how the pieces puzzle together. This was a cool view into the supernatural world.

Jacob and Mitch aren't as...destructive in this story. But we get to meet a female character, Della, I really loved. She sounds strong and one not to go against. I hope to see more of her.

Grave Voices
This was a longer story that gives us the full view of world and characters. We get a larger cast here and I love how one makes his appearance. The magic and mechanicals of the world are present.

We get a conclusion to the story here. This is cool and leaves a chance of working with others.

This one is full of mystery and action. Nice story. There is a connection to religion and magic and science here too.

Ruin Creek
This is short but a full story of a mission Jake and Mitch head out on. Neat story with ghosts, projections, and maybe aliens.

We see another "bad guy" here that our duo fights against. Gun shots and fighting.

I liked how this one concluded with the whole feel of the story and where they are.

The Hunt
This story as a feel of alien tech in it as well. The blend of steampunk and old west with our agents and town in are an awesome blend.

We get a full story here, and the guys are on their probation from something they blew up and shouldn't have, along with not capturing a bad guy. We get things tied up with what they are looking for along with unfinished business as to why they are here.

Rogue
This story had a feel of a magical National Treasure. Though the treasure wasn't gold but a magical relic. Very interesting how things all connect and the magic that's present. I really liked how the references to history was used to create something new.

Interesting what we see with different groups in the world and how they protect and work together. And the turn of events with one person here. Very good.

Ghost Wolf
He dresses as a wolf and defends the workers that are being attacked. One night the immigrant hating gang might be Irish against Polish, tomorrow it could be a Polish gang against an Irish one. He'll defend each at any time.

This story is set in the world of Storm & Fury but it's not a story of their adventures. We see them briefly as our main character overhears them but that's all.

The character present is important in helping stop fights in New Pittsburgh, and saves the city at the same time.

The Patented Troll
This story is not of Storm and Fury, it's of the inventor that started all with his inventions. This is a lovely little tale that gives the feel of an inventor and how he felt of his inventions, and how others used them. I loved the feel I got from this story with the inventor and a young man that wants to be safe as well.

Iron & Blood (Excerpt)
There is an excerpt of the first book present too. So if you haven't started the series (like me) you get a feel for what we are missing.


****If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you!

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Giveaway: 3-month Audible membership

Runs Jan. 5th-Feb 11th⎮Open internationally

Storm & Fury Giveaway: 3-month Audible subscription