Audio Book Review: Under Her Skin

Under Her Skin

By:  Margo Bond Collins

Publish Date:  June 3, 2016, Audiobook Release October 31, 2016

Format:  Audiobook - 5 hrs 44 mins
Narrated By:  Emma Lysy

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  1st Shifter Shield novel

Impression:  She didn't know of the shifters, and she's a dangerous one.

Synopsis:
Lindi Parker works hard at being human, not an easy task for a weresnake. She has no desire to search for others like her—until a new case changes everything. When Lindi learns that she's not the only shapeshifter in the world, she realizes she might be next on a killer's list.

In order to save herself and the abused children she works with, she will have to team up with Dr. Kade Nevala, a member of the shifter tribe responsible for eradicating weresnakes—and the most attractive man Lindi's ever met. Even more terrifying, she’ll need to embrace her serpent side, a choice that has enormous consequences for Lindi, and for everyone around her.

First Sentence:
"Some sons-a-bitches just need killing." Detective Daniel Moreland stared down at the body of the man sprawled across the bedroom floor and shook his head.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.

Lindi knows she's a weresnake, but has never meet other shifters until one night when an abused child kills her step-father. While at the hospital with the young girl, Lindi meets Dr. Kade Nevala and feels a strong sensation from him. A mix of danger and attraction. Kade is to kill Lindi's kind, but something about Lindi stops him. More children are found dead, and Lindi who's a child counselor must work with Dr. Kade to find the connection and killer before more children are found dead.

I found Emma was easy to listen to. Her voice clear and delicate. Though, when needed Emma had a hard sound to her voice, working with the emotions that Lindi would be feeling in the moment. In the moments romance shines, Emma has a soft, sensual voice to fill the moment with emotion.

This story is a romance, but also much more than that with murders and kidnappings that are connected to Lindi, and shifters.

I enjoyed listening to Lindi learning about the world she never knew existed, the shifters. But what she learns about her breed of shifters looks bad for her. There is a whole history between the snake shifters and all others. Lindi had no idea and is nothing like those that are similar to her. The story shows this difference and holds Lindi to her nature.

Mmm. Kade. Seeing him through Lindi's eyes is wonderful. Lindi feels the attraction from the beginning but knows there's something dangerous about him. That would be the shifter side of him, what he shifts into and is to do for the clan could be trouble for her. But the attraction is felt on both sides and we see the romantic tension between the two.

There are many children that have been recently found dead and Lindi is determined to help solve what's happened to them, before others are killed. She does try to get help when she's drawn to areas of potential danger, but more concerned for the children she goes anyway. I liked that she tries to get help, but that she wants the children safe so goes ahead anyway.

It's a quick story but full of time with Lindi and Kade to grow the feelings of attraction between them and solve the cases at hand. Also, for Lindi to get into trouble.

Margo draws my attention in her blend of romance and story along with keeping the characters on track for what they are working toward. Of course the story has a HEA though, which is nice to know.



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

Audio Book Review: Waking Up Dead

Waking Up Dead

By:  Margo Bond Collins

Publish Date:  October 8, 2013, Audiobook March 28, 2016

Format:  Audiobook - 6 hrs 51 mins
Narrated By:  Angel Clark

Genre:  Paranormal

Series:  1st in Callie Taylor series

Impression:  Murder crime resolved by a ghost who knows the truth.

Synopsis:
When Dallas resident Callie Taylor died young, she expected to go to Heaven, or maybe Hell. Instead, she met her fate early thanks to a creep with a knife and a mommy complex. Now she's witnessed another murder, and she's not about to let this one go. She's determined to help solve it before an innocent man goes to prison. And to answer the biggest question of all: why the hell did she wake up in Alabama?

First Sentence:
When I died, I expected to go to heaven.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository 

Audible


My Thoughts and Summary:
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com, at my request.

Callie wonders why she woke up in Alabama as a ghost, and not in her home town in Dallas, Heaven, or even Hell. Callie thinks it might be to help Rick McClatchey. Rick's in prison for murdering his wife, which Callie knows he didn't. She saw the man who killed and chopped Molly McClatchey up but doesn't know why or how to prove it. Callie is determined to find someone to help her prove Rick is innocent.

Listening to Callie's story feels like she's talking right to me, and so much so with it being narrated! Angel takes on Callie's personality as she narrates for us, feeling as though she knows me and tells me her story like a friend. Angel also picks up the personalities of other characters as they talk. I liked that we get different tones for each character to help differentiate the characters easily in listening. We get louder sections when Callie, or others, are calling to another room or upset. The vocals are clear with a clean background. There is, however, a repeated section, a decent sized section that feels as if it's a paragraph or two, in chapter 7.

Callie has a strong personality. She's a determined type. Callie does get a bit pushy, as living life happens to get in the way of the living who can see her and are helping to find clues to point to the real killer. I had to chuckle at Maw-maw when she tells Ashara as it is. She is a strong, determined old lady with putting things in perspective.

We have a diverse cast here. Ashara plays a big part in the story with helping Callie and she's African American. Woot woot! Ashara can see and hear ghosts. Ashara's Maw-maw mentioned, and Ashara believes it possible though questions, that she's been given a gift by God with seeing the dead people. Ashara will feel bad if she doesn't help Callie with Rick's case, as he's innocent and she does have a gift, so Ashara works with Callie. I really liked Ashara. She's smart and has a view of the world knowing she could get in serious trouble with some of the things she does with Callie, the one no one can see. Even Maw-maw gets in on the adventure, getting a chance to leave the house.

The story was a light listen. I did map the family tree that we learned though. I just had to! It was something that I wanted to see, all the connections and all. The story was something I enjoyed in audio as it made the personalities pop and the story feel light and fun for me. There is a touch of a dark feel at the end of the story though, how things can turn bad and do.

Audio Book Review: Fairy, Texas

Fairy, Texas

By:  Margo Bond Collins

Publish Date:  February 6, 2014, Audiobook March 24, 2016

Format:  Audiobook - 6 hrs 19 mins
Narrated By:  Melissa Moran

Genre:  Young Adult Urban Fantasy

Series:  1st in Fairy, Texas series

Impression:  An interesting and different twist on Fairies, or Demons, with a dark influence in a high school setting.

Synopsis:
Fairy, Texas. A small town like any other.

Laney Harris didn't want to live there. When her mother remarried and moved them to a town where a date meant hanging out at the Sonic, Laney figured that "boring" would have a whole new meaning. A new stepsister who despised her and a high school where she was the only topic of gossip were bad enough. But when she met the school counselor (and his terminal bad breath), she grew suspicious. Especially since he had wings that only she could see. And then there were Josh and Mason, two gorgeous glimmering-eyed classmates whose interest in her might not be for the reasons she hoped. Not to mention that dead guy she nearly tripped over in gym class.

She was right. Boring takes on an entirely new dimension in Fairy, Texas.

First Sentence:
Of all the things that frightened me about starting a new school, finding a dead guy on day one didn't even make it into my top hundred.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository 

Audible


My Thoughts and Summary:
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.

Laney's mom has moved her from her home in Atlanta to a ranch in Fairy, Texas. Laney tries to get through the first day at a new school, but things go wrong when she trips over a dead body. And life gets more complicated from there as two handsome boys try to date her. She learns they are after more than she's willing to give as the town has a darker presence than she ever could have expected.

Melissa displays all emotions with enough emphasis that we feel them in the voice of Laney and others. Laney's sarcasm feels so genuine as if slips off the tongue of the narrator. Melissa has to have a strong southern accent to fit a book placed in Texas. She does. Not all characters have the accent and those that do, she shows the influence of the southern swing of their voice. There are breaks in the chapters and Melissa gives a breath of a pause long enough to know that the story is changing in the chapter. When the narrator does small things that relate to the characters or what they are doing, it helps make the story become catching, Melissa does these small things. When the characters have an obstacle in their way of speaking, Melissa makes the character sound as if it's obscured slightly.

Wow. That first sentence is one to draw you in! I had to keep going with that lead in.

We get to meet all the characters and see Fairy, Texas with Laney as she experiences it all for the first time. Boy, do Laney's thoughts come through in the narrator's voice! The town seems strange at first sight. The dreamy eyes she gets from several boys, the strange guidance counselor that has rancid breath, and Oma Raina with the same breath. Just to find the two handsome boys that want to date Laney, the guidance counselor, and another woman talking about her in an abandoned house. Things seem stranger and stranger at first, drawing me in to know what is really going on here in Fairy.

Laney is the dreaded new girl at Fairy High School. She has a new step-sister that doesn't want her around, a new friend that seems to have a crush on her (that she doesn't need being day one of school), and trips over a dead body as she's trying to impress the track coach in gym class. This all starts how Laney's reputation starts to tarnish in school, and just the icing of the cake for what she'll have to endure.

Through it all, Laney seems like my kind of girl. I could be friends with her. She keeps up with the quick quips that others throw at her, always having one to say back to them. Smart girl.

I really enjoy Margo's writing style with the narrators she picks. The book feels as Laney is talking to me as we live through her days. As if she's my friend telling me all she knows. It feels like she pulls me into the story with the characters and I'm their sounding board.

I would suggest this story to older teens as there is the underlining attempt of sex to the story line. Yet there is teen drama, mixed with fairy/demon meddling and ploys.

There are a few different twists to the story that I enjoyed, events and fairy/demon creation. I was kept guessing as to what would happen with these characters. I'm TOTALLY wanting more with Laney and Josh and all the characters. Especially with what we learn of the 'fairy' world, Laney, and more!



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

Come Love a Cowboy

I'm quickly becoming a fan of Margo Bond Collins in the few stories I've read of hers lately. When I had the opportunity to share about this new Anthology of stories she's in, I wanted to join in. There is a wide variety of stories available in this anthology, a bit of something for everyone it seems.

Hope you like what you see and find a story that lassos you in!

Come Love a Cowboy Western Romance Anthology ~ only $.99

Eight stand-alone Contemporary Western Romance novellas from Bestselling and Award-Winning Authors.

From firefighters, bronco busters, and wealthy ranchers to bad boys, we have them all for you! If you've ever wanted to fall in love with a sexy, alpha cowboy of today...now's your chance.

On sale for $.99 via Amazon: http://myBook.to/Come-Love-A-Cowboy

Pre-order through March 31, 2016
Release date: April 1, 2016

Luke’s Fate by Kathleen Ball
Meg O’Brien hoped never to lay eyes on the one man who broke her heart. To her dismay, Luke Kelly arrives at her ranch a much different and broken man. Can Meg ever forgive his callous treatment of her and help Luke become the man he used to be?

Grant Me The Moon by Caroline Clemmons
All Tory Fraser intended was to show her high school history club students a local archeology dig. How could she know the excursion would involve a murder?

Three for The Win by Keta Diablo
Hollis should have known better than to fall for a bone-melting man like Stede. He’s gone now and Eli is left to pick up the broken pieces of her life.

Border Affair by Hebby Roman
When his partners’ daughter is kidnapped in México, a self-made millionaire must confront his feelings about their affair and the future of their relationship.

Leaving Necessity by Margo Bond Collins
Mac has one week to convince his ex-girlfriend Clara not to sell his oil company. In this high-pressure reunion, can they strike love again?

The Shape of Destiny by Julie A. D’Arcy
A young male shape shifter. A beautiful female ranch owner. Can love be born in a web of deceit?

Bad Boy, Big Heart by Andrea Downing
She’s a New Yorker escaping her parents. He’s a Wyoming cowboy supporting his dad. One summer, two young people—three months to find love.

Desert Heat by Patti Sherry-Crews
A single mother struggling to keep her guest ranch puts her own desires on hold. When a handsome and persistent fireman sets his sights on her, she must decide how much she’s willing to give.

Featuring:

Leaving Necessity by Margo Bond Collins

(also available as a stand-alone novella via Amazon: http://myBook.to/Leaving-Necessity)

Can they strike love again?

At nineteen, Clara Graves left Necessity, Texas, to try to heal her broken heart. She swore she would never come back, and she's kept that promise for ten years. Until now. When she returns for her uncle's funeral, she inherits a small oil company that may keep her tied to Necessity for a few days longer than she expected. But as soon as she can close or sell the business, she's pointing her boots toward greener pastures.

To this day, Mitchell MacAllan regrets letting Clara go without a fight. But his whole life was in Necessity, and leaving town wasn't in the cards. As the foreman of Aerio Oil and Gas, he works hard to keep the townspeople employed and maintain the business, despite a recent downturn in petroleum prices.

Now Mac has less than a week to convince Clara that she should give Aerio a chance, and maybe even forgive him in the meantime. Otherwise, she will once again be leaving Necessity--and taking his heart with her, this time for good.

Leaving Necessity is also available in the Come Love a Cowboy Anthology

Excerpt

I had forgotten how big the sky is here.

Clara moved to the side of the caliche road, sidestepping several larger rocks in order to make her way to the edge of the small oil field—the ‘oil patch,’ Mitch had called it. Drawing in a deep breath, she could smell the dust and mesquite, even over the scent of the gas that hissed out of the pressure valve Mitch let go.

The orange rays of the sunset shot out from behind a distant limestone hill, streaking the clouds above with golden light. When she drew her eyes back down to the ground, everything seemed a little darker. She couldn’t help but compare it to her life in New York. Despite the rhythmic sound of the compressor running the cricket-head well pump behind her, there was a sense of peace out here that came from being truly alone. Or at least, as alone as she could manage with another person around. Especially if that other person was Mitchell MacAllan.

Something about him still attracted her. Not necessarily physically—though that was still in the mix. No, it was the way they slipped into simply being in one another’s company, as if the last ten years hadn’t even happened.

About the Author & Social Media Links

Margo Bond Collins is addicted to coffee (mmm...caffeine) and SF/F television, especially Supernatural (mmm...Winchesters). She writes paranormal and contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and paranormal mystery. She lives in Texas with her daughter and several spoiled pets. Although she teaches college-level English courses online, writing fiction is her first love. She enjoys reading urban fantasy and paranormal fiction of any genre and spends most of her free time daydreaming about heroes, vampires, ghosts, werewolves, and the women who love (and sometimes fight) them.

You can learn more about her at http://www.MargoBondCollins.net and follow her on all the usual social media outlets (listed below).

For updates about publications, free fiction, and other goodies, be sure to subscribe to her newsletter: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/d/03A21E5E161401F0

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/margobondcollins
Email: MargoBondCollins@gmail.com
Website: http://www.MargoBondCollins.net
Blog: http://www.MargoBondCollins.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MargoBondCollin @MargoBondCollin
Google+: https://plus.google.com/116484555448104519902
Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/vampirarchy
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MargoBondCollins
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mbondcollins/

Audio Book Review: Legally Undead

Legally Undead

By:  Margo Bond Collins

Publish Date:  May 27, 2014, Audiobook February 29, 2016

Format:  Audiobook - 7 hrs 50 mins
Narrated By:  Laurel Schroeder

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  1st in Vampirarchy series

Impression:  Fun vampire hunting story that held my attention!

Synopsis:
A reluctant vampire hunter, stalking New York City as only a scorned bride can.

Elle Dupree has her life all figured out: first a wedding, then her Ph.D., then swank faculty parties where she’ll serve wine and cheese and introduce people to her husband the lawyer.

But those plans disintegrate when she walks in on a vampire sucking the blood from her fiancé, Greg. Horrified, she screams and runs—not away from the vampire, but toward it, brandishing a wooden letter opener.

As she slams the improvised stake into the vampire’s heart, a team of black-clad men bursts into the apartment. Turning to face them, Elle realizes Greg’s body is gone—and her perfect life falls apart.

First Sentence:
The worst thing about vampires is that they're dead.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository 

Audible


My Thoughts and Summary:
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.

Elle rushes the vampire with a wooden letter opener, after she sees it bite her fiance, Greg. Nick, who had come in when Elle was attacked, was sent to stop the attack or clean up. Nick works for the same law firm Greg did. So who was behind the attack and why? Who tipped Nick? Elle's life has changed and she's to move on. But the vampire ex-fiance Greg is now hunting her. Elle is strong and determined, she'll fight for her freedom. And she'll get answers to her questions.

With vampire-Greg looking for her, Elle starts to investigate vampires in general and why him. Nick can't tell her anything as it's against the law firms business orders, but he'll help train her to defend herself. Elle will have to learn why Greg was attacked on her own... In doing so, Elle seems to be a magnet for vampires and trouble.

First thing I noticed in listening to this story, I felt as if Elle was talking to me as she was describing how vampires are eliminated in the Prologue, and it carried on through the book.

The voice of Laurel as she narrated felt as though she was a friend, and I wanted to hear what she had to say. There are three short instances that I heard sentences repeated. But I really liked the sound of Laurel's voice. She felt and sounded like she was living as Elle from the first word spoken. The personality voiced felt to fit post on with the character written. Laurel narrates with a few clips with accents, a slight southern accent and one for the Bronx along with others. I really do enjoy the slight accents present in a few characters voices, as Laurel does them.

Quick start! We leap right in with Elle thrown into the world of vampires, in her own home! Great start! This attracted me to the book from the moment I clicked play. The beginning of the chapters set up what's to happen, like Elle is telling the story after it's all passed. Then we get into the events that transpire. I was entertained by the story from the beginning, then I found I was listening with full attention because I wanted to know the answer to the questions as well, and to see what other troubles Elle would get into.

Loooove the chop stick usage! Totally awesome. This is the perfect weapon I don't think many would think of when looking to carry one against vampires. lol. Then the blade that Elle has made for her. Neat!

We have a group of men that have been nothing but help for Elle. I enjoyed that there was no attraction present with them and Elle. They respect her and help her, along with clean up after any vampire deaths. They are a fun crew of vampire fighters. I found I grew attached to them all and want to visit with or work with them again in the future.

I found I relaxed when listening to this story. It was fun, witty and not over stressful. An enjoyable listen. I will TOTALLY be looking for future installments of this series to listen to.



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

Just for fun...Books and Music

Sometimes we come across a song that just screams a book or a piece of a book or a piece of the song.

This song has hit me for a book... First, I'm not a huge fan of the song.  Gorgeous voice, yes.  But the song just seems so simple to me.  However!  It does seem to fit a Young Adult book.  I'm sure you know it.  Catching Fire.  The second book in the Hunger Games series.

I can very easily see Katniss coming out on fire in the parade to this song.  In her chariot and all the sight.  The description of the 'girl' in the song seems to fit Katniss as the image that she is becoming here as well.

Book Review: Mockingjay

Mockingjay

By:  Suzanne Collins

Publisher:  Scholastic Press

Publish Date:  August 24, 2010

Genre:  YA Fantasy

Format:  Hardback, 389 pages

Recommendation:  YES!! and read the first two books too! It is so much more than YA and deadly games.

Book Synopsis:
My name is Katniss Everdeen.
Why am I not dead?
I should be dead.

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed.  Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe.  Peeta has been captured by the Capitol.  District 13 really does exist.  There are rebels.  There are new leaders.  A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescu3ed from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it.  District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol.  Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans - except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem.  To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust.  She must become the rebels' Mockingjay - no matter what the personal cost.

First Sentence:
I stare down at my shoes, watching as a fine layer of ash settles on the worn leather.

My Review and Summary:
First, this review will have spoilers as to the first two books and some to this one as well, not much but if you want to go in unknowing the please don't read.  I tried keeping all the major issues out of this review and hope I did well in that.

One month after Quarter Quell and Katniss is still healing.  Katniss returns to the ashes of her home District 12 to see the devastation with her own eyes.  Katniss is still trying to put the pieces and players together to figure out what's true and what's not.  She feels guilty for the deaths of District 12 for her actions in the Quarter Quell ~ upsetting the Capitol to make them do this to her home district.

In Katniss's state of mind and distress over what has happened with the games she can't decide if she wants to join up with the Rebels and be the image they need her to be... the Mockingjay, to give hope to the other districts while fighting.  Yet the help with clothes, speeches and such all sound just like the position Katniss played before each game.

This book starts off slowly with learning who and how the rescued ones are.  You learn there are great worries for the ones who were captured by the Capitol, and you see how devastating it is to the ones who are alive and... well alive.  Here in District 13 you start to see there are rumors about the place and you wonder slightly on it while learning interesting details of the place, but the people are safe and accepted here. 

I was aware from the previous two books that President Snow and the games really affected these kids' minds, but it really shows in this conclusion as to how badly it really was/is.  The clouded view and instability of Katniss from the previous and even current happenings really comes into focus here.  This is also what makes this book so heart wrenching for me.  Suzanne definitely does NOT take the easy road for her characters.  She is very bold in taking this great stand with them, which makes them that much more real to me.

I was wanting to see more of the government and the views of what might have been "wrong," "right," or where they "went from here".  But again, these books are from Katniss's view so we are a little short on these explanations.  These books are of Katniss as she grows in the role here.  You do get your conclusion to the story.  But the idea implanted from this world and the reaction of these characters keeps you thinking.

As much as I loved the book and was drawn into these characters once more, I felt left wanting more in the end.  This can be a good thing and a bad thing.  Maybe the frantic pacing in parts of the book once it got rolling and then slower in others might be why.  I'm not sure.  Maybe the trauma periods for Katniss, when she is sedated, is what I felt as I'm missing things, I wasn't sure I was getting all the information or even the right information.  But I was seeing Katniss's view on everything to understand her even more.  It might be that I don't really get my closure with what happens in the government and politics.  But the book left a huge impact on me.  The thought to do what is right and needed in the bigger picture.

Is this the perfect ending to the trilogy?  I don't know.  I do know I was drawn right to the characters and the destructive world they live in.  Drawn so much I was heart broken in the end.  But there is a short ray of hope given after it all.  For me this book is about more than how Katniss chooses to be with, it is about what you choose in life to fight for and what you will do for it, but keep your eyes and ears open to not be tricked to do for others.


I purchased this book for my own reading.

This book qualifies for the Speculative Fiction Challenge hosted by Book Chick City, and for the Young Adult Challenge hosted by Home Girls Book Blog.