Mythical Monday Winner!

Thank you all for stopping by Mythical Monday.  I do hope you continue to visit each Monday to learn more
about new books and authors twists to the myths and mythical creatures.

Now, time for the Winner of a signed copy of Crimson Frost!

Lizbeth!!
**claimed

Congrats Lizbeth!! I've sent the email and awaiting response.



**Winner will have 72 hours from 5/8/13 9:00 am EST to respond before another winner will be picked.

Taking the Week...

Hey all.  I have decided, after yesterday, to take a break this week.  With all going on - kiddo's sports, allergies and feeling the exhaustion, I am going to rest.  I can't seem to get enough sleep the last week and a half.  My Mythical Monday post didn't come in, yes I have a few extras I can post in it's place but I figured this could be a sign.  So, I'm taking it.  Also, now that the weather has broke, not only do we have the regular house hold chores, but ooooh so much to get done outside for summer.

I've got an amazing month in the works with things planned to do, I have the school picnic coming up with kiddo, Balticon, and more going on in the real world.  So, I am going to rest this week.  I have a list of podcast reviews/thoughts to share with you all too.  There is much to come.  But I need to relax first, then back at it.

Hope you all have a great week!  I'm hoping to visit a few blogs, there is one book tour I know of I have to check out.  But I'm going to take this week and try to get stuff straight around the house and try to relax.  I'll be back next week with a packed week of posts. :)

Thank you! And enjoy the nice weather!  (hoping you are getting it!)  And sleep well....

Sunday Post #10

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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Aaah...It's Sunday?  *yawn*  Sorry, it's been another of those weekends.  I got up this morning and ended up curled up on the couch dozing all morning.  I just feel exhausted.  The whole weeks been that way.  Yesterday I helped my husband with outside work, and got sunburned to prove it.  Today, I don't want to move.

So, what's been going on?  Well, I'll start with Camp NaNoWriMo.  I topped out with 30,028 words (per nano, me it was 30,052 - always a slight difference in verifying)  WOW! Right?  My goal was 10k.  I did 20k more than expected. *beaming smile*  Yes, I'm proud of myself.  I'll be posting about it over at Challenged Writers on Monday or Tuesday, another blog I share with a friend about our writing trials.

As for reading...well, not much getting done with this exhaustion hanging over my head.  The book I was reading, wasn't agreeing with me so I had to put it down and pick up a new one.  The new one, I am LOVING!  I was hoping for more reading time this weekend, but well, house stuff has fallen behind with kids sports and then there is the outside stuff with the weather change. Ga! *throws hands up*  And allergies to boat.

AND! Now I have realized I didn't get ANY of my podcast listens in yet this weekend too. *sigh* I'll get to those today so I can post them this week.

What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:
The Iron Wyrm Affair by Lilith Saintcrow

Current Podcast Book Listen:
The Dreamer's Thread by Starla Huchton

Last Days of the October Squadron by Alex White

Finished Last Week:
Nothing.

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Last Week on the Blog:

Reviewed:

The Demensional Shift by Frances Pauli

...Fun read with a scifi dimensional twist to the world.  Loved the dimensional twist to the world and never knew what I'd encounter next...

Clockwork Mafia (Badlands #2) by Seleste deLaney

...I love this world!! We start in the Union, but don't fret we go back to the Badlands in no time.  Henrietta is different from Ever, but she has a steel backbone of her own and morals she will stick too...

Thoughts on Episodes 13 & 14 of The Dreamers Thread.

...These two episodes, 13 & 14, have caught my attention and I'm pulled.  They are full of action and information...

Shared about an Anthology Kickstarter that caught my eye with a few authors I know and enjoy reading.  Walk the Fire.

Lilith Saintcrow in PRINT!! There are three ebooks of Lilith's that Orbit has created in print because amazing readers were kind to the publisher in asking for them!

GIVEAWAY!  Open internationally for a signed copy of Crimson Frost by Jennifer Estep.  This is not something that will happen often on my Mythical Monday posts.

Weekly Posts:
***NEW*** Mythical Monday ~ Giveaway!
Teaser Tuesday
Who? What? Where? Wend.
Throwback Thursday
Freebies and Deals, on Nook too
Looking Forward To...

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This Week to Come on the Blog:

The Weekly Posts.  And....I'm not sure.  I think I'm out of review books to be posted.  I need to get reading and writing them.  But I will have a few podcast reviews of episodes this week.

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Received Last Week:

Gifted & Won:

Hot Blooded by Amanda Carlson
Goodreads Synopsis:
It hasn't been the best week for Jessica McClain.

Her mate has been kidnapped by a Goddess hell-bent on revenge --- but Jessica is playing for keeps.

Because she's the only female werewolf in town...it comes with its own set of rules...and powers.

Aided by two vamps, two loyal Pack members, and one very reluctant human, Jessica must rescue her man while coming to terms with what being a wolf really means.

All in a day's work for a girl.

The second novel in the Jessica McClain series is a full on action adventure featuring one angry Goddess and plenty of monsters, demons, and a few newly risen beasties...

Shadow Sight by E.J. Stevens (in Audiobook)
Goodreads Synopsis:
Welcome to Harborsmouth, where monsters walk the streets
unseen by humans…except those with second sight, like Ivy Granger.

Some things are best left unseen...

Ivy Granger's second sight is finally giving her life purpose. Ivy and her best friend Jinx may not be raking in the dough, but their psychic detective agency pays the bills--most of the time. Their only worry is the boredom of a slow day and the occasional crazy client--until a demon walks through their door.

Demons are never a good sign...

A demon attorney representing the water fae? Stranger things have happened. And things are about to get very, very strange as a bloodthirsty nightmare hunts the city of Harborsmouth.

There's blood in the water...

Kelpies have a reputation for eating humans. Unfortunately, Kelpies are the clients. When an Unseelie faerie this evil stalks the waterways of your city, you have to make hard choices.

The lesser of two evils...

Freebies:

Dark Matter Heart by Nathan Wrann
Goodreads Synopsis:
A new town. A new school. A new beginning. Seventeen year-old Cordell Griffin and his mother move from Los Angeles to the Pacific Northwest to deal with his "allergies," and start a healthier new life. Cor has one goal: To blend in and be invisible. Unfortunately for him, no matter how far he goes, he can't run away from his secrets. Secrets about who he is. Secrets about why he's sick. And secrets about why so many people he meets end up dead, drained of blood. 

In "Dark Matter Heart", the origin novel in the "Cor Griffin Bloodsuckers" Young Adult Paranormal Thriller series from filmmaker Nathan Wrann, Cor must uncover the mysteries of his past and conquer the secrets of the present in order to protect the girl of his future, and save himself

The King's Sword by A.J. Searle
Goodreads Synopsis:
Ronan Culley is just a blacksmith, or so he keeps telling himself. After being charged to make the King's Sword, he finds he must keep it from the dark forces of Sleagan and deliver it to the newly named King. Along with his apprentice and a healer who is more than what she seems, he embarks on a great journey that tests his determination and will, and makes him take a long hard look at himself and what he really holds important.



Saturday May 4th was free comic day!  So, when I took the kiddo to the mall, I stopped and picked up a few...

These first two are for my Step Father and son.  And in that order. LOL! Yes, my step father is a hug Spongebob fan and my son loves watching The Walking Dead.

The remaining four are for me:

Hmm, maybe that's what I can review this week.  A few comics I have here.  Would you all be up for that?

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Reviews in the Works:

The Crown Tower by Michael J. Sullivan
The Rose and the Thorn by Michael J. Sullivan

Freebies and Deals, on Nook too (53)

We have Barnes & Nobles Freebie Friday Thread.

Deals:
I really am terrible at finding these things.  LOL!  You all do such a better job of finding deals and freebies!

Freebies:
Contemporary Romance reader?  I've not read it but found it for free from Carina Press:

Dangerous Race by Dee J. Adams
Amazon ~ Kindle   /   Carina Press (Publisher)
Publisher Site Synopsis:

Four years ago, race car driver Tracey Bradshaw almost died in a horrific crash. Now scarred inside and out, she's making a comeback, but her team is plagued by a series of "accidents".

When the team leader dies under mysterious circumstances, former driver Mac Reynolds takes charge. The pair clash as Trace resents his high-handed attempts to control her, while Mac fears Trace's recklessness will get her killed. Neither can throttle back the desire that spins out of control whenever they touch. Trace lets herself be seduced when Mac convinces her he finds her beautiful despite her scars, and she begins to hope for more. But Mac knows he's not nearly good enough for Trace...

Don't miss the sequel, Danger Zone, coming out in February 2012.

106,000 words

These are all new to me, but a friend emailed me they are free!

Dark Matter Heart By Nathan Wrann
Amazon ~ Kindle   /   Barnes & Nobles ~ Nook
Goodreads Synopsis:
A new town. A new school. A new beginning. Seventeen year-old Cordell Griffin and his mother move from Los Angeles to the Pacific Northwest to deal with his "allergies," and start a healthier new life. Cor has one goal: To blend in and be invisible. Unfortunately for him, no matter how far he goes, he can't run away from his secrets. Secrets about who he is. Secrets about why he's sick. And secrets about why so many people he meets end up dead, drained of blood. 

In "Dark Matter Heart", the origin novel in the "Cor Griffin Bloodsuckers" Young Adult Paranormal Thriller series from filmmaker Nathan Wrann, Cor must uncover the mysteries of his past and conquer the secrets of the present in order to protect the girl of his future, and save himself

Invisible Dawn by Weston Kincade
Amazon ~ Kindle
Goodreads Synopsis:
In a world where rare individuals have evolved, the government kidnaps specific children to study and utilize their abilities. Madelin has been imprisoned in such a facility for thirteen years and suffers from medically induced amnesia. Facing a hopeless future, haunted dreams, and an invisible past, each morning is an Invisible Dawn and life holds no meaning, until she meets Jedd. Her newly discovered godfather becomes her beacon in tumultuous seas as they strive to find answers and allies.

On the run from PASTOR Agency’s first trained shifter, an egotistical man with power hungry desires, Madelin and her godfather find their lives intertwined with a broke Cajun gambler, an ex-mercenary in search of redemption, and a rebellious Vampire.

Can they survive nature's mysteries and humanity’s greed? Will they find salvation? Only a Darwinian victory will do, but even that may prove futile.

The King's Sword by AJ Searle
Amazon ~ Kindle
Goodreads Synopsis:
Ronan Culley is just a blacksmith, or so he keeps telling himself. After being charged to make the King's Sword, he finds he must keep it from the dark forces of Sleagan and deliver it to the newly named King. Along with his apprentice and a healer who is more than what she seems, he embarks on a great journey that tests his determination and will, and makes him take a long hard look at himself and what he really holds important.






UPDATED!!!!
This weekend ONLY Philippa Ballantine has made her short story,

The Little Clockwork Mermaid for free from Smashwords...
Coupon Code VW39V. 
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/286873
Goodreads synopsis:
From the imagination behind the award-winning Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series comes a steampunk novella inspired by Hans Christian Andersen.

The mermaid Lorelei is the youngest daughter of King Triton, but she has always been drawn to the Above world. Though she is revels in the joys of her tail and the underwater world, she has never felt she belongs there. The Sea Witch and her marvelous contraptions offer a way to pursue her dreams. What she will find there will change her fate forever.


Do you know of anything?  Please, feel free and share in the comments! :)

Looking Forward To...(119)

There are so many amazing books already on the shelves and new ones coming out.

For a list of books yet to be released I'm looking to get, you can also look on my right Sidebar at the ever growing list titled Desired Reads - just scroll down. Of course there are tones of other new books to come out that are amazing as well, but these ones are part of series I have already started or for one reason or another caught my eye (and haven't seen much on other blogs yet). But I will highlight one here each week.

(mentioned in order of Release Date then Alphabetical if there are more than one book coming out on the same date.)

It's been a while since I've done one of these Friday Looking Forward posts.  And I miss doing them.

Next Book Is...

Bronze Gods
Apparatus Infernum #1

By:  A.A. Aguirre

Due Out:  April 29, 2013

I've loved Ann Aguirre's works, and I look forward to reading this one she does with her husband.  And it's set in a steampunk world, which I have been loving as of late.  This one is already out, but I still had to mention it!  As I want it!

Goodreads Synopsis:

Hy Breasil is grimmer than it used to be.

Before the Architect closed the door, there were regular crossings, and a great war decimated both humans and Ferishers. The native fae who refused to treat with the invaders faded; their bodies withered and died, stranding them as hungry, angry spirits that haunt the countryside.

That means there’s always trouble brewing in Dorstaad.

Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko work for the Criminal Investigation Department, keeping citizens safe from things that go bump in the night. He’s a hardboiled cynic with an uncanny sixth sense; she’s determined to justify her promotion as the first female detective in her division. Together, they’re trying to keep a black tide from drowning the city.

But when the second body surfaces, murdered with the same type of infernal device, the entire CID must face the truth. There’s a madman on the loose, twining magic and blood… and only Mikani and Ritsuko can unravel the intricate, lethal conspiracy before the Royale killer completes his macabre plan, unleashing old, forbidden magic on an unsuspecting populace. If the maniac succeeds, it could mean the end of everything…

Book Review: The Dimensional Shift

The Dimensional Shift

By:  Frances Pauli

Publisher:  Awe-Struck Publishing

Publish Date:  November 24, 2010

Format:  eBook, 200pgs

Genre:  Science Fiction Romance

Series:  1st in Shift Happens series

Recommendation:  Yes!  Fun read where I never knew what would come next!  The happenings and little details are great and catching in a hotel that caters to inter-dimensional travels

Book Synopsis:
Chloe came to the Three Lakes area for the peace and quiet.  She happily abandoned the world of retail management, suits and promotions to work as a hotel maid catering to the local tourists.  Until Andrew Paige showed up--a suite of the worst kind, the kind that makes her knees weak.  When Andrew offers her a job at his hotel, Chloe is hell bent on resisting, but the Dimensional Shift is no ordinary hotel, and Chloe is immediately tossed into the world of inter-dimensional tourists, their odd accommodations, and a string of thefts that threaten to ruin her chances at romance.

While learning the ropes, dealing with the Shift's unusual guests, and trying to determine if the boss' interest in her is strictly professional, Chloe uncovers a plot to steal the hotel's dimensional keys.  With the help of the town gossip, her alien abductee neighbor, and her new invisible best friend, Chloe confronts an inter-dimensional crime ring and a host of complications that make romancing the boss look like the least of her troubles.

Purchase At:

Amazon   /   Barnes & Nobles ~ Nook or Print

First Sentence:
She hit the deck at the sound of footsteps on the front stairs.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Chloe's still working her job as a housekeeper as the tourist season comes to a close.  Cleaning one room of a single man, Chloe is shocked to see a woman with almond shaped eyes enter from the balcony, who eyes the golden pyramid covered in strange shaped symbols.  Chloe's boss tries to talk Chloe into a match making with the man, but she thinks he has a wife.  The handsome single man, Andrew, claims to have no wife or know who the woman was.  Chloe finds herself saving the strange pyramid from the woman, once again, intent to steal it, and that he had left behind when checked out.  Only to find the handsome man is interested in Chloe as an...employee?  Could there be other signals there too?  In a dimensional world, where many run parallel and slightly different from the next, Chloe is learning how to tend to the needs of many strange being and making friends.  Things start to get mysterious at her new job, thefts of the Dimensional Hotels access cards and more are happening.  Who's to blame?  And is Drew sending mixed signals to Chloe?

Fun read with a scifi dimensional twist to the world.  Loved the dimensional twist to the world and never knew what I'd encounter next.  And Andrew....*sigh* Lovely.  Gentle start to a lovely couple.  Chloe made me smile through out.

I could go on with scenes that made me smile, but I don't want to ruin the read for you, so keeping it short.

First page, I was smiling at Chloe with 'hitting the deck' to hide from her long winded (and alien obsessed) neighbor.  IN HER OWN HOME!! LOL!  I did enjoy Chloe's easy going personality.  And grew with her in feelings.  Chloe has an ability to attract good humor from others.  Andrew, Drew as he goes by with Chloe and the nice looking single man, seems to know more than he's able to share.  And maybe even more comfortable with Chloe than a business owner (manager) should be.  But they could make such a cute couple.

Actually, I really enjoyed all characters and the creation of the Dimensional Shift idea.  I enjoyed that I didn't know what would walk around the corner next, or what species Chloe would have to clean the room of next.  Or what would happen in this unpredictable place.  A hotel that caters to inter-dimensional travels in between dimensions.  Great fun quick read.

I will be getting the rest of the books in this series!



**I read this book for my own enjoyment.

Throwback Thursday (113)

I found this picture of Trinity College Library, and thought it would work for this meme with a little play with lighting and adding the words.

Let's talk about those books already on the shelves, yours or the stores.

I have a post for books I'm looking forward to coming out;

Looking Forward To...

But what about all those wonderful books that are ALREADY on the shelves.

Whether it be on your shelf waiting to be read or on the shelves in the stores waiting for you to give it a good home.

So, I thought I would share a book a week that is just waiting for me to travel through it's world.

Now... where do I start? Lets go by Published Date on the books...

This Week:

Aaah, maybe I'll get to this one soon.  I'm feeling the need for a good old fantasy read.  I liked, and still do like, the sounds of this one.

Goodreads Synopsis:

After centuries of calm, the Nameless One is stirring.

An army is gathering; thousands of giants, ogres, and other creatures are joining forces from all across the Desolate Lands, united, for the first time in history, under one, black banner. By the spring, or perhaps sooner, the Nameless One and his forces will be at the walls of the great city of Avendoom.

Unless Shadow Harold, master thief, can find some way to stop them.

Epic fantasy at its best, Shadow Prowler is the first in a trilogy that follows Shadow Harold on his quest for a magic Horn that will restore peace to the Kingdom of Siala. Harold will be accompanied on his quest by an Elfin princess, Miralissa, her elfin escort, and ten Wild Hearts, the most experienced and dangerous fighters in their world.and by the king's court jester (who may be more than he seems - or less).

I've heard back from a few bloggers that they would like to join in this meme post, so I'm adding a Linky for you to join in.  Grab the picture above, and join in.  All I ask, is if you can acknowledge my blog in the post so others know where to come back to