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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Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy New Year!
Did I get all holidays? I hope so. If not, I'm sorry. It's been a crazy few weeks here with all the visiting and going. I had work, kiddo was off but out doing what he does, and husband was working one job but not the there. There's been deaths and births to celebrate. It's been one crazy season here.
I'd mentioned I would share a picture of our tree. Here it is! It's huge, yep. I'll be sharing pictures of it at Spellbound in a Flash in the weeks to come.
And yes, I mentioned birth. My step-daughter had her baby Friday before New Years Eve. A beautiful, healthy baby girl.
Have you ever accidentally bought a Kindle book? Well I did. And it's not the first time. I clicked the wrong button to look at it and bam! I've got a new Kindle book. Not something I really wanted to do. Plus, the author's email had said the book was free over the weekend, which it wasn't. I paid the 99c with tax. It's not much, I know. But the likelihood that I'll read the book anytime soon? Not likely. I've got to many other things going on. But, I helped an author out so I kept the book.
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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... The week before Christmas, I got 2 days in at the gym. The week coming to New Years... I only got 1 day in. But after New Years, this last week, I got 4 days in! Woot woot!
I've now joined the Fitbit world. Yep. My husband got me a Fitbit Blaze for Christmas. I'm thrilled! This also has helped get me moving because I see how many steps I really DO NOT take in a day. Thanks to having a desk job. Thanks to being able to have friends and doing a work week challenge with them, I've managed to get on the treadmill or elliptical at the gym those 4 days and 2 of those days working out on weight equipment.
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What's Happening in Books:
Current Read:
Lost Girls by Merrie Destefano
Content editing work.
Current Audiobook:
Wytchfire by Michael Meyerhofer
Current Podcast Book Listen:
Stonebriar Casefiles: Bad Alchemy by Laura Nicole Spencer (You can listen for free too!)
Finished Last Week:
Emergence: Humanity 2.0 edited by J.M. Martin
Audiobooks from Audible:
Codename: Night Witch by Cary Caffrey
Riven by Sherry D. Ficklin & Tyler Jolley
H.A.L.F.: The Makers by Natalie Wright
Eternal Magic by Linsey Hall
Torn World by Melanie Karsak
Finished Podcast Book Listen:
Nothing yet.
DNFed:
The Side of Good / The Side of Evil edited by Danielle Ackley-McPhail - I really wanted to get back to this anthology, but I just couldn't do it. I found the stories weren't of what I wanted from superheroes. I feel terrible as it's an anthology with many authors and I'm sure there are stories and styles I'd enjoy, but I just can't bring myself back to it with what I did read.
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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:
This week I didn't post, but I did update my portfolio pictures. I have posts started so will get back to posting soon!
Challenged Writers:
I shared my November NaNoWriMo update.
Around the Internet...
Reviews:
Riven by Sherry D. Ficklin & Tyler Jolley
"where he goes and what he learns is completely different. And mind-blowing. I'm wondering where the children all go from here, with what they've all learned of themselves and the time."
Codename: Night Witch by Cary Caffrey
"Cary starts us into a different setting with new characters and plot to get the story rolling. We do come back to Sigrid and the one person she's after. Sigrid finds herself in fights and battles as she works toward her goal. But, with Sigrid it feels as she doesn't want to fight and kill. I love that Sigrid has a deep feeling for humanity and lives."
Podcast Review:
Mama Bitchstress Reviews:
GIVEAWAYS:
Dark Faerie Giveaway!
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This Week to Come on the Blog:
I have a few reviews to finish up and will have two scheduled for you this week. I also have a resolution post for the new year.
Coming soon: Mythical Monday
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Received Last Weeks:
For Review Consideration:
Audio Books Requested for Review:
Hunting Down Dragons by Tricia Owens
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Death is coming for you, Anne Moody...
The Oddsmakers have been overseeing the use of magick in Las Vegas since the city's inception. For a dragon sorceress like Anne Moody, who tries to stay beneath the radar while running her cursed pawn shop, the Oddsmakers are the boogeymen she never wants to meet. They have the power to strip of her of her magick or worse if they deem her a danger to the city.
Unfortunately, the Oddsmakers want her for a mission and Anne can't refuse. However, she has her own agenda: investigating a sorcerer who possesses the power to not only create life, but to raise the dead. With the gargoyle Vale by her side and with the help of her magickal friends, Anne tracks strange creatures beneath the streets of Las Vegas. But when tragedy strikes close to home, Anne realizes she may have to risk the wrath of the Oddsmakers and call upon her dragon for help. Because in the isolated desert, far from the eyes of ordinary humans, she is about to confront her parents' killer, and nothing is going to stop her from finding vengeance.
The Bee Charmer by Poppy Lawless
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Goodreads Synopsis:
When your heart makes a wish, even impossible dreams can come true
Viola
After years of working for my family’s business, I’m finally back in college and ready to chase my dream of becoming a perfumer. It seems like the stars are all aligning when Chancellor College invites a preeminent French fragrance expert to speak at a symposium. Everything is working out just right, as long as I can continue to ignore my growing feelings for a certain hippie beekeeper. That, it seems, is turning out to be easier said than done.
Rayne
The elders sent me on a mission to Chancellor to help Alice, owner of the local bagel shop, find true love. So far? Well, not so good. The bees and I have to double up our efforts if we have any hope of helping our girl find the road to happiness. While I know Alice should be my priority one, my heart, however, seems to have a mind of its own. If I could just get Viola Hunter out of my mind, I could focus on my task. That, it seems, is turning out to be easier said than done.
Lose yourself in Poppy Lawless' enchanting town of Chancellor, a magical place where fairy tales can come true and happily ever afters always reign supreme.
The Bee Charmer is a stand-alone novella and part of The Chancellor Fairy Tales, a series of romantic fairy tales for adults. This novel can be read on its own, but you'll get the most enjoyment from this series if the works are read in order.
Purchased/Winnings/Gifts:
Book:
Menagerie by Kristy Tate
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Everyone talks to animals. Some do it every day, although very few stop to listen for a reply. Lizbet Wood does, and this is just one of the things that set her apart. She really doesn’t understand how different she is until violence shatters her solitary existence.
While Lizbet seeks to understand why mother sought refuge on a deserted island in the Pacific Northwest, she comes face to face with the dangers her mother tried, but failed to escape. When her mother is gravely injured, Lizbet is forced from the island and thrust into a world even more complex and threatening than she could have ever imagined. A world where the animals have no say…or do they?
Games Creatures Play
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Goodreads Synopsis:
ALL-NEW TALES OF UNUSUAL ATHLETICS BY JAN BURKE * DANA CAMERON * ADAM-TROY CASTRO * BRENDAN DuBOIS * CHARLAINE HARRIS * TONI L. P. KELNER * CAITLIN KITTREDGE * WILLIAM KENT KRUEGER * ELLEN KUSHNER * MERCEDES LACKEY * JOE R. LANSDALE * LAURA LIPPMAN * SEANAN McGUIRE * BRANDON SANDERSON * SCOTT SIGLER
Welcome to the wide world of paranormal pastimes, where striking out might strike you dead. Editors Charlaine Harris and Toni L. P. Kelner are your announcers for this all-new story collection of the most peculiar plays ever made…
Sports fans live and die by their teams’ successes and failures—though not literally. But these fourteen authors have written spirited—in more ways than one—new tales of killer competitions that would make even the most die-hard players ask to be benched.
Odin's Spear by Skyla Dawn Cameron
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Goodreads Synopsis:
ALL’S FAIR IN SIBLING RIVALRY AND WAR.
After nearly losing her family and her life, Olivia Talbot is trying to leave the world of artifact hunting behind. But an adrenaline junkie unsuited for a 9 to 5 job can’t hide herself forever, especially when deadly operative Dale West comes knocking with off-book work for his covert organization.
It’ll be “easy”, West says—just a trip to the museum. But a deranged former solider is seeking to reunite the pieces of Gungnir—spear of the Norse god Odin—which is capable of starting war, and this job is much bigger than anyone has let on.
Followed by the dogged son of a tabloid mogul, competing with her archeologist older brother, and still struggling to trust West against her better judgement, Livi will venture into an ancient underwater city in the Mediterranean to stop the dawn of a new war. But the spear of a god has plans for them all, and power not even she might be able to withstand.
Audio:
The Torn World by Melanie Karsak
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Our world is dead.
With the undead walking, vampires hunting, and kitsune closing in, everything seems lost. Layla and the others will need help if there is any hope of survival. But how can you endure in the dying world?
Join Layla, Cricket, Amelia, and the other survivors for the final chapter of The Harvesting Series in The Torn World.
Dead Lucky by M.R. Forbes
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Goodreads Synopsis:
When a strange message arrives through an even stranger channel, necromancer Conor Night is driven to discover its meaning, even if it takes a road trip that he might not be healthy enough to survive. Joined by his sexy partner and an undead wise-ass, he’s about to rush headlong into a magic and mayhem filled night in New Orleans that will leave his future riding on a roll of the dice.
Luck, be a lady…
* Dead Lucky is a standalone novella (20,000 words) set in the contemporary, urban fantasy world of Ghosts & Magic. It precedes Dead of Night in the timeline, and is a great place to sample the series, get a deeper look into Conor’s backstory, or simply enjoy the ride. *
Dead Stare by M.R. Forbes
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Conor Night, the world’s only necromancer, is starting to think that his life is finally coming together. His last job not only left him funded but also helped him fall off the radar of the world’s two most powerful wizards. Of course, being a necromancer always has its downsides, and when he’s forced into a job that will leave the Houses on the brink of all-out war, he begins to realize just how down those sides can be.
He thinks he understands the rules in the world of ghosts and magic.
Unfortunately for him, the rules are about to change.
Hathor Legacy: Revelations by Deborah A. Bailey
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Hathor Legacy: Revelations – Book Three of the Hathor Legacy Series
An enemy returns to spark new tensions between the Guardians and Novacorp. In the midst of the crisis, Nadira is given information about her parents that threatens to destroy her relationship to the Guardians and to Jonathan.
While Nadira searches for answers, Jonathan is enticed into the hedonistic world of the Novacorp executive class. His entertainment club attracts the elite of Hathor, but his notoriety comes with a price.
The worlds of the Guardians and Novacorp are put on a collision course where only one side may come out on top. Nadira is called on to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the legacy of the First Families, the original settlers of Hathor, while Guardians, Kasema and Deshtu PSI groups are faced with the choice to unite or be brought completely under Novacorp control.
Old scores are settled and long-hidden truths are revealed, and at the end Nadira and Jonathan’s relationship and their world will never be the same.
Free Ebooks:
(On my Kindle and Nook App) Links to books under title. They may or may not be free at this time.
I'll Be On New London for Christmas by Margo Bond Collins
Synopsis:
When Gabbi Esser joined the Galactic Coalition Fleet Marines, she dreamed of seeing the universe. Instead, she's sent to New London--the most backward planet in the Coalition--to protect one of its silly nobles during the holiday season. Now the duke she's guarding wants her to pretend to be his date at a Christmas party, and she's more intrigued by him than she wants to admit. They can carry this off without falling in love ... but only in their dreams.
Growing Up Dead by Greg Wilkey
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Mortimer Drake discovers that he is the product of a supernatural mixed-marriage. His mother is human and his father is a 925 year old vampire. His life is completely turned upside down as he struggles with this knowledge and his emerging vampiric nature. The truth behind the myths and legends of the vampire are revealed as Mortimer enters into a centuries old war of the Undead.
The Vampire Hunter's Daughter The Complete Collection (parts 1-6)
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Goodreads Synopsis:
This special edition of The Vampire Hunter’s Daughter contains parts I-VI, the complete collection. Fourteen-year-old Chloe witnesses her mother’s murder at the hands of a vampire. Before the vampire can kidnap her, there is an unexpected rescue by a group of vampire hunters. Overwhelmed by the feeling of safety, Chloe passes out and they whisk her away to their small community.
When Chloe wakes, she comes face to face with the only other living relative, besides her mother, whom she has ever met: her grandfather. Chloe’s mother kept her hidden from the family; now, Chloe tries to unveil the family secrets. Through her grandfather, she learns her mother was a vampire hunter. In fact, her entire family is descended from the powerful bloodlines of vampire hunters. Chloe agrees to join the family she has never known for one reason only: Chloe vows to kill the vampire responsible for her mother’s murder.
With vengeance in her soul, Chloe is even more determined to follow through on her vow when she discovers the true identity of her enemy and how he is connected to her.
Experience the world of vampires hunter’s, vampires and mythology with Chloe in this exciting series.
Better When It Hurts by Skye Warren
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Goodreads Synopsis:
A forbidden romance about pain that binds us together…
Five years ago we lived in the same house. He was the ultimate bad boy.
And my foster brother.
Now he’s back. Tougher, harder, meaner. All of it aimed at me, because I was the one who sent him away. It’s payback time. He wants his pound of flesh, and I am helpless to say no.
Ringmaster by Trudi Jaye
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Goodreads Synopsis:
The magical Jolly Carnival is the only life Rilla knows—and it’s falling apart around her. Just as she’s thrust into the role of Ringmaster after her father’s unexpected death, an old family friend turns up to challenge her birthright.
Her rival's sexy son Jack isn’t helping either. Despite being a greenhorn and an outsider, he's intent on charming everyone, convincing them all that Rilla isn’t up to the task of leading them through these tough times.
But Rilla must also contend with another threat—the ongoing sabotage that has been disturbing their delicate magical balance and threatening to destroy the Carnival. All signs are pointing to an insider, making it impossible to know who to trust.
To save her beloved Carnival, Rilla must do everything she can to find the saboteur before they attack again. But if she takes her eye off the battle for Ringmaster—even for a second—she risks losing everything she's trained for her entire life.
The Gift by Trudi Jaye
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Come one, come all! The Carnival is coming to a town near you!
As Giftmaster in the Carnival, Garth is closest to the magic that rules their lives. Every time the Carnival chooses a new Mark, he’s thrown into their subconscious and subjected to their every emotion—their deepest desire or their darkest despair. It's a vital role, but it's also demanding and draining.
Despite this, Garth’s life is the Carnival and he will allow nothing to jeopardize his position. When he meets Dr Madelaine Annandale, he decides a winter fling for the off season couldn't hurt, especially if she can help Simon, the troubled young boy who has ended up living in Garth's house. But he won’t let it become anything more.
However, nothing is ever simple in the world of the Carnival, and Garth soon finds himself trying to protect them all from Simon's vengeful father, while learning some terrible truths about the Carnival he loves, and the woman who has stolen his heart.
Tilly's Secret by Trudi Jaye
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Goodreads Synopsis:
When Tillemina Shaw arrives back at the Carnival Compound after eight years away, she discovers that it’s very different from when she lived there as a child. For a start, her teenage crush, Cal, is now the head chef, and still he’s angry with her for leaving without saying goodbye.
Everyone except Cal welcomes her back with open arms, pleased that she’s returned. Only problem is that Cal’s right to be suspicious – she’s spying for their enemies, and what she learns while she’s there will be used to destroy the Carnival once and for all.
Tilly’s secret has the power to hurt everyone in the Jolly Carnival. Will she keep it, or will Cal convince her to trust the Carnival again?
Star Heroes: 9 Novels of Space Exploration, Aliens, and Adventure
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Star Heroes is a space opera collection with nine novels of the galactic frontier. Exploration, alien invasions, genetic engineering, and artificial intelligence--it’s all here.
Blast off with these adventures by New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling authors.
Star Nomad by Lindsay Buroker
In this fast-paced space adventure, Captain Alisa Marchenko must brave sadistic savages, fearsome cyborgs, and brutal pirates to steal a ship so she can find her way home.
Starship Eternal by M.R. Forbes
When a critical injury leaves Space Marine Captain Mitchell "Ares" Williams having visions of a lost starship and an alien invasion, he thinks he's going insane... He isn't.
Icarus by Matt Verish
Cole Musgrave’s dream of interstellar travel has become a nightmare. When a delivery is compromised aboard a classified cargo vessel, the unorthodox captain finds himself embroiled in a deadly assignment that will alter his life forever.
Attack on Phoenix by Megg Jensen
Two hundred years ago, an interplanetary expedition crashed on a deserted planet. Catching the attention of the dragzhi, an aggressive alien species, they found themselves in a war they were doomed to lose ... unless Torsten Vikker, a soldier who’d rather read than fight, can find a way to save them.
Archangel Down by C. Gockel
Commander Noa Sato doesn’t believe in aliens. She’s too busy trying to save the lives of millions and her own skin to ponder the existence of “others.” Fortunately for Noa, aliens believe in her.
Destroyer by Chris Fox
One maverick captain, an unlikely crew, and an aging vessel are all that stand between humanity and the Eradication.
Space Carrier Avalon by Glynn Stewart
Avalon was the first and most legendary of the Castle Federation's space carriers, but she is now old and obsolete. Accepting the inevitable, she is sent on a final flag-showing tour.
But war clouds gather and this final tour will be anything but quiet.
Symphony of War by David Adams
Lieutenant Marcus Servus and his soldiers, a penal legion, stand against insectoid boogeymen from another galaxy.
Marcus has a gift. An edge against the monsters: he hears music. Songs in his head guide him, granting him knowledge and foresight, a weapon against the alien hordes. But who plucks the strings?
Allies and Enemies: Fallen by Amy J. Murphy
Purpose-bred soldier of the Regime, Commander Sela Tyron is as subtle as a hammer. To hammers, any problem can look like a nail, but solutions aren’t always that easy. When Sela encounters a son she is forbidden to know, falls in love with a man who is clearly off-limits, and is abandoned on a planet of insurrectionists, things get complicated.
Urban Mythic: Thirteen Novels of Adventure and Romance
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Goodreads Synopsis:
A box set of MYTHIC proportions ...
Want a little magic in your life? Ever wished faeries were real or for your own personal djinn?
Then these THIRTEEN worlds of action, adventure, humor, and romance are for you. Join the freshest voices in urban fantasy and paranormal romance as they bring magic into your life in the form of gods, demons, djinn, faeries, werewolves, and more.
This enchanting collection is FREE for a limited time. Download it before it’s gone!
Dark Horse by Michelle Diener
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Some secrets carry the weight of the world.
Rose McKenzie may be far from Earth with no way back, but she's made a powerful ally--a fellow prisoner with whom she's formed a strong bond. Sazo's an artificial intelligence. He's saved her from captivity and torture, but he's also put her in the middle of a conflict, leaving Rose with her loyalties divided.
Captain Dav Jallan doesn't know why he and his crew have stumbled across an almost legendary Class 5 battleship, but he's not going to complain. The only problem is, all its crew are dead, all except for one strange, new alien being.
She calls herself Rose. She seems small and harmless, but less and less about her story is adding up, and Dav has a bad feeling his crew, and maybe even the four planets, are in jeopardy. The Class 5's owners, the Tecran, look set to start a war to get it back and Dav suspects Rose isn't the only alien being who survived what happened on the Class 5. And whatever else is out there is playing its own games.
In this race for the truth, he's going to have to go against his leaders and trust the dark horse.
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