Book Beginnings + Friday 56: The Treble with Murder (The School of Hard Rocks Mysteries #1) by Christy Barritt

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring another one from Christy Barritt, The Treble with Murder (The School of Hard Rocks Mysteries #1). It's the start of another new series from her. This one has more of a cozy mystery-vibe to it. It seems like just when I finish her latest release, she's got a new one already out. I don't know how she does it!

About the Book

Camryn Paine has an ear for music . . . and for trouble.

When public relations expert Camryn Paine’s alma mater requests her help, she agrees to do some image intervention for the music conservatory. She’s thrown into the thick of things her first day on the job when she witnesses a student drop dead during a talent show sound check.

Camryn’s unique auditory abilities lead her to suspect foul play. The more questions she asks, the clearer it becomes that something is amiss at the school. She’s determined to crack the case before any more dead bodies are found.

Unfortunately, her abilities also make Camryn a threat to a killer who doesn’t want anyone to hear the truth. Will she solve this case and redeem the conservatory’s reputation? Or will her body be the next one to take center stage?

Book Beginnings

Years of therapy have helped me to realize that everyone has issues. Some of us just hide ours better than others.

Friday 56

"If there's something I've learned over the years, it's that you've only got one life to live, so you've got to make choices you can live with. That's exactly what I did."

What have you been reading lately?

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Written in Red (The Others #1) by Anne Bishop

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Written in Red (The Others #1) by Anne Bishop. This book has been on my TBR for a ridiculously long time and I was happy to finally start reading it. It's so good! 

About the Book

Enter the world of the Others in the first novel in New York Times bestselling author Anne Bishop’s thrilling fantasy series: a place where unearthly entities—vampires and shape-shifters among them—rule the Earth and prey on the human race.

As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut—a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg’s Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard—a business district operated by the Others.

Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she’s keeping a secret, and second, she doesn’t smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she’s wanted by the government, he’ll have to decide if she’s worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.

Book Beginnings

Half blinded by the storm, she stumbled into the open area between two buildings.

Friday 56

It wasn't that late, so it shouldn't have been strange to see all the residences lit up. But it seemed like there were too many lights, too much brightness, making that dark space too noticeable, almost ominous.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

If you haven't read a book in awhile and someone asks about a character or the plot, can you recall the details?

It depends on the book. Some books stay with me for a long time, while others it seems like as soon as I finish it, I can barely recall what I just read. 

What have you been reading lately?

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Airborne by DiAnn Mills

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Airborne by DiAnn Mills. It's an intense read, for sure.

About the Book
Heather Lawrence’s long-awaited vacation to Salzburg wasn’t supposed to go like this. Mere hours into the transatlantic flight, the Houston FBI agent is awakened when passengers begin exhibiting horrific symptoms of an unknown infection. As the virus quickly spreads and dozens of passengers fall ill, Heather fears she’s witnessing an epidemic similar to ones her estranged husband studies for a living—but this airborne contagion may have been deliberately released.

While Heather remains quarantined with other survivors, she works with her FBI colleagues to identify the person behind this attack. The prime suspect? Dr. Chad Lawrence, an expert in his field . . . and Heather’s husband. The Lawrences’ marriage has been on the rocks since Chad announced his career took precedence over his wife and future family and moved out.

As more victims fall prey days after the initial outbreak, time’s running out to hunt down the killer, one who may be closer to the victims than anyone ever expected.

Book Beginnings

Vacations offered a distraction for those who longed to relax and rejuvenate, but FBI Special Agent Heather Lawrence wrestled with the decision to take an overseas trip alone.

Friday 56

Heather slowly emerged from a deep sleep. Twice before she'd attempted to surface but drifted back.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

Do you bring along books when you go on a vacation?

I always bring my Kindle with me. I don't usually get much reading done, but I bring it just in case.

What have you been reading lately?

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: A Gilded Lady (Hope and Glory #2) by Elizabeth Camden

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring A Gilded Lady (Hope and Glory #2) by Elizabeth Camden.

About the Book

Caroline Delacroix is at the pinnacle of Washington high society in her role as secretary to the first lady of the United States. But beneath the façade of her beauty, glamorous wardrobe, and dazzling personality, she's hiding a terrible secret. If she cannot untangle a web of foreign espionage, her brother will face execution for treason.

Nathaniel Trask is the newly appointed head of the president's Secret Service team. He is immediately suspicious of Caroline despite his overwhelming attraction to her quick wit and undeniable charm. Desperate to keep the president protected, Nathaniel must battle to keep his focus fully on his job as the threat to the president rises.

Amid the glamorous pageantry of Gilded Age Washington, DC, Caroline and Nathaniel will face adventure, danger, and heartbreak in a race against time that will span the continent and the depth of human emotion.

Book Beginnings

There was no such thing as a typical day at the White House, but Caroline Delacroix's morning took a particularly difficult turn the moment she walked into her crowded office.

Friday 56

If Caroline was going to make any sense of this letter, she needed another pair of eyes to help. Maybe she was too close and emotional to interpret whatever Luke was trying to say to her.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

If you can recommend a book from the following genres, what would they be? A book from Romance, NA, YA, Fantasy.

Instead of listing a different book for each of these genres, I thought I'd recommend a book that fits pretty much all of them: Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder. It's a fantasy with a strong romantic thread. When I first got it I thought it was YA but after reading it, I found that it fit better in the NA category. It's my all-time favorite book. I've read it countless times and still want to read it again. The world building is spectacular and the characters are so great! Yelena and Valek are the best!

What have you been reading lately?

Book Beginnings + Friday 56:Between Walls (The City Between #6) by W.R. Gingell

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Between Walls (The City Between #6) by W.R. Gingell.

About the Book

Don’t get too close to humans.

That’s rule number one. Well, it is if you’re an emotionally constipated fae lord. As far as I’m concerned, the vampire could do a better job of keeping his distance, but he’s never been that good at following the rules.

G’day. I’m Pet. Schrödinger’s Pet, these days; depends who’s asking.

I’m human, but when you hang around with enough Behindkind, it starts getting dangerous for the other humans around you. Humans like my friend Morgana. I tried to stay away, but now she needs my help and don’t get too close to humans isn’t exactly gunna cut it anymore.

I’ve got the feeling I’m about to find out why it’s such a bad idea.

Book Beginning

Change is a funny thing. Sometimes it creeps up on you like someone's flamin' pong of a cologne, overtaking the room in miniscule, unseen increments until it's in your lungs and hair and clothes, tinging the air in the room with a faint blue cast.

Friday 56

Maybe the idea of meeting the murderer out on the street left me more uneasy than I thought, because when I left Morgana's room I could have sworn a dark shadow flitted up the hall from the direction of the stairs heading for the roof.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

How do you keep track of books you will be reviewing or reading? 

I have a notepad where I write down the books I receive for review. I make sure to include the release date and other important information. I keep it on my desk in plain sight so I'll see it everyday and won't forget about them. And then I cross them off the list once I'm finished and I've got my review up and everything. 

Goodreads also really helps me keep track of all of my books. I have pretty detailed shelves so it's easy to find books in certain genres when I'm in the mood for them.

What have you been reading lately?

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Synapse by Steven James

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring a near future, sci-fi thriller, Synapse by Steven James.

About the Book

Thirty years in the future, when AI is so advanced that humans live side by side with cognizant robots called Artificials, Kestrel Hathaway must come to terms not just with what machines know, but with what they believe.

Soon after experiencing a personal tragedy, Kestrel witnesses a terrorist attack and is drawn into a world of conspiracies and lies that she and Jordan, her Artificial, have to untangle. With a second, more brutal attack looming on the horizon, their best chance of stopping it is teaming up with federal counterterrorism agent Nick Vernon. But the clock is ticking—and all the while, Jordan is asking questions Artificials were never meant to ask.

Deftly weaving suspense and intrigue into a rich, resonant tale that explores faith and what it really means to be human, Steven James offers us a glimpse into the future—and into our own hearts.

Synapse is an unforgettable, gripping story of dreams shattered, truth revealed, and hope reborn.

Book Beginning

You do not hear your baby cry.

Friday 56

As he is programming the digitized wall, he realizes that distinguishing what you decide you want from what you were programmed to want is not easy. Perhaps it is the same as differentiating free will from instinct for a Natural.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

What social media sites do you visit? Please leave your links so we can follow.

I use Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads pretty regularly. I have an Instagram account, but don't post there very often.

Here are my links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/RusticReadinGal

                               Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRusticReadingGal/

                               Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1863497-ashley

                               Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley_s88/

What have you been reading lately?

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: For Whom the Sun Sings by W.A. Fulkerson

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring For Whom the Sun Sings by W.A. Fulkerson. I can't say enough good things about it. It's a definite book of the year contender. 

About the Book

The world is blind...then one boy is born with sight.

Nestled in a mountain haven, the remaining people of the world live in a village that is ordinary but strict. A severe peace must be kept severely, as they say. It's all that keeps them from descending into the chaos that claimed the world a hundred years ago.

Led by the Prophet Valdas and his Regents, the villagers work, play, marry, and have families. They gather in ceremony once a year to celebrate their Day of Remembrance. Life is planned, precise, and predictable until the special abilities of eleven-year-old Andrius threaten to undermine it all.

Book Beginnings

Andrius started the day like he started every other day: he opened his eyes.

Friday 56

The late sun sang a dirge as it lowered behind the mountains. Walking through the heavy double doors and out into the breezy air, Andrius felt a memory of peace. He stopped suddenly, overcome by the feeling that everything was going to be alright.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

Do the star ratings a book receives on Goodreads or retail sites affect whether you buy the book or not? 

Sometimes. If a book has a lower rating, I'll go through the reviews and see what the reason for that is. If it's something I know will bug me, I'll skip it. But I'll ignore the low ratings sometimes and pick up a book anyway if it's by an author I've enjoyed before or if it sounds really interesting. 

What have you been reading lately?

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Magic Redeemed (Hall of Blood and Mercy #2) by K.M. Shea

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Magic Redeemed (Hall of Blood and Mercy #2) by K.M. Shea. I shared the first book in this series a few weeks ago and was so happy to finally dive into the sequel. I loved it!

About the Book

I thought life would be easier after I unsealed my magic.
Spoiler: it’s not.

I want to free my family from my traitorous cousin, but with all the allies he’s got guarding his back, even my new powers won’t be enough to beat him. My best bet is to use my parents’ signet ring to prove my claim of leadership.

There's just one problem…

I can’t find it!

Things aren’t looking so good for my vampire housemates, either. As Killian Drake’s conflicts with the fae get worse, it's clear that war will break out soon if something doesn’t change.

Plus, Killian has gotten really weird about smelling me and invading my personal space. Every time he comes near my heart almost pops out of my chest, but I’m sure that’s just terror caused by being so close to the most feared vampire in the region.

At least that’s what I keep telling myself.

So, I’m a wizard searching for a ring while trying to survive living with a bunch of vampires and their deadly and suddenly touchy-feely leader. Yeah, life is definitely not easier.

Hall of Blood and Mercy is an urban fantasy trilogy featuring all your favorite vampires, wizards, fae, and werewolves. It’s packed with humor, adventure, and a sweet, slow burn romance between a vertically challenged wizard and the most lethal vampire in town.

Book Beginning

"Therefore, it's been decided that it's time you face an opponent in a real fight. As such, Gavino will not be holding back."

Friday 56

Rupert was flat on the ground, his clothes smoldering as his muscles and limbs twitched.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

How do you decide the order of reading your books?

If I have books I need to review, I prioritize them by release date. Soonest release date first. But I'm such a mood reader that I don't really have a hard-set list of what I'm going to read when and in what order. I know that if I read a book I'm not in the mood for, I won't like it so I try to avoid that.

What have you been reading lately?

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing (Exotic Pet-Sitter #2) by Heather Day Gilbert

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring a super fun cozy mystery, Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing (Exotic Pet-Sitter #2) by Heather Day Gilbert.

About the Book

Exotic pet-sitter Belinda Blake is nervous about her new job at the White Pine Wolf Preserve, but it turns out that the care and feeding of wild carnivores may be the least dangerous part of the gig . . .
 
Pet-sitter Belinda Blake is no stranger to dealing with wild animals, but she’s wary when the owner of the Greenwich, Connecticut, preserve asks her to help out with her “fluffy darlings.” Her caution seems justified on her very first day, when she discovers a tour guide—dead, bloodied, and surrounded by wolves in the enclosure.

Was it death by predator or something more sinister? The body count rises, but something’s not adding up. As she gets to know the rescued wolves and wolf-dog hybrids better, Belinda realizes that her human colleagues are not above suspicion. With help from her own “pack”—her pregnant sister, Red the chauffeur/bodyguard, and hunky farmer Jonas—Belinda is hot on the killer’s tail, but if she doesn’t find him soon, he’ll do more than muzzle her to keep the truth from escaping.

Book Beginning

Rainy weather was an introvert's best friend.

Friday 56

I'd only been in the chicken coop for two minutes when it became clear that some days, the chickens could be an even bigger handful than a pack of wolves.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

If you could add one interactive feature to reading books, what would it be?

I used to want to be able to actually smell all the smells that are described, but I can't handle any kind of perfume or overwhelming scent without getting a migraine and having trouble breathing. So that doesn't sound like such a good idea to me anymore.

What have you been reading lately?

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Magic Forged (Hall of Blood and Mercy Book 1) by K.M. Shea

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring a fun urban fantasy, Magic Forged (Hall of Blood and Mercy Book 1) by K.M. Shea.

About the Book

I'm one scrappy wizard.
As someone with barely a flicker of magic, I've spent my life being mocked and surviving fights with bullies. But when my parents die in an accident, and I find myself responsible for our whole wizard house and family, I know my usual tactics aren't going to cut it.

The situation veers from bad to catastrophic when my backstabbing cousin stages a coup and takes my family hostage.

I barely manage to flee, but the only supernatural willing to help me is Killian Drake--the most feared vampire in the region, and a far more deadly villain than the jerk threatening my family.

Is Killian sexy and charismatic? Heck yeah.

He's also so powerful that my flight or fight instincts kick in every time our eyes meet. And he's definitely using me as his personal magic detector in his feud against the local fae.

But Killian is also the first person to believe I might have more than just a scrap of magic. And if I can convince him to train me, I might get strong enough to free my family and get my house back.

I'm not sure what happens when a scrappy wizard is taught how to fight by a hall of deadly vampires, but I'm about to find out.

Magic Forged is the first book in the Hall of Blood and Mercy trilogy, which features vampires, wizards, fae, and werewolves. It's packed with humor, adventure, and a sweet, slow burn romance between a vertically challenged wizard and the most lethal vampire in town. 

Book Beginning

I crouched behind a rusty blue mail drop off box and held my breath.

Friday 56

Killian sighed and slightly tilted his head back. "It's going to be a pain trying to make you look even half as fierce as you should."

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

Other than book reviews, what do you feature on your blog?

I participate in a few weekly memes, Can't Wait Wednesday, and, of course, Book Beginnings, Friday 56, and Book Blogger Hop. I'll occasionally do Top Ten Tuesday also.

What have you been reading lately?

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Hidden Current (The Dancing Realms #1) by Sharon Hinck

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Hidden Current (The Dancing Realms #1) by Sharon Hinck.

About the Book

The dancers of the Order direct their floating world of Meriel with their movement... but are they steering it toward destruction?

Calara spent her life learning dance patterns and seeking to become the perfect servant to her people. When she discovers the work of the Order is built on lies, she flees with a rough-edged herder, Brantley of Windswell. Pursued by soldiers, her journey through the suffering villages of the rim leads her to encounter a truth that sends ripples through her world—and through her soul.

As she seeks clues to her forgotten family, Calara discovers newfound courage in the face of danger, while her quest awakens a growing but forbidden affection for Brantley. Yet even his support can't fully be trusted, since he'd rather destroy the Order than bring reform.

She is a lone woman facing opposition from rim villages and treachery from the all-powerful Order. Can she restore the dance to its true purpose and bring freedom and hope to her people?

Book Beginning

Destiny is measured in inches.

Friday 56

The subsun set as night covered Windswell more deeply. The bonfire died out, musicians put away their instruments, and tired villagers retreated to their homes.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

When did you first know you’re truly a bookworm? Did you lose sleep over a novel?

I can't remember a time when I haven't been a bookworm. Books have always been a big part of my life. Some of my earliest memories are of my parents reading to me. When I was little and we didn't finish a book before bedtime, I'd lose sleep wondering what happened next. It would've been so much simpler just to finish the book, lol.  

What have you been reading lately?

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: The Land Beneath Us (Sunrise at Normandy #3) by Sarah Sundin

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring The Land Beneath Us (Sunrise at Normandy #3) by Sarah Sundin.

About the Book

In 1943, Private Clay Paxton trains hard with the US Army Rangers at Camp Forrest, Tennessee, determined to do his best in the upcoming Allied invasion of France. With his future stolen by his brothers' betrayal, Clay has only one thing to live for--fulfilling the recurring dream of his death.

Leah Jones works as a librarian at Camp Forrest, longing to rise above her orphanage upbringing and belong to the community, even as she uses her spare time to search for her real family--the baby sisters she was separated from so long ago.

After Clay saves Leah's life from a brutal attack, he saves her virtue with a marriage of convenience. When he ships out to train in England for D-day, their letters bind them together over the distance. But can a love strong enough to overcome death grow between them before Clay's recurring dream comes true? 

Book Beginning

Most men woke in a cold sweat when they dreamed of their own deaths, but not Private Clay Paxton.

Friday 56

Down the length of the room, Frank Lyons met Clay's gaze without smiling, and a chill ran through Clay. Something about that man. Nothing definitive to report to Rudder, just a needling suspicion.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

Tomorrow is Leap Year. Name one book being released in 2020 that you would prefer to skip.

I don't know. I can't think of a book I'd like to skip. Although, I can think of way too many that I would love to have.

What have you been reading lately?

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Cry of the Raven (The Ravenwood Saga #3) by Morgan L. Busse

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Cry of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse, the conclusion to The Ravenwood Saga.

About the Book

Lady Selene Ravenwood has come into her full power as a dreamwalker just as the war with the Dominia Empire begins. Working with the other Great Houses, Selene and Damien use their gifts to secure the borders and save those devastated by the war. But conflict, betrayal, and hatred begin to spread between the Great Houses, destroying their unity as the empire burns a path across their lands. At the same time, Damien Maris starts to lose his ability to raise the waters, leaving the lands vulnerable to the empire's attacks.

The only one who can unite the houses and restore her husband's power is Selene Ravenwood. But it will require that she open her heart to those who have hurt her and let go of her past, despite the one who hunts her and will do anything to stop her power.

Will Selene survive? Or is she destined to fall like the dreamwalkers before her?

Book Beginning

Numb. So numb.

The only thing Selene could feel was the dull thump of her heart beating as she sat beside the window in the guest chambers the next day.

Friday 56

Damien blinked, his body feeling as though it had turned to stone. He knew he needed to run, find shelter from the arrows, but he was unable to move.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

What is your go-to recommendation for someone who doesn’t read often?

I don't have a go-to recommendation. I think it just depends on the person. I usually have a different pick for everyone.

What have you been reading lately?

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: The Tea Chest by Heidi Chiavaroli

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring The Tea Chest by Heidi Chiavaroli. I can't say enough good things about it. It's so, so good! 

About the Book

Boston, 1773
Emma Malcolm’s father is staunchly loyal to the crown, but Emma’s heart belongs to Noah Winslow, a lowly printer’s assistant and Patriot. But her father has promised her hand to Samuel Clarke, a rapacious and sadistic man. As his fiancée, she would have to give up Noah and the friends who have become like family to her—as well as the beliefs she has come to embrace.

After Emma is drawn into the treasonous Boston Tea Party, Samuel blackmails her with evidence that condemns each participant, including Noah. Emma realizes she must do whatever it takes to protect those she loves, even if it means giving up the life she desires and becoming Samuel’s wife.

Present Day
Lieutenant Hayley Ashworth is determined to be the first woman inducted into the elite Navy SEALs. But before her dream can be realized, she must return to Boston in order to put the abuse and neglect of her childhood behind her. When an unexpected encounter with the man she once loved leads to the discovery of a tea chest and the document hidden within, she wonders if perhaps true strength and freedom are buried deeper than she first realized.

Two women, separated by centuries, must find the strength to fight for love and freedom. . . and discover a heritage of courage and faith. 

Book Beginning

Naval Special Warfare Center
Coronado, California

The bell was beautiful.

Friday 56

The call to arms came in the dark of night before dawn on the nineteenth of April. A rider came barreling through our streets, shouting.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

Which genre do you like the most?

I read, and like, all kinds of different genres, so it's hard to say which one I like the most (especially since I'm such a mood reader). But the one I always go back to, and can never seem to get enough of, is Urban Fantasy. There's just something that's so fun about it.

What have you been reading lately?

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Between Homes (The City Between #5) by W.R. Gingell

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Between Homes (The City Between #5) by W.R. Gingell . I recently finished this one and LOVED it. The City Between has become one of my favorite ongoing series right now. If you're a fan of urban fantasy, I highly recommend it.

About the Book

G'day. I'm Pet. Not, not Pet--I am a pet.

Well, I was a pet: I used to belong to two fae and a stroppy vampire. Now I'm homeless. I mean, I was always technically homeless, but this time it's different.

I just got used to having some kind of family, and now we're back to everyone wanting to kill each other--and guess who the weak link is?

I'll give you a hint: it's not the vampire, and it's sure as heck not the fae. 

Book Beginning

They reckon there are two types of people, that there are two ways of seeing the world. You can see it in a glass-half-full kinda way, or a glass-half-empty kinda way.

That's garbage. There are two ways of seeing the world, all right, but they don't have anything to do with glasses - unless someone out there has managed to make glasses that help you see Between, of course.

Friday 56

Could I get away if I needed to? Where could I run? He'd catch me along the road in no time, and there's no way I'd beat him if I dodged into the tempting patch of mossy Between that existed in the stormwater drain just a drop away.

 Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

Do you talk to strangers about books especially when you see someone reading a book?

Not really. I'm too nervous to do that in person. Occasionally, I will online though.

What have you been reading lately?

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Flight of the Raven (The Ravenwood Saga #2) by Morgan L. Busse

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Flight of the Raven (The Ravenwood Saga #2) by Morgan L. Busse.

About the Book

Selene Ravenwood, once the heir to House Ravenwood, is now an exile. On the run and free of her family's destiny, Selene hopes to find the real reason her family was given the gift of dreamwalking. But first she must adapt to her new life as wife to Lord Damien Maris, the man she was originally assigned to kill.

While adjusting to her marriage and her home in the north, her power over dreams begins to grow. As the strongest dreamwalker to exist in ages, her expanding power attracts not only nightmares but the attention of the Dark Lady herself.

With a war looming on the horizon and a wicked being after her gift, Selene is faced with a choice: embrace the Dark Lady's offer, or search out the one who gave her the gift of dreamwalking. One path offers power, the other offers freedom. But time is running out, and soon her choice will be made for her. 

Book Beginning

Dark.

So dark.

Friday 56

Was Selene using her dreamwalking gift on others around the castle? Was there more to her gift than either of them realized?

Were his people in danger?

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

Do you think that readers make better employees, as opposed to non-readers? Why or why not?

Hmm. I don't know. I've never thought about it. I think it just depends on the type of person they are, not necessarily if they're readers or not.

What have you been reading lately?

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Kiss of the Spindle by Nancy Campbell Allen

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring a steampunk retelling of Sleeping Beauty, Kiss of the Spindle by Nancy Campbell Allen.

About the Book

Doctor Isla Cooper is cursed. Literally. Each night, at the stroke of midnight she falls into a death-like sleep from which she cannot be awakened for six hours. To make it worse, the curse has an expiration date--after a year, it becomes permanent. And the year is almost up.

In a desperate attempt to find Malette--the witch who cursed her--Isla blackmails her way onto Daniel Pickett's private airship bound for the Caribbean, only to discover she's traveling with three illegal shapeshifters and the despicable Nigel Crowe, a government official determined to hunt down and exterminate every shapeshifter in England. Isla and Daniel must work together to keep the identities of the shapeshifters hidden while coming to terms with their own hidden secrets, and their blossoming attraction to each other.

Filled with suspense, intrigue, and plenty of romance, Kiss of the Spindle is steampunk Sleeping Beauty story. It is a race against the clock as Isla and Daniel try to hunt down the elusive Malette before Isla's death-like sleep becomes permanent.

Book Beginning

Isla Elizabeth Cooper extended her hand toward the airship ticket agent. "If you don't have any flights leaving for the Caribbean immediately, return my passport and I'll find another way."

Friday 56

Something roared and split the night behind him, a shell shooting into the sky and setting his pulse racing along with it. Without thought, he wrapped Isla and took her to the ground, monkey and all, and shielded them with his body.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

Do you have a reading challenge for 2020?

I'm participating in the Goodreads Reading Challenge. I'm hoping to read at least 100 books. I might up the number if I see that I'm gonna hit that number early though.

What have you been reading lately?

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring a ridiculously fun historical fiction, Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano.

About the Book

To save her family from financial ruin, Miss Poppy Garrison accepts an unusual proposition to participate in the New York social season in exchange for her grandmother settling a family loan that has unexpectedly come due. Ill-equipped to handle the intricacies of mingling within the New York Four Hundred, Poppy becomes embroiled in one hilarious fiasco after another, doomed to suffer a grand societal failure instead of being deemed the diamond of the first water her grandmother longs for her to become.

Reginald Blackburn, second son of a duke, has been forced to travel to America to help his cousin, Charles Wynn, Earl of Lonsdale, find an American heiress to wed in order to shore up his family estate that is in desperate need of funds. Reginald himself has no interest in finding an heiress to marry, but when Poppy's grandmother asks him to give etiquette lessons to Poppy, he swiftly discovers he may be in for much more than he bargained for.

Book Beginning

Any smidgen of hope that her entrance into New York high society would be deemed a rousing success died the moment Miss Poppy Garrison's tiara became firmly attached to the sleeve of her dance partner.

Friday 56

Something that felt very much like guilt settled in the pit of Reginald's stomach.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

Do you have any New Year's Blogging Resolutions?

I'm gonna try not to put so much pressure on myself to have a certain number of posts each week and to just have more fun with it.

What have you been reading lately?

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Dark Divide by Carrie Vaughn

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Dark Divide by Carrie Vaughn, a spinoff series of the Kitty Norville series.

About the Book

In brand-new stories spun off from the New York Times Bestselling Kitty Norville series, dark mysteries push the bounds of sanity. Cormac Bennett, ex-con and former bounty hunter, is a paranormal investigator with an edge: his partner is the disembodied spirit of a Victorian wizard, Amelia Parker. Together, they solve problems no one else can.

They're asked to investigate a mysterious death in the Sierra Nevadas: a man died of hunger —in a cabin that was fully stocked with provisions. The kicker? The cabin is located near Donner Pass, the site of the gruesomely ill-fated Donner Party, where forty men, women, and children died of exposure and starvation. The event was made famous by reports of cannibalism among the survivors.

Is the Donner site haunted? Is some evil force rising again after a hundred fifty years to wreak destruction? Can Cormac and Amelia learn the truth without being caught in the web? Well, they can try...

Book Beginning

Cormac didn't really know cats. He didn't really get cats.

Friday 56

The place still smelled musty and sad, but the sense of doom was gone. The place felt abandoned now, not cursed.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

What bookish goodies did you get for the holidays?

I got four books I was really wishing for, an Amazon gift card, and a really cool Edgar Allan Poe Funko Pop!

What have you been reading lately?

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Royally Yours by Melissa Tagg, Betsy St. Amant, Liz Johnson, and Ashley Clark

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Royally Yours, a collection of four novellas by different authors set in the media-free town of Tinsel, Vermont. The perfect place for celebrities and royals to get away for the holidays and have some normalcy.

About the Book

Tinsel, Vermont is known for its no-paparazzi policy and Christmas decorations that are fit for a queen. This holiday season, join four royals on a stroll through town square as they each find their Christmas wishes for a happily-ever-after...tiaras optional.

One Royal Christmas by Melissa Tagg
In the wake of the worst year of his life, His Majesty Jonah Harrison Archer Davies makes the drastic decision to temporarily abdicate the throne and travel to Tinsel, Vermont, in hopes of finding the peace and privacy he needs to heal, discover his vision for his country . . . and somehow believe himself worthy of the crown. But when he meets charming librarian Rowan Bell,on a quest of her own to save Tinsel’s quaint cottage library, he’s more torn than ever before as duty to the crown collides with an enchanting Christmastime romance he didn’t see coming.

The Reluctant Princess by Betsy St. Amant
Princess Eleanor is weary of the protocol that comes with the crown, along with her lack of voice on causes she holds dear. She takes a holiday in the safety of Tinsel, Vermont, to determine her next steps–and certainly didn’t mean to fall for the average Joe assigned as her chauffeur. But Miles Channing isn’t so average, after all. He’s Liam Neal, part of the notoriously famous American Neal Family, and is hiding with secrets of his own.When Christmas comes and the truth shakes her life like a snow globe, Eleanor must decide once and for all where she’ll be standing when the snowflakes settle.

A Royal Wonderland by Liz Johnson
With his public break up still making tabloid headlines,Prince Andrew Tennesley hopes a few weeks in Tinsel will help the gossips move on and give him a chance to propose a program the people of his country need. When Andrew is left to decorate a home for Tinsel’s Christmas lights contest, he has to rely on pretty hardware store owner Charlotte Hudson for help. Charlie doesn’t mind hanging twinkle lights with him. She just isn’t interested in the spotlight. But as they set out to create a winter wonderland, Andrew has her wondering if she’s been hiding out in Tinsel too and missing out on the best gift of the season–love.

A Tinsel Holiday by Ashley Clark
Princess Beatrix has already met the love of her life. Two years ago, an American journalist named Tyler was assigned to write a feature story about her. But the twenty-four hours that followed changed the two of them forever. Now, Tyler has returned home to Tinsel and traded his career in journalism to run The Melody Inn. Though the quirky mayor and eccentric town traditions are a far cry from the world travels he once enjoyed,Tyler has settled into small-town life and made peace with the knowledge he will never see Beatrix again. But when an American tour brings Princess Beatrix to Tinsel, she and Tyler will have another twenty-four hours together and one more chance at love. Only this time, with gingerbread and mistletoe.

Book Beginning (From the first story in the collection, One Royal Christmas by Melissa Tagg)

Jonah Davies' signature on the document spread before him could change the course of a nation's history.

Friday 56 (From the third story in the collection, A Royal Wonderland by Liz Johnson)

Charlotte Hudson could spot a fake from a hundred yards. She could identify fake antiques, fake smiles, and fake currency. Not that there was much - or really any - of the latter circulating in Tinsel, Vermont, population 3,574.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

What is your favorite Christmas themed fiction or nonfiction book?

It's a tossup between Ordinary Snowflakes by Jennifer Rodewald, Christmas at Whitefriars by Elizabeth Camden, and The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand.

What have you been reading lately?