Book Beginnings + Friday 56: The Art of Eavesdropping (The Sidekick's Survival Guide #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 The Art of Eavesdropping (The Sidekick's Survival Guide #1) by Christy Barritt. It's a really fun start to her new series and I can't wait for the next installment!

About the Book

Elliot Ransom isn’t living her best life.

Moving halfway across the world and leaving behind a community she loves has left Elliot restless. Though Storm River, Virginia, may be beautiful, the river town is also a playground for haughty politicians and wealthy playboys. As a missionary’s daughter who’s struggling to help pay her sister’s medical bills, Elliot feels nearly invisible.

Needing a change, she takes a new job with a hot shot private investigator. Little does Elliot know she won’t be doing filing and background checks—she’ll be in the field. As her new boss begins training her to be his sidekick, she finds herself surprisingly invigorated but also cautious of the man’s methods.

On her first assignment, she finds evidence that could prove their client, a professional athlete accused of murder, is innocent. The problem is that the real killer may have seen Elliot’s face—and now someone is watching her every move.

Can Elliot keep this new career a secret from her worry-prone mother? Did she put her family in danger when she took this new job? Learning the art of investigating shouldn’t be so dangerous . . . but this case just might as dicey as the new town she’s living in. Elliot Ransom isn’t living her best life.

Moving halfway across the world and leaving behind a community she loves has left Elliot restless. Though Storm River, Virginia, may be beautiful, the river town is also a playground for haughty politicians and wealthy playboys. As a missionary’s daughter who’s struggling to help pay her sister’s medical bills, Elliot feels nearly invisible.

Needing a change, she takes a new job with a hot shot private investigator. Little does Elliot know she won’t be doing filing and background checks—she’ll be in the field. As her new boss begins training her to be his sidekick, she finds herself surprisingly invigorated but also cautious of the man’s methods.

On her first assignment, she finds evidence that could prove their client, a professional athlete accused of murder, is innocent. The problem is that the real killer may have seen Elliot’s face—and now someone is watching her every move.

Can Elliot keep this new career a secret from her worry-prone mother? Did she put her family in danger when she took this new job? Learning the art of investigating shouldn’t be so dangerous . . . but this case just might as dicey as the new town she’s living in. Elliot Ransom isn’t living her best life.

Moving halfway across the world and leaving behind a community she loves has left Elliot restless. Though Storm River, Virginia, may be beautiful, the river town is also a playground for haughty politicians and wealthy playboys. As a missionary’s daughter who’s struggling to help pay her sister’s medical bills, Elliot feels nearly invisible.

Needing a change, she takes a new job with a hot shot private investigator. Little does Elliot know she won’t be doing filing and background checks—she’ll be in the field. As her new boss begins training her to be his sidekick, she finds herself surprisingly invigorated but also cautious of the man’s methods.

On her first assignment, she finds evidence that could prove their client, a professional athlete accused of murder, is innocent. The problem is that the real killer may have seen Elliot’s face—and now someone is watching her every move.

Can Elliot keep this new career a secret from her worry-prone mother? Did she put her family in danger when she took this new job? Learning the art of investigating shouldn’t be so dangerous . . . but this case just might as dicey as the new town she’s living in. Missionary kid Elliot Ransom is restless after moving from her beloved Amazon home to a wealthy DC suburb. Though Storm River, Virginia, is beautiful, it's also a playground for haughty politicians and wealthy playboys. She’s never felt so out of place.

Becoming an assistant to a hotshot private investigator changes everything . . .

Expecting to help with filing and background checks, Elliot is shocked when she’s catapulted into the frontlines of a murder investigation instead. While trying to prove their client innocent, she’s forced from the administrative role she usually plays. The change is surprisingly invigorating.

Learning the art of investigating shouldn’t be so dangerous . . . but this case just might be as dicey as the new town Elliot is living in. Could a little harmless eavesdropping lead to a big disaster?

Book Beginning

I used to feel I had the whole world in front of me. Now, I was certain that it wasn't the actual world, but a mirage showing what my life could have looked like.

Friday 56

I felt it again. That flutter of nerves that was becoming all too familiar. I had nothing to worry about, I reminded myself. I had met dignitaries before, so I wasn't sure why this impromptu meeting had me feeling so off-balance. Maybe it was just because I was out of my comfort zone. Maybe proving myself was more important to me than I thought. 

What have you been reading lately?

Review: For Whom the Sun Sings by W.A. Fulkerson

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.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

For Whom the Sun Sings is a beautiful, heartbreaking, thought-provoking, wondrous read. This author has found a permanent place on my favorites list. I'm definitely looking forward to more from him. I loved his writing style. It was so fluid and descriptive. I could picture everything perfectly. The world-building was spectacular. I loved how everything was slowly revealed. It felt very natural and led me to reading as fast as possible so I could figure out what was really going on.

This is one of those stories where I can't say a whole lot because it'd spoil so much. Part of the beauty of it lies in discovering everything for yourself and I don't want to steal that joy from anyone. Just trust me when I say this is a must read. It'll stay with me for a long time to come. I can't stop thinking about that ending and I know I'll want to read this book over and over again. I seriously can't recommend it highly enough. It's a book of the year contender, for sure.

Five Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: Dust (Heirs of Neverland #1) by Kara Swanson

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Dust (Heirs of Neverland #1) by Kara Swanson releasing July 21.

About the Book

The truth about Neverland is far more dangerous than a fairy tale.

Claire Kenton believes the world is too dark for magic to be real--since her twin brother was stolen away as a child. Now Claire's desperate search points to London... and a boy who shouldn't exist.

Peter Pan is having a beastly time getting back to Neverland. Grounded in London and hunted by his own Lost Boys, Peter searches for the last hope of restoring his crumbling island: a lass with magic in her veins.

The girl who fears her own destiny is on a collision course with the boy who never wanted to grow up. The truth behind this fairy tale is about to unravel everything Claire thought she knew about Peter Pan--and herself.

Why I Need It

First of all, how gorgeous is that cover? I LOVE it! I can't get enough retellings and this sounds like a really interesting take on Peter Pan. I wonder why he's grounded in London and is being hunted by the Lost Boys? I can't wait to find out what's going on.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting? 

Review: Sweep of the Blade (Innkeeper Chronicles #4) by Ilona Andrews

About the Book
Maud Demille is a daughter of Innkeepers—a special group who provide ‘lodging’ to other-planetary visitors—so she knows that a simple life isn't in the cards. But even Maud could never have anticipated what Fate would throw at her.

Once a wife to a powerful vampire knight, Maud and her young daughter, Helen, were exiled with him for his treachery to the desolate, savage planet of Karhari. Karhari killed her husband, and Maud—completely abandoned by his family—has spent over a year avenging his debts. Rescued by her sister Dina, she's sworn off all things vampire.

Except... In helping Dina save the world, she met Arland, the Marshal of House Krahr, one of the most powerful vampire houses. One thing led to another and he asked for her hand in marriage. She declined. Arland is not used to hearing the word ‘no;’ and try as she might, Maud can't just walk away from Arland. It doesn't help that being human is a lot harder for Maud than being a vampire.

To sort it all out, she accepts his invitation to visit his home planet. House Krahr is extremely influential and Maud knows that a woman—a human, with a very questionable past—who's turned down a proposal from its most beloved son won't get a warm reception. Maybe she’s not sure about marrying Arland, but House Krahr isn’t going to decide for her. Maud Demille has never run from a fight, and House Krahr will soon discover that there's a lot more to Maud than they’re expecting. 

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed Sweep of the Blade. The main character this time around is Maude. I didn't know what to expect with that. It was a little weird at first not being at the Inn and following her sister Dina, but I ended up really liking it a lot. 

Maude's a kick-butt heroine and not someone you want to mess with. It was so great getting to know her and her daughter Helen better. Helen's a tough and fierce little girl who's sure to be a force to be reckoned with when she gets older. And Arland? What can I say about him? He's always been my favorite character of this series and this just further solidified that. He's awesome. I'd love more books following the adventures of these three.

One of my favorite things about this series has been the world building. It's so well structured and fascinating. And it's expanded even more in this installment. I loved learning more about vampire society. I can't wait to see what's in store for this series next.

Four Stars

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?

Review: Magic Redeemed (Hall of Blood and Mercy #2) by K.M. Shea

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.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I enjoyed Magic Redeemed just as much as the first book in this series. It was so much fun and a great escape.

Hazel's still on a mission to regain control of House Medeis from the backstabbing traitor Mason. She's finally coming into her full powers and is training hard to use it and use it well. But it seems like every possible obstacle there could be is getting in the way of her achieving that goal. Can she find a way to overcome or will all her hopes be dashed again?

Just as the previous book, this one is mostly told from Hazel's POV. She's a great narrator. Very personable and funny. There's a few chapters from Killian's perspective which I really liked. It was nice to see his viewpoint and I wouldn't mind even more from him in the next book.

I'm so anxious for book three. I'm very thankful for the quick release schedule, so I don't have to wait long between installments. If you're a fan of urban fantasy, definitely check out this series. 

4.5 Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: Fractured Tide by Leslie Lutz

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Fractured Tide by Leslie Lutz releasing May 5.

About the Book
Lost meets Stranger Things in this eerie, immersive YA thriller, thrusting seventeen-year-old Sia into a reality where the waters in front of her and the jungle behind her are as dangerous as the survivors alongside her.

Sia practically grew up in the water scuba diving, and wreck dives are run of the mill. Take the tourists out. Explore the reef. Uncover the secrets locked in the sunken craft. But this time … the dive goes terribly wrong.

Attacked by a mysterious creature, Sia’s boat is sunk, her customers are killed, and she washes up on a deserted island with no sign of rescue in sight. Waiting in the water is a seemingly unstoppable monster that is still hungry. In the jungle just off the beach are dangers best left untested. When Sia reunites with a handful of survivors, she sees it as the first sign of light.

Sia is wrong.

Between the gulf of deadly seawater in front of her and suffocating depth of the jungle behind her, even the island isn’t what it seems.

Haunted by her own mistakes and an inescapable dread, Sia’s best hope for finding answers may rest in the center of the island, at the bottom of a flooded sinkhole that only she has the skills to navigate. But even if the creature lurking in the depths doesn’t swallow her and the other survivors, the secrets of their fractured reality on the island might.

Why I Need It

Lost meets Stranger Things? I'm sold! Those are two of my favorite shows, so you know I've gotta check this book out. It sounds super intriguing and I can't wait to figure out what's going on.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?