Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: The Nightmare Virus by Nadine Brandes

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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. 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. Freda is taking a hiatus right now, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over in the meantime.

This week I'm featuring The Nightmare Virus by Nadine Brandes.

About the Book

Some viruses go after the body. But the Nightmare Virus goes after the mind.

When dream technology goes wrong, a virus spreads across the globe, trapping people in a universal dreamscape. They call it the Nightmare Virus.

Cain Cross is determined to find a cure . . . if he can decipher his brother’s chicken-scratch formula notes. But when he gets infected, he has only 22 days until he’s trapped in the mental prison forever. Now, every time he falls asleep, he must fight in a Nightmare Arena until he earns his freedom to live in the “new world” that exists only in the mind.

Then he finds a way to manipulate the Nightmare—to change it by mere thought.

Forced to navigate a world of nightbeasts, mistblades, and half-truths, Cain turns his focus to survival. When the Emperor offers him a LifeSuPod—and access to a cure—in exchange for a dangerous favor, Cain thinks he’s found a way out. But Cain’s new power threatens to take him on paths that jeopardize his very soul.

Will he continue searching for a cure, or will he swear allegiance to the Nightmare? And the bigger question might be . . . will he even have a choice?

Book Beginning / First Line Friday

Once you catch the Nightmare Virus, you have 22 days until you die.

Friday 56

How is this possible?

I'm getting tired of asking that question.

Despite my confusion, I manage to raise my hand in a small wave.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: When the Day Comes (Timeless #1) by Gabrielle Meyer

About the Book

How will she choose, knowing all she must sacrifice?

Libby has been given a powerful gift: to live one life in 1774 Colonial Williamsburg and the other in 1914 Gilded Age New York City. When she falls asleep in one life, she wakes up in the other. While she's the same person at her core in both times, she's leading two vastly different lives.

In Colonial Williamsburg, Libby is a public printer for the House of Burgesses and the Royal Governor, trying to provide for her family and support the Patriot cause. The man she loves, Henry Montgomery, has his own secrets. As the revolution draws near, both their lives--and any hope of love--are put in jeopardy.

Libby's life in 1914 New York is filled with wealth, drawing room conversations, and bachelors. But the only work she cares about--women's suffrage--is discouraged, and her mother is intent on marrying her off to an English marquess. The growing talk of war in Europe only complicates matters.

But Libby knows she's not destined to live two lives forever. On her twenty-first birthday, she must choose one path and forfeit the other--but how can she choose when she has so much to lose in each life?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Oh my goodness! This is one of the best and most unique books I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. I loved it so much and am at a slight loss for words.

I was immediately pulled in and fully invested in Libby’s story—or, should I say, stories. I enjoyed both timelines equally, which kinda surprised me. The Gilded Age is one of my favorite historical time periods; I naturally thought I’d gravitate towards it more, especially since I’m not usually drawn to the 1700s. But, goodness, they both intrigued me and had me fully engaged.

The opulent life Libby lived in 1914 was so dazzling, but the family connection, historical figures she encountered, and her job at the printing press in 1774 really tugged at my heartstrings.

I loved the inspirational message that was woven so perfectly throughout the whole story. What a fantastic reminder to trust God’s plans, even when they don’t make sense to us, He knows what’s best.

This was as close to perfect as a book can get. My goodness, I loved it so much! And that ending? I have no words! Needless to say, I highly highly recommend it. I can’t wait to read the next book!

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Christmas Catch by Toni Shiloh

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 The Christmas Catch by Toni Shiloh releasing September 24.

About the Book

When two high school sweethearts reunite, will they take another chance at love or let life sideline them at Christmas?

Benched with a career-ending injury, NFL wide receiver Jahleel Walker is forced to return to his hometown of Peachwood Bay, Georgia, during the holidays to heal, despite his rocky relationship with his father. Nothing shocks him more than running into Lucille "Bebe" Gordon.

Bebe Gordon came home to Peachwood Bay three years ago with a divorce certificate and her daughter. When Jahleel returns--for the first time in eight years--all the memories of the past come rushing back. The connection between them is still strong, but Jahleel has no plans to stay in Peachwood Bay, and Bebe won't risk him leaving her again. As their hometown's Christmas festivities bring them together, Jahleel must decide if he's only home for the holidays or if the Christmas spirit that brought them together will last all through the year.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Queen of Hearts by Heather Day Gilbert

About the Book

Her readers love her...
but one has gotten a little too attached.

Alexandra Dubois, a NYT bestselling author, has made a name for herself by crafting twisted serial killers in her romantic suspense series. When threatening notes from an "invested reader" escalate into violence, Alex has to admit she's not safe in her own home. Although her autism makes any changes to her routine difficult, she reluctantly accepts her editor's advice to fly to his sprawling vacation home in West Virginia so she can focus on her looming deadline.

Fighting paranoia that the stalker has discovered her mountain hideaway, Alex still forces herself to write several chapters in her novel. But when a thunderstorm leaves her stranded and she hears a knock at her door, she's about to discover that life truly is stranger than fiction.

Fans of Alfred Hitchcock, Mary Higgins Clark, and Misery are sure to be hooked by this clean, fast-paced domestic thriller by RWA Daphne Award-winning author Heather Day Gilbert.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Oh my goodness, this is one of the best psychological thrillers I’ve ever read. I was on the edge of my seat for the majority of the story. I got goosebumps several times and was holding my breath through many intense scenes. I was so anxious to find out what happened next. There were many twists and turns, most of which I never saw coming. I was constantly surprised by the turn of events.

Alex is autistic, and I thought the author did a wonderful job of realistically portraying her. She was relatable and easy to like. She faced some seriously daunting and dangerous things with bravery and tenacity.

This was a mind-bending thrill ride. I suspected everybody at one point or another. I didn’t know who to trust. When the reveal came, I was shocked. If you’re a fan of this genre, don’t miss this book. It's a must read. I’m looking forward to more psychological thrillers from this author.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: The Study of Magic (The Study Chronicles: Valek's Adventures #2) by Maria V. Snyder

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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. 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. Freda is taking a hiatus right now, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over in the meantime.

This week I'm featuring The Study of Magic (The Study Chronicles: Valek's Adventures #2) by Maria V. Snyder. This is a companion story to Magic Study and is told from the viewpoint of Valek. He wasn't in the original story much, so it's nice to see what he was doing while him and Yelena were separated. 

About the Book

Frankly, I think death is the best cure for stupidity.

As Chief of Ixia’s Security, Valek’s work is never done. After rescuing Commander Ambrose with, Yelena, his heartmate’s, help and seeing her off to Sitia, Valek discovers the nefarious scheme to overthrow their country is far more complex and far reaching than anyone could have guessed.

Valek must discover who is continuing with Brazell and Mogkan’s conniving plans, all while dealing with a tense political situation. The Ixian generals are questioning his abilities to keep the Commander safe, and whispers of a possible coup are circulating.

Will Valek be able to survive a plot that seeks to sabotage all he and the Commander have worked for? Also, having opened his heart to love, will Yelena still wish to be with him when all is said and done?

A companion novel to Magic Study, The Study of Magic reveals Valek’s side of the story. Find out what hazards Valek encounters and survives before he and Yelena are reunited once more.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

The oversized manor house sat like a fat cow amid the brown fields. Rows of dried-out wheat stalks stubbled the ground, providing no cover for Valek.

Friday 56

Valek questioned the guards at the gate. Did they see anyone? Hear anything? Of course not.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Flashover (Chasing Fire: Montana #2) by Megan Besing

About the Book

SECRETS. BETRAYAL. SACRIFICE.
THIS TIME, THEY'RE NOT JUST FIGHTING FIRE.

An original series created by bestselling authors Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips.

She never expected her second chance to show up…

When her special ops brother was killed, Sophie Lamb left everything—and everyone—behind to start over. Now the owner of a ranch that rescues neglected horses, they’ve become her entire life. And sure, she’s still haunted by the death of her brother, but she doesn’t have time to miss those she’s lost—including her high school crush, Houston James, who she absolutely never thinks about. Okay, almost never.

In the middle of a wildfire….

Houston James can’t catch a break. Sure, he survived a house fire, and became a youth pastor, but a recent false accusation in ministry has sent him into a summer fighting fires. The last thing he expects is to find the girl he can’t forget…

When the blazing Montana wildfire threatens her ranch, Sophie refuses to abandon her rescued animals. But the last person she expects to show up and demand her evacuation is of course, Houston James.

Then her prized stallion goes missing, and she and Houston must work together to track him down before the fire catches up to them. And when they stumble upon a shocking discovery, they are forced to work together, and confront their heartbreaking past, if they hope to survive.

In this relentless fight against external threats and the ghosts of their pasts, Houston and Sophie stand on the brink of a second chance. But the fight isn’t over when the threat she left behind finds her…now, what will her second chance at love cost her?

Don't miss out on this gripping tale of survival and redemption in the heart-pounding second installment of the Chasing Fire: Montana series.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed this high-stakes second-chance romance. Filled with danger and intrigue, I could hardly put this book down. I was immediately hooked. The threat of the rapidly spreading fire kept the tension high. As did the mystery surrounding Sophie’s presumed dead brother.

I liked Sophie right off. She was kindhearted and determined. I loved how passionate she was about rescuing horses and enjoyed seeing the care she took with them. I liked Houston a lot. He’d been through a lot, but I loved how strong his faith was and how he leaned on God through everything.

Sophie and Houston have a history that dates back to high school. Things didn’t end on a good note, but I was rooting for them to work through their issues because they were perfect for each other.

This was the first book I’ve read by this author, but it certainly won’t be the last. I’m very eager to read more. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys high-stakes romantic suspense with a strong Christian message. While this is book two in the series, it can be read as a standalone.

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Meddling with Mistletoe by Liz Johnson

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 Meddling with Mistletoe by Liz Johnson releasing September 3.

About the Book

Whitney Garrett is preparing to enter culinary school in the spring, but first she has to sell enough homemade pies at the local Christmas markets to pay her tuition. When her oven breaks, Whitney asks Marie Sloan, proprietor of the Red Door Inn, if she can use the inn's kitchen to keep up with her orders. Marie agrees, with a catch: Whitney has to watch the three Sloan children and cook breakfasts for the Red Door in return.

The inn is busy with holiday guests--including Aretha Franklin Sloan's perpetually single nephew Daniel and Ruby, a businesswoman in town to purchase Aretha's antiques store. Intent on making a Christmas match for the two, Aretha enlists Whitney's help in her schemes. But the deeper Whitney gets, the more she realizes that Ruby is definitely not the right woman for Daniel--and the more she thinks that she just might be his perfect match.

Cuddle up for some warm holiday cheer as New York Times bestselling author Liz Johnson explores the unforeseen consequences of meddling with mistletoe when love is on the line.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?