Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Plan of Action (Lantern Beach P.D. #5) 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 sharing Plan of Action, the exciting conclusion to the Lantern Beach P.D. series by Christy Barritt.

About the Book

The thrilling conclusion to the Lantern Beach PD series is finally here!

A missing Navy SEAL. Danger at the boiling point. The ultimate showdown.

When Police Chief Cassidy Chambers’ husband, Ty, disappears, her world is turned upside down. His truck is discovered with blood inside, crashed in a ditch on Lantern Beach, but he’s nowhere to be found. As they launch a manhunt to find him, Cassidy discovers that someone on the island has a deadly obsession with Ty.

Meanwhile, Gilead’s Cove seems to be imploding. As danger heightens, federal law enforcement officials are called in. The cult’s growing threat could lead to the pinnacle standoff of good versus evil. A clear plan of action is needed or the results will be devastating.

Will Cassidy find Ty in time, or will she face a gut-wrenching loss? Will Anthony Gilead finally be unmasked for who he really is and be brought to justice? Hundreds of innocent lives are at stake . . . and not everyone will come out alive.

Book Beginning

Moriah Gilead held her breath as she watched the figure descend the steps into the dark, cave-like bunker. She blinked, the glaring daylight behind the man preventing her from seeing any of his features.

Friday 56

Dietrich looked like he forced a smile. "We have nothing to hide."

Oh, Cassidy would bet they did. This place had so much to hide. The question was: Where were they keeping their secrets?

What have you been reading lately?

Review: All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries #1) by Martha Wells

About the Book
"As a heartless killing machine, I was a complete failure."

In a corporate-dominated spacefaring future, planetary missions must be approved and supplied by the Company. Exploratory teams are accompanied by Company-supplied security androids, for their own safety.

But in a society where contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder, safety isn’t a primary concern.

On a distant planet, a team of scientists are conducting surface tests, shadowed by their Company-supplied ‘droid — a self-aware SecUnit that has hacked its own governor module, and refers to itself (though never out loud) as “Murderbot.” Scornful of humans, all it really wants is to be left alone long enough to figure out who it is.

But when a neighboring mission goes dark, it's up to the scientists and their Murderbot to get to the truth.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I've been meaning to read this for what seems like forever. I've heard so many good things about it. There's been so much praise and I wanted to see what it was all about. Yeah, I understand it now. It's such a fun read! It's not a genre I read much of, but I probably should. I enjoyed it so much!

Murderbot is something else, lol! Hilarious without really meaning to be, oddly caring, totally awkward, and weirdly relatable. That probably sounds really strange, but trust me. Read the book and you'll understand.

There was mystery and intrigue, too, that had me reading as fast as I could. All in all, this was an awesome read, even better than I expected. 

Here's a few of my favorite quotes:

I could have become a mass murderer after I hacked my governor module, but then I realized I could access the combined feed of entertainment channels carried on the company satellites. It had been well over 35,000 hours or so since then, with still not much murdering, but probably, I don't know, a little under 35,000 hours of movies serials, books, plays, and music consumed. As a heartless killing machine, I was a terrible failure.


So, I'm awkward with actual humans. It's not paranoia about my hacked government module, and it's not them; it's me. I know I'm a horrifying murderbot, and they know it, and it makes both of us nervous, which makes me even more nervous.


“All right,” she said, and looked at me for what objectively was 2.4 seconds and subjectively about 20 excruciating minutes.


Everyone stood there, quiet. I could tell from their expressions they were all thinking hard. The HubSystem that controlled their habitat, that they were dependent on for food, shelter, filtered air, and water, was trying to kill them. And in their corner all they had was Murderbot, who just wanted everyone to leave it alone so it could watch the entertainment feed all day.

4.5 Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: She Walks in Love (Protectors of the Spear #2) by MaryLu Tyndall

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 She Walks in Love (Protectors of the Spear #2) by MaryLu Tyndall releasing June 17.

About the Book

She must protect the Spear of Destiny at all costs
He must bring the lady safely home
But the powers of darkness chasing them have other ideas

Lady Cristiana D'Clere, the new protector of the Spear, is on the run from the steward of her estate, who has kept her drugged for years. All she ever wanted was to be safe, marry well, and raise a bevy of wee ones. Instead, she is far from home, chased by men intent on killing her and stealing the Spear of Christ for its incredible powers.

Sir Jarin the Just has never forgotten the woman who stirred his heart like no other. Determined to find and restore her to her proper place as Lady of Luxley Castle, he sets out on a journey fraught with more dangers than he ever could have foreseen. The biggest danger is to his heart, for he has vowed to remain unfettered and never surrender his freedom to a woman.

Though the Spear protects the couple along their journey, Cristiana must learn to trust the One whose blood stains the relic, while Jarin must learn to rely on powers far above his own knightly skills. For the dark magic that is chasing them may take all the powers of heaven to defeat.

Why I Need It

It's been almost three years since the previous book, She Walks in Power, was released and I've been anxious for this sequel ever since. I bet it'll be worth the long wait, though. I'm excited for it!

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Review: Spindle (Two Monarchies Sequence #1) by W.R. Gingell

About the Book

"A roller-coaster ride of creative and fantastic fairy tale retelling!" -Wishful Endings Book Blog

What do you do when your prince is not a prince, your hair won’t stop growing, and someone has cursed you to sleep for 300 years?

If you’re Polyhymnia, you get up with the help of a kiss or two, trailing your hair behind you, and find out who did it. You try not to get killed in the process.

And you definitely try not to fall in love with the incredibly irritating wizard who woke you and apparently needs to keep kissing you to keep you awake...

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I'm a huge fan of this author's Between series and wanted to try something else from her. Spindle was awesome! It's weird, a little wacky, and I loved every second of it.

This book plops the reader right into things and it took me a bit to really get my bearings, to figure out what was going on. But that was part of the fun. Poly's missing a lot of her memories, so as she slowly starts remembering, things begin to take shape and make more sense. I was reading as fast as I could to try to figure everything out.

Spindle has a bit of a Sleeping Beauty feel to it, but Poly's not a princess and Luck's not the prince. I found the nod to the classic tale to be so great. I had such a fun time reading it and am anxious to check out the rest of the series.

Four Stars

Review: The Number of Love (Codebreakers #1) by Roseanna M. White

About the Book
Three years into the Great War, England's greatest asset is their intelligence network--field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren't enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy who just won't give up. He's smitten quickly by the intelligent Margot, but how can he convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life's answers lie in the heart?

Amid biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save themselves from the very secrets that brought them together.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I'm at a loss for words to describe how wonderful this book was. To say it's good is a vast understatement. I've loved all of Roseanna White's books, but this one takes the cake. She's out done herself here. The Number of Love is my favorite one yet. In fact, I think it's the best book I've read this year (and I've read quite a few great ones).

Time flew by while I was reading. I'd look up at the clock and be shocked by how much time had passed. I was completely immersed in the story, feeling as if I was right there, back in 1917, with these characters.

With a sarcastic wit and a sharp, brilliant mind, Margot's a leading lady unlike any other. The way that her mind worked, her way with numbers, was so fascinating. Drake was a perfect match for her. His respect and his patience with her was so sweet. And I have to say, I loved all the appearances of the characters from some of White's previous books. It was so fun to see them again.

I can't recommend this highly enough. It was exciting and romantic and just an all-around awesome story. It's one not to be missed!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Five Stars

Stars Descend Blog Tour: Guest Post on Space Elves

I'm excited to share with you a guest post about space elves from author Kara Jaynes! First, here's what the book's about.

About the Book
The elves have come down from the sky in their ships, their countenances full of light and their bodies, power. But they rule over us humans with iron fists, and without mercy.

Vampires stalk the streets, lurking in shadows and the cover of darkness. Their lust for blood is never sated, and the nights are filled with the screams of their victims.

I’m just a street rat, a trash picker. I didn’t expect him to choose me. The Prince of Elves could have anyone, so why me?

Even as my heart sings at the elf’s close proximity, I still love the boy who left me, disappearing into the city’s corrupt underworld. I don’t even know if he’s still alive.

Stars reign. Rebellion brews. And with my already uncertain future disintegrating into chaos, I don’t know who to turn to, or who to trust.

Amazon (Available on Kindle Unlimited!)

Guest Post on Space Elves

The elves in Stars Descend aren’t the sort that lives in the forests or underground. These elves are from space. They look the way one might expect. They’re generally tall and beautiful, with striking features and piercing eyes. They’re physically powerful and wield magic. They are also similar to aliens you might read about in a sci-fi novel since they come from another world, but rather than destroying humanity and stripping Earth of its resources; the elves believe their calling is to nurture, heal and protect planets that are struggling to survive. They’re hardcore environmentalists.

The king of the elves has several sons, and as they’ve come of age and earned the privilege to serve, has sent them to various planets that have needed their aid.

Eldaren is the youngest of the king’s sons and has been assigned to serve on our planet Earth, in a dystopian future where humans have all but ruined civilization through war amongst each other and depleting their resources. By the time the elves arrive, humans are in dire straights.

Eldaren hopes to change things for the better, not only to help the humans, but to prove himself to his king, and his people. But he discovers that humans are remarkably averse and resistant to change, and things don’t work out the way he expects.

I chose elves to be the race to nurture Earth for a couple of reasons. One, because I knew from the moment the story idea sprang to my mind that elves would be involved in the story, but also because traditionally—in folklore and other stories—their sort and fae—and one could argue that elves are fae—have always seemed a little more in tune with nature, than other mythical creatures or humans.

About the Author

Kara Jaynes is a fantasy and children's book author. She loves rainy days, long walks, and fairy tales. She's been writing since she was very young, and has more stories in her head than she could possibly write.

Facebook —Instagram —Twitter—BookBub —Amazon Author Page

Party Time!

Calling all book readers! Join author Kara Jaynes as we chat about her urban fantasy novel STARS DESCEND on June 12th from 8 PM to 10 PM EST (5 PM PST and 6 PM MDT).

Grab your favorite drink and snack and be prepared for a fun time of chatting with Kara, games, and giveaways.

Special guests Janeen Ippolito and Sarah Ashwood will also be sharing their books and joining in the fun.

RSVP HERE

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, June 3^rd

• Laura VanArendonk Baugh: Guest Post about Vampires
• Geeky Mythology: Book Review

Tuesday, June 4^th

• Storyteller Princess: Book Review Spotlight

Wednesday, June 5^th

• She Hearts Fiction: Guest Post on Vampires

Thursday, June 6^th

• Between the Lines: Guest Post on Seattle, Washington

Friday, June 7^th

• Cobonham: Book Review

Saturday, June 8^th

• The Rustic Reading Gal: Guest Post on Space Elves
• HEA Club Blog: Book Spotlight

Sunday, June 9^th

• All the Ups and Downs: Guest Post on Paranormal Creature
• Cheryl M-M's Book Blog: Book Review

Monday, June 10^th

• Kandi J Wyatt, where fantasy and reality meet: Book Review & Character Interview with Sol
• J.L. Mbewe: Book Spotlight

Tuesday, June 11^th

• The Book Sprite: Guest Post about Overcoming Prejudice

Wednesday, June 12^th

• Urban Fantasy Investigations: Author Interview
• The Hero’s Tale: Book Review
• Stars Descend Facebook Party

Thursday, June 13^th

• Unicorn Quester: Character Interview with Eldaren

Friday, June 14^th

• Betwixt the Pages: Book Review
• Sarah Ashwood: Character Interview with Stella
• Unicorn Quester: Video Review

Saturday, June 15^th

• Unicorn Quester: Blog Tour Wrap-Up

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Tails from the Deep: A Mermaid Cozy Mystery by Diane Vallere

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 sharing Tails from the Deep: A Mermaid Cozy Mystery by Diane Vallere. It's a really quick and unique read. I had such a fun time with it.

About the Book

Three sisters vying for attention.

One matriarch to keep them in line.

A world of adventure filled with nefarious characters, hidden secrets, mysterious activities, and sunken treasure.

Sunken treasure?

Yes, sunken treasure. Because this is the ocean, where pearls are common, crimes are not, and mysteries lurk behind every cluster of coral.

Welcome to Sirenia, the mermaid colony in unchartered waters!

TAILS FROM THE DEEP - Mermaid Mystery #1

There's something fishy going on at the edge of Sirenia...

Zoe wasn't looking for trouble. As the middle daughter in a family of three mermaid sisters, she never gets the attention she deserves. She spends her days frolicking with sea creatures by the sunken battleship that sits at the edge of Sirenia, and her nights being lectured about danger. But when she finds a diver trapped in the kelp by the wreckage, she overcomes her shock to free him. The problem? The only available tool to cut him loose is the knife in the body on the ocean floor by his feet.

What happens when a mermaid saves dangerous stranger?
If you're that mermaid, you might have to solve a mystery to save yourself.

Zoe learns the diver is a detective tasked with solving the dead man's murder. Being in the unique position of finding evidence underwater, Zoe volunteers to help . . . until she finds a clue that links the body to her older sister. Now the only way to ensure the safety of her sister--and protect the mermaid colony she always dreamed of leaving behind--is to discover the dead man's identity herself. Zoe is used to being invisible around the other mermaids, but what happens when her sleuthing for clues exposes herself to the humans who may be responsible for a murder? With the evidence hidden in the ocean floor, digging for clues could lead to an early grave . . . in Davy Jones's Locker.

You'll love splashing around in the virtual world of Sirenia, because mermaid mysteries are the perfect escapist fiction.

Book Beginning

I hated being told what to do. Mother thought it was unseemly for a mermaid to show interest in something that came from the human world, but just because I was a mermaid didn't mean I couldn't be curious about other things.

Friday 56

I left Sirenia and swam to Mad Midge, who assigned two electric eels to accompany me. The eels provided enough light to illuminate my path. I could trust these fish to keep my secret since eels weren't able to talk. Everybody knew that.

What have you been reading lately?