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?

Review: Winning Back Her Heart by Allie Pleiter

About the Book

Pretending to be in love…or building a new future?

Nothing wrong with helping out an old friend…

But she’s so much more to him.

When his ex-girlfriend returns home and hires him to overhaul her family’s general store, contractor Bo Carter’s determined to keep an emotional distance. But to convince her old boss she’s home for good, Toni Redding needs another favor—a pretend romance. As Bo starts to fall for her all over again, might their fake love lead to a real second chance?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

What a sweet and heartwarming read! It's another winner from author Allie Pleiter. It's packed full of some of my favorites things: a homecoming, a second chance and pretend romance, a charming small town, a cast of relatable and likable characters, and a great spiritual message.

I was so rooting for Bo and Toni. Things were complicated for them. They had some issues from their past to work through and a lot of obstacles in their way, but it was obvious how much they still cared about each other.

I loved being back in Wander Canyon and can't wait to visit again. If you're a fan of sweet contemporary romance, you're sure to love Winning Back Her Heart.

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

Four Stars

Review: Rising Tide (Lantern Beach Blackout #4) by Christy Barritt

About the Book

A FORMER SEAL UNDER SCRUTINY
Benjamin James knows there’s a traitor within his former command. The rest of his team might even think it’s him. As danger closes in, he must clear himself and stop a deadly plot by a dangerous terrorist group.

A WOMAN CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE
All CJ Compton wanted was a new start after her career ended under suspicion. Working as the house manager for private security group Blackout seems perfect. But there’s more trouble here than what she left behind.

A BATTLE TO THE END

As the tide rushes in, the stakes continue to rise. If the Blackout team fails, it’s not just Lantern Beach at stake—it’s the whole country. Can Benjamin and CJ overcome their differences and work together to find the truth?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

What a fantastic conclusion to this thrilling series! Loose ends are tied up, lingering questions are answered, and a jaw-dropping surprise make this an absolute must read. There's so much danger swirling around the island and lots of threats on multiple fronts. Suspicions and accusations fly, making for some tense moments between the team. I wondered how on earth everything would work out in the end. I won't say much else because I don't want to spoil any of the twists. I'll just end by saying that if you're a fan of romantic suspense, this series is a must read. I loved every second of it.

Four Stars

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?

Review: The Gryphon Heist by James R. Hannibal

About the Book
Talia Inger is a rookie CIA case officer assigned not to the Moscow desk as she had hoped but to the forgotten backwaters of Eastern Europe--a department only known as "Other." When she is tasked with helping a young, charming Moldovan executive secure his designs for a revolutionary defense technology, she figures she'll be back in DC within a few days. But that's before she knows where the designs are stored--and who's after them. With her shady civilian partner, Adam Tyler, Talia takes a deep dive into a world where only criminal minds and unlikely strategies will keep the Gryphon, a high-altitude data vault, hovering in the mesosphere.

Even Tyler is more than he seems, and Talia begins to wonder: Is he helping her? Or using her access to CIA resources to pull off an epic heist for his own dark purposes?

In this Ocean's Eleven-meets-Mission Impossible thriller, former tactical deception officer and stealth pilot James R. Hannibal offers you a nonstop thrill ride through the most daring heist ever conceived.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

The Gryphon Heist was an exciting thriller that was impossible to put down. I was constantly telling myself, just one more chapter, just one more chapter. It's an addictive read, for sure. It was a nice escape from the stresses of the real world. It pulled me away from my worries for just a little bit. I was sucked right into the intrigue and danger these characters faced.

Speaking of the characters, they were a great bunch. Highly entertaining, amusing, and easy to like. Main character Talia had a bit of a prickly personality that took some getting used to, but, in the end, I liked her a lot. Watching her personal growth from beginning to end was something special.

I felt like I was watching a really good spy show while I was reading this. It was so fun. There were lots of twists and turns and while sometimes it was hard to keep things straight, it didn't hamper my enjoyment one bit. I'm really looking forward to checking out the next one!

Four Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: Hadley Beckett's Next Dish by Bethany Turner

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 Hadley Beckett's Next Dish by Bethany Turner releasing May 5.

About the Book

Celebrity chef Maxwell Cavanaugh is known for many things: his multiple Michelin stars, his top-rated Culinary Channel show To the Max, and most of all his horrible temper. Hadley Beckett, host of the Culinary Channel's other top-rated show, At Home with Hadley, is beloved for her Southern charm and for making her viewers feel like family.

When Max experiences a very public temper tantrum, he's sent packing to get his life in order. When he returns, career in shambles, his only chance to get back on TV and in the public's good graces is to work alongside Hadley.

As these polar-opposite celeb chefs begin to peel away the layers of public persona and reputation, they will not only discover the key ingredients for getting along, but also learn the secret recipe for unexpected forgiveness . . . and maybe even love. In the meantime, hide the knives.

Fan-favorite Bethany Turner serves up a heaping helping of humor and romance with this thoroughly modern story centered on cooking, enemies, and second chances. 

Why I Need It

I'm ready for some laughs and this book is sure to deliver them. Bethany Turner's other books have been some of my favorite rom-coms. The cooking show element in this one should be a fun twist. I'm so ready to dive into it.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Tricks for Free (InCryptid #7) by Seanan McGuire

About the Book
The seventh book in the funny and fast-paced InCryptid urban fantasy series returns to the mishaps of the Price family, eccentric cryptozoologists who safeguard the world of magical creatures living in secret among humans.

Includes an all-new Aeslin mice novella and a map of Lowryland!

Penance, noun:
1. Punishment for past actions.
2. An attempt to pay for what can't be bought.
3. See also "exile."

Antimony Price is on the run. With the Covenant on her tail and her family still in danger, she needs to get far, far away from anyone who might recognize her--including her own mice. For the first time in a long time, a Price is flying without a safety net. Where do you go when you need to disappear into a crowd without worrying about attracting attention? An amusement park, of course.

Some people would call Lowryland the amusement park. It's one of the largest in Florida, the keystone of the Lowry entertainment empire...but for Annie, it's a place to hide. She's just trying to keep her head down long enough to come up with a plan that will get her home without getting anyone killed. No small order when she's rooming with gorgons and sylphs, trying to placate frustrated ghosts, and rushing to get to work on time.

Then the accidents begin. The discovery of a dead man brings Annie to the attention of the secret cabal of magic users running Lowryland from behind the scenes. They want the fire that sleeps in her fingers. They want her on their side. They want to help her--although their help, like everything else, comes with a price.

No plan. Minimal backup. No way out. Annie's about to get a crash course in the reality behind the pretty facade. If she's lucky, she'll survive the experience.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

With the way the last book ended, I had to get my hands on a copy of this one as fast as I could. It was awesome. Even better than Magic for Nothing. Annie didn't get on my nerves nearly as bad. I mean, there were still a couple of moments, but nothing like before. She really came into herself in this book.

Annie's on the run and hiding from the Covenant of St. George. She can't go home because that would just lead the Covenant straight to her family. So that's not an option. She decides to head to Florida, to Lowryland, an amusement park similar to Disneyland. It's the perfect place to hide and blend in with the crowd. But not long after she gets there, a lot of accidents, some fatal, start occurring around her. Are these incidents really accidents? Could it be sabotage? Or is something more sinister going on?

I can't even tell you how much fun I had reading Tricks for Free. It was the perfect distraction to the craziness going on in the real world. I loved getting a behind the scenes look at an amusement park. And I really liked seeing Annie with her friends. She was pretty much on her own in the last book, so I was glad to see some of her friends show up. A lot happens in this book and one of those things is major. It's sure have some far-reaching consequences. I'm very eager to find out what happens next.

NOTE: This book does contain some strong language.

4.5 Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: The Gryphon Heist by James R. Hannibal

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 Gryphon Heist by James R. Hannibal.

About the Book

Talia Inger is a rookie CIA case officer assigned not to the Moscow desk as she had hoped but to the forgotten backwaters of Eastern Europe--a department only known as "Other." When she is tasked with helping a young, charming Moldovan executive secure his designs for a revolutionary defense technology, she figures she'll be back in DC within a few days. But that's before she knows where the designs are stored--and who's after them. With her shady civilian partner, Adam Tyler, Talia takes a deep dive into a world where only criminal minds and unlikely strategies will keep the Gryphon, a high-altitude data vault, hovering in the mesosphere.

Even Tyler is more than he seems, and Talia begins to wonder: Is he helping her? Or using her access to CIA resources to pull off an epic heist for his own dark purposes?

In this Ocean's Eleven-meets-Mission Impossible thriller, former tactical deception officer and stealth pilot James R. Hannibal offers you a nonstop thrill ride through the most daring heist ever conceived.

Book Beginning

Talia Inger clutched her side, letting her shoulder fall against the alley wall.

Friday 56

They were all supposed to be on the same team, but Tyler clearly had things to hide, perhaps related to the mission, perhaps not.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Phantom in the Mirror (Hank the Cowdog #20) by John R. Erickson

About the Book

Pete warns Hank that a stray dog has invaded the ranch and is lurking inside the machine shed. Naturally, Hank goes to investigate, and sure enough, he finds the Phantom Dog--in an old mirror stored in the machine shed. But then Drover looks into the same mirror and sees a “Handsome Prince.” Holy smokes, it appears that two dogs have invaded the ranch!

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I loved the Hank the Cowdog series when I was a kid. My mom and I read them as fast as we could. It was so great to revisit the series with The Phantom in the Mirror. I remember it being one of my favorites. It's so funny. It had me literally laughing out loud so many times. There was one time where I had to set my Kindle down for a second because I was laughing so hard. I'll just say it had something to do with Hank, some fishing bait, a string, and Sally May. I could so perfectly imagine that exact thing actually happening. I'm chuckling just thinking about it again, lol. This series is fun for all ages and I highly recommend it if you need a good laugh.

Five Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: Storing Up Trouble (American Heiresses #3) by Jen Turano

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 Storing Up Trouble (American Heiresses #3) by Jen Turano releasing May 5.

About the Book

When Miss Beatrix Waterbury's Chicago-bound train ride is interrupted by a heist, Mr. Norman Nesbit, a man of science who believes his research was the target of the heist, comes to her aid. Despite the fact that they immediately butt heads, they join forces to make a quick escape.

Upon her arrival in Chicago, Beatrix is surprised to discover her supposedly querulous Aunt Gladys shares her own suffragette passions. Encouraged by Gladys to leave her sheltered world, Beatrix begins working as a salesclerk at the Marshall Field and Company department store. When she again encounters Norman on a shopping expedition, he is quickly swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract.

But when another attempt is made to part Norman from his research papers, and it becomes clear Beatrix's safety is also at risk, they soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos.

Why I Need It

I've been loving this hilarious series and have been looking forward to Beatrix's story. It sounds like Beatrix and Norman will make quite an interesting duo, lol. I'm ready for the laughs that are sure to ensue.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Ripple Effect (Lantern Beach Blackout #3) by Christy Barritt

About the Book
A CHOICE THAT HAUNTS HIM
Griff McIntyre never expected his ex-wife and three-year-old daughter to come to Lantern Beach. After an abduction attempt, they’re desperate for safety. Now Griff’s not letting either of them out of his sight.

A DESPERATION THAT BINDS THEM
Bethany knows Griff is the only one who can protect them, despite the fact that he broke her heart. But she’ll do anything to keep her daughter safe—even if it means playing nicely with a man she can’t stand.

A DANGER THAT PULLS THEM APART

As peril ripples through their lives, Griff and Bethany must work together to protect their daughter. But an unseen enemy wants something from them . . . and will stop at nothing to get it. When disaster strikes, can Griff keep his family safe? Or will past mistakes bring the ultimate failure?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Ripple Effect was another great addition to the Lantern Beach Blackout series. Each book just seems to get better and better. This one had heart-stopping and intense action right from the very start. Danger always seemed to be lurking around every corner, making for a fast paced and impossible to put down read.

I liked Bethany and Griff a lot. I was definitely rooting for them to overcome their issues and get back together. They were a great duo. And little Ada was a cutie. She's such a precocious and adorable kid.

I highly recommend this series to fans of romantic suspense. I can't wait to check out the next installment!

4.5 Stars

Review: Kings Falling (The Book of the Wars #2) by Ronie Kendig

About the Book

Leif Metcalfe and his team, dubbed Reaper, need to recover the stolen, ancient Book of the Wars if they hope to stop the Armageddon Coalition and their pursuit of global economic control. But their attention has been diverted by a prophecy in the book that foretells of formidable guardians who will decimate the enemies of ArC. While Iskra Todorova uses her connections in the covert underworld to hunt down the Book of the Wars, Leif and Reaper attempt to neutralize these agents but quickly find themselves outmaneuvered and outgunned.

The more Reaper tries to stop the guardians, the more failure becomes a familiar, antagonistic foe. Friendships are fractured, and the team battles to hold it together long enough to defeat ArC. But as this millennia-old conspiracy creeps closer and closer to home, the implications could tear Leif and the team apart. 

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Kings Falling was another action-packed and unputdownable thrill ride from Ronie Kendig. From beginning to end, I could hardly catch my breath. There's so much suspense and so many twists that left me shocked, kept me guessing, and had me questioning everything. The excitement hardly ever let up.

This epic and intense adventure is not to be missed. Be sure to grab a copy of the first book, Storm Rising, before diving into this page-turner. It's not a standalone. I'm very eager for the next book because, oh man, this one left me hanging. I can't wait!

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

Four Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: The Phantom in the Mirror (Hank the Cowdog #20) by John R. Erickson

ook 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 favorite book from my childhood, The Phantom in the Mirror (Hank the Cowdog #20) by John R. Erickson. I recently reread it and had so much fun with it. It was just the laugh I needed during this crazy time we're living in.

About the Book

Pete warns Hank that a stray dog has invaded the ranch and is lurking inside the machine shed. Naturally, Hank goes to investigate, and sure enough, he finds the Phantom Dog--in an old mirror stored in the machine shed. But then Drover looks into the same mirror and sees a “Handsome Prince.” Holy smokes, it appears that two dogs have invaded the ranch!

Book Beginning

It's me again, Hank the Cowdog.

Friday 56

I whined and whapped my tail, moved my front paws up and down, and even took the drastic action of jumping up on the yard gate - something I rarely do, for obvious reasons.

Sally May doesn't approve.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Take a Chance on Me by Becky Wade

About the Book

When baker Penelope Quinn steps in to help her brother’s family through a medical crisis, she’s forced into close proximity with charming Air Force fighter pilot Eli Price.

Penelope has one iron-clad dating rule—she does not date airmen. Months ago, she relaxed her rule with Eli and immediately lived to regret it. After a long deployment, he’s now back in Misty River and, to her dismay, she finds him just as tempting as always.

Eli’s spent months thinking about funny, feisty, creative Penelope. He once leveraged his focus and drive to become a pilot, his childhood dream. Now he's set on leveraging that same focus and drive in order to convince Penelope to give him one more chance.

This romantic prequel novella introduces readers to the quaint mountain town of Misty River and a brand-new series from Christy-winning author Becky Wade! 

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Take a Chance on Me is a great introduction to Becky Wade's new series. I was already excited for Stay with Me, but this novella has me even more psyched for it.

Eli and Penelope were likable characters who were easy to root for. Because they knew each other previously, their romance didn't feel rushed. That isn't always the case with novellas, so I really appreciated that. This was the perfect length.

I'm really looking forward to visiting Misty River again and checking in with all these characters in Stay with Me.

Four Stars