I'm A Voracious Reader : June 2014

Sunday, June 29, 2014

The Sunday Post ~ 48th Edition

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

~ Recap the past week ~ Show what's upcoming ~ Share news ~ Display book hauls ~

Flip Back

Sunday ~ The Sunday Post ~ 47th Edition

Page Forward

Tuesday ~ Tour ~ Wytchfire by Michael Meyerhofer

AVR News Update

Hello and Happy Sunday!

So, it has been a week without the kids and I'm wondering where the time went. We'll be picking them up in 3 days and probably a good thing, too. My mom called to say they were running out of things to do and it's so hot and muggy that outside activities are practically torture. The boys spend a majority of their time on their laptops and she wanted to know if that was normal. I had to laugh. Between the computer and the Xbox (which they don't have up there), yeah, that's pretty much normal especially when it's Hades personified outside. Down here they might go out to shoot their BB guns or practice with their throwing knives or bow & arrow, but again, they didn't take those things with them. Anyway, they're having fun doing stuff that we don't normally do here. Like eating out. Grandma is spoiling them. LOL

To sum up: Hubby & I have been thoroughly enjoying our time alone (especially the Supernatural marathons), but it will be nice to have the house full again. Though I am not looking forward to the long ass drive. I don't care what the Laws of Physics say, that trip gets longer every damn year and you can't tell me any different. :D

That's it for me. AVR News Update signing off. May all your books enthrall you.

Shelf Additions

From the library

YAAAAAAAAY!!!!

Sixth Grave on the Edge

Won on BookLikes

Thanks, Grimlock!

Red

For Review

Perfection

Amazon Grabby Hands

Cruel Justice

Christmas Lovers

Full Moon Over Cedar Hill

Sunday, June 22, 2014

The Sunday Post ~ 47th Edition

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

~ Recap the past week ~ Show what's upcoming ~ Share news ~ Display book hauls ~

Flip Back

Sunday ~ The Sunday Post ~ 46th Edition
Monday ~ Review ~ Tortured Truths by Randy Attwood
Tuesday ~ Review ~ Fat Vampire by Johnny B. Truant
Thursday ~ Tour ~ Way Walkers: Tangled Paths by J. Leigh
Saturday ~ Kick Off Summer with Kensington

Page Forward

Monday~Tuesday~Wednesday~Thursday~Friday~Saturday ~ Possibly something, but then again, maybe not
Sunday ~ The Sunday Post ~ 48th Edition

AVR News Update

Hello and Happy Sunday!

Sunday was Father's Day and Trip's birthday. The guys went fishing and then we went to watch Pure Pro Wrestling. We know people who wrestle and it's fun to watch them. Had a great time!

I've spent the week getting the kids ready for their trip to Ohio to visit with my parents. In fact, as you read this I should be traveling from NC to WV (there and back again) to meet my mom and oldest son (who lives in OH) about halfway. I'll hand the devils *cough* kids off to her before turning tail and flooring it in the opposite direction, laughing maniacally all the way home. I'm kidding, of course. I've got great kids. :) They'll only be gone a week-and-a-half. Hardly long enough to miss them. Except when it's time to clean the litter boxes, that is. *sigh*

In addition: Due to the busy-bee-ness, I didn't have time to return visit everyone this week. I finally managed today (Saturday) to reply to this week's comments though. Whew! I'm exhausted. I'm going to bed early because long distance driving while tired, especially in the mountains, is not a good combo.

To wrap up: I have one more book tour on the 1st and then I'm taking a much needed break. I may or may not have a review here and there, but what is more likely is that I will save them for when I gear back up towards the end of July or beginning of August. I will have very little time between now and the 13th anyway, what with plans with hubby, Supernatural marathons, retrieving the beasts and then doing some home improvement projects. I should still have The Sunday Post up to let everyone know I'm still kicking.

That's it for me. AVR News Update signing off. May all your books enthrall you.

Shelf Additions

From the library

Cowboys and Aliens (graphic novel)

Treasure Island (graphic novel)

Purchased Audios at Audible

BOGO Sale!

Amazon Freebies

As always, pause before squeezing the clicker finger as these were free at time of drafting

Mythical

BSI: Bureau of Supernatural Investigation

Darkness Falls

Embattled Hearts

Pretty Girls Make Graves

(Amazon has a much better cover)

Out of Darkness

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Kick Off the Summer with Kensington

Succinct Saturday

*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Title ~ Dark Promise

Series ~ Underworld, #1

Author ~ M.L. Guida

Publisher ~ Kensington (Lyrical Press)

Published ~ 3 March 2014

Genre ~ Paranormal | Romance

Pages ~ 125

My Rating ~ 3 bites and a nibble

Cassandra Wright is a psychic and has been dreaming of a hot lover every night. When her dream lover shows up where she is skiing, she is taken by complete surprise. How can Eric Wyvern be the man of her dreams? Who is he really and what does he want with her?

This is a good start to a different paranormal series. The writing is a bit rough and choppy in parts and the world could use some filling out, but the characters aren’t bad and the plot is decent if a tad short. This is book 1 and I’m curious as to where this series is heading since I didn’t meet too many people in this one.

*Book source ~ Purchased on Amazon.

Title ~ Consumed

Series ~ Dark Protectors, #4

Author ~ Rebecca Zanetti

Publisher ~ Kensington

Published ~ 5 July 2012

Genre ~ Paranormal | Romance

Pages ~ 336

My Rating ~ 4 bites and a nibble

Yes. This one. This whole series so far.

What? Too succinct? Well, ok then. :D

Katie Smith is a lion shifter who is infected with a virus and can no longer shift. Jordan Pride is the Alpha of his pride and his people won’t accept a mate for him who can’t shift. Shifters who get a virus turn into ravening werewolves and have to be killed so since Katie’s infection she can sense a werewolf, she trains to help kill them. Until the day Jordan becomes infected. These two were meant to be together. Will there ever be a cure for Katie and can a cure be found for

Jordan

before it’s too late?

These two have some serious chemistry going on. And stubbornness. Geez! Could Jordan be any more stubborn? I wanted to smack him upside the head many times. Other than Jordan being too stubborn for my tastes, this book is a hit with me. Containing paranormal elements, peril, mystery, plotting, humor, battles and sexy steaminess I recommend this one to pleasantly while away an afternoon.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Red Adept Tour ~ Tangled Paths

*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Title ~ Way Walkers: Tangled Paths

Series ~ The Tazu Saga, #1

Author ~ J. Leigh

Publisher ~ Red Adept Publishing

Published ~ 11 April 2014

Genre ~ Fantasy

Pages ~ 479

Amazon | B&N | Kobo

My Rating ~ 4 bites and a nibble

Jathen Monortith is the oldest child, in fact the oldest son, of the Queen of the Tazu Nation making him the heir to the throne. Unfortunately, though he was hatched, he is a Moot. In other words, he looks entirely human and can’t shift into dragon form. Growing up with prejudice against his “birth defect” he reaches the age of 19 with a substantial amount of anger burning up his insides. A travel offer from a Clan friend to go to a distant country is something he jumps at and the current king, his great-uncle Kyanith reluctantly agrees to let him go for five years. When he comes back, if he can defeat a Tazu in battle then he will be worthy to sit on the throne, assuming he even wants to. If he loses or does not want the throne he will step aside for his baby brother to rule. Five years is a long time for a sheltered prince to be gone. A lot can happen, can’t it?

I haven’t read an epic fantasy in quite awhile. It took me a bit to get into the rhythm of the story and the world. There is a vast amount of information in this first book and at times, it overwhelms. I found myself confused several times as I sorted out the different races, countries, religion and this world’s history. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a rich world with a wide variety of fascinating people and places. However, I had to deduct a bit for the occasional confusing bits.

Jathen is a great character. He’s a typical teen in some instances and wise in others. As he travels far from everything he’s ever known, that’s when he begins to really shine and start to come into his own. His traveling companions are fascinating and humorous and the situations that crop up keep me reading. I wanted to see what was around the next bend in the road or across the next river. They meet many interesting people along the way, there’s some peril, a bit of action, some mysterious goings on and a touch of romance. And betrayal as well as grief. By the end of the book a year has passed and the Jathen who left the Tazu Nation is very unlike the one who has survived this far and I have a feeling he’s only going to transform further in the next book. I very much look forward to continuing along with Jathen as he digs into this world's past and tries to figure out who he really is.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Fat Vampire

*Book source ~ Picked up for free on Amazon.

Title ~ Fat Vampire

Series ~ Fat Vampire, #1

Author ~ Johnny B. Truant

Publisher ~ Johnny B. Truant

Published ~ 2 October 2012

Genre ~ Paranormal | Humor

Pages ~ 196

My Rating ~ 5 bites

Reginald Baskin is an overweight treadmill company office worker who spends his days trapped in cubicle hell. Working with a bunch of jerks who think it’s fun to bully the fat guy, Reginald just wants to get through his days with a minimum of whoopee cushions and fat jokes. There are a few others who are like him, the ones who are outside the clique of fit and snobby employees and there’s one young-looking Goth IT guy who wears a sword on his belt and works nights that Reginald is sort of fascinated with and he’s not sure why. One morning when their paths cross Reginald says, “Hey” and Maurice says, “Hey” in return. This simple hello eventually progresses to a guys evening out for some bowling, but before they can have some fun some of Maurice’s buddies show up and Reginald’s life changes forever. Who knew vampires were real? And that they don’t get all beautiful and sparkly when they become one? Reginald just can’t catch a break. Or can he?

The writing is smooth and easy to fall into. I devoured it any chance I had to sit down and pick it up. The plot is excellent. Poor Reginald. I love this guy. He’s 350 lbs and works for a company that sells exercise equipment. To top it off he has some really asshat co-workers though there are a few others in this story who are great characters. This book brought many of my emotions to the table. Anger at the asshats, frustration that Reginald put up with them, humor at a lot of his thoughts and then at some of his vampire situations, despair, pity, annoyance, surprise, more anger and hopelessness before finally busting out in hope and pride. Reginald rocks! I can’t wait to read more about his adventures as a vampire.

Monday, June 16, 2014

Tortured Truths

*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Title ~ Tortured Truths

Series ~ Philip McGuire Mysteries, #1

Author ~ Randy Attwood

Publisher ~ Curiosity Quills

Published ~ 22 October 2013

Genre ~ Suspense

Pages ~ 198

My Rating ~ 4 bites

Philip McGuire is a jaded, cynical and burnt-out journalist that gets captured by the Hezbollah. Under torture he reveals his knowledge of the Marine compound in Beirut and after they bomb it, killing 237 Marines, they let him go. After getting extensive treatment and rehab on his tortured hand, Philip heads back to the States. Deciding to get out of journalism for good he heads back to his college town to open a bar and hopefully heal inside and out. But just as he’s feeling nearly normal again, trouble pops up and his instincts tell him there’s more to the story than is seen on the surface. Can he figure it out without his past haunting him?

The book begins in 1983 and it took me a bit to get my head wrapped around the Marine compound bombing, Reagan as President and everything that went with the 80s. I typically don’t read history this fresh. When I do step into a bygone era I prefer the far distant past. However, once I got into the right mindset I was off and running.

Philip is a pretty good character to follow around. His mind is interesting and since he’s been a journalist for years he’s fairly knowledgeable. The torture itself is not on page. The story begins right after and how he deals with his mutilated hand, the surgeries and rehab. Then his quest to open a bar and the renovations are all interesting. Then shit gets real with killings in his new/old town. When someone he knows is killed he can’t help but dig into the reason why. Along the way he finds a lovely brash lady, meets old and new friends, builds a business and, most importantly, faces his past. The story is not a fast-paced thriller, but is a slow build, one brick at a time, providing a solid story with a solid character. I would definitely read more about Philip and all of his friends.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

The Sunday Post ~ 46th Edition

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

~ Recap the past week ~ Show what's upcoming ~ Share news ~ Display book hauls ~

Flip Back

Sunday ~ The Sunday Post ~ 45th Edition
Monday ~ Tour ~ To Sleep...Perchance to Die by Donald R. Grippo
Wednesday ~ WoWwA ~ Proven Guilty by Jim Butcher
Thursday ~ Tour ~ Clockworkers by Ramsey Isler
Friday ~ Friday the 13th Special Post & Review ~ Cruelty:Episode Five by Edward Lorn
Saturday ~ My June/July 2014 InD'tale Magazine Reviews

Page Forward

Monday ~ Review ~ Tortured Truths by Randy Attwood
Tuesday ~ Review ~ Fat Vampire by Johnny B. Truant
Wednesday ~ Wicked Wednesday
Thursday ~ Tour ~ Tangled Paths by J. Leigh
Saturday ~ Kick off Summer with Kensington
Sunday ~ The Sunday Post ~ 47th Edition

AVR News Update

Hello and Happy Sunday!

AND

to our son Trip who is

Time sure does fly. It seems only yesterday I was out delivering the newspaper when I went into labor. I got half my route done, made it to the hospital with about 20 minutes to spare, popped him out then sent my husband out to finish my route. Most of the customers who called asking where their paper was were understanding when the office told them I was delivering a baby instead. But there's always a few sour pusses. *shrugs* Can't please everyone.

In other news: Exams are done and school is out. Cue Alice Cooper (I love Alice Cooper!)...

The kids will have a busy week coming up. They'll be getting DDS and Ortho app'ts out of the way and haircuts as well as cleaning out their clothes and getting some new stuff before heading to Ohio for a visit with my parents. Yep. We will be kid-free for about a week-and-a-half. :) We spent Friday having a Supernatural marathon. 14 hours and 17 episodes. Great Scott! I can no longer stay up until 2:30 in the AM even when I do sleep until after 9:00. The change in routine about killed me today. lol

And finally: *pause* Nope. That was it. I got nothing else this week.

That's it for me. AVR News Update signing off. May all your books enthrall you.