Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 228

June 2015 Reads

OK, 31 books this month. What a load. That's 8452 pages of full blown action, romance and mystery. My favorites this month were the Outlander series. I don' know why, but the romance was awesome. The fighting was epic and the history was spot on. Check out my June list of reads below.

#BookReview | Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Title: Outlander
By: Diana GabaldonGenre: Historical FantasyPages: 850Release Date: July 26th, 2005Publisher: Dell Publishing CompanyAudience: Adult
Summary from Goodreads: The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is just back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an “outlander”—in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of Our Lord...1743.
Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life, and shatter her heart. For here James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire—and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

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Review: Wow! I loved this book... and the two after it... Yes, I've read the first three books in the series and I am hooked. The story makes me jealous that I didn't think of it. The romance was steamy and beautiful. The action was believable. I loved the whole thing. 
These books are definitely adult with racy sex scenes, but if you don't mind that, then read away. Five stars for all three books!

Monsters Among Us by Amanda Strong @aewstrong #BlogTour #Giveaway

Monsters Among Us
Amanda Strong
(Monsters Among Us #3)
Published by: Clean Teen Publishing
Publication date: June 26th 2017
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

What if the fate of the world lies with the monster—not the hero?
The world is shifting, and Sammy has complete control. But as hidden truths surface, she starts to doubt everyone who is close to her. The Ancients and Kory have been harboring dark secrets, and it could mean war between the Dragon Fae and the Irukas. With the Defenders as her devoted soldiers, Sam must make some difficult decisions. Should she save the world… or save herself?
Blake won’t give up on Sam. He knows he can’t trust Tonbo anymore, or the web of lies he’s been thrown into. If he hopes to save Sam, he must find the real reason Kory created the bug army. Turns out there could be something far worse than bloodthirsty bugs buriedon the islands, and Blake will have to fight his own inner demons if he wants to save those he loves—including Sam.
In a world filled with mistrust and lies, Blake and Sam must unearth the truth and face their own fears and weaknesses. If they don’t, their lives—and the fate of all humanity—will hang in the balance.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iBooksThe complete series:
—EXCERPT:Rounding a corner, I flew right into a pair of bright aqua eyes. I knew those eyes, and the recognition felt like a slap to my face. I halted, not just to avoid collision but because of absolute shock.
Impossible. How’s he here?
“Blake,” Mack gasped.
I remained stunned, still hovering inches from his face. Where were all the Defenders? How did he just waltz in? Why wasn’t he bound? I couldn’t process what I was seeing.
Trying to recompose myself in those milliseconds we both remained in a locked gaze, it dawned on me that Jaxon had not rushed his brother. I only heard heavy breathing behind me, and I wanted desperately to turn around to see what Jaxon was doing. Was he preparing for an attack, or was he awaiting my command?
Yet, I couldn’t peel my eyes away from Blake. Those aqua pools pulled me closer, beckoned me nearer even though our faces were mere inches apart. Frustrated, I commanded myself to move. Show some strength. Straighten your back, for heaven’s sake. I’m like a freaking hunchback, practically bowing to him. What’s wrong with me? Back up… now.
I didn’t move. I couldn’t. It was like my bedroom all over again, when I’d found myself moving toward him, longing to be near him against my will. Only this time, it was worse. He was too close, the magnetic pull reinforced by his nearness. I felt helpless against it, which panicked me more.
He didn’t say anything, his eyes raking my face, searching for Sam. But I’m not Sam, I wanted to shout, though I didn’t. I just kept on gazing into his eyes like a dunce.
You’ve got to be joking, Sam. I heard and felt nothing. I know you’re here. You must be, because I’m freaking stuck in place.
Again, there was nothing to betray her presence until I did the unthinkable. I closed the gap and kissed Blake.
I kissed him like my life depended on it, like I couldn’t get enough of his mouth, like he was the only person in the room, never mind the others’ audible gasps. I wrapped my hands around the back of his neck, pulling him to me. Blake seemed just as shocked as I was by my actions. He stiffened at my touch, groaned under my lips, and then, before I could feel remorse, pulled back from me as fast as I’d come at him, untangling himself from my embrace.
There were those eyes again, probing my face, questions forming but not spoken.

Author Bio:
Born in Dekalb, Illinois, Amanda Strong has called Utah, Arizona, Hawaii, Virginia, and now New Mexico home. She has loved to spin tales since childhood. It was not uncommon to find her hiding in some random corner, scribbling away in her spiral-bound notebook, with her bright pink glasses. You could say some things have not changed.
Amanda signed with Clean Teen Publishing in the fall of 2013. She is the author of two paranormal, YA series: The Watchers of Men and Monsters Among Us.
The first novel in The Watchers of Men series, The Awakener, debuted in October of 2013. It has been an Amazon number one best seller in three Young Adult categories. Book two, The Holy and The Fallen, released May 12th of 2015. She is currently working on book three, The Watcher’s Mark, releasing spring of 2016.
Hidden Monster released November 4th of 2014, and it finished as a Finalist in the 2014 USA Best Book Award: Young Adult Category. It is book one of a brand-new young adult, sci-fi thriller series called Monsters Among Us.
When Amanda isn't writing, you can find her chasing her three rambunctious children around the house and spending time with her wonderful and supportive husband. On some occasions, you can still find Amanda with her not-so-pink glasses, hiding in a corner reading her favorite young adult fantasy novels or working out only to blow her diet by eating ice cream. See more at:
www.authoramandastrong.com
Website / Goodreads / Facebok / Twitter

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#BookReview | The Woman in Cabin 10

Title: The Woman in Cabin 10By: Ruth WareGenre: Murder Mystery / ThrillerPages: 340Release Date: July 19th, 2016Publisher: Gallery/Scout PressAudience: adult
Summary from Goodreads: In this tightly wound story, Lo Blacklock, a journalist who writes for a travel magazine, has just been given the assignment of a lifetime: a week on a luxury cruise with only a handful of cabins. At first, Lo’s stay is nothing but pleasant: the cabins are plush, the dinner parties are sparkling, and the guests are elegant. But as the week wears on, frigid winds whip the deck, gray skies fall, and Lo witnesses what she can only describe as a nightmare: a woman being thrown overboard. The problem? All passengers remain accounted for—and so, the ship sails on as if nothing has happened, despite Lo’s desperate attempts to convey that something (or someone) has gone terribly, terribly wrong…
With surprising twists and a setting that proves as uncomfortably claustrophobic as it is eerily beautiful, Ruth Ware offers up another intense read.

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Review: WOW! This book blew me away. I'm not one for contemporary murder mysteries, but The Woman in Cabin 10 totally swept me away. I picked up this book as a group read for one of the book clubs I'm a part of and I loved it. It kind of reminded me of The Woman on the Train. I was guessing the whole book as to who did it, but boy was I wrong. Ruth Ware really knows how to keep you guessing.

I really suggest this book to everyone. It was crazy good.

#WeeklyMenu Week 203

HOT HOT HOT! It is so hot outside. 100 Saturday and Sunday. That is not my style, but our house is thankfully staying comfortably cool. 
How beautiful is this new cover of Seeker!? I'm really excited about it and can't wait to share a release date with you when I find out. 

This story is the continuance of the Hunter series. It follows Hunter as she gives up her freedom to become an indentured assassin, all to save her friends lives. 

In other writing news: I'm about half way through the first book in a new series. Not sure what I'm going to call it, but it has aliens and civil war in it. I'm really excited about it.

Enjoy this weeks menu!
Monday- Mongolian Beef
Tuesday- Taco Bake
Wednesday- Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti 
Thursday- Creamy Lemon and Thyme Pork Chops
Friday- Parmesan Chicken
Saturday- Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Sunday- Tuna Sandwiches

The Luna Deception by Nicole Loufas @nicoleloufas

The Lunam Deception
Nicole Loufas
(The Lunam Series #2)
Publication date: June 20th 2017
Genres: New Adult, Urban Fantasy

Kalysia has lived her life according to others – a fate she will not pass on to her child. When a conspiracy to bring down the pack threatens to uncover her darkest secrets; Kalysia must fight to protect the truth about the man she wants, at the expense of the man she was fated to love.
Jase has fought his entire life. For his honor, his freedom, and his family. Nothing in his past could’ve prepare him for her. Kalyisa is everything he never knew he always wanted. Is he willing to risk his life, her honor, and Dillan’s pride to win her heart?

Goodreads / Amazon—EXCERPT:“In here,” I call to him and try not to laugh. I don’t know why I always get giggly when I’m trying to be sexy.
Dillan appears in the doorway.
“Oh baby, you have no idea how hot you look right now.”
He steps into the room and pulls his shirt off. “I’m one lucky bastard.”
“Yes, you are,” I agree.
He unhooks his belt with one hand and kneels on the bed. He bends down, and kisses my knee as his hand rubs up my leg; then stops short. He crawls up the bed toward my face.
“My hands are dirty.”
I run my fingers through his hair.
“Really? Where have your hands been?” I tease.
“I drove the Jeep from the brew-house. Who knows what kind of germs are on that steering wheel.”
He kisses my neck and presses his hips against me. The thin material of his boxers can’t contain his excitement.
“Thank you for not contaminating my lady parts.”
I pull his mouth to mine and taste today’s batch on his tongue.
“I care deeply about your lady parts.”
He licks my breast, and chills cover every inch of my body.
“My kid is cooking in there.”
He moves his hand to my belly as his tongue circles my nipple.
“I want his environment to be as germ-free as possible.”
“His?” I tease.
“Did I say his?” Dillan gives me a coy smile.
I know he’s hoping for a boy. All the guys are.
Dillan rolls me over, so I’m on top of him in all my naked and bloated glory. My swollen belly doesn’t affect his arousal. I moan so loud when he slips inside me; I’m sure Leah will comment on it later. I’m never more certain of my feelings for Dillan than when we’re having sex.
I look at him from across the lodge and sometimes as he sleeps. My heart still stammers when he kisses me or takes my hand when we’re walking. But there is always a sliver of doubt that crosses my mind. A certain way he smiles at Cassie or the sadness that creeps into his eyes when he thinks nobody is looking. I wonder if he feels it too. The only moments of peace come when we’re tangled up naked in our bed. Only then does the world feel right.
Dillan and I lie in bed afterward, watching the light in the room fade into night.
He kisses my head. “I needed that.”
“Hard day at the brew-house, dear?”
Dillan tightens his grip on me. “I got a call from my father.”
“It wasn’t good news, I assume.”
It never is where Lowell is concerned.
“He called to congratulate me on becoming a father.” He smirks. “I asked him which baby he was congratulating me on.”
“What did he say?” I try to sit up so I can see his face, but he won’t let me.
“He’s honoring his promise to Conall.” Dillan pauses. “I’m sorry, babe. I tried to reason with him, but he wouldn’t listen.”
“It isn’t your fault.” I don’t sound very convincing.
If we both just accepted our roles, none of this would be happening. Dillan sits up and turns on the lamp beside the bed. He runs his hands over his face and groans.
“What am I supposed to do?”
I assume his question is rhetorical.
If Dillan supports Lowell and claims Cassie’s child as his trueborn heir, he maintains his place in the pack, inherits Sierra-Duke, and his family’s fortune. Sometimes I believe this is a good thing; our child won’t be obligated to the pack the same way we were. Call it ego or pride, but the thought of Cassie’s child ruling over mine, makes me want to break things. When I say things, I mean Cassie.
“Do what’s right,” I tell him.
Unlike Lowell, I refuse to bully Dillan to my side. I don’t have to. Dillan loves me; therefore, he loves our child. He would never dishonor either of us.
“I will lose everything when I claim our child as my heir.” He turns around to look at me. “I’ll just be another employee of Sierra-Duke. I get nothing.”
Dillan doesn’t just lose his inheritance; he also loses status. Each leader must have a Lunam child that is accepted by the council. If Lowell gives his support to Cassie’s child, the council will honor his request. It isn’t a matter of screwing me over—these things have been done for hundreds of years.
Dillan may lose his title as future leader, but I’ll still maintain power. As long as we’re together, nothing else matters.
“You get me.” I reach up and touch his face. “Forever.”
Dillan climbs on top of me and pulls the sheets from between us. He examines my naked body and says, “I think I can live with this for the next fifty years.”
We miss the dinner bell.
We miss breakfast too.

Author Bio:
Nicole was born and raised in California. She claims to be a San Francisco native, however she's lived in both Northern and Southern California. She credits her creativity to the fact that she attended 12 schools between kindergarten and her senior year in high school. Her nomadic childhood allowed her to reinvent herself often. Some might say she was a liar. While others see the stories she told as a coping mechanism. Twelve schools, in six cities, in twelve years - give her a break. Today she channels her storytelling ability into writing novels. Long story short - kids that lie become writers.
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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#BookReview | The Lake by Lotte and Soren Hammer

Title: The LakeBy: Lotte and Soren HammerGenre: Thriller/MysteryPages: 371Release Date: April 20th, 2017Publisher:  Bloomsbury PublishingAudience: Adult
Summary from Goodreads: Everything comes with a price
The chilling next instalment in the Konrad Simonsen series, perfect for fans of Johan Theorin and Yrsa Sigurðardóttir

The skeleton of a young woman is discovered, tied to a stone, in a lake deep in the Danish countryside.

The woman’s identity is a mystery; no one matching her description has been reported missing... After months of fruitless investigation by the local police force, a media scandal brings the case to nationwide attention and is quickly handed over to Konrad Simonsen and his team from the Copenhagen Police force.

It soon becomes clear that this unknown woman is the key to a sinister world of human trafficking, prostitution and violence.

A world where everything comes with a price and no mistake goes unpunished. 
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Review: This book starts off with a bang. There is torture and murder. The disposal of a body in a lake. A perfect setting for a murder mystery. 
I felt a little bogged down the first portion of the book, but once I really got into the mystery part of the story, I was sucked in and couldn't get out. The dialog was full of witty quips and the main character was very insightful. I couldn't believe this was translated from another language, because the words felt very american to me. Who ever did the translation did an amazing job.
I really enjoyed this read, and I am not one for thriller/mysteries. Check out The Lake this summer.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

#BookReview | Breaking by Danielle Rollins

Title: BreakingBy: Danielle RollinsGenre: Contemporary Pages: 352Release Date: June 6th, 2017Publisher: Bloomsbury USA ChildrensAudience: Young adult
Summary from Goodreads: Prep school gets a twist of supernatural suspense in this commercial YA thriller.
Charlotte has always been content in the shadow of her two best friends at the prestigious Underhill Preparatory Institute. Ariel is daring and mysterious. Devon is beautiful and brilliant. Although Charlotte never lived up to the standards of the school—or her demanding mother—her two best friends became the family she never had. When Ariel and Devon suddenly commit suicide within a month of each other, Charlotte refuses to accept it as a coincidence. But as the clues point to a dangerous secret about Underhill Prep, Charlotte is suddenly in over her head. There’s a reason the students of Underhill are so exceptional, and the people responsible are willing to kill to protect the truth…

Suspenseful and scintillating, with hints of the supernatural, this fast-paced thriller will keep readers hooked. 
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Review: A dark thriller that dives into the issues of suicide and teen struggles. With such a dismal subject, I was hoping that the story would flow well and at least give me something interesting to attach myself to. The story progressed slowly and didn't have enough depth in the mystery aspect to keep my attention. There was a good concept here, but it fell flat for me. 
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

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#BookReview | Midnight Crossroad by Charlaine Harris

Title: Midnight CrossroadBy: Charlaine HarrisGenre: Paranormal FictionPages: 305Release Date: May 6th, 2014Publisher: Ace HardcoverAudience: Adult
Summary from Goodreads: From Charlaine Harris, the bestselling author who created Sookie Stackhouse and her world of Bon Temps, Louisiana, comes a darker locale - populated by more strangers than friends. But then, that’s how the locals prefer it...Welcome to Midnight, Texas, a town with many boarded-up windows and few full-time inhabitants, located at the crossing of Witch Light Road and Davy Road. It’s a pretty standard dried-up western town.There’s a pawnshop (someone lives in the basement and is seen only at night). There’s a diner (people who are just passing through tend not to linger). And there’s new resident Manfred Bernardo, who thinks he’s found the perfect place to work in private (and who has secrets of his own).Stop at the one traffic light in town, and everything looks normal. Stay awhile, and learn the truth...
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Review: I'm a big fan of Charlaine Harris and the Sookie Stackhouse series. I thought I would be a big fan of this Midnight series... but I'm not. The writing was Harris' normal style. Well worded and and full of depth. It was the story that fell flat for me. It started off really slow and didn't keep me involved the whole time. I think people who like contemporary fiction will like this book more than paranormal fans.

#BookReiew | Children of Earth and Sky by Guy Gavriel Kay

Title:  Children of Earth and SkyBy: Guy Gavriel KayGenre: FantasyPages: 571Release Date: May 10th, 2016Publisher: NALAudience: Adult
Summary from Goodreads: The bestselling author of the groundbreaking novels Under Heaven and River of Stars, Guy Gavriel Kay is back with a new book, set in a world inspired by the conflicts and dramas of Renaissance Europe. Against this tumultuous backdrop the lives of men and women unfold on the borderlands—where empires and faiths collide.
From the small coastal town of Senjan, notorious for its pirates, a young woman sets out to find vengeance for her lost family. That same spring, from the wealthy city-state of Seressa, famous for its canals and lagoon, come two very different people: a young artist traveling to the dangerous east to paint the grand khalif at his request—and possibly to do more—and a fiercely intelligent, angry woman, posing as a doctor’s wife, but sent by Seressa as a spy.

The trading ship that carries them is commanded by the accomplished younger son of a merchant family, ambivalent about the life he’s been born to live. And farther east a boy trains to become a soldier in the elite infantry of the khalif—to win glory in the war everyone knows is coming.

As these lives entwine, their fates—and those of many others—will hang in the balance, when the khalif sends out his massive army to take the great fortress that is the gateway to the western world...

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Review: There is nothing like a good fantasy novel to start your day. I enjoyed diving into Guy Gavriel Kay's world of wonder. The characters were fantastic and full of depth and the story was one that dipped and swayed with every new development. I can't wait to dive more into this world.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.