I am nearly done with the third book in Alexandra Sokoloff's Huntress/FBI series and thought I would share a teaser or two with you today.
First Paragraph of Cold Moon (of the uncorrected e-galley):
First Paragraph of Cold Moon (of the uncorrected e-galley):
The moon is high, spilling icy light through the pine branches.
Roarke is in the forest again, in the clearing outside the dark house. His breathing is labored . . . his heart pounding out of control. The night is alive. . . with a presence other than his own.
And the profiler's words of the previous evening were the first thing on his mind when he woke:
"The one thing that's certain is that she will kill until someone stops her."
What do you think? Would you keep reading?
Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely ladies at Broke and Bookish.
This week's Top Ten Tuesday theme is Top Ten Four Books I've Read So Far In 2015. I do not give out five star reviews easily, but so far this year four books have taken that honor. I love how different each of these books is from the other.
1.
I fell in love with Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte several decades ago and have read it twice since, including this year. I read the book alongside my husband who was reading the book for the first time. I still love it all these years later.
2.
A Man Called Ove by Frederick Backman turned out to be a pleasant surprise. More than that really. It was my first 5 paw book of the year. Yes, it is sentimental, but it is such a wonderful story--both sad and funny and well worth reading.
3.
The Mapmaker's Children by Sarah McCoy lived up to my every expectation and then some. Sarah McCoy has a gift for creating characters with whom I can really relate and enjoy spending time. I love how she weaves history with the present, connectimg two seemingly unrelated characters and their situations together.
4.
Written in Red by Anne Bishop blew me away. Written in Red is the first book of The Others series, three of which I have read and really enjoyed. It's a dark fantasy series with an urban fantasy feel. The world building is amazing. The characters are interesting. And the story spell-binding.
Honorable Mention (4.5 paws):
Behind Closed Doors by Elizabeth Haynes is probably my top crime fiction novel for the first half of the year. Haynes impresses me with each book she writes. She has a way drawing out her characters in not so obvious ways. In this particular novel, Haynes tackles a very difficult and relevant subject matter--that of human trafficking in a thorough and sensitive way without sugarcoating the truth of it.
What are your favorite books that you have read so far this year? Does anything stand out above the rest?
© 2015, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Yay for Jane Eyre! I re-read it...last year or early this year, I can't remember...and it astounded me even more than it did the first time, haha. Great list :)
ReplyDeleteMy TTT
Lianne - Jane Eyre seems to get better with each reading--which doesn't seem possible given how much I love it each time I read it. :-)
DeleteNow I really want to re-read Jane Eyre! It's been several years at this point. Maybe when I'm done with my re-read of Jane Austen's novels, I'll pick it up! :)
ReplyDeleteChristina - Oh, do read it if you get the chance! I really like Jane Austen too. I am still working my way through all her books for the first time. The only Austen book I have re-read is Pride and Prejudice, and I am so glad I did--because I didn't like it the first time but loved it the second. Now it's one of my favorites. :-)
DeleteI have A Man Called Ove coming up soon. I'm glad that you enjoyed it so much. My TTT!
ReplyDeleteChrissi - I hope you like A Man Called Ove when you read it!
DeleteThe Others series is seriously one of my favorites. I have re-read it a few times already. I just love everything about it! Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteDenise @ Dandelionn Wine
Denise - I am so glad to know you really liked the Others series too! I can't wait for the next book to come out. I hope you have a good week too!
DeleteCan you believe I still haven't read Jane Eyre? I'm hoping I'll get to read some classics before the end of the year; there are too many interesting new releases which have caught my attention and of course, a few titles like A Man Called Ove which should be put on the top list after reading so many rave reviews about it. If only choosing what books to read would be an easy task. ;-)
ReplyDeleteMelody - I know what you mean about new releases drawing you in. I have that problem too. :-) I think it's why I so rarely re-read book--not just because of new releases, but new-to-me books in general.
DeleteJane Eyre is one of those books which will stick with you forever. Here is my TTT
ReplyDeleteAnne - Yes, it is. I just saw the 2011 movie and now I want to read the book again. LOL
DeleteI've enjoyed Alexandra Sokoloff's horror books but, for me, Romantic Suspense tends to feel like recycled stories to me.
ReplyDeleteSuzi - I haven't tried her romantic suspense novels--or her horror books. While it's clear there is an attraction between the main characters, I wouldn't go so far as to call it romantic. These are definitely thriller type novels.
DeleteWhen it comes to romance novels though, I definitely prefer romantic suspense though to straight romance.
I'm not familiar with Cold Moon, but it does sound like it might be a bit creepy? LOL
ReplyDeleteDiane - It's definitely an intense read!
DeleteAwesome opener! I'd definitely keep reading. Jane Eyre is one of my all-time favorite books!
ReplyDeleteBeth - I feel the same way about Jane Eyre. :-) I'm really enjoying Cold Moon so far.
Deletehappily, mapmaker's on reserve at library for me and jane on audio might serve me well...
ReplyDeleteMy TT's HERE
Sharon - I hope you loke The Mapmaker's Children as much as I did! I haven't tried Jane Eyre on audio. I'll have to give that a try . . .
DeleteI really must look for Ove. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHere are my Top Ten favorites of 2015 so far!
Deb - If you do give it a try, I hope you like it.
DeleteI would like to read on it does seem interesting. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteClaire - I'm enjoying it so far. I have liked the other two books in the series as well.
DeleteOoh, sounds tense. Like the sound of Cold Moon. And A Man Called Ove looks good too, I've seen that one a few lists- must be good.
ReplyDeleteGreg - Oh, do read A Man Called Ove if you get the chance! I admit I try to push it on just about everyone I know. LOL
DeleteOve was one of my favorites of 2014, I passed it on to my mom and she loved it too!
ReplyDeleteKathy - My mother-in-law loved Ove too. :-)
DeleteI would read on. I have A Man Called Ove, Written in Red, and The Mapmaker's Children on my list to get to this year. Maybe I had better move them up a peg or two. Now I need to add Cold Moon. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteJudy - I do hope you get a chance to read all of them--even if not this year. :-) If your to read list is anything like mine . . . well, we'll never get to everything we want to before the year is out. We can sure have fun trying though, can't we?
DeleteA chilling read, I'm sure! My favorite kind, I'm discovering. I would read more...and of your Top Ten, I am eager to read Behind Closed Doors, as I enjoyed two previous books by the author.
ReplyDeleteA Man Called Ove is on my list, too.
Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.
Laurel-Rain - It is not quite as frightening as the last book (thank goodness), but it certainly is not without its chilling moments.
DeleteI hope you do get a chance to read Behind Closed Doors!
Your teaser sounds interesting and I really agree with your choice of Written in Read. I thought it was amazing too. My teaser on my adult blog comes from this romantic suspense title - Hell or High Water by Julie Ann Walker. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteKathy - Written in Red was so so good. I just love that series.
DeleteI'm not sure I've heard anything about A Man Called Ove yet! I read Jane Eyre YEARS ago and keep eyeing it on my shelf for a re-read. But then I think of all the books I haven't read yet. I really need to let myself indulge in some re-reading every now and then!
ReplyDeleteTrish - How could you not have heard aout A Man Called Ove?! The same way I haven't heard of many of the books on people's top ten lists today, I imagine. Haha So many books . . .
DeleteI rarely re-read books. I can count on one hand the number of books I have re-read, actually. So, I'm right there with you in putting those books I haven't read already first. The only time Jane Eyre got lucky this time was because of my husband. I'm glad I re-read it though. It's a good reminder maybe of why I should re-read books now and then.
The editor in my brain would have enjoyed the opening to Cold Moon more if the author hadn't used "is" in every sentence! However, the description definitely establishes a mood. I hope you enjoy the story.
ReplyDeleteMy Tuesday post features SERENA.
Sandra - Does it help that the opening is a dream sequence? Nightmare would be a better word, I think. :-)
DeleteCold Moon looks really good. I'd keep reading! Also, I like your Top Ten Tuesday list--especially Elizabeth Haynes. Love her books! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
ReplyDeleteMonica - Elizabeth Haynes is one of my favorite authors. :-) Cold Moon is good so far! I hate that I have to keep stopping as I read. Darn interruptions.
DeleteFBI series looks very interesting. Going to have a look!
ReplyDeleteStephen - It is very interesting. I'm enjoying the series.
DeleteI just finished Crimson Bound and it was fantastic, and Court of Thorns and Roses are probably my favorite reads so far this year:D It looks like your tops books all are pretty good and very popular.
ReplyDeleteLanie - I have both of those books on my radar--I am glad to hear you liked them!
DeleteI've heard good things about Written In Red! I'm not sure what it is about, but i'll have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteOlivia @ Fluttering Pages
Olivia - If you like urban fantasy and/or dark fantasy, you might really enjoy Written in Red.
DeleteHi Wendy,
ReplyDeleteWhen you first introduced the book and to be honest, even after I had read your share lines, I din't think this would be a series for me to get involved in .... Wrong!
After checking out the full premise, I have decided to add the first book in the series to my 'Want To Read' list, as it sounds as though this series is one better read in order!
Similarly, I have already ear-marked 'The Mapmaker's Children' for future reading, after so may of my Goodreads friends and fellow bloggers have given it such great reviews!
Thanks for sharing :)
Yvonne
Yvonne - Yes, I think it's a series best read in order. I do hope you will like it if you get a chance to read it. It is on the dark side, but very entertaining.
DeleteI have enjoyed Sarah McCoy's books and count her among my favorite authors. I think you would like The Mapmaker's Children!
Jane Eyre really is one of those books that sticks with you. I think I've read it about 10 times and still want to read it again and again.
ReplyDeleteMelissa - It truly is. I can't get enough of it.
DeleteI really liked Behind Closed Doors too. Written in Red is on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteNise' - I hope you like Written in Red if you read it! I'm glad you liked Behind Closed Doors too. :-)
DeleteI'm not familiar with most of these, but definitely concur with Jane Eyre (though I actually gave it 4 1/2)...I won't argue over 1/2 star.
ReplyDeleteJoseph - Haha Yes, 1/2 a star probably isn't worth arguing over. I know my husband liked the book, but I don't think he rated it as high as you and I did.
DeleteI still need to read Jane Eyre! I'm hoping to get to it soon! :) Great list!
ReplyDeleteChristy - I hope you like it when you do read it. It's so good!
DeleteI still need to read Behind Closed Doors as I admire Elizabeth Haynes writing too. I do hope you enjoy your current read Cold Moon, interesting opening.
ReplyDeleteCleo - Elizabeth Haynes is such a good writer and storyteller.
DeleteI am enjoying Cold Moon. I am so close to the end . . . I am sure I will finish today, if not this morning. I may actually have to take my break at work for a change so I can do so!
I loved Cold Moon! The entire series was fantastic. I look forward to the guest post coming up!
ReplyDeleteEustacia - I am really enjoying Cold Moon too. I am looking forward to the author's guest post as well. :-)
DeleteFrightening, I don't feel like it's a friendly presence.
ReplyDeleteTopazshell - Me either!
DeleteThose all sound like great reads. I'm embarrassed to admit I've never actually read Jane Eyre -- seen several films and read a graphic novel version, but not the book itself. I should do something about that. So far this year, I've enjoyed most of my reading, but nothing has jumped out as a favorite.
ReplyDeleteJoy - I told me husband the other night I want to go back and watch all the movies. I did recently see the 2011 version of Jane Eyre--so one down. :-)
ReplyDeleteNice teaser from Cold Moon, sounds creepy.
ReplyDeleteSharon - Thank you! It was on the creepy side. I really enjoyed it.
Delete