Bea Reviews Swashbuckling Cats: Nine Lives on the Seven Seas, Edited by Rhonda Parrish

Publisher: Tyche Books
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: May 26th, 2020
Buying Links: Amazon* | Apple Books* | Barnes & Noble | Kobo |
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

If you think cats and water don’t mix, think again.

Plunge into worlds of piratical cats: on ships, in space, and beyond the veil.

Fourteen "tails" of adventure-loving cats, puns, and fun, featuring: Beth Cato; Krista D. Ball; Rebecca Brae; Grace Bridges; Lizz Donnelly; Megan Fennell; Chadwick Ginther; Joseph Halden; Blake Liddell; Frances Pauli; JB Riley; Rose Strickman; Leslie Van Zwol; and SG Wong.

Growing the TBR Pile - November Books We're Anticipating

 

Growing the TBR pile is a new monthly feature where we share upcoming releases that we're excited about.

Bea Reviews The Demons We See by Krista D. Ball

Series: The Dark Abyss of Our Sins #1
Publisher: Krista D. Ball
Source: the author in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: June 10, 2016 
Buying Links: Amazon* | Kobo | iTunes* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Society was rocked when the Cathedral appointed Allegra, Contessa of Marsina, to negotiate the delicate peace talks between the rebelling mage slaves and the various states. Not only was she a highborn mage, she was a nonbeliever and a vocal objector against the supposed demonic origins of witchcraft. Demons weren’t real, she’d argued, and therefore the subjection of mages was unlawful.

That was all before the first assassination attempt. That was before Allegra heard the demonic shrieks. All before everything changed. Now Allegra and her personal guards race to stabilize the peace before the entire known world explodes into war with not just itself, but with the abyss from beyond.

So much for demons not being real.

Bea Reviews Fury (Tranquility #3) & Schemes (Tranquility #4) by Krista D.Ball

Series: Tranquility #3
Publisher: Krista D. Ball
Source: the author in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: May 10, 2015
Challenges:  Finishing the Series
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository*  | iTunes* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

As Lady Champion, Bethany has always made the big sacrifices, the ones that plague her with nightmares so that others can sleep. Trapped behind enemy lines and powerless to take down the barrier surrounding the Magi army, Bethany struggles to keep herself and her small team of soldiers alive – no matter the cost.

However, when Apexia’s daughters discover the true source of Magic, Bethany is forced to make the biggest sacrifice imaginable in the name of peace: the death of the Gentle Goddess herself.

Bea Reviews Interlude: Stories from Tranquility by Krista D Ball

Publisher: Krista D. Ball
Series: Tales of Tranquility #2.5
Source: the author/pr firm/publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: February 28, 2015
Challenges: Finishing the Series
Buying Links: Amazon*  | Kobo  | iTunes* |
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

INTERLUDE is a collection of short stories from the TRANQUILITY series. These stories are intended for those who have read the previous books and contains huge spoilers for both Blaze and Grief.

Love Notes is about Bethany and Arrago’s first month working together.

Knight’s Day Off is a story my Facebook people will have seen before. This one also takes place during those early days between Arrago and Bethany. Only this time, poor Bethany tries to take a day off work. Things don’t go according to plan. At all.

First Day on the Job is set after the events of GRIEF and is set about a week before the events of FURY. Myra, a Knight apprentice, is assigned a simple task: get Arrago, Edmund, Bethany, and the rest of the senior staff to attend a party hosted by Queen Celeste. However, it’s soon obvious that there’s more than just a party in the works and none of the main players are following the rules.

INTERLUDE is 20,000 words (about 75 pages).

Bea Reviews Grief by Krista D. Ball

Publisher: Krista D. Ball
Series: Tales of Tranquility #2
Source: gift from the author
Release Date: April 21, 2014
Challenges: Finishing the Series
Buying Links: Amazon* | Kobo | iTunes* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

As the bodies of her father and her sister burned, Bethany refused to say good-bye. She would say it only when she saw the release of their spirits and the burning of every person connected to their deaths.

Only then would they rest in peace.

***

Thousands are dead. Lady Champion Bethany's tainted sister is slain. Her home lost forever. And Magic yet survives. Bethany thought she'd given everything in the fight against Magic. She was wrong. When the deaths of those closest to her shake her already crumbled world, she doesn't wilt and die. She still has one thing left to gain even now: revenge.

Prophecy or no, half-goddess or not, Bethany vows to bring order back to the world with the edge of her blade. No matter who she must defy. No matter what stands in her way. No matter who must die.

For what they've done to her, all will pay.


Book 2 of the Tales of Tranquility Series.

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The Friday 56: Grief by Krista D Ball

This is a fun meme to do hosted by Freda's Voice. If you'd like to join in the fun go to The Friday 56.

Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader.
*Find any sentence that grabs you.
*Post it.
*Link it here.

I'm reading an epic fantasy, "Grief", by one of my favorite authors, Krista D. Ball. The quote is from 56% in the ebook.

"What? Just because I can kill a man and sleep well at night doesn't mean I can't appreciate another man's legs." (The speaker is a man, known for being a player with women.)

Waiting on Wednesday - Dead Living by Krista D. Ball

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine where bloggers have the chance to spotlight upcoming releases they're anticipating.

I love the Spirit Caller series and there are only two books left. I'm both dreading and anticipating the next book, "Dead Living" by Krista D. Ball, due out late this year.

The Friday 56: Blaze by Krista D. Ball

This is a fun meme to do hosted by Freda's Voice. If you'd like to join in the fun go to The Friday 56.

Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader.
*Find any sentence that grabs you.
*Post it.
*Link it here.

I'm reading an epic fantasy, "Blaze", by Krista D. Ball. The quote is from 56%  in the ebook.

"Rose", the girl whispered. "Are we g-g-going to die?"

Jax Reviews Limelight by K. Ball

Publisher: Krista D. Ball 
Format Read: ebook
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: 
Buying Links: Amazon* |  Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Love…in the spotlight.

Anna Lainey is a successful author who values her privacy. The last person she would imagine herself dating is a movie star–yet when she meets Benjamin Worthington on the set of a major motion picture, sparks fly–and before she knows it, she’s caught up in a very public whirlwind romance.

But Anna has kept herself distant from others for a reason–she has a secret, crippling panic disorder. When Ben’s fans turn against her and begin stalking her, her worst anxieties have come to life. She doesn’t want to live without Ben–but she can’t live in the limelight either.

Bea Reviews Mystery Night by Krista D. Ball

Publisher: Krista D. Ball
Series: Spirit Caller #4
Format Read: Kindle book
Source: the author in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: December 10, 2014
Buying Links: Amazon* | Kobo* | 
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Rachel finds herself investigating a ghost's murder and his accusations cause her to dig into the pasts of the dead and the living to uncover the truth. Only, all roads lead back to the same horrible place: her elderly neighbour's doorstep.

EXCLUSIVE COVER REVEAL! Mystery Night by Krista D. Ball

Ball's Spirit Caller series is one of my favorites; fresh urban fantasy set in Newfoundland Canada with Ball's trademark dry wit, it makes me think, laugh, and cry. Book number 4, Mystery Night, is scheduled to release on December 15th. Buy links will be available December 1st so keep your eyes open.

In the fourth installment of the Spirit Caller series, Rachel finds herself investigating a ghost's murder and his accusations cause her to dig into the pasts of the dead and the living to uncover the truth. Only, all roads lead back to the same horrible place: her elderly neighbour's doorstep.

Today, My World...in Words and Pages and I have an exclusive cover reveal for of Mystery Night. I hope you like it as much as I do!

Review & Quote-Tastic: Limelight by K. Ball

Publisher: K. Ball 
Format Read: Kindle book
Source: the author in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: August 15, 2014
Buying Links: Amazon* | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords*
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Love…in the spotlight.

Anna Lainey is a successful author who values her privacy. The last person she would imagine herself dating is a movie star–yet when she meets Benjamin Worthington on the set of a major motion picture, sparks fly–and before she knows it, she’s caught up in a very public whirlwind romance.

But Anna has kept herself distant from others for a reason–she has a secret, crippling panic disorder. When Ben’s fans turn against her and begin stalking her, her worst anxieties have come to life. She doesn’t want to live without Ben–but she can’t live in the limelight either.

Spirit Caller by Krista D. Ball - New Release and Sale!

As you may know, I'm a big fan of Krista's and especially her urban fantasy series, Spirit Caller. For some time now she's been working on a secret project and late Saturday night, she announced it. She's put out an omnibus containing the first three books and two new short stories.

Tea and Seal Meat takes place before Spirits Rising, and Table for One takes place 5 months after the crazy events of Knight Shift. That's right: you're going to find out how Jeremy is doing.

Pick it up on Amazon* or Kobo until June 15th for 99 cents (after that, it'll be $4.99). You can also get the ebook for free if you buy the print book on Amazon. Now, I own the individual books but couldn't pass up the chance to own for myself the short stories and for less than a dollar I now have the stories and all three books and the omnibus acts as a back up.

But, if you own the books and don't want to buy them again, or you haven't started the series, you can read the short stories for free. BUT....spoilers for the books will abound in Table for One!

You can read the two bonus short stories for FREE by clicking here. ENJOY!

My review of Spirits Rising, Book 1
My review of Dark Whispers, Book 2
My review of Knight Shift, Book 3

Review & Excerpt - Hustlers, Harlots, and Heroes by Krista D Ball

Publisher: Tyche Books Ltd
Series: Guide Book #2
Formats Read: egalley and print
Source: egalley - the author in exchange for an honest review; print - owned by the reviewer
Release Date: April 24, 2014
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Get ready to step into the back alleys of Jane Austen and Charles Dickens's London, and explore the alternative worlds of steampunk in this new guide book by fantasy author Krista D. Ball. Ball takes readers on a fascinating journey into the world of the Have-Nots, and explores the bustling, crime-ridden London during the Georgian and Victorian eras. Discover the world of knocker-uppers (it's not what you think), mudlarks, and costermongers. Learn how to scrub floors and polish knives, pick for bones, and catch rats. Learn about race and social status, and the difference between a lady's maid and a scullery maid. With her usual wit, insight, and snark, Ball gives historical, romance, and steampunk authors the tools to create vibrant, realistic worlds. Whether you're an author, a Janeite, or just a fan of history, Hustlers, Harlots, and Heroes gives you a fresh look into the dark past.

Ebook Deals - Krista D Ball and Layton Green

Two of my favorite authors are having sales on some of their books. I've read and reviewed both authors and have their newest books in my review TBR pile.

First up, today is the last day to get "What Kings Ate and Wizards Drank" for 99 cents at Amazon. Don't have a Kindle? No problem. Buy the Kindle book, email the receipt to Krista at kristadball@gmail.com, tell her what format you need, and she'll send it to you. While you're there, why not pick up her new one, "Hustlers, Harlots, and Heroes", which I'll be reviewing later this month. It's not on sale, but it's the next book in Krista's historical reference series.

click to go to the goodreads page

 

Second, Layton Green has a new book, "The Metaxy Project", not part of his Dominic Grey series, out today. It has an opening weekend promotional price of 99 cents for two days only, May 9th and 10th, then it's going up. I'm a fan of Green's Dominic Grey series and I'm looking forward to reading this book. I'll be reviewing it next month.

 

Click to go to the goodreads page

Now go forth, purchase, read and enjoy!

Related articles

• Review: The Diabolist by Layton Green
• Review: The Egyptian (Dominic Grey, #2) by Layton Green
• Clean Sweep ARC Challenge

Quote-Tastic #39 Even in Heaven, there's a dress code.

Join us every Monday and share a favorite quote that's grabbed you for one reason or another. Everyone's welcome to join in - authors, bloggers, readers. The more the merrier! Just grab the button and put up your post :) Don't have a blog? No worries, just leave your favorites in the comment section.  Quote-tastic is hosted by Herding Cats & Burning Soup.

This is from a satirical short story by Krista D Ball. The story is called "Heaven, Inc". In this scene, several angels are having a conversation.

"Why do you insist on us wearing this modern nonsense?"
William slipped a finger around his collar to rescue his throat from the necktie's noose. He hated the new dress code as much as anyone, having worn snappy waistcoats for hundreds of years. "Don't blame me. It's HR's decision."
Both men stared at Rachel.
"What?" She asked, and then sighed when the men wouldn't break their stares. "The dress code really wasn't my doing. I only asked that we cut down on fabric expenses, since the French girls from the revolution were eating up most of the budget. I had no idea this would be result. I preferred my afternoon tea gowns to this"- she motioned to her gray jacket and skirt set,"-modern obscenity."
Owain scowled. "This is why we kept our women pregnant. They were too busy popping out babies to make decisions."

Related articles

• Quote-Tastic #34 Eavesdropping, it's what's for dinner.
• Quote-Tastic #37 When dead loved ones twitch, it's time for a witch.
• Quote-Tastic - June 10

Quote-Tastic #34 Eavesdropping, it's what's for dinner.

Join us every Monday and share a favorite quote that's grabbed you for one reason or another. Everyone's welcome to join in - authors, bloggers, readers. The more the merrier! Just grab the button and put up your post :) Don't have a blog? No worries, just leave your favorites in the comment section.  Quote-tastic is hosted by Herding Cats & Burning Soup.

"First (Wrong) Impressions" is Krista D. Ball's update on Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice". In this scene, Lizzy, her sister Caroline, and two men, Charles and Darcy, are at a dinner. Earlier, Lizzy and Darcy had a misunderstanding. :D

Soon, even Caroline noticed something was up. "Darcy," she said, "you're so quiet this evening.. Are you bored?"

"Not at all. Just thinking." He smiled at her, but flicked a look at Lizzy long enough to catch her eye.

"About what?" Charles asked.

"I was thinking how even the plainest woman built for manual labor can be made rather lovely by expressive eyes."

Charles choked on his beer.

Lizzy tried to contain her grin; she guessed that was his pathetic way of apologizing. Then again, maybe he was trying to goad her into admitting she'd eavesdropped, thereby forcing her to apologize for listening to a conversation never meant for her ears.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you overheard something you shouldn't have? How did you react?

Related articles

• Quote-Tastic #30 Get A Room!
• It Is a Truth Universally Acknowledged That This Pride & Prejudice Proposal Is the Cutest Ever
• The 13 Wittiest Literary Lines You'll Ever Read
• Happy 201st Birthday Pride and Prejudice

Bea Reviews Knight Shift by Krista D. Ball

Publisher: Krista D. Ball
Series: Spirit Caller #3
Format Read: Kindle
Source: reviewer purchased
Release Date: December 10, 2013
Buying Links: Amazon* | Kobo | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate link; the blog receives a small commission for sales made through this link

Blurb from goodreads:

After a lifetime of running away from spirits, Rachel Mills finds herself chasing them. Someone or something is harassing Manny O'Toole, a local teenage spellcaster.

To complicate things, a mysterious man arrives in town. So naturally Rachel has to find out who and what he really is. Provided she can sneak away from Mrs. Saunders, her 93 year old neighbour, a local senior and troublemaker.

On top of it all, Rachel’s made a decision about Jeremy, the secret love of her life. It’s time to have a chat.

Review of First (Wrong) Impressions by K. Ball

Publisher: K. Ball
Format Read: Kindle Book
Source: From the author in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: June 2, 2013
Buying Links: Amazon*  | Kobo | Barnes & Noble |
* link goes to my associate link and sales will provide me with a commission.

Blurb from the author:

Lizzy Bennet’s fundraising mission is to keep her homeless centre’s clients well-fed through a cold prairie winter. She meets the snobby and pompous William Darcy of Fitz & William Enterprises. While she'd never dare ask him for help, she can't stop bumping into him -- sometimes, quite literally.

But when Lizzy's campaign is cut short by the disappearance of her sixteen year old sister, William and his younger sister step in to help the woman they want to make part of their family.

Inspired by Jane Austen's classic, Pride and Prejudice, First (Wrong) Impressions is Lizzy's quest for happiness, security, and love in the 21st century.