Cloudy with a Chance of What? This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Cloudy with a Chance of What?

As I sit here in my big chair, Kindle in hand, dogs clustered about, I’m looking out the window and watching snow flakes fly by. In April. In Maryland. In a yard that has hyacinths blooming, not to mention a few scarce cherry blossoms struggling to hold on after all the fierce winds we’ve had lately. There are violets out like mad, and a pollen count off the charts enough to keep Winston sneezing along with everyone else, now we have snow, frigid temperatures and more on the horizon.

Not just the expected frosts, but actual snow. Sigh.

And only a few days ago it was in the 80’s, thoughts of flowers, plantings, bar-b-ques and flip flops were in my head or actually walking down the street. My winter coat was tucked away, along with gloves, hats, and, my ever present scarves.

Now all are back and I can’t tell you for how long and neither can the meteorologists.

From day to day I never know what to expect from the weather these days. Snow, heat, torrential downpours, light rains, gale force winds to gentle lovely breezes that stir the air…we’ve had them all recently, and sometimes within a manner of a week or two.

Life feels a lot like that in many respects. Whether its health or family issues or things like a computer who doesn’t feel like upgrading this morning and just shuts down, the unexpected seems to rise up and then wait to see how well you deal (or don’t) with the results. I’m still working on those. How about you?

For now, I’m still looking out the window as the snow appears to be giving up…for now. I do know that Spring is coming, the weather will eventually turn, finally, for the better and then we’ll all be complaining about the heat. But for now? The forecast by looking at our skies is cloudy with a chance of what exactly? Mother Nature’s not telling. It’s a toss up here. So I’m returning to the chair, the dogs and my Kindle for the rest of the day. Seems like a reasonable course of action. But here is our schedule for the upcoming week. There is something wonderful for everyone. Check it all out.

☁♢☁♢☁♢☁♢☁

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, April 10:

Cloudy with a Chance of What? This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, April 11:

Our Author & Book Spotlight: Meg Harding on Inspiration and ‘The Last Favor’
Mary Newman’s ‘A Prince’s Ransom’ Book Blast and giveaway
Determined Mate (Holland Brothers #2) by Toni Griffin Audiobook Tour and giveaway
‏Black Dust by Lynn Charles Book Blast and giveaway
An Alisa Review: Planting His Dream by Andrew Grey
A Stella Review: Ravel by R. Phoenix

Tuesday, April 12:

Cover reveal: Elizabeth Noble ‘Code Name Jack Rabbit (excerpt and giveaway)
Up Close and Personal with AJ Marcus on her release Moose Fever and more (Guest Post)
Coffee Sip and Book Break with Knit Tight’ by Annabeth Albert (excerpt and giveaway)
A MelanieM Review: Knit Tight by Annabeth Albert
An Ali Review: Moose Fever by AJ Marcus

Wednesday, April 13:

Bad Magic (Spell Slave #1) by Evelyn Elliott – excerpt and giveaway
J. Scott Coatsworth’s Myths Untold- Faery Anthology Release and Guest Blog
In the Spotlight: The Case of The Thwarted Lovers by L.G. Fabbo-Gonnella (excerpt and contest)
A Jeri Review: Pop LIfe by Ryan Loveless (a release day review)

Thursday, April 14:

In the Spotlight: The Dilemma by Victoria Sue (excerpt and giveaway)
Cornelia Grey’s Devilish Circus is back with ‘The Empty Hourglass’ by Cornelia Grey (giveaway and guest blog)
You’ve Never Been Hurt by Jaime Samms (tour and contest)
A Paul B Review: Enemies of the State by Tal Bauer
An Ali Review: Better Than Safe by Lane Hayes Audiobook Review

Friday, April 15:

Cover reveal for North to Zombieville by Meg Bawden
Jay Northcote ‘Imperfect Harmony’ Book Tour and contest
Second Skin by Alex Whitehall. Riptide Tour and contest
An Ali Review: Grizzly Discovery(Mountain Spirits Mysteries book 2)‏ by AJ Marcus
A MelanieM Review: Hidden Wings by Ana Raine

Saturday, April 16:

A MelanieM Review: Professional Distance by Silvia Violet

An Ali Audiobook Review: Frat Boy and Toppy (Theta Alpha Gamma #1) by Anne Tenino and Nick J. Russo (Narrator)

Rating: 4.5 star out of 5

Brad is great at meeting other people’s expectations. But his own? Not so much. Take the gay thing. Okay, so yeah. It took a morning meeting with a frat brother’s hairy, naked ass for him to admit it, but he knows the truth about himself now. Let the gay life commence.

Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. He hasn’t quite determined how to come out to anyone, even Sebastian, the geeky-hot TA in his history class. Sebastian is everything Brad is not. Intellectual, suave, hairy. Out. And he doesn’t seem interested in Brad, even when Brad makes a fool of himself trying to catch his notice.

Score one for foolery: Sebastian does more than notice Brad; he takes him to bed. Brad’s been with plenty of girls, but with Sebastian, the sex is something else entirely—hot, mind-blowing, affirming, and a little domineering in a way that drives him wild. But when great sex turns into something more—dare he admit the “L” word?—Brad must face the crushing realization that Sebastian doesn’t feel the same. Unless, of course, he does. After all, even grad students can be idiots about matters of the heart.

What a fun read this was. These two characters were just great. They both had depth and were likable and funny. Watching them begin a tentative relationship was great. Neither trusts the other’s social group and they live different lifestyles. Brad still hides his sexuality and Sebastian very much does not. Despite their differences they find they have enough in common to build a friendship and eventually love.

This was one of my first reads in the m/m genre and when I had the chance to review this on audio I was honestly a little worried. My tastes have changed and I wasn’t sure if this would hold up to the test of time. I’m happy to say I loved it just as much this time around. I adore both Brad and Sebastian as they fumble their way into a relationship that neither saw coming. There’s some funny dialogue, a sweet love story, little angst and some smexy times.

I liked the narrator a lot and I thought he did a great job on all the voices. He really sounded like what I thought Brad & Sebastian would sound like (Sebastian’s “yeah?” at the end of his sentences was super charming and kind of hot on audio). The sex scenes were really smoking hot on audio. I mean really hot.( Like I felt guilty listening to this at work hot). This is one of those books where I think the narration actually adds to the story and this is one I highly recommend be done on audio.

Cover artist L.C. Chase‘s cover is perfection. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Sales Links: Riptide Publishing | Audible | Amazon | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audiobook
Published (first published March 25th 2012)
Original TitleFrat Boy and Toppy
SeriesTheta Alpha Gamma #1
CharactersBrad Feller, Sebastian DeWitt settingPacific Northwest (United States)

Barb, A Zany Old Lady Review: Dinner at Fiorello’s by Rick R. Reed ~ Audiobook narrated by Joel Leslie

Rating: 5 stars out of 5 ★★★★★

Henry Appleby is considered by many to be a spoiled little rich kid living in the lap of luxury with his wealthy parents, enjoying the good life. But Henry has a burning desire, deep in his soul, to become a chef. Not something his parents would approve of, he’s sure. However, for Henry, food expresses emotions and memories and he wants to be able to bring those emotions to others through his cooking. So when he spots an ad for an all-around helper at Fiorello’s, a small Italian restaurant, he decides to go for it—against his father’s wishes. His father had already arranged a summer job for Henry as an apprentice in his law firm, a prelude to Henry entering college in the fall and ultimately following in his father’s footsteps to become an attorney.

The first day on the job, Henry meets Vito Carelli, the tall, dark, brooding chef who never cracks a smile but who produces the most amazing food. Unknown to Henry, Vito lost his husband and young son to an auto accident a little over a year ago, and now life has lost its meaning, and he has all he can do to put one foot in front of the other to survive the hollowness in his heart.

Though Henry is attracted right from the first day, every attempt to befriend Vito, or even flirt with him, is met with a stony glare. Until one night Henry’s world is turned upside down when he discovers his mom is having an affair. Then one thing leads to another, and he’s outted to both parents, and Vito is the only person willing to listen and help the young man whose heart may be as broken as his own.

I loved this story. It’s a bittersweet romance, with the focus more on the characters than on the sexual attraction, and that makes it so much more than the usual. It starts out slowly, backfilling the history of each character, giving them life and dimension. But by about halfway through, I found myself longing to hear more, to experience their dynamic, and to wallow in the heartbreak that is Vito’s grief, and I realized that I didn’t want to pause it for any reason. (To heck with real life responsibilities!) Joel Leslie’s outstanding narration gives life to the characters. Vito’s sexy, deep, Italian-accented voice and Henry’s light, youthful vibe fit the characters perfectly and make it believable when the characters themselves, while ultimately attracted, acknowledge their age difference and the necessity of going slow as they see where their relationship may lead. Throughout the story, he narrates not only the words, but the emotion—sometimes raw and poignant though it may be.

The supporting cast of characters—from Henry’s parents and housekeeper to Rosalie, the owner of Fiorello’s and Carmella, the lusty hostess with an eye for the men—each has his or her own voice given character by the author and infused with life by Joel Leslie.

It’s not often that I’m so affected by a story that the characters stay with me long after I finish, but that’s the case here. I finished this book a few days ago, and I still feel Vito’s pain at his loss. The agony of his grief was so realistically written and so realistically performed by the narrator that I, too, feel as if I’ve lost someone important to my life.

I highly recommend this story, in audiobook if you can do it, but e-book if you can’t. It’s a beautiful love story, not just showing the early stages of what may become love for Henry and Vito, but the love Vito holds for his son and his husband—a love that transcends their death. Don’t miss a chance to pick this one up.

~~~~~~~~~~

Cover Art by Reese Dante features a head shot of gorgeous Vito in the foreground with a profile of youthful Henry in the background. It’s beautifully done and perfect for the story.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | iTunes | Audible | Amazon

Audiobook Details:

NarratorJoel Leslie
Length7 hours and 11 minutes

Murders Afoot with the Return of the Lindenshaw Mysteries in ‘Jury of One’ by Charlie Cochrane

Jury of One (Lindenshaw Mysteries) by Charlie Cochrane
Riptide Publishing
Cover art by L.C. Chase

Read an Excerpt/Purchase it Here

Jury of One is the second in the Lindenshaw Mysteries series. It features a gay Detective Inspector, Robin, whose investigations never seem to run in a straightforward fashion, and his teacher partner Adam who finds Robin’s cases appear determined to involve him. And there’s Adam’s dog, Campbell, who’s desperate to stick his big, black wet nose into everybody’s business.

**About J*ury of One***

Inspector Robin Bright is enjoying a quiet Saturday with his lover, Adam Matthews, when murder strikes in nearby Abbotston, and he’s called in to investigate. He hopes for a quick resolution, but as the case builds, he’s drawn into a tangled web of crimes, new and old, that threatens to ensnare him and destroy his fledgling relationship.

Adam is enjoying his final term teaching at Lindenshaw School, and is also delighted to be settling down with Robin at last. Only Robin doesn’t seem so thrilled. Then an old crush of Adam’s shows up in the murder investigation, and suddenly Adam is yet again fighting to stay out of one of Robin’s cases, to say nothing of trying to keep their relationship from falling apart.

Between murder, stabbings, robberies, and a suspect with a charming smile, the case threatens to ruin everything both Robin and Adam hold dear. What does it take to realise where your heart really lies, and can a big, black dog hold the key?

About Charlie Cochrane

As Charlie Cochrane couldn’t be trusted to do any of her jobs of choice—like managing a rugby team—she writes, with titles published by Carina, Samhain, Bold Strokes, MLR and Cheyenne.

Charlie’s Cambridge Fellows Series of Edwardian romantic mysteries was instrumental in her being named Author of the Year 2009 by the review site Speak Its Name. She’s a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, Mystery People, International Thriller Writers Inc and is on the organising team for UK Meet for readers/writers of GLBT fiction. She regularly appears with The Deadly Dames.

Connect with Charlie:

Website:charliecochrane.co.uk/
Blog: charliecochrane.livejournal.com/
Twitter: @charliecochrane
Facebook profile page: facebook.com/charlie.cochrane.18
Goodreads: goodreads.com/goodreadscomcharlie_cochrane

Giveaway

Leave a comment for a chance to win a download of Lessons in Love (Cambridge Fellows Mysteries #1) in audio! Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on March 26, 2016. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info! Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

Lindenshaw Mysteries

Adam Matthews’s life changed when Inspector Robin Bright walked into his classroom to investigate a murder.

Now it seems like all the television series are right: the leafy villages of England do indeed conceal a hotbed of crime, murder, and intrigue. Lindenshaw is proving the point.

Detective work might be Robin’s job, but Adam somehow keeps getting involved—even though being a teacher is hardly the best training for solving crimes. Then again, Campbell, Adam’s irrepressible Newfoundland dog, seems to have a nose for figuring things out, so how hard can it be?

The Best Corpse for the Job (Lindenshaw Mysteries, #1) Charlie Cochrane*

Jury of One (Lindenshaw Mysteries, #2)Charlie Cochrane*

*A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Recommended Story.

A New List of LGBTQIA Stories in the Making and This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

A New List of LGBTQIA Stories in the Making

Here at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words we love our lists. We are especially fond of our favorite covers and best books, favorite shifters, best science fiction…well, you get the idea. With all the discussions flying about, we will be adding a new list as a starting point, one that we would love your input as we will have missed some to be sure. Its a list of your recommended Stories with Asexual/Pansexual Main Characters. Here is just a few already suggested:

How To Be A Normal Person by T.J. Klune

The Coffee Cake series (2 books) by Michaela Grey

Ace by Jack Byrne

Blood and Clockwork by Katey Hawthorne
Blue Eyed Stranger (Trowchester Blues, #2) by Alex Beecroft

And that’s just for starters. Have a few books to suggest we add to our list? Comment below or send them to us. It won’t be a static list, keep sending them to us with each new book you find. The more the merrier!

And now for this week’s schedule.

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, March 2o:

A New List of LGBTQIA Stories in the Making and This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, March 21:

Jury of One by Charlie Cochrane tour and giveaway
Under a Sky of Ash by Brandon Witt — author guest post
A Jeri Review: Under a Sky of Ash by Brandon Witt
A Melanie M Review: Dirty Heart by Rhys Ford (release day review)
A Stella Review: Trailer Trash by Marie Sexton

Tuesday, March 22:

In the Spotlight: Trailer Trash‏ by Marie Sexton (giveaway)
Nicola Haken “Broken” Author Guest Spot
Moriah Gemel ‘Ceili’, Virtual tour and giveaway
A MelanieM Review: Jury of One by Charlie Cochrane
A Jeri Review: It’s a Long Way to the Top (Acts of Insanity Book 1) by Cherry Cox

Wednesday, March 23:

Dusk Peterson ‘Rebirth’ Tour and Giveaway
The Worst Bad Thing by J.E. Birk – Dreamspinner Author guest post
In Our Audiobook Spotlight: Toni Griffin ‘Determined Mate’ (audiobook) (giveaway)
A MelanieM Review: The Worst Bad Thing by J.E. Birk
A F.D. Review: The Empty Hourglass by Cornelia Gray

Thursday, March 24:

Chris Quinton’s ‘Tawny’ book blast and giveaway
Irrefutable by Jennifer Rose Blog Tour and Giveaway
A Jeri Review: Broken by Nicola Haken
A Lila Review: The Assasin’s Pet by NaNa G
BJ Review: F.I.S.T.S. Handbook For Individual Survival in Hostile Environments by Bey Deckard

Friday, March 25:

Amelia Bishop ‘More Than Love’ book blast and giveaway
Bankers’ Hours by Wade Kelly – author guest post and giveaway
Release Day Guest Post: Waking Jamal by Amberly Smith
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Bankers’ Hours by Wade Kelly
A Stella Review: Fire of the Heart by Lee Brazil and Havan Fellows

Saturday, March 26:

A MelanieM Review: Fish and Ghosts by Rhys Ford

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: Being True by Jacob Z. Flores and Mark Westfield (Narrator)

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

What a delightful story, well-written and refreshingly narrated by Mark Westfield. Frankly, I wasn’t sure if I’d like a young adult story, or if I’d like this narrator, since it’s my first for him, but what a knockout combo Jacob and Mark turned out to be!

Truman Cobbler has had to transfer high schools yet again in his senior year. The victim of bullying in every school he’s attended, he lives with his widowed mother who is more than willing to move to accommodate her son’s safety. Tru is short of stature with hair that has an unfortunate tendency to misbehave, ears that stick out, and teeth self-described as horse teeth. He’s also very smart and apparently exudes a gay vibe. Not that it’s untrue, as he is gay, but it seems he has some magnetic field that attracts jocks and trouble—usually together.

There is one jock, however, who is not like the others. Javier Castillo is popular and friendly and the star pitcher for the baseball team, and for some reason, he befriends Tru from the moment they meet. Tru certainly needs befriending. Other than Javi, his only friend is Claudia, the classmate who is head of the yearbook and the high school newsletter committees. Since Tru loves writing and photography, and Claudia does not follow the popular kids in bullying Tru, their friendship seems made in heaven.

When it becomes known that Javi has befriended Tru, many of the “in crowd” decide to befriend Tru as well, at least on the surface. But later in the year, when one of the jocks picks on Tru and Javi comes to defend him, Javi is given an ultimatum—Tru or the friendship of the jocks. By this time, Javi has realized his feelings for Tru are more than friendship, and the two decide to reveal their relationship to both sets of parents and then come out at school.

I love the way the author handled this situation—the strength and character of their parents was remarkable, and the boys’ reaction, though not happy, was honest obedience to the principles their parents set out. It was refreshing to see authority figures act with integrity—from parents to school administrators.

Javi and Tru face both expected and unexpected hurdles, and just as their friendship grew at first, their love for each other grows after they know each other better. Tru becomes much tougher and more confident as he faces life challenges and tragedy with determination and a strength of character quite amazing for a young man.

Oh, and did I mention sex? No? Well, once the boys are eighteen, they get their chance to explore and the combination of Jacob Flores’s writing and Mark Westfield’s narration makes for some smoking hot moments.

I recommend this one to all lovers of young adult/new adult MM romance. And the audio version is outstanding, so if you haven’t tried an audiobook, this one would be a great place to start.

~~~~~

Cover by Paul Richmond depicts a close-up of both young men lying side by side with a view of Javi snuggling Tru over his shoulder. Very sweet, just like the story.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Audible | Amazon | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

8 hours and 40 minutes

Audible Audio, 9 pages
Published June 9th 2015 (first published September 15th 2014)
ASINB00ZTN9T8M

Old Labels, Tagging and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Old Labels, Tagging and The Need to Move Forward

Something one of our reviewers said to me this week got me thinking about labels and tagging. She said that there was a controversy stirring about a current release and the GFY label and bisexuality, blurring/confusion between them. She wanted to give me a head’s up. Now I had no idea (still don’t) because I wasn’t paying any attention but it brought to mind things that have been swimming around the brain for some time now…that there are some labels that need to be put to rest.

In the book review world there are certain three letter or three character abbreviations we use all the time to quick label a book. Among some of the most widely used are M/M, D/s, HEA, HFN, and of course, GFY. Its the later that I’m going to be blogging about on Saturday. I think we’ve grown past that label, and now its rolled into hurtful territory. Why not use the term pansexual (among others) where proper? And bisexual where the character clearly loves and desires both sexes?

Not getting into it today but look for a much longer and thoughtful post on Saturday. Join in on the discussion and let me know how you feel about tagging and labels. I’m really curious. Haven’t be gone past these old perceptions? Isn’t it time we laid them to rest? We’ve enlarged the LGBT to include LGBTQIA, lets bring the book review world along with it.

Now we’ve got a stacked week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words, lets get to it.

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, March 13:

Old Labels, Tagging and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, March 14:

Chris T. Kat ‘Mending the Rift’ virtual tour and giveaway
‘At Your Service’ by Ariel Tachna – Author Guest Blog/Release Day
Book Spotlight: Bound (Guards of Folsom, Book Five) by Author: SJD Peterson
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Bound (Guards of Folsom, Book Five) by Author: SJD Peterson
A MelanieM Review: At Your Service by Ariel Tachna
A Stella review: Mending the Rift by Chris T Kat

Tuesday, March 15:

Between Ghosts by Garrett Leigh – Riptide Publishing Contest
Its Release Day for the Riverdance Anthology (excerpts and giveaway)
In Our Contemporary Spotlight: Trial by Fire by BA Tortuga DSP tour and guest blog
A MelanieM Review: Trial by Fire by BA Tortuga
A Lila Review: Ghosts (The Power of Zero, #2) by Jackie Keswick

Wednesday, March 16:

Coffee Sip and Book Break with Lioness in Blue by Shira Glassman
A Ali Review: Eagle’s Nest by AJ Marcus
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Lay It down by Mary Calmes
A Jeri Review: Him (Him #1) by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
A Lila Review: Balls Up by Kate Aaron

Thursday, March 17:

Dianne Hartsock’s ‘Stuck on Rewind’ virtual tour and giveaway
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: Being True by Jacob Z. Flores
A F.D. Review: Lima Oscar Victor Echo and The Truth About Everything by Suki Fleet
A Jeri Review: Us By Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
A Lila Review: Beyond the Sea by Keira Andrews

Friday, March 18:

Katey Hawthorne’s Blood and Clockwork Tour and Giveaway
Love Comes to Light Author: Andrew Grey’s Guest Blog
A Stella Review: Spencer Cohen by NR Walker
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Two Pet Dicks by John Inman
A Paul B Review: Love Comes to Light by Andrew Grey

Saturday, March 19:

Melanie M Thoughts On Labeling – Isn’t It Time to Put Away GFY?

An Ali Audiobook Review: Spirit by John Inman and Narrator John Anthony Davis

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Jason Day, brilliant designer of video games, is not only a confirmed bachelor, but he’s as gay as a maypole. One wouldn’t think being saddled with his precocious four-year-old nephew for four weeks would be enough to throw him off-kilter.

Wrong. Timmy, Jason’s nephew, is a true handful.

But just when Timmy and Uncle Jason begin to bond, and Jason feels he’s getting a grip on this babysitting business once and for all, he’s thrown for a loop by a couple of visitors—one from Tucson, the other from beyond the grave.

I’m sorry. Say what?

Toss a murder, a hot young stud, an unexpected love affair, and a spooky-ass ghost with a weird sense of humor into Jason’s summer plans, and you’ve got the makings for one hell of a ride.

This was an enjoyable story with both a mystery and a paranormal twist. The main character Jason is a likable MC and his narration is filled with humor. I didn’t find the child very realistic or age appropriate in his behaviors but he was an entertaining twist to the story so I overlooked most of that. I found the end to be predictable but it was one of those stories that still warms your heart so again, I overlooked that too.

The story is creative and has a lovely happily ever after at the end. I did this on audio and enjoyed the narrator. He had a nice voice and did all of the different characters well, including the child. I think this will entertain even those who don’t typically like paranormal stories as the ghost part doesn’t overwhelm.

Cover art by Reese Dante. I like this cover a lot. I think it is a really good representation of the story. It’s just spooky enough to draw you in.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | iTunes | Audible | Amazon

Audio Book Details:

Cover ArtistReese Dante
Narrator John Anthony Davis
Length6 hours and 47 minutes

A Lila Audiobook Review: Job Hunt (The Power of Zero #1) by Jackie Keswick and Narrator Fox Ballard

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

You don’t greet your new boss dressed like an underage rent boy. But when Jack Horwood—ace hacker and ex-MI6 operative—opens the door to Gareth Flynn, he’s too busy to worry over details like that. And anyway, his potential new boss is his former Commanding Officer – the same guy Jack has had a crush on since he was seventeen. So he should understand, right?

When he applied for the job in Nancarrow Mining’s corporate security division, Jack had hoped for peaceful days repelling cyber attacks. Maybe a bit of corporate espionage on the side. His plans didn’t include rescuing abused children, hunting pimps, or dealing with his overly protective and hot-as-hell boss, Gareth Flynn.

Walking away is not an option. Jack never takes the easy way out. More than that, meeting Gareth raises old ghosts that Jack needs to put to rest. Rescuing kids. Taking risks. Saving the day. Jack can do all that – but deciding what to do about his attraction to Gareth isn’t the sort of cloak-and-dagger game Jack plays well. Yet Gareth, strong and smart and always on hand when needed, might be Jack’s salvation.

Job Hunt is a complex thriller with multi-dimensional characters, and complicated twists and turns. There are enough questions and mysteries to keep the reader into the story and guessing its outcome. Following both investigations, it’s not complicated, but the Nancarrow Mining’s cyber attacks plotline was not as well thought as the one involving Jack’s undercover work.

I’m glad I listen to this story because all the distinct voices helped with the POV changes. Also, the narrator gave it an authenticity feel. Each character becomes an individual with their own quirks and traits.

Even when a romantic plot is present in this book, the story is all about the cases the MCs are working. Jack is the real man character in Job Hunt. Gareth is there as a protector or sidekick more than someone that we get invested on.

The rest of the ensemble can be considered as supporting characters instead of secondary because they were there in order for Jack to accomplish his goals. The author did an excellent job, though, making them memorable instead of simple fill-ins.

The sense of place and location is very present, even for someone that had never been in Richmond, Wimbledon, or any of the other areas mentioned. Everything from the smells, looks, and weather are taken into consideration. And the food had its own role in the story, too.

In the end, Job Hunt is an enjoyable read, and its only downside is the amount of events unfolding at the same time. Together with some areas of internal dialogue.

Fox Ballard did an excellent job with the narration. He made differentiating between the many POV changes easy. He’s one of the first narrators I had listened to that had managed to voice females characters without making them sound too masculine. All the accents were amazing, even when hard to understand at some points.

I like the way the calls were integrated into the audiobook. They sounded authentic and gave the story a realistic boost. My only complaint would be about the music separating the chapters. It was kind of jungle fever and didn’t go with the book’s content. And, the pauses between chapters, and/or POVs, were too long.

The cover by Maria Fanning didn’t work for me. It makes the books seem paranormal, which it is not. You have to be very close to it to realize it has the data information in the background. The audiobook cover is just a modify version of the original.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner | Amazon | Audible

Audiobook Details:

Narrator: Fox Ballard
Length: 9 hours and 38 minutes

Published: February 11, 2016 (Audio Edition) by Dreamspinner Press
ASIN: B01BMQFFE6
Edition Language: English

Series: The Power of Zero
Book #1: Job Hunt
Book #2: Ghosts
Book #3: House Hunt

The Winds of Change and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

The Winds of Change

Oh the winds of change are blowing so strong these days whether we want them to or not. Several days ago, a storm came through our area, one that had devastating repercussions for the Midwest and southeast regions of our country. For us? Some flooding and lost power. Nothing on the enormous level that occurred out there. But across the street several old towering trees uprooted and fell over, ones that were here for as long as I could remember (my parents built this house), trunks at least 2 to 3 feet in diameter.

It felt as though I had lost old friends, I know the local wildlife did. The hawks that used it to nest in, the Pilated Woodpeckers that loved it so and will have to move on and all those squirrel from the Grey Squirrels to our Flying Squirrels who will have to relocate. I hope they moved in time.

Those bare spots haunt me as the saws and lumber men my neighbor hired did their job quickly, leaving nothing at all behind. What will happen in their absence? What will fill in those holes? Will the squirrels take care of it or the neighbors? I’m betting on the squirrels.

Changes are happening in the book world as well, the winds blowing hard there too. Publishing houses disappearing, new ones taking root, others morphing to include different presses and audiobooks (becoming more popular here with us too)…proving even as change is hard, even painful, its necessary to survive in these times.

Nature abhors stagnation and will force a change to break it up, everywhere we look change is upon us. Some gentle, some harsh. Some welcome, and some…well, some we all could do without.

Hopefully the changes coming to Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words will be welcome. I’m working on them. I need more time…always more time, a scare commodity for me at the moment.

Meanwhile enjoy the upcoming week. Its full of wonderful books, author guest blogs and reviews. Enjoy and happy reading.

Blow you winds, blow!

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, March 6:

The Winds of Change and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, March 7:

The Secret of Hunter’s Bog with Ally Blue (tour and giveaway)
Sports of the Seasons Blog Tour (M/M series) by Leigh Carter
Its a Cocktail of Love with Dirty Martini 2: The Screwdriver by G.R. George (Renee George) (contest)
A Free Dreamer Release Day Review: Salt and Iron by Tam MacNeil
A Paul B Release Day Review: Patience by Grace R. Duncan

Tuesday, March 8:

EARTHQUAKES – A NEW AMSTERDAM STORY by Kelly Wrye Loose Id Tour/Contest
Hurri Cosmos ‘Then Sawyer Happened’ tour and giveaway
A MelanieM Review: Dormant Heart by Lane Swift
A Stella Review :Lucky in Loveland by K-lee Klein
A Lila Review: Ravenhearth by Lotus Oakes‏

Wednesday, March 9:

6 Days to get Lucky virtual tour and giveaway
In the Spotlight: Stay With Me by Lily Adile Lamb (excerpt and giveaway)
AMelanieM Review: Night and Day by Rowan Speedwell (release day review)
A F.D. Review: The Prince’s Consort by Antonia Aquilante
A Lila Review: Where Loyalties Lie by Logan Taylor‏

Thursday, March 10:

Special Guest Blog by Grace R. Duncan on her release “Patience”
Ana J. Phoenix book blast for ‘For Never and Always (excerpt and giveaway)
Mario Kai Lapinski: Jakob & Ivo book blast and giveaway
A MelanieM Review: Blood and Clockwork by Katey Hawthorne
A Paul B Review: Patience by Grace R. Duncan

Friday, March 11:

Brina Brady ‘Spanked in the Woodshed’ book blast and giveaway
Its Release Day for A Tested Love by Kayla Jameth (excerpt and giveaway)
A Stella Review:Go Tell On the Mountain by Nick Wilgus
A Jeri Review: The Taste of Ink by Francis Gideon
A Ali Audiobook Review: Spirit by John Inman

Saturday, March 12:

Cover Reveal for Beastly Businessmen and Guitar Gods by Asta Idonea