Want to Read: Romance, Fantasy, LGBT Spec Fic, UF

I am trying to keep it real these days when it comes to purchasing new books to read. Why? My Kindles are overloaded and my reading time is not what it used to be. So, in May, while some other new releases have been placed in my wish list for later consideration, I am looking forward to reading the following:

ONLY BELOVED by Mary Balogh
The Survivor's Club Series, Book 7
Publisher: Signet
Release Date: May 3, 2016
Category: Historical Romance

From the legendary New York Times bestselling author of Only a Kiss and Only a Promise comes the final book in the rapturous Survivor’s Club series—as the future of one man lies within the heart of a lost but never-forgotten love...

For the first time since the death of his wife, the Duke of Stanbrook is considering remarrying and finally embracing happiness for himself. With that thought comes the treasured image of a woman he met briefly a year ago and never saw again.

Dora Debbins relinquished all hope to marry when a family scandal left her in charge of her younger sister. Earning a modest living as a music teacher, she’s left with only an unfulfilled dream. Then one afternoon, an unexpected visitor makes it come true.

For both George and Dora that brief first encounter was as fleeting as it was unforgettable. Now is the time for a second chance. And while even true love comes with a risk, who are two dreamers to argue with destiny?

THE SUMMER DRAGON by Todd Lockwood
Evertide Trilogy, Book 1
Publisher: DAW
Release Date: May 3, 2016
Category: Fantasy

Maia and her family raise dragons for the political war machine. As she comes of age, she anticipates a dragon of her own to add to the stable of breeding parents. Her peaceful life is shattered when the Summer Dragon--one of the rare and mythical High Dragons--makes an appearance in her quiet valley. Political factions vie for control of the implied message, threatening her aspirations, her aerie, her entire way of life.

The bond between dragons and their riders is deep and life-long, and Maia's desire for a dragon of her own to train, ride, fly, and love drives her to take a risk that puts her life at stake. She is swept into an adventure that pits her against the deathless Horrors, thralls of the enemy, and a faceless creature drawn from her fear. In her fight to preserve everything she knows and loves, she exposes a conspiracy, unearths an ancient civilization, and challenges her understanding of her world--and of herself.

TRIAD BLOOD by 'Nathan Burgoine
Publisher: Bold Stroke Books
Release Date: May 17, 2016
Category: Speculative Fiction, LGBT

The law of three is unbroken: three vampires form a coterie, three demons make a pack, and three wizards are a coven. That is how it has always been, and how it was always to be.

But Luc, Anders, and Curtis—vampire, demon, and wizard—have cheated tradition. Their bond is not coterie, pack, or coven, but something else. Thrust into the supernatural politics ruling Ottawa from behind the shadows, they face Renard, a powerful vampire who harbors deadly secrets of his own and wishes to end their threat. The enemy they know conjures fire and death at every turn. The enemies they don’t know are worse.

Blood, soul, and magic gave them freedom. Now they need to survive it.

ALL FIXED UP by Linda Grimes
Publisher: Tor Books
Release Date: May 24, 2016
Category: Urban Fantasy

The hilarious adventures of human chameleon Ciel Halligan continue in the fourth installment of this original urban fantasy series from Linda Grimes, All Fixed Up.

Ciel Halligan, aura adaptor extraordinaire, has a lot of experience filling in for her clients--as them. A rare genetic quirk gives her the ability to absorb human energy and project it back out in a flawless imitation. She's hard at work, posing as a well-known and celebrated astronaut, about to make a stunning announcement on behalf of the space program...when the photographer documenting the job sees right through her aura. Worse, it soon becomes apparent that he not only knows Ciel’s not who she's supposed to be, but means her harm.

When Ciel's elderly Aunt Helen―also an aura adaptor―is murdered in Central Park, and the same photographer shows up at the funeral, Ciel starts to feel even more exposed. Then more adaptors are killed in the same way, and she becomes terrified her friends and family are being systematically exterminated ... and it's starting to look like she's the ultimate target. She turns to Billy Doyle, her best-friend-turned-boyfriend, for help, but when an unexpected crisis causes him to take off without a word, she's left to rely on her not-so-former crush, CIA agent Mark Fielding.

Staying alive, keeping control of her romantic life, and unraveling the mystery of why adaptors are being pursued becomes a harder balancing act than ever in this new Ciel Halligan adventure from Linda Grimes.

SLEEPLESS IN MANHATTAN by Sarah Morgan
Publisher: HQN Books
Kindle Ed. Release Date: May 31, 2016
Category: Contemporary Romance

USA TODAY bestselling author Sarah Morgan introduces From Manhattan with Love, a sparkling new trilogy about three best friends embracing life—and love—in New York

Cool, calm and competent, events planner Paige Walker loves a challenge. After a childhood spent in and out of hospitals, she's now determined to prove herself—and where better to take the world by storm than Manhattan? But when Paige loses the job she loves, she must face her biggest challenge of all—going it alone.

Except launching her own events company is nothing compared to hiding her outrageous crush on Jake Romano—her brother's best friend, New York's most in-demand date and the only man to break her heart. When Jake offers Paige's fledgling company a big chance, their still-sizzling chemistry starts giving her sleepless nights. But can she convince the man who trusts no one to take a chance on forever?

Tonight: Reading vs. Reviewing

Tonight, I really wanted to post a review. I meant to come home to write one up! But… you see, I began reading Ancillary Mercy by Ann Leckie last night, and next thing I knew it was 1 o'clock in the morning and I was on page 170! Now, all I really want to do this evening is continue reading the third book of this science fiction trilogy -- this fantastic story that has me on the edge of my seat.

So, what would you do if you were in my situation? Would you sit down to write a review for another book tonight, or would you devour the book?

Me? I decided to spend my evening reading. These days, it is not often that I run home, panting to finish a book, much less do I place everything aside to do it. (I even drank some espresso so I can stay up) The other benefit? I'm reading science fiction!

…On the 2016 Locus Awards Finalists List

On Tuesday, May 3rd, the 2016 Locus Award Finalists were announced. As I said in a previous post, I haven't been reading as many SFF books as in previous years. I am not surprised that I only read three books on that list, while many others linger in my Kindle.

Sadly, this is how I stand on each category to date. It is pitiful:

SCIENCE FICTION NOVEL:
Ancillary Mercy, Ann Leckie (Orbit US; Orbit UK)-- On my coffee table

FANTASY NOVEL
Karen Memory, Elizabeth Bear (Tor) -- In my Kindle
The Fifth Season, N.K. Jemisin (Orbit US; Orbit UK) -- In my Kindle
Uprooted, Naomi Novik (Del Rey) -- Read

YOUNG ADULT BOOK
Shadowshaper, Daniel José Older (Levine) -- In my Kindle

FIRST NOVEL
Sorcerer to the Crown, Zen Cho (Ace; Macmillan UK) -- In my Kindle
Signal to Noise, Silvia Moreno-Garcia (Solaris) -- In my Kindle
The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps, Kai Ashante Wilson (Tor.com) -- In my Kindle

NOVELLA
Binti, Nnedi Okorafor (Tor.com)-- Read

COLLECTION
Trigger Warning: Short Fictions and Disturbances, Neil Gaiman (Morrow) - Read
Three Moments of an Explosion, China Miéville (Macmillan UK; Del Rey 2016) - In my Kindle

COMMENTS: I am a huge fan of the Imperial Radch series, and Ancillary Mercy was one of my most anticipated books of the year! I own a print copy and an electronic copy. How is it that I have not read it yet? Elizabeth Bear is one of my favorite authors. Why have I not read Karen Memory? The same applies to China Miéville and his collection Three Moments of an Explosion.

I have no real answers to my questions above. My guess is that I haven't been in the right frame of mind to tackle these books. I'm a moody reader. But you know, almost every year the release of the Locus Award Finalists inspires me to read SFF -- the books already in my possession, as well as the novellas and novelettes I usually miss. Hopefully, that will be the case this time around.

Update & Impressions of a Reader Turns 7!

Yesterday was the my 7th Blogoversary. Still seems unreal that it has been that long. I know… I say that every year, but, time does fly.

I feel weird celebrating this anniversary. This past year my blogging took a huge hit. I slowed down in 2015, and now I am struggling to get my reviewing mojo back. I'm not sure if it is the reviewing mojo, though, or that I just need to make blogging part of my daily / weekly schedule again. Is it a matter of practise, discipline, or enthusiasm? I'm still enthusiastic about sharing my reads and thoughts.

I have been reading this year, but truthfully, it has slowed down to a crawl. I find myself taking three or four days to finish one book. That is because these days there are other things to do during my free time. I am trying to make a bit of an effort on the socializing front. My not-so-new job is going really well. I'm loving the work as well as the people. However, it keeps me quite busy and involved so that by the time I get home, I'm done! (More like my brain is fried)

I mentioned reading, so what have I read these past few months? Well, a combination of LGBT, UF, fantasy, poetry, and more romance than usual. No science fiction or literary fiction. I've given those two categories a rest for a few months, even as my "to be read" pile bulges at the seams.

Question: What do you do when blogging or reviewing becomes difficult after taking time off?

At this point, I am trying to reboot by posting something every day for 30 consecutive days. I fear content may suffer by posting daily, combined with my lack of time and brain freeze! However, I'm hoping this strategy will work.

Anyway, thank you for hanging around Impressions of a Reader. I'm looking forward to my 8th year!

Happy Mother's Day!

Mini: Magic Shifts (Kate Daniels #8) by Ilona Andrews

In Magic Shifts, the saga continues with Kate, Curran and Julie at their new home away from the Keep and the Pack. The peace lasts until George, Mahon's daughter, comes to them with the news that her new boyfriend and fellow member of Pack Heavy, Eduardo Ortega, is missing. Mahon disapproves of the relationship and refuses to actively look for Eduardo, and Jim as the new Beast Lord cannot nay say Mahon as the Alpha of Clan Heavy. Curran and Kate begin an investigation into Eduardo's disappearance that opens a whole can of worms, pitting them against new monsters that reveal the truth behind how ghouls came to be.

Magic Shifts is a transitional, action packed installment in the Kate Daniels series. The action is fierce and steady with secondary characters from the Pack, as well as Julie, making significant contributions. Yet, the Andrews writing team take a slow road to shifting the series into a new direction. Curran is adjusting to being away from responsibility as the Beast Lord and finds a new focus, while Kate glimpses what it means to be responsible for Atlanta, and what future dealings with her father Roland hold. In the meantime, Julie enjoys some serious "quality" time with Curran and Kate as she joins them in their dangerous adventure.

Although Magic Shifts is a highly enjoyable urban fantasy read -- let's get serious, this is a Kate Daniels book after all -- this is not my favorite book of the series. I believe the reason behind that is because I expected a clearer, stronger, better defined shift in the overall story arc now that Kate and Curran are away from the Pack.  Regardless, this was an enjoyable read and one I wouldn't have missed. Now, I'm looking forward to the next installment. Rated B or 4.0

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

So, why am I late posting today? Because I was out celebrating Cinco de Mayo! I can't think of a better reason, can you?

I had a ton of fun with one of the attorneys in our firm, Ms. M., and two of her friends. The head attorney at the law firm told us that we were fired if we didn't go out to celebrate, drink, eat, and be merry. So, that's just what we did! He placed me in charge of making sure everyone had fun. We did!

Above is a picture of me after a whole day's work, a bad hair day (rainy and humid), three Don Julio tequila shots, two Modelo Negra beers and a few fabulous, tasty appetizers. Below is Ms. M. showcasing her favorite dessert, basil/strawberry sorbet, after downing a few passion fruit margaritas and three shots of Don Julio! We had a blast!  We were feeling good! So, I guess we are not fired after all, and we have pictures to prove it.

Why do people celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the United States? Who knows?

May 5th is actually the date the Mexican Army was victorious over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza. I know many people who mistakenly believe that this is Mexico's Independence Day! Wrong. That would be September 16th. Remember that for future reference.

Regardless, I hope some of you celebrated the commemoration of this historical event with our friends to the South with some delicious, smooth tequila, and / or with some delicious Mexican cuisine. We did!

Poetry of Resistance: Voices for Social Justice ed. Francisco X. Alarcón, Odilia Galván Rodríguez

On April 20, 2010, nine Latino students chained themselves to the main doors of the Arizona State Capitol in an act of civil disobedience to protest Arizona’s SB 1070. Moved by the students’ actions, that same day Francisco X. Alarcón responded by writing a poem in Spanish and English titled “Para Los Nueve del Capitolio/ For the Capitol Nine,” which he dedicated to the students. The students replied to the poem with a collective online message. To share with the world what was taking place, Alarcón then created a Facebook page called “Poets Responding to SB 1070” and posted the poem, launching a powerful and dynamic forum for social justice.

Since then, more than three thousand original contributions by poets and artists from around the globe have been posted to the page. Poetry of Resistance offers a selection of these works, addressing a wide variety of themes, including racial profiling, xenophobia, cultural misunderstanding, violence against refugees, shared identity, and much more. Bringing together more than eighty writers, the anthology powerfully articulates the need for change and the primacy of basic human rights. Each poem shows the heartfelt dedication these writers and artists have to justice in a world that has become larger than borders.

Poetry of Resistance is a poetic call for tolerance, reflection, reconciliation, and healing.

The events that occurred in Arizona in 2010, and Arizona's SB 1070, were the subject of extensive discussions and debates at my home and among friends and family. As immigrants, none of us took these events lightly, particularly since at the time it seemed to be setting a dangerous precedent that would affect the civil rights of a large percentage of the population. As a result, I found myself identifying with many of the poems included in Poetry of Resistance.

In today's toxic and divisive political atmosphere, this powerful poetry volume is both relevant and sorely needed. Perhaps more so than ever.

As an example, I've chosen to highlight one of my many favorite poems.

OLMECAN EYES

Lorna Dee Cervantes

Olmecan eyes gaze into the future,
a path of light piercing the forest,
heavy lidded with the past, ancient
sorrows carved into stone. With rain,
the present leaks into now, into the DNA
of fallen stars, the mystery of oceans
the settled silt of settling into culture

Olmecan eyes reborn. The infant
stone unfurling in our navels.
Another civilization reconquers
the wilderness of today. Sun devouring
Earth, we are shadows of the way
we were, beneath the shifting planets,
the comets, the desolate inconsolable moon.

Into the history of obsidian blades,
a human heart beats on the plate,
the slate of our division thinning
into someone's blood. The blood of
The People surging still beneath
the pursed lips, the pierced tongue,
the sudden pulse. We are The People

still. Our constitution stolen
from us in the fear. We rise, not
vengeful, but full of the peace
of knowing, our present tense.

------------

Juan Felipe Herrera, U.S. Poet Laureate: "Borders can be overcome with the revolutionary tenderness of poems. This anthology is an incredible assemblage of voices and letters that proves that collective poetry is the answer to the violence-filled policies that increasingly face us in these times."

Photos: Round Window with Sapling

A sapling growing on the outside of the round window located in the second floor conference room at the office. It gets bigger and healthier every day!