Heya there bookworms! Since I decided to dedicate a lot more reading time to backlist books next year, I've also decided to sign up to a bunch of reading challenges. And since there are many, many challenges I want to sign up to, I decided to make a Master List instead of individual sign-up posts. Here are the challenges I want to take a part of.
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Friday, December 15, 2017
Christmas Tag
I was tagged by the wonderful Abbey over at Abscape to do the Christmas Tag. It's been ages since my last tag and so I decided to do this one as fast as possible.
Use one noise to describe how excited you are for Christmas.
Yaaaaaaayyyyy!
Do you open any presents on Christmas Eve?
I open all presents on Christmas Eve. It's my family's tradition to all get together on the 24th and open prezzies.
What holiday traditions are you looking forward to most this year?
Cooking with mom out family recipes.
Is your Christmas tree real or fake?
Puppy-proof fake. Which means it's made out of cardboard and tinsel. Maybe I'll share a photo, as I'm very proud of my artwork :)
What is your favorite Christmas film?
I have no favorite Christmas movie really. I love a lot of seasonal movies, but I don't have a go-to movie. Usually I binge watch Harry Potter, but I wouldn't call it a favorite.
Where do you usually spend your holiday?
At home, in bed, watching TV shows and reading. Drinking hot tea that's Christmassy-flavored. This year, with a pupster (that may or may not be the reincarnation of the inspiration behind Cujo) I don't think that's in the cards for me *nervous laughter*
What is your favorite Christmas song?
So, so, so many. Eartha Kitt's Santa Baby, almost any Christmas songs Dean Martin sang, there's an awesome interpretation of Baby, It's Cold Outside by Carmen McRae & Sammy Davis Jr. that I adore. There's one version of The 12 Days Of Christmas that is amazing, but I can't find anywhere and I haven't listened to it in ages and that makes me sad.
What is your all-time favourite holiday food/sweet treat?
Just...the entire dinner, really.
Be honest: do you like giving gifts or receiving gifts better?
Ooohhhh...see, I like both, really.
What is your favourite thing about Christmas?
The cheer and the air of hope that's present everywhere, really.
When do you start getting excited for Christmas?
Well...Usually right after Halloween, as soon as the Christmas decorations start appearing in the shops. At the same time, I'm also the weird person that listens to old Christmas songs as soon as August is nearing the end, so I can't give an honest answer here.
What is the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received?
This is book related, obviously, and I've told this story many many times, my aunt and uncle got me the first three Harry Potter books one Christmas, and then it sort of became tradition for them to get me the newest Potter book each Christmas.
What is the worst present you’ve ever received?
Can you believe I've never actually hated a gift I've gotten? I usually appreciate the thought. My great-grandma usually gets us "kids" chocolate each year and that is just my go-to present really. Plus my family has a weird tradition: if we're really unsure what to get the other person (kids not included in this) we usually tell that person "Listen, here's the money I have in mind for your Christmas gift, let's go wherever you want and get your gift together", which is something I've always loved, because I always get books.
As a kid, did a sibling ever receive a present that you wished was for you?
No, because my baby cousin (who I've always thought of as a little sister really) came along when I was 13, so our gifts were totally different by then.
What would be your dream place to visit for the holiday season?
New York. I'd love to see the decorations they put up each year.
Most memorable Holiday moment?
The first time my cousin realized that Santa was "here", and to the delight and amusement of everyone, she begged her Daddy to sing a song for Santa, in order for her to get gifts. It was hilarious and heartwarming at the same time.
Do you make New Years resolutions? Do you stick to them?
I make resolutions probably even before New Years is near. Somewhere mid-November. I only stuck to one of them in my entire life. Best thing I could ever stick to, but yea...pathetic when you think about how many resolutions I actually have each year.
What makes the holidays special for you?
Being with family.
What’s the best part about Christmas for you?
The house smells like Christmas, being with family, having that childlike wonder that is inspired by the holiday, the snow...Man, I miss the snow in my home-country.
You have been granted one Christmas wish…what will it be?
Hmmmm....This one's tough. Maybe....I don't know. Oh! I do. For my puppy to be calmer. Not for him to have a complete personality change, but it would be so awesome if he could be less energetic about everything around him. I love him to pieces but that is one hyperactive puppy. In all seriousness, I hope everyone in my family is healthy and happy, including my pupster. That would be the best thing to have, really. Anything else is just secondary.
Wow, sorry for that sadness-inducing phrase. I was just listening to the news and it seems everything is doom and gloom right now. Anyway. That's my Tag. I'll tag a few of you on Twitter. As for the rest of you, if you want to do this tag, leave me a comment so I can visit :D
Use one noise to describe how excited you are for Christmas.
Yaaaaaaayyyyy!
Do you open any presents on Christmas Eve?
I open all presents on Christmas Eve. It's my family's tradition to all get together on the 24th and open prezzies.
What holiday traditions are you looking forward to most this year?
Cooking with mom out family recipes.
Is your Christmas tree real or fake?
Puppy-proof fake. Which means it's made out of cardboard and tinsel. Maybe I'll share a photo, as I'm very proud of my artwork :)
What is your favorite Christmas film?
I have no favorite Christmas movie really. I love a lot of seasonal movies, but I don't have a go-to movie. Usually I binge watch Harry Potter, but I wouldn't call it a favorite.
Where do you usually spend your holiday?
At home, in bed, watching TV shows and reading. Drinking hot tea that's Christmassy-flavored. This year, with a pupster (
What is your favorite Christmas song?
So, so, so many. Eartha Kitt's Santa Baby, almost any Christmas songs Dean Martin sang, there's an awesome interpretation of Baby, It's Cold Outside by Carmen McRae & Sammy Davis Jr. that I adore. There's one version of The 12 Days Of Christmas that is amazing, but I can't find anywhere and I haven't listened to it in ages and that makes me sad.
What is your all-time favourite holiday food/sweet treat?
Just...the entire dinner, really.
Be honest: do you like giving gifts or receiving gifts better?
Ooohhhh...see, I like both, really.
What is your favourite thing about Christmas?
The cheer and the air of hope that's present everywhere, really.
When do you start getting excited for Christmas?
Well...Usually right after Halloween, as soon as the Christmas decorations start appearing in the shops. At the same time, I'm also the weird person that listens to old Christmas songs as soon as August is nearing the end, so I can't give an honest answer here.
What is the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received?
This is book related, obviously, and I've told this story many many times, my aunt and uncle got me the first three Harry Potter books one Christmas, and then it sort of became tradition for them to get me the newest Potter book each Christmas.
What is the worst present you’ve ever received?
Can you believe I've never actually hated a gift I've gotten? I usually appreciate the thought. My great-grandma usually gets us "kids" chocolate each year and that is just my go-to present really. Plus my family has a weird tradition: if we're really unsure what to get the other person (kids not included in this) we usually tell that person "Listen, here's the money I have in mind for your Christmas gift, let's go wherever you want and get your gift together", which is something I've always loved, because I always get books.
As a kid, did a sibling ever receive a present that you wished was for you?
No, because my baby cousin (who I've always thought of as a little sister really) came along when I was 13, so our gifts were totally different by then.
What would be your dream place to visit for the holiday season?
New York. I'd love to see the decorations they put up each year.
Most memorable Holiday moment?
The first time my cousin realized that Santa was "here", and to the delight and amusement of everyone, she begged her Daddy to sing a song for Santa, in order for her to get gifts. It was hilarious and heartwarming at the same time.
Do you make New Years resolutions? Do you stick to them?
I make resolutions probably even before New Years is near. Somewhere mid-November. I only stuck to one of them in my entire life. Best thing I could ever stick to, but yea...pathetic when you think about how many resolutions I actually have each year.
What makes the holidays special for you?
Being with family.
What’s the best part about Christmas for you?
The house smells like Christmas, being with family, having that childlike wonder that is inspired by the holiday, the snow...Man, I miss the snow in my home-country.
You have been granted one Christmas wish…what will it be?
Hmmmm....This one's tough. Maybe....I don't know. Oh! I do. For my puppy to be calmer. Not for him to have a complete personality change, but it would be so awesome if he could be less energetic about everything around him. I love him to pieces but that is one hyperactive puppy. In all seriousness, I hope everyone in my family is healthy and happy, including my pupster. That would be the best thing to have, really. Anything else is just secondary.
Wow, sorry for that sadness-inducing phrase. I was just listening to the news and it seems everything is doom and gloom right now. Anyway. That's my Tag. I'll tag a few of you on Twitter. As for the rest of you, if you want to do this tag, leave me a comment so I can visit :D
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Cover Reveal: Nobody Does It Better by Lexi Blake
A spy who specializes in seduction
Kayla Summers was an elite CIA double agent, working inside China’s deadly MSS. Now, she works for McKay-Taggart London, but the Agency isn’t quite done with her. Spy master Ezra Fain needs her help on a mission that would send her into Hollywood’s glamorous and dangerous party scene. Intrigued by the mission and the movie star hunk she will be shadowing, she eagerly agrees. When she finds herself in his bed, she realizes she’s not only risking her life, but her heart.
A leading man who doesn’t do romance
Joshua Hunt is a legend of the silver screen. As Hollywood’s highest paid actor, he’s the man everyone wants to be, or be with, but something is missing. After being betrayed more than once, the only romance Josh believes in anymore is on the pages of his scripts. He keeps his relationships transactional, and that’s how he likes it, until he meets his new bodyguard. She was supposed to keep him safe, and satisfied when necessary, but now he’s realizing he may never be able to get enough of her.
An ending neither could have expected
Protecting Joshua started off as a mission, until it suddenly felt like her calling. When the true reason the CIA wanted her for this assignment is revealed, Kayla will have to choose between serving her country or saving the love of her life.
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“Kayla?” Her eyes came up, a flash of recognition there. “Yes?”“Are you going to sign the contract or do you have more questions?”
She picked up the pen sitting on top of the contracts that would bind the two of them together for the next six months. They would reevaluate the relationship at that point in time, but for the next six months, she was his. His bodyguard. His submissive.
Bought and properly paid for. He would take care of her and she would give him what he needed.
She signed with a flourish and sat back, a gleam of curiosity in her eyes.
He was curious, too, and there was zero reason to not satisfy their curiosity. Hard and soft limits had been gone over. They would find their communication style as they went along. But first she should understand that he was in control.
“Come sit on my lap.”
She didn’t hesitate. She stood and turned, shifting so she could maneuver her way onto his lap.
Her weight came down on him and he wrapped an arm around her waist. Damn but she made him feel big. He’d seen her take out a man twice her size, but sitting here in his lap she felt small and vulnerable, and fuck him but that did it for him.
He slid a hand along her knee, letting himself indulge in the silky smooth feel of her skin against his palm. “Did you do as I asked?”
He was well aware his voice had gone husky, deeper than normal.
“Yes, Joshua.” She squirmed the tiniest bit, as though trying to find a comfortable position. It might be difficult for her because she was sitting right on his cock, and it was harder and thicker than he could ever remember it being.
“How can I trust you?” This was all part of the game he loved so much. Here he could let go and play out the darker of his impulses—to control, to take, to possess. See. Want. Have.
“You’ll have to check,” she replied. “Though shouldn’t we go inside?”
He reached out and picked up his cell with his free hand, pushing one number and connecting to the security room. He put them on speaker. She needed to understand what she was up against in order for the game to be fair. “Landon?”
“This is Burke,” the deep voice replied. “Shane’s on patrol. What can I do for you?”
“Burke, I would like to fuck my submissive on the third-floor balcony. Is anyone watching us? Can you see any cameras pointed our way?”
A low, masculine chuckle came across the line. “No, Mr. Hunt. And given the angle relative to the beach, you should enjoy your evening without worry. The only peepers I would worry about would be your next door neighbor, and Jared is out for the night.”
“I wouldn’t care if he wasn’t. Keep up the good work.” He hung up and his hand tightened. “I would prefer when we’re playing that you don’t question me like that. I know where I want to fuck you. I know when I want to fuck you, and I’m in charge. If I want you in the middle of a crowded freeway, your only response is a yes or a no. Not to question me.”
She seemed to relax back against him, as though she was giving up the struggle and choosing to submit. “Yes, Joshua. Yes, I understand, and yes to the sex. Please.”
He liked the breathy little please and loved how she squirmed. Still, he wasn’t absolutely sure she’d obeyed him, and he was a man who required proof. He slid his hand up her thigh. “Spread your legs for me.”
NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.
FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
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