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.
ADD TO GOODREADSPRE ORDER NOW
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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.”
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Trailer Reveal: Whiskey Secrets by Carrie Ann Ryan
Carrie Ann Ryan's WHISKEY AND LIES kicks off in January...but we couldn't wait to share the trailer of the first book, WHISKEY SECRETS! Check it out below, find out more about the series (and how it ties into the Montgomery Ink series!) and preorder your copies today!
About the WHISKEY AND LIES series
The Montgomery Ink world just got a big larger. Dark heroes, tragic pasts, and heroines who rock their worlds…the Collins Brothers are about to see what happens when their small Pennsylvanian town gets shocked to its core.
The Collins Brothers just want to go about their business and live their lives. They’re in no mood for what happens when three women come into their lives when they’re least expecting it. One comes to change what was lost, another comes to prove what could be, while the third reveals what’s already been there all along.
Whiskey, Pennsylvania just got a little bit bigger and this town might not be ready for what’s coming.
Tabby’s Brothers from Ink Exposed get a series of their own.
Each book is a complete stand alone and can be read in any order.
About WHISKEY SECRETS (Whiskey and Lies #1)
Sparks fly between a former cop-turned-bartender and his new innkeeper in the first installment of a Montgomery Ink spin-off series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan.
Dare Collins is a man who knows his whiskey and women—or at least that’s what he tells himself. When his family decides to hire on a new innkeeper for the inn above his bar and restaurant, he’s more than reluctant. Especially when he meets the new hire. But he’ll soon find that he has no choice but to work with this city girl and accept her new ideas and the burning attraction between them.
Kenzie Owens left her old life and an abusive relationship behind her—or so she thought. She figures she’ll be safe in Whiskey, Pennsylvania but after one look at her new boss, Dare Collins, she might still be in danger, or at least her heart. And when her past catches up with her despite her attempts to avoid it, it’s more than her heart on the line. This time, it might mean her life.
WHISKEY SECRETS releases January 2nd, 2018 - preorder your copy now!
✦Amazon http://amzn.to/2oIB7KT
✦iBooks http://apple.co/2j4i3qE
✦Barnes & Noble http://bit.ly/2tkoES5
✦Kobo http://bit.ly/2hLUb63
✦Google Play http://bit.ly/2stO9gP
✦Amazon Paperback http://amzn.to/2nHuho9
See the WHISKEY SECRETS Trailer:
Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Talon Pack, and Gallagher Brothers series, which have sold over 2.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over fifty novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not writing about bearded tattooed men or alpha wolves that need to find their mates, she’s reading as much as she can and exploring the world of baking and gourmet cooking.
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Top Ten Tuesday #16: Top Ten Favorite Books of 2017
Top Ten Tuesday is weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.
Hello everyone! Here we are with another round of Top Ten Tuesday and we're discussing the Top Ten Favorite Books of 2017
Well. It's still early to decide, since I still have some books I need to finish. Also, compiling this list has made me realize I've read way more adult books this year than YA. Might go on and rectify that next year, just to keep a balance of things. Anyway, here's my favorite books I read in 2017 so far, in absolutely no particular order:
- Blood Red Kiss by Kresley Cole, Larissa Ione & Gena Showalter - It's really no surprise I love this book, since it has stories from three of my favorite authors. Read my review here.
- Beauty of the Beast by Rachel L. Demeter - This is probably my bookish discovery of the year in the adult department. I absolutely adored this book and I really encourage you to read this book if you love the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale and you want a new, non-fantastical, non-magical, take on the fairy tale. You can also read my review here.
- Pillow Thoughts by Courtney Peppernell - This was my first poetry book in way, way over a decade. It was recommended to me by Ray from The Royal Polar Bear Reads and I had a ton of fun reading it. You can read my review here.
- Monstress Vol 2: The Blood by Marjorie M Liu - Are you surprised that this book is here? This was my favorite comic book EVER. I may still be a newbie in this genre, but I can safely say this book will probably be my favorite comic book for a very, very long time. Read my review here.
- Caraval by Stephanie Garber - If there's one super popular YA book that I am thankful for giving in and reading it is this one. Caraval was fantastic and I am very excited for the next book to come out. Read my review here.
- Originally Human by Eileen Wilks - This was my first audiobook ever, guys. And it was everything I hoped for. It's a GraphicAudio production, and at the time I listened to it it a freebie. It reminded me of the old theater plays I used to listen to on vinyl as a kid.
- The Becoming by Jeanne C Stein - This was a book I bought on impulse at a second hand store, and I am super happy I got it. It felt like one of the older urban fantasy books I used to read and I really enjoyed it.
- Storm of Ecstasy by Setta Jay - Although I absolutely love the entire Guardians of the Realms series, this book showed a widening of the mythology and the entire world within that series, and it reminded me of one of my favorite movies, Stargate.
- Master Bits & Mercenary Bites - Girls Night by Lexi Blake & Suzanne M. Johnson - I couldn't not have a Lexi Blake book on this list. It's just not possible, guys. Okay, so the reason I loved this book is that it took two of my favorite things, mashed them up together perfectly and put them into a single book: food and romance. The recipes are fantastic, the snippets are awesome and I am keeping my fingers crossed for more of these books to come out in the future. Read my review here.
- Razr by Larissa Ione - This story was not only fantastic, but I feel it kinda changed the world of the Demonica series a little bit. There were some things going on in this book that I wonder what kind of effects it will have on the world of my beloved demons and angels and horsemen and horsewoman. I am definitely hoping that this will be explored in the future. Read my review here.
This is it guys. The top ten books I've read so far in 2017. I'm not ready for the year to be over though.
What about you? Which books will end up on your Top Ten list for 2017?
Monday, December 11, 2017
Book Review: Denying Ecstasy by Setta Jay
Series: Guardians Of The Realms #3
Audience: +18
Genre: Erotic Romance, Paranormal Romance,
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: June 28th 2014
My Rating: 5 Cups
Source: My copy
Blurb (from Goodreads):
A headstrong sassy mortal, Rain is a Mageia living in Tetartos, the Realm of beasts and Immortals. Her nights have been restless, filled with sensual dreams of a big blonde Guardian whose glares indicate he wants nothing to do with her. She is determined to shake off the odd feelings until she finds out her dream lover is responsible for her rescue from a demented Demi-God. In doing so, his touch ignites something rare and coveted. Something that she’s never anticipated… Something he should have told her about. Rain is set on making him explain and then feel the full force of her ire.The story of the Guardians of the four realms of the Earth continues in Denying Ecstasy and let me tell you, it was fantastic.
After a devastating betrayal resulting in the loss of a close friend a century ago, Dorian refuses to trust or engage with Immortals other than his Guardian family. His years of brutal fighting in the underground Immortal rings are over. He patrols the Realms and slakes his lust with the humans on Earth. Existing, but not living as he used to. He knows the moment he scents Rain that he has found his mate and after touching her he plans to avoid her as long as he can... Until he learns she is in danger. Raging, his beast demands that he go to her, but taking her from their enemy has repercussions he fully plans to escape at all costs.
For Dorian, finding a way out of mating Rain means he could succumb to madness and harm those that mean so much to him… but giving in to his burning urge for her means losing control in a heated mating frenzy sure to ignite them both and link them forever.
Dorian is a male that's been betrayed in the past, a betrayal that resulted in the death of a really close friend. That betrayal makes him reject the fact that he might have a mate, no matter how badly resisting the frenzy hurts him or Rain. He is a very proud male that doesn't trust easily, and for that reason he tries really hard to resist being with Rain. At the same time, though, he can't help but be drawn to her. He's a very strong, very powerful, very loyal male, and because of his status as one of the twelve Guardians he can't get over the fact that his behavior, his lust, resulted in his best friend dying. He's being really hard on himself, and while his refusal to accept that he's found his mate might seem a bit exaggerated, it kinda makes sense. I saw his refusal as a form of self punishment more than him not trusting Rain, since his best friend will never get the chance to find his fated mate. Sure, there's some mistrust there on his part, since he was betrayed by a female he knew, but I still think it was more him punishing himself than anything else. I really felt sorry for Dorian, because I could tell how truly sorry he was, how much he regretted the past.
At the same time we have Rain, who is the perfect female for Dorian in my opinion. She is Alyssa's best friend, and while Rain is not necessarily jealous of her childhood friend, she's definitely feeling her mortality a little bit. I loved the fact that that she didn't let Dorian walk all over her and that she called him out a few times when she had the chance. At the same time, I also felt sorry for her, because the actions of one hateful woman had so much power over Dorian, and by extent, over Rain herself.
While the focus of the story is mostly on Dorian and Rain, we do get some Brianne and Vane scenes that I love. I kept wishing for them to be mates, because they truly love each other. So I'm really curious to see what will happen with these two.
As already used to from the first two books of the series, this book was HOT. And I do mean steamy, guys! The immortals in this book are sexual creatures and the mortals that are mated to them are just as affected by the mating frenzy as the immortals themselves. So do keep that in mind.
There were a few things going on in this book that made me very, very curious to find out what's next for the Guardians and the world in general. I like the way this story is going and I cannot wait for more.
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