Promise of blood by Brian McClellan

 

Series: Powder Mage (#1)

Format: 545 pages, Hardcover

Published: April 16, 2013 by Orbit

Fantasy /own

This was a re'read. I read and loved it, but the thing is I borrowed them from the library! And I always just wanted to own them cos they were so good! But knowing me I only bought book 1 now. I was afraid that I would not like it anymore. But hey, I still loved it! Damn, now I need book 2 and 3 stat!

This is military fantasy and it is so good. It starts with a coup. Tamas, an old general has taken over the palace and there has been a bloodbath. But Tamas just wants to help his people.

Then there is Taniel, his son, a powder mage, who is sent after someone with power, someone who managed to escape.

And last, Adamat, an investigator, who is given the task of figuring out a few things.

Power struggles, war brewing and are the gods coming back? I know I know what happened, but I need that second book!

Great fantasy series

The Age of Kings is dead . . . and I have killed it.

It's a bloody business overthrowing a king...

Field Marshal Tamas' coup against his king sent corrupt aristocrats to the guillotine and brought bread to the starving. But it also provoked war with the Nine Nations, internal attacks by royalist fanatics, and the greedy to scramble for money and power by Tamas's supposed allies: the Church, workers unions, and mercenary forces.

Stretched to his limit, Tamas is relying heavily on his few remaining powder mages, including the embittered Taniel, a brilliant marksman who also happens to be his estranged son, and Adamat, a retired police inspector whose loyalty is being tested by blackmail.

But when gods are involved...

Now, as attacks batter them from within and without, the credulous are whispering about omens of death and destruction. Just old peasant legends about the gods waking to walk the earth. No modern educated man believes that sort of thing. But they should...

In a rich, distinctive world that mixes magic with technology, who could stand against mages that control gunpowder and bullets?

A week to be wicked by Tessa Dare

 

Format: 356 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published: March 27, 2012 by Avon

Series: Spindle Cove (#2)

Historical romance /own

Not exactly my favorite Dare book. I did finish because it was easy and light, but, yes I felt no romance. It was more like bam wham thank you mam. They fancied each other and got dirty. And they had disliked each other the day before. AND they only spent this week together. I just want a bit of romance you know.

Minerva liked rocks. Colin could not sleep without a good fu*k. She was the would be spinster. He needed to marry. Sure I could see them together at the end, but that might have been the smexy chemistry between them.

I did like him making up stories about who they were while travelling, but I could have gone for a bit more actual romance to make me feel something.

Minerva Highwood, one of Spindle Cove's confirmed spinsters, needs to be in Scotland.

Colin Sandhurst, Lord Payne, a rake of the first order, needs to be... anywhere but Spindle Cove.

These unlikely partners have one week to

• fake an elopement

• convince family and friends they're in "love"

• outrun armed robbers

• survive their worst nightmares

• travel four hundred miles without killing each other

All while sharing a very small carriage by day and an even smaller bed by night.

What they don't have time for is their growing attraction. Much less wild passion. And heaven forbid they spend precious hours baring their hearts and souls.

Suddenly one week seems like exactly enough time to find a world of trouble. And maybe... just maybe... love.

Audio review: The return of the Duke by Lorraine Heath

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Series: Once Upon a Dukedom, Book 3

Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins

Release date: 07-26-22

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance /to review

I have been waiting for Marcus' book since he has been sneaking around in the shadows for some time now. His father was hanged, he was thrown into jail, lost fortune and titles, and now he wants answers. He is hunting the dark corners of London for them. And I liked Marcus, he made sure his brother and sister was safe, and still he hunts the darkness.

Esme, yikes. She was his father's mistress and he shows up wanting answers. The tension is high. Esme was self assured, took no bs, and knew what she wanted.

This is a spy book. They need to find out who wants Queen Victoria dead. And obvi they will fall in love. She is so strong, and he has changed since being thrown out on the street.

They worked well together, and I liked the mystery of finding out who might be behind things. This was the last on in the trilogy, but there are some nobles in it that will have a series of their own. I can't wait.

I enjoyed it. It does take them a while to truly trust each other, and to see that they deserved their hea.

Kate Reading is a great narration and makes this fun listening to. Historical romance is just perfect in audio

When his father, the Duke of Wolfford, is hanged for an assassination attempt on Queen Victoria, Marcus Stanwick is stripped of everything. Vowing to return honor to his family, he seeks to expose the others involved in the treasonous plot and bring them to justice. His search forces him to turn to a woman he despises for her unforgiveable betrayal--a woman known as the heartless harlot.

Harboring secrets, Esme Lancaster has her own reasons for wanting to discover who's behind the conspiracy that's still afoot. She doesn't trust Marcus but can't deny the handsome devil makes her wonder if she does indeed possess a heart, one he could very easily steal.

As their hunt for the truth leads them into danger, Marcus finds Esme isn't cold and calculating as he'd assumed but fire and brimstone, with courage and determination to match his own. Soon, they're unable to deny their growing desire for each other. But giving into temptation comes at a cost, and they must decide if love is worth the risk of losing their one chance for redemption.

TMST

 

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

7/26/2022 Do you prefer movies or TV series?

I love both! I love movies cos you know, they end! But I love tv shows cos the continue! Just as long as they do end in time and not drag out for years.

A good movie though is something you can watch again and again, while watching a whole series takes a bloody long time. I think movie wins in the end

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

If you are interested in participating in TMST or receiving periodic emails that list the upcoming TMST topics and questions,  please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.  Participation is optional and never required.

Carole's Monday. Beat of temptation

Author: Nalini Singh

Title: Beat of Temptation

(Psy-Changeling #0.5)

Genre: PNR, Short Story, UF, Sci FI, Novella

Format: ebook

Pages: 79

Published: March 5th 2013

Where I Got It: Library

Summary: 

Innocent Tamsyn has always had a place in her heart for Nathan, a blooded DarkRiver sentinel. But is she ready for the fierce demands of the mating bond?

Review:

Found these short stories at the library so I backed-tracked before moving forward. This one is .5. The events take place a few years before book 1. 

Tamsyn and Nathan are meant to be. They are mates, but Nathan wants her to enjoy her youth before they complete the mating bonds. That is not what Tamsyn wants, but is she ready for the fierce demands of the mating bond? Can she stand and just wait on Nathan's time table?

I wanted to smack the crap out of Nathan. YES, I get him wanting to wait until she was an adult. They first met when she was 15 and he was 20's (or something like that) and they realized they are mates, but she is a baby. Yes, yes. I am happy he wanted her to be an adult before anything could happen. Good on him. BUUUUT the moment she turned 18...and then 19...she was ready but he was all "Nooooo I don't want to tie you down yet. Be freeeeeeee first!!!" Which.... I get I understand he had a fear because his parents were youths when they mated and they became miserable. But if Tamsyn is ready and you feel ready...then you are ready. Gah dumb men. 

Even though I enjoyed this a lot, I was just so annoyed. Hell...the rest of the pack was all "DUDE JUST COMPLETE THE MATING BOND ALREADY IDIOT!" And then he gets all surprised she has enough and doesn't feel wanted and leaves?????

But yes. I enjoyed it even though Nathan was a dumb-dumb. I loved seeing them as a young couple. I loved seeing some of my beloved folks as youths. Teenage Lucas was adorable!

In the end, this was fun but I was mad at Nathan for 90% of the story. Sighs. Men are dumb and selfish sometimes. But yes, if you love the series I recommend back-tracking and checking this one out. 3 stars from me. 

Author: Nalini Singh

Title: Stroke of Enticement

(Psy-Changeling #3.5)

Genre: PNR, Short Story, UF, Sci FI, Novella

Format: ebook

Pages: 75

Published:  2008

Where I Got It: Library

Summary: 

In Stroke of Enticement , Annie a wary young teacher, skeptical about love, arouses the man—and the animal—in an aggressive leopard changeling who must prove his affections are true.

Review:

Found these short stories at the library so I backed-tracked before moving forward. This one is 3.5.

Here we have Annie who is a human teacher who has come to the area to teach the young kids. She has to deal with different packs and different races. She is young, but she is skeptical about love because of her parents. In strides Zach Quinn. He realizes that they are meant for each other. She is his mate, but he wants to court her and prove his affections are true and forever. 

Squeeee I adored Zach Quinn!!!! He was perfect for Annie. I loved how he realized he needed to move slow-ish for Annie. He is the sweetest! 

Yes, they start dating pretty quickly, but Zach doesn't want her to get scared of the mating bond and that if done right they will be together forever. She is a commitment-phobe and doesn't want her heart broken.

Loved this one so much. I loved seeing them all celebrate Xmas. I wish this had been a full novel. I love them. 

In the end, you can read this without the others. I don't recall hearing about Zach and Annie in the others...now I'll have to keep my eyes out for their names. Cute couple. They were perfect for each other! 4 stars from me. Not 5 because I felt like we needed more time with them. They deserved a full book darnit!!!!! LOL I could be biased though.... 

Wild sign by Patricia Briggs

Series: Alpha & Omega (#6), Mercy Thompson World (#18)

Format: 320 pages, Paperback

Published: March 18, 2021 by Orbit

Urban fantasy /own

Charles and Anna are sent to see what is hiding in the woods. Something got rid of an entire village.

Book 6, I want to make it short. I binged in a day, easy fast read, but then I did have a lot of time to read too.

Anna and Charles are a perfect duo. They get the job done.

Ack Bran, I learned how he and Leah ended up together, I still had that B*tch.

And that ending, intriguing. I can't wait for more.

Great as always. Not a lot more to say

In the wilds of the Northern California mountains, all the inhabitants of a small town have gone missing. It's as if the people picked up and left everything they owned behind. Fearing something supernatural might be going on, the FBI taps a source they've consulted in the past: the werewolves Charles Cornick and Anna Latham. But Charles and Anna soon find a deserted town is the least of the mysteries they face.

Death sings in the forest, and when it calls, Charles and Anna must answer. Something has awakened in the heart of the California mountains, something old and dangerous — and it has met werewolves before.

Meet me in the middle by Alex Light

Narrated by: Lillie Ricciardi, Andrew Eiden

Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins

Release date: 07-12-22

Publisher: HarperAudio

YA fiction / to review

Ya fiction, the emotional kind, the ones I always pick. In this one two people are running from their pain.

Eden moved to a place of her own and numbs her pain with work and sleep. And blames herself. Come on Eden! Like you could have stopped your bestie! She would always have gone out.

Then there is Truman, who is also blaming himself. Like hello. You were having a party, your sister would always have gone out anyway. 

They were also kissing at the time and thinks that if they are together all hell will break loose. But yes grief makes people numb and dumb. But they really needed to talk to someone. Eden was depressed, Truman felt like he could go suicidal. And they never really dealt with their grief either in a healthy way. I think they could have lift each other up. 

Not a lot happens. Grief, meeting again and letting go...not of the grief though. I just wanted them to grow a bit, now it was just sad.

Not sure about this one. I listened but yes I never felt anything.

Still the narrators did their best with what they had to work with.

Eden had her best friend Katie--she didn’t need anyone else. But then there was Truman.

Katie’s older brother, the artist. The recluse. The boy with the innocent smile and the dangerous eyes.

Eden had never really known Truman--not until the night of Katie’s accident. That was the night they’d finally let each other into their orbit--only to have the sky come crashing down on them.

With Katie in the hospital and Truman fleeing from his grief without a word, Eden is left alone to grapple with her own pain. But when Truman returns to the city, can Eden let him back into her life knowing that their first kiss is what tore their world apart?

TMST

 

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

7/19/2022 Tell us about a book that made you cry (movie if you can't remember)

Oh I suck at remembering these kind of things. I am sure there have been others after it, but right now all I can think of is the movie Ashes in the snow. Damn that movie was so sad. And you have to see it.

Books are harder, they seldom make me cry. Sure they can make me sad, but cry nah.  Let me think, there was something. Nope, dunno. Looking at Goodreads I have to go back to The second Mrs Astor by Shana Abe. I remember the part too, him standing there with the dog on the Titanic.

For me to cry it has to be a punch to the gut, a plotwist, something truly sad, or a hurt animal.

7/26/2022 Do you prefer movies or TV series?

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

If you are interested in participating in TMST or receiving periodic emails that list the upcoming TMST topics and questions,  please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.  Participation is optional and never required.

Carole's Monday: The day you went away

Author: M.J. Scott

Title: The Day You Went Away

(The Wild Side #0.5)

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Sci Fi, Short story, UF

Format: ebook

Pages: 44

Published:  November 2nd 2014

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon freebie)

Summary: 

Ashley Keenan thought she'd found the one in Daniel Gibson. That they were going to be in love for a lifetime. But it only takes a moment to change forever.

Review:

Gotta love the freebies from Amazon. I seen this and had to read it. 

This is a prequel to the Wild Side series. This short story follows Ashley and Daniel. Ashley thought she found the one when she first started dating Daniel, but it can only take a moment to change things forever. After he is turned into a werewolf, she can't stay with him and he can't stay with her. 

This was so sad. I barely know these two characters, but I could feel my heart breaking for them. It is dangerous for humans to date werewolves...especially new werewolves who can barely control themselves. After a bad event, the two break up and that is where it ends. 

Now I HAVE to read book 1. I need to know what happens next. There is a teeny, tiny glimmer of hope for Ashley, but we shall see. 

But yes, this was short, but good. We had a few pages, but I already fell in love with Ashley and Dan. I can't wait to get my hands on book 1. 

I def recommend this! It may make you want to read book 1 like me ;) 

I think I'll give this 5 stars! Book 1 here I come!

Paradise by Laura Maria Censabella

Format: 99 pages, Audiobook

Published: January 18, 2022 by L.A. Theatre Works

Narrated by: Jeff Marlow, Medalion Rahimi

Length: 2 hrs and 3 mins

Own

Obviously a audiobook like this is not for me. So many sounds! It is based on a play so they brought out all the stops, sounds and voices. And being used to just one voice most of the time and no special effects, well it was a bit much.

As a play it works well, I could see the play before me. Listening is different since it is so obvi a play in how it was built. And the end just came and I was all...more?

But it was short and I wanted a short one.

The book is mostly two people talking, the end.

Yasmeen Al-Hamadi is a Muslim, Yemeni-American senior at a struggling inner-city Bronx high school. Dr. Guy Royston is her disaffected science teacher, a former Evangelical with a mysterious past. An unlikely research team, together they embark on a neurological study, leading to stormy conflicts over love, faith and culture. L.A. Theatre Works edition.

The shadow of the gods by John Gwynne

Series: Bloodsworn Saga (#1)

Format: 528 pages, Paperback

Published: May 4, 2021 by Orbit

Fantasy /own

This turned out to be one of the best books so far this year. And that ending was epic! Bloody amazing.

There are three povs.

Varg, a slave who wants to revenge his murdered sister. But he is being hunted and is fleeing for his life.

Orka, who used to be a warrior, but settled down with a husband and child. But now children are going missing in her village.

Elvar, who joined a warband hoping to find glory. But she has a secret.

I did like Orka the most. She was a mom, and she was fierce. Again, that ending. Dang! Varg was interesting and there is something about him. Elvar was good, but yes I can't say I connect with someone seeking clearing as much as someone seeking her son.

The world was norse inspired, with words and things showing that and really giving that feeling about hardened viking warriors, feuding jarls and a ragnarök that seems to have come and gone. Gods dead and in one instance a corpse of one spread across half the world. Not to mention a dragon one still being guarded under earth, but having faded to legend. But legends always have truth in them.

There are battles, revenge, death, destruction, a rich interesting world and a war coming. I can't wait! I want the next book at once. Really good fantasy.

After the old gods warred and drove themselves to extinction, the cataclysm of their fall shattered the land of Vigrio. Now, power-hungry jarls carve out petty kingdoms, and monsters stalk the shadow-haunted woods and mountains. A world where the bones of the dead gods still hold great power, promising fame and fortune for those brave - or desperate - enough to seek them out.

As whispers of war echo over the plains and across the fjords, fate follows the footsteps of three people: a huntress searching for her missing son, a jarl's daughter who has rejected privilege in pursuit of battle fame, and a thrall who has cast off his chains and now fights alongside the famed mercenaries known as the Bloodsworn. All three will shape the fate of the world, as it once more teeters on the edge of chaos.

Review: Eclipse the moon by Jessie Mihalik

Narrated by: Frankie Corzo

Series: Hunt the Stars, Book 2

Length: 12 hrs and 21 mins

Release date: 07-12-22

Publisher: HarperAudio

Sci fi romance / to review

Things are heating up in space, and with that I mean a war might be coming. Again.

Kee knows her way around information, and she wants to help after how things went down in book 1. Disclaimer, sure you could jump in and struggle a bit, but it is always best to start with book 1. There you get the whole a war happened, and how things are going now.

In book 1 Kee and Varro also had a rough start, but she now fancies the pants out of him, but he is really stand offish.

Varro is from another planet. One where they gained powers through out the years living there. The powers he has is even feared among his own kind. And he also has some issues with feelings because of that. To let someone in, then he comes out .

It is a bit of will they or not. It takes time. But I liked that things takes time.

The actual story has them trying to get information, and then being on the run. Lots of action leaves no room for romance. So that fits. But there will be romance too, and danger.

I enjoyed this one and wonder what comes next. Things are left unfinished. The hunt is still on. And I wonder which couple comes next.

Good narrator. She had a good feel for the book and the characters.  Good voices that fits different people.

Kee Ildez has been many things: hacker, soldier, bounty hunter. She never expected to be a hero, but when a shadowy group of traitors starts trying to goad the galaxy’s two superpowers into instigating an interstellar war, Kee throws herself into the search to find out who is responsible—and stop them. Digging up hidden information is her job, so hunting traitors should be a piece of cake, but the primary suspect spent years in the military, and someone powerful is still covering his tracks. Disrupting their plans will require the help of her entire team, including Varro Runkow, a Valovian weapons expert who makes her pulse race.

Quiet, grumpy, and incredibly handsome, Varro watches her with hot eyes but ignores all of her flirting, so Kee silently vows to keep her feelings strictly platonic. But that vow will be put to the test when she and Varro are forced to leave the safety of their ship and venture into enemy territory alone. Cut off from the rest of their team, they must figure out how to work together—and fast—because a single misstep will cost thousands of lives.

TMST

 

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

7/12/2022 Do you read graphic novels? Why or why not?

Sometimes. The simple answer being, I tried eformat, and it sucked! So my only way is to read a print and the library does not exactly have a lot to offer. And buying....ehh, nah. Too expensive here too.

Sorry graphic novels!

7/19/2022 Tell us about a book that made you cry (movie if you can't remember)

7/26/2022 Do you prefer movies or TV series?

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

If you are interested in participating in TMST or receiving periodic emails that list the upcoming TMST topics and questions,  please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.  Participation is optional and never required.

Carole's Monday review

Author: Kate Forsyth

Title: The Crimson Thread

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: paperback

Pages: 350

Published:  July 5th 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Summary: 

In Crete during World War II, Alenka, a young woman who fights with the resistance against the brutal Nazi occupation, finds herself caught between her traitor of a brother and the man she loves, an undercover agent working for the Allies.

May 1941. German paratroopers launch a blitzkrieg from the air against Crete. They are met with fierce defiance, the Greeks fighting back with daggers, pitchforks, and kitchen knives. During the bloody eleven-day battle, Alenka, a young Greek woman, saves the lives of two Australian soldiers.

Jack and Teddy are childhood friends who joined up together to see the world. Both men fall in love with Alenka. They are forced to retreat with the tattered remains of the Allied forces over the towering White Mountains. Both are among the seven thousand Allied soldiers left behind in the desperate evacuation from Crete's storm-lashed southern coast. Alenka hides Jack and Teddy at great risk to herself. Her brother Axel is a Nazi sympathiser and collaborator and spies on her movements.

As Crete suffers under the Nazi jackboot, Alenka is drawn into an intense triangle of conflicting emotions with Jack and Teddy. Their friendship suffers under the strain of months of hiding and their rivalry for her love. Together, they join the resistance and fight to free the island, but all three will find themselves tested to their limits. Alenka must choose whom to trust and whom to love and, in the end, whom to save.

Review:

Can't help myself when I see a WWII novel...especially if it has women doing their part! So yesss I was so excited to get started on this one! I've read a previous book by this author so that made me extra excited!

We follow Alenka, Jack, and Teddy. Alenka is a young Greek woman who fights with the resistance against the Nazi occupation. She finds herself dealing with not only the Nazis, but her traitor of a brother, the men she loves, and being an undercover agent working for the Allies. She has a lot on her plate. Jack and Teddy are longtime friends who joined up together to see the world and fight the Nazis. They find themselves forced to retreat with the tattered remains of the Allied forces over the White Mountains. They are left behind during the evacuation from Crete. Alenka hides both of them. As Crete suffers under the Nazi boot, Alenka finds herself drawn into a dangerous triangle of conflicting emotions with Jack and Teddy. Teddy and Jack find their friendship will suffer under the strain of months of hiding and rivalry for Alenka's love. 

I really should read more by this author! I read a previous book a while back and liked it. And then I read this one and liked it too. This author is talented and really knows how to bring the world to life and make characters that will stay with you!! 

At first, I did not like Alenka at all. I thought she was whiney and annoying. She did grow on me as we went along but it took a few chapters. And then I loved her. She is a brave woman indeed! 

I liked Teddy and Jack. Jack more than Teddy. You can't help but root for Jack! 

Honestly...I had no idea what was going to happen. I was so worried! Between the Nazi scum running around and Alenka's brother????? Ugh. I was on the edge of my seat. Her brother was scum too because he LOVED the Nazis and wanted to join them and help them. Poor Alenka. Poor thing had to grow up so quickly because of the war. 

Normally I try and stay away from love triangles but I do make exceptions from time to time. The triangle here didn't bug me at all since it didn't take over the plot. Yes, there are a lot of feelings...but they do have bigger fish to fry so we get to see other things play out. We also didn't have over-the-top dramatic scenes that make me roll my eyes. The author did a wonderful job balancing the angst of the love issues and real-life war issues. It felt real and I applaud the author for this. 

There are some dark scenes, but it is war...so you know you are going to see some bad, bad stuff. The author didn't make it overly graphic so for those with weaker stomachs, you'll be okay. But yes, fair warning this is set during one of the deadliest times in history. 

I did shed a couple of tears. I won't spoil anything, but I did have to wipe my eyes a couple times. 

In the end, I simply couldn't put this down! The author is fantastic at bringing characters to life and making them complex and fascinating. You'll get swept away and not want to stop reading. You'll love the characters. I did struggle a little bit with one of the main characters, but I soon grew to love her as much as the other two. I highly recommend this for my historical fiction lovers. 5 stars from me. 

I'm having some good books so far for July *knocks on wood so I don't jinx this good luck*! That makes me happy...I was striking out a lot earlier in the month/end of June. 

Giveaway!!

 Enter to win a copy of The Crimson Thread by Kate Forsyth! We have 10 copies up for grabs! The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on July 29th. You must be 18 or older to enter. Embed Code: The Crimson Thread Direct Link: https://gleam.io/OAUjk/the-crimson-thread

2022 #AUDIOBOOK CHALLENGE MID-YEAR CHECK-IN

I am going for Over achiever and it is looking good! :)

Newbie (I’ll give it a try) 1-5

Weekend Warrior (I’m getting the hang of this) 5-10

Stenographer (can listen while multitasking) 10-15

Socially Awkward (Don’t talk to me) 15-20

Binge Listener (Why read when someone can do it for you) 20-30

My Precious (I had my earbuds surgically implanted) 30+

Marathoner (Look Ma No Hands) 50+

Over-Achiever (Power Listener) 75+

The 100 Club (Audiobook Elite) 100+

 56. Paradise by Censabella, Laura Maria

55. In Plain Sight: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Jacobson, Don *

54. You Were Made to Be Mine (The Palace of Rogues, #5) by Long, Julie Anne *

53. A Year to the Day by Benway, Robin *

52. Juniper & Thorn: A Novel by Reid, Ava *

51. How to Steal a Scoundrel's Heart (The Mating Habits of Scoundrels, #4) by Lorret, Vivienne

50. A Proposal They Can't Refuse by Caña, Natalie *

49. The Exile: The Countess Visits Longbourn: A Pride & Prejudice Variation (The Bennet Wardrobe Book 5) by Jacobson, Don

48. The Longbourn Quarantine by Jacobson, Don *

47. How We Ricochet by Gardner, Faith 

46. The Messy Lives of Book People by Patrick, Phaedra *

45. Threads of Magic: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (Mr. Darcy's Magic Book 2) by Fairview, Monica *

44. That Cowboy of Mine by Grant, Donna *

43. Not Just Any Earl (Games Earls Play, #1) by Bradley, Anna *

42. The Dachshund Wears Prada by London, Stefanie *

41. Lizzy Bennet Meets the Countess (Bennet Wardrobe Book 4) by Jacobson, Don *

40. All the Duke I Need (Desperately Seeking Duke, #3) by Caroline Linden *

39. The Exile: Kitty Bennet and the Belle Epoque (The Bennet Wardrobe #3) by Jacobson, Don *

38. Fool Me Once by Winstead, Ashley *

37. Where Dreams Begin: A Novel - Kleypas, Lisa *

36. Bloomsbury Girls - Jenner, Natalie *

35. The Wedding Crasher - Sosa, Mia *

34. Birds of California - Cotugno, Katie *

33. The Barbarian King's Assassin - Langlais, Eve *

32. The Keeper: Mary Bennet's Extraordinary Journey (The Bennet Wardrobe Book 1) - Jacobson, Don 

31. Henry Fitzwilliam's War (Bennet Wardrobe Book 2) - Jacobson, Don *

30. Being Mary Bennet - Peterson, J.C. *

29. Urban Witch - Langlais, Eve *

28. Faults of Understanding: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - Altman, Jennifer *

27. A Duke Worth Falling For - MacLean, Sarah *

26. How to Be a Wallflower (Would-Be Wallflowers, #1) - James, Eloisa *

25. Chase Wilde Comes Home (Wyoming Wilde, #1) - Ryan, Jennifer *

24. Dating Dr. Dil (If Shakespeare was an Auntie, #1) - Sharma, Nisha *

23. Gallant - Schwab, V.E.

22. The Hook Up (First Impressions, #3) - Fenske, Tawna *

21. A River Enchanted (Elements of Cadence, #1) - Ross, Rebecca *

20. This Woven Kingdom (This Woven Kingdom, #1)  Mafi, Tahereh

19. Crowbones (The World of the Others, #3; The Others, #8) - Bishop, Anne

18. The Good Girl's Guide to Rakes (Last Chance Scoundrels, #1)  Leigh, Eva *

17. Last Duke Standing (A Royal Match, #1) - London, Julia *

16. A Thousand Steps Into Night - Chee, Traci

15. Hook, Line, and Sinker (Bellinger Sisters, #2) - Bailey, Tessa

14. Hunt the Stars (Starlight's Shadow, #1)  Mihalik, Jessie *

13. Let It Be Me (The Blue Raven, #5) - Noble, Kate

12. Crescendo: The Story of a Musical Genius Who Forever Changed a Southern Town - Cheney, Allen 

11. Poemsia - Leav, Lang

10. Bruised - Boteju, Tanya *

9. Loveboat Reunion - Wen, Abigail Hing *

8. Daughter of the Moon Goddess  - Tan, Sue Lynn *

7. One True Loves (Happily Ever Afters, #2) - Bryant, Elise *

6. His Lessons on Love (A Logical Man's Guide to Dangerous Women, #3) - Maxwell, Cathy *

5. The Kindred - Dow, Alechia *

4. The Henna Wars - Adiba Jaigirdar *

3. The Highlander's Captive - Wine, Mary

2. Last Dragon Standing (Heartstrikers, #5) - Aaron, Rachel *

1. Five Daughters Out at Once: A Pride & Prejudice Variation - Bamber, Jayne 

The Queen of sorrow by Sarah Beth Durst

 

415 pages, Hardcover

Series: The Queens of Renthia (#3)

May 15, 2018 by Harper Voyager

Fantasy /own

This was a chore to finish. I liked book 1, book 2 was not as strong, but I still wanted to try 3. And 3 was an utter disappointment. I wanted to dnf, but since it was the third I tried my best.

I hated everyone.

The spirits should just eat everyone

Srsly the bad guy! Whatever

Nope nope nope

Queen Daleina has yearned to bring peace and prosperity to her beloved forest home—a hope that seemed doomed when neighboring forces invaded Aratay. Now, with the powerful Queen Naelin ruling by her side, Daleina believes that her dream of ushering in a new era can be realized, even in a land plagued by malevolent nature spirits who thirst for the end of human life. And then Naelin’s children are kidnapped by spirits.

Nothing is more important to her than her family, and Naelin would rather watch the world burn than see her children harmed. Blaming the defeated Queen Merecot of Semo for the kidnapping, Naelin is ready to start a war—and has the power to do it.

But Merecot has grander plans than a bloody battle with her southern neighbors. Taking the children is merely one step in a plot to change the future of all Renthia, either by ending the threat of spirits once and for all . . . or plunging the world into chaos.

TMST

 

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

7/5/2022  Which book turned into a movie is your favorite? 

Favorite book or movie? Because sure I enjoyed Lotr and the Hobbit as books, but as movies they blew my mind!!

Though I must say Dune the book is amazing, and Dune the movie, (the new movie, not that shit from 84.) was also AMAZING. Omg, applauds.

You know what, I will go with Dune because both movie and book rocks. But there are so many good adaptations out there, Austen movies anyone!

7/12/2022 Do you read graphic novels? Why or why not?

7/19/2022 Tell us about a book that made you cry (movie if you can't remember)

7/26/2022 Do you prefer movies or TV series?

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

If you are interested in participating in TMST or receiving periodic emails that list the upcoming TMST topics and questions,  please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.  Participation is optional and never required.

Carole's Monday: Hostage to pleasure

Author: Nalini Singh

Title: Hostage to Pleasure

(Psy-Changeling #5)

Genre: Paranormal Romance, UF, SciFi, Fantasy

Format: ebook

Pages: 330

Published: September 2nd 2008

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Separated from her son and forced to create a neural implant that will mean the effective enslavement of her psychically gifted race, Ashaya Aleine is the perfect Psy—cool, calm, emotionless . . . at least on the surface. Inside, she's fighting a desperate battle to save her son and escape the vicious cold of the PsyNet. Yet when escape comes, it leads not to safety, but to the lethal danger of a sniper's embrace.

DarkRiver sniper Dorian Christensen lost his sister to a Psy killer. Though he lacks the changeling ability to shift into animal form, his leopard lives within. And that leopard's rage at the brutal loss is a clawing darkness that hungers for vengeance. Falling for a Psy has never been on Dorian's agenda. But charged with protecting Ashaya and her son, he discovers that passion has a way of changing the rules . . .

Review:

The last one of the series was meh for me, so I was a little nervous about starting this one.

Here we follow Ashaya and Dorian. Ashaya is the perfect Psy. She is cool, calm, and emotionless...at least on the surface. When she is separated from her son and forced to create a neural implant that will mean the effective enslavement of her race, she is forced to escape. Which lands her in more danger with the DarkRiver sniper named Dorian. Dorian is a changeling, but he lacks the ability to actually transform into his animal form. After losing his sister to a Psy Killer, he has a rage building and he hungers for vengeance. Falling for each other is not on the agenda. 

I struggled a little bit with this one. Mainly because I didn't buy them as a couple. I liked them both, but as a couple? It seemed so impossible and the chemistry seemed lacking. 

However, I loved watching the story unfold. I couldn't stop reading because I had to know how everything was going to be fixed. The bad guy was fun! Super bad. 

I love this world even though there is such bad blood between the races.

Maybe in the next book, we'll see more of Ashaya and Dorian and I'll understand and see them be all in love and happy. But yes, even though I struggled with this couple I can't wait for the next book. Things are getting good. 

In the end, this was okay. I struggled with seeing them fall in love and etc, but I enjoyed the story itself and the world. Can't wait for the next book. I'll give this 3 stars.