Thursday, April 30, 2020

24 Hour Reading Challenge Update 9

I read my next book, The King's Games, and I'm going to be reading Ice Kissed next! I missed this short story, but better late than never! Not going to finish Ice Kissed in an hour or two, probably more like 10 or 11 tomorrow. Oh, well!

My Reading Journey:

The Darkness We Hide by Debra Webb
Started On: April 27th
Finished On: April 28th, 1:03 AM
Pages Read: 352

Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 28th
Finished On: April 28th, 2:35 PM
Pages Read: 599

Gemina by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 28th
Finished On: April 29th, 12:12 AM
Pages Read: 659

Obsidio by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 29th
Finished On: April 29th, 7:04 PM
Pages Read: 615

The Immortal Conquistador by Carrie Vaughn
Started On: April 29th
Finished On: April 29th, 8:59 PM
Pages Read: 192

Titan's Day by Dan Stout
Started On: April 29th
Finished On: Arril 30th, 12:08 AM
Pages Read: 432

The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea by Kerrelyn Sparks
Started On: April 30th
Finished On: April 30th, 12:36 PM
Pages Read: 416

Frostfire by Amanda Hocking
Started On: April 30th
Finished On: April 30th, 10:09 PM
Pages Read: 321

The King's Games  by Amanda Hocking
Started On: April 30th
Finished On: April 30th, 11:13 PM
Pages Read: 60

Ice Kissed by Amanda Hocking
Started On: May 1st
Currently On: Page 0 of 304

Goals: 15-19
Read: 9
Pages Read: 3646

24 Hour Reading Challenge Update 8

I read my next book, Frostfire, and I'm going to be reading Ice Kissed next! Took me longer than I would've liked, but I got some blogging done. I think I can finish Ice Kissed either today or the wee hours of tomorrow, so I'm going to try!

My Reading Journey:

The Darkness We Hide by Debra Webb
Started On: April 27th
Finished On: April 28th, 1:03 AM
Pages Read: 352

Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 28th
Finished On: April 28th, 2:35 PM
Pages Read: 599

Gemina by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 28th
Finished On: April 29th, 12:12 AM
Pages Read: 659

Obsidio by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 29th
Finished On: April 29th, 7:04 PM
Pages Read: 615

The Immortal Conquistador by Carrie Vaughn
Started On: April 29th
Finished On: April 29th, 8:59 PM
Pages Read: 192

Titan's Day by Dan Stout
Started On: April 29th
Finished On: Arril 30th, 12:08 AM
Pages Read: 432

The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea by Kerrelyn Sparks
Started On: April 30th
Finished On: April 30th, 12:36 PM
Pages Read: 416

Frostfire by Amanda Hocking
Started On: April 30th
Finished On: April 30th, 10:09 PM
Pages Read: 321

Ice Kissed by Amanda Hocking
Started On: April 30th
Currently On: Page 0 of 304

Goals: 15-19
Read: 8
Pages Read: 3586

24 Hour Reading Challenge Update 7

I read my next book, The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea, and I'm going to be reading Frostfire next! I had a change of plans, and now I've read another book! Onto the next! I think I'll get a good deal done before I have to go to work, but I won't finish before, though.

My Reading Journey:

The Darkness We Hide by Debra Webb
Started On: April 27th
Finished On: April 28th, 1:03 AM
Pages Read: 352

Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 28th
Finished On: April 28th, 2:35 PM
Pages Read: 599

Gemina by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 28th
Finished On: April 29th, 12:12 AM
Pages Read: 659

Obsidio by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 29th
Finished On: April 29th, 7:04 PM
Pages Read: 615

The Immortal Conquistador by Carrie Vaughn
Started On: April 29th
Finished On: April 29th, 8:59 PM
Pages Read: 192

Titan's Day by Dan Stout
Started On: April 29th
Finished On: Arril 30th, 12:08 AM
Pages Read: 432

The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea by Kerrelyn Sparks
Started On: April 30th
Finished On: April 30th, 12:36 PM
Pages Read: 416

Frostfire by Amanda Hocking
Started On: April 30th
Currently On: Page 0 of 321

Goals: 15-19
Read: 7
Pages Read: 3265

Random Reads #441, April 30th

Random Reads is a monthly meme (that I'm going to do weekly) hosted by I'm Loving Books to read some books that have been on our TBR piles for a long time. Using Random.org, I got 6673 which turned out to be Tear Me Apart by J.T. Ellison! It's been on my TBR pile since May 20th, 2018, and I added it because I love her writing and it sounded good! Happy reading!

Third Sentence Thursday #455, April 30th

Create your own banner at mybannermaker.com!


Third Sentence Thursday is a weekly meme which likes to watch fireworks especially while eating a cookie!
1) Take the book you are currently reading and open it to a random page. Share the third full sentence on that page. (If there isn't a third one – like at the end of a chapter or a blank page – you can share the third sentence of the book or just choose another random page.) Feel free to share more than one sentence, if you feel the need to do so.
2) Review this sentence anyway you want (funny and silly reviews encouraged)
3) Post a link to your sentence at Words I Write Crazy (This Blog)
4) Visit one or two of the other blogs to check out their third sentences!

"Are you uncomfortable with how I look?" -The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea by Kerrelyn Sparks, page 229.

Well, that has no context whatsoever! Love it!

What are your guy's 3rd lines? Link up below!

Will the Time Come #465, April 30th

Every Thursday I am going to list a book which I really want to read/keep meaning to get to. These are mostly books which have been on my shelf for awhile now but don't have to be, maybe you got it two weeks ago and really want to read it! Thanks to Jodie from Books for Company for this meme!
Want to Join?
-Pick a book you have been meaning to read
-Do a post telling us about the book    
-Link the post up in the linky  
-Visit the other blogs

Robin of Locksley is dead.

Maid Marian doesn’t know how she’ll go on, but the people of Locksley town, persecuted by the Sheriff of Nottingham, need a protector. And the dreadful Guy of Gisborne, the Sheriff’s right hand, wishes to step into Robin’s shoes as Lord of Locksley and Marian’s fiancé.

Who is there to stop them?

Marian never meant to tread in Robin’s footsteps—never intended to stand as a beacon of hope to those awaiting his triumphant return. But with a sweep of his green cloak and the flash of her sword, Marian makes the choice to become her own hero: Robin Hood. 

Why the time hasn't come yet...
I don't know why. I got an ARC of this book, so I should read it, but I haven't. Just so many books to read! Hopefully I'll read it, and soon! What about you guys? Happy reading!

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

24 Hour Reading Challenge Update 6

I read my next book, Titan's Day, and I'm going to be reading Frostfire next! I did finish well, it's the next day, but barely, so earlier than I thought. But I didn't get my workout in. Bah. But onto another day!

My Reading Journey:

The Darkness We Hide by Debra Webb
Started On: April 27th
Finished On: April 28th, 1:03 AM
Pages Read: 352

Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 28th
Finished On: April 28th, 2:35 PM
Pages Read: 599

Gemina by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 28th
Finished On: April 29th, 12:12 AM
Pages Read: 659

Obsidio by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 29th
Finished On: April 29th, 7:04 PM
Pages Read: 615

The Immortal Conquistador by Carrie Vaughn
Started On: April 29th
Finished On: April 29th, 8:59 PM
Pages Read: 192

Titan's Day by Dan Stout
Started On: April 29th
Finished On: Arril 30th, 12:08 AM
Pages Read: 432

Frostfire by Amanda Hocking
Started On: April 30th
Currently On: Page 0 of 321

Goals: 15-19
Read: 6
Pages Read: 2849

24 Hour Reading Challenge Update 5

I read my next book, The Immortal Conquistador, and I'm going to be reading Titan's Day next! I don't think I have time to finish it today, I have some blogging to do and my work out, but I should get a good dent of it read, so I can finish it early tomorrow!

My Reading Journey:

The Darkness We Hide by Debra Webb
Started On: April 27th
Finished On: April 28th, 1:03 AM
Pages Read: 352

Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 28th
Finished On: April 28th, 2:35 PM
Pages Read: 599

Gemina by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 28th
Finished On: April 29th, 12:12 AM
Pages Read: 659

Obsidio by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 29th
Finished On: April 29th, 7:04 PM
Pages Read: 615

The Immortal Conquistador by Carrie Vaughn
Started On: April 29th
Finished On: April 29th, 8:59 PM
Pages Read: 192

Titan's Day by Dan Stout
Started On: April 30th
Currently On: Page 0 of 432

Goals: 15-19
Read: 5
Pages Read: 2417

24 Hour Reading Challenge Update 4

I read my next book, Obsidio, and I'm going to be reading The Immortal Conquistador next! If I didn't have to work, then I would've finished at 3. On to more reading! Should be able to finish at least 1 more book today!

My Reading Journey:

The Darkness We Hide by Debra Webb
Started On: April 27th
Finished On: April 28th, 1:03 AM
Pages Read: 352

Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 28th
Finished On: April 28th, 2:35 PM
Pages Read: 599

Gemina by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 28th
Finished On: April 29th, 12:12 AM
Pages Read: 659

Obsidio by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 29th
Finished On: April 29th, 7:04 PM
Pages Read: 615

The Immortal Conquistador by Carrie Vaughn
Started On: April 29th
Currently On: Page 0 of 192

Goals: 15-19
Read: 4
Pages Read: 2225

Waiting on Wednesday #468, April 29th

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating!

American Demon by Kim Harrison
Expected Publication: June 16th, 2020
From Goodreads:
A thrilling return to the #1 New York Times bestselling urban fantasy series, continuing Rachel Morgan’s story.

RACHEL MORGAN IS BACK–AND THE HOLLOWS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME.

What happens after you’ve saved the world? Well, if you’re Rachel Mariana Morgan, witch-born demon, you quickly discover that something might have gone just a little bit wrong. That the very same acts you and your friends took to forge new powers may have released something bound by the old. With a rash of zombies, some strange new murders, and an exceedingly mysterious new demon in town, it will take everything Rachel has to counter this new threat to the world–and it may demand the sacrifice of what she holds most dear.

Bookish and the Beast by Ashley Poston
Expected Publication: June 16th, 2020
From Goodreads:
In the third book in Ashley Poston's Once Upon a Con series, Beauty and the Beast is retold in the beloved Starfield universe.

Rosie Thorne is feeling stuck—on her college application essays, in her small town, and on that mysterious General Sond cosplayer she met at ExcelsiCon. Most of all, she’s stuck in her grief over her mother’s death. Her only solace was her late mother’s library of rare Starfield novels, but even that disappeared when they sold it to pay off hospital bills.

On the other hand, Vance Reigns has been Hollywood royalty for as long as he can remember—with all the privilege and scrutiny that entails. When a tabloid scandal catches up to him, he's forced to hide out somewhere the paparazzi would never expect to find him: Small Town USA. At least there’s a library in the house. Too bad he doesn’t read.

When Rosie and Vance’s paths collide and a rare book is accidentally destroyed, Rosie finds herself working to repay the debt. And while most Starfield superfans would jump at the chance to work in close proximity to the Vance Reigns, Rosie has discovered something about Vance: he’s a jerk, and she can’t stand him. The feeling is mutual.

But as Vance and Rosie begrudgingly get to know each other, their careful masks come off—and they may just find that there’s more risk in shutting each other out than in opening their hearts. 

The Kinder Poison by Natalie Mae
Expected Publication: June 16th, 2020
From Goodreads:
Perfect for fans of Victoria Aveyard and Holly Black, this enthralling fantasy adventure follows a teenage girl chosen to be the human sacrifice in a deadly game between three heirs who will do anything for the crown.

Zahru has long dreamed of leaving the kingdom of Orkena and having the kinds of adventures she’s only ever heard about in stories. But as a lowly Whisperer, her power to commune with animals means that her place is serving in the royal stables until the day her magic runs dry.

All that changes when the ailing ruler invokes the Crossing: a death-defying race across the desert, in which the first of his heirs to finish—and take the life of a human sacrifice at the journey’s end—will ascend to the throne and be granted unparalleled abilities.

With all of the kingdom abuzz, Zahru leaps at the chance to change her fate if just for a night by sneaking into the palace for a taste of the revelry. But the minor indiscretion turns into a deadly mistake when she gets caught up in a feud between the heirs and is forced to become the Crossing’s human sacrifice. Zahru is left with only one hope for survival: somehow figuring out how to overcome the most dangerous people in the world.

Yeah, there's 3 really great books coming out on the 16th, and I can't wait for them to come out! What about you guys? Happy reading!

WWW Wednesday #472, April 29th

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you'll read next?

Thanks to MizB of Should Be Writing now A Daily Rhythm for starting this meme!

I'm currently reading Obsidio, and yeah, really enjoying rereading this book! 
I read Gemina, and it was a wild ride, I loved rereading it, such a great read! 
I'm going to be reading The Immortal Conquistador, and I can't wait, I love her writing, and this series!

What about you guys? Happy reading!

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

24 Hour Reading Challenge Update 3

I read my next book, Gemina, and I'm going to be reading Obsidio next! A little later than I thought, but I made it! On to the next book!

My Reading Journey:

The Darkness We Hide by Debra Webb
Started On: April 27th
Finished On: April 28th, 1:03 AM
Pages Read: 352

Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 28th
Finished On: April 28th, 2:35 PM
Pages Read: 599

Gemina by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 28th
Finished On: April 29th, 12:12 AM
Pages Read: 659

Obsidio by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 29th
Currently On: Page 0 of 615

Goals: 15-19
Read: 3
Pages Read: 1610



24 Hour Reading Challenge Update 2

I read my next book, Illuminae, and I'm going to be reading Gemina next! I'll get back to reading after work at 5, so I hopefully should finish Gemina today, maybe even start Obsidio today. Fingers crossed!

My Reading Journey:

The Darkness We Hide by Debra Webb
Started On: April 27th
Finished On: April 28th, 1:03 AM
Pages Read: 352

Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 28th
Finished On: April 28th, 2:35 PM
Pages Read: 599

Gemina by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 28th
Currently On: Page 0 of 659

Goals: 15-19
Read: 2
Pages Read: 951



Teaser Tuesday #472, April 28th

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Today's teaser comes from Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman, page 46.

"However, his aggression is progressing and is almost entirely focused on BeiTech Industries. And BeiTech will be the ones shooting at him."

Very true. But this is pretty hilarious, even if it's about aggression and being shot at! Must read more! What about you guys? Happy reading!

24 Hour Reading Challenge Update 1

I read my first book, The Darkness We Hide, and I'm going to be reading Illuminae next! I did the math, and if I wanted to read the minimum, I would have to do 3 books a day. Well, I'm a bit behind, but I should have a lot of reading time tomorrow, I'm working less, and I don't have tv to watch. So should get a good deal done, though I am reading the Illuinae series, which are huge books!

My Reading Journey:

The Darkness We Hide by Debra Webb
Started On: April 27th
Finished On: April 28th, 1:03 AM
Pages Read: 352

Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Started On: April 28th
Currently On: Page 0 of 599

Goals: 15-19
Read: 1
Pages Read: 352



Monday, April 27, 2020

It's Monday! What Are You Reading #464, April 27th

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date where we share what we read this past week, what we hope to read this week...and anything in between! This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well...you never know where that next "must read" book will come from!

What happened in the past week:

Weekly Memes:
It's Monday! What Are You Reading #463
Teaser Tuesday #471
WWW Wednesday #471
WOW #467
Will the Time Come #464
Third Sentence Thursday #454
Random Reads #440
First Lines Friday #467
Book Blogger Hop #133
The Reward Challenge Update #449
How Well I Stuck to It #301
Wrote that Review Update #298

Week 17 Reviews:
Strangers in Court
A Death of No Importance
Death of a New American
Death of a an American Beauty
Bone Crier's Moon
Starbreaker
The Betrothed
Shadow Flight
The Virgin and the Rogue
The Undertaker's Daughter
The Secrets We Bury
The Lies We Tell

24 Hour Reading Challenge:
2nd April Sign Up
Update 1
Update 2
Update 3
Update 4
Update 5
Update 6
Update 7
Update 8 and Wrap Up
3rd + 4th April Sign Up

Random:
Clean Sweep ARC Challenge May 2020 Sign Up
We Have the Cover of The Inheritance Games #1!!!!
We Have the Cover of Dark #30!!!!

OK, so I got 33 posts in 7 days, it was a pretty good week, I read a pretty fantastic amount of books and those books were really great! And I have some wonderful books coming up, and I can't wait to read them! What about you guys? Happy reading!

So this week I want to read Chasing Lucky, Dark Skies, The Darkness We Hide, Desolation Road, and The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea.

In this coming-of-age romance perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Sarah Dessen, scandal and romance collide when an ambitious teen returns to her hometown only to have her plans interrupted after falling for the town's "bad boy"—a.k.a. her childhood best friend.

Sometimes to find the good, you have to embrace the bad.

Budding photographer Josie Saint-Martin has spent half her life with her single mother, moving from city to city. When they return to her historical New England hometown years later to run the family bookstore, Josie knows it's not forever. Her dreams are on the opposite coast, and she has a plan to get there.

What she doesn't plan for is a run-in with the town bad boy, Lucky Karras. Outsider, rebel…and her former childhood best friend. Lucky makes it clear he wants nothing to do with the newly returned Josie. But everything changes after a disastrous pool party, and a poorly executed act of revenge lands Josie in some big-time trouble—with Lucky unexpectedly taking the blame.

Determined to understand why Lucky was so quick to cover for her, Josie discovers that both of them have changed, and that the good boy she once knew now has a dark sense of humor and a smile that makes her heart race. And maybe, just maybe, he's not quite the brooding bad boy everyone thinks he is…
A RUNAWAY WITH A HIDDEN PAST
Lydia is a scholar, but books are her downfall when she meddles in the plots of the most powerful man in the Celendor Empire. Her life in danger, she flees west to the far side of the Endless Seas and finds herself entangled in a foreign war where her burgeoning powers are sought by both sides.

A COMMANDER IN DISGRACE
Killian is Marked by the God of War, but his gifts fail him when the realm under the dominion of the Corrupter invades Mudamora. Disgraced, he swears his sword to the kingdom's only hope: the crown princess. But the choice sees him caught up in a web of political intrigue that will put his oath – and his heart – to the test.

A KINGDOM UNDER SIEGE
With Mudamora falling beneath the armies of the Corrupter, Lydia and Killian strike a bargain to save those they love most—but it is a bargain with unintended and disastrous consequences. Truths are revealed, birthrights claimed, and loyalties questioned—all while a menace deadlier and more far-reaching than they realize sweeps across the world.
Some secrets are worth dying for.

For months, Doctor Rowan Dupont has been staring death in the face. It followed her back to her hometown of Winchester, Tennessee, ten months ago, cloaking the walls of her family's Victorian funeral home like a shroud. In investigating the mysterious deaths of her loved ones, Rowan has unearthed enough family secrets to bury everything she'd previously thought true. But each shocking discovery has only led to more bodies and more questions; the rabbit hole is deeper than she ever imagined.

Despite settling in to a comfortable life with Police Chief Billy Brannigan, Rowan knows dangerous serial killer Julian Addington is still out there. She can't let her guard down now. Not when she's this close to ending it once and for all. But with a storm brewing on the horizon, she'll get only one shot before the impending darkness takes hold, threatening to wipe away every truth she's uncovered—and everything she holds dear.
Torpedo Ink is Aleksei "Absinthe" Solokov's whole life. They're his brothers, his family—his everything. But that doesn't stop him from wanting something that only belongs to him. That's why the tough biker has spent the last six weeks at the library, reading every book he can get his hands on and watching the prim and proper librarian who makes his blood rush.

For the past six weeks, Scarlet Foley has been fantasizing about the handsome, tattooed man whose eyes follow her every move. She senses he's dangerous. She wants him to get close enough to touch. She wishes she could let him know the real woman, not the one she pretends to be. But Scarlet has a plan to carry out, and she can't afford any distractions.

Absinthe is well aware that Scarlet is hiding something. She's a puzzle he intends to solve, piece by intoxicating piece…
Four sisters have become queens, rulers of all that Aerthlan's two moons embrace. The last sister will forge her own path . . .

Signs and Seals

Raised on the magic-seeped Isle of Moon, Maeve is used to unusual powers--and the way they fuel the politics of her world. But when she discovers an ability to shape-shift at will, she knows who she wants to share it with first. Brody, the enigmatic, infuriating shifter-spy has always made time for Maeve. But it's been almost two months since she's seen him. And though no one else believes Brody is in danger, Maeve is more than ready to rescue him herself.

The rumors Brody's investigating are terrifying: a secret army of magic-users, in the service of the cruel Circle of Five. But when he uncovers the identity of one of the Five, the mission becomes personal. Cursed as a boy by the Sea Witch, Brody can spend only two hours a day in his human form, a restriction that limits his future and muzzles his heart. Plus Maeve teases him for being such a pretty doggy instead of appreciating his manly charms. To win his freedom, he must take on a terrible disguise. And when Maeve finds out, she'll unleash a tempest like no other . .

Sunday, April 26, 2020

24 Hour Reading Challenge 3rd + 4th April Sign Up

Time for my next challenge! I have a lot of free time, and I'm going to start at the end of Monday and going to the end of Tuesday for the first one, and for the second, to start at the end of Wednesday and going to the end of Thursday. I want to do a lot of reading!

My goal as ever is 6-8 books for each day. The books of this week have to be included, Chasing Lucky, Dark Skies, The Darkness We Hide, Desolation Road, and The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea.

Other books include Dark Shores, Ruthless Gods, The Silvered Serpent, Goldilocks, Good Girls Lie, Redemption Prep, Alien Secrets, Titan's Day, Every Step She Takes, The Fiery Crown, The Return, These Rebel Waves, These Divided Shores, Death of Darkness, The Immortal Conquistador, Infinity Son, Life is Short and Then You Die, A Dress for the Wicked, The Blood Coats, Blood Countess, Dread Nation, Deathless Divide, The New Improved Sorceress, Just Breathe, Loveboat, Taipei, Crier's War, The Beholder, The Beckoning Shadow, Far from the Tree, Day Zero, The Beautiful, Stolen Time, One Perfect Summer, Rules for Being a Girl, The Girl from Widow Hills, and The Spectral City.

41 books, yeah, it's a lot, and hopefully I'll read a lot of them! I'm excited and I can't wait to start reading! What about you guys? Happy reading!

Edited to add, it turns out I'm working this week. So I've decided to make this a week long challenge, starting Monday, going to the end of Friday, but not readreadread all the time. Just most. So my goal will be 15-19. Hopefully I can make that!

Wrote that Review Update #298, April 26th

Create your own banner at mybannermaker.com!
If you want to participate, set a certain amount of reviews to write, and once you make that goal, you can get a reward!

My reviews to reward is writing all of the reviews of the week, and I motivated myself to write my review for Strangers in Court, A Death of No Importance, Death of a New American, Death of a an American Beauty, Bone Crier's Moon, Starbreaker, The Betrothed, Shadow Flight, The Virgin and the Rogue, The Undertaker's Daughter, The Secrets We Bury, The Lies We Tell, so I have 8 of 8 reviews written!

And as always, I want to review this week's reviews!

What about you guys? Happy reading!

How Well I Stuck to It #301, April 26th

So I decided that I should have accountability on sticking to what should be in a week, so I'm doing How Well I Stuck to It every Sunday, because my schedule should be fixed in by now!

Week 18:
Chasing Lucky by Jenn Bennett, Dark Skies by Danielle L. Jensen, The Darkness We Hide by Debra Webb, Desolation Road by Christine Feehan, The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea by Kerrelyn Sparks

Tour Books: NA

Review Books: NA.

NetGalley: 5. Check.

Old NetGalley: NA

Edelweiss: 1. Check.

Old Edelweiss: NA.

Rereads: NA.

New Books: NA.

There are only 5 books, but 6 above. That's because The Darkness We Hide I somehow got from Edelweiss and NetGalley, so it's there twice. Yeah. Opps. Can't wait to read these books!

Nothing planned!

vs.

Strangers in Court by Seanan McGuire, A Death of No Importance by Mariah Fredericks, Death of a New American by Mariah Fredericks, Death of a an American Beauty by Mariah Fredericks, Bone Crier's Moon by Kathryn Purdie, Starbreaker by Amanda Bouchet, The Betrothed by Kiera Cass, Shadow Flight by Christine Feehan, The Virgin and the Rogue by Sophie Jordan, The Undertaker's Daughter by Debra Webb, The Secrets We Bury by Debra Webb, The Lies We Tell by Debra Webb

Since I had a free week, I could read whatever and however much I wanted, so I'm happy with what I read this week, can't wait for the next! 

The Reward Challenge Update #449, April 26th

The Reward Challenge is almost the complete opposite to a book buying ban as you'll end up buying lots of new books throughout the challenge but only after you've completed a certain amount of reading. It was hosted by Good Golly Miss Holly, so thanks to her for starting it!

OK, so I read Strangers in Court which counts twice as a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2020 Book, A Death of No Importance which counts 3 times as a Historical Fiction 2020 Book and Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2020 Book, Death of a New American which counts 3 times as a Historical Fiction 2020 Book and Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2020 Book, Death of a an American Beauty which counts 4 times as a Historical Fiction 2020 Book, NetGalley Book and Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2020 Book, Bone Crier's Moon which counts 4 times as a Edelweiss Book, Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2020 Book and a WoW Book, Starbreaker which counts 4 times as a NetGalley Book, Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2020 Book and a WoW Book, The Betrothed which counts 4 times as a Edelweiss Book, Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2020 Book and a WoW Book, Shadow Flight which counts 4 times as a NetGalley Book, Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2020 Book and a WoW Book, The Virgin and the Rogue which counts 5 times as a Edelweiss Book, Historical Fiction 2020 Book, Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2020 Book and a WoW Book, The Undertaker's Daughter which counts twice/times as a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2020 Book, The Secrets We Bury which counts twice/times as a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2020 Book, The Lies We Tell which counts 3 times as a NetGalley Book and a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2020 Book.

So I have 40 counts which translates to $20 this week! I'll use it to buy books!

Saturday, April 25, 2020

We Have the Cover of Dark #30!!!!

We also have the cover of Dark Song, and have for a few days, though it hasn't made its way to Goodreads yet. But we have it!

We Have the Cover of The Inheritance Games #1!!!!

Yeah, we have the cover of The Inheritacne Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes! We've actually had it for a few days, but at first I didn't know, and then I was busy reading. But here it is, and it's great!

Clean Sweep ARC Challenge May 2020 Sign Up

It doesn't appear like the original hosts are doing this challenge anymore, but I like doing it, so I'll be doing this challenge this year, and hopefully every year! 
  • ARC’s must be read between May 1st, 2020 and May 31st, 2020
  • Challenge starts and ends at midnight in your local time zone
  • All ARCS/finished copies that were provided by publisher/author are eligible. They can be in any format (eBook, physical, audio)
  • Post start-up post with goals. 
  • Tweet using hashtag #cleansweeparc
  • Post Results -can be combined with start-up post
I have so many ARCs to read, I have a ton of backlog, and a pretty big amount of books that are still to be published, so I want to read a bunch this month! My goal remains the same, 25 books, though I hope I surpass it, because man, there's just so many books to read! What about you guys? Happy reading! 

Week 17 Reviews: The Undertaker's Daughter, The Secrets We Bury, The Lies We Tell



From Goodreads:
Dr. Rowan DuPont and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department are hunting a serial killer. All the victims have one thing in common--they could be Rowan's twin, except her twin sister is dead.

Rowan grew up in a funeral home, surrounded by death, so her keen insights into homicide cases seldom fall short of the mark. Though growing up as the undertaker's daughter made her acutely aware of life and all its frailties, she is only human. Will her one mistake in this shocking case be her last one?

From Goodreads:
Nothing stays buried forever…

Doctor Rowan Dupont knows death. She grew up surrounded by it in her family's Victorian funeral home, and it's haunted her since the day her twin sister drowned years ago. Between her mother's subsequent suicide and the recent murder of her father, coming home to run the funeral home feels fitting—even if it leaves her vulnerable to an obsessive serial killer.

Rowan refuses to let fear keep her from honoring her family. But the more time she spends back in Winchester, Tennessee, the more she finds herself questioning what really happened that fateful summer. Had her sister's death truly been an accident? And what pushed their mother to take her own life? The dark lake surrounding Rowan's hometown holds as many secrets as the bodies that float in its chilling depths. But Rowan is running out of time if she's going to uncover the truth before somebody sinks her for good. 

From Goodreads:
Nothing hurts like the truth.

Doctor Rowan Dupont knows a serial killer is coming for her. Julian Addington has been waiting. Watching. And it's only a matter of time before he strikes. But what Julian doesn't know is that Rowan is ready for him. And more than anything she wants answers. How well did the depraved killer actually know her mother? And how many lies have been spun in the years since she took her own life?

Working alongside her childhood friend Police Chief Billy Brannigan, Rowan is determined to get to the bottom of her mother's puzzling suicide once and for all—even if it means exposing an unsettling past. It certainly seems like her family's Victorian funeral home has borne witness to more than one dark secret, but when a recent double homicide leads to an even grislier discovery, separating the truth from the lies might be the last thing Rowan does.

My Review:
Wow, I really enjoyed reading these books! The mysteries were really entertaining, as Rowan learns more about the various family secrets that have taken the rest of her family away from her. Partially because her of ex-friend and confident, Julian, who turned out to be a serial killer in the novella. It was so entertaining to read!

Undertaker's Daughter set things up, with Rowan's past, her relationships with her father, and Julian, and introduced Billy, though we did get to know him better in the full length books, since he did have some chapters to narrate. And then to go from there to the main books was great, because I had some knowledge, and I just couldn't wait to read more!

Julian was the center of the mysteries, him, and her mom, Norah. Well, Norah a bit more, because it was because Julian was obsessed with her mom that he's now obsessed with Rowan. And as Rowan learned more about her past, her sister's death and her mom's suicide, well, she grew closer to catching Julian!

The 2nd book we did really focus on Norah, because there's a serial killer who she wrote about-and who had her name tattooed on his back. So I enjoyed investigating all of that. And watching her and Billy draw closer, because they obviously should get together! So I really enjoyed that ending!

These were such great reads, and I can't wait to read the 3rd book!

Author: Debra Webb
Series: The Undertaker's Daughter #0.5, 1, 2
Read: April 23rd, 24th, 24th, 2020
Source: Bought, NetGalley
Reason Why: Sounded really great, and they're Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2020 Books!
Publisher: Debra Webb, Mira
Published: March 5th 2019, April 30th 2019, September 17th 2019

The Undertaker's Daughter:
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars








The Secrets We Bury:
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars








The Lies We Tell:
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars

Week 17 Review: The Virgin and the Rogue

From Goodreads:
Continuing her bestselling Rogue Files series, Sophie Jordan brews up a scintillating romance about a timid wallflower who discovers a love potion and ends up falling for a dashing rogue.

A love potion…

Charlotte Langley has always been the prudent middle sister, so her family is not surprised when she makes the safe choice and agrees to wed her childhood sweetheart. But when she finds herself under the weather and drinks a "healing" tonic, the potion provokes the most maddening desire... for someone other than her betrothed.

With the power…

Kingston's rakehell ways are going to destroy him, and he's vowed to change. His stepbrother's remote estate is just the place for a reformed rogue to hide. The last thing he wants is to be surrounded by society, but when he gets stuck alone with a wallflower who is already betrothed... and she astonishes him with a fiery kiss, he forgets all about hiding.

To alter two destinies.

Although Charlotte appears meek, Kingston soon discovers there's a vixen inside, yearning to break free. Unable to forget their illicit moment of passion, Kingston vows to relive the encounter, but Charlotte has sworn it will never happen again—no matter how earth-shattering it was. But will a devilish rogue tempt her to risk everything for a chance at true love? 

My Review:
This book is another great read in this series, and I'm glad that we're getting the other two Langley sister's story, Charlotte in this book, and Nora in the next! I can't wait, because these girls are just so great to read about!

Charlotte is about to marry the man she's grown up with. But then she's given an aphrodisiac, and her passions awaken, with Kingston. Their interactions were pretty hilarious, and steamy as well. The first half was more the physical side, but the second was more the emotional, and I really enjoyed that balance.

At first glance, these aren't characters who would get together. She's steady, and her sisters think she's kinda boring. Kingston is a rake, he was pretty wild, though he doesn't want that anymore-but he doesn't want domesticity, either. It was a great journey to read about them going on!

There was something right at the end, and we never got an explanation for it. Sure, most likely it could've been a simple mistake, or it could've been someone trying to hurt them. And I just have no idea which it was!

Really enjoyed this book, it was a lot of fun to read and I really enjoyed it!

Author: Sophie Jordan
Series: The Rogue Files #6
Read: March 24th, 2020
Source: Edelweiss
Reason Why: Love her writing and this series, and it's a Historical Fiction 2020 Book, Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2020 Book and a WoW Book!
Publisher: Avon
Expected Publication: April 28th 2020
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars

Week 17 Review: Shadow Flight

From Goodreads:
Chicago's Ferraro crime family will do anything to protect one of their own in this thrilling entry in the Shadow Riders series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.

Nicoletta Gomez was a terrified teenager when Taviano Ferraro and his brother saved her life. Ever since, she's been trying to rise above what was done to her, molding herself into a survivor under the protective eyes of the Ferraro family. All the while, she's been falling hopelessly in love with the man who knows her darkest secrets....

With one look, Taviano knew that Nicoletta was his, just as he felt their shadows connect. But no matter how much he wanted to claim her, he knew she needed time to become her own woman. When Nicoletta once again finds herself in the sights of dangerous men, a split-second decision has Taviano breaking all of the Ferraro family's rules to keep her safe. And as far as he's concerned, the reward is more than worth the risk. 

My Review:
I really enjoyed reading this book! I've been waiting for Nicoletta and Tavino to get together since they were introduced in book 1. And so have they, and it was so great to read about them! They both had troubled pasts, learning about Taviano's was pretty heartbreaking.

There's this one moment, when Taviano and Nicoletta are having a conversation about his mom, and he mentions his brothers falling in love. And I'm like, add yourself to the list, dude, she's feeling insecure about this relationship! Sure, you've had these feelings for her for a long time, but it's not like they were public knowledge like his brothers! Aaaah!

My feelings for Elosia teetered back and forth. On one hand, we learn of some pretty horrific things that she's done, to her family. On the other, we learn the reason why for some but not all of it, and it's a pretty big reason. Almost forgivable, except that she didn't do anything to count it until spurred into it. I'm so conflicted!

The later half of this book, was little groups of Ferraro's taking out a group of bad guys, going to Taviano and Nicoletta, and then repeat. So that was fun to read, seeing what all these others were doing to help protect the family, and still staying centered with Taviano and Nicoletta!

This book was a fantastic read, and I can't wait for the next!

Author: Christine Feehan
Series: Shadow Riders #5
Read: April 24th, 2020
Source: NetGalley
Reason Why: Love her writing and this series, and it's a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2020 Book and a WoW Book!
Publisher: Berkley Book
Expected Publication: May 5th 2020
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars

Week 17 Review: The Betrothed

From Goodreads:
A would-be queen. A handsome young king. A perfect match…or is it?

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Selection series comes The Betrothed, a glittering royal romance sure to captivate her legion of loyal readers and lovers of courtly intrigue alike.

When King Jameson declares his love for Lady Hollis Brite, Hollis is shocked—and thrilled. After all, she's grown up at Keresken Castle, vying for the king's attention alongside other daughters of the nobility. Capturing his heart is a dream come true.

But Hollis soon realizes that falling in love with a king and being crowned queen may not be the happily ever after she thought it would be. And when she meets a commoner with the mysterious power to see right into her heart, she finds that the future she really wants is one that she never thought to imagine.

My Review:
I enjoyed this book. It was a quick and easy to read-the writing was soft and light, even if sometimes the subject matter was pretty dark, because Hollis is a pretty simple and naive character, at least in the beginning. But she's pretty intelligent too, has great ideas, and wants to do the right thing. I really enjoyed reading her journey!

This world was pretty interesting to read about, one where they follow all the rules, because if they break one, they break them all. And divorce is pretty unheard of, and is pretty scandalous. And while Hollis is a noble, she's not particularly higher up or lower. She's just content in her position in life, and with having the King's interesting in her-she's sure it'll fade. But it doesn't, and she does become more invested, and it was great to watch that journey, filled with uncertainty!

I really enjoyed watching her navigate the court, because there was one instance she does gain the favour of an important player, and does it with ease. Her relationship with Valentina was so great to read, as was the one with Scarlet! I loved her barbs with Silas's cousin, Etan, and his back. They were entertaining to read, and makes me have a suspicion as to where the sequel could go.

My one little complaint is that I felt like we didn't really get to know Silas. He's the main competing love interest for King Jameson, and the one tempting her away from being Queen. And I felt like I hardly knew him. Basic facts, so it was a bit hard to understand why Hollis was going down this path with him. Like, I understood her best friend Delia Grace better than Silas.

This book was so fantastic, the ending was evil, and I can't wait for the sequel! I just really enjoyed this book!

Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Betrothed #1
Read: April 23rd, 2020
Source: Edelweiss
Reason Why: Love her writing and it sounded good, and it's a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2020 Book and a WoW Book!
Publisher: Harper Teen
Expected Publication: May 5th 2020
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars

Week 17 Review: Starbreaker

From Goodreads:
THEY NEVER WANTED TO BE HEROES

Captain Tess Bailey and Shade Ganavan are still the galaxy's Most Wanted, and with revolution in the wind and the universe on the brink of catastrophic war, the situation couldn't be more desperate. Despite the Dark Watch scouring the known sectors for them, rebel leaders have handed the crew of the Endeavor a delicate and dangerous mission: break into Starbase 12 and free renowned scientist Reena Ahern. She's the only one who stands a chance of tipping the odds in their favor for the first time in decades.

BUT PULLING OFF THE IMPOSSIBLE IS WHAT THEY DO BEST

The clock is ticking. But as their attraction builds and secrets are revealed, Tess and Shade must decide if they trust each other enough to execute this impossible prison break. They could change the course of history, but they'll be risking everything... They'll just have to tackle one crisis at a time.

My Review:
Loved reading this book so much! It was a fantastic sequel, and such an entertaining read! I loved spending more time with these characters, we learned more about this world, and of course there was a ton of action! So well done!

The fact that Tess and the crew of Endeavor are sent on this mission with basically no information, that's awful and suspicious, since they just gave the higher ups the serum, albeit with some conditions. I felt so bad for Tess!

There were a ton of surprises and reveals in this book. Like who her father is. That one person isn't what they seem. That was pretty shocking, and we did get to see it play out a little bit. I would really like to explore it more, though!

So the way things ended with this book, things are fairly wrapped up. There could be a 3rd book or more, or this might be the end. We are going back to her Kingmaker world with her next book, so I have no idea if we are getting a 3rd book or not. I would love a 3rd one because I just enjoy these characters and this world so much! Also, I have a sinking feeling about one of the characters, which may very well be wrong, but it would explain a little question I have.

Edited to add, I asked Amanda Bouchet about there being a 3rd book, and she said that we'd get the Kingmaker book, then a 3rd Endeavor, and then more Kingmaker. So yeah, I'm really excited about this, that we're getting more!

This was such a wonderful read, I loved it so much, and I would love more of this world if we do get more!

Author: Amanda Bouchet
Series: Endeavor #2
Read: April 23rd, 2020
Source: NetGalley
Reason Why: Love her writing and the first book, had to read this one! And it's a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2020 Book and a WoW Book!
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Expected Publication: April 28th 2020
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars

Week 17 Review: Bone Crier's Moon

From Goodreads:
Bone Criers have a sacred duty. They alone can keep the dead from preying on the living. But their power to ferry the spirits of the dead into goddess Elara's Night Heavens or Tyrus's Underworld comes from sacrifice. The gods demand a promise of dedication. And that promise comes at the cost of the Bone Criers' one true love.

Ailesse has been prepared since birth to become the matriarch of the Bone Criers, a mysterious famille of women who use strengths drawn from animal bones to ferry dead souls. But first she must complete her rite of passage and kill the boy she's also destined to love.

Bastien's father was slain by a Bone Crier and he's been seeking revenge ever since. Yet when he finally captures one, his vengeance will have to wait. Ailesse's ritual has begun and now their fates are entwined—in life and in death.

Sabine has never had the stomach for the Bone Criers' work. But when her best friend Ailesse is taken captive, Sabine will do whatever it takes to save her, even if it means defying their traditions—and their matriarch—to break the bond between Ailesse and Bastien. Before they all die.

My Review:
Loved reading this book! I loved the world, the characters, the plot! It was so enticing to read, I just devoured this book! Plus the way it was told was a bit different, given that we had alternating chapters narrated by Sabine, Ailesse and Bastien. So that was fantastic!

This world of the Bone Criers was so interesting! The fact that they ferry the dead to either the Underworld or the Heavens, depending on how well the soul lived their life, it was interesting to learn about all of it. That they have to kill their love to prove that they they are devoted to this work is just an diabolical complication!

Sabine was the one least suited for this life. She despises killing, and only has one Grace Bone at the beginning. But when her best friend is kidnapped, well, she rises to the challenge, and I really enjoyed her journey! On the other hand, Ailesse was pretty fearless and wanted to prove herself to her mother. Her journey was just as interesting! Oh, and then there's Bastien, whose father was a sacrifice, and now in turn, he wants revenge, and is now a living sacrifice himself. It's all so deliciously complicated!

All of these characters learn more about themselves as the book goes on, about their world, and there's some pretty big secrets, and some pretty big reveals, and I can't wait to see how it's all going to play down in the sequel! I'm so excited for more!

Such a fantastic book, I enjoyed it so much, and I can't wait for the sequel!

Author: Kathryn Purdie
Series: Bone Grace #1
Read: April 23rd, 2020
Source: Bought/Edelweiss
Reason Why: Sounded really great, and it's a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2020 Book and a WoW Book!
Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books
Published: March 5th 2020
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars