Week 48 Review: Midnight Ruin

From Goodreads:

Eurydice Dimitriou has always been the innocent sister, but she's finally ready to step out of the long shadow cast by her powerful family…and the ex who shattered her heart. Perhaps rough hands on soft skin are exactly what she needs to forget her heartbreak once and for all?

Charon Ariti has been Hades's right-hand man for years. He's given everything to the lower city, but now he's ready to take something for himself. He's only too happy to give Eurydice a special kind of education…but is her heart really free enough to be claimed?

Orpheus Makos will do whatever it takes to make things right. Once the golden boy of the upper city, he's now a shadow of his former self. He'll do anything to get Eurydice back…even if it means she's not coming into his arms alone. Three hearts. Three futures. Countless ways to get it wrong.

But with enemies slipping through Olympus's faltering barrier to lay siege on the lower city, a trio of broken hearts will be the least of these would-be lovers' worries…

My Review:
Of course I had to read this book right away! I love Katee Robert's writing and this series, and boy, do things pick up in this book! I loved reading about the three of them and their relationship-as things with the wider city are getting more and more intense! 

Looking at the couples for the rest of the series, basically all of them have had a mention about their interactions and relationships set up in the previous books, which is really great, to see things building. For this particular book, the things that have been building are that Eurydice and Orpheus were dating in the first book, until the at-the-time Zeus used him to get at Persephone. So they've got this connection that's been long standing. And Eurydice and Charon had that time together in Radiant Sin.

Their dynamics between the three of them were immaculate! That there's this hurt but still love between Eurydice and Orpheus, that there's this growing love between her and Charon, and there's an attraction between Charon and Orpheus, yeah, the three of them work so well together! 

Oh, man, the bigger series overarching plot! Eurydice was working on getting more information from Ariadne, and boy the things that she knew! That reveal was amazing, and I'm so excited to see how it'll play out! And the action! That is something that I really need to know how it's going to play out from there, because that's a big move, I need to know! 

This was another fantastic read in this series and I can't wait for the next! 

Author: Katee Robert
Series: Dark Olympus #6
Read: November 28th, 2023 
Source: NetGalley 
Reason Why: Love her writing and this series, and it's a 2023 Retelling Reading Challenge 2023 Book, Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2023 Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca 
Expected Publication: January 16th 2024

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Week 48 Review: Together at Midnight

From Goodreads:
What does it really mean to be kind . . . and why does it sometimes feel like the hardest thing in the world to do? High school senior Kendall, who just returned from a life-changing semester in Europe, and Max, who is drifting his way through a gap year before college, struggle with these questions when they witness a tragic accident in New York City during the holiday season. Racked with guilt, the two accept a dare to perform random acts of kindness to strangers. The challenge pulls these two teens, who have a history together from back home, closer and closer as they explore a vibrant city filled with other people's stories and secrets.

Kendall and Max can't deny their growing bond, even though they both have other romantic entanglements and uncertain futures. As the clock counts down on New Year's Eve, will they find themselves together at midnight?

My Review:
I had a really good time reading this book! I have enjoyed some of her other books, and this book did sound really good. This is another case where I picked it up because I didn't want to miss anything, but I know that I don't enjoy contemporaries as much as other genres. 

The idea of being dared to perform random acts of kindness, that's such a good idea, the world always needs more kindness. Especially when they're feeling all sorts of things after an accident that they couldn't do something more to help, that not everybody survived it.

Getting to know these two on this journey was really good, and that we also got bits and pieces of the stories of the people they were helping, was really great. You never know what someone is going through, and just how you could help, so that was really heartwarming.

Of course I want more after that ending, because I always do, but I'm pretty satisfied with where we left them, I just wish we could've gotten more details. Between the people they helped, and the relationship that built between them, I had a pretty great time reading this book! 

I'm glad that I read this book, and I can't wait to read more by Jennifer Castle. 

Author: Jennifer Castle
Read: November 28th, 2023
Source: Edelweiss
Reason Why: Sounded really good and I've enjoyed her books, and it's a SAC 2023 Book!
Publisher: Harper Teen
Published: January 2nd 2019

5/5 Hearts

4/5 Books

1/5 Stars

Week 48 Review: Landline

From Goodreads:

Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble; it has been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and Neal still loves her, deeply — but that almost seems beside the point now.

Maybe that was always beside the point.

Two days before they're supposed to visit Neal's family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells Neal that she can't go. She’s a TV writer, and something's come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her — Neal is always a little upset with Georgie — but she doesn't expect him to pack up the kids and go home without her.

When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she's finally done it. If she's ruined everything.

That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It's not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she's been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts...

Is that what she's supposed to do?

Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened?

My Review:
I really enjoyed reading this book! I've read more of her YA books then her adult ones, but I'm really enjoying them! This story of a marriage that is on the rocks, and being able to talk on the phone to him in the past when they were in a rocky point in dating was such a great concept!

Georgie is a tv show writer, her husband is a stay at home dad. When an opportunity to write the show she's been thinking about since college pops up, well, she has to take it. But it's Christmas, and they were planning to visit his mom. So she stays behind while her family goes. And things start to unravel.

Frankly, Georgie is a bit of a mess. That she's been left alone, a bit in denial that her marriage is on its last legs, she ends up living out of her childhood bedroom. And talking on the phone with Neal, but Neal at a point when they were dating-or, she thought that they had broken up. But he had come back and proposed. To have this mix of current Georgie and past Neal talking on the phone, when Georgie can't get ahold of current Neal, it was so great! 

This book is about Georgie struggling with what she wants, what Neal wants, with their marriage and family and priorities, and it was really great to watch her work through things, with the support of her mom, sister, and best friend who is also working on the show, who she's been working with since they were in college. I just adored how things ended! 

Loved reading this book and I really need to read more by Rainbow Rowell! 

Author: Rainbow Rowell
Read: November 28th, 2023 
Source: Own/Library 
Reason Why: Love her writing, and it's a SAC 2023 Book!
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published: July 8th 2014

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Week 48 Review: Court of Wanderers

From Goodreads:

Remy Pendergast and his royal vampire companions return to face an enemy that is terrifyingly close to home in Rin Chupeco’s queer, bloody Gothic epic fantasy series for fans of Samantha Shannon's The Priory of the Orange Tree and the adult animated series Castlevania.

Remy Pendergast, the vampire hunter, and his unexpected companions, Lord Zidan Malekh and Lady Xiaodan Song, are on the road through the kingdom of Aluria again after a hard-won first battle against the formidable Night Empress, who threatens to undo a fragile peace between humans and vampires. Xiaodan, severely injured, has lost her powers to vanquish the enemy's new super breed of vampire, but if the trio can make it to Fata Morgana, the seat of Malehk's court—dubbed "the Court of Wanderers"—there is hope of nursing her and bringing them back.

En-route to the Third Court, Remy crosses paths with his father, the arrogant, oftentimes cruel Lord of Valenbonne. He also begins to suffer strange dreams of the Night Empress, whom he has long suspected to be Ligaya Pendergast, his own mother. As his family history unfolds during these episodes, which are too realistic to be coincidence, he realizes that she is no ordinary vampire—and that he may end up having to choose between the respective legacies of his parents.

Posing as Malek and Xiaodan's human familiar, Remy contends with Aluria's intimidating vampire courts and a series of gruesome murders with their help—and more, as the three navigate their relationship. But those feelings and even their extraordinary collective strength will be put to the test as each of them unleashes new powers in combat at what may be proven to be the ultimate cost.

My Review:
I had a really fantastic time reading this book! I loved the first book, and I just love Rin Chupeco's writing, and boy, was this a great read! Being back in this world was so great, and I enjoyed the story so much, I couldn't get enough! 

So much happened in this book, like the aftermath of Xiaodan and the Night Empress's confrontation, to learning more about the strategies that she was using, to going to Malek's court, and all this vampire history, yeah, it was amazing! 

The three of them together are pretty dedicated to one another, their bonds formed in or before the previous book. It was so great to see all of them united against these threats, as well as all of their lovey-dovey moments! 

I really didn't expect where this book went with all those plots, we knew something was up, but all the bits and pieces, yeah, it kept happening and happening, I looked and there was still a good 60 pages left to read. Which made for a really awesome ending! I'm just sad that it's over, I'm fairly certain that this is a duology, so we're saying goodbye to these characters already, but they've been through enough! 

This was an amazing read and I can't wait to read more by Rin Chupeco! 

Author: Rin Chupeco
Series: Reaper #2
Read: November 27th, 2023
Source: Edelweiss 
Reason Why: Love their writing and this series, and it's a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2023 Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: S&S/Saga Press
Expected Publication: April 2nd 2024

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Week 48 Review: Draw Down the Moon

From Goodreads:

New York Times bestsellers P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast return with Draw Down the Moon, the first book in a new duology set in a dark and magickal world filled with incredible danger and irresistible romance.

A mystical school. A mysterious death. A magickal romance.

Wren Nightingale isn't supposed to have any elemental powers. Born of magickal parents but not under one of the four fated astrological full moons, she is destined for life as a Mundane—right up until she starts glowing on her eighteenth birthday. In a heartbeat, Wren's life is turned upside down, and she's suddenly leaving her home for the mystical Academia de la Luna—a secret magickal school on a hidden island off the Seattle coast.

Lee Young has always known about his future at the academy. He has three goals: pass the trials, impress the Moon Council, and uphold his family's reputation. But he wasn't expecting to be attending alongside the girl he's been secretly in love with for as long as he can remember.

As Wren and Lee are thrown into the academy's grueling trials, they quickly learn there's something different—and dangerous—about the school this year. Wren will have to navigate a web of secrets, prophecies . . . and murder. And Lee will have to decide what to protect: his family's legacy, or the girl he loves.

My Review:
I had a really great time reading this book! I really enjoy P.C. and Kristin Cast's writing, and this latest series sounded like a good read! And I did have a really good time reading this book! It was great to get to know this world and these characters!

Getting to know this world of magic, and the history and the politics were really interesting. The way it worked, how the culture is structured, it was so interesting to learn. Given that Wren didn't have magic and then suddenly did, and Lee, who has grown up with it, they've lived pretty different lives. 

Speaking of Wren and Lee, I really enjoyed reading their story! That they were friends, but he was secretly in love with her, yeah, I was rooting for them! Watching as they were competing in the trials, as they were spending more time together, as split loyalties and secrets and mysteries came between them.

Oh, but the plots at the school! I think we've really only brushed the surface of what was going on. Things were definitely set up in this book, and started to get dealt with, but this is the first book in the series-there's going to be more! 

Loved reading this book and I can't wait to continue on with this series!

Authors: P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast 
Series: Draw Down the Moon #1
Read: November 27th, 2023
Source: NetGalley 
Reason Why: Love their writing, and it's a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2023 Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Expected Publication: April 2nd 2024

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Week 48 Review: Unholy Terrors

From Goodreads:

Everline Blackthorn has devoted her life to the wardens—a sect of holy warriors who guard against monsters known as the vespertine.

When a series of strange omens occur, Everline disobeys orders to investigate, and uncovers a startling truth in the form of Ravel Severin: a rogue vespertine who reveals the monsters have secrets of their own.

Ravel promises the help she needs— for a price. Vespertine magic requires blood, and if Everline wants Ravel to guide across the dangerous moorland, she will have to allow him to feed from her.

It’s a sin for a warden to feed a vespertine— let alone love one— and as Everline and Ravel travel further across the moorland, she realizes the question isn't whether she will survive the journey, but if she will return unchanged. Or if she wants to.

Critically acclaimed author of monstrous romances Lyndall Clipstone weaves a bloodstained tale of a girl torn between her vows and her heart, where falling in love may be the deepest sin of all…

My Review:
Oh man, this was such a fantastic book! I loved this world with the Wardens, who keep the vespertine out, and the magic and the history were just so interesting to read about, especially as they intersected with Everline's past and what is currently going on!

Everline is in an unfortunate situation in this world. She's a produce of her father stepping outside the marital bed, her mom broke the Warden's vows, and Everline herself doesn't have the Warden's magic. That her father is the commander and doesn't acknowledge her...it's tough.

There were 3 main relationships that I really enjoyed seeing in this book. Obviously the one between her and Ravel, as they're traveling, as they're breaking these taboos. The second, between her an her sister, because they don't get along, but they both want to, they realize, after spending this time together. Finally her and her father, and the secrets about her mom that he's keeping from her.

This story goes in a direction that I wasn't expecting, and things kept going and going and it was an absolute thrill to read! Where we left things, yeah, that was really satisfying to read, and I love the idea of their future I have, because it looks so good and fitting for them! 

Loved reading this book and I can't wait to read more by Lyndall Clipstone! 

Author: Lyndall Clipstone
Read: November 27th, 2023
Source: NetGalley 
Reason Why: Sounded really great, and it's a SAC 2023 Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: Macmillan Young Listeners
Published: October 17th 2023

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Week 48 Review: Nice Dragons Finish Last

From Goodreads:

As the smallest dragon in the Heartstriker clan, Julius survives by a simple code: keep quiet, don't cause trouble, and stay out of the way of bigger dragons. But this meek behavior doesn't fly in a family of ambitious magical predators, and his mother, Bethesda the Heartstriker, has finally reached the end of her patience.

Now, sealed in human form and banished to the DFZ--a vertical metropolis built on the ruins of Old Detroit--Julius has one month to prove that he can be a ruthless dragon or kiss his true shape goodbye forever. But in a city of modern mages and vengeful spirits where dragons are considered monsters to be exterminated, he's going to need some serious help to survive this test.

He only hopes humans are more trustworthy than dragons...

My Review:
I had a fantastic time reading this book! The synopsis sounded pretty great, and I wanted to get to know Julius as he did his best to survive in an environment that was hostile to him as a dragon. And oh, it was a great read! 

I really enjoyed reading Julius story-he's the scrawny runt of the family, from a family known for their strength, well, he's not of much use, which is why his mom sends him off to DFZ to prove himself-or to solve the problem of his existence. Whish is pretty harsh!

This world where magic is back, and there's all sort so of magical creatures, including dragons, was so interesting to read. That there's the DFZ, well, I had to know more about how it all works, while Julius dealing with his attempts to have something that would bring worth to his clan for him to be a part of it. 

Oh, but the cast of characters was fantastic! Julius's siblings certainly stood out, with their vibrant personalities that really came off the page. Marci, who was working with Julius and how her mind worked, yeah, it was all so great to read! 

Loved reading this book, and I would love to continue on with this series! 

Author: Rachel Aaron
Series: Heartstrikers #1
Read: November 26th, 2023
Source: Ebook.bike
Reason Why: Sounded really great, and it's a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2023 Book! 
Publisher: Aaron/Bach, LLC
Published: July 11th 2014

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Week 48 Review: Murtagh

From Goodreads:

MURTAGH transports readers into an electrifying adventure, with danger and intrigue around every corner. The world is no longer safe for the Dragon Rider Murtagh and his dragon, Thorn. An evil king has been toppled, and they are left to face the consequences of the reluctant role they played in his reign of terror. Now they are hated and alone, exiled to the outskirts of society. But when Murtagh discovers something wicked lurking in the shadows of Alagaësia, so begins an epic journey into lands both familiar and untraveled, where he and Thorn must use every weapon in their arsenal, from brains to brawn, to find and outwit a mysterious witch. A witch who is much more than she seems . . .

My Review:
Reading this book was really great! I am really glad that I reread the series before jumping into this book, because I'd forgotten Murtagh as a character, that he was in book 1. But now I came in fresh with knowledge from the first portion of this series, which made it much easier going into this book!

It was really great to be back in this world. With the short story collection, things have been building to set up another story arc in this world, and this book is the big start of that, and I can't wait to see what happens next!

Murtagh has been through a lot. Now that Eragon has gone off with the dragon eggs to establish the Dragon Riders, Murtagh doesn't have a lot of allies, and given what he did when he was under the thumb of the king, people don't view him kindly, no matter what he did to take down said king.

Getting a whole book from Murtagh's perspective was really great, I really enjoyed getting to know him as he knows himself, his bond with Thorn, not to mention as they were going on this quest! I'm really excited to see what's going to happen next! 

Loved reading this book and I can't wait to read more by Christopher Paolini! 

Author: Christopher Paolini 
Series: The Inheritance Cycle #5
Read: November 26th, 2023
Source: Ebook.bike 
Reason Why: Love his writing and this series, and it's a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2023 Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Published: November 7th 2023

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Week 48 Review: Damsel

From Goodreads:
The rite has existed for as long as anyone can remember: when the prince-who-will-be-king comes of age, he must venture out into the gray lands, slay a fierce dragon, and rescue a damsel to be his bride. This is the way things have always been.

When Ama wakes in the arms of Prince Emory, however, she knows none of this. She has no memory of what came before she was captured by the dragon, or what horrors she has faced in its lair. She knows only this handsome prince, the story he tells of her rescue, and her destiny to sit on the throne beside him. Ama comes with Emory back to the kingdom of Harding, hailed as the new princess, welcomed to the court.

However, as soon as her first night falls, she begins to realize that not all is as it seems, that there is more to the legends of the dragons and the damsels than anyone knows–and that the greatest threats to her life may not be behind her, but here, in front of her.

My first review of Damsel
My Review:
Reading this book was just absolutely fantastic! I loved it the first time, it's a really powerful feminist story, that just raises my hackles at the unfairness and awful way that women are treated in this book-espcailly the ones that started out as dragons.

Honestly, I was a bit scared to read this book again It was on the best books that I read in 2018, I think one of the books that started off mentioning by best books within my massive list, the standouts. I knew it wasn't going to be as great this time, standouts only happen the first time. But I was hoping I would love it again, and I did! 

Guys already use their privates as weapons all the time, but I typically don't think of it from that framework. I'm not one to notice symbolism and such, so I'm not confident in thinking that there's a message in that choice with the princes and dragons.

The way that she's dismissed and treated as lesser than, it was rage-inducing. Knowing the truth, that she was the dragon that he had fought, made things worse and better, knowing that they would get their just desserts and she got the life that she chose for herself.

Loved reading this book and I can't wait to read more by Elana K. Arnold! 

Author: Elana K. Arnold
First Read: August 16th, 2018

Read: November 25th, 2023
Source: Own
Reason Why: Sounded really good, and it's a SAC 2023 Book!
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Published: October 2nd 2018

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Week 48 Reviews: Dragon's Guardian, Dragon's Source, Dragon's Magic

From Goodreads:

If she can't bond with a dragon she'll be expelled for good…

After three unsuccessful terms at Alveria's Dragon Akademy, seventeen-year-old tamer trainee, Mari Asadottier, has one last shot to bond with a dragon. If she fails, she'll be barred from her dream of joining the Dragon Guard.

Normal life is impossible for Prince Kai Afkarr-Younger who has been stuck in his dragon form for two years. Unable to shift, he fears his draconian instincts could overwhelm him. Could he lose control of his magic as well?

Meanwhile, a sickness is spreading through the land and new monsters are terrorizing Alveria. Mari and Kai might be the only people who can stop it. But a secret connection to the beasts could tear Mari and Kai apart. If the Alverian council finds out, their bond could be forcibly broken, but if they can't stop the sickness it could already be too late. Can they save their bond and stop Alveria from falling into chaos?

Queen of the Dragons Ava Richardson invites you to immerse yourself in a dragon-filled world with epic magic, fearless heroes and, at its heart, the deep bond between dragon and rider.

From Goodreads:

The greatest enemy is the one within. Prince Kai Afkarr-Younger hides a dangerous secret--he's been infected with the Nightmare Plague. Exhausted from battle and illness, he must force himself to stay awake or risk spawning yet another monster attack on the already beleaguered city; an impossible undertaking without the strength of his tamer. 

Mari Asadottier will do whatever it takes to keep Kai's infection secret from Alveria's scheming Council. Without the power she offers through their bond, he'll never make it through the coronation ceremony in his weakened condition. And without the strong leadership, only Kai can provide, Bellsor will devolve into pandemonium. 

But their efforts to protect Bellsor are hampered when Kai collapses shortly after being crowned, spawning the deadliest monster of all. Driven to defeat what he's created, Kai nearly loses himself in a rogue animalistic frenzy. Only Mari's persistence brings him back from the brink and sets him upon the path to discovering Chaos's nightmarish plan to destroy the Sources of Magic. 

If they want any hope of defeating Chaos and protecting magic, Kai and Mari must hunt down and save the Primal Sources of Magic before they are gone forever--and Chaos reigns supreme. Queen of the Dragons' Ava Richardson invites you to immerse yourself in a dragon-filled world with epic magic, fearless heroes, and, at its heart, the deep bond between dragon and rider. 

From Goodreads:

It's an all-or-nothing fight for the kingdom.

The plague has been eradicated and the remaining nightmare monsters have fled Alveria—for now. With the Source of Fire now in their possession, Mari Asadottir and King Kai must remain vigilant during the royal ball held to honor their official bonding and graduation to Akademy initiates. For there are enemies all around.

With the Head Councillor trying to steal power, Kai must prove to his people that he can wisely and effectively rule. Deception is at work from every side, and Chaos will use anyone to achieve his aim. Including a spy placed in their midst.

When the Source of Fire goes missing, the betrayal cuts deep. But Mari and Kai can't waste time licking their wounds while the fate of all magic hangs in the balance. Information from the captured spy leads them deep into the heart of enemy territory, seeking out the remaining Sources before Mari's unique creation magic is destroyed forever.

But when word reaches them of an attack on the Akademy's mountain fortress, Mari and Kai become embroiled in a horrific battle that threatens to bring them to their knees. Now, dragon and tamer must give it their all or witness the end of Alveria's magic and the universe as they know it.

Queen of the Dragons' Ava Richardson invites you to immerse yourself in a dragon-filled world with epic magic, fearless heroes and, at its heart, the deep bond between dragon and rider.

My Review:
I was really excited to pick this series up! I've loved her writing and this world from the beginning, and I was anticipating seeing what this new trilogy would add. I really enjoyed following along Mari and Kai as they dealt with their troubles, mainly Chaos, and awful councillors! 

Mari and Kai need one another. She's a trainer that hasn't bonded with a dragon, and he needs a trainer to manage his magic so he can shift back to human form. So their partnership was pretty ideal on the surface. Of course it was a bit more complicated than that, especially since he's the prince, and future king.  

This story of Chaos was really fantastic to read! Every trilogy in this series has faced a threat, and the threat of chao-and the monsters being created-was different and unique, as they faced off with these various monsters that were being created!

Watching as the stakes kept rising, the need to know how they were going to deal with it rose alongside it. I was rooting for them to find the solutions to what they were facing, and how to deal with Chaos, and oh, that final fight was nail-biting-the chances of things going wrong at at epic level were sky high! But oh, so satisfying when they won! 

Loved reading this series, and I can't wait to read more by Ava Richardson! 

Author: Ava Richardson
Series: Alveria Dragon's Akademy III: Reign of Chaos #1, 2, 3. Alveria Dragon's Akademy Universe #7, 8, 9
Read: November 25th, 25th, 25th, 2023
Source: NetGalley 
Reason Why: Love her writing and this world, and they're Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2023 Books, and Dragon's Magic is a End of Series 2023 Book! 
Publisher: Relay Publishing
Published: April 2th 2020, May 27th 2020, June 24th 2020

Dragon's Guardian:

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Dragon's Source:

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Dragon's Magic:

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Bookgammon Readathon December 2023 Sign Up

So I'm taking part in Bookgammon, which takes place throughout the month of December, hosted by Nicke at Nicke Pearson! Find Nicke's announcement video here!

I made a list of books that are a mix of books that I really, really want to read, and some that I really, really should read, before the end of the year. I listed them alphabetically, then put it in a random shuffler, and shuffled them a few times, and this is what I got:

1.  This Vicious Grace by Emily Thiede
2. The House by Christine Lauren
3. A Disaster in Three Acts by Kelsey Rodkey
4. Escaping Mr. Rochester by L.L. McKinney
5. Knight Assassin by Rima Jean
6. The Endless War by Danielle L. Jensen
7. Bone Weaver by Aden Polydoros
8. Dawn of Fate & Valor by Lucinda Dark and Rebecca Grey
9. Burned by Cyn Balog
10. The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis
11. The Warden by Daniel M. Ford
12. Fire & Heist by Sarah Beth Durst
13. A Year to the Day by Robin Benway
14. Wildfire by Hannah Grace
15. Belzhar by Meg Wolitzer
16. When You Wish Upon a Star by Elizabeth Lim
17. An Unreliable Magic by Rin Chupeco
18. Dead Beautiful by Yvonne Woon
19. Dreamstrider by Lindsay Smith
20. Children of Ragnarok by Cinda Williams Chima
21. Steelstriker by Marie Lu
22. Hot and Badgered by Shelly Laurenston
23. Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst
24. Going Bovine by Libba Bray

So here's the books that got selected in the game:

Roll 1: 7-Bone Weaver by Aden Polydoros

Roll 2: 5-Knight Assassin by Rima Jean

Roll 3: 13-A Year to the Day by Robin Benway

Roll 4: 12-Fire & Heist by Sarah Beth Durst

Roll 5: 21-Steelstriker by Marie Lu

Roll 6: 24-Going Bovine by Libba Bray

So those are the books that I'm going to read! Can't wait to read them! 

Magical Readathon: Orilium - Lightfall at Old Favour Pass Sign Up 2023 Sign Up

So I'm signing up for the Lightfall at Old Favour Pass round of Magical Readathon: Orilium! It's obviously hosted by G at Book Roast, and you can find the announcement video here! It takes place December 9th to the 17th.

Character 1:

The Old Tails Bookstore: Drowned by Cyn Balog

Smith & Friends & Sons Arcane Goods and Such: Random in Death by J.D. Robb

Wallice's Wonderful Winter Wanimals: Before I Let Go by Marieke Nijkamp

Shank & Shawl Legitimate Retailer: Same Time Next Year by Tessa Bailey

Owlcat Craft Cafe: Don't Hang Up by Benjamin Stevenson

Occult Premonitions: Strength (flowers, lion, girl with dress) - Twisted Fates by Danielle Rollins

Character 2:

The Old Tails Bookstore: Tempting the Bodyguard by Jennifer L. Armentrout 

Smith & Friends & Sons Arcane Goods and Such: Badger to the Bone by Shelly Laurenston

Wallice's Wonderful Winter Wanimals: No Exit by Taylor Adams

Shank & Shawl Legitimate Retailer: The Fragile Threads of Power by V.E. Schwab from Beth at Beth Bartholomew

Owlcat Craft Cafe: The House on the Water by Margot Hunt

Occult Premonitions: The World (Wand, laurel, owl, person's head, red ribbon) - Look What You Made Me Do by Katherine A. Olson

Character 3:

The Old Tails Bookstore: Dark Stars by Danielle Rollins

Smith & Friends & Sons Arcane Goods and Such: Breaking Badger by Shelly Laurenston 

Wallice's Wonderful Winter Wanimals: Love Reborn by Yvonne Woon

Shank & Shawl Legitimate Retailer: Saga, Vol. 10 by Brian K. Vaughan, Illustrated by Fiona Staples from TheStorygraph of Lightfall TBR

Owlcat Craft Cafe: No Kindness Too Soon by Sylvain Neuvel

Occult Premonitions: Death (Skeleton, horse, kneeling people, dead person) - Forged by Magic by Jenna Wolfhart

Character 4:

The Old Tails Bookstore: Steelstriker by Marie Lu

Smith & Friends & Sons Arcane Goods and Such: Living Dead Girl by Rachel Vincent

Wallice's Wonderful Winter Wanimals: Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust

Shank & Shawl Legitimate Retailer: Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon from TheStorygraph of Lightfall TBR

Owlcat Craft Cafe: Cold Water Veins by Amy Lutavics

Occult Premonitions: The Fool (Dog, cliff, rose, guy standing, sun) Copper Moon by Rachel Caine

Character 5:

The Old Tails Bookstore: Fire & Heist by Sarah Beth Durst

Smith & Friends & Sons Arcane Goods and Such: One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

Wallice's Wonderful Winter Wanimals: Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

Shank & Shawl Legitimate Retailer: Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun from Becca from thebecafowell

Owlcat Craft Cafe: The Werewolf's 15 Minutes by Jonathan Maberry

Occult Premonitions: Wheels of Fortune (Person reading, wheel, snake) - All That Consumes Us by Erica Waters

Character 6:

The Old Tails Bookstore: The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman

Smith & Friends & Sons Arcane Goods and Such: Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig

Wallice's Wonderful Winter Wanimals: Of Ice and Shadows by Audrey Coulthurst

Shank & Shawl Legitimate Retailer: Wicked Fox by by Kat Cho from TheStorygraph of Lightfall TBR

Owlcat Craft Cafe: Tell Her Story by Margot Hunt

Occult Premonitions: The Empress (Girl sitting on chair, royalty, wheat, flowers, tree) Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coldhurst

Character 7:

The Old Tails Bookstore: Howl for the Gargoyle by Kathryn Moon

Smith & Friends & Sons Arcane Goods and Such: Water's Wrath by Elise Kova

Shank & Shawl Legitimate Retailer: This is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone and Amal El-Mohtar from TheStorygraph of Lightfall TBR

Owlcat Craft Cafe: The Last One to Leave by Benjamin Stevenson

Occult Premonitions: The Moon (Dog, wolf, moon, body of water) Cold Curse by Chloe Neill

Merry Bookmas Update 2

So I read my next book for Merry Bookmas, and it was Lore Olympus, Volume 5 which was for the prompt Geese a laying, and I'll be reading Wicked as You Wish next! 

My Reading Journey:

Tempting the Best Man by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Prompt Fulfilled: Turtle-doves

Started On: December 1st

Finished On: December 1st, 9:12 AM

Pages Read: 179

Lore Olympus, Volume 5 by Rachel Smythe

Prompt Fulfilled: Geese a laying

Started On: December 1st

Finished On: December 1st, 4:34 PM

Pages Read: 400

Wicked As You Wish by Rin Chupeco

Prompt Fulfilled: Swans a swimming

Started On: December 2nd

Currently On: Page 0 of 436

Prompts Left: Partridge in a pear tree, French Hens, Calling Birds, Golden Rings, Maids a milking, Ladies dancing, Lords a leaping, Pipers piping, Drummers drumming

Read: 2

Pages Read: 579

Reindeer Readathon Update 1

So I read my first book for the Reindeer Challenge, and it was Tempting the Best Man which was for the prompt Cupid/Christmas Carols. I'll be reading I don't know next! 

Reading Journey:

Tempting the Best Man by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Prompt Fulfilled: Cupid/Christmas Carols

Started On: December 1st

Finished On: December 1st, 9:12 AM

Pages Read: 179

Prompts Left: Dasher/Christmas Elf, Dancer/Christmas Lights, Prancer, Vixen, Comet/Christmas Star, Donner, Blitzen/Christmas Tree, Rudolph, Sleighing It

Books Read: 1

Pages Read: 179

Merry Bookmas Update 1

So I read my first book for Merry Bookmas, and it was Tempting the Best Man which was for the prompt Turtle-doves, and I'll be reading Lore Olympus, Volume 5 next! 

My Reading Journey:

Tempting the Best Man by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Prompt Fulfilled: Turtle-doves

Started On: December 1st

Finished On: December 1st, 9:12 AM

Pages Read: 179

Lore Olympus, Volume 5 by Rachel Smythe

Prompt Fulfilled: Geese a laying

Started On: December 1st

Currently On: Page 0 of 400

Prompts Left: Partridge in a pear tree, French Hens, Calling Birds, Golden Rings, Swans a swimming, Maids a milking, Ladies dancing, Lords a leaping, Pipers piping, Drummers drumming

Read: 1

Pages Read: 179

A-Z Reading Challenge Update 65

So I read my first (opps) book for 2023, and it was Just Breathe.

Here's the link to this year's post with my journey.

How it Works: 
Read 27 books this year (easy right) One for each letter of the alphabet and one starting with an Arabic number. If there aren't any unread books for the difficult letters, then a book that has a title with that letter in it counts.

Once all the letters and the number have been read, it's time to start again! 

Monthly ARC's Update 56

So I read my next book for Monthly ARC's and it was The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera from the October 2022 list and Ruling Destiny by Alyson Noel from the June list.

Here's the link to this month's post with my journey.

How it Works: 

This is my monthly ARC accountability challenge, to list out the books that I have as ARC's that are being published in the coming month, rounding them up at the start of the month, and seeing how well I did at the end, as well as rounding up the next month's books.    

   

Monthly Series December Round Up

In 2023, I want to make a focus on continuing series. So each month, I'll either draw, or chose, a series that I was current on in a previous year, but has since been continued. A series that I started or continued, but didn't catch up with what was currently published. 2 series that I haven't touched since 2020. A series that I read from this year, but still need to continue. The goal is to finish out as many series as I can, and keep current on the series that are still ongoing. 

So how did I do last month? 

I read Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros, Eragon by Christopher Paolini, Dragon's Keep by Janet Carey, Eldest by Christopher Paolini, Brisingr by Christopher Paolini, Defiant by Brandon Sanderson, Inheritance by Christopher Paolini, The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm by Christopher Paolini, Dragon's Guardian by Ava Richardson, Dragon's Source by Ava Richardson, Dragon's Magic by Ava Richardson, Murtagh by Christopher Paolini. So I stayed current with 2 series, and I finished 3, so yeah, I'm really happy with this month, and I can't wait for the next one! 

This month I've chosen which series, and the ones that got chosen and I'm going to be reading this month are:

Current in a Previous Year:

Monsters by Vanessa Len

Unfinished in a Previous Year:

Gamble Brothers by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Untouched Since 2020:

Dark Stars by Danielle Rollins

Dead Beautiful by Yvonne Woon

Series from This Year:

Case Files of Henri Davenforth by Honor Raconteur 

Monthly ARC's January Round Up

This is my monthly ARC accountability challenge, to list out the books that I have as ARC's that are being published in the coming month, rounding them up at the start of the month, and seeing how well I did at the end, as well as rounding up the next month's books. 

So how did I do last month? 

I read 0 of 2 books. Which is pretty bad, since November was an ARC reading month. But oh, well, I did read a decent amount of other ARC's this past month. 

So the ARC's that I have coming out in January are

NetGalley:

That's Not My Name by Megan Lally - January 2nd, 2024

Edelweiss:

Escaping Mr. Rochester by L.L. McKinney - January 16th, 2024

My Fair Brady by Brian D. Kennedy - January 23rd, 2024

Into the Sunken City by Dinesh Thiru - January 23rd, 2024

A Quantum Love Story by Mike Chen - January 30th, 2024

5. So a decent number, but not too many. Hopefully I can read a couple of them, if not all of them! 

Book Blogger Hop #321, December 1st

Book Blogger Hop

The Book Blogger Hop was originally created by Jennifer from Crazy-For-Books in March 2010 and ended on December 31, 2012. With Jennifer's permission, Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer relaunched the meme on February 15, 2013. Check out the hop here! 

Each week the hop will start on a Friday and end on Thursday. There will be a weekly prompt featuring a book related question. The hop's purpose is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.

The Question of the week is: Do you read multiple books at once? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

I try to not read more then one format at a time, but I can more then one format going at one time, a physical book, an ebook, and an audiobook. Sometimes, I have more then more one book of the same format, but I usually try to keep it to just one. What about you guys? Happy reading! 

First Lines Friday #655, December 1st

First Lines Friday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. We encourage all of our fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

-Grab your current read(s)
-Share the first line(s)
-Include the title and author so that other FLF participants can add the book to their TBR Lists!

"The ivory invitation with its elegant calligraphy and lacy embellishments felt more like a humiliation time bomb just waiting to blow up in Madison Daniels's face than a beautiful wedding announcement. Man, did she have a problem. Mitch, her big brother by three years—her only brother—was actually getting married this weekend. Married. She was totally happy for him. Thrilled, even. His fiancée, Lissa, was a great gal, and they'd become quick friends. Lissa would never do her brother wrong. A Hallmark movie could be based on the two. Met freshman year at University of Maryland, fell madly in love, got great corporate jobs straight out of college, and the rest was history. No, Mitch and Lissa weren't the problem."-Tempting the Best Man by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Oh, this is so much fun! I must reread more now! What about you guys? Happy reading!