Friday, March 31, 2017

2017 First Quarter Wrap Up Post!!

I can't believe the first quarter of 2017 has come to a close already!! Seriously, where does the time go?! I know, I know, I practically say this every quarter, but it is true... Time seems to fly by.

I've had a really great quarter in terms of reading! I've read a total of 52 books so far this year, which essentially means that I am averaging 17.33 books a month!! This is pretty awesome as I have not read this many books in such a short amount time before that I know of anyway.

So far this year, I've only given 3 books a rating of 5 stars out of 5 stars. So, my top three reads are as follows:

The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey
The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel
Kentucky on the Rocks by Gwendolyn Grace

I've also given a lot of other books a 4 to 4.5 star ratings this year as well as come across some disappointing reads along the way too! But I will choose to only highlight my top rated reads at this time.

As usual, I read books in all formats from hardbacks and paperbacks to ebooks and audiobooks! I've also read books from quite a few genres, including nonfiction books, cozy mystery novels, romance novels, paranormal, young adult, a graphic novel, horror, and even erotica books too to name a few of the genres. 

Essentially, my tastes in what I read varies widely, as I like to not only read books from familiar authors and genres, but also explore new to me authors as well.

I've also had fun swapping books at four different (new to me) Little Free Libraries in my local area, which is always a fun activity to participate in as I like visiting Little Free Libraries.

I also enjoyed hearing author, Lisa See, speak at an author event earlier this month. This is the first author event I've attended this year. I love attending author events and meeting/hearing authors speak about their books and their writing. Plus, having them sign copies of their book(s) is also a perk as well! I am hoping to attend more author events later in the year.

So, that pretty much wraps up my first quarter in 2017. How has your first quarter of 2017 gone in terms of reading? What have been your best or worst reads so far this year? Have you attended any author events or book festivals this year?

50/50 FridayBest/Worst Book Read in March


50/50 Friday is a meme hosted by Carrie @ The Butterfly Reads and Karen @ Blue Eye Books. This fun themed meme focuses on the opposite sides of books (best/worst, differing opinions, etc). Every week a new topic will give bloggers the chance to showcase their answers.

This week's topic is to highlight your Best/Worst Book Read In March 2017!




My Best Read for the Month of March is:

I gave two books this month a rating 
of 5 stars out of 5 stars.


(Click above link to read my review)




Kentucky on the Rocks by Gwendolyn Grace
(Click above link to read my review)



My Worst Read for the Month of March is:

This is a difficult choice because I rated
several books this month with 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Fading Dawn by Jessica Taylor
(Click above link to read my review)



Thursday, March 30, 2017

A Very ARC-Ish Readathon!!



I've received so many ARCs and Uncorrected Proofs through Goodreads Giveaways the past 2.5 years that I've actually lost count at how many I've received!! I am so very lucky and very grateful for my abundance of books received through Goodreads Giveaways... Some of the books I've read already, while others are still waiting for me to read them. 

I'd love to read every single ARC and Uncorrected Proof I've received during A Very Arc-Ish Readathon, but am not sure that's even possible as I have sooooo many of them to read. Instead, I will try to read 6-8 books along with other books I've committed to reading next month. Wish me luck!

THE DETAILS


Who: Hosted by Bookshelves & Paperbacks
What: A low-key challenge to read as many ARCs as possible
When: April 1 - April, 2017
Where: Post anywhere on the internet you'd like (your blog, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)
Why: To clear as many ARCs from your shelves 
and maybe win some prizes!

MY (TENTATIVE) TBR

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
Perish From The Earth by Jonathan Putnam
The H-Spot: The Feminist Pursuit of Happiness by Jill Filipovic
Julia Vanishes by Catherine Egan
The Other Side of Midnight by Simone St. James
The Boy Next Door by Katie Van Ark
Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley
The Crossing by Michael Connelly

If you love readathons and have some ARCs waiting to be read, then join me by making a sign up post and linking your post on Bookshelves & Paperbacks blog post!

A Doomsday Library in Norway? Who Knew?!

Okay, talk about coming across unique articles... I discovered the following title on Bustle's website titled, A Doomsday Library Now Exists In Norway, So Your Fave Lit May Survive The Apocalypse by Kristian Wilson. In the article, Kristian Wilson wrote:
In anticipation of "nuclear war or some other grim apocalypse," a Doomsday Library has been set up in Norway. Officially known as the World Arctic Archive, the Doomsday Library is buried in the permafrost of Svalbard, Norway, near the Global Seed Vault.
Countries and people groups around the world are invited to place digitized versions of their most precious texts inside the World Arctic Archive, as Brazil and Mexico have already done. The Sun reports that the Doomsday Library "uses film to store the data, rather than unreliable hard drives or other storage mediums."
The World Arctic Archive isn't the only Doomsday Library out there. For years, a North Carolina IT professional named Rocky Rawlins has been updating his Survivor Library: "a collection of about 7,000 books in PDF format that teach people how to rebuild civilization." Rawlins' collection includes entries on mathematics, veterinary medicine, astronomy, and embalming, among other subjects.
Who knew such a place existed!?

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Justice Calling (The Twenty-Sided Sorceress #1) by Annie Bellet

Paranormal Romance eBook
I recently read a paranormal romance novel titled, Justice Calling (The Twenty-Sided Sorceress #1) by Annie Bellet. I was able to download this novella to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon. 

Below is my unbiased review of Justice Calling (The Twenty-Sided Sorceress #1) by Annie Bellet.

Annie Bellet is a new to me author. I thought Justice Calling (The Twenty-Sided Sorceress #1) by Annie Bellet was a decent read. This is a good novella, but not great. If you like paranormal reads that deal with gaming and magic, etc., then you'll like this novella

The following is a plot summary for Justice Calling (The Twenty-Sided Sorceress #1) by Annie Bellet from GoodReads:
Gamer. Nerd. Sorceress.

Jade Crow lives a quiet life running her comic book and game store in Wylde, Idaho. After twenty-five years fleeing from a powerful sorcerer who wants to eat her heart and take her powers, quiet suits her just fine. Surrounded by friends who are even less human than she is, Jade figures she’s finally safe.

As long as she doesn’t use her magic.

When dark powers threaten her friends’ lives, a sexy shape-shifter enforcer shows up. He’s the shifter world’s judge, jury, and executioner rolled into one, and he thinks Jade is to blame. To clear her name, save her friends, and stop the villain, she’ll have to use her wits… and her sorceress powers.

Except Jade knows that as soon as she does, a far deadlier nemesis awaits.

Justice Calling is the first book in The Twenty-Sided Sorceress urban fantasy series. Readers who enjoyed The Dresden Files or The Iron Druid Chronicles will likely enjoy this series.
I am giving Justice Calling (The Twenty-Sided Sorceress #1) by Annie Bellet a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Justice Calling (The Twenty-Sided Sorceress #1) by Annie Bellet is the 49th book I've read this year!!

Until my next post, happy reading!

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Top Ten Tuesday --- Eleven Authors I Can't Believe I've Met!!




Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week we will post a new Top Ten list that one of our bloggers here at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

I've been truly blessed in being able to attend many author events and book festivals in my lifetime!! Below are a few of the amazing authors I've met in person.

1. Thomas Steinbeck --- Thomas Steinbeck is an author and son of Nobel Prize for Literature winner, John Steinbeck. I met Thomas Steinbeck twice at two different author events in Santa Barbara, California! My husband and I were lucky enough to be sitting next to Thomas Steinbeck and his wife at one of the events we attended... How cool is that? I now have signed copies of three of his books.

2. Abraham Verghese --- He spoke at an event at UC Santa Barbara and signed copies of his novel Cutting For Stone. It was an amazing opportunity to met Abraham Verghese in person.

3. Gay Hendricks --- Gay Hendricks is primarily known as a psychologist, writer, and practitioner, but he has also co-written The Tenzing Norbu Mystery Series with Tinker Lindsay. I was able to meet both Gay Hendricks and Tinker Lindsay at an author event in Summerland, California at The Scared Space when they both discussed and signed copies of their latest novel in the Tenzing Norbu Mystery Series.

4. Garth Stein --- I read The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein a few years ago and this novel quickly became one of my all time favorites!! I knew after reading this novel that I would love to met Garth Stein in person. I felt blessed to have eventually met him a couple of years ago at an author signing event at an independent bookstore in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he was signing copies of his latest novel, A Sudden Light.

5. Paula Hawkins --- I was able to meet her in person at a local independent bookstore while she was on tour for The Girl On The Train. She talked about writing The Girl On The Train, did a reading from the novel, answered questions from readers, and signed copies of her novel.

6. Amy Stewart --- I loved reading Amy Stewart's nonfiction books Wicked Plants and also Wicked Bugs, so knew I'd want to met her at an author event... Sure enough, I've met her at three different author events in an 18 month period!! She's an amazing speaker and I now have signed copies of three of her books.

7. Judy Blume --- My hubby and I heard Judy Blume speak at the inaugural Bay Area Book Festival in 2015 in Berkeley, California. I was able to have her sign a copy of her latest novel (at the time), In the Unlikely Event.

8. Sherman Alexie --- I am a HUGE fan of Sherman Alexie's writing, so I was thrilled to hear him speak at the 2016 Bay Area Book Festival in Berkeley, California and met him briefly to sign copies of his novels that I have. 

9. Arturo Perez-Reverte --- I and fun meeting Spanish author Arturo Perez-Reverte last summer at an independent bookstore near where I live. What a fun author!

10. Daniel Handler (aka Lemony Snickets) --- I saw/met Daniel Handler last year at the 2016 Bay Area Book Festival and was able to briefly meet him after a speaking event he co-hosted with Sherman Alexie. I was thrilled to have him sign a copy of his first book in the Lemony Snickets series.

11. Lisa See --- I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting her this past weekend at an author event in Pleasanton, California!!

So, which authors have you enjoyed meeting in person??

Monday, March 27, 2017

Lisa See Author Signing Event!!

Me (left) with Author, Lisa See (right)

I really enjoy attending author talks/signing events at local independent bookstores whenever time and interest permits.

I've read Lisa See's novel, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, quite a few years ago and really enjoyed. So, I was excited last week to learn that she was coming to Pleasanton, California to talk about and sign copies of her new novel, The Tea Girl On Hummingbird Lane on Saturday, March 25, 2017 from 11am to noon at a local tea and coffeehouse called, Inklings Coffee and Tea.

Inklings Coffee and Tea was packed with a hundred people or more in attendance to hear Lisa See speak about The Tea Girl on Hummingbird Lane... In fact, so many people attended this event that there was standing room only for quite a few people.

I must say that I am glad that I attended the Lisa See author speaking/signing event as she's an amazing and engaging speaker. Hearing Lisa See speak has to be one of the best author talks I've heard. We learned a lot about the novel and about Lisa See's research for the writing of The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane

Lisa See writes a lot about mother-daughter relationships in her novels, but she mentioned that The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane offers one of the deepest mother-daughter relationships she's written about. I'm really excited about reading The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane and am thrilled to have my own signed copy of the novel.

It was also interesting to learn that Lisa See's mother, Carolyn See, was also a writer and English professor at UCLA and that Lisa See's grandfather was also a writer.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Perfectly Equipped by Lacey Silks

eBook Romance
Perfectly Equipped by Lacey Silks is a romance short story approximately 58 pages in length. I was able to download Perfectly Equipped by Lacey Silks for FREE to my Kindle from Amazon. Below is my unbiased review of Perfectly Equipped by Lacey Silks.

For the most part, I enjoyed reading Perfectly Equipped by Lacey Silks. The story and characters are fun for Perfectly Equipped. The premise of the story is also a good one as well.

I didn't like the cliffhanger ending for Perfectly Equipped, nor a couple of cheesy scenes. But otherwise, Perfectly Equipped by Lacey Silks was a good read.

The following is a summary for Perfectly Equipped by Lacey Silks from Amazon:
I'm a widowed mother. I'm not looking for love, but I guess my best friend thinks it's time to find some man-candy.Her words, not mine.And she's way more adventurous than me.So when she takes me on a vacation to a nudist resort, that's the last place I expect to find the man of my dreams. A perfectly equipped man who takes my breath away and makes me forget about my secrets.His name is Sean and he had me the moment I saw his crotch.
I am giving Perfectly Equipped by Lacey Silks a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post happy reading!!

High Voltage Tattoo by Kat Von D

Hardback Edition
I became aware of Kat Von D as a tattoo artist from watching her on the following reality television shows ~ Miami Ink and LA Ink.

I do not have any tattoos myself and have no plans on ever being tattooed... But I have grown to see tattoos as an art form if done properly by talented tattoo artists like Kat Von D.

I purchased the hardback edition of High Voltage Tattoo by Kat Von D quite a few years ago now and finally decided to read and review her book this year.

High Voltage Tattoo by Kat Von D makes for a great coffee table book, especially if you love tattoos. The photographs of the tattoos that cover Kat Von D's body and of the tattoos Kat Von D has done on other people are well done, although I feel like a few of the photographs could have been made larger to showcase more of the detail of each tattoo. 

It was interesting to read about Kat Von D's life, how she became a tattoo artist, and about how music is another one of her passions. Kat Von D also writes about the artists she enjoys and other tattoo related things, like tattoo etiquette, tattoo after care, tips on how to find a tattoo artist that is right for you, and even myths about getting tattoos!

The following is a blurb about High Voltage Tattoo by Kat Von D from Amazon:
High Voltage Tattoo is a graphic perspective on today's global tattoo culture by Kat Von D, star of The Learning Channel's L.A. Ink and one of the most talented and popular artists working today. Designed in a style that is reminiscent of a handmade Gothic journal with its red padded cover, ornate typography, and parchment like pages, it throws the door wide open to tattooing culture in the way only an insider like Kat can.
High Voltage Tattoo traces Kat's career as an artist, from early childhood influences to recent work, along with examples of what inspires her, information about the show and her shop, her sketches, and personal tattoos. The book goes deep into tattoo process and culture: readers can see up close the pigments, the tools, and the making of complex, even collaborative, tattoos.

With a foreword by Mötley Crüe's Nikki Sixx, the book features images and stories about celebrities, rockers, pro skaters, and everyday citizens, including Slayer's Kerry King, Anthrax's Scott Ian, Margaret Cho, Jackass' Bam Margera, David Letterman, and many others. It profiles and showcases the work of artists Kat has selected from all over the world, her interviews with people who have compelling tattoos and stories, and amazing images of extraordinary tattoo work. Numerous portfolios throughout the book showcase a range of relevant subjects, from the black and gray portrait work for which Kat is famous to a popular tattoo theme, such as the rose or biblical images. There is a knockout ten-page full-body spread of Kat—clad in a yellow bikini and seven-inch, rhinestone-studded red stilettos—that catalogs in detail all her personal tattoos on her front, back, left, and right sides—even her hands and head.
I am giving High Voltage Tattoo by Kat Von D a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Fading Dawn by Jessica Taylor

eBook Short Story
Fading Dawn by Jessica Taylor is a short story 35 pages in length that I was able to download for FREE to my Kindle from Amazon.

Below is my unbiased review of Fading Dawn by Jessica Taylor.

Meh, this was an okay short story. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. I think Fading Dawn could have been a whole lot better. The ending to Fading Dawn was weak and sorta of weird... Let's just say that this short story will be very forgettable.

Below is a plot summary for Fading Dawn by Jessica Taylor from Amazon:
Once vampire nobility, Asher now roams the countryside as a peasant. He has grown tired of immortality and seeks an ending so he can be with his long lost love. 
Dawn is weary of the world as well, battling a fatal disease, she has grown tired of being trapped behind the walls of her posh estate. When an attack brings Asher and Dawn together can they finally find peace in one another’s arms?
I am giving Fading Dawn by Jessica Taylor a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Kentucky On The Rocks by Gwendolyn Grace

eBook Romance Novella
Kentucky On The Rocks by Gwendolyn Grace is a 90 page romance novella from a new to me author.

I was able to download Kentucky On The Rocks by Gwendolyn Grace for FREE to my Kindle from Amazon. Below is my unbiased review of Kentucky On The Rocks by Gwendolyn Grace.

Wow, I was blown away with how wonderful Kentucky On The Rocks by Gwendolyn Grace after reading it! I enjoyed Gwendolyn Grace's writing, the characters she created within Kentucky On The Rocks, and the storyline itself. I look forward to reading more of Gwendolyn Grace's writing in the future.

The following is a plot summary for Kentucky On The Rocks by Gwendolyn Grace from Amazon:
Josette Lewis has been living a lie and needs to get out of Kentucky as soon as possible. To her devastation, the ultimatum she gave her long time boyfriend, Derek, has backfired. Before she can tuck tail and move home to California she must put her house on the market and upgrade her security system to keep Derek out of her life for good. When Aidan Ross, a hunky security consultant, shows at her front door Josette is instantly charmed by his sexy grin and easy-going ways. Can she let go of her familiar pretenses and allow Aidan to convince her to take another chance at love?
I am giving Kentucky On The Rocks by Gwendolyn Grace a rating of 5 stars out of 5 stars. I've read 48 books so far this year and I've only given 3 of the 48 books a 5 star rating!

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Friday, March 24, 2017

50/50 Friday Novel Worth/Not Worth the Hype


50/50 Friday is a meme hosted by Carrie @ The Butterfly Reads and Karen @ Blue Eye Books. This fun themed meme focuses on the opposite sides of books (best/worst, differing opinions, etc). Every week a new topic will give bloggers the chance to showcase their answers.

This week's topic is to highlight Novels Worth/Not Worth the Hype!


A Book Worth The Hype



The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian 
by Sherman Alexie
(Click Link Above to Read My Review)

I read The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian in 2012. 
What an amazing read!! Sherman Alexie is such a
fabulous and talented writer!

A Book Not Worth The Hype




(Click Link Above to Read My Review)

I know there are a lot of Neil Gaiman fans out there. 
I'd heard how wonderful The Ocean at the End of the Lane,
but for whatever reason it
just didn't resonate with me at all.
I just don't understand the hype surrounding this novel.

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Lye in Wait (Home Crafting Mystery #1) by Cricket McRae

Cozy Mystery eBook
I enjoy reading cozy mystery novels, so I decided to read Lye in Wait (Home Crafting Mystery #1) by Cricket McRae after reading about it on Amazon's website. 

I was able to download the ebook edition of Lye in Wait (Home Crafting Mystery #1) by Cricket McRae to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon!

Below is my unbiased review of Lye in Wait (Home Crafting Mystery #1) by Cricket McRae.

Cricket McRae is a new to me author. I liked the entire 'home crafting premise' of this cozy mystery novel. Cricket McRae's writing is really good. I enjoyed her writing a lot, plus the characters, plot, and storyline were all well developed and fun to read about. I was truly captivated from start to finish while reading Lye In Wait!

The only minor complaint I have regarding Lye In Wait is that some minor editing work needed to be done. Otherwise, Lye in Wait (Home Crafting Mystery #1) by Cricket McRae is a good read.

The following is a plot summary for Lye in Wait (Home Crafting Mystery #1) by Cricket McRae from Amazon:
Cocoa butter soap, check. Lemon lip balm, check. A dead body?
That's just what Sophie Mae Reynolds finds in her workroom: the corpse of Walter Hanover, the neighborhood handyman. He died from drinking lye, something she has in good supply. But the police don't suspect Sophie Mae, a thirty-something widow who makes and sells beauty products. Instead they call it a suicide. But why would a man with lottery cash and a loving fiancée kill himself?

No one can stop the impulsive Sophie Mae from answering this riddle, not her sensible best friend Meghan or Detective Ambrose, who incites annoyance as well as stomach flutters. Sophie Mae's nose leads her to a peppermint-scented trail of arson, bigamy, and a shocking family secret.
I am giving Lye in Wait (Home Crafting Mystery #1) by Cricket McRae a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Electrify by Lucia Jordan

Erotica Short Story
I've recently noticed that author, Lucia Jordan, has a lot of short stories available for free to download to one's Kindle from Amazon. 

I'd never read anything by Lucia Jordan before, until now. It seems like many of Lucia Jordan's short stories are popular with readers on Amazon based on the ratings. So, I decided to read one of her short stories for myself.

I chose to read Electrify by Lucia Jordan, which is a short story roughly 32 pages in length. I chose to read this short story based on the high reviews I discovered for this short story on Amazon and also because it was a FREE download to my Kindle. Below is my unbiased review of Electrify by Lucia Jordan.

I felt like Electrify by Lucia Jordan started out really well and was engaging. I looked forward to seeing where this short story lead readers. But the last 30% of this short story felt rushed to me and was unsatisfactory. I felt like Joanna and Zack rushed into having sex... Sure I felt like they were going to hook up and have sex by the end of the short story anyway... I mean that part was obvious, but better build up to them having sex could have been done better by the author. I just didn't expect Joanna and Zack to rush into having sex the 1st night at the chalet when they barely knew each other and that they were going to be together at the chalet for two weeks. I didn't like how Zack was really rough with Joanna in terms of the sex they had together. 

Plus, the cliffhanger ending sucked to Electrify! I hate it when author's write a series of books with a cliffhanger ending, especially when they give the 1st book in the series away for free... A cliffhanger ending just feels like a cheap trick to do to readers. Each book in the series should be a complete read and not have a cliffhanger ending.

The following is a summary for Electrify by Lucia Jordan from Amazon:
A powerful Contemporary Romance. Here is the first book in the ‘Electrify’ Series by Lucia Jordan, written in her signature style of high passion and emotion.

Will Joanna be able to seduce the man she loves or will she fall for his mysterious and drop dead gorgeous friend instead?

For years Joanna’s been secretly in love with her best friend Trent. So when he invites her to Aspen for two weeks on an all-expenses-paid vacation, she hopes the naturally romantic backdrop of snow-capped mountains and log wood fires will lead something more. Little does Joanna know that Zack Weston—Trent’s friend who owns the chalet and is paying for the whole trip—has other ideas…

Zack has never been able to get Joanna out of his mind since the very first time he saw her as she visited his friend Trent years ago at Yale. He knows that Joanna still lusts after Trent, but he also knows that things haven’t progressed beyond friendship between the two.

One way or another, Zack is determined to shake things up. But this time, will he finally claim the woman he desires?
I am giving Electrify by Lucia Jordan a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Top Ten Tuesday --- A List of Books to Read in a Short Amount of Time!!



Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week we will post a new Top Ten list that one of our bloggers here at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

Below is a wide and varied list of short reads that I enjoyed reading. I hope you have a chance to read some of them and like reading them as much as I did!!

1. The Dispatcher by John Scalzi ~~ This is the only audiobook that made my list this week. The Dispatcher is AMAZING and very thought provoking!! Listening length is 2 hours, 19 minutes and narrated by actor, Zachary Quinto.

2. La Borinqueña #1 by Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez ~~ Celebrate diversity with this graphic novel featuring a strong female, Puerto Rican superhero!

3. Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot ~~ Check out these fabulous cat inspired poems that inspired the musical Cats. This book of poems is a short 56 pages of pure bliss!

4. Ivan (Her Russian Protector #1) by Roxie Rivera ~~ I read this erotica novella a few years ago and loved it! It is the first book in a series. It's a quick read with a lot of 'hotness' to it. Good storyline and characters.


5. The Forty Fathom Bank by Les Galloway ~~ Another novella I read a few years ago and remember really liking a lot... In fact, I'd like to read it again. It's a psychological thriller set in the San Francisco Bay Area and deals with shark fishing.

6. Grayson by Lynne Cox ~~ I love this short memoir by long distance swimmer Lynne Cox. She writes about her very memorable encounter with a baby gray whale during one of her long distance swims off coast of Seal Beach, California when she was roughly 17 years old. The gray whale had become separated from its mother and she stays with the whale until the mother is found. I've read Grayson twice and the writing is phenomenal. If you are an animal lover and enjoy reading memoirs, then this is a must read!

7. Nosebleed by Ged Maybury ~~ This is a children's novel written by a New Zealand native. It is funny and a fabulous read!

8. Deenie by Judy Blume ~~ I recently finished reading Deenie earlier this month and loved this novel for young adults. This is a full length novel but is a super quick read. I love that Judy Blume doesn't shy away from writing about deep topics that make you think!

9. Peeler  by Gord Rollo ~~ Calling all horror genre fans!! This 70 page read will creep you out. So, if you love reading horror themed books, then this short book is for you!

10. Flashy Fiction and Other Insane Tales (Volume 1) by Jen Wylie & Sean Hayden ~~ I believe this book was my first experience with flash fiction (super short stories) and I love the flash fiction in this book!

Monday, March 20, 2017

Imperfect Chemistry (Imperfect #1) by Mary Frame

Unabridged Audio Version
I listened to the unabridged audio version of Imperfect Chemistry (Imperfect #1) by Mary Frame from Audible and narrated by Rhiannon Angell.

Listening time for Imperfect Chemistry (Imperfect #1) by Mary Frame is 6 hours, 37 minutes.

I really enjoyed listening to Imperfect Chemistry (Imperfect #1)!! It is a marvelous novel. I enjoyed the storyline very much. All of the main characters are fun and well developed. I especially enjoyed reading about the leading character Lucy London... She's a genius and also socially awkward. We see Lucy transform from a socially awkward geek girl to someone who is more at ease in social interactions and also gains friends and a boyfriend by the end of the novel. 

There are many funny scenes in Imperfect Chemistry (Imperfect #1) that had me laughing out loud in several parts... I rarely find myself laughing with glee while reading novels, so was happy to find a novel filled with some humorous scenes.

Rhiannon Angell is a good narrator for Imperfect Chemistry (Imperfect #1), which only added another dimension to my listening enjoyment.

The following is a plot summary for Imperfect Chemistry (Imperfect #1) by Mary Frame from Audible:
Lucy London puts the word genius to shame. Having obtained her PhD in microbiology by the age of 20, she's amassed a wealth of knowledge, but one subject still eludes her - people. The pendulum of passions experienced by those around her confuses and intrigues her, so when she's offered a grant to study emotion as a pathogen, she jumps on the opportunity.
Enter Jensen Walker, Lucy's neighbor and the one person she finds appealing. Jensen's life is the stuff of campus legend: messy, emotional, and complicated. Basically, the perfect starting point for Lucy's study. When her tenaciousness wears him down and he consents to help her, sparks fly. To her surprise, Lucy finds herself battling with her own emotions, as foreign as they are intense. With the clock ticking on her deadline, Lucy must decide what's more important: analyzing her passions...or giving in to them?
I highly recommend reading Imperfect Chemistry (Imperfect #1) by Mary Frame. I look forward to reading other novels in the 'Imperfect' series in the future. I am giving Imperfect Chemistry (Imperfect #1) by Mary Frame a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Sunday, March 19, 2017

What Are You Reading For Women's History Month??

I am not reading anything specific for Woman's History Month that would fall into the women's history genre. 

However, during the month of March 2017, I am only reading books written by women! So far, I've read and reviewed eight books written by women this month. 

I have three more books in progress that I am hoping to finish reading and reviewing by the end of the month.

So, are you reading anything special this month for Women's History Month?

Saturday, March 18, 2017

Before Midnight by Jennifer Blackstream

Unabridged Audio Version
I listened to the unabridged audio version of Before Midnight by Jennifer Blackstream and narrated by Matt Addis. Listening time for Before Midnight by Jennifer Blackstream is 6 hours, 37 minutes.

Before Midnight by Jennifer Blackstream is the first novel 'The Blood Prince Series' and is a shifter paranormal romance novel, with a Cinderella vibe/feel to it.

I thought that Matt Addis did a good job of narrating Before Midnight by Jennifer Blackstream. I also enjoyed that this novel didn't have a cliffhanger ending. 

As far as shifter paranormal romance novels go, I thought Before Midnight by Jennifer Blackstream was simply okay, nothing special. The introduction of this novel took a bit of time to get into as a lot of characters were introduced at the beginning of this novel and many of the characters from the beginning of the novel didn't have a major role in Before Midnight by Jennifer Blackstream after that, so I am only assuming that they make an appearance in later novels in 'The Blood Prince Series'. 

I didn't like the 'instalove' factor between the main characters of Loupe and Etienne in Before Midnight. I also didn't like all of the Cinderella elements that the author chose to incorporate into the novel as well... It just made the novel feel weird. I think it would have been better to just focus on the novel as a shifter paranormal romance without making the story have the Cinderella elements that were strewn throughout the novel.

The following is a plot summary for Before Midnight by Jennifer Blackstream from Audible:
Cursed. Kissed. Bitten.
The prince is throwing a ball. But he's not looking for a princess. He's looking for a werewolf. Start this USA Today best-selling series now and see if the prince gets a kiss...or a bite.
An alpha wolf fighting a powerful curse.
The werewolf prince Etienne is turning into a human. A fierce and loyal pack, Etienne and his family have protected their kingdom with tooth and claw - literally - for hundreds of years. Unfortunately, the spell of a well-meaning witch is slowly stealing the beast from inside him. Only the bite of a cursed werewolf - one who was not born with the beast inside - can save him from losing everything. He has no time for anything that will not lead him to a cure for the curse. Not even the beautiful maiden whose gentle nature soothes his soul even as she tempts him into primal pursuits of an entirely different nature.
I am giving Before Midnight by Jennifer Blackstream a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy listening!!

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

The Lamplighter's Love by Delphine Dryden

I read the eBook edition of The Lamplighter's Love by Delphine Dryden. The Lamplighter's Love by Delphine Dryden is a steampunk, erotica novella approximately 64 pages in length.

I was able to download The Lamplighter's Love by Delphine Dryden to my Kindle from Amazon. Below is my honest, unbiased review of The Lamplighter's Love by Delphine Dryden.

I really liked this novella! It's well written and I liked the storyline a lot. The Lamplighter's Love by Delphine Dryden incorporates steampunk, romance, and erotica along with interesting characters and a plot twist along the way.

The following is a summary for The Lamplighter's Love by Delphine Dryden from Amazon:
Mary has trained for years to become the next Lamplighter of London. When her chance comes, however, she realizes the massive difference engines of the Lampworkers' guild would be a cold substitute indeed for the passion she's begun to explore with the current Lamplighter, Nicholas. 
But Fate, it seems, is determined to separate them. A rival threatens to upset all Mary's hopes and dreams within the guild, and with her newfound love. Even as snow blankets London in readiness for Christmas, intrigue blazes in the secret labyrinths of the Lamworkers’ guild below.
Through bitter deception and scorching erotic discovery, Mary and Nicholas must find a way to shine a light on a new future—one they can spend together. 
The Lamplighter's Love is a 20,000 word erotic romance novella.
I am giving The Lamplighter's Love by Delphine Dryden a rating of 4 stars out 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Top 10 Irish Books to Read for St. Patrick’s Day!!

Looking for some good Irish reads in time for St. Patrick's Day? Look no further! I found an article titled List of Lists: Top 10 Irish Books for St. Patrick’s Day by Jordan Osterman. In the article, Jordan Osterman writes:
This entry was curated by Jim Rogers, director of the Center for Irish Studies and editor of New Hibernia Review.
It’s not east making a list of essential books when you’re talking about a country the size of Indiana that has produced four Nobel winners in literature and scores of other fine writers. But here’s a shortlist of 20th century titles that all Irish-minded readers ought to know.
Click on the top link to see which books made the list of must read Irish books! 

Monday, March 13, 2017

Little Free Library in Danville #2, California, USA



Yesterday afternoon, I once again visited another two Little Free Libraries with my husband. This time around, we discovered two Little Free Libraries in Danville, California. I love finding Little Free Libraries. I ended up leaving two books at each Little Free Library we visited today and came away with only one free book titled, Asleep by Banana Yoshimoto.

So, have you ever visited a Little Free Library? Do you visit Little Free Libraries regularly?

Little Free Library in Danville #1, California, USA



Yesterday afternoon, I once again visited another two Little Free Libraries with my husband. This time around, we discovered two Little Free Libraries in Danville, California. I love finding Little Free Libraries. I ended up leaving two books at each Little Free Library we visited today and came away with only one free book titled, Asleep by Banana Yoshimoto.

So, have you ever visited a Little Free Library? Do you visit Little Free Libraries regularly?

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Little Free Library #2 in Pleasanton, California, USA



I love visiting Little Free Libraries and try visiting new ones as often as I am able to do so. 

Yesterday, my husband and I visited two different Little Free Libraries in Pleasanton, California. I left three books at the one above. I snagged a paperback copy of Frog Music by Emma Donoghue, which I am looking forward to reading.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Little Free Library #1 in Pleasanton, California, USA



I love visiting Little Free Libraries and try visiting new ones as often as I am able to do so. 

Yesterday, my husband and I visited two different Little Free Libraries in Pleasanton, California. I left three books at the one above. I snagged a paperback copy of Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan, which is a novel I've been wanting to read for awhile now... And the copy of Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan is in like new condition, score!!

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Saturday, March 11, 2017

Pains and Penalties (A Geeks and Things Cozy Mystery #1) by Sarah Biglow

Cozy Mystery Novella
Pains and Penalties (A Geeks and Things Cozy Mystery #1) by Sarah Biglow is a cozy mystery novella and the 39th book I've read this year!! I read the ebook edition of Pains and Penalties (A Geeks and Things Cozy Mystery #1) by Sarah Biglow, which is approximately 77 pages in length.

I was able to download Pains and Penalties (A Geeks and Things Cozy Mystery #1) by Sarah Biglow for FREE from Amazon. Below is my unbiased review of Pains and Penalties (A Geeks and Things Cozy Mystery #1) by Sarah Biglow.

I enjoy reading cozy mystery novels and Sarah Bigelow is a new to me author. I thought Pains and Penalties (A Geeks and Things Cozy Mystery #1) by Sarah Biglow was a decent enough read. However, some things about this novel didn't seem that credible... Like the fact, that the leading character Kalina Greystone is able to pick up on things that the police detective misses and solve the murder for him. Additionally, the police detective provides Kalina with information about an ongoing case and also takes her along with him while on duty as a cop at times that seemed inappropriate. But overall, this novella was a decent whodunnit, despite the fact that it had the flaws mentioned above.

The following is a summary for Pains and Penalties (A Geeks and Things Cozy Mystery #1) by Sarah Biglow from Amazon:
A new amateur sleuth is on the case in the first book of this Cozy Mystery novella series. 
When Kalina Greystone returns home to the small town of Ellesworth, MA in the wake of her father's passing to take over the family's comic book shop, she never expects to reconnect with her old flame, Detective Christian Harper. But when elderly Mrs. Davies winds up murdered at the annual Solstice Fair, Kalina can't help but get swept up in his investigation and solving the case. While Detective Harper runs his investigation, she cozies up to the dead woman’s best friend, Mrs. Grant, and learns that she and a third woman, Ms. Ellicott, might be targets. Someone has sent them notes with the cryptic warning ‘Lying is a mortal sin’. As Kalina digs deeper into the women’s shared past, she unearths the perjury that sentenced an innocent man to prison. After discovering Ms. Ellicott dead in her home, Kalina and Detective Harper must race to unmask the killer before vengeance can be sated.
I am giving Pains and Penalties (A Geeks and Things Cozy Mystery #1) by Sarah Biglow a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Friday, March 10, 2017

Deenie by Judy Blume

Hardback Edition
I've been on a Judy Blume reading kick for almost two years now and Deenie by Judy Blume is the fifth novel I've read by the author since 2015.

Wow, Deenie is another powerfully written young adult novel by Judy Blume!! Ms. Blume does write very thought provoking novels for young adult readers (and adults) and Deenie is no exception.

I thought Judy Blume did a fabulous job highlighting what it must be like for a young person having to deal with scoliosis and having to wear a back brace from one's neck to one's hips to help correct a spinal curvature. I felt like Ms. Blume accurately captured the emotions Deenie must be feeling/going through once she is diagnosed with scoliosis and also the idea she must wear the brace for four years in order to avoid disfigurement.


I feel it's important to have diverse young adult novels with leading characters that have to deal with important issues like Deenie dealing scoliosis and having to wear a back brace. These types of novels can not only help develop empathy and understanding, but also let's others with similar circumstances/issues know they aren't alone.

I also thought it was interesting to read about Deenie's mom, Thelma, and how hard she took the news of Deenie's scoliosis. Deenie's mom was my least favorite character in the novel. I didn't like how she was so pushy in wanting Deenie to become a model all because she thought Deenie was beautiful.... Like, seriously, is that all a pretty face can be??? And Deenie's sister, Helen, is the smart one, so Deenie's mom was pushy about Helen using her brains... Like why can't Deenie be both smart and beautiful... Deenie's mom seemed to be twisted in her thinking. I liked Deenie's dad a lot though. He was firm, but fair as a parent and very loving too.

As always, Judy Blume doesn't shy away from other 'heavy' topics like masturbation, sex, and menstruation which are also topics that are touched upon in Deenie.

According to WikipediaDeenie by Judy Blume, "has been banned in schools for themes deemed inappropriate for adolescents; in this case, talk about masturbation and sexuality. Deenie is on the American Library Association list of the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1990–2000 at forty-sixth." Why is it that the best books are ones that are banned or challenged?

The following is a summary for Deenie by Judy Blume from Amazon:

Scoliosis twists Deenie’s plans for seventh grade in this classic Judy Blume novel with a fresh new look.
Deenie’s mother wants her to be a model, with her face on magazine covers—maybe even in the movies—but Deenie wants to spend Saturdays with her friends Janet and Midge, tracking Harvey Grabowsky, the captain of the football team, around Woolworth’s. She wants to be a cheerleader, too, and go to the seventh-grade mixer to hear Buddy Brader play his drums.
Instead, Deenie is diagnosed with scoliosis. And that means body stockings to squeeze into, a roomful of strangers to face, and a terrifying brace that she’ll need to wear for years that goes from her neck to her hips. Suddenly Deenie has to cope with a kind of specialness that’s frightening—and might be hers forever.
I am giving Deenie by Judy Blume a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Certain Book Related Topics Book-Lovers Disagree On... Can You Relate to Any of These?

As readers and book-lovers, we don't agree on everything! Some readers feel it is perfectly acceptable to dog-ear pages in a book instead of using a bookmark or writing in the margins of a book or even highlighting the text, while others do not find these types of activities acceptable.

In an article I discovered on Bustle titled 15 Things All Book-Lovers Can't Stop Fighting About by Kerri Jarema. In the article, Kerri Jarema writes:
But there are lots of other bookish things we can argue over, too, and these can get far more personal. Why would you buy books when you can get them from the library? Who in their right mind would rather see the movie before reading the book? And why, for goodness' sake can you not use a bookmark to hold your page instead of bending the corners down? Who knew books could be such a hotly contested subject? Well, we did, of course, and we compiled a list of the top fifteen things that all book lovers argue over below. Let's just promise to fight clean, shall we?
Click on the above link to read which 15 things all book-lovers can't stop fighting about! Do any of them ring true for you?