2019 First Quarter Wrap Up Post!!

The first quarter of 2019 is almost over with! I've had an interesting year of reading and blogging thus far.

I've read or listened to a total of 24 reads this year

to date and counting!

In January 2019 I read the following five books:

1. Gods In Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson

2. The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son On Life, Love, and Loss by Anderson Cooper & Gloria Vanderbilt

3. Tulip Fever by Deborah Moggach

4. A Skating Life: My Story by Dorothy Hamill

5. The Crossing by Michael Connelly

I also visited 3 new to me Little Free Libraries

during the month of January and blogged about

my Little Free Library adventures.

In February 2019 I read the following two books:

1. Tangerine by Christine Managan

2. An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

I had a reading slump in the month of February,

which I wrote about in a blog post towards 
the end of February. I had three

books, which I dnf'd during the month of February...
And the other books I had at my disposal just weren't
ones I was interested in reading at the time.

I did make several blog posts promoting 

Black History Month though.

In March 2019, my reading mojo returned!

I focused on reading or listening to books 

and short stories written by women, which I

didn't plan until March came along as March
is Women's History Month.

Interestingly enough everything I read in March

came in ebook form from Amazon or 

was an Audible audiobook.

I read the following seventeen books/short stories in March:

1. Frostbite (Ivy Granger 0.5) by E. J. Stevens

2. Throwing Smoke by Kit Sergeant

3. A Mind of Her Own by Paula McLain

4. Taming The Alpha by Savannah Stuart

5. Once Upon A Tiger by Kat Simons

6. The Tin Rose by Anne Renwick

7. Dark Arsenal by Cynthia Sax

8. Lyric's Accidental Mate by Elle Boon

9. Dazed (Lovers & Fighters #1) by Emily Swan

10. Constellations by Bree M. Lewandowski

11. Emma by Jane Austen

12. Wishes & Wellingtons by Julie Berry

13. The Spies That Bind by Ally Carter

14. Who Does He Think He's Fooling? by Laurie Baxter

15. The Lola Cruz Christmas Story by Melissa Bourbon Ramirez

(review to come)

16. Light Parade by Shelley Coriell

(review to come)
17. Head Over Heels by Evie Snow

I visited six new to me Little Free Libraries
during the month of March, 
which was a lot of fun! And, of course, I blogged
about my Little Free Library adventures. 

I found four of my wishlist books
at Little Free Libraries I visited this year.
How cool is that? I just love Little Free Libraries.

As a side note, my other major hobby is knitting...
I was able knit my first ever
triangle shawl during the month of March while listening
to audiobooks. The joys of multitasking!! Or at least,
the joys of partaking in my two favorite hobbies 
at the same time.

So how is your year of reading going for you?

Are you meeting your reading goals?

Which books have met or exceeded your expectations?

What bookish related things have tickled your fancy?

(magnetic bookmarks have become a favorite thing for me.)

Have you attended any fun literary events or author signings

this year?

Share with me in the comment section below.

Happy reading!

Reading Goals the Rest of the Year!!

I usually just select the number of books I want (or hope) to read during any given year... Because if I select the book titles I want to read in advance for any given year, I am bound to change my mind about which books I decide to read as the year carries on.

However, I've decided to go through my plethora of physical books around my home and set aside 45 of them to read before 2019 is up. I've added ARCs and other giveaway books I've received, recent books I've added to my collection, and other books I've had for over five years in my collection, but have yet to read. 

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I read all 45 of these books I've recently set aside before the year ends and that I don't change my mind on which titles I end up reading. Many of the books I will pass along to other readers!

I've also added 2 audiobooks and 1 ebook to the mix as well for a total of 48 books.

How do you determine which book or books you'll read next? Usually, I just select the next book after I've finished reading a book. 

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

Head Over Heels by Evie Snow

Head Over Heels by Evie Snow is a contemporary romantic comedy novella approximately 67 pages in length. Head Over Heels is the first thing I've read by Evie Snow, which I discovered is a husband/wife writing duo! According to the author's website, it sounds like the wife half of this writing duo does all the actual writing and the husband half of this writing duo helps with 'plot wrangling'. So, with that said, I'm counting this book as solely written by a woman, even if her husband helps out with 'plot wrangling'.

I was able to download the ebook edition of Head Over Heels by Evie Snow to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon. Below is my honest, unbiased review of Head Over Heels by Evie Snow.

Head Over Heels by Evie Snow is a cutesy, contemporary rom-com read. It was funny in parts and annoying in other parts. It has an interesting premise for a storyline, but essentially it is a predictable read. It was a low stress novella to read in an afternoon of down time for me.

The following is a plot summary for Head Over Heels by Evie Snow from Goodreads:

A dress store owner who thinks big. A fallen soap opera star who's out of luck. Second chance love is a spectator sport…

Pin-up clothing store owner Madeline Evans always spends her July 4th on the beach writing down her goals. As she perfects her life improvement plan, she keeps an eye out for her fantasy man. Every year, she watches her almost-prom-date-turned-famous-actor jog along the same beach where she writes her resolutions. But she never expected to actually have to talk to him…

Cal Greyson’s acting career just took a sharp turn for the worse. After losing his bid to star in a blockbuster flick, his steady job at a soap opera is cut short in the most embarrassing way possible. It’s the cherry on the sundae when he falls down during his annual jog through his hometown beach. As the onlookers start recording with their smartphones, he’s rescued by the most surprising person imaginable…

The former high school classmates hide out in Madeline’s house until the coast is clear. As they revisit the past, a little white lie Madeline spread about Cal in her youth may keep them from fantasizing about their future…

I am giving Head Over Heels by Evie Snow a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Top Ten Tuesday - Audiobook Freebie - My Favorite Nonfiction Audiobooks

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Top Ten Tuesday was originally created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Below is my list of top ten favorite nonfiction audiobooks in no particular order of importance.

1. The Assassination of the Archduke by Greg King & Sue Woolmans
2. The Soloist by Steve Lopez
3. The Power of the Habit by Charles Duhigg
4. The Professor and the Mad Man by Simon Winchester
5. Stoned: Jewelry, Obsession, and How Desire Shapes the World by Aja Raden
6. The Coming Storm by Michael Lewis
7. Life's Work: A Moral Argument For Choice by Dr. Willie Parker
8. My Life On The Road by Gloria Steinem
9. Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage by Elizabeth Gilbert
10. Cat Daddy by Jackson Galaxy

Share with me some of your favorite nonfiction audiobooks!

Who Does He Think He's Fooling? by Laurie Baxter

I read the ebook edition of Who Does He Think He's Fooling? by Laurie Baxter. Who Does He Think He's Fooling? by Laurie Baxter is a short read at approximately 52 pages.

I was able to download Who Does He Think He's Fooling? by Laurie Baxter to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon. Below is my unbiased review of Who Does He Think He's Fooling?.

Let me not sugar coat this review at all... I flat out DID NOT LIKE Who Does He Think He's Fooling? by Laurie Baxter at all. 

What a juvenile, immature premise for a story!! Take two people that are coworkers and good friends, Tom and Amy. They both secretly like each other and want to take the relationship to the next step, but neither of them knows the other person likes the other person romantically, until Tom asks Amy to go on a date with him. But, Amy laughs in Tom's face because she thinks he's joking about taking the relationship to the next level... All of this takes place before the story even starts and we (the readers) only learn this information as the story starts with both Tom and Amy at work in a staff meeting the next morning where they can't even look at each other or be near each other because of the situation they've created and never (apparently) resolved in that moment.

I can't even begin to believe this scenario was even the premise for Who Does He Think He's Fooling? by Laurie Baxter. The plot goes from bad to worse when their boss, Jessica, makes matters worse by making the entire staff play a prank on each other that day by having staff members draw a name of the person they will play a prank on that day... Like say what? Fiascoes abound... Let me kindly skip the details for the rest of this story and save my blog readers the pain and prolonged agony of this story to its final conclusion.

Let's just say that Who Does He Think He's Fooling? by Laurie Baxter is the worst thing I've read this year to date.

The following is the plot summary for Who Does He Think He's Fooling? by Laurie Baxter from Amazon:

Tom loves Amy. Amy can't stop thinking about Tom. But neither of them knows that and right now they need to worry about their boss's latest "teamwork exercise." Oh and that little mix-up last night where Tom asked Amy out but she thought it was an April Fools' gag.

I am giving Who Does He Think He's Fooling? by Laurie Baxter a rating of 1 star out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

The Spies That Bind by Ally Carter

This past weekend, I listened to the unabridged audio version of The Spies That Bind by Ally Carter and narrated by Rebecca Soler. Listening time for The Spies That Bind by Ally Carter is 2 hours, 55 minutes.

I was able to download The Spies That Bind by Ally Carter for FREE to my Kindle from Audible. Below is my honest, unbiased review of The Spies That Bind.

Ally Carter has been on my radar for quite awhile, but The Spies That Bind is the first thing I've read by her. This novella is a prequel to The Gallagher Girls Series and is aimed primarily for middle schoolers.

I enjoyed the premise of The Spies That Bind by Ally Carter and Rebecca Soler did a good job narrating this novella. Despite liking this novella overall, I wasn't overly impressed by it and have no plans to read the rest of the series or other works written by Ally Carter. 

One of the biggest issues I had with The Spies That Bind is that the entire novella felt too contrived to me. I wanted more depth, less angst, and less predictability.

The following is a plot summary for The Spies That Bind by Ally Carter from Amazon:

An original novella and prequel to Ally Carter's New York Times best-selling Gallagher Girls series, exclusively on Audible.

The first day at a new school is tough for any kid, but it's especially scary when you're going to a school for spies. Cammie Morgan has spent her whole life dreaming of becoming a Gallagher Girl, but she has no idea what she'll face when she arrives at The Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women. Secret passages? Check. Lab experiments that might make you lose your eyebrows (and other body parts)? Check. Classmates who are the smartest, strongest, most intimidating girls in the world? Double check.

Cammie might be a Gallagher legacy, but she's about to learn that the most intimidating part about the Gallagher Academy are the Gallagher Girls themselves. Soon Cammie and her clumsy-but-genius roommate Liz, and the glamorous Bex have to learn the most important lesson of the seventh grade: getting into spy school is hard. Surviving spy school is harder.

Ally Carter is the author of many beloved series, including Heist Society and the Embassy Row novels, and Not If I Save You First.

I'm giving The Spies That Bind by Ally Carter a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Little Free Library in Pleasanton, California

Early this morning after grocery shopping, I found this cute Little Free Library in Pleasanton, California. I left a book and was pleasantly surprised to find a copy of Misty Copeland's memoir, Life In Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina, which has been on my reading wishlist for a long time.

This is the 6th new to me Little Free Library I've found this month.

Have you discovered any new to you Little Free Libraries lately?

Wishes & Wellingtons by Julie Berry

I enjoyed listening to the unabridged audio version of Wishes & Wellingtons by Julie Berry and narrated by Jayne Entwistle. Listening time for Wishes & Wellingtons is 9 hours, 29 minutes.

As an Audible member, I was able to download Wishes & Wellingtons by Julie Berry to my Kindle for FREE earlier this month. Below is my honest, unbiased review for Wishes & Wellingtons by Julie Berry.

Wishes & Wellingtons is a wonderful read!! I really enjoyed it immensely. Wishes & Wellingtons is a middle grade fantasy genre novel with a strong female leading character in Maeve Merritt. Maeve is a feisty, smart, headstrong young lady that does not believe in submitting to bullies. Maeve is also not a stranger to adventures and getting into mischief. 

I loved Maeve's character and the story of her discovering a djinni. I enjoyed learning more about the djinni's backstory and his saucy personality, along with the wishes Maeve requests from the djinni, her friendships, and the adventures Maeve and her friends encounter throughout Wishes & Wellingtons by Julie Berry.

Jayne Entwistle is also an excellent narrator! I look forward to discovering other books she's narrated.

The following is a plot summary of Wishes & Wellingtons by Julie Berry from Audible:

From award-winning author Julie Berry comes a brand new middle-grade fantasy adventure full of humor and heart, exclusively from Audible.

Maeve Merritt chafes at the rigid rules at her London boarding school for “Upright Young Ladies.” When punishment forces her to sort through the trash, she finds a sardine tin that houses a foul-tempered djinni with no intention of submitting to a schoolgirl as his master.

Soon an orphan boy from the charitable home next door, a mysterious tall man in ginger whiskers, a disgruntled school worker, and a take-no-prisoners business tycoon are in hot pursuit of Maeve and her magical discovery. It’ll take all of her quick thinking and sass to set matters right. Maeve Merritt is one feisty heroine you won’t soon forget.

Julie Berry lives near Los Angeles with her family. The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place is an Odyssey Honor Audiobook, and The Passion of Dolssa is a Printz Honor Title.

I highly recommend Wishes & Wellingtons by Julie Berry. I am giving it a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Bookish Quote of the Day!

Happy National Poetry Day!!

In honor of National Poetry Day, I've decided to highlight the day with some poetry by Adrienne Rich.

The below quote about Adrienne Rich comes from Wikipedia:

Adrienne Cecile Rich (/ædriːɛn/;[lacks stress] May 16, 1929 – March 27, 2012) was an American poet, essayist and feminist. She was called "one of the most widely read and influential poets of the second half of the 20th century",[1][2]and was credited with bringing "the oppression of women and lesbians to the forefront of poetic discourse."[3]

Below are two of my favorite poems written and read by Adrienne Rich. The poems make me stop and think about the message that Adrienne Rich is imparting to readers. 

Power by Adrienne Rich

Diving Into The Wreck by Adrienne Rich

What do you think of these poems?

Let me know in the comment section below.

Let Jane Austen Dictate Which Book You Should Read Next!!

Since I recently finished listening to the audio dramatization of Emma by Jane Austen a couple of days ago, I couldn't resist reading and sharing the following article from Bustle's website titled, The New Book To Read Next, Based On Your Favorite Jane Austen Novel by Kristian Wilson.

Since I've only read Emma by Jane Austen, I can't say it's my favorite Jane Austen novel even if I did enjoy listening to Emma immensely. With that said though, I must admit that it was fun to see which book was recommended to those who loved reading Emma by Jane Austen. I now have a few books to add to my ever growing reading wishlist.

If you're an avid Jane Austen fan, click on the above link to see which current new book you should read next based on your favorite Jane Austen novel.

Until my next post, happy reading to you!

Emma by Jane Austen

The past few years, my unofficial reading goal has been to read at least one classic book annually. This month, I chose to listen to the unabridged audio version of Emma by Jane Austen. This is the first time, to the best of my recollection, that I've read anything by Jane Austen.

I loved that this audio version of Emma by Jane Austen is a dramatization of this classic novel and is read by a wide variety of voice actors including actress, Emma Thompson.

Listening time for the Audible Original dramatization of Emma by Jane Austen is 8 hours, 21 minutes.

I actually really liked Emma by Jane Austen a lot. I thought the dramatization was really well done. The storyline, plot, and characters were entertaining and engaging, even if the plot was bit predictable at times.

Below is a plot summary for Emma by Jane Austen from Amazon:

"Regal, haughty, with a pinch of sly wit, Emma Thompson's delivery is perfect for Jane Austen's 1815 masterwork.... Beneath the opulent lifestyles and light banter, Austen adds astute observations on the English class and social justice systems. Enjoy yourself while listening carefully. 2019 Audies Finalist." (AudioFile magazine)

This Audible Original production of Jane Austen's Emma is narrated by Emma Thompson (Academy Award, Golden Globe, Emmy and BAFTA winner, Love Actually, Harry Potter, Sense and Sensibility), with a full supporting cast including Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey, Liar), Morgana Robinson (The Windsors, Walliams & Friend, Morgana Robinson's the Agency), Aisling Loftus (Mr Selfridge, War & Peace), Joseph Millson (Casino Royale, The Sarah Jane Adventures), Alexa Davies (Mamma Mia!Here We Go Again) and rising star Isabella Inchbald as our eponymous heroine.

Before she began writing, Jane Austen wrote, 'I am going to take a heroine whom no-one but myself will much like' and thus introduces the handsome, clever, rich - and flawed - Emma Woodhouse. Emma is perfectly content with her life and sees no need for either love or marriage; nothing, however, delights her more than matchmaking her fellow residents of Highbury. But when she ignores the warnings of her good friend Mr Knightley and attempts to arrange a suitable match for her protegee Harriet Smith, her carefully laid plans soon unravel and have consequences that she never expected.

This lively comedy of manners, with its witty and subtle exploration of relationships, is often seen as Jane Austen's masterpiece.

I am giving Emma by Jane Austen a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

Little Free Library Finds in Castro Valley, California!!

Yesterday, on St. Patrick's Day, my hubby and I found three new to us Little Free Libraries in Castro Valley, California. 

Normally, I make individual posts for each new Little Free Library I discover... But since I found three new to me Little Free Libraries all in the same city and all on the same day, I thought I would go ahead and simply make one post instead of three separate posts.

21772 Tanglewood Drive, Castro Valley CA 94546

This Little Free Library was my favorite find of the day. I loved how it was decorated and the bench located next to the Little Free Library for one to sit down and read a book. 

Sadly, I learned that this Little Free Library will be shut down in the future due to the fact that all the books have been stolen repeatedly by someone (hence the note left inside the LFL by the LFL owner), leaving the owner to have to replace the books. Too bad that there are people out there that make trouble and take the fun out of something good like a Little Free Library.

2361 Vestal Avenue, Castro Valley CA 94546

This Little Free Library was a fun find as well and is located in a cute, older neighborhood in Castro Valley.

2626 Grove Way, Castro Valley CA 94546

This cute Little Free Library was also a fun find for us. It was easy to locate, but  parking was a tad difficult as it was located on a busy street.

How Can You Beat A Book Slump?

Last month, I had a reading slump, which has passed - thank goodness!! 

Recently though, I came across an article on Bustle's website titled, How Can You Beat A Book Slump? 9 Literary Professionals Share Their Tips & Tricks by Kerri Jarema. In the article, Kerri Jarema wrote the following:

Ah, the dreaded book slump. If you're a reader, chances are pretty high you've fallen into one at some point. Picture this: You've got bookshelves stacked with exciting unread books, your e-reader is stocked with new releases you've borrowed from the library, you've even got a few audiobooks downloaded on your phone. But... you just can't bring yourself to read anything. Reading slumps tend to happen for some extended period of time (maybe a few days or weeks, but some experience them for months) and they're a pretty universal struggle in the reading community.

So, it only makes sense to turn to the reading experts to figure out how to get out of one, right? For some people, reading is not just a lifelong hobby, it's a job. For booksellers and book editors, book bloggers and literary agents, it's crucial not only to read the projects they work on directly, but to stay on top of all the latest releases in various genres, along with book related news. It can be, well, a lot. But the industry insiders below — who read anywhere from 10 to 300 books a year — fall into book slumps, too, and following their personal tips and tricks will help you recognize and overcome one in no time.

Click on the very top link to read the article and see which tips will help you overcome a reading slump from reading professionals! 

Constellations by Bree M. Lewandowski

Constellations by Bree M. Lewandowski is a contemporary fiction short story which is approximately 20 pages in length.

I was able to download the ebook edition of Constellations by Bree M. Lewandowski to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon. Below is my honest, unbiased review of Constellations by Bree M. Lewandowski.

I enjoyed reading this quick, short story. The writing was good overall, but I had mixed feelings about the ending to this short story as it wasn't the ending I had expected. I'm glad Constellations by Bree M. Lewandowski was a free read as I'm unsure that I will seek out works by Bree M. Lewandowski in the future.

The following is a plot summary for Constellations by Bree M. Lewandowski from Amazon:

Can the stars guide your way? Can patterns in the sky lead you?

Leon would have said no. All his life, he believed in getting where he was going by the hard work of his own hands.

But lately...lately, things have been different. Things have been downright unexplainable.

A short story to cozy up into. Author Bree M. Lewandowski offers her readers a different fun piece of fiction to believe in.

I am giving Constellations by Bree M. Lewandowski a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next pots, happy reading!!

Dazed (Lovers & Fighters #1) by Emily Swan

Dazed (Lovers & Fighters #1) by Emily Swan is a contemporary romance that is the first of three books in the Lovers & Fighters series.

I was able to download the ebook edition of Dazed (Lovers & Fighters #1) by Emily Swan to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon. Below is my honest, unbiased review of Dazed (Lovers & Fighters #1) by Emily Swan.

I enjoyed reading Dazed (Lovers & Fighters #1) by Emily Swan. I liked the author's writing. The main characters were fun and well developed and the plot/storyline was good overall too. 

A couple of the scenes in the novel had me a bit surprised as I didn't expect the main characters to react the way in which they did in the novel. It's nice to be surprised and not have a book be so predictable.

I enjoyed the first book in the Lovers & Fighters series so much that I may just go ahead and read the next two books in the series as well.

Below is the plot summary for Dazed (Lovers & Fighters #1) by Emily Swan from Amazon:

After saving Dominic's life, will Gemma choose true love?

Gemma Siever is an ER nurse who has always seemed to make the wrong decisions about love. When she ends up saving Dominic, an MMA fighter, from heart failure, their attraction is mutual and heated. The problem is Gemma doesn't trust herself enough to give into his charms. Dominic, on the other hand, has been haunted by a tragic past and craves intimacy even while he fears commitment. 

Dominic is craving her intimacy but fears commitment. Will Gemma find out about his tragic past before it's too late?

I'm giving Dazed (Lovers & Fighters #1) by Emily Swan a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Little Free Library - My 4th LFL Find In San Ramon, California!

This was the second Little Free Library my hubby and I discovered yesterday evening... However, this is the fourth Little Free Library we've found in San Ramon to date.

I enjoyed finding this Little Free Library in a cute residential neighborhood. I left two books and left two books.

It's so much seeking out Little Free Libraries within my own community and in other communities as well. I usually carry books with me to leave in Little Free Libraries in other cities.

I've actually lost track of how many Little Free Libraries I've found since discovering my first one in Ventura, California in 2012... I'm sure if I look through all my blog posts, I could figure it.

To date, I've only visited Little Free Libraries in California. Hopefully, I'll find Little Free Libraries in other states too.

Little Free Library - My 3rd LFL Find In San Ramon, California

Tonight my hubby and I found a new Little Free Library in San Ramon, California... So new in fact, that the paint made the door stick and difficult to open!!

However, this Little Free Library is adorable!! It was a little difficult to locate at first because it is behind a rather large commercial property near the front entrance to a gymnastic school/academy. 

I was able to snag a copy of Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor from this Little Free Library.

Have you found a new to you Little Free Library lately?

Great News!! Los Angeles County Library Named National Award Finalist!

I learned through LA's NBC news station that Los Angeles County Library Named National Award Finalist! 

I learned the following information from reading the online article:

The Los Angeles County Library was named a finalist Monday for the 2019 National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

Thirty museums and libraries from across the country made the list of finalists announced by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. It's the second year in a row LA County Library has been named a finalist.

Finalists are chosen for their noteworthy and innovative contributions to their local communities, according to the IMLS.

"The 30 National Medal finalists showcase the tremendous ability of libraries and museums to serve as vital community resources," IMLS Director Kathryn Matthew said. "The Institute of Museum and Library Services is honored to recognize these leading institutions.

Question of the Day... Are Your Used Books Worth Anything?

Yesterday, I came across an interesting article from Forbes Magazine's website titled, Are Your Used Books Worth Anything? by David Seideman. In the article, David Seideman wrote the following information:

Last March, Heritage Auctions sold a signed and inscribed first edition of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby from 1925 for $162,500 at a rare book sale in New York City.

On Sunday, I took a break from my regular sports collectibles beat and spent two-and-a-half hours at the New York Antiquarian Book Fair’s Discovery Day. The hosts invited guests to “bring up to five treasures to be evaluated by our experts.” This is the book world’s annual version of the Antiques Roadshow.

A few of the 100 book owners on line carried small treasures, but the rest didn’t cover the fair’s $25 admission cost. I asked two dealers what the odds are of them striking pay dirt during their house calls to appraise personal collections. While one said the chances are one out of 10, another thought it’s more like one out of a 1,000.

David Seideman goes on to write in his article about which types of books are in demand and which books aren't in demand. Click on the very first link to read the entire article.

Lyric's Accidental Mate by Elle Boon

Lyric's Accidental Mate by Elle Boon is the third book I've read by Elle Boon. It's also the first book in the Iron Wolves MC Series. If you enjoy paranormal romances, then this novel may be the one for you.

I was able to download the ebook edition of Lyric's Accidental Mate by Elle Boon to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of Lyric's Accidental Mate by Elle Boon.

Although I've enjoyed reading other books by Elle Boon, Lyric's Accidental Mate by Elle Boon missed the mark for me. Sure there's some pretty hot sex scenes... And Rowan Shade sounds like a hottie. 

Overall though, the storyline, characters, and writing for Lyric's Accidental Mate by Elle Boon were so-so. I felt like the male characters were really sexist in their views of women and sex. Other plot details needed more flushing out in my opinion as well. Also, the abrupt ending for Lyric's Accidental Mate was awful. Additionally, some minor editing work needed to be done in a few areas of Lyric's Accidental Mate by Elle Boon.

The following is a plot summary for Lyric's Accidental Mate by Elle Boon from Amazon:

From USA Today Bestselling Author Elle Boon comes the first book in her bestselling series with over 500 Reviews. Find out how getting bit, makes a SEAL like Rowan Shade so much more and see how Lyric, a shifter, goes from savior to the one in need of saving.

Rowan would give his life to protect the woman he loves. Lyric is determined to save Rowan, even if it’s from her own pack. When They Collide, everything changes….

A WOMAN IN NEED OF SAVING…Lyric Carmichael is a shifter who’s used to fighting with odds stacked against her, but this time she might’ve bitten off more than she can chew. 

A BADASS SOLDIER…Rowan Shade, a Navy SEAL who’s used to wading into battles doesn’t hesitate when he sees a gorgeous woman being attacked by a group of men, only this time he might be the one needing saved. 

A LOVE BEYOND REASON…As Lyric introduces Rowan to her world as a new shifter, danger to the pack intensifies. Pack is everything to the Iron Wolves and when one of their own betrays them, they face a battle that could destroy them from the inside out.

A BAD GIRL WITH A BITE…A TOUGH AS NAILS SOLDIER… 

When They Collide, everything changes…

I am giving Lyric's Accidental Mate by Elle Boon a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Do We Still Need the Nobel Prize in Literature? Great Question!

I came across a thought provoking article on Electric Literature's website titled, Do We Still Need the Nobel Prize in Literature? by Carrie V. Mullins. In the article, Carrie V. Mullins wrote the following:

The Nobel Prize has been awarded in five categories since 1895, and over that time it has gained a serious amount of cultural cachet. You probably respect a Nobel laureate even if you don’t know much, if anything, about the actual criteria considered for the prize. Nobel stipulated that the prize for literature should honor the person who produced “the most outstanding work in an ideal direction.” It’s a vague directive, and one that has caused many issues of interpretation. Sara Danius, who was the Permanent Secretary of the Academy until she resigned last year, once told an audience at Duke, her alma matter, “What does it take to win the Nobel Prize in Literature? What do I know? I don’t know. All I know is that the criteria are simple, but tough. You get awarded not for a single work, but for a life’s work. You are expected to come up with something new in terms of content or form or both. And that is how you win the Nobel Prize in Literature.” In short, it’s an easily manipulated set of standards, and we just have to accept that the Academy knows what it’s doing. The problem is, that’s no longer obvious.

Carrie V. Mullins makes some good points in her article. Click on the above link to read the entire article. 

Dark Arsenal by Cynthia Sax

Dark Arsenal by Cynthia Sax is the fourth novella/short story I've read in the Cyborg Sizzle Series by Cynthia Sax. Dark Arsenal by Cynthia Sax is approximately 68 pages and is the 13th read Cyborg Sizzle Series.

I was able to download Dark Arsenal by Cynthia Sax to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon. Below is my honest, unbiased review of Dark Arsenal by Cynthia Sax.

I must say that I really liked reading Jumping Barrel, Being Green, and Knowing Zip by Cynthia Sax despite each one being predictable, formulaic, and easy breezy reads. But hey, sometimes lowbrow reads are needed!

Dark Arsenal by Cynthia Sax is another predictable, formulaic, and easy breezy read. It pretty much follows the same formula as the three previous Cyborg Sizzle Series books I read and was as expected in that way. 

However, as much as I've liked the Cyborg Sizzle Series thus far, Dark Arsenal by Cynthia Sax was lacking/annoying to me... I felt somethings were said repeatedly between the two main characters. Like how many time can you say the same thing but in a slightly different without it becoming annoying??

Yes, there's also a lot of Insta-Love/Insta-Lust too in Dark Arsenal by Cynthia Sax, which I didn't mind as there was also action and a storyline as well. The dialogue between the main characters is a bit cheesy, but also part of the charm perhaps?

Below is the plot summary for Dark Arsenal by Cynthia Sax from Amazon:

A cyborg warrior and a Rebel female’s first mission together might be their last.

Arsenal considers himself to be a disposable cyborg. He drifts from assignment to assignment, forming no connections to anything or anyone. When the cyborg council requires a warrior for a high-risk mission, Arsenal volunteers. He believes no one will miss him if he dies.

He doesn’t realize he’s one female’s fantasy.

The moment Vicuska glimpses Arsenal’s image, she knows he’s the male she wants to spend her last moments in the universe caressing. The Rebel female craves the cyborg’s grim-lipped kisses, desires the touch of his hands, hears his deep voice in her dreams.

Their mission will end in explosions and death. That is certain if they fail or if they succeed. Whether or not they’ll find love during their dangerous assignment is the unknown.

All in all, I thought Dark Arsenal by Cynthia Sax was just okay and am giving it a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

The Tin Rose by Anne Renwick

The Tin Rose by Anne Renwick is a steampunk, romance short story approximately 58 pages in length. 

I was able to download the ebook edition of The Tin Rose by Anne Renwick to my Kindle from Amazon for FREE. 

Below is my honest, unbiased review of The Tin Rose by Anne Renwick.

I like discovering new authors and exploring genres (like steampunk) that I only occasionally read from time to time. Short stories are often one of the best ways for me to discover new to me authors and expand my reading horizons. 

With that said, I wasn't wowed by The Tin Rose by Anne Renwick after I'd finished reading it. The Tin Rose by Anne Renwick was too predictable. The writing was okay. The storyline, characters, plot details, and dialogue all could have been vastly improved to make this short story a more captivating read for me.

The following is a plot summary for The Tin Rose by Anne Renwick from Amazon:

A gypsy's promise. A clockwork poison. A race to save a love balanced on the edge.

On the night they were to elope, a spurned lover returned. A gift, she claimed. But the clockwork contraption unwound a poisonous bloom, sending Lady Emily and Luca, her gypsy love, on a desperate race to reach the cure.

Note: The Tin Rose is a short story of about 9,000 words. The story takes place a few months before The Golden Spider opens.

I am giving The Tin Rose by Anne Renwick a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Once Upon A Tiger by Kat Simons

I read the ebook edition of Once Upon A Tiger by Kat Simons, which is a paranormal romance/erotica novella approximately 130 pages in length. Once Upon A Tiger is also the first book in the Tiger Shifters Series.

I was able to download Once Upon A Tiger by Kat Simons to my Kindle from Amazon for FREE. Below is my honest, unbiased  review of Once Upon A Tiger by Kat Simons.

In general, I like reading paranormal romances/erotica novellas and novels when they are done well. I enjoyed the premise and storyline behind Once Upon A Tiger by Kat Simons. The writing itself was okay, although some minor editing work needed to be done. The characters were decent. But overall, I felt like the storyline needed more punch to it. 

Once Upon A Tiger by Kat Simons was simply an okay read for me... An afternoon reading escape. I won't be continuing with the Tiger Shifters Series.

The following is a plot summary for Once Upon A Tiger by Kat Simons from Amazon:

She’ll never run.

Among the tiger shifters, Alexis Tarasova is regarded as fierce and dangerous, with a reputation that would make even the most daring tiger think twice about challenging her. Female tiger shifters may be rare and the mating run a critical part of their species’s survival, but Alexis is the only female Tracker and will not back down, even at the threat of tiger law. She will not be forced to mate. So when a handful of males band together to force her to participate in the run, Alexis chooses to stand her ground and fight instead.

He's forbidden to run.

Outcast from the tiger shifters after a vicious childhood attack left him mute, Victor Romanov has never taken part in the mate run. He’s never particularly cared, though, since the woman he loves refuses to take a mate. However, when he learns Alexis may be in danger, all bets are off. Nothing will keep him from her side.

Together, they’re unmovable.

The chemistry between them burns wickedly hot and forges them into an unbeatable pair. Alexis knows that being with Victor means she will have to break another one of her people’s laws—a move that might push the tigers too far. But, for Victor, she will risk everything, including her life, and do what she thought she’d never do—run.

I am giving Once Upon A Tiger by Kat Simons a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Taming The Alpha by Savannah Stuart

I read Taming The Alpha by Savannah Stuart in a single afternoon! Taming The Alpha is a paranormal romance/erotica novella approximately 129 pages in length and is the first novella in the Crescent Moon Series.

I was able to download Taming The Alpha by Savannah Stuart to my Kindle for FREE. Below is my honest, unbiased review of Taming The Alpha by Savannah Stuart.

I liked Taming The Alpha by Savannah Stuart. The writing was good for this type of genre. The characters and storyline were entertaining as well. So if you like paranormal romances/erotica with werewolf shape shifters, then this may be the read for you.

Below is the plot summary for Taming The Alpha by Savannah Stuart from Amazon:

After a year of lusting after his sexy employee, werewolf pack-leader Grant broke his no-involvement-with-humans rule and made a move on Talia. A month later the sex is still red hot and everything between them is perfect. Or so he thought. Until the night he shows up at her place expecting their usual ritual of mind-blowing sex and finds out she has other plans. And they don’t include him.

When Talia announces she’s tired of being his last priority, Grant realizes he might lose the only woman he’s ever cared about. He has to do something fast to fix their relationship, but she’s completely unaware that he’s not human. He’s not above using sex to bind her to him, but when she wants more than that he has a risky decision to make. If he admits the truth he risks not only his heart, but the safety of his pack and the existence of all supernatural beings as well.

I am giving Taming The Alpha by Savannah Stuart a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Women by Alice Walker (Poem) ~ Happy International Women's Day!!

Women by Alice Walker has been a long time favorite poem for me! I love the imagery of strong, smart women providing a pathway for future generations.