Happy New Year!

I just want to wish everyone a...

May 2016 be a great year for everyone!

See ya next year!

Audiobook and Library Challenges: How I did...

2015-audiobooks

Totally rocked this one and I surpassed the 15 I was shooting for. In the end it was 18 audios! YaY!

I think I'll go for next year's challenge:

The level I'm going for is...

• Socially Awkward (Don’t talk to me) 15-20 
I think this one is doable for me and keeps me on track for what I would like to do next year.

~~~~~~~~~~

2015-library-books

Didn't quite make this one. I needed 4 more. I didn't do bad considering all the new shineys this year. I don't know if I'll shoot for the same next year, but I did catch up on some of my series.

So, how did you do this year? 

The Sandman by Erin Kellison

Series: Reveler #7
 127 p.
Publisher: Fire Flower Publishing, LLC
Published 5/8/15
Source: From author for review

The world Darkside is in turmoil when Chimera Marshal Steve Coll, bloody and beaten, makes it back to Maze City and into Maisie’s arms. He bears a terrible message—The Sandman, the god of the world of dreams, is rising, and he’s bringing devastation to the waking world. Steve must embrace his dual nature to save those he’s sworn to protect. And yet, how can he fight a being who destroys everything in his path?

Even awake, no one is safe.

After the fall of the black market, Maisie Lane’s city is overrun with criminals who want her dreamscape for their own. She’s always envisioned Maze City populated, but not with people like these. Nevertheless, she must relinquish some of her control not only to save the man she loves, but to protect and defend her precious city. While friends and family face danger and betrayal, another enemy is lurking in the shadows.

As time runs out, Maisie and Steve must fight with everything they have, or lose it all, including each other. And even if they somehow prevail, nothing will ever be the same.

The Sandman is the seventh installment in the Reveler serial, a hot paranormal romance set in a world where shared dreaming is a new pop culture phenomenon that allows people to indulge their wildest fantasies. But there are also unknown dangers Darkside; nightmares are slowly infiltrating not only dreams, but the waking world as well.

Revel with me.

My thoughts:

Oh man! This one really had me totally pulled into this world. We were left with several questions from the last book and then BAM! Although most of those get answered we are hard hit with some things I didn't expect. Nope, totally blew me away! I don't want to say too much as I will give all away if I continue. I'll say that this was an excellent addition to the series and the twists here were excellent.

I give this book 4 stars. It would have been 5 but we are left with a wicked cliffie. Other than that, it is perfect. I cannot wait for the next installment which is the last book. I HAVE to know what comes next. I recommend it to those that love adult UF/PNR mash ups.

Happy Holidays!

I would like to first announce some...

The winner for:

is...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner for:

is...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner for:

is...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is the last post until after Christmas! Hope you have a wonderful holiday season no matter what you celebrate! May this time be a good one for you and your family.

If not then all I have to say is...

;) Had to throw some nerd in there. LOL

Happy Holidays!

Manners & Mutiny by Gail Carriger

Series: Finishing School #4
Last book in series
326 p.
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 11/3/15
Source: Library

If one must flirt…flirt with danger. 

Lessons in the art of espionage aboard Mademoiselle Geraldine’s floating dirigible have become tedious without Sophronia’s sweet sootie Soap nearby. She would much rather be using her skills to thwart the dastardly Picklemen, yet her concerns about their wicked intentions are ignored, and now she’s not sure whom to trust. What does the brusque werewolf dewan know? On whose side is the ever-stylish vampire Lord Akeldama? Only one thing is certain: a large-scale plot is under way, and when it comes to fruition, Sophronia must be ready to save her friends, her school, and all of London from disaster—in decidedly dramatic fashion, of course. 

What will become of our proper young heroine when she puts her years of training to the test? Find out in this highly anticipated and thrilling conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Finishing School series!

My thoughts:
I was so sad that I couldn't get this one for review but I requested it at my library first chance I got! So, this became one of my library reads. I was not disappointed and I couldn't wait to see how everything ends.

The mystery and espionage were as good as the other books. I quickly fell into this world and couldn't wait to find out what happened to my favorite characters. I do think things were well rounded up and it all made complete sense. So why was I a bit disappointed? I can only figure that it is because it is the ending book as to why I was left bereft when the last page appeared.

The issue between Soap and Felix is resolved and it makes sense! I couldn't see how that one would come about. I also love the new Soap. :) There are also minor issues that become resolved within the book. I think the resolutions are so complete it made me a bit disillusioned. No more guesses as to how things will work out. No more guesses at the impossible. No more Sophronia's adventures. I was also upset by Bumbersnoot's resolution. Although I have to say I couldn't have thought of anything more perfect (other than him coming through the book to land on my lap) in how his adventure was resolved. I can only say that I'm truly disappointed that this is the last book.

I give this book 4  1/2 stars. It is a perfect resolution to all the lose ends we encountered throughout the series. I would not skip around in the series but read them in order. This series is the perfect steampunk adventure for YA and adult crowds but it almost ends too perfect for me. That was it's only real problem in the book (what a funny problem to have!). I couldn't have thought of anything better but it also means we have to leave this world and go onto other stories. I highly recommend this series to everyone.

Audiobook Review with Crafts: Curse the Dawn by Karen Chance

Series: Cassandra Palmer #4
Narrator: Cynthia Holloway
14 hrs. 27 min.
Unabridged
Publisher: Tantor Media
Published: 6/30/10
Source: Hoopla/Library

Cassandra Palmer may be the all-powerful Pythia now, but that doesn't mean people have stopped trying to kill her. Most of the supernatural power players don't want independent-minded Cassie as chief clairvoyant---and they'll stop at nothing to see her six feet under. 

The Vampire Senate does support Cassie in her position, but their protection comes with a price: an alliance with the sexy master vampire Mircea, who has claimed Cassie as his own. 

But even the vampires will have trouble keeping Cassie alive now that the self-styled god Apollo, the source of the Pythia's power, has it in for her in a big way. To save her life---and the world---Cassie's going to have to face down her creator once and for all.

My thoughts:

I have been seeing people pick this series back up and I have missed it. I've read the others so I thought it might be time to try it on audio. I was not disappointed and I enjoyed Cynthia Holloway's voice throughout the story. I hope she narrates the rest of the series.

The book felt a bit uneven to me with the high action and then the sudden lulls. It still kept my attention as the others in the series but it doesn't progress too much on the Pythia problem Cassie is having. It does progress but just barely. There is still a love triangle and nothing is terribly clear there by the end of the book either, but small advances were made with both Mircea and Pritkin. Still not sure if there will be a clear winner, but both are alpha males even if the Pythia has no problems courting both.

I give this audio 4 stars. It is another fun addition to the series and I cannot wait to continue it. I seem to always want more after finishing a Cassandra Palmer book and it was no different here. I enjoyed it on audio and may continue it that way with the rest of the books. I recommend it to those who enjoy UF and humor.

The Craftiness: 

I made gifts when I listened to the book. I made 4 wristlets (Caroline by Swoon Patterns). 3 of them are identical and have a drum pattern on the outside. It is silk from a obi. The 3 girls I made them for all play the drums and I thought it was perfect for them. You have no idea how hard it is to find drum fabric. :)

The other one is for someone who loves hearts. I thought I'd do a simple embroidery pattern on the front. I put card and bill holders on the inside (think wallet) of all of them. No, none of them read the blog so they shouldn't know they are getting a wristlet. *evil laugh* :)

The last one was described in my post on Monday. Not my fave but things happen and hopefully someone will love this misfit wristlet. :) Just go HERE if you need to find out more and possibly win the poor unfortunate bag.

Pocket Book Holiday Read Giveaway!

Oh holiday reads! Both are open to US snail mail addys. Just fill out the rafflecopter for the one you want or enter for both!

Angels in the Snow
by Rexanne Becnel
288 p.
Published: Oct. 27, 15
Publisher: Pocket Books

The USA TODAY bestselling “master of her craft” (RT Book Reviews), Rexanne Becnel delivers a special treat just in time for the holidays with this heartwarming story about a family learning the true meaning of Christmas. 

Having it all—money, health, intelligence, the seemingly perfect family—doesn’t seem to be working for Charles Montgomery. His wife wants a divorce. His children are spoiled rotten. And he has grown blind to the things money can’t buy. In an act of desperation he hopes will bring the family together again, he whisks them away to a mountain retreat for the holidays. But the vacation is a recipe for disaster—especially when a blizzard leaves them stranded without heat or electricity—until the Walker family shows up, seeking shelter. Togetherness has never been so uncomfortable—or enlightening. The blizzard passes, and the Walkers leave…but the Montgomerys’ lives will never be the same.

Book links:

S&S, AMAZON, B&N, BAM, INDIEBOUND, IBOOKSTORE (ebook), KINDLE (ebook), NOOK (ebook), GOOGLE PLAY (ebook)

This is also going to be on tv on UP on the 18th! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Baby, It's Cold Outside
Anthology
544 p.
Publisher: Pocket Books
Published: 10/28/15

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling indie authors Jennifer Probst, Emma Chase, Kristen Proby, Melody Anne, and debut author Kate Meader come together to write a sizzling romance anthology.

Outside it may be frosty, so turn the heat way up with these stories of desire! 

Searching for You
Can a determined woman executive and a playboy billionaire survive being stranded together in a snowstorm? Jennifer Probst depicts an encounter almost too hot to handle...

It's a Wonderful Tangled Christmas Carol
Drew and Kate play an encore to Tangled in this sexy take on a "Christmas Carol" by Emma Chase. When a Christmas Eve argument condemns Drew to a troubled night, three dream women teach him that no gift could be more tantalizing than Kate...

Saving Grace
With Kristen Proby, ski slopes are quite delightful. Grace Douglas is sure she'll never learn to ski, but instructor Jacob Baxter could teach her lessons of a different kind...

Safe in His Arms
Can a southern California transplant survive Montana's deep snows?Melody Anne, author of the bestselling Andersons series, melts the icy drifts completely away with the heat between sexy Hawk Winchester and brand-new teacher Natalie Duncan...

Rekindle the Flame
What could be hotter than a firefighter? Kate Meader shows how, as Beck Rivera and heiress-turned-tattoo-artist Lucy Cochrane discover, nothing ignites holiday flames like rekindling a lost love... 

►Rekindle the Flame is the Hot in Chicago series prequel e-novella for $1.99 by Pocket Star EBooks 

S&S, IBOOKSTORE (ebook), KINDLE (ebook), NOOK (ebook), GOOGLE PLAY (ebook)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Annual Puppy B-day Celebration

Alternate title: Tonks and Griffin... we will miss you! 

If you have been a part of this blog, you know I celebrate my puppy's b-day every year. In years past I gave away different things and Felicia, The Geeky Blogger also had a pup with a Dec. birthday. We celebrated together after that:

Sadly, in March of this year, her sweet baby went over the rainbow bridge. I donated money in Tonks's name. Not too long ago another bloggy friend Jenny of Supernatural Snark also lost her baby Griffin. 

So, since I donated in Tonks's name in March I'm donating the money I would have given in the book giveaway in Griffin's name. You can do this on several websites, but I often use Morris Animal Foundation since they do a lot of research to improve pet health. Betty White is a big contributor for the foundation.

Also don't forget the other great animal organizations that always need help in one form or another. Remember you don't always have to donate money. You can donate time, gently used items or donate while you shop. Some of those links are below. Also, if you have a good link not listed, be my guest to list one.

I did have plans to make something to give away. I messed up. This is sort of what I wanted to give away:

I was in the process of the machine embroidery when the machine messed up the lowercase b.

UGH! I hated it. I tried to make another but the machine decided to eat ALL THE THREAD. :(

It got fixed (good thing since I was borrowing it... *eek) but I ran out of time to get this one done again. I was convinced by certain individuals to go ahead and finish what I had, so I did. I also put the zipper on backward. So, the zip opens up from right to left. Yea, I was on a roll. I decided that this could be a metaphor and see if anyone wants to adopt the not perfect bag that needs a home. The fabric on the inside is black with white paw prints. The prints can be either cat or dog. 

So, I will not require anything but knowing that you are getting a flawed product. I do still encourage you to do something or anything for animals and put what you've done in the comments. I always think that seeing what others do helps bring a bit of joy to the season. 

If you want this poor bag w/o a home just fill out the rafflecopter form below. Yes, I'll ship internationally, but will not guarantee it's delivery (it is so hard to do international *sigh*)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Murder in Mohair by Anne Canadeo

Series: A Black Sheep Knitting Mystery #8
304 p.
Publisher: Gallery Books
Published: 12/1/15
Source: From publisher for review

In Anne Canadeo's cozy eighth Black Sheep Knitting Mystery, a cold-hearted murder in Plum Harbor leads the knitters to investigate a new psychic who may be far more dangerous than she seems… 

When Jimmy Hubbard, the manager of the local cinema, is murdered in a robbery gone wrong, the residents of Plum Harbor are mystified. Everyone liked Jimmy, and the struggling theater seems an unlikely target for burglars. 

The Black Sheep Knitters are surprised and saddened by the crime, but are more suspicious of psychic-medium Isabel Waters, who has recently set up shop in town. Isabel has hoodwinked one of their friends into shelling out big money every week to keep the memory of a lost loved one alive. Determined to reveal Isabel as a fraud, the knitters are pulled in the web of Isabel’s world and find themselves in a tangle of secrets and lies. They must solve two murders before the truth about all of Isabel’s clients—past and present—are revealed. 

As in her previous books A Dark and Stormy Knit, The Silence of the Llamas, and Knit, Purl, Die—which Publishers Weekly praised for its “fast-paced plot that will keep even non-knitters turning the pages”—Canadeo brings her trademark style to this entertaining mystery that will psych you out and leave you wanting more.

My thoughts:

I haven't read the other books, but often you can come into a middle of a long running cozy mystery series and not feel too far behind. I felt that way here. While it was obvious that I missed some other shenanigans that happened to the group (or specific individuals) I didn't feel lost and so enjoyed the murder mystery unfolding in front of me.

The first murder happened and I immediately knew that several members of the knitting group involve themselves into what goes on in the town. Not just because it is a cozy mystery and that kind of thing is standard, but because the town's police were both at once annoyed, cautioned, and curious about what these ladies would think. They didn't want them involved but at least listened to a sound theory. I liked that because either the police seem to be totally bumbling and don't know what to do with a donut or so hard that you cannot like them. This was a nice balance in a small town where everyone seems to know everything.

The mystery doesn't twist too much that the end is unbelievable but it doesn't quite flow with the rest of the mystery. It does make sense but it just feels like there wasn't enough connection to those that "did it". Perhaps this is where reading the earlier books in the series would come in handy, but it also seemed that the characters most involved had just come to the town in the book previous to this one. At least that is what I lead to believe. However, despite this, I did enjoy the twist ending.

I give this book 3 1/2 stars. It is a good cozy and even though it is a knitting group, food is a big part of the story so those who love recipes at the end of the book will not be disappointed.

On My Wishlist: The Shadow Queen by C. J. Redwine

The Shadow Queen 
by C. J. Redwine
400 p.
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Published: 2/23/16

Lorelai Diederich, crown princess and fugitive at large, has one mission: kill the wicked queen who took both the Ravenspire throne and the life of her father. To do that, Lorelai needs to use the one weapon she and Queen Irina have in common—magic. She’ll have to be stronger, faster, and more powerful than Irina, the most dangerous sorceress Ravenspire has ever seen. 

In the neighboring kingdom of Eldr, when Prince Kol’s father and older brother are killed by an invading army of magic-wielding ogres, the second-born prince is suddenly given the responsibility of saving his kingdom. To do that, Kol needs magic—and the only way to get it is to make a deal with the queen of Ravenspire, promise to become her personal huntsman…and bring her Lorelai’s heart. 

But Lorelai is nothing like Kol expected—beautiful, fierce, and unstoppable—and despite dark magic, Lorelai is drawn in by the passionate and troubled king. Fighting to stay one step ahead of the dragon huntsman—who she likes far more than she should—Lorelai does everything in her power to ruin the wicked queen. But Irina isn’t going down without a fight, and her final move may cost the princess the one thing she still has left to lose.

I've had luck lately with YA Fantasy so I want to try this one.

What is on your wishlist? 

The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende

Standalone
336 p.
Publisher: Atria Books
Published: 11/3/15
Source: From publisher for review

In 1939, as Poland falls under the shadow of the Nazis, young Alma Belasco's parents send her away to live in safety with an aunt and uncle in their opulent mansion in San Francisco. There, as the rest of the world goes to war, she encounters Ichimei Fukuda, the quiet and gentle son of the family's Japanese gardener. Unnoticed by those around them, a tender love affair begins to blossom. Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the two are cruelly pulled apart as Ichimei and his family, like thousands of other Japanese Americans are declared enemies and forcibly relocated to internment camps run by the United States government. Throughout their lifetimes, Alma and Ichimei reunite again and again, but theirs is a love that they are forever forced to hide from the world. 

Decades later, Alma is nearing the end of her long and eventful life. Irina Bazili, a care worker struggling to come to terms with her own troubled past, meets the elderly woman and her grandson, Seth, at San Francisco's charmingly eccentric Lark House nursing home. As Irina and Seth forge a friendship, they become intrigued by a series of mysterious gifts and letters sent to Alma, eventually learning about Ichimei and this extraordinary secret passion that has endured for nearly seventy years. 

Sweeping through time and spanning generations and continents, The Japanese Lover explores questions of identity, abandonment, redemption, and the unknowable impact of fate on our lives. Written with the same attention to historical detail and keen understanding of her characters that Isabel Allende has been known for since her landmark first novel The House of the Spirits, The Japanese Lover is a profoundly moving tribute to the constancy of the human heart in a world of unceasing change.

My thoughts:

This is a book that really speaks to the times we are having right now. I don't know if Isabel Allende foresaw what would happen or if it was just the subject matter that spoke to her, but I feel that this hits on so many levels in the here and now and what is happening in the world.

She tackles the interment of both the Jewish people and Japanese Americans. Both shameful parts of both world and American history. She hit so many levels that at times I became angry since I see the world on the precipice of making the same mistakes. Things we should have learned. The author reiterates the attitudes of fear and detachment that caused people to turn their backs on those being tortured and terrorized and then turn on it's own citizens. Things that we need to see again through the eyes of history so we can become better world citizens and compassionate human beings.

The book just doesn't bring these things back into the light from the dark, but it also tells a story of true love and what we do to get in our own way. Interracial relationships are obviously a big part of this as you can tell from the title, but also other kinds of relationships just now seeing the light. The author also tackles what it meant to be gay in the 80s. She also brings in sex trafficking if that isn't enough issues for you to deal with in this short novel. However, thoughout the whole story you never feel overwhelmed by the subject matter because all the characters are so well rounded. I do seem to be more attached to Alma (who represents the past) than Irina (the present) but both brought me through the story in a way that kept my interest and actually find hope for the future. Ichimei and Seth also brought a lot to the story by mostly being present and bringing a different perspective to the table. The characters really made this book.

I give this boo 4 1/2 stars. I find this an interesting perspective not just of the past but also for the times we currently live.

Of Ice and Snow by Amber Argyle

Series: Fairy Queens #0.5
133 p.
Publisher: Starling Publishing
Published: 9/1/15
Source: From author for review

Otec thought destiny forgot him… 

The middle child of the clanchief, Otec is the overlooked son in an overflowing house. He dreams of escape and adventure, so when a mysterious stranger offers both, he doesn’t need persuading. But when his faraway village comes under attack, Otec will do anything to save the people he loves. Cut off from his nation, he must trust a foreign woman with a dubious past as they race to save his clan. But nothing is what it seems, and Otec may have to trust his enemy if he is to become the leader he was never meant to be. 

Destiny is not always kind.

My thoughts:

I've been enjoying the Fairy Queen series. This one is about Ilyenna's parents the main character of the first book. Since this is a prequel, you don't even need to know that fact if you haven't read the other books. She doesn't make an appearance in this book, but it is nice to keep in mind for those that have read the series.

I really liked Otec and Matka the main characters. There is a lot of growth for both characters in such a short book. The book is also packed with action and war. The fae in this book make an important appearance but are not the main focus of this book. I think this book establishes how this clan cultivated loyalty and sets the background for the Snow Queen. It isn't necessary to the overall series, but to a fan it is a great addition. It reads as the others do, like a good engaging fantasy.

I give this book 4 stars. I recommend it to those that are already enjoying the series as well as those that like YA Fantasy.

Star Wars Psychology Winner!

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is...

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