tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27739857805769753292024-03-29T01:40:12.269-05:00***The Starry-Eyed Revue***starryeyedjenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841350560201331032noreply@blogger.comBlogger2142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-7088924727946065912019-06-04T08:00:00.000-05:002019-06-04T08:16:48.234-05:00Blog Tour Review: SORCERY OF THORNS by Margaret Rogerson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Title:</b> Sorcery of Thorns<br />
<b>Author:</b> Margaret Rogerson<br />
<b>Series:</b> n/a<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> Margaret K. McElderry Books<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> June 4, 2019<br />
<b>Source:</b> ARC received from publisher<br />
<b>Purchase:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sorcery-Thorns-Margaret-Rogerson/dp/1481497618/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LKTC7VMR5ZAI&keywords=sorcery+of+thorns&qid=1559568990&s=gateway&sprefix=sorcery+of+%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sorcery-of-thorns-margaret-rogerson/1129709333?ean=9781481497619#/">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/Sorcery-of-Thorns-Audiobook/B07MNHT9C9?qid=1559569079&sr=1-1&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=849b576c-9f69-40b2-8d4a-6288ddffc02f&pf_rd_r=B8VTFK85QS30W12Y1QNT">Audible</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42201395-sorcery-of-thorns" target="_blank"><img alt="Add to Goodreads" border="0" src="https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/280x200q90/924/cbHpq6.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>From the <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author of <i>An Enchantment of Ravens</i> comes an imaginative fantasy about an apprentice at a magical library who must battle a powerful sorcerer to save her kingdom.</b><br />
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All sorcerers are evil. Elisabeth has known that as long as she has known anything. Raised as a foundling in one of Austermeerโs Great Libraries, Elisabeth has grown up among the tools of sorceryโmagical grimoires that whisper on shelves and rattle beneath iron chains. If provoked, they transform into grotesque monsters of ink and leather. She hopes to become a warden, charged with protecting the kingdom from their power.<br />
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Then an act of sabotage releases the libraryโs most dangerous grimoire. Elisabethโs desperate intervention implicates her in the crime, and she is torn from her home to face justice in the capital. With no one to turn to but her sworn enemy, the sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn, and his mysterious demonic servant, she finds herself entangled in a centuries-old conspiracy. Not only could the Great Libraries go up in flames, but the world along with them.<br />
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As her alliance with Nathaniel grows stronger, Elisabeth starts to question everything sheโs been taughtโabout sorcerers, about the libraries she loves, even about herself. For Elisabeth has a power she has never guessed, and a future she could never have imagined.</blockquote>
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<span style="color: #073763;">I absolutely <b>adored</b> <i>An Enchantment of Ravens</i> when I read it last year -- and then re-read it...and then <i>listened</i> to it again -- so I was beside myself with excitement when I was invited to review Margaret Rogerson's sophomore novel as part of the blog tour. <i>Sorcery of Thorns</i> is a magical tumble into a world full of witchcraft and necromancy and libraries with sentient books, and it was every bit as lovely as her debut.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Though this novel is a bit slower in pacing, there's no lack of action to keep the characters on their toes. It's just a little more understated, a little less obvious, and it felt right for the mystery at hand. The pacing also lends itself to a more atmospheric story; it was not difficult at all to imagine myself in the Great Libraries, to smell the musty old books and the scent of sorcery in the air, to fear losing a finger to those same books.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">It was easy to connect with the characters, as well. Elisabeth is strong-willed, though a bit naive, but that's due to her sequestered upbringing. She dreams big and her moral compass will not allow her to sit idly by while the Great Libraries are destroyed. Enter Nathaniel, who sees something in Elisabeth, even if his tragic past makes him wish he didn't. He's the guy who projects confidence and self-deprecating humor while he dies a little inside each day. Literally. Which brings us to Silas: the demonic presence I never knew I needed. How can you not love a demon who turns himself into a white cat and allows himself to be called Sir Fluffington in order to assure your well-being?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Speaking of love, the romance is very slow burning but very worth the wait. The relationship is intense, though, and must overcome some serious obstacles along the way, including the characters themselves. But the banter from before remains, and in my book -- sadly, not a grimoire -- that's #relationshipgoals.</span><br />
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I wouldn't say the ending left something to be desired...but, well, <b>it did</b>. As in, a desire for more. The writing was gorgeous. The characters were enigmatic and engaging. And I could read every magical adventure they have, even if it was only teaching the grimoires to tap dance or some such nonsense. This was such an enchanting novel and I can't wait to read more from this author.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">GIF it to me straight:</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkg7B9_mlgSRDcccSgjPL7lJOGSzpEEohTqkQs_3jNP82Es1s4lnr3HGwUf14H-Y_L2eIuafio6697mUI-NLoS8xK0lxZ4lPk0GYPSbiKNcBuRrreTIoGxSSrtrb4Zo9i9cBMucHjFEgI/s1600/Margaret+Rogerson_hr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkg7B9_mlgSRDcccSgjPL7lJOGSzpEEohTqkQs_3jNP82Es1s4lnr3HGwUf14H-Y_L2eIuafio6697mUI-NLoS8xK0lxZ4lPk0GYPSbiKNcBuRrreTIoGxSSrtrb4Zo9i9cBMucHjFEgI/s200/Margaret+Rogerson_hr.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>About the author:</b><br />
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Margaret Rogerson is the author of the <i>New York Times</i> bestseller <i>An Enchantment of Ravens</i> and <i>Sorcery of Thorns</i>. She has a bachelorโs degree in cultural anthropology from Miami University. When not reading or writing she enjoys sketching, gaming, making pudding, and watching more documentaries than is socially acceptable (according to some). She lives near Cincinnati, Ohio, beside a garden full of hummingbirds and roses. Visit her at MargaretRogerson.com.<br />
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<b>Find Margaret:</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.margaretrogerson.com/">Website</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/MarRogerson">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hollyblack/">Pinterest</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/margaret_rogerson/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/51907982-margaret-rogerson">Goodreads</a></blockquote>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Blog Tour Schedule:</span></b></div>
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Monday, May 27 โ <a href="http://www.alexalovesbooks.com/">Alexa Loves Books</a></div>
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Tuesday, May 28 โ <a href="https://www.novelknight.com/">The Novel Knight</a></div>
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Wednesday, May 29 โ <a href="https://www.toofondofbooks.com/">Adventures of a Book Junkie</a></div>
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Thursday, May 30 โ <a href="http://bookworm716.blogspot.com/">Awkwordly Emma</a></div>
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Friday, May 31 โ <a href="https://meltotheany.com/">Mel to the Any</a></div>
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Monday, June 3 โ <a href="https://skizzles22hu.blogspot.com/">The Foxโs Hideaway</a></div>
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Tuesday, June 4 โ <a href="http://starryeyedrevue.blogspot.com/">The Starry-Eyed Revue</a> โ <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">you are here</span></b></div>
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Wednesday, June 5 โ <a href="https://thebookishbeagle.com/">The Bookish Beagle</a></div>
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Thursday, June 6 โ <a href="https://www.superspacechick.com/">Super Space Chick</a></div>
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Friday, June 7 โ <a href="https://flyingpaperbacks.wordpress.com/">Flying Paperbacks</a></div>
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Monday, June 10 โ <a href="https://www.bookshelvesandpaperbacks.com/">Bookshelves & Paperbacks</a></div>
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Tuesday, June 11 โ <a href="https://nightlyreading.wordpress.com/">Nightly Reading</a></div>
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Wednesday, June 12 โ <a href="http://novelheartbeat.com/">Novel Heartbeat </a></div>
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Thursday, June 13 โ <a href="https://hammockofbooks.wordpress.com/">Hammock of Books</a></div>
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Friday, June 14 โ <a href="https://theeverlastinglibrary.wordpress.com/">The Everlasting Library</a></div>
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<br />starryeyedjenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841350560201331032noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-56368019934026871462019-04-12T11:08:00.001-05:002019-04-12T13:22:01.532-05:00What I've Been Watching Lately {4.12.19}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some weeks are for reading. And some weeks are for watching...depending on the level of crap I've had to deal with that week. ๐ Work has been supremely rough since the beginning of the year, but especially in the last month or so with our office moving, so I've been relaxing with Netflix a lot more often these days. But I've watched some pretty good shows and I'm anticipating even more...<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Recently Watched:</span></b><br />
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<i><b>Sabrina</b></i>, Part 2<br />
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Betrayal. Heartbreak. New loves. An incubus. THE Dorian Grey. This second part of <i>The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina</i> had it all. And it did <b>not</b> pull punches. There's a million things I want to comment on, but seeing as how it's only been out a week, I'll just have to wait for my friends to catch up so we can discuss. Hurry up, witches...I have thoughts!<br />
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<b><i>The Order</i></b><br />
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My younger sister conned me into watching this one day when she was at my house, and it was interesting enough that I watched another episode after she'd left. I didn't binge it all in one go, but I finished pretty quickly, which is really saying something because I usually prioritze reading over shows. Usually, I'm here for the romance, but with this series, that's the least of my concerns. I'm all about the magic and the werewolves and these secret societies they're all apart of. And after that crazy cliffhanger ending, I can't <i>not</i> watch the next season. It reminds me of <i>The Vampire Diaries</i>, except a lot more werewolves, a little more grown up, a bit less drama, and a little less pretty.<br />
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<b><i>The Highwaymen</i></b><br />
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This was technically my hubby's pick one night, but I've always been fascinated by the crime/murder spree of one Bonnie and Clyde, especially since they were from my neck of the woods. I loved that this movie didn't glorify the duo the way so many before this have, although it did depict just how much they'd won over public opinion in their heyday. Instead, this film focuses on the soon-to-be out to pasture lawmen who successfully hunted them down and ended their reign of terror. I loved the pacing and I <i>loved</i> Costner and Harrelson as the old guys who just couldn't catch a break...until they did, using their old, tried and true methods of detective work.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Shows/Movies I Can't Wait For More Of:</span></b><br />
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<b style="font-style: italic;">Stranger Things</b>, season 3<br />
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So, I didn't watch when the first season arrived to great acclaim. I didn't even start watching when the second season dropped. But one bored night, my family sat down and started watching and we couldn't get enough. We'd watch a couple episodes every chance we got, and now we've been chomping at the bit for season 3. So awesome that it releases on what basically amounts to a 4-day weekend so we can binge it. I can't wait to see what fresh hell awaits those kids!<br />
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<i><b>TATBILB</b></i> Sequel<br />
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This is my favorite series by Jenny Han. They're just so delightfully cute! I loved the first movie and I think my daughter has seen it three or four times already. To say that we're ready for more is an understatement. I think I'll try to get Katie to read the books before the sequel releases, though. That way she knows what she's getting herself into. ๐<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">iZombie</i>, season 5<br />
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There's no trailer for season 5, but it's set to start on May 2nd, so I'll take what I can get since this is the <i>final </i>season. Waaaahhhh. I love this show. I didn't expect to; my sister and friends tried to convince me I'd love it. It's directed by Rob Thomas of <i>Veronica Mars</i>, they said. It's funny, they said. And it is. It's perfect for while I wait for new episodes of VM on Hulu, hopefully this year.<br />
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<i><b>Veronica Mars</b></i>, revival<br />
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Okay, so I don't know how I've never seen <i>that</i> before, but it makes me even sadder that VM got cancelled when it did. And also even more ecstatic that it's gotten not one but <i>two</i> second chances. I can't wait to binge the first three seasons, re-watch the movie, and re-read the two novels. I hope this releases on Hulu sooner rather than later...and that it's not just a one-off!<br />
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ETA: Update, Marshmallows! It'll be released on July 26th!!!!!!!!<br />
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<i><b>Younger</b></i>, season 6<br />
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FINALLY. Some news on season 6...beyond that the show <i>isn't</i> moving to Paramount after all. Sabrina got me into this show and I'll be forever grateful. It's about a 40-something woman who pretends to be in her late 20s in order to get a job in the publishing world...once <i>her</i> world before she took time off to be a mom and wife...and all the trials and tribulations that come with that farse. I just love the whole dynamic...with publishing, with friends, and with romance. #TeamJosh<br />
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So, what have you been watching recently? Anything you can't wait to see or any recommendations based on what I'm watching...or soon to watch?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYYRdkcdH5XgZmHvVFiz9uyZI7vM-W0kFOERXOAx__m683tjxoYzYLH0rQa8oIU7R4oyEttDDVfKd4kKd66H5acq8ZHUyEWKOBBOzzhjdDvFwTU04QFxzkj-rsdVp4ksuu9fCjavXJOE/s1600/Jensig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYYRdkcdH5XgZmHvVFiz9uyZI7vM-W0kFOERXOAx__m683tjxoYzYLH0rQa8oIU7R4oyEttDDVfKd4kKd66H5acq8ZHUyEWKOBBOzzhjdDvFwTU04QFxzkj-rsdVp4ksuu9fCjavXJOE/s1600/Jensig.png" /></a></div>
starryeyedjenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841350560201331032noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-41923609817083331712019-04-03T08:35:00.000-05:002019-04-03T08:35:36.235-05:00What I've Been Reading Lately {February | March 2019}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS5K_9idFARlwHGujAPIg5EKcAmo5lnB6VUF9K52iRcse5thR8h_L_Wv7auEBYszsB8ymYF788_ELq-vNI2FbD8RdsYeTsqFRiCtqYQbDTtbwl2WnrhVMOhEZAHUfMWBm-xRUo0LSB0w/s1600/whativebeenreadinglately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS5K_9idFARlwHGujAPIg5EKcAmo5lnB6VUF9K52iRcse5thR8h_L_Wv7auEBYszsB8ymYF788_ELq-vNI2FbD8RdsYeTsqFRiCtqYQbDTtbwl2WnrhVMOhEZAHUfMWBm-xRUo0LSB0w/s320/whativebeenreadinglately.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dark YA and floofy romances. Another slew of re-reads and even more bingeing. That was February and March for me, in a nutshell. The two months are combined this go round because I've been working 60 hour weeks and am behind on pretty much everything. I usually update these posts as I go, but I had to do it all at the last minute this time, so please forgive me if my "reviews" and thoughts aren't very detailed. Or coherent. Which is one of the reasons I rely on re-reading during hard times: I don't have to focus so much and can just enjoy where the story takes me since I've already been there before. ๐<br />
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And without further ado, here's what I've been reading lately...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(More on why I've gone to this format <a href="http://starryeyedrevue.blogspot.com/2016/10/my-moment-of-zen.html">here</a> in lieu of traditional reviews for each.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Y O U N G A D U L T</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43204703-a-curse-so-dark-and-lonely"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnppifqNaqscFWzrmC-oUXZvGkrphCWeT8RC_g7fULqIRqNV_7QlmxQHwTot-fJt0qeNnm1W-bRf8xb9RBX00qXBqPPWDmCnKUDO4jXBqzqRE7pnOESlkIeJI8Hlo6qoA8z-EsC9EIXI/s200/acursesodarkandlonely.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32949202-dark-of-the-west"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="311" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJRgSBS2rKg2g8L8m_omPce8i_dDKn7gc0OLIzlM8PXynu8fAfOZvoeiE4x5pCAvroZX9A66zh2Sq3XKXURP-LCFuVR2u4W1DvI5kFnd59HgNtZga8lBQfD7ezHcqafd7ipf5c0k98Ss/s200/darkofthewest.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39863517-white-stag"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajeKayLz5_q7xFbZSwIQaodANTrp8bwvsIjei2BaX7wpLghaiXIeyFIuLmfINUr-roconP_oiGLWH53_IHWSWUbaDyL9oRijdZCiA-_QCcIbCElA8sYRmwGi-SzoA1bZwNLFmxVIT0Oc/s200/whitestag.jpg" width="133" /></a>
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<b>A Curse So Dark and Lonely*</b> - So, this was absolutely one of the best <i>Beauty and the Beast</i> retellings I've read. It's loosely based on the original story and combines elements from our world with those of the fantastical Emberfall -- think iPhones and Converse matched against magic and swords. Harper was the kind of heroine I could easily get behind: whip-smart, down on her luck and more than a little untrusting. Her misadventure to Emberfall is more than a little surreal and it's going to take more than a pretty face -- or two -- to change that. I have seen comments about a potential love triangle, but the author herself has asserted that that's not in the cards, and I thought I read somewhere that the would-be second suitor is getting his own story told in the next book. Even if that's not true, I'll still be picking it up because I loved these characters and this world and how Brigid turned this traditional story all lop-sided. I can't wait to read the sequel! ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Dark of the West*</b> - You think you've read one YA fantasy about war-torn kingdoms battling for supremacy, and you've read them all, right? That's kind of what I thought, too, upon embarking on this dark story, especially with the comparisons to <i>Code Name Verity</i> and <i>The Winner's Curse</i>. I've never read the first but I definitely see the similarities to the latter. I'm guessing the <i>Code Name Verity</i> comparison comes from the descriptions of flying and dogfights, and well, just the use of aviation in general. Which I found refreshing yet incongruous because it made this book almost impossible for me to categorize in my head. There are numerous kingdoms spread far and wide with monarchies, so it's fantasy. But there are mentions of airplanes and motorcars and political broadcasts and <i>guns</i>, so...historical fiction? Bit of both, I guess, so historical fantasy? High fantasy? It doesn't really matter, though, as long as the story is interesting. And it was for the most part: forbidden romance, espionage and secret identities, and revolution. It was the death and murder and mayhem that lessened my enjoyment a tad, but that was mostly because of that evil prologue. It put a bit of a pall over the whole book. This series will not be an easy one to read but I think it's going to be entirely worth it. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>White Stag</b>* - Hmm. This story was chugging along really well...until it wasn't. It reminded me a lot of <i>Wintersong</i> but much more brutal and with less purple prose. I also thought it was a stand-alone, until about five seconds ago. I don't think I can read any more of this story. I just found it altogether depressing and considering my mood lately, I don't find that helpful. ๐๐๐<br />
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*ARC received from publisher for review purposes. This does not affect my review in any way.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A D U L T</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36300625-99-percent-mine"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMTD4AezhlAQ_cbD-EcAJCZUdnRsER2iD-L-228PJWSA0dAynyXRGiidY4PPhW7dYb8qopsfIK-ytif4KQyca6ibQWxBZ0t-nHGJulIauG_HAW8BjqLeEVMMH5zHiikX0d8iZ-wrjCGs/s200/99percentmine.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18140586-here-s-looking-at-you"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8fO3Tp92fJJBvOAdhLZGv9lNreiNI0LNbP4sB_HTdSs7b1qyCpcSLi_fl-yScL9VvGEKGCtbTWoWBMOp6xpomhscZmQoJ1qI_OZGmN64S83sPFC-li2Uz8Oi0B2JaJJnEODVys7EUmw/s200/hereslookingatyou.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39320167-diamond-fire"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaORoZgciKq_R5oGz3XLgj0m8fnE6x9Fvr1tpXfLDeECYHjG6jZ2EbWQAmxuBy1o7H3djxJeNOuG9oRl81l9Nw5fu1shajdQ8NgchTCdkFHKrFwpypnx0eUgEjyEYJKDqAoM7Uh45iOZE/s200/diamondfire.jpg" width="126" /></a>
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<b>99 Percent Mine* - </b>This story was adorable. Not <i>The Hating Game</i> level adorable, but I don't know that I'll ever find another book I love as much as that one. Anyway, the tendency toward avoidance and running away was off the charts with this one, and it made it a little harder to connect with the characters. Their chemistry and that unrequited love thing they've got going on did not. The constant back-and-forth between Darcy and Tom was as hot as it was frustrating, but I ultimately enjoyed it.<b> </b>๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Here's Looking at You</b> - This was my first experience with this author, but I checked it out because I liked the premise for her most recent book and thought I'd give her backlist a chance first. My main takeaway from this novel was that we all inevitably grow and change, some of us for the better. But no matter how much we change inside and out, sometimes those old insecurities never quite leave us. I found this story equal parts relatable and cringe-inducing, which, yep, was basically my experience with crushes and high school and even thinking about seeing those people again later in life. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Diamond Fire</b> - Happy to be back in this world. I'm not usually a big fan of spin-offs, favoring the original characters over friends or siblings' stories. But this novella perfectly interwove Nevada and Catalina's stories and, as I said, I'm just happy to be back in this world. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42195530-lera-of-lunos"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08tKaiRv7UGtOsLFad2G-zmSg436JAqDx7XHwUj3yAOBCjGB4nY-npB9Qn-otsMJMv_dy3MbSuMDq9NCUbk-rMdjWWK2ObEV53FYsyJDpRYOQ3oRZmD7CE0HcRvkV2tMYXRIB6X8qs-A/s200/leraoflunos.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40144460-butterface"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDuHzzgjggIIFocJBMXy_ZC2kdtuDL7b9EGkG8K-i8OXSnA0ljy0lmspG7vANK7vPkfhswCiUBxeQ6chNG0nxvhoON6uOU6I_r3wxn97KVvXeakQQ9kTnH1eCH3cPoVhwzskVjZpjgiE/s200/butterface.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25820414-rhapsodic"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRGUfslhEHGE3J2ZJFr6GkXVSKYILDlNyuQHSNQ5DipYLJ7271FwWyg1YVIMThU-KsdLZOrS2EZXGf_sqkGFXkdj6fFpRgv2A9dDoudyYQV5hCh54gaOXW1tAb38kH6RfrHwjH5ry7oc/s200/rhapsodic.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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<b>Lera of Lunos</b> - I was a little disappointed in this one. Maybe because it's the final book. Or maybe because I started noticing just how formulaic reverse harem stories are. I might still read the new "episodes" the author is planning each month, but I think my excitement for this subgenre has ebbed, for the most part. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Butterface</b> - I still remember the first time I heard the term "butterface" and to this day, it still makes me cringe. It's such an unfeeling, callous thing to label somebody. Which is the point of this series, I think: to get back at all the (mostly) men who use these epithets by having these characters lay claim to them. I haven't read the other two books yet, but I think that at least in this one, the author takes it a bit far, with the heroine calling so much undue attention to her hideous face, which to be fair, doesn't seem to be all that hideous based on descriptions. I really wanted to like this book, but I ended up returning it because I knew I'd never read it again and Audible's good to me like that. ๐๐<br />
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<b>Rhapsodic</b> - This was one I really expected to like, having enjoyed the author's newest book based on the Four Horsemen. Sadly, the story just wasn't very cohesive or well-written. Between flashbacks and fantasy elements, the story just jumped around too much. I think I'll stick to the Four Horsemen series rather than continuing on with this one. ๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40702156-i-owe-you-one"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRve02bUbmIkTH67A5Qt0FeJl8SpHbz8SUV8u_ZDJuCTd4g8UjQe3ARHzw7Z4Arfymtc407un164ViWuuHHhwXBANsk2aSrGU8CxlkBIKIfOYOVLxUitu857JPhiNB5a0fiwJWEtzq30/s200/ioweyouone.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36439333-matchmaking-for-beginners"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sO-pOa9PjE69oG_rgvvBIBjqdMKPLyLiD0ZoJdqJ-wn5mdwLiDOEeR5xHqiXDW4FsvS3XhCJljQOCntT635Xl6EMRk-twn_2bdJUevVtQZKBF8eITkQ0iYgGRmobUyLUwk-jatgxS40/s200/matchmakingforbeginners.jpg" width="134" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28103957-love-chloe"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="306" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwj4Z_RJOZny8GqfI45A63Kxao0IbWqfbeOAv7_6n00HWvkDuA9W6LOtJX7dZs6Xy1wr-t8GiNstIr5brVxAgz8kEgB0yWSPry_ixL5Rs2FxvqU1f7NIMGrFXj1s_d4MWIxRQ5oTBq1A/s200/lovechloe.jpg" width="129" /></a></center>
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<b>I Owe You One</b> - I just love Sophie Kinsella and couldn't wait to get my hands on this newest book from her. It wasn't my favorite -- that's reserved for <i>I've Got Your Number</i>, which I re-read prior to this one -- but it was still so darn cute and just exactly what I wanted at exactly the right time. So adorable was it that when I was in between reads and feeling down, I started listening again before I had to return it to the library. The unfortunate meet-cute, the IOUs, the passing back-and-forth of the coffee sleeve...even the misunderstanding that keeps the fated couple apart. It all added up to a story that left me grinning ear to ear. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Matchmaking for Beginners</b> - This was a KU/Audible freebie. It was quirky with a hint of magic, and it had me laughing out loud numerous times. It was told from both Marnie and Blix's perspectives, one a plucky, down-on-her luck newlywed, the other an eccentric matchmaker living her best life. A chance meeting has Blix deciding Marnie is destined to be her protegรฉ. Hijinks ensue. Lives are changed. Love prevails. There was even an unexpected <i>Beauty and the Beast</i> angle, much to my delight. Well worth the read and I'll definitely be checking out the author's backlist. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Love, Chloe</b> - When you're not sure what to listen to next, try something different from the ARP. I can't even remember how I discovered this book, but I do know I had it downloaded to my phone for a couple of months before I was desperate enough to listen to it. My sister had started the audio but said it was too racey for her to listen to at work, and I can say it definitely has its moments. ๐ However, it was not the most well-written romance, and it was a bit unrealistic, with that perfectly imperfect feel of a made-for-tv movie. It was just a bit too predictable, and just a tad too dramatic, for my taste. ๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39338454-the-bride-test"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4i8V60arjQO_6uBZ1fhTVQmiy90P3QM2CMJh6FRdDg0oCdibj_5aeUkqKMC7lz3MsAkx9yI6oLFv8HR8Sis51YiW56tR00KV98Ve-YiJq74XxTAOBMBitSf33OyNwbHJLdqM5LPnDCxU/s200/thebridetest.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39926661-unmarriageable"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0WL43Dvyh-ZbmIILU5inlPPdsVv2eS5FBAdNddA8Q6z_WJ48_kTooUDVkp5WwsPItOSWbINCqla4filGtgaeIqIItu5MJpq6KeOc7XprXwmI3aBKfp7-7_NWXATz-hRVGg1XCAdMkXU/s200/unmarriageable.jpg" width="132" /></a></center>
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<b>The Bride Test</b>* - Did you love <i>The Kiss Quotient</i>? Then don't even wonder at whether or not you should pick up this book: <b>you absolutely should</b>. This story features Khai, whom we met in TKQ and already know to be autistic. But then along comes quirky, strange My/Esme to shake up his whole world, and it's, well, it's just as adorable and sweet as TKQ. I will say that both of these books have me questioning whether I might be on the spectrum because I see so much of myself in the characters, but it could also be that I'm just very antisocial and I'm looking for a reason for that when I'm actually just not very good with people. At any rate, I obviously enjoyed the representation, but I loved the immersion into this culture, even more so than the brief glimpses we got in TKQ. But I think what really, truly made this story so special was how genuine and authentic it was; that author's note said it all and ensured I'll be reading Helen Hoang's books for years to come. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Unmarriageable</b> - If you know nothing else about me, you should at least know that <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> is one of my all-time favorite books and that I will devour any and every retelling I can get my hands on. My bestie made me watch <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0361411/">Bride and Prejudice</a></i> on one her more recent visits, and I fell in love with that Bollywood version, so when I saw this Pakistani retelling, I knew I was in for a treat. I especially loved the parallels the narrator/author drew between the matchmaking prowess of Indian mothers to that of their English counterparts 200 years ago when the original story was published. This novel does stay very true to the original text but with a Pakistani flair, and I found it highly entertaining. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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*ARC received from publisher for review purposes. This does not affect my review in any way.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">B I N G E R E A D S | </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">R E - R E A D S</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17455585-white-hot-kiss"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8C0CK0xShZ-qGAXBzb5BqiXRQ8r6FgHnM4PCovq0WxAgQHX7qeli3p2VJJINTSI9dkIk1CC_VdNs4WQ4dQhjdkSMbAoJp1EeymUPeOIQVu1v5Whr8lk5ft5_rMBjYZ9BB2xSZoMfnpLE/s200/whitehotkiss.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17455815-stone-cold-touch"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrE8XSLIc6HQ0I0HN2cNfjDJfB8RxXus58DlWKvf4eY_HHeIn4lVaErUrMF7z_WT8XFlKczv1SoI2g53eg9cV2GtgKZpEdbmqlH3dqp_odNav1GeFGEbBo8kmtIEzMzszOZRuklrPxzg/s200/stonecoldtouch.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25386574-every-last-breath"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="304" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-2YPJpQ8C8NOckReEqPgO15ClTtgnXCdLHDck98OUddXkDyI_JImlC0zzFl3PdFo9i6kYmqFvQdjScqQm-4SigV6j8obnbKkpfIiZ3k7uPrMrOstobeLTC5u9UHU6S4PVBXMbbFowz8/s200/everylastbreath.jpg" width="128" /></a>
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<b>The Dark Elements</b> series - Erm, this was much less <i>gargoyle-</i>y than I was expecting. And I don't get why JLA's books are so popular. The characters are annoying and stereotypical and the writing is...not great. I don't like to disparage someone's life's work, but she's written a gazillion books...shouldn't she be better than this by now? Anyway, all this series has accompished is making me want to read a real series about gargoles, so I think I'll re-read <i>The Dispossessed</i> series by Page Morgan soon. ๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25883848-the-hating-game"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRi3k5_LVwPKgOQzvKCRNr9jMmbJXdxOkJecGQv7oULRjB3FVAgzzPfHWZCGjRyxt5wnWpPEJIZloOEreaAeTblur7JNTi4uhXPK3584SIHspsy7-vKvFBghAzq8SsHRKOIwT72jxQha0/s200/thehatinggame.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/854757.Bet_Me"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="292" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxW835kXsh-o9qqmfZ-Pr9NhyOa1VziwYU_4nkSaA5FCcX4XNDN51URU82fdwY1FgYPBH89lrnqux2oq-KNx19PRjPXs8Gc0VFnM50GQxLGUrOePUMZ1jJVWtxYWD77yysaIZFtgAMMPg/s200/betme.jpg" width="123" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12033455-i-ve-got-your-number"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc19Cn0Xtr8xNaBt3DbzZgFBVsqKYMjW2g-irIGCUZMd2592Nswr51rBVsz5cV2pQzdBS56MnBRDHXpBlqNMgPGggIA4cVh66ZYeqzViOs6Vt_8C1I_hrj033qVzJjt_jbQInBx9NbXzw/s200/ivegotyournumber.jpg" width="132" /></a>
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<b>The Hating Game</b> x 2 - Yep, you're seeing that correctly. I did indeed read this book twice in the last two months. Hard times call for healing, happy-making stories. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Bet Me</b> - Was scrolling through my Audible library and saw this one and just couldn't help myself. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>I've Got Your Number</b> - Another comfort read and my favorite of Sophie Kinsella's. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17673307-neanderthal-seeks-human"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="292" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_t-K7GbfscroK8jy-Kt-5aMh6g_JHiamdN23Nnf-5fcqd8r73Ly6dfURCpMVyK4N6O3sCTlABOqOKi16PxMG5KXB7MTwy9Gb5gNMD82gq5YZ3Pw3WZpS4A71TRL2T3wlXiKJ1QXe69c/s200/neanderthalseekshuman.jpg" width="123" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36199084-the-kiss-quotient"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6GVslUwd22LWcf-M6ZuMxhg3DQKUbSigUOL7xqDJUUj6fGV5SwqRuolmJQrrdAJh51itOPaQtossNAzNZQ8DS42KFzGE7rfHx3-xTvrsGOFnyakuBI3xof2g6uM8VfzdwLg9qjAKyjI/s200/thekissquotient.jpg" width="133" /></a>
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<b>Neanderthal Seeks Human</b> - All the cute, adorable romances were needed in February and March. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Kiss Quotient</b> - I <i>had</i> to read this one again before I picked up <i>The Bride Test</i>. And wisely so, since that one is a companion novel to this one. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6648020-shade"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="214" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRHsLdOdMZmtKktjAimv-6oxsoOO59jR8db6FNgPjm7M_DHX4T_iZKblb1zL8KqXr5pkAL1NXDv6y4NmoxLNB_7PUGdYkTgb7NIRkGvuW5yEJCWx4v7kGZ4higT72XUCLHwJeY4X1SMA/s200/shade.jpg" width="134" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8542996-shift"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUn0qsd9p2DckBYcA6RiTsM1X2Rzdh8mErEUCjg3Zwj8nHCN62QFm2Yf5VQtLdsbBs6auuJYHgvtDfJeoGjxIXdqLfDtivhTCZtJrCRMm1wKt6PUyGiKuZXVB68d0LIJ5BFC6QqyUYETk/s200/shift.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10552965-shine"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarhXxzpmfB43oNhn073m6vLMY8T27ni6T3DJqdMpuNYE1Tb-Vz0wWnLBjMBGLYq_wWGyk5lwJwKFQkFVur4igHvEK0NMfA5607ZTmvDym1zdsJl710N5qHcgtaJxDU1T6El4ttcos3cA/s200/shine.jpg" width="132" /></a></center>
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<b>The Shade series</b> - Persuing my Audible library, I realized I hadn't listened to this series in forever, and I wondered if I'd still like it half as much as I did back then. It was okay. I've definitely read better since, but it was still unique and kind of fun. ๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20300224-shadows?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book"><img alt="Shadows (The Rephaim #1)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1410802878m/20300224.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15765699-haze?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book"><img alt="Haze (The Rephaim, #2)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1365437783m/15765699.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18211884-shimmer?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book"><img alt="Shimmer (The Rephaim, #3)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1404186213m/18211884.jpg" width="128" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25351256-burn?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book"><img alt="Burn (The Rephaim, #4)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1432875962m/25351256.jpg" width="137" /></a>
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<b>The Rephaim series</b> - God, I love this series. It makes me wish I was a half-angel bastard so I could travel the world in the blink of an eye and kick some ass while doing it. Gaby and Rafa will forever be one of my favorite couples but that whole cast of characters is just phenomenal. I really wish they'd release this series on audio so I could listen to it again and again...and so I could hear the accents. I imagine them while I'm reading, but it's just not the same. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10429092-the-girl-of-fire-and-thorns"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="312" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61kS6AF3wKtKMVwpUkGl7CEY5fw7540Jfl6PmLp97n8wD92N4g3xl4QSc_NK2mrVhplvOKbS82nP3KYHpXoPdEXRhNADM1X4NPeMOOM9BMTrJDr3Rldr51sgl7tjMD4imK9M8Pa6hg4g/s200/thegirloffireandthorns.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10816908-the-crown-of-embers"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVILvGbmwDczBhDTy6Y3UqwoqTdiPZ01H5tqq6CHKXpeq8RnwXC3FEjmeFwoXhTVk9dJDVe246PXQqEoPknicUgv6eKpsHs2Mm4re98s16mUCZnwz_w-c6TJ2MYYy4LOQLrjgoowK44JU/s200/thecrownofembers.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11431896-the-bitter-kingdom"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gV82EVlBo5Ih0QBSXXpA2bbXelEYhGs4o_VGVd0igM2NzzQ71XTMtvxbVd4vw_vmV9KykOvuQLQHvMsYIoMts9lICMY49flNPDk-1dzu151X8tccptrDdxHgpDq90U6Dq53_LEWn2UY/s200/thebitterkingdom.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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<b>Fire and Thorns series</b> - One of my favorite YA fantasy series of ever and definitely well worth a re-read/listen. HECTOR FOREVERRRRRRRR!!!! ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8788554-first-grave-on-the-right"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvYoRiaZfmhAFNvA3E1_k-tYO1NIG25msmh-TadTggfxKjqKNV6mQ5gDbnGkjslmKnByGbaRG0IVY_0X-I7Bc59alzwRJDYtCQKg_Sclt9QHCPOLrEg0lAv9vTDux71kyYQ2g3gCDzuE/s200/firstgraveontheright.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9565045-second-grave-on-the-left"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQrszP0usV8chIc1rYlBQ2YvG7qKnN8pG0S_5DgVYdPd3lLJpMZQuWiAjsxugSyEeKAYHgvs8DVVgMkKyAkRItPENE9TSCp6CTuW40zv4nMvF0lauqX-9DbjEExvLyezrz-Jj6BlVbq8/s200/secondgraveontheleft.jpg" width="137" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12043770-third-grave-dead-ahead"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMIa0yaHqY_TgZ6cddrQBNfjKuIjqHTKVgBA78qXaaaVRMkv6wnh6xLWLKxapyYf1EFmvhqbGgc4UtZYkZBx2sVtf4s-wdd7m1zIRobjDDIAVulpmCpz1PRUHKeOMkN9o28VVGvbvt8g/s200/thirdgravedeadahead.jpg" width="139" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13538992-fourth-grave-beneath-my-feet"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="312" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHe0qybgCS4KJWpnlLY2HJHbuKWMUsnN0o9FLp_hP6gNqXxj9DzY8NUGtlr4sDpVTYIyLwPIzMK-Q7TFtjllKgpdBr5Chf9h2bHiTptRGmxnZCMdXRNRxM-0Opohs9MOhAf9hjtXHghMY/s200/fourthgravebeneathmyfeet.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15813668-fifth-grave-past-the-light"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLQl-q_PpTsEpnUfi9skmZnmx0gylgkqIEvG6vMn3ZvhdGqwUZDxqvJhuKZln26VqeGoaLo6_wuhhb_eKYrP8VvnbQxA17RRKjHArt21BPw-dsRWkEWePOqsSwwYOU9BAC0V_cmy3rvo/s200/fifthgravepastthelight.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16061295-sixth-grave-on-the-edge"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPgG5uut-sMeOtUvVardzFcult9NUWACgpAsOFXbwiGx1wUduHp7ObZD0MsxHq9C9yZ16BYoFxF9DavEpU777FOXeiAXmfqA31a1hJd82PvxY71j44A5MppfmoAW3Agpcv_vOO39Y7CU/s200/sixthgraveontheedge.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19286674-seventh-grave-and-no-body"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNngvOnrwim3rRCLja_AcmRjI4VF2FTQVGndq9teBsrpFByHuxnotMQOhFb71ltBrlgCUy5mvfYnHkYrHJELFTuGuEXKKAwFeNq3q1b2f_Bd4xPI1ccjo6IK6cmXUcv3CUTz7SgAHiXx0/s200/seventhgraveandnobody.jpg" width="137" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22922356-eighth-grave-after-dark"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="311" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPNdf30gySJMbuJ_BC1v3eQLtHMXdI9fHo6bmHejptatu88zoXmb9b2s8rnS3LoaTb43OQFdOA52bzRJiWBO1SfINQGpX3Vq0kuZ59okXdvATeYZ_P7CSKpqeBpMxLdeaNSdXylGgV2k/s200/eighthgraveafterdark.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23848452-the-dirt-on-ninth-grave"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBV6B4xzBF4lS4Hlz6corYrZTTyMSH6F9V5C7rUWKDZR53pcCukX3PKCp4r_E2Yy8ZjjNTvjeF16DHH7vMhD53xvvp2id_lhCYKcn29ToJt55AxV7Qx4ChvUY895Z33VwlYzThu1eSbc/s200/thedirtonninthgrave.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24154660-the-curse-of-tenth-grave"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsmHOX30_OsLnVx2IMJpoczT2kLBjpB9a9IvTW7Aguey0Etf9KIhNR3l0ePvXsTZpQ-KDDgRnfqJjxMO81jXc0aJbK5axArY6Uqrdlw3vzoAl6PRBRwShbw6nC2U50jB5sCJIj6pG7rE/s200/thecurseontenthgrave.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24154742-eleventh-grave-in-moonlight"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="312" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpQVAWUpcinJUmKozLyC4rTvNO8eLzj6XMxwh0HiVxe7P03dBpKk4vlgJpsu6xXFcIdpN5G70IRKakSrzeuLQ5ym0exFpbdjorTlfK6ue-Y3DAep5yS17aru28d-ISMZup0ng41iH7ww/s200/eleventhgraveinmoonlight.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33574252-the-trouble-with-twelfth-grave"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbngZcGcqw6hLGVv7-KS0S7EfH596dGRC-4pRq0AsGsRek4XMEHqWhW9cb9e9ds84pcTrjj6JwPD9DMEUbkGcjtzfsc8POjImp64Jup0nwjDqVNXn-XdCQmFwJwTj8K_aSkCQZj6eXATE/s200/thetroublewithtwelfthgrave.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35391370-summoned-to-thirteenth-grave"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhBGzYltYGEcdnuvyNlShB_RF_HsD2IyyMOMT_UT70nLnHtYqxlgoEBBX-7pCzznleBODUOHVxz8v1MqMMkjJ2RhluHLxw1PlsLzl7WCHhE-NzCg0j3iU832gsLgE7gzifwOJAYJi79M/s200/summonedtothirteenthgrave.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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<b>Charley Davidson series, books #1-13</b> - I binged this series because I had nothing better on my agenda and I've had the first book on audio since I <i>first got into audiobooks</i>. So, I gave the series a chance finally and even when I thought it had jumped the shark and I was done, it would reel me back in because I just really loved all of those characters. One thing I will say: I'm so glad I unwittingly waited until all 13 books were released before diving in because those cliffhangers woulda killed me. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26148083-rhythm-chord-malykhin"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="295" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Psj1drHT5znEnHpmo_KvtSMwjW77vx9tfveWlprvBPdimeg8fV6ixmBkYXPjpuf8zqoINrWVRmuriT40tU2aGx-WUL5MTXsa-DiYkZ2RXtJl8IZUrGwrZaqJw1aM5hXjrYQzsZh98hk/s200/rhythmchord%2526malykhin.jpg" width="124" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26459239-kulti"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="302" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pEQ67744tP6jCREhURV6SdZ4K3vo1irZ58hyT9hBGRzmcRZSjBd-jOm3vsgSFVJFaKlzMOIgr3dGJ29p58O0LoIsBrcxIHCbDYGrxTmlKFZoMAfFP59ixkomBccN4HHZltAyJYZM4CU/s200/kulti.jpg" width="151" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29283773-lingus"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKm2TgeFP36rk5MWdJ5CZWBSvLemMUYQQxBVtOfALI6u1Wzdar8cxc1MztY4hq60w0muBpd5reuIiwFZqNuGSmmQn4zFw8UNmZG-8KmRZTTUlpv2hHPtfZvL3ca320EMRgpAqmoMMej-g/s200/lingus.jpg" width="125" /></a><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29367958-the-wall-of-winnipeg-and-me"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrTNssGMa_M9DPDAnpJ0WLWdQdZvmrKAiNuBnzcokLJr82hZMWqgCyoAE95IRrQQCR0FvR0rmx2Rcy6LbPjKS1evWu_yMobHIwrfFlQiiRSYcRtWvSgrOpIiGBuVQu64KYZ3bFRrvSN4/s200/thewallofwinnipegandme.jpg" width="128" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37683751-from-lukov-with-love"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="296" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRC4kPHkH22vXUpZUIIFnOzWCIyoO9N7tvvDwP0c2fzuUHjT69iVi5APiPb7BOmZK_MBL8Jccz3ITdWMcp0M-pwKYvoNmma4pEsB-VOP05dZsKItper5zeC17bATlgthidbVkRbJtUilk/s200/fromlukovwithlove.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33288638-wait-for-it"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="295" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO6X7CFjgLI4-uTNhq-BDExfdbF-oXpdnVsWBHyHF1lsiYMkc8YIx_jlV1QQH-A6jo-T6jLRrw8oN6j7s5ea7OjTxLMSEFLTz1fqzGmkuZoWHzxgUyQ5PPdMekQBAxPBSpDf6x8LSgyQ/s200/waitforit.jpg" width="124" /></a></center>
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I re-listened to my fave Mariana Zapata novels because, well, because I could: <b>Rhythm, Chord & Malykhin; </b><b>Kulti; </b><b>Lingus; </b><b>The Wall of Winnipeg; </b><b>From Lukov with Love; </b>and <b>Wait for It</b>. Whether you need a hot athlete to make you forget your troubles or just proof that love finds a way, these books are solid, happy-inducing stories. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30531840-flamecaster"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVU0z1YwyIzx1Rf2FzAuH6_BM57U1IB9inoAYnhK9KqjzwL6JjfltM6BKL_P8_LcPfWhdjiBBmumiY2pl7CfCQzHDZVSRjKJdaAYs7rRhrm_zjZ2w9Ws-7Wgp1e_sssxHxx91CKMusAI/s200/flamecaster.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30253091-shadowcaster"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRR-ohoyxoIk9R93i_lwFn98MY_VpjVd1Awry7gPxD_LjgGpH7r3ttkwd8KzDQXj5xPNss6fPBvOQmbkHMENZvo7Ox0nzykTBekMa9RI6IyJRThE9TLEDSjkb2ETeGLikq0JlDXlN5CKg/s200/shadowcaster.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33816845-stormcaster"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXODXERzcqSPAtoC8k3_vGeYlGuVYQVh9QHBxni7XOEN4bbkTH4_SlxM8RQUD-Vt9w2D-oeENXGyOI7QPG4Yw5O8eGJXELHZO1HzSC7sCZ02hH3LYl6fYvAggZrdHJ89offbtnnVvOP5U/s200/stormcaster.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39320115-deathcaster"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJGXiXB5xxwFbSQYlBTG0EST0HohYokRuf_slyCa689N2lb4p6BadGAYu8IPRPKZXuOeFxaQExieLck10oTRI5RBULtDzX-MZ9XHKKsd5HIR87Vr9BaPDglJoF-fBoGXhMLFCFNbTA54/s200/deathcaster.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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<b>Shattered Realm series</b> - All four books in the spin-off to the Seven Realms series are finally out and my library had them so I binged them and I have zero regrets. I didn't love this series quite as much as the one about these kids' parents -- and not just because I had to read as some of my favorite characters died -- but it was still a really great companion series. I did hate seeing Raisa so diminished, such a shadow of her former self, but that's life, right? And seeing the baddies get their comeuppance <i>again</i>? Priceless. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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Have you read any of these? What did you think? Find any new titles to check out? ;0)<br />
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Until next time! Happy reading!<br />
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starryeyedjenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841350560201331032noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-50341770186912297982019-04-01T08:19:00.000-05:002019-04-01T09:06:50.126-05:00๐ A Starry-Eyed Giveaway ๐<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSTzWKotfGGovHOe_cdRI9ahnJbxOsXs5zR6S7C4j4Gg0PZTE-GvVb_BhWn2yTDS__ulo0fueOS-LiBl5UmEfWP7lhvq84VgRmgld3FA-VcMVEUvGZh6AknTPdkP9IMSnq2iMGwWhEkE/s1600/IMG_1132.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSTzWKotfGGovHOe_cdRI9ahnJbxOsXs5zR6S7C4j4Gg0PZTE-GvVb_BhWn2yTDS__ulo0fueOS-LiBl5UmEfWP7lhvq84VgRmgld3FA-VcMVEUvGZh6AknTPdkP9IMSnq2iMGwWhEkE/s320/IMG_1132.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is no April Fool's joke! To celebrate Sabrina joining the blog recently, and the fact that the blog turns <b>eight years old</b> next month, we decided to host A STARRY-EYED GIVEAWAY! Also cause we made a big deal out of being back and well, we've kind of been on hiatus for the last two months <i>because life</i>. ๐ข<br />
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What can you win as part of this celebration/apology? Check it out below, or visit Jen on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/starryeyedjen29/">Instagram</a> to see each individual item up close.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/233881617/shooting-star-magnetic-bookmark-jumbo?ref=shop_home_active_42">Shooting Star magnet from Crafted Van</a> | <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/399415773/i-read-past-my-bedtime-mug?ref=user_profile&ep_click=1">I Read Past My Bedtime mug from Crafted Van</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stars-Without-Darkness-Journal-Notebook/dp/1441322612/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1547215805&sr=8-4&keywords=star+journal">Stars Can't Shine Without Darkness journal</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Starry-Eyes-Jenn-Bennett/dp/148147880X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547820909&sr=8-1&keywords=starry+eyes+jenn+bennett"><i>Starry Eyes</i> by Jenn Bennett</a><br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PagesRemembered/items">Constellation book sleeve from Pages Remembered</a> | <a href="https://novellyyourscandles.com/product/stars-eternal-9oz-jar/">Stars Eternal candle from Novelly Yours</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/home-gift-enchanted-celestial-quote-metal-bookmark/22614228">Enchanted Celestial Quote Bookmark</a></div>
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We love supporting our favorite authors and small businesses owned by other awesome bookish people. Some of these items are no longer available from these shops and are the last of their kind, but we still heartily recommend you check out the other items on offer from these shops, as they're some of our favorites. However, all items were purchased by us, and we are not affiliated with any of these stores or the author.<br />
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Rules:<br />
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<li>US only.</li>
<li>One entry per household.</li>
<li>All entries will be verified. Any entry found to be falsified will result in disqualification of all entries for that participant.</li>
<li>Please no giveaway accounts.</li>
<li>Winner will be notified via email at close of contest. Winner will then have 48 hours to respond before another winner will be selected.</li>
<li>We are not responsible for lost packages.</li>
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="c1392854194" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c1392854194/" id="rcwidget_fxksq0ev" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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Good luck and happy reading!<br />
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<br />starryeyedjenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841350560201331032noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-65385889076664908322019-03-29T07:08:00.000-05:002019-03-29T07:08:37.117-05:00SYNC 2019 is coming soon! Celebrate TEN YEARS of free audiobooks!!! @audiobookSYNC #audiobooksync19<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.audiobooksync.com/">SYNC</a> is a free summer audiobook program specifically geared toward young adults. And starting April 25th, SYNC will give you free access to two complete audiobook downloads a week - a current young adult title along with a thematically paired classic or required summer reading title. The offerings change each week and are only available for download until the next offering is announced a week later. I've included a list below of all of the scheduled downloads for this summer. SYNC will have all the details on how to download and what titles are paired together each week, so be sure to check their site over the next few weeks to prepare for all the awesome listening coming your way! For now, here's a list of the 2019 titles:<br />
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I've read or listened to a few of these already, but even more have been on my TBR for awhile. And, of course, I found some new titles to get excited about. That's the beauty of this program. The offerings are so wonderfully diverse. Something for everyone, whether it be classics, young adult, or favorite authors and narrators you'd love to revisit. I can't wait!<br />
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SYNC also has <a href="https://soundcloud.com/audiofilemagazine/sets/sync-2019">samples</a> of the audiobooks on offer, if you care to check those out prior to downloading the whole audiobook.<br />
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I'm just thrilled to pieces every year that this program continues. It's actually the reason I'm such an audiophile today! I am seriously so excited for some of these titles and also to experience some favorites again. Every year I am just so impressed with the offerings from SYNC!<br />
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In years past, I've done a weekly post showcasing which titles will be featured so you know when to go grab them. I don't know if I'll get around to doing that this year, but I'll try my best to tweet updates about which titles are available each week.<br />
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Which titles are you most excited about?<br />
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<br />starryeyedjenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841350560201331032noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-30948176208738412952019-02-09T17:23:00.000-06:002019-02-09T17:23:11.765-06:00Binge-Worthy Shows Distracting Me From My Bookshelf ๐๐บ๐<div style="text-align: center;">
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Lately I've been binge-watching Netflix and Hulu shows instead of reading all of the glorious books on my shelf that I've been wanting to read forever. And I've noticed that the more I do it, the less interested in reading I become! Ahhh! Sabotage! ๐</div>
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So without further ado, here are some of the shows that have been distracting me from my bookshelf and causing my reader heart angst, while also entertaining me in the best way. </div>
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<a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80211627" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="155" data-original-width="283" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxHCuKVGKWIw5RtNBEF0iosyjdD2Eseu6RqXijNVB5_KpkcvS6YPCNq8-MqLXxtlu955uZu-GYfJ_RyYbsKFpceIkqiOPcHZrMywOUEuWJ13U79UdvRKjabT-AqkmFALBGAX982LsrftS/s400/russian+doll.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is my most recent binge and I've got to say: first of all, I adore Natasha Lyonne. I've loved her since her <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0163651/" target="_blank">American Pie</a></i> days (Yes, I'm old) and everything she's ever in, is better for it. For instance, <i><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/70242311" target="_blank">Orange is the New Black</a></i> will always be one of my fave shows, and Natasha is fantastic in it.</div>
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<i>Russian Doll </i>is like an updated <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107048/" target="_blank"><i>Groundhog Day</i>,</a> but better and definitely rated R. The show uses music fantastically. The song she hears every time she dies and comes back, '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jRh2PRa1tU" target="_blank">Gotta Get Up' by Harry Nilsson</a>, pulls you into her experience perfectly. Also, her friend saying, "Sweet birthday baby!" over and over again will be stuck in my head FOREVER.<br />
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I'm a huge fan, even though the last episode did leave me wanting a little more. I suppose though, that the best shows do. There are 8 episodes that are roughly 30 minutes long each. I recommend it highly! ๐<br />
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Listen, first of all, I swear I'm not a Bundy fangirl, however I do watch a lot of true crime documentaries. I'm also a psych major, and with the movie coming out and all the controversy about it in general, I found myself curious. Most of this happened before I was born, so I didn't know much about him, so this Netflix series was educational and creepy. He was a truly disturbing person.</div>
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If you like true crime, you'll like this. It's just 4 episodes, each one about an hour long. It has a lot of info about how exactly he was able to get away with what he did for so long. It was truly a different era with technology and he was smart enough to find ways out of many situations, even escaping several times. It's chilling to see how much horror he inflicted and I'm glad to know he is no longer on this earth.<br />
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<a href="https://www.hulu.com/series/the-resident-1c6e95d4-ff94-40dd-890b-9fc23ba4fb67?&cmp=7958&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BM%20Search%20TV%20Shows&utm_term=the%20resident%20hulu&ds_rl=1263136&ds_rl=1263136&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5tiaqsqv4AIVkYdpCh3CDAMeEAAYASAAEgJeD_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dl" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="1152" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQcZ7gCfu_mSpqLyLewhPuFh34x-4eYCCC2cCmf1zS-iQXMvgjZ6xqmc2cZWkrPOiYSsMIdGNxFHoZktFWX2F8t7xk3WR7H5G81fww_5U_mIQDJOLVmYzTZStJHa4OOSOy91kf5H1zbnU/s400/TheResident_showtile.png.2018-09-26T15_56_53%252B12_00.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Okay, so <i><a href="https://www.hulu.com/series/the-resident-1c6e95d4-ff94-40dd-890b-9fc23ba4fb67?&cmp=7958&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BM%20Search%20TV%20Shows&utm_term=the%20resident%20hulu&ds_rl=1263136&ds_rl=1263136&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5tiaqsqv4AIVkYdpCh3CDAMeEAAYASAAEgJeD_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dl" target="_blank">The Resident</a></i> is on Hulu, <b>not</b> Netflix, but I've had it on my watch list for awhile now. This show is a lot like most shows that are medical in nature, but I really love a lot of the actors. Matt Czruchy from <i><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/70155618" target="_blank">Gilmore Girls</a></i>, Emily VanCamp from <i><a href="https://www.hulu.com/series/revenge-559c8035-7d88-4d84-89b1-2e030b1f6f1f?&cmp=7958&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BM%20Search%20TV%20Shows&utm_term=revenge%20tv%20show&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI98WJ0Mqv4AIVEL7ACh0wxQRiEAAYASAAEgJp9vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Revenge</a></i>, and Shaunette Renee Wilson from <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1825683/" target="_blank">Black Panther</a></i>; to name a few. </div>
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This one is easy to get caught up in, with a great cast and interesting story lines. It focuses more on problematic issues in the medical field, as well as corrupt and dangerous people in power. To be honest, it's not anything terribly new, or groundbreaking, but I did enjoy it and will likely continue to watch as long as it airs. There are 28 episodes, at about 43 minute each to stream now if you need a new thing while you wait for your other favorite shows to return.<br />
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<a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80114855" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="990" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyuzB2DYZ4zrEZm5jdPMU698NrA_2CZVwhurwCoyZiREXqhjKagNLVNuEyP-ZwU77WuPM10zg04z8wvRe-jN_xjrkiQBEZ0iFMkL8gHCSUGhRjNCpak6hk1f6zmtfb8nkmXdAMMnyEraP/s400/Mindhunter_netflix_poster-990x556.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I watched this one after my sister (and fellow true crime fan), Samantha, recommended it. <i>Mindhunter</i> is about the early stages of serial-killer profiling. Two FBI agents interviewing and compiling data on notorious killers, so that they can better understand what kind of damaged psyche it takes for a person to commit violent murders and predict what suspects will do next. It's based on a true crime book, which I have not read, called <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mindhunter-Inside-Elite-Serial-Crime/dp/1501191969/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1549747961&sr=8-1&keywords=mindhunter+inside+the+fbi%27s+elite+serial+crime+unit" target="_blank">Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit</a></i>.</div>
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The cast is really incredible and it was fascinating to go back in time a bit and see a portrayal of life before psychology was taken seriously, or considered useful by investigators. There are 10 episodes that run about 50 minutes each and a second season is coming!<br />
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<a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80189221" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="726" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0XCUOaFAixtUcVPrKdlQzORVtsiucMuszqn7QYm6-Od0xSQLpL31U9qqtqXMLtsLT8-dVFNkRxue0yoMHgw5q0s7Fpf5BffnoNKwkM2rNRUIM6bZu6Fziz-Dj-YCfzxfdAwXEaLPbF2h/s400/the-haunting-of-hill-house-wide.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I watched this one a few months back after hearing so much about it and I'm so glad I did. You guys, this show is incredible. One of the best things I've ever watched. I tell people about it all the time and I'm constantly peer pressuring people to give it a try, even if they don't like scary things. I'm honestly already excited to watch it again because I'm still geeking out about it. ๐</div>
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So, why should you watch it if <i>scary</i> isn't your typical thing? THIS FAMILY. You will love them and worry about them and be absolutely invested in their lives. The story flashes back and forth to when they lived at the house as children, to their lives in the present. Each person in the family experiences the house differently and the way each handles what they went through is absolutely dynamic and gripping.</div>
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Also, YES it is scary, at times, but also most of the time it's not. It's about these people; these unnervingly beautiful people (seriously.. every single one of them is <i>super</i> attractive...how?) and you will be hooked from the first of its 10, hour-long episodes.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Have you seen any of these? Did you like them? Dislike them?</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Also, please recommend your faves in the comments below!</span></i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-72942636968669178072019-01-31T05:33:00.000-06:002019-01-31T05:33:03.554-06:00What I've Been Reading Lately {January 2019}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS5K_9idFARlwHGujAPIg5EKcAmo5lnB6VUF9K52iRcse5thR8h_L_Wv7auEBYszsB8ymYF788_ELq-vNI2FbD8RdsYeTsqFRiCtqYQbDTtbwl2WnrhVMOhEZAHUfMWBm-xRUo0LSB0w/s1600/whativebeenreadinglately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS5K_9idFARlwHGujAPIg5EKcAmo5lnB6VUF9K52iRcse5thR8h_L_Wv7auEBYszsB8ymYF788_ELq-vNI2FbD8RdsYeTsqFRiCtqYQbDTtbwl2WnrhVMOhEZAHUfMWBm-xRUo0LSB0w/s320/whativebeenreadinglately.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Like December, January was ultimately a month for re-reading. Work kicked my butt and I honestly didn't have much time to physically read, so I've been re-listening to some old favorites. I did check out a few new books, and though they were pretty great for the most part, there were a few duds in there. I really do need to start trusting my gut more. If I can't get into a book the first time I pick it up, chances are, it's not going to be a great read the next time I pick it up either. ๐ฉ<br />
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And without further ado, here's what I've been reading lately...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(More on why I've gone to this format <a href="http://starryeyedrevue.blogspot.com/2016/10/my-moment-of-zen.html">here</a> in lieu of traditional reviews for each.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26032887-the-wicked-king"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqHa5R_8pb7yLAURC_S1cDrVVOQjhp-UYrLVHxayk_YNPOeaDwwsv33xLwFG_iEIHTdeA3e2QppOJbKpVQG69x7RUWOmnj_7VMr93FXjz58M7djS7p2keCIzvboMV8XCEeE3j7yCxzlQ/s200/thewickedking.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/372807.Dragon_s_Bait"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdxmrElFkNCExn-WmlaQnn7NkBnLzVYjEmW5W69wXyxtqz9XVydA2DZsUMAa5Z7WEKRa2Xp9k6lVxmvpsLmkDqL06y1lRf2BPcsMB2xwPduuZ36GCNL0e2du9Cm428Kx4ByeJYAlJkoM/s200/dragonsbait.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34723130-slayer"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhai5RlQ2AhrlKkUu9eDzeNd0bnQvIWYFR-KhhmsWCW1uQTwF6soF8AhxfBC0xEosEDJLseXRk64I-NcBpLIeZ4Je5JDzowglGgt63exRjzQ6l0nTHvZBn7EUJ5LUne1EKpOEkT4XsVfo0/s200/slayer.jpg" width="133" /></a>
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<b>The Wicked King*</b> - DEAD. I'm so dead after this book. But I did write a <a href="http://starryeyedrevue.blogspot.com/2019/01/spoilery-fangirling-over-wicked-king.html">spoilery thing</a> with Sabrina about it, if you wanna check it out. ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Dragon's Bait</b> - I just happened to be scrolling through GR or Twitter and saw someone mention this book, and I couldn't believe I hadn't read it before. <b>It sounded awesome!</b> And it pretty much was. Basically, this girl is called a witch because the townspeople are awful and so she becomes food for a dragon who's been terrorizing them. Except that her brazenness makes the dragon curious and they become allies in revenge. I would not call them friends and there is definitely no romance to speak of, but that's not even the point because despite all of this, they develop a bond based on nothing more than an intense loneliness and it is sad but lovely...if not a bit horrifying at times. Definitely recommend. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Slayer*</b> - I don't know that this was exactly what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it. A reluctant slayer who blames Buffy for the world torn asunder by the rift between Slayers and Watchers. Family secrets. Fight scenes. Forbidden romance. And a demon named Doug. This book had it all. And yet, all I wanted while I was reading it was to binge <i>Buffy</i> again. ๐ฉ ๐๐๐<br />
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*ARC received from publisher for review purposes. This does not affect my review in any way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBuNYl05I0WI_1Db9JnwmLnFQqGlc7lF7wQxmYrK10Vw7tp16cAItNZxotFeE-qb_Xkih40cxIYS2GtJsrc3CWFLBEXhT4XDF3x10eTFZwWsF9IMbbSx2dlehBnIcoSxz3wjvx9Qbofk/s1600/starseparate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBuNYl05I0WI_1Db9JnwmLnFQqGlc7lF7wQxmYrK10Vw7tp16cAItNZxotFeE-qb_Xkih40cxIYS2GtJsrc3CWFLBEXhT4XDF3x10eTFZwWsF9IMbbSx2dlehBnIcoSxz3wjvx9Qbofk/s320/starseparate.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A D U L T</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16085481-crazy-rich-asians"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZqX_eoDBjUTKC81sSrXPvlCN1ylNyeTm0wxmKpDgUZvaTtMSY5H3JyG6Ba8RDbJWY_7R5KJ1FF9R9z6F6LdpqEoBhu3K7B9nCGR2WwZsABKlRmKRfVHnPmSoNq0UWFzsT5bPlCtGhCo/s200/crazyrichasians.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6329547-on-the-edge"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="295" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnItFK2oB05EZ3gWDPYvxLnODtuC7FvDtLpKmicIarg-B55GXsVqfGfb8ddmn676_xx3HUDppjxuvWavsllruiTGd__sMN-WC9iTYDDelBk21D1F02SxKadTN3tGtO58FJfN0D1nTvWg/s200/ontheedge.jpg" width="123" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30109670-between-the-devil-and-the-duke"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="293" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqgM_tU1EwIbGcS5rutRJ0mVpEXK8twwmJFdZBozJMP5g0Zt6yrfBNmlrYVLulFtIjmaW51i4B7rn_0B4-zg5R9BIQNpMq7REHDv2kSEQPiMdddnTvJqSxt9-eLvBa_lA3zyuErlpJH0/s200/betweenthedevilandtheduke.jpg" width="123" /></a>
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<b>Crazy Rich Asians - </b>This novel was about what I expected. Extravagant and opulent, with insane family antics and expectations, and rife with food, fashion, and customs. There were so many storylines and I'm still not sure which persepective was my favorite. But it made me laugh. It made me cringe. And it made me think on more than one occasion: <i>And I thought </i>my<i> family was crazy</i>. I definitely plan to see the movie, if only to better visualize the level of opulence, and I have the next book on hold at the library already.<b> </b>๐๐๐<br />
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<b>On the Edge</b> - I fully planned to binge this series, and then I discovered upon starting the second book that it's not all about Rose and Declan and Georgie and Jack -- though I think the boys play a bigger role later in the series and also become side characters in the Innkeeper Chronicles. I really liked this first book, and I may continue the series <i>one day</i>, but for now, I think I might need a break from Ilona Andrews, lol. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Between the Devil and the Duke</b> - I've never read a novel by Kelly Bowen before but I quite enjoyed my first by her, and I'm sure it won't be my last. For some reason, most of my favorite historical romances take place in gaming hells, and this story is no different. I loved that the heroine was a genius at numbers, and instead of thinking her odd, the hero is charmed by this fact. Also, Ashford McNab is fabulous at narrating historical romance. She also narrates the Maiden Lane series by Elizabeth Hoyt, which I also very much enjoyed. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36511764-book-boyfriend"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDC3KQIqE80YH6hZxvby048OW6DatVLW4elUHK2WK1bO17xSUJUIoVUsifv_e5wcJaWirOL6T-P48WwoVPYdy0UYywsEk9C6ZMTQtLt6M7Ol1S3wC5-Zfp0M6manYRJTHtoNIP8_j46yo/s200/bookboyfriend.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38357345-my-favorite-half-night-stand"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRRM6g4r3GVWzFS_K8bp7dm_zlHiczPk21iLNRe1sZnCTKILAD6X2lAELBKeDFPSTwKgCyccySI_1xVf2CUXQEDHreqa7xYCJqEmiXGd_VzWCcsVCK7tIjMaU08Sp9Sd9eAgEdGFz028/s200/myfavoritehalfnightstand.jpg" width="129" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32107.Sprig_Muslin"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="301" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4FxlLA-D9k-u75Fdj1bvZwSx76pX6iiRJuBMqpiGatPBX3CFRnbgrlmjYbzr_ZKPxqZegmuaRPoojveM7GUVTL8Fn3eaTdxzLEZyxN-0fKR37DQAXFBWHoWhCa4WIv3KIfkJ1AFpWdc/s200/sprigmuslin.jpg" width="127" /></a></center>
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<b>Book Boyfriend</b> - I tried to read this one awhile back and it was...just not great. Not awful but not very engaging either. But I saw it offered on Hoopla and I thought it wouldn't be so bad to listen to it. At least I wouldn't be wasting my precious reading time, which is so very hard to come by these days. It felt like the worst kind of wish fulfillment and also didn't do a very good job of covering how <i>grossly inappropriate</i> the hero's actions were. I had intended to listen to the other books in this series, but that's not gonna happen now. ๐๐<br />
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<b>My Favorite Half-Night Stand*</b> - I gave up reading my ARC of this title several months ago because it wasn't what I was in the mood for at the time. But I borrowed the audio from the library when it became available because at that point, I was kinda jonesing for some Christina Lauren. Their books are either hit or miss for me, but this one was very middling. I can see why it had a hard time holding my interest upon my initial read. It was one of those stories where a little communication could have saved everyone a lot of time and energy and frustration. I'm not giving up on this author duo, but I'm definitely disappointed in this one. ๐๐<br />
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<b>Sprig Muslin</b> - I am <i>such</i> a fan of Georgette Heyer's. I believe I've listened to every audiobook available from the library, and so now I'm branching out to their ebook offerings. But I still imagine I hear Richard Armitage narrating them for me. ๐ Especially with this one, although I did imagine Sir Gareth more like Westley ร la <i>The Princess Bride</i>, with his easy-going manner and propensity to take everything as it came as his wayward charge led him on a merry chase. Lady Hester, a would-be spinster, wasn't near the simpleton her family perceived her to be, and I hoped her altruistic nature would lead her back to our hero. The story takes a very circuitous route, with Sir Gareth and his charge working at cross purposes and the hero and heroine spending a good portion of the novel <i>not</i> in each other's company, but it was humorous, if a bit tangential at times, and I loved seeing what young Amanda would come up with next. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39291127-marriage-vacation"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ok19iO9Zfop70vW0wKIyqLzSZ3PgKj3hw8IMylhKraF4YzJRlZyzY91PfCXLvdkq7I1olukGL5GhRhQOjxi9-WXmeupCMTUm5e6faZda4W9KDF-cHa5EWbKn7Kutk67JNgU3mYAdxoU/s200/marriagevacation.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39720991-the-witch-elm"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHOxSC4OMEvGeif9wpI0nPxKsSPwnkvBr0zPGstjZriangIFLf-nigvJ4UzHIa8WEsmG0JHpRBnezN5qPCbO6RTF8XLEGwcMoVAdtcUJtRW3RgMN6TFgEPOlx1a3rXoxdFmtVebMtLVc/s200/thewitchelm.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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<b>Marriage Vacation</b> - Have you ever seen the show <i>Younger</i>? (And is it ever coming back? #TeamJosh) If you haven't, then a little backstory: the characters work in publishing and the wife of one of the love interests writes a book under a pseudonym. <i>A book about the time she spent away from her marriage <b>to him</b>, the head of the publishing company.</i> Yep, "Kate" just up and leaves her family on a soul-searching quest and this book is basically about her adventures while she was away. It starts out self-involved and ungrateful but evolves into something more substantial. Kate wasn't away trying to regain her lost youth, just trying to find out who she was outside of her marriage and being a mother. She wanted her life to have meaning, and she wanted to pick her writing back up. I didn't love it, but I wasn't expecting to after meeting her character on the show. But it surprised me. I felt compassion for this woman. I empathized with her. I didn't wholly agree with the decisons she made, but I could understand them to some extent. I kinda didn't love the ending, though. Having said that, p. 58 was everything it was purported to be on the show. ๐ I liked the tie-in but that the book could also be read having never seen <i>Younger</i>. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Witch Elm*</b> - This is likely to be my least favorite of Tana French's novels. They're all long, but this one was just sooooooo boring until at least the halfway point and that was nine or ten hours into the story. Then I started putting things together and got frustrated with the characters about three-quarters of the way through, but I'd already made it that far, so I couldn't very well put it down without knowing <i>for sure</i> because if you've read Tana French before, you <b>know</b> that the ending <i>matters</i>. I think she's just better with police procedurals, writing from that perspective with all the ins and outs of investigating rather than as a potential suspect and novice detective who may or may not have suffered permanent damage due to trauma at the beginning of the story. I liked Toby, despite my better judgment because I know by now not to trust anyone in a Tana French novel, and I <i>loved</i> the narrator for this novel. The story just took forever to engage my interest and it didn't do a great job of holding it for any length of time. I kept taking breaks from the audiobook, hoping that I'd be overcome with curiosity to return to it, but it often felt like a chore and that's just not how I like to read. ๐๐๐<br />
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*ARC received from publisher for review purposes. This does not affect my review in any way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBuNYl05I0WI_1Db9JnwmLnFQqGlc7lF7wQxmYrK10Vw7tp16cAItNZxotFeE-qb_Xkih40cxIYS2GtJsrc3CWFLBEXhT4XDF3x10eTFZwWsF9IMbbSx2dlehBnIcoSxz3wjvx9Qbofk/s1600/starseparate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBuNYl05I0WI_1Db9JnwmLnFQqGlc7lF7wQxmYrK10Vw7tp16cAItNZxotFeE-qb_Xkih40cxIYS2GtJsrc3CWFLBEXhT4XDF3x10eTFZwWsF9IMbbSx2dlehBnIcoSxz3wjvx9Qbofk/s320/starseparate.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">B I N G E R E A D S | </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">R E - R E A D S</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/R%20E%20-%20R%20E%20A%20D%20S"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5sa9_7286DR65V6ZNsQ5QQqDClmQ_4XVq896gCTVU36imYjM48zAV7PHazrQinrBkEaWuN9lD5IgRPfqE_9coMc4CJfQEqqV5f7uzVQthEkjagD22AzdPsq1ODZq9C8y65pp_v157lo/s200/thefalconer.jpg" width="140" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26797462-the-vanishing-throne"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfpOqqu8p48rwDcotWEo9okfT9wHsZQ2KMgQiEK5D6Wt4D8eZvr-TnWdrgDehINrpI3NQkrUA6JXl5DpBTUTnCHjzV2kpWncULNSZHQ5swnxvaK1iO7kSIW8SR1dUazQI5-dyZZCHEhc/s200/thevanishingthrone.jpg" width="140" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32498439-the-fallen-kingdom"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIGfIqI6umjHaNIC4ZWRj6rh6N_1lYbzyW4LqzCsUhXsA2KZqrkRRyvXwiwDyMsHF4EwAvgxg8HmJ-66uz_xAcUlVyliL6-taUmPLWn8YyFmW9onaWj2OSrhwEdmXV3HDYZ8eS36GHms/s200/thefallenkingdom.jpg" width="143" /></a>
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<b>The Falconer</b> trilogy - Well...I <i>planned</i> on binge-reading this series after re-listening to the first book, but the audio isn't available for the last two books. ๐ข I got them from my library, but I just haven't had much time to physically read this month, and when I did, I usually had a headache or trouble focusing. So, the plan is to read them in February. I'm leaving them here as a reminder...<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6342491-the-demon-king"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="266" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5b1MvGVVYM2vZQfURttX-0H31pj-Kc7saikQU8UEZG_Nh7cRUSpoOh7hfwnSsOd_hxlxY5FG2d4TIxsrBxqJ4qZ0MF_YPIj_C0NpeAjImZFKhB94olrQnxSaEOd9Vap5II5guk1L9wE/s200/thedemonking.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7801229-the-exiled-queen"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSlwq2pqb0SrrrLcfNnYrgYDGulz19C9blJOpfRocWejAN2yzmasxHBwHIzwAvsyPFoUZE3OAeBmtd8EbIA7MspISlJifDM1fmI6sLUHQBhybOZ5ZGJoG2x1-lNF8XQpX7jl3hz3S_nE/s200/theexiledqueen.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9409469-the-gray-wolf-throne"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTRCZy981Ad7uvtheCTBVTYMtSWoJKpxPWu4TYcurkGcpmca3CoEdBAtiFzN8SFUu6WAp1e6Rs2GQVEyfcsyfQq-DR13lSEg4kOWufeCBlt0a8BUbYswWV6ZE0IJ9V8_ed1qGMHFYBCM/s200/thegraywolfthrone.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8069828-the-crimson-crown"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvq7TOf4wWoKUi0q-QokkN0SdzShPE9ETuH4olGPo088TvbUsF_HvDGx3aLrSkojjUHAHNLIYzR5l4N4KwAHaPJKSYUbZ_qWT1Mhxc0h0ENuL56wld7dqJQyfmTAfR8RSDSrlu4qYG8yk/s200/thecrimsoncrown.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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<b>Seven Realms</b> series - I saw a friend reading these books for the first time at the end of 2018, and I realized it had been over a year since I'd <i>re-</i>read them, so I went all in. Which is for the best since I believe the final book in the spin-off series also releases this year. And despite that devastating first book, I fully intend to catch up on that series, as well. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16068905-fangirl"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWpGhfpk11osIQwZjEtbIHkKMKL460EAjfmXx_OfjbdI0wjOiMTqdkC9rSwhi69ZggQeZvmOhmv4wCGOOdsxFl3aENjTzQh5tlqorqh1-nTjMDt4S8o0unoqr0vA_RQdSOYJDuw70LIA/s200/fangirl.jpg" width="135" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23734628-carry-on"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQGzWH5GXnBiHl9uWl1n1CyNnxdszLUJ6jC3aErhmxDvXj_UocJawauQqiDPjXxErrN9QypUCarB90dTNkwzvps4zM-BLpP6FjNQQrTJhj9AGcukp4d7WCj8fAQUU0-e73NRiQaIAZ3g/s200/carryon.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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<b>Fangirl</b> & <b>Carry On</b> - My bestie finally, <i>finally</i> caved and read <i>Fangirl </i>like I've been telling her to do for <b>literal years</b>, and she squeed so much about it that I decided I was due for a re-read. And you can't read those bits about Simon Snow without also wanting to read <i>his </i>story. :D ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1584974.Lord_of_the_Fading_Lands"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="292" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbEzdLx4yMxLOr6joaUeHpJjeBUrnliGzhLt_I01gH7Uo13yeRPvzD6FpDlNno45_adYeDSBcEYes243v5oDzJvpLHoUGja4T0y_96SIicoVcxmMiooOsTGpC-oiF3b1LqZ3PjTLA_Ro/s200/lordofthefadinglands.jpg" width="123" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1651313.Lady_of_Light_and_Shadows"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="293" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLR3ERlHxFiXzqRXROEeYjivn7-MnjQW3nmuD3xv-k06plNW_N86Qp1kdARu-swhjtFG4PrjvIEv1DOkRhd0c8D4Gf_Vjs-uitlmObMA1Oh6fn8oKRbZVx80XlJc4A3oPEYTpIeqnGDFs/s200/ladyoflightandshadows.jpg" width="123" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3307144-king-of-sword-and-sky"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="295" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcUKqUSSsMaEBIlT0g2jHHUe20pUfQgHngLfhuF2eiqhpkSLAfj0C4l2AhHOXh6E5UxxJZpxMWQkOEPmZf3Xbh5DDGIGlcnvu_guTr6F5s94-7IC7KwGe5Vb7EeUGGZ7Oiog-h8iTZJs/s200/kingofswordandsky.jpg" width="124" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3354025-queen-of-song-and-souls"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="287" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFblu0pCt6shb0bq56Tq46UrKPPVkz4Mbs9S9Pvzht7onBEINHLHv_mJ7FfrqKOYDR7QhLaG2D9fe9MvPQXr4CYwhk7W5VirsiE-gL8bNpmH5cKHHRCwzV9V0Byn3p3j-xsy4x7JY0pHE/s200/queenofsongandsouls.jpg" width="121" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7724257-crown-of-crystal-flame"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="295" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwk03XlZ2ApCN7JTcR38YPg9RxTY9Z9GsC1jN3M7_Gk-79MxPEcmXVuc2_4fRzIQEeWzrenWHyCzDcFZu_BcEdkDgE9osTG43eQObmj3G7RdBOzqcFKHUmms8SrP9LlYGYc6l6ep8_qaM/s200/crownofcrystalflame.jpg" width="124" /></a></center>
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<b>Tairen Soul</b> series - I was in the mood for some good fantasy and also having trouble getting over my reading slump thanks to <i>The Wicked King</i>, so I dived back into this series. I didn't love it quite as much as I remember, but it worked as a palate cleanser. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17675462-the-raven-boys?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book"><img alt="The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle, #1)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1477103737m/17675462.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17347389-the-dream-thieves?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book"><img alt="The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle, #2)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1477103777m/17347389.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17378508-blue-lily-lily-blue?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book"><img alt="Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle, #3)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1477103826m/17378508.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17378527-the-raven-king?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book"><img alt="The Raven King (The Raven Cycle, #4)" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1477103790m/17378527.jpg" width="132" /></a></center>
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<b>The Raven Cycle</b> - Because it was time. And also I just needed to be back in Cabeswater as I wait for Ronan's series. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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Have you read any of these? What did you think? Find any new titles to check out? ;0)<br />
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Until next time! Happy reading!<br />
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starryeyedjenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841350560201331032noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-92200832645823868982019-01-30T20:16:00.000-06:002019-01-30T20:16:39.449-06:00Listed: Mini Reviews {January 2019}<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZdGN3cLfWkcEfTyJZ2UolOGU4Y9o1QZzijykhE0gO8NjvsjSM19SvAVGi4nCfsyWEmIPJHu0h7wg1Tf6lsr-p9IFD6FMZa_ZkV8SlKa9WBToGwfVQkl4ieVop5Eh0Fwht_YGrEqLk-vF/s1600/listed+banner+image3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZdGN3cLfWkcEfTyJZ2UolOGU4Y9o1QZzijykhE0gO8NjvsjSM19SvAVGi4nCfsyWEmIPJHu0h7wg1Tf6lsr-p9IFD6FMZa_ZkV8SlKa9WBToGwfVQkl4ieVop5Eh0Fwht_YGrEqLk-vF/s1600/listed+banner+image3.png" /></a></div>
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Hello lovelies! Jen has her own awesome overview post called 'What I've Been Reading Lately," so rather than use the same format and make it confusing about who's posting, I decided to stick to my short review style from The Forest of Words and Pages. Though truthfully, the fact that Jen literally reads 10 times the amount of books as me will also likely be a dead giveaway.<br />
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So, whether I loved these books or not, Iโm going to lay out a few bullet-pointed reasons you should, or shouldnโt spend your time reading some of my recent reads.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OtGCi9MegqlsDE6NQoWvbihjLhr4u6CsI8uzhg9iWBGk_f_BLvCiQeeedE9FjUtigYTehYDOj4fytvO90eCG9KMKSkhooM1sN7F-HCw7HsnzXaMasNsJgHEAzcz8oMnhbiCOuwER6KZT/s1600/starbreak.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="34" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OtGCi9MegqlsDE6NQoWvbihjLhr4u6CsI8uzhg9iWBGk_f_BLvCiQeeedE9FjUtigYTehYDOj4fytvO90eCG9KMKSkhooM1sN7F-HCw7HsnzXaMasNsJgHEAzcz8oMnhbiCOuwER6KZT/s1600/starbreak.png" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White</span></h3>
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Source: Audiobook from Library</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38255342-the-dark-descent-of-elizabeth-frankenstein" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ieipNMg-ctxkMzG2fOZzLYVBgis_7ryRdf7oaBVwwgrDMTEJC_bAyVoSlXvBFmUiviGyPEBIJXs1bq9zqWe8mF52bJQFGt50XiYlSI4Tx805XIUFEMKjI6kwQac_D6CEK5IUKjYqJuMo/s320/darkdescent.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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โฝ I was interested in this book primarily because I loved Kiersten White's book <i>And I Darken</i>. Though to be honest, I haven't loved many of of her books and I haven't read the rest of the Conqueror's Saga YET.<br />
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โฝI did love that this story is centered on a female perspective. I enjoyed Elizabeth and found her story intriguing. However, I did see a lot of the twists coming and whenever that happens it leads to my feeling that the protagonist is naive for not seeing what the reader sees.<br />
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โฝ As a follow up point to my last point, I really dislike seeing all the things that are being foreshadowed too clearly, way early on. It feels like you've already reached the end of the story when it is too predictable.<br />
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โฝ My favorite parts of the story were the parts when Elizabeth and Victor were children. I think I would have enjoyed the story more if more time was spent there and it had went chronologically, instead of back and forth. I did sincerely love Elizabeth as a character and that made me keep picking this one back up.<br />
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โฝ Final thoughts: If you love Frankenstein retellings, this is probably a story you will enjoy. It was an original take on a classic story. I realize that I'm usually not a big fan of this particular story. I've read a few retellings of Frankenstein and I haven't 'loved' any of them. Kiersten's writing here did keep me coming back for more, but I was satisfied, not enthralled, by this tale.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bottom Line</span>: <i><span style="font-size: large;">It was okay</span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">๐</span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">๐</span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">๐</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Boneless Mercies by April Genevieve Tucholke</span></h3>
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Source: Purchased</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36949995-the-boneless-mercies" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sCrPh_PEUbCMEtQjFBr0S5MYTUjH-AVF3qJeRoaqgWLMZ2NrTstGLDUOh_TXsvCb4G8NglkshpjelyjBbDqmMO4iuU0FTBC7XsHc09y0kEWpil6M9p6eBrr-NZ476ZKRl5OQISpL7SEj/s320/boneless.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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โฝ I love me some April Genevieve Tucholke and I love stories about badass girls dealing in death, so my body was ready for this experience.</div>
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โฝ I didn't exactly <i>dislike</i> The Boneless Mercies, but it also is far from my favorite AGT book. Usually I get delightfully caught up in the weirdness of her stories, but this one just didn't grab me like I'm usually grabbed. Parts of this story were lovely, many parts dragged on and felt like filler.</div>
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โฝ The female friendships in this book are perhaps my favorite part. I loved the different characters and the realistic dynamics that played out. Complicated and dynamic relationships for the win!</div>
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โฝ Confession: I have never read Beowulf. So it's quite possible, that you way-cooler, better-read nerds will totally love this because of gorgeous elements that went over my head.</div>
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โฝ If you love, April GT, you should read this, but expect a different experience.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bottom Line</span>: <i><span style="font-size: large;">It was okay</span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">๐</span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">๐</span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">๐</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson</span></h3>
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Source: Purchased<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30969741-an-enchantment-of-ravens" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6P4wDE_ozec6B7WfjexAjrJOwUqSlvfPDzMmj6WoQFYWiE1UC7nx3TFvw9x2AK87aERFnh3icM1qwKK2UDfa5E2AipsNpsAWfeeX8lCjP3Ek3gqH9byBTj1TWjS-eNYbWxMVL4EMhGMa/s320/enchantmentravens.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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โฝ I am unconditionally, and irrevocably in <i>love </i>with the autumn prince, Rook (a little Twilight humor.. since I shamefully binged the movies on Prime last week). But seriously, Rook trumps other fae book boys. He just does.<br />
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โฝ I can confidently say that this book is better than it's cover and the cover is <i>stunning</i>. I adored it and wish I'd read it way sooner. So GO READ THE BOOK if you haven't. This story deserves all the love and hype.<br />
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โฝ Isobel is a lovely, fierce, smart AF and relatable heroine. Her journey involves bravery and vulnerability ( I adore a book girl with both) and her character added so much magic to an already gorgeous tale.<br />
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โฝ The characters and setting of this book are so vivid and engaging. I loved the detailed descriptions and dynamic people of this story. I felt like I was experiencing this story with the characters.<br />
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โฝ One of my favorite reads in the last several months. Super highly recommend. Thanks to Jen for telling me that I'd be a fool to not read it. <3<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bottom Line</span>: <i><span style="font-size: large;">Loved it! ๐๐๐๐</span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">๐</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Also FYI, Margaret Rogerson has this gorgeous book coming out in June! Can't wait to read it too!</span></i><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39733052-sorcery-of-thorns" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39733052-sorcery-of-thorns" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1541610419l/39733052.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden</span></h3>
Source: Audiobook from Audible</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25489134-the-bear-and-the-nightingale?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25489134-the-bear-and-the-nightingale?ac=1&from_search=true" border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LJ0WsU820J5zjBW8kwRq_jOcj15TmjEaZxK9K4ZZv0bvqPLlme99FZoxJLRr6GHCMvFgkRi9F9mhvUD1gcV227G9uMtkc9vTu97Q0k5mIwSWosSvajVl4nsoeZESWa6dktklxYSrHNWd/s320/bearcover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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โฝ Listen... I wanted to love this one. I really did and there is a strong possibility that this is a case of incompatibility of mood and book. But I truly struggled to be interested in this story almost the entire way through. </div>
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โฝ A huge part of my dislike is centered on the first 75% of the story. For me, it was extremely slow and involved a lot of detail that didn't hold my attention. Normally, a slow beginning is not a deal breaker for me. However, there were so many character names to keep up with, and because I listened to the audiobook, I kept getting lost wondering who a character was. This really kept me from getting truly invested in the story.</div>
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โฝ I did like the ending <i>much, much more</i>. A lot of deeply beautiful story elements came together in a way that I wish the entire story had going for it. I know a lot of people really loved this book and I wonder if I had read a physical copy, if I might have liked the story better.</div>
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โฝ Vasilisa is the one constant part of this tale that I <b>did</b> very much enjoy. I loved her eccentric nature, her determination and the way she navigates her own beliefs and values in a town rich in spirits and lore. </div>
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โฝ Again, while this was not a book I would push into your hands with pure, geeky excitement myself, plenty of readers I respect and trust, really loved this one. So give it a chance if it sounds like your thing. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bottom Line</span>: <i><span style="font-size: large;">It was okay</span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">๐</span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">๐</span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">๐ </span></i><br />
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<i> </i></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell</span></h3>
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Source: Audiobook from Audible</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16068905-fangirl?from_search=true" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16068905-fangirl?from_search=true" border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBZZxy17PgxK64zht_9clEKopOl_x9aS-zoxMp_69o55tEEfMhaC8CR_hcid4_FjLzW0ee6o7PE8zt6_ov1UIo6320efqw-5H6So9B13vMpWlTAtoNoA-EnvnxnndWWaPLEehU-2jekWv/s320/fangirlcover.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">โฝ I have not laughed out loud this much with a story, maybe ever. I ADORED this book. And yes, for all of you judging me for just reading this, I KNOW, I'm judging me too.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">โฝ Cath's roommate, Reagan, is seriously sarcasm & honestly goals. She is the kind of friend I always look for in this world and the kind I hope to be, so her and Cath's friendship was a huge part of my love for Fangirl.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">โฝ To be fair, there is literally, not ONE thing that I can think to say about this book that isn't actually fangirling about it, so if you, like me, have had this on your shelf waiting to get to it, DO THE THING! READ the book! It's the actual BEST.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">โฝ I think this book resonates with so many of us in this community because we have things in common with Cath: the online community of 'internet friends' that is not always understood by people who don't do online communities, the way it's easier to relate to people online sometimes because we are anxious, or introverted, or both. Cath is relatable and lovable and this story hit me right in my soul.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">โฝ Lastly, more books with college-aged people and swears please! I'd fucking love to read a thousand more stories with the magic that Fangirl has. Super jealous of anyone who hasn't read it yet. This will be a frequent re-read for me for sure.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bottom Line</span>: <i><span style="font-size: large;">Loved it! ๐๐๐๐</span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">๐</span></i></div>
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<i> </i></h4>
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<i> </i></h4>
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<i>Have you read any of these? Did you enjoy them? Despise them? Despise my review of them? Let me know in the comments!</i></h4>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-29005733022703971782019-01-23T07:24:00.000-06:002019-01-23T07:24:15.247-06:00{SPOILERY} Fangirling Over The Wicked King<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjRGFI3-moUMBhnhKjEDBY_XwxiP9I5I1vxc14BlZY2FsBzvjQmbdIXS7nuydnblH9kAeHSo-OENhyphenhyphen5yQgJo-ZasYzPaVVJDgU5clPf0w1NiqPCO9Nx6jdt7n0vIoma4InOLtE3tRd2E/s1600/thewickedking2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjRGFI3-moUMBhnhKjEDBY_XwxiP9I5I1vxc14BlZY2FsBzvjQmbdIXS7nuydnblH9kAeHSo-OENhyphenhyphen5yQgJo-ZasYzPaVVJDgU5clPf0w1NiqPCO9Nx6jdt7n0vIoma4InOLtE3tRd2E/s320/thewickedking2.jpg" width="213" /></a>
<b>Title:</b> The Wicked King<br />
<b>Author:</b> Holly Black<br />
<b>Series:</b> The Folk of the Air series, book #2<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> Little, Brown BFYR<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> January 8, 2019<br />
<b>Source:</b> ARC received from publisher, purchased multiple copies<br />
<b>Purchase:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wicked-King-Folk-Air/dp/0316310352/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1547819653&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=the+wicked+king+holly+black&psc=1">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-wicked-king-holly-black/1128113143?ean=9780316487139#/">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Wicked-King-Audiobook/B07LGCYV7N?qid=1547819574&sr=sr_1_1&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=e81b7c27-6880-467a-b5a7-13cef5d729fe&pf_rd_r=PWVNZHDSAE53ZJPVJC7S&">Audible</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26032887-the-wicked-king" target="_blank"><img alt="Add to Goodreads" border="0" src="https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/280x200q90/924/cbHpq6.jpg" /></a><br />
<blockquote>
You must be strong enough to strike and strike and strike again without tiring.<br />
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The first lesson is to make yourself strong.<br />
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After the jaw-dropping revelation that Oak is the heir to Faerie, Jude must keep her younger brother safe. To do so, she has bound the wicked king, Cardan, to her, and made herself the power behind the throne. Navigating the constantly shifting political alliances of Faerie would be difficult enough if Cardan were easy to control. But he does everything in his power to humiliate and undermine her even as his fascination with her remains undiminished.<br />
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When it becomes all too clear that someone close to Jude means to betray her, threatening her own life and the lives of everyone she loves, Jude must uncover the traitor and fight her own complicated feelings for Cardan to maintain control as a mortal in a Faerie world.</blockquote>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0b5394;">Like many of you, <i>The Cruel Prince</i> left us eyes wide and jaws dropped, <b>dying</b> to get our hands on <i>The Wicked King</i>. We needed to know what would happen next. In fact, I was actually at Jen's house the weekend the Owlcrate Wicked King Box went on sale and we were fangirling hard, double-checking time zone differences, credit cards ready, afraid to miss out on what we just knew -- because duh: Holly Black -- was going to be another amazing installment in this series. And not to brag...but <i>we weren't wrong</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Nope. I might even go so far as to say that this sequel was <b>even better</b>: twists and turns that left us guessing, the hatemance we've been <i>dying</i> for, and an ending that rivals even its predecessor...which is <b>r</b></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>eally say</b></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>ing something</b>. I loved all of the faerie machinations and the mention of Fairfold and Severin from </span><i style="color: #38761d;">The Darkest Part of the Forest</i><span style="color: #38761d;"> and how it all seemingly comes together but ends up throwing me completely off by the end. Did you read that one or </span><i style="color: #38761d;">The Lost Sisters</i><span style="color: #38761d;">, Sabrina? I know you weren't always the biggest fan of faerie stories, but you've come so far now that you might as well go all in, right? ๐</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Definitely an ending that rivals <i>The Cruel Prince</i>! Unfortunately, no. I haven't read either one, Jen. You are the reason I gave faerie stories another chance so I'm so glad I did because they are some of my favorites now. *Adds those to my TBR* </span><span style="color: #38761d;">(Jen approves.)</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> Back to the review... one of the things I loved about <i>The Wicked King</i> was how </span><span style="color: #0b5394;">Jude and Cardan are kind of pushed into an alliance. The fact that not everyone is happy that Cardan is on the throne AND that someone is betraying Jude creates a scenario where they really have to rely on each other. So, while they are reluctant to trust one another fully, it makes for a very charged dynamic between them. Even as the ice first begins to thaw in their relationship, they are developing feelings for one another. </span><br />
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"...and the single last thing in my head: that I like him better than Iโve ever liked anyone and that of all the things heโs ever done to me, making me like him so much is by far the worst."</blockquote>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Which means this just might be my favorite hate-to-love romance ever. That whole not trusting each other but having no one else to rely on thing? Yeah, that's kinda my jam. And this story is <i>rife with it</i>. Well, that and betrayal. <b>So much betrayal.</b> At every turn: BETRAYAL. Even worse than what Jude faced in TCP. But I think Jude always comes away from it stronger, more focused on the endgame than she was before. And despite it all, I find myself hopeful. That all is not what it seems. That she IS truly queen. That Cardan was saving her, not torturing her further. I feel set adrift with all my hopes for this story, and I don't think I'll come fully back to myself until I have <i>The Queen of Nothing</i> in my hands.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">I blame these devious Merfolk...scheming, plotting and setting Cardan's murderous brother free. Cardan has 99 problems and almost all of them are directly caused by Sea fae. That being said, Jude is the cause of so many of them, too. Nobody casually knifes fae villains like Jude. The relationship between these two works so deliciously because they are both so flawed. I love that Cardan can't lie and that Jude forgets to when she's all hot and bothered by him. Also, I second that she is really Queen. If she wasn't, Cardan would've said it. That boy is far too mouthy to not have spoken cruel words. He's protecting her from an impossible situation. I hope.</span> ๐ญ<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Yes, exactly! Thanks for elucidating the reasons for my hope...and making me feel less naรฏve about it, lol. We can't forget that Jude is human and therefore "fragile" in comparison to the fae, despite the gesh that allows no glamour to be placed on her, and despite the fact that she's spent years training with Madoc. I just wish Cardan had trusted in her...she'd gotten them this far, after all. But it wouldn't be a true faery story without all the murder, political manueverings and dramatic banishments. Jude will have her vengeance and they'll all rue the day she was brought into Faerie as Madoc's ward.</span><br />
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Okay, so it's taken us this long to get our thoughts in order, but basically, this is already going down as our favorite of 2019.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">GIF it to me straight:</span></b></div>
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<blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0toyW9xC6WScZcz4z8jSOdHDheyfVNHggNJn44s4tDAPPQa9A0LFGsM3y1HOfucA4QvXY9tWbYzEMOdyrW33c7DDaifw7p2TcX6J9jk34GbF-uHLyO5gxClEsrbk62tAQt71cg9qlOmc/s1600/hollyblack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0toyW9xC6WScZcz4z8jSOdHDheyfVNHggNJn44s4tDAPPQa9A0LFGsM3y1HOfucA4QvXY9tWbYzEMOdyrW33c7DDaifw7p2TcX6J9jk34GbF-uHLyO5gxClEsrbk62tAQt71cg9qlOmc/s200/hollyblack.jpg" width="133" /></a><b>About the author:</b><br />
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Holly Black is the author of bestselling contemporary fantasy books for kids and teens. Some of her titles include <i>The Spiderwick Chronicles</i> (with Tony DiTerlizzi), <i>The Modern Faerie Tale</i> series, the <i>Curse Workers</i> series, <i>Doll Bones</i>, <i>The Coldest Girl in Coldtown</i>, the <i>Magisterium</i> series (with Cassandra Clare), <i>The Darkest Part of the Forest</i>, and her new series which begins with <i>The Cruel Prince</i> in January 2018.<br />
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She has been a a finalist for an Eisner Award, and the recipient of the Andre Norton Award, the Mythopoeic Award and a Newbery Honor. She currently lives in New England with her husband and son in a house with a secret door. <br />
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<b>Find Holly:</b><br />
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<a href="https://blackholly.com/">Website</a> | <a href="https://blackholly.com/journal/">Blog</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hollyblack">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HollyBlackFan">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hollyblack/">Pinterest</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blackholly/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/25422.Holly_Black">Goodreads</a></blockquote>
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<br />starryeyedjenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841350560201331032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-16329323193105922462019-01-15T11:27:00.000-06:002019-01-16T06:17:26.496-06:00Couples Who Ruined a Show for Us Because They Got Together<center>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPejp2DIHEZnl_VCUpepy0w9Df5UXOfdnEx-R7MVeK7BED4Rr1t_U47TgKFb7X1ilfS5majY0S7m0JFD9KRw3VS73ZjmBxvq2n7MfCjtYJG9-YAt1NhQ0aM5XUDfGFItvUj8-Lc7GEuM/s1600/IMG_0833.PNG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="640" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPejp2DIHEZnl_VCUpepy0w9Df5UXOfdnEx-R7MVeK7BED4Rr1t_U47TgKFb7X1ilfS5majY0S7m0JFD9KRw3VS73ZjmBxvq2n7MfCjtYJG9-YAt1NhQ0aM5XUDfGFItvUj8-Lc7GEuM/s320/IMG_0833.PNG" width="320" /></a></center>
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We've all lost interest in a show before. For us, we noticed it often happens when a ship finally sails... often anticlimactically. Here are some long awaited couplings that ruined a show dynamic in a way that made us totally lose interest. <b>Warning</b>...spoilers ahead if you've never seen these shows and have them on your TBW lists.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ships We Were Sad to See Set Sail:</span></b><br />
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The tension of these two opposites always made this show such an addiction. However, once they got together, the characters changed...a lot. RIP sexual tension.<br />
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How <i>dare</i> they? Honestly. They were the BEST and then they got together and the character development dissipated. And we stopped watching.<br />
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We loved<b>loved</b><i>loved</i> the anticipation of this ship. It was slow but inevitable, even after that heartbreak in the beginning. But honestly, we could've waited longer. The antics of Michael Scott and Dwight Schrute, <i>et al.</i>, were not enough to compensate for the longing we no longer felt once Pam and Jim got their happily ever after.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Questionable Ships: Ships We Didn't Want to Set Sail For a Whole Different Reason</span></b><br />
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Rory and Dean? Eh. Rory and Jess? YAASSSSS! Rory and Logan? Nope<b>nope</b><i>nope</i>. We had to create a category just for this ship because we were <i>never</i> waiting for it and we <b>did not want it</b>. Especially in the revival...NO. Stahhhp. Buttface miscreant INDEED.<br />
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And since we're on the topic of <i>Gilmore Girls </i>ships we <i>hate</i>, that whole Lorelai and Christopher mess comes in close second.<br />
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Ewwwwwww. NOPE. DID. NOT. WANT. <i>Dammit, Christopher</i>!<br />
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YAASSSSS, Luke!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Bonus Round: Couples Who Made a Show Even Better</span></b><br />
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LoVe was an explosive, on-again, off-again relationship that will never <i>not</i> be hot. We hoped for it in the movie, we read about it in the books that followed, and now, here we are again, waiting with bated breath for the Hulu series to see how it all shakes out.<br />
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Rewind, watch and repeat because this scene will always be HOT magic and will never get old. *wipes drool from face*<br />
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Liv Moore and Chase Graves...yes, please! (Clearly, we have a thing for Jason Dohring. ๐) Also, love the show's sense of humor with these zombie names...12/10 amazzzzing. This was the sexy scene we hoped for in V Mars.<br />
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All the beautiful, off and on Luke and Lorelai moments. OTP! Even after the revival, we still want MOARRR!<br />
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Luke. CAN. WALTZ. ๐<br />
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Yes, they were on again off again champs, but this relationship is second only to the one between Lorelai and Rory.<br />
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What shows & corresponding relationships did you love or become disappointed in? Disagree with our choices? Tell us in the comments!
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-69539774230341127392019-01-04T12:55:00.000-06:002019-01-04T12:55:25.554-06:00Bookish Pet Peeves #1: When Audiobooks Fail Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We all love reading, but there are sometimes things that just really grind your gears: people who dog-ear their pages or highlighting in a book or reading a hardcover with the dust jacket on. There are common pet peeves when it comes to the book world, and then there are the ones that are...<i>particular to certain kinds of readers</i>. In this new, non-regular feature, we'll highlight some of our own bookish pet peeves and hopefully make you feel a little less insane about your own. ๐<br />
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I read 352 books last year, but do you know how I accomplished that feat? <i>Audiobooks</i>. I'm kind of addicted to them. Almost to the point where I <i>need</i> them to focus and do the things I need to do. I'm actually a better driver when I listen on my commute, as opposed to when I listen to music and drive like a bat out of hell. And listening to audiobooks makes doing even the most mundane task -- like dishes -- more enjoyable...except when my headphones cord snags on the dishwasher and they're ripped out of my ears. ๐
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But there are times when audiobooks have actually let me down:<br />
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<ul>
<li><b>When the audio isn't available</b>, i.e. it hasn't been recorded yet (or maybe won't ever be) or only the first book was released on audio and they never finished recording the series. I am so sick of starting a series, only to realize that the other books aren't available in that format. Or waiting and waiting to listen to a book, only to realize that the publisher is never going to release it in audiobook.</li>
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<li><b>When they change narrators between books.</b> Why would you do that? I mean, I can guess at reasons -- conflicting obligations, money, audience reception, etc., -- but make better decisions. This goes hand in hand with changing covers mid-series.</li>
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<li><b>When it's a book I've been dying to listen to and they pick my least favorite narrator EVAR</b>. I've ranted about one particular narrator for years now, but after a quick google search, I only just learned she had a small role on <i>Two and a Half Men</i> and now I feel almost justified in my loathing. ๐ </li>
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<li><b>When the narrator is beloved and the book is fabulous but they abridge the audio</b>. This isn't the worst thing to ever happen to an audiobook. In fact, it can bring a whole new audience to a book, like when I found out Richard Armitage narrated a few of Georgette Heyer's novels. But they were abridged and while that doesn't diminish how amazing they were, they still felt like...<i>less</i>.</li>
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So, yeah, there are some books for which the audiobook version is just not the way to go. But they sure are great for re-reading favorites!<br />
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Are you an audiobook listener? Have any other pet peeves to share regarding audiobooks? (Besides when people try to tell you that audiobooks don't count as reading? <i>Grrr.</i>)<br />
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Until next time...happy reading!<br />
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starryeyedjenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841350560201331032noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-58040852162645662772018-12-31T10:48:00.000-06:002018-12-31T10:48:20.263-06:00What I've Been Reading Lately {December 2018}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a month! With the holidays and time off work, I thought I'd have more time to read but that it might be interrupted reading time, and I was totally right. Except that I spent a large amount of my reading time re-listening to some favorites because I had very little attention to pay to anything new. Plus, I was watching A LOT of Hallmark Christmas movies. ๐<br />
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I got a few books for Christmas and some even cooler bookish accessories. Sabrina and I will be putting together a bookshelf tour soon because that's the best way to get to know someone new -- or new to you -- and because I spent some of my vacation reorganizing my shelves and I'm quite proud of them. But that's a post for another day.<br />
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I didn't quite hit my unofficial goal of a book a day (365 total) but I got really close with 352. That's over 100 more than my Goodreads goal was. ๐<br />
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And without further ado, here's what I've been reading lately...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(More on why I've gone to this format <a href="http://starryeyedrevue.blogspot.com/2016/10/my-moment-of-zen.html">here</a> in lieu of traditional reviews for each.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Y O U N G A D U L T</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26061583-the-dark-days-deceit"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JgX83QKBMwebdJseyRkijFB1D31GsAxPH_mcjB56NklUTcnimGr3GJdnz3Q4NsbLYs1Xv4pjhVw-NambQuo3jSjs9EGqYVcZHvJgq946YwDw_YhVm8z8qO00rPpGhyZsYA48-vYJqQ0/s200/thedarkdaysdeceit.jpg" width="137" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36681678-beauty"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="312" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEift5fSL8VwpwRsyZ1AIlKAV9nmLKSxwCIseIVoR9hV6WIAF-_FPKPsNdgl1kYwd_Dgc4Qcid6mdP0HeuB0B5QKvrCSHdiGPv0nWBKcAYfwX5qZuZDEcybrVkT1wSdIbucjr7d-OlECc-E/s200/beauty.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36662178-carols-and-chaos"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVO_cI_Z-KUX7dJCGw5rNyn53eLpVAy0RxBEOpYsrQl5ODRo7y9W13Ii-1V-JUjZcU8TQx0xWTw8lE9WlRcBcP1keSD9aD0zdMaG_umZU42NbEyBPjUwNKXp78FAhyphenhyphenIHVjyGii2z3Cz8/s200/carolsandchaos.jpg" width="132" /></a>
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<b>The Dark Days Deceit</b> - This is one of my absolute favorite YA series. It combines the supernatural with a historical setting and gives off serious <i>Buffy</i> vibes, and although I wasn't ready to see it end, I absolutely love how it went out with a bang. I've long suspected who the ultimate villain was and it was rewarding to have my suspicions confirmed, especially since there was still the matter of <i>how</i> it would all go down. So many twists and turns in this book left me wondering who to trust, with the exception of a chosen few, but it definitely kept things interesting. I could've used a few more chapters featuring the two halves of the Grand Reclaimer bond there at the end, or even just an epilogue, but it was still a great conclusion. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Beauty</b> - I feel like I've been on hold for this book <i>forever</i>, and to be fair, it's been since September since my last mini-Robin McKinley binge and since <b>June</b> that I read <i>Rose Daughter</i>. I loved <i>Rose Daughter</i>, especially the way it left off, but I guess that left me with some pretty high expectations for <i>Beauty</i>. I adore BatB retellings, even ones that stick pretty close to the original tale or vary so widely that they almost don't feel like a retelling. <i>Beauty</i> is the former. And it <i>was </i>beautiful. It just seemed kinda basic? I mean, there was something like 20 years between the two books, with <i>Beauty </i>releasing first, so I guess it's understandable. I liked it, but I didn't love it. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Carols and Chaos</b> - I've pretty much adored all of Cindy Anstey's previous works, and this book was no exception. I wish I'd realized that this was a companion to <i>Suitors and Sabotage</i>, though, so I could have re-read that book first and refamiliarized myself with the lords and ladies above stairs before setting out to solve this caper with characters from below stairs. This was a sweet romance full of Yuletide cheer, while also maintaining and air of mystery, and while it wasn't the most compelling of Anstey's books thus far, I still found it charming. A lovely read for this time of year! ๐๐๐<br />
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*ARC received from publisher for review purposes. This does not affect my review in any way.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A D U L T</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33783452-a-daring-arrangement"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1np8ce8iovPwaTbUlfVJTGlvYo5zGOPZCttnEmYnYu2Wu2qNSdsEe0gz5HZI7SvToUKLARtN5927RwLy8RHdDf7Tl8qccky6lLoJcAyC9_538ut6A0FiAdCrH9vnF9nPoWAvAJOn_2w/s200/adaringarrangement.jpg" width="126" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38600870-hate-notes"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvn3MqpeqpqdfnASFyV9yFEGbzUaj6nnpDiiaEcjLIdanEATppjpwfzYHIGkxSkRmXiXmTj6Chy2cXeAV_Kczuybxf2w-UkjPhaUmfp5aKj3plIKZhG7ummnMXK7L4Mg_cR1DQzMr9xNI/s200/hatenotes.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22715901-the-harlot-countess"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="289" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnED27OyqC0of3VZg7FtDpYmxXed8Ta3hTB2-yH7RhFwXQvTUjAHjbYZo8QZ8rqMcJOBkJWAFz2n_nkKpaP4lIH9DsOzXLdEfpOy99DuKcgrWT6nB2sRE38Ltu_jjGiNTCZws_7LkXrc/s200/theharlotcountess.jpg" width="122" /></a>
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<b>A Daring Arrangement - </b>This was my first Joanna Shupe novel and I quite enjoyed it. Though I pretty much always enjoy the fake relationship trope to some degree, I really liked how it was handled in this story: gorgeous daughter of a duke makes a deal with a roguish American financier that should get her sent packing back to England post-haste...what could go wrong? Fires, former paramours, and bad deals from the past...that's what. Not to mention an English-bred lady with debauchery on her mind and a rogue trying to mend his wicked ways and enter high society with her on his arm...and in his bed. It was fun. It was flirty. And it was definitely daring. I may have found a new historical romance author to binge! ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Hate Notes - </b>I really enjoyed the first 2/3 of this book, and then it just got sappy. The banter and ball-busting and <i>will they won't they</i> of pages before disappeared and things got real...and unrealistic. These two characters were super-invasive, prying into each other's private lives because of a shared attraction, and yet neither was bothered by that fact, not really. And listen, I'm a romantic, but that ending was just <i>too</i> perfect, even for the likes of me. Coupled with the epilogue, I was ready to hork rather than swoon. I did enjoy the match-making grandmother, though. I feel that'll be my calling later in life: interfering granny. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Harlot Countess</b> - Ah, how many novelized relationships have I seen go up in flames due to a lack of communication? Too many to count. But this might be the first time I've actually seen a debutante ruined because of it...and not intentionally so. I appreciate the timeliness of this novel because even in this day and age, it's so much easier for the world at large to believe a man over a woman. It's taken ten years for the heroine and hero of this story to <strike>come to terms with the past</strike> meet on the battlefield of love once again, and this time, he's not letting her get away. Blackmail, art, and sedition all contrive to keep this couple apart, even now, but a love this long in the making isn't going to die easily. I didn't like these characters as much as those in <i>A Daring Arrangement</i>, but it was still a lovely second chance romance. ๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8697507-shades-of-milk-and-honey"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyOXwN1w7iA3V2WttzD_IChjoubiWnO7L4Hpyp3_07drh0nzbWMHkDHEIM-NaVbMUtkaEmn9KCDl_uMyGhUK2ODHMShw9q4hHHQv1jEA3Ijrdzceu4cpq4fQTvCBCSjOLoTaTYXucyEg/s200/shadesofmilkandhoney.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41065146-a-touch-wicked"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvdCJs0BPQKmWkLQWhiHS98JRFhsuHx3wXXsJYpdXAj5XA6Ow43XHYaFsRLHNemovatRfU4R13b7Iy4hw-wASVaJALjJNBQ1IC6M2ie8BpcaKvWFLLzpV-IoKzPZeBGatkCheNI1Wq_0/s200/atouchwicked.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41628384-the-weaver-takes-a-wife"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6ehEbL9no3WZxWurn2DnlHIwOnHash8MHDW635BlcJe6YwkBWLTjO5g77vB4FNU4KWNxb_tWTiqRg4MNksObX9yqv17u12fZFhxNwkzCl299XUBjV7lPX8QUXvUnpSOfBJG8rtRQws0/s200/theweavertakesawife.jpg" width="153" /></a></center>
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<b>Shades of Milk and Honey</b> - I saw this recommended in a blog post on GR, I think, and for some reason I want to attribute the rec to Maggie Stiefvater but I can't find the original post now. Anyway, it sounded like the perfect book to get me over my sadness that the Lady Helen series is at an end. But I almost gave up after listening to a few minutes of the audio because it was grating and tinny with an echoing quality. However, I normally listen at <i>at least</i> double-speed, so I tried it at a lesser speed and though slower than I would have liked, it was much more pleasant to listen to, especially once I discovered that the author herself narrates. This book took me back to my Jane Austen re-read last year: it was just so authentic in tone and speech and even had the characteristic dry wit and understatement of a Jane Austen novel. And then there was the magical aspect. It wasn't flashy or obnoxious, the way supernatural elements can sometimes appear when included in a historical setting. Instead it was artfully described and was in fact used as a demonstration of art and magical talent in this story, those with the affinity using it to create splendid tableaus. I'd love to explore this magical system further in subsequent books, since I've also discovered that this is only the first book in a series. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>A Touch Wicked</b> - Did you know that Elizabeth May writes smexy historical romance under the pen name Katrina Kendrick? Neither did I until she tweeted about checking out her steamy books over the Thanksgiving holiday. ;)<br />
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<b>The Weaver Takes a Wife</b> - Sometimes you just want a fun romp into historical romance, and that's exactly what I got with this book when I grabbed it via the ARP. The summary is what caught my attention, having never read anything by Sheri Cobb South previously. I do so enjoy a romance where the two love interests come from different walks of life and have to overcome the obstacles associated with a difference in class. This one was sweet and the narration done well. It sort of reminded me of a Marion Chesney/M.C. Beaton novel, and I'll definitely be checking out more from the author when I'm looking for a quick foray into this genre. ๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18755792-i-adored-a-lord"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="295" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix10Z84DFN6dcb3I_p6RChrRI8hf9tPMLiYwJCW5VpOrEL2DZJhRRr5bHgamWWHISjAXLGi-VR7vj6Tnb0N1UGQZd5gH7GAXZoi57a-YtRjccmVEm8ez0ifX7X655bzeJYlkLqYVna9Pc/s200/iadoredalord.jpg" width="124" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19090384-clean-sweep"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="295" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7E7oy0IWC0B7V1N9gZGc5z0vAC3PDNzFIYHlYRtPWSo1LWsHUZjxqiS5EoImUPf57brn2g4kg5L6A03mabP5STlNg0ww3kyrbnvMZmdL5XxWNA6ljggzTu9zw8tRr_PgywA7XcKsO6Oc/s200/cleansweep.jpg" width="124" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYsoyG1Fbp95_f_iRSSNtM6f6vhmzrTEMFsIAgLONw5FrpbLHpaQb-46c8qDjDLlwbotTk5FaUavXDh1yxA99_KpOkhGUlUzpgHijsi6zF1sx344Qj1lPQI_14N7cAsqm562sDhRqWD8/s1600/sweepinpeace.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYsoyG1Fbp95_f_iRSSNtM6f6vhmzrTEMFsIAgLONw5FrpbLHpaQb-46c8qDjDLlwbotTk5FaUavXDh1yxA99_KpOkhGUlUzpgHijsi6zF1sx344Qj1lPQI_14N7cAsqm562sDhRqWD8/s200/sweepinpeace.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6853.One_for_the_Money"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmRcf6LQIZdYrfr0_6GvSmVjg1WRdrK7jkC8qgVUMOvaQykxPeJJ6LsrEatPTbVcNBT14yeOlOD63A6OhBsnuXzDP9HlSgP1X6uRmsJGu4Kybnwm5GVkr6O96MVQ7hCIQDc4mHeAqod4/s200/oneforthemoney.jpg" width="132" /></a></center>
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<b>I Adored a Lord</b> - I found <i>My Lady, My Lord</i> to be quite divine when I read it ages ago, so when I saw that Hoopla had added a whole slew of Katharine Ashe novels to its catalog, I jumped at the chance to try another. The premise for this one sounded quite extraordinary, so even though it is the second book in a companion series, I couldn't help myself. It's a fault of mine, but it hasn't been my downfall yet. <i>I Adored a Lord</i> was elegant and fanciful and everything I'd been hoping for. With a murder mystery afoot and a prince's affections to win, the clever yet hoydenish Ravenna has a lot on her hands, even if she cares more about the former than the latter. This story was intricate, but while on the long side, it was never plodding. In fact, I adored (heh) the slowness of the revelations that came as Ravenna worried at her attraction to Vitor, the prince's bastard brother, and how their relationship evolved. The story was sweet and romantic and one of the better additions to the historical romance genre. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Clean Sweep & Sweep in Peace</b> - After thoroughly enjoying the <i>Hidden Legacies</i> series last month, I thought I'd give this author duo another chance. I put the first <i>Kate Daniels</i> audiobook on hold at the library, but I DLed the first in the <i>Innkeeper</i> series using an Audible credit because it sounded worthy of it. It was...<b>different</b>. Maybe I didn't read the summary very well but I was not expecting all of the interplanetary alien stuff, especially not with the mention of vampires and werewolves. <i>Supernatural</i> I was expecting, even looking forward to because I'm familiar with that lore. I only read the first two books in this series and decided to call it quits because it really wasn't holding my interest. They were chock full of information, from galactic warfare to breakdowns on each species and every planet they inhabit, and it was just overwhelming. I like sci-fi and I understand the need for such intense world-building. I just wasn't here for that with this series, and it almost pains me to stop reading here. I want to know what happens to Dina and Sean and Arland and Her Grace, but I want to enjoy myself while finding out, and that's just not gonna happen right now if I push myself to read more of this when I'm not specifically in the mood for it. Definitely a case of "it's me, not the book" and I wish it were otherwise. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>One for the Money</b> - I never had any intention of reading this series. There's something like 25 books and I just cannot commit to characters for that long, nor do I anticipate an author can sustain their own characters for that length of time. But I can't concentrate at work without an audiobook in my ear, and I didn't have one queued up and this was a freebie or title I picked up on sale on a whim way back when I <i>first</i> started listening to audiobooks and didn't know any better. Oh, and I saw someone on GR the other day griping about Stephanie's inability to choose between Morelli and Ranger and they were on book 19 or thereabouts, and since I don't despise love triangles, I thought I'd finally check it out. There must be <i>something</i> about those guys if she can't decide after that long. ;) That being said, I didn't hate it. It was a little over the top and ridiculous, but it was entertaining and even a little funny at times. I'm not disinclined to listen to the next book, and I don't think I'd ever see the movie based on this first one. But I'm still not willing to commit to all 25 books. ๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBuNYl05I0WI_1Db9JnwmLnFQqGlc7lF7wQxmYrK10Vw7tp16cAItNZxotFeE-qb_Xkih40cxIYS2GtJsrc3CWFLBEXhT4XDF3x10eTFZwWsF9IMbbSx2dlehBnIcoSxz3wjvx9Qbofk/s1600/starseparate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBuNYl05I0WI_1Db9JnwmLnFQqGlc7lF7wQxmYrK10Vw7tp16cAItNZxotFeE-qb_Xkih40cxIYS2GtJsrc3CWFLBEXhT4XDF3x10eTFZwWsF9IMbbSx2dlehBnIcoSxz3wjvx9Qbofk/s320/starseparate.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">B I N G E R E A D S</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38619.Magic_Bites"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="294" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDf5aevHXFmD8cmEW-jx5vKZwZOxuDYbra7BRHfBb68bYitB0HQosQ5X4uJtWYn41A_aUZF9VCqWL6V7ODgy5idBJQYJf7NtraKGEsNZKsj32tr-RCVtcwON6czyAIYPgCDh5X8kChGw/s200/magicbites.jpg" width="124" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1811543.Magic_Burns"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="294" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUyYITHTSR6iPNe8QVU3C7iXrDKVO7wn_sQ3YiSZMy2NS2Z458EHtKZPZvAANZFoMT6_pifO9IAU8Mpvx37Ysc9NHCLf6iZfVGseTsIZwK72SckZ1BVAWZDkIX4toJl8GM9qM7ZvOta4/s200/magicburns.jpg" width="124" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4345498-magic-strikes"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="294" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRHqJefuZjvz9y2L77t6U9tEnDmeXU2OSKmTEUGeGBgLX4WHEQzxKdow6BlhloYjpxpoMC9Ot8TbGZTm_k8OtqDj6DWwMYp0-SF-Qpdr55HM_6U3O6YEOmiGMne-vvRyngzaYVKp9eKk/s200/magicstrikes.jpg" width="124" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6479550-magic-bleeds"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="251" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOI4n7FeFr6VB2s2aWb80fQFZ-WH_icexgCHYiOTPgYZz6_GLWopfQbvxtgy5Fys0_P5A9Hs6l3xvgHCeLZDFTGdqPpo2k6vEi-hrM_yhkdmBn4iyw6WMDxfbm4S0IUnMWS2CcQS8FVNg/s200/magicbleeds.jpg" width="126" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8559047-magic-slays"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="294" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qkkNSSoo2TrFLysczeWNlx0rc5O0yHkJcNa8Nf4qHW1EkgTjFAh_jSJMINK9eKFz2XzSNoQHe9yRc8M67K0I4eBdfTCCBzYTFDxEh5_ads53q2Mz5uoGG_NDpLv-yDr-Jc7nrKe_hKQ/s200/magicslays.jpg" width="124" /></a></center>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11544421-magic-rises"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="295" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNw2nx-6wtK58XLD3IY-jffZG1BGc0s29-R0eoLA6Lc1CQr5YHNKPnuWPJ53vtpawquXez7AWlZZ7Gy52thP1z-N4vxhRgJSuTaQA35DfXMvFovJHMZeRpiinV-faGSRmOVvELC9EqUYg/s200/magicrises.jpg" width="124" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12119529-magic-breaks"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK79bB_nfHEk2osxdaOzZwv9J2OAZGcRS31w2vLzD-0w_zeMjLxBiBt9LIYvmIn1EUBDlAKZk6uzLqfSjT2waDJVp46kS_8z6QXXKXK84EimJl8HzNmMDQq9Bu5rPdl8J44sSsJ_a2edg/s200/magicbreaks.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17333171-magic-shifts"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieiv3fSDRG0rFZ6P-LuH2IY7OYVv7RM3MFZfSVY__00ysflpiIUZxzCOh94QCDOxffHILCCmMwVWe5pw3VR83eh75_iYrh_d2Xl1knOtYLsLbfZysKu7n49EyPvmc-n7mzMZQ0fehM-Vo/s200/magicshifts.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17333174-magic-binds"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6E_9TT1lSkzB-mjrLzLhMwNV3983SXO_jmgF2Q9GCtCNEI4PYou-mPoV53uqW4bNcMjQ1dMgNPx8nEnlEGZ-r3mItIP9vIpTZUEBX9G6oFuvT6iMkKBteDVVUDpL9Poy0xjXkOuNzg8/s200/magicbinds.jpg" width="132" /></a></center>
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<b>Kate Daniels series</b> - I didn't enjoy this as much as the Hidden Legacy series but I did like it more than the Innkeeper Chronicles. I didn't read the novellas, which, um, <i>mistake</i>. I felt like I was missing all kinds of info because of that. I also didn't read the final book because after book #9, I feel like I know pretty much what's going to happen and after nine straight books, I'm kinda bored now. ๐ฉ<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBuNYl05I0WI_1Db9JnwmLnFQqGlc7lF7wQxmYrK10Vw7tp16cAItNZxotFeE-qb_Xkih40cxIYS2GtJsrc3CWFLBEXhT4XDF3x10eTFZwWsF9IMbbSx2dlehBnIcoSxz3wjvx9Qbofk/s1600/starseparate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBuNYl05I0WI_1Db9JnwmLnFQqGlc7lF7wQxmYrK10Vw7tp16cAItNZxotFeE-qb_Xkih40cxIYS2GtJsrc3CWFLBEXhT4XDF3x10eTFZwWsF9IMbbSx2dlehBnIcoSxz3wjvx9Qbofk/s320/starseparate.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">R E - R E A D S</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1425327.Sylvester"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="296" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRK280YXjV3G6ULZVIinkZ0O-rpjE-8SDblMASkgn9-RWTVN2GNA0NaJabEBe-DMoKzGhHLmMzs7CljrrSZWYwTFKrGkMNbghTn6-h7FY7KAaAda-2N-qtr7NkcwNTKFVRchM0-BLCx2c/s200/sylvester.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32106.The_Convenient_Marriage"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="308" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOw1ylkbmlHR2ut6MfDqErQs68twJeoMMWnBGiXfTPlP4dIYYPDUrDt8gIiLgRKmPwyg2uNxE0GQULTQY8A5PHaHZE_pUxzR4Kr6fU1kUW6crtKO9jO5HqtevMcIF6RZTf20cA95mpvPc/s200/theconvenientmarriage.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/512338.Cotillion"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstxSB2qxZPV3PmmMYL0zYwL54iM5rR1tq1CWjPtFdQ9Mej5BKcneTb2H5wmovjoA8QDnM0wcuMxDZzwgGQLFSWlgcufV69KRKgYgRYXxBEWFbZbLUU4vuq_Suip_xrYRNmRlsEwVolyE/s200/cotillion.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1309019.Venetia"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="295" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsSZdSMJy5NYfPYRgZT_u7BCVoNdk89T0DTQVVu4UAeJaY2Gso3VS1H1-XdlAsyXo0XeHOXX54DMlTOXIIYt2Wx6Q7Mke38pur1Myq-0rNsEmyfA1UAodBytsP3FB-Id8KjBly2RGxe8/s200/venetia.jpg" width="131" /></a></center>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38923139-power-of-five"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2CkrNfniKxK4PEnyS7x56C9c-O-4pkJpNuybCJb7dRdsscj3mu4JCnq6B-HRohjLfkOx5DjRgM7JQRAv9bXPP4_tGqNdi37zwJN5Xt3U3bg_PqRtretur-GFlsFaAubknKv5Jy-kQXo/s200/poweroffive.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39898983-mistake-of-magic"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOI4O6SK3kXTia0N48eDJUC0SsXyjoS2D5fKgo2cYXpUBCnfxpSyDDVEnPXOMzgxdFvWv_7hFUyDOKtb3LSSBcS23E_N6n_I_y3QoUNAx_S5U2hpjbpIvYhOsyd2vJPokgMT2PeTHU34o/s200/mistakeofmagic.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40666351-trial-of-three"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj724ywGBG95VVgyyANl568ZrQCD14HoDdtjJ0mLBdQFiyiAOOxdqGCKKnlM99keovX0kKx34mo1PiDJRgkotyvIMdaQvsKr9cu71lk0FkGTPB2zgEzPRqCD7OG4K5fw21lUgto2EKwu-k/s200/trialofthree.jpg" width="133" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33898320-trickery"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-_PD3g7dVbbiNHZHs-HF1_kb3ekFkJbdIEj-huS-Q-L5wumEaFzhjBdSBemr8YtGFR60sOD7e_7zHXCq-YEYfvcUuwtpVnQQbMahjzzfrtdfn8n_u3LbvPJDVSukYB6ED4trCO5iS04/s200/trickery.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34881966-persuasion"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXT3-rzIn3z_PLVboHhlFA_ypLOfy9cgyulYt0qDdlgACjP37If4qAU2LfUQlH4x7U2a2x_YEk3PAr_lLK_rsKcmKKAUuU2u3QXooR9gJvC5QAHKYNp7IDZuwUsYIVrBKsDfl3ef_VSQ/s200/persuasion.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36165362-seduction"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgJyQ4z4vmZHiVFxrhBpVaBcl8BtqCUvDQJ-X0infn7E_6qnEfKcEKBxihk-vEpOpVwtqqXPhw7t2_OvT1RtYsHgOkVgT5YyXaVg5Vgq1rw_jm43Y-sI1g949zqp1eIOasxMeRrYnfgw/s200/seduction.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40582871-strength"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInm6JuUy8tDYgFARZeRa0qny9lopVZwhwkdtBHvFqbh21YxDK6qFocCSG48MAw1P14frRdqEV5ohKy7V7sk0Y8_ZcgId89-7QjDTLy9OiB-AzLaA_05Y6O_kkY1TRDOwmSDvApz3PnlI/s200/strength.jpg" width="125" /></a></center>
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The holidays make it hard for me to get into anything new, so I spent a good portion of December re-reading some favorites. But the ones I re-read also helped me prepare for new books in a couple of the series, so it's a win-win!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTJHQWPoRUJ_d4qIWQ0fIWjshxG9en4Df4Tjvy3hAf9mRYmWVbTXUG2fy3qf0jgcC4KtNzPDli8NDdn-opd28m95FUQuTXTcbd_Ki4ypQu2kaee5UjfrQ0i9ecJ2XdI2myKrKZ9KJWwI/s1600/starseparate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="58" data-original-width="545" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTJHQWPoRUJ_d4qIWQ0fIWjshxG9en4Df4Tjvy3hAf9mRYmWVbTXUG2fy3qf0jgcC4KtNzPDli8NDdn-opd28m95FUQuTXTcbd_Ki4ypQu2kaee5UjfrQ0i9ecJ2XdI2myKrKZ9KJWwI/s320/starseparate.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Have you read any of these? What did you think? Find any new titles to check out? ;0)<br />
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Until next time! Happy reading!<br />
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starryeyedjenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841350560201331032noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-59455285201726932552018-12-26T01:10:00.000-06:002018-12-26T01:10:33.337-06:00Listed: Mini Reviews {December 2018}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZdGN3cLfWkcEfTyJZ2UolOGU4Y9o1QZzijykhE0gO8NjvsjSM19SvAVGi4nCfsyWEmIPJHu0h7wg1Tf6lsr-p9IFD6FMZa_ZkV8SlKa9WBToGwfVQkl4ieVop5Eh0Fwht_YGrEqLk-vF/s1600/listed+banner+image3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZdGN3cLfWkcEfTyJZ2UolOGU4Y9o1QZzijykhE0gO8NjvsjSM19SvAVGi4nCfsyWEmIPJHu0h7wg1Tf6lsr-p9IFD6FMZa_ZkV8SlKa9WBToGwfVQkl4ieVop5Eh0Fwht_YGrEqLk-vF/s1600/listed+banner+image3.png" /></a></div>
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Hello lovelies! Jen has her own awesome overview post called 'What I've Been Reading Lately," so rather than use the same format and make it confusing about who's posting, I decided to stick to my short review style from The Forest of Words and Pages. Though truthfully, the fact that Jen literally reads 10 times the amount of books as me will also likely be a dead giveaway.<br />
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So, whether I loved these books or not, Iโm going to lay out a few
bullet-pointed reasons you should, or shouldnโt spend your time reading
some of my recent reads.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Like Never Always by Ann Aguirre</span> </h3>
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Source: Library </div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33224073-like-never-and-always?from_search=true" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33224073-like-never-and-always?from_search=true" border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsS2OPEL5uTB7mMr9e8R8rpaFBuwBLu_Km_wK8rEWEfglZ_X53FOzsB2aHI6ObZNODA8SKZ8gQLQMBNzbEud21BydHoMeE2VnZp7lePIZmOpV8gH1f2w4b2i4znlOHTLBQyyrZr6w7nTLF/s400/like+never+always+cover.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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โฝ Not going to lie, a cover like this always gets me. It screams, "Open me! I'm creepy and exciting!" However, it was the concept of the main character, Liv, waking up after an accident in another person's body that intrigued me most. I just never felt 'wowed.'</div>
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โฝ I wanted to understand WHY it had happened. I waited and waited and WAITED for it and when it finally came, it was covered very briefly and I wasn't satisfied. I assumed it would be revisited, but nope. </div>
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โฝ I also must confess that I didn't much like the characters for the first third of the book. Even when I did start to like some of them, a love triangle involving brothers made it a bit hard to swallow. Not to mention the creepy older guy who had some sort of relationship with Morgan, that Liv, now in her body and life, has to extricate herself from. There is a lot to unpack there and a lot of it is messy, dark and unneeded.</div>
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โฝ While the story wasn't as amazing as I'd hoped, I really did enjoy it enough to keep picking it up. Still, I was hoping for a bit of a thriller based on the cover and synopsis, and I while it did have some intense moments, I was a bit underwhelmed. There were so many details and elements that felt disconnected to me, even by the final pages.</div>
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โฝ I finished this book awhile ago and it's already fading into the abyss of books I wouldn't call memorable. Was it a 'bad book?' Not necessarily, but with so many unread books on our shelves, I can't honestly recommend it.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bottom Line</span>: <i><span style="font-size: large;">It was okay</span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">๐</span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">๐</span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">๐</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han</span> </h3>
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Source: Audiobook from Jen<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15749186-to-all-the-boys-i-ve-loved-before?from_search=true" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15749186-to-all-the-boys-i-ve-loved-before?from_search=true" border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fzSjwWbTYOHTa8yY86c09d4lu8flouUkQ-tWr1fME87WEmSsg253fJwdLLTQGmA6aDmm1h4_FcSUIvzEgE31s2Mn0EtGg5e3jDgGCJfrpE1n_cGa8xF6ILnOtQjsZBf6QI1ciUPpHkjs/s400/to+all+the+boys.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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โฝ Yes. It took me 4 years to read this glorious book. However, I'm weird about watching movie and TV adaptions if I haven't read the book. So fortunately, I now totally <i><b>get it</b></i>.<br />
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โฝ HOWEVER, you guys, the word 'daddy' is used in this book too damn much. Too. Damn. Much. Dont @ me.<br />
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โฝ Obviously, this books was <i>way</i> too cute for me to not get over that and as soon as the letters starting going out to her boys, I was absolutely hooked. Also, I loved the sweetness of the entire book. It was happiness and sunshine on paper and I smiled the whole time I was listening to the audiobook.<br />
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โฝ This story is a perfect example of a love triangle done right. Yes, Lara Jean has choices. Yes, she's conflicted, but she's navigating her emotions and evolving as a person. I loved her story.<br />
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โฝ Because it must be said, Peter Kavinsky is now one of my favorite book boys. And the movie only intensified that. ;)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bottom Line</span>: <i><span style="font-size: large;">Loved it! ๐๐๐๐</span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">๐</span></i></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All the Truth That's in Me by Julie Berry</span> </h3>
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Source: Audiobook from Library</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17297487-all-the-truth-that-s-in-me?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17297487-all-the-truth-that-s-in-me?ac=1&from_search=true" border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC87A-ci_16AqpxNvZN-o8ANwxkt3ck9gR9IwkQNKW33cUuV7wrM6WQ5D7ymLLPnkVA-ekbkgRNuiSw87IQEZK1cP4fm7O4hWk_N0Cgts78oLPxOVe3M32ruDugBvioYXc3uNy5UKZSuf9/s400/all+the+truth.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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โฝ This story is told in such a weird and wonderful way. The chapters are really short at times and longer for others, shifting between the present and the past. Because of this, it is a bit jarring at first, at least if you choose to listen via audiobook, but I quickly became completely absorbed in the story.</div>
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โฝ Judith is an extremely intriguing character and I loved that as much as I felt like I understood her, she still surprised me. Even the characters you're not supposed to like are so well written that I still found them intriguing and compelling.</div>
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โฝ Also, YAY for a positive female friendship that empowers Judith to take a big chance, going against her mother and the puritan town she lives in. It's lovely to watch her bravery awaken.</div>
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โฝ I really enjoyed that the romance aspect was important, but did not eclipse Judith's own story and growth. Nor was it the most important part of the story. Everything was really balanced and given just the right weight.</div>
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โฝ The ending was a bit of a shock, but so fitting! I can't wait to read the other Julie Berry books on my shelf!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bottom Line</span>: <i><span style="font-size: large;">Really liked it! ๐๐๐๐</span></i></div>
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<em>Have you read any of these? Did you enjoy them? Despise them? Despise my review of them? Let me know in the comments!</em></h4>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OHJE-dCp7BvoqI6g4x2QiWS8PTiRxFEV2BYeW5GleIz__uUSCzIfGuPh_N_aQ2ah0JDr744Zez44Wx9vQkrh6Lnkk3PcVd4XBR4JBhCSai042M0xBuNvVnQ-BD-tZavUfuLeb2OnXbC7/s1600/SabrinaSig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OHJE-dCp7BvoqI6g4x2QiWS8PTiRxFEV2BYeW5GleIz__uUSCzIfGuPh_N_aQ2ah0JDr744Zez44Wx9vQkrh6Lnkk3PcVd4XBR4JBhCSai042M0xBuNvVnQ-BD-tZavUfuLeb2OnXbC7/s1600/SabrinaSig.jpg" /></a></span></i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-33093260490924027882018-12-18T08:00:00.000-06:002018-12-18T08:00:16.829-06:00I'm (We're?!?) BAAAAAAACK!!! ๐๐๐<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyLOgk_XTYszhT8Sn450w0EwKzekFJEeMwXARxqaxqNs2Zdvr3Ts5jiW99GCEadAYr0PVlCgaFJ50PgS9klm7KEcVM4kElrcdsSn8E9ylNhQ_zGX5kJ4QKaEv-nTfwRpN1BPUDx454rY/s1600/whalehellothere.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="500" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyLOgk_XTYszhT8Sn450w0EwKzekFJEeMwXARxqaxqNs2Zdvr3Ts5jiW99GCEadAYr0PVlCgaFJ50PgS9klm7KEcVM4kElrcdsSn8E9ylNhQ_zGX5kJ4QKaEv-nTfwRpN1BPUDx454rY/s200/whalehellothere.gif" width="200" /></a>So, it's been awhile since I've actually posted something besides a monthly reading wrap-up. And I've kind of missed it. Not the pressure to read and review and post and all that other stuff...but the community and the general fangirling over books. I mean, I do that with my bestie Sabrina -- <i>whom I met right here on this very blog</i> -- regularly, but we got to talking, as we do most every weekend, and she missed it, too. We both wanted to end our indefinite hiatuses. But neither of us has the time or energy to carry on this blogging thing solo -- <b>plus</b>, it's a lot more fun to do with a friend! -- so we decided to collaborate. We'll still do reviews, especially if we just absolutely adore a book, but we really just want to keep it fun and less like the unpaid job it had turned into before we took our extended breaks. For some of you more observant readers, you may have noticed that Sabrina's contacts were added to the sidebar, like, months ago, lol, but for everyone else:
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<b>There's a new co-blogger at The Starry-Eyed Revue!</b><br />
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Hello, Starry-Eyed readers! Jen and I have been talking about blogging together for some time now. And the only thing stopping us is that I have been procrastinating writing THIS. Which is a dominant personality trait of mineโฆ best you know right out the gate.<br />
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So, itโs lovely to meet you. My name is Sabrina. I live in Michigan and Iโm in my 30s. Iโm excellent at napping and hoarding books. I adore stories. Especially fantasy, thrillers, historical fiction and anything that makes my heart pound. Some of my favorite authors are Robin LaFevers, Naomi Novak, Alwyn Hamilton, Cat Wintersโฆ and so many, many more. Some of you may already know me from my blog, <a href="http://www.forestofwordsandpages.com/" target="_blank">The Forest of Words and Pages</a>, which I have mostly abandoned for the last year (or two *cries*) and truthfully I havenโt missed reviewing muchโฆ up until recently.<br />
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I, like many, was burned out from blog tours and review copies that I couldnโt keep up with. I had a color-coded google calendar as my reading schedule and at some point, I realized that I wasnโt even reading the books that I <i>really</i> wanted to read. I felt so much pressure to meet review deadlines and review as many books as possible, that I felt like I didnโt have anything new to say anymore. <br />
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There was also an overwhelming feeling that โbloggerโ was this dirty, shameful word; like we were cockroaches in the library. It hurt my heart every time I saw divisive social media โdiscussionsโ where people who <i>shared a love of books</i> were measuring the value of one another and defending their own value. Twitter became a major point of anxiety for me. I saw excellent points on both sides of the spectrum on a variety of issues, but I didnโt sense that many of us were listening to one another.<br />
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So I looked at my overflowing bookshelvesโฆ all these books Iโd bought over the last 5-ish years, with <i>actual</i> <b>dust</b> collecting on them and decided that I was going to read all those damn books instead of stressing myself out. While I have not actually read โallโ of those damn books, I have read a lot more of them. Now I read what sounds good to me in the moment and I stop reading when I get bored. I DNF books ALL THE TIME. Something I never used to allow myself to do. Reading has returned to an enjoyable escape for me once again instead of self-inflicted work I always felt behind on.<br />
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Best of all, awhile back, Jen and I decided to do what we deemed a โNot-So-Secret-Sister-Swapโ (thank you to the <a href="http://www.bookaddictsguide.com/2017/01/13/on-the-same-page-secret-sister-project-round-6-sign-ups/" target="_blank">#OTSPSecretSister Project</a> for inspiring us) and we accidentally became best friends. Weโve traveled across the country several times to hang out, have drank (too) many bottles of wine and discussed our nerd love for hundreds of books for hundreds of hours, despite our mutual disdain for telephone calls. Whenever reviewing/blogging comes up in our conversations, we talk about how much fun reviewing would be if we <i>wrote</i> <i>about books</i> together in the same way that we<i> talk about books </i>together. Soโฆ no color-coded google calendars, fewer and more carefully chosen review copies, more finishing of series and less pressure to be whatever it was we were trying to be and hopefully, so much more fun.<br />
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So thanks for having me. Iโm looking forward to geeking out over our favorite stories, characters and talented authors. I hope to recommend a few books that youโll love and discover many more through you! I confess, Iโve missed this community and Iโm so very glad to be back.<br />
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XOXO,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMjB9F9l68NO5UiyaCgCJUREXDo40H1M2MRFzCog1JINmelfgRpwjWSxCbVxzmbxk22e6jDekQQq8s07nedF-FQfgC2WzjzdrC0vN8Z4BXo6z1-1obl_5153j0Sz5TV1YVdGsXGfBGWcn/s1600/bffFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1021" data-original-width="1600" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMjB9F9l68NO5UiyaCgCJUREXDo40H1M2MRFzCog1JINmelfgRpwjWSxCbVxzmbxk22e6jDekQQq8s07nedF-FQfgC2WzjzdrC0vN8Z4BXo6z1-1obl_5153j0Sz5TV1YVdGsXGfBGWcn/s400/bffFinal.jpg" width="400" /></a></blockquote>
<br />starryeyedjenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841350560201331032noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-27511974788938156132018-12-05T06:42:00.001-06:002018-12-05T06:42:39.997-06:00What I've Been Reading Lately {November 2018}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is the time of year where you blink and you've missed it. I always think -- or at least hope -- that time off at the holidays will equate to more time to read, but somehow, it never works out that way. And so, it is with great sadness that I report that I only read 13 books in November. That may not sound bad to some of you, but most months, I read around 30 books. And since my ultimate goal, aside from my Goodreads Reading Challenge goal, is to read a book a day, I am now behind. I'm remaining hopefully optimistic, though, that I can catch up. And in the spirit of that, I'm keeping this short this month so I can get back to reading. ๐<br />
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And without further ado, here's what I've been reading lately...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(More on why I've gone to this format <a href="http://starryeyedrevue.blogspot.com/2016/10/my-moment-of-zen.html">here</a> in lieu of traditional reviews for each.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBuNYl05I0WI_1Db9JnwmLnFQqGlc7lF7wQxmYrK10Vw7tp16cAItNZxotFeE-qb_Xkih40cxIYS2GtJsrc3CWFLBEXhT4XDF3x10eTFZwWsF9IMbbSx2dlehBnIcoSxz3wjvx9Qbofk/s1600/starseparate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBuNYl05I0WI_1Db9JnwmLnFQqGlc7lF7wQxmYrK10Vw7tp16cAItNZxotFeE-qb_Xkih40cxIYS2GtJsrc3CWFLBEXhT4XDF3x10eTFZwWsF9IMbbSx2dlehBnIcoSxz3wjvx9Qbofk/s320/starseparate.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Y O U N G A D U L T</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36321744-little-white-lies"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYircGEz9FdqlGtbnHx_C_6D_ORefFis19PhE_VTkqoqd4t_7IbTb2ycTLxBKY5CiSbDOsGRAw2g9chNkfnoWN7Y17U5mneWlN7ePg75iB2WNGQ0zQgHVjI6P_UEKksSLJ7J1_IP5l84/s200/littlewhitelies.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38640729-east"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDe-td62vMX_apa5i_Yra5k8o_PVcLbWNZXGpi6QeAWPDBc0TIi4ygvHNvanmSlYOjhsM1sheo03m7BnMnivghnOwTEF4IdAKmPQd_Oz7-RxTHE3KTxwMe5xjCS4VfDizF_dka9i8rm-4/s200/east.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31822495-west"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="255" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghw7dghQj4PH4hEyCSDuAdAzFVRcIVt083Z3K5DufVu_QgF8A5XsXwuDJeaEW1Qr_A5k6HuO0v_NYAdDMu7fUg828bc9FhGarHn5WWfPvS76imHppdQhIZ57rLDADo0v_fsS96LlXAqvo/s200/west.jpg" width="132" /></a>
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<b>Little White Lies*</b> - Y'all, I love me some Jennifer Lynn Barnes. I love when she goes dark and creepy and serial killer. And now I love when she goes poofy and poised and in search of clues. A mystery of debutante proportions? Yes, please! The family dynamic was perfection, as was the narrator for the audiobook. And the fact that I didn't have everything figured out from page one! I love some actual mystery in my mystery stories. JLB is really good at the suspense, too, even when it's just, "Who's my daddy?" and not "Who's the killer?" ๐ I would have liked a little closure, but I just saw that this is a series now, so I'm happy as a debutante in pearls. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>East</b> - Full of enchantment and wonder, this <i>East of the Sun, West of the Moon</i> retelling was exactly the kind of fantasy story I've been missing in my life lately. The original story is very akin to <i>Beauty and the Beast</i>, but this particular retelling allows for more trolls, more white bears, more questing...more everything. I can't believe I never knew this book existed, not until I saw people talking about <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31822495-west">West</a></i>. I have seriously been missing out because Rose is kind of the perfect heroine: fierce and determined to set out and do the things that everyone keeps telling her she can't or mustn't, not to <i>spite</i> them but because she has to right a wrong and nothing is going to stop her, especially busy bodies and naysayers. I loved this book, absolutely loved it, and I'm so glad I already have <i>West </i>downloaded from the library. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>West</b> - I have to admit, I almost gave up on this one in the beginning. I waited until it was almost due back to the library before even starting it, though that was partly because I had to wait for my hold on the first book to come in, too. Still, this sequel just starts off uncannily similar to <i>East</i>, and though I ended up loving that book, I didn't want to read the same book again, just set a few years later. However, I'm glad I stuck with it because, though the plots are comparable, and both books showcase Rose's determination and willingness to make sacrifices for the good of those she loves, this sequel veers off into [even stranger] new territory while also focusing a bit more on characters we've already come to know...and some we haven't. The mood in <i>East</i> tended toward forlorn and lost, but the tone in <i>West </i>was straight up melancholy and it felt like friends were few and far between on this part of Rose's journey. But it was worth it in the end. I especially loved Estelle's last line in the epilogue. ๐ ๐๐๐๐<br />
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*ARC received from publisher for review purposes. This does not affect my review in any way.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A D U L T</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16250649-meet-me-at-the-cupcake-cafe"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="265" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4eqeRReObhJQ3UbuQ5yAN3K8KIoXd8QF78Y6coykXtStpKNeBQzmdgoxdHGSyOo-ccu4O8oZnmeVfcvdWqjgZd2h38yTYE2RyEHrV_Wg200Q8B7XFonSHALeS48kT32GGkEXhTmMRKI/s200/meetmeatthecupcakecafe.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18509599-sweetshop-of-dreams"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="265" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnJ3dDbpilmpCG2BLgDYAvIi_BxYF0rcjgy8S46wPRs-awT5Zi6H1ssqLb_ME6QPK-Tx17G0GqoCN2AHHM0xjNg48Veb6O_w0fW9Iz3jiDhhvA1MnnYahW1XF8A1ZyVXKW2EQSsS3sdo/s200/sweetshopofdreams.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36105094-luck-of-the-draw"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkz1mikeoo7do8G0blDFWVGeEPW-s26gq5YT8RnoXOCfYDeLS2f_JvnR4S2YRrsiPtSA8ep-Qx8ZA-rLYO2-gJU0wAlyWCBPbM2p4Dn9CerT5mALNW_rpESHSP97YGoOKn_hxHbNALux8/s200/luckofthedraw.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35695972-wicked-and-the-wallflower"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHD6uk31E3qYthaB3Q1v4r9KuFRiLnQYPcebLu-aUvfW0_EY7Nh3AEFFJqMwT8dZCE2QqxF0ZIypfPiaQcFSg5m5dx-uNBdfzXuBggpsZGOdx0jIudH4mFK5OlBpzzLJRsQGw914vZvw/s200/wickedandthewallflower.jpg" width="126" /></a>
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<b>Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe - </b>I've always wanted to have my own restaurant. But that's a journey I'd embark on if I won the lottery...not if I lost my job. Not so for the heroine of this story. She loses her job <i>and</i> her man in the same fell swoop and says screw it. She was a feisty one and I loved seeing her plan come together. There are just so many lovely characters in a Jenny Colgan novel, too. The setting becomes a character itself because it's so much a part of the story. I'd definitely visit the Cupcake Cafe. ๐๐๐๐<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Sweetshop of Dreams - </b>So, after having read three of these very similar novels, I've decided that despite their being sweet and thoughtful and a little melancholy, there also more than a touch formulaic. Thirtiesh woman in need of some guidance meets or comes into contact with an elderly person with some special insight and develops a relationship with them to achieve their dreams, then when said dream is realized, insightful elderly person kicks the bucket. That might be putting too fine a point on it, but that's the general premise of the last three books I read from Jenny Colgan. And that's not even really a complaint, more like an observation. I just always knew it was coming and that made the death a little less impactful. But the stories themselves were all lovely and delightful in their own way. This one was probably my least favorite, but that might be because the heroine ended up with the wrong guy, in my opinion. But the guy I liked for her turned out to be gay, so I know nothing. :) ๐๐๐๐<br />
<b><br />Luck of the Draw</b> - This is the second book in the <i>A Chance of a Lifetime</i> companion series, and I have to admit that I didn't love Zoe's story as much as Kit's. Maybe because I didn't like her love interest's backstory as much. And he's so distant; hard to get a read on him, even though half the book is narrated from his perspective. This is kind of hate-to-love but I never really felt the hate...or the love. I really enjoyed Kit and how fierce she was, but Zoe just kind of takes everything in stride. No chemistry and no emotion. Just meh. ๐๐<br />
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<b>Wicked and the Wallflower - </b>I feel like it's been too long since I read a Sarah MacLean book. I had a hard time placing Felicity and barely remembered mentions of the Sparrow, etc. Despite that, I enjoyed the story, though probably not as much as I have others of hers...or if I could remember better. It's got MacLean's trademark banter and wit, plus plenty of passion. But I just didn't feel that spark. ๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36342330-the-hollow-of-fear"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHwBjobzia2T3YgMA2VIXokTm19usAavQM2zIUAhu8Uc2-l-GH6V09t9fQ0Za7lo_wgSnYzMnShZ2pFNMRLwO7HWzS-qH1j6NDE9FK2YfoZxDGjV0TcNed-7iN2LcPQ-tqSj2PFa-v6Y/s200/thehollowoffear.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38255337-one-day-in-december"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKv2UWbTHR4w5BK7MugRLGxN9M6dmlk7dRXYFoF8U9OPdwTluNrbNEWjvAKt4mIFMJUh0e-f5LXGNmpbSEC1NVNwgFoASACqAuXBxRkc8wQuayAR6VG0NYN8ZuD6d3OJhPE9hWI9d8A0/s200/onedayindecember.jpg" width="137" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40309980-love-sincerely-yours"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="306" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDt0-1-kCxFeJ_6f8rq9GLdYSjEJlHe3OjUBjxMiKFnKg3D5k0Pu0s95KaYJIcs3-kVLO3tJxAbgUiKxDHxr1bqjN2S6wAuibttboeIBBtsXVFy39zrAuB56trxUQ50vyPiSDicvbaZ4/s200/lovesincerelyyours.jpg" width="129" /></a></center>
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<b>The Hollow of Fear</b>*<b> - </b>Oh, how I adore this series and specifically Charlotte Holmes. This was a re-read because the library had the audiobook available and well, I missed Sherry Thomas' characters something fierce. I read an ARC of this back before the book was released in October, but I still find I have no words to describe the utter brilliance of it. This addition to the Lady Sherlock series is yet another murder mystery, but this time her good friend Lord Ingram is the prime suspect in the death of his estranged wife and it's up to Charlotte to absolve him of all guilt. As usual, Charlotte leaves no stone unturned, but in this installment, she'll go to incredible lengths to help her beloved friend...and dare I hope, potential paramour. I love where this story took their relationship and where it left off, and it's my fervent wish that this series would never end, though I shall have to be satisfied with the two books that are still to come. I might faint with anticipation... ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>One Day in December</b> - This was such a lovely story about missed opportunities and what-ifs and second chances and it had my heart full to bursting by the end. I get a touch more lovey-dovey around the holidays, and this story was <i>such </i>a cozy read...and I finished it in a single day which is quite an accomplisment for me these days. The story is told from the point-of-view of two would-be victims of love at first sight as their relationship evolves -- and devolves -- over the years. It was at times frustrating and bittersweet, but at the heart of it, a truly beautiful story. And exactly what I love to read at this time of the year. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Love, Sincerely, Yours</b> - I've read a few of Meghan Quinn's books, but I'm not familiar with Sara Ney. Still, I decided to give this one a chance because that summary was kinda funny, and from what I know of Quinn's other books, they're also pretty funny. Sexy, too. So imagine my surprise when the book I thought was going to be a hawt workplace romp actually turned into a pretty sweet romance. It was a quick read, and though some of it felt a little forced at times -- especially the dude-bro humor when the guys were bustin' each other's chops -- it was still a lot of fun. ๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20705702-burn-for-me"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="294" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfC2Y8EaTgOMZw0v49D-DHFghWuS6-LEd6c5UDQUAf8Fda9Cy08dDe6gXE6837DeKbOBfoRdZBDdP4zm2aRdq3cKhMXFFy2urzOtwj2n6OURaHqSEdjJXRuQyM_WMHF1JP1eb5qx5-rs/s200/burnforme.jpg" width="124" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22303684-white-hot"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="295" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZTXacYd1tqDRwp7WEkKFKO-9bD0tqVVZitOMWpzZSO2LXMBzU8pQvcV3G27CKmf4-Qb2xL19_17lWU_ph6Ei2tJs-6F5BiOlgT1QnCBh7hBU0p5sKfJbSENoLV_PWmrgW8bkLID4vSw/s200/whitehot.jpg" width="124" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27422533-wildfire"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCocJ13AlP-xhDNSfbVzC-hHCWGoJOUIky7VFdoKuJFhL9Om9vqrYxqQ8IGJKvVH54xerpYFydiNhyT4KFgua9-KzFFWuHWqb6qyXjZtLtpeooSjRAUJDIAKizmkB6x9pVuZ1LiR2-eg/s200/wildfire.jpg" width="126" /></a></center>
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<b>Burn for Me - </b>Last week when asked what I was thankful for, I spouted the usual BS. Had they waited until this week to ask, I would have had a much different answer. I am SO thankful for Goodreads and the amazing friends I've made there and their wonderful recommendations for books that I would have never in a million years picked up on my own. Was it the cover that kept me from this one? You betcha. Because I know tons of people who absolutely love this writing duo. But a very dear friend on Goodreads wasn't having it. Said it was set in Houston and to forget about the covers. But mostly, MOSTLY I just needed to meet Mad Rogan and fall madly in love. And I did. With all of it. It's not like I've been resisting this series all this time...I just didn't know I needed it in my life. And I'm so much happier because of it, book slump notwithstanding. There are magic users -- powerful ones, magic fights in the streets, and a really great family dynamic, not to mention the (mostly) unresolved sexual tension between Nevada and Mad Rogan. It was just. So. Much. Fun. In fact, I already started the second book because I was already missing the characters and their shenanigans. ๐ ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>White Hot</b> - Okay, yeah, I liked this one even more than the first in this series. And that title? <b>Spot on!</b> I'm on board with everything that's developing in this sequel: Nevada's magical abilities, her relationship with Mad Rogan, even Rogan's attempts to be a little less <i>mad</i> for Nevada's sake. Their banter gives me life. But they also make me laugh, too, and I love that this story isn't just death and mayhem all the time, though there is a fair amount of both. As much as I love Nevada and Rogan, though, I can't help adoring all of the side characters, their friends and allies, and what they bring to the story. Grandma Frida, Bug, Leon, Augustine...they all keep things fun but can get down to business when the situation warrants. And with the revelations bestowed on us in this book, the situaton is going to call for serious business, <i>sooner rather than later</i>. I wouldn't be surprised if we start calling her Mad Nevada after this... ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Wildfire</b> - I'm so glad I knew going into this book that it wasn't the final book in the series -- <i>thanks, Tandie</i>! ๐ It was a conclusion of sorts to Nevada and Mad Rogan's story, though, and the subsequent books will focus on Catalina. When I first learned this, I thought I might not read further, but after this book, I don't think I'll be able to help myself. Also, I know myself and I would have totally caved anyway because I would miss Nevada and Rogan too much. They've ingratiated themselves into my reading life and I'll never be the same again. That said, I loved this ending that wasn't an ending. We learn so much more about Nevada's family and their gifts as they fight to be recognized as their own house -- and avoid that tyrannical granny of theirs. Plus, the plotting of that odious Caesar takes some pretty crazy turns, and it made this the most action-packed book of the series so far...which is <i>really</i> saying something. I did not particularly care for the addition of Rynda Sherwood as a more substantial character, though it did serve to show just how much Nevada and Rogan belonged together, how much better they were together than with anyone else. In that case, I can suffer a couple of hangers-on while one of my favorite couples sort out their issues. I've really enjoyed this series, and I cannot wait to continue it, despite some initial doubts. I've already put the newest book on hold at the library, but considering it's only been out a month, it's going to be a long, long wait. But I waited this long to discover this amazing writing duo, so what's another <i>25 people waiting per copy</i>? ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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*ARC received from publisher for review purposes. This does not affect my review in any way.<br />
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Have you read any of these? What did you think? Find any new titles to check out? ;0)<br />
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Until next time! Happy reading!<br />
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starryeyedjenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841350560201331032noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-9431339726447289182018-11-14T15:48:00.000-06:002018-11-14T15:48:10.239-06:00What I've Been Reading Lately {October 2018}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS5K_9idFARlwHGujAPIg5EKcAmo5lnB6VUF9K52iRcse5thR8h_L_Wv7auEBYszsB8ymYF788_ELq-vNI2FbD8RdsYeTsqFRiCtqYQbDTtbwl2WnrhVMOhEZAHUfMWBm-xRUo0LSB0w/s1600/whativebeenreadinglately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS5K_9idFARlwHGujAPIg5EKcAmo5lnB6VUF9K52iRcse5thR8h_L_Wv7auEBYszsB8ymYF788_ELq-vNI2FbD8RdsYeTsqFRiCtqYQbDTtbwl2WnrhVMOhEZAHUfMWBm-xRUo0LSB0w/s320/whativebeenreadinglately.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbhNeVWhcXov8AijgN7M3mPsD7C_o_q1JTMOu9uFfKq0b4hFWeqVz1SI12E79CaVKELx5Z5fJiRApBs91_zjl4w5OYvkAo3Ya-2chMbhkDLmDR4ybrrueOd9hnTOdrYXOw9G5L_w_zP0/s1600/taylor5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="435" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbhNeVWhcXov8AijgN7M3mPsD7C_o_q1JTMOu9uFfKq0b4hFWeqVz1SI12E79CaVKELx5Z5fJiRApBs91_zjl4w5OYvkAo3Ya-2chMbhkDLmDR4ybrrueOd9hnTOdrYXOw9G5L_w_zP0/s200/taylor5.JPG" width="136" /></a></div>
So THIS edition of <i>What I've Been Reading Lately</i> is a little...late. ๐ Oh, well. Better late than never, right?<br />
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October (and on into the beginning of November) was a bit of a whirlwind. We (me, my hubs and Auntie Kat, who is featured in the pictures here with her favorite niece) took Katie to the State Fair of Texas, which is always fun. Hot and crowded, but fun nonetheless.<br />
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<i>And then the next night we went and saw Taylor Swift!</i> It was Katie's very first concert and also my absolute favorite concert I've ever been to. Like, I've never seen a performer put on a show like that, and I've been to a <i>ton</i> of concerts over the years. Even my husband said it was the most bad-ass performance he'd ever seen. The snake! The fire! The fireworks! And how Taylor made it so that everyone around the stadium got a little bit of her. It was just perfect!<br />
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We just got a hotel room near the stadium so we wouldn't have to drive home afterward, and the Uber driver told us when he dropped us off that the best location to get an Uber back was at <i>Texas Live</i>. Which is a bar/music venue. And which we took Katie into and ordered her a Shirley Temple while we waited on our driver. Because we are obviously awesome parents. ๐<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ukO4j4F_PHUHCY0GJ5CkDA6Rtnevn_e1VLlvmPnR1RQOAgdGnGznmG_FlSuNNrYJEFyv8DDiAUlFPxilV0EaKiPIe_zzCoLIyEA0ujWPiN9LTveeCvVsfZHRSp6yAJGNCMMbfiG9eX0/s1600/taylor4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="476" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ukO4j4F_PHUHCY0GJ5CkDA6Rtnevn_e1VLlvmPnR1RQOAgdGnGznmG_FlSuNNrYJEFyv8DDiAUlFPxilV0EaKiPIe_zzCoLIyEA0ujWPiN9LTveeCvVsfZHRSp6yAJGNCMMbfiG9eX0/s200/taylor4.JPG" width="162" /></a>So, yeah. Awesome weekend. And that was only the first week of October! The month was chock-full of rain and fishing and cleaning as we prepared for the bestie to visit with her kiddo, just in time for Halloween. Katie dressed as the majestic unicorn (technically a pegicorn -- unicorn and pegasus -- because horn and wings, yeah?) you see to the right. We all went and got pedicures and saw the new <i>Nutcracker</i> movie one afternoon, too, and it was lovely. We also binged some <i>Chilling Adventures of Sabrina</i> and I gotta say, I loved it. I still need to watch <i>Riverdale</i>, though, despite some speculation that it might have jumped the shark this season. Anyway, we pretty much did all the things we'd do together if we lived closer.<br />
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Needless to say, there were times when I didn't do much reading at all. But since I already hit my Goodreads goal awhile back, I haven't been too worried about it. I haven't checked to see if I'm on track for my goal of a book a day, but with all the audio I listen to, I'm sure I can catch up if need be.<br />
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And without further ado, here's what I've been reading lately...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(More on why I've gone to this format <a href="http://starryeyedrevue.blogspot.com/2016/10/my-moment-of-zen.html">here</a> in lieu of traditional reviews for each.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Y O U N G A D U L T</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12813630-the-coldest-girl-in-coldtown"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJXfhz8xwGnrowgRyalCvR8J9D48bu9lsiQF63UTiihSJYArHpGAmewWo7eIuNi7m9zvywPUOjJaVscNf0FdMlJIOatEDYX_jcfF8rtGfPKhQJaVY7bq6BkDu3G7HIVd_PfdPg0VuSA8/s200/thecoldestgirlincoldtown.jpg" width="129" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26032825-the-cruel-prince"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06ak81X4mG_geLy_EqkJEn-CocJkyjhek6DlPBshPvZ230c3FeXO8NPs4Loi2vwfuZmk4mzvxnXk__Xr7Z9KM0X_iZAKvcYb_8-ailDKfKwbrDyRxH9ZsTxyhFW2bZZb-qdLcMZteihw/s200/thecruelprince.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40772063-the-lost-sisters"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJHcs_FSoGycQfh02VcGmMczcOjUQrQiR0Kk4Q_1ONVtt_nYSaawmLxOi6Fdczx3bBpOOB3gM_7K2k_LO4fHL_QhalngWYfLDdoH4GidiheHCq191_k28JbC3AIylwl5Nl15NreZVeKk/s200/thelostsisters.jpg" width="134" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20958632-the-darkest-part-of-the-forest"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcP3TDf_q8JOokYGeJQD2cr6nj_RQcyfViYh8d_MAw-ww75ybG2RxBf1BKuEzeIHoVATaqjxh7MNZKG76VlYolf3vU1-X3TYlHZ3TFvK16vL0qvV1KKCR9Eu5UW_01Okka-kNKm02ik4/s200/thedarkestpartoftheforest.jpg" width="134" /></a>
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<b>The Coldest Girl in Coldtown</b> - (Semi-) Annual re-read because it's October, this book is awesome, and I've just really been in the mood for vampires. Go figure. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Cruel Prince</b> - Couldn't resist. With <i>The Lost Sisters</i> releasing this month and <i>The Wicked King</i> due out in mere months now, I had to re-read. And it was just as amazing as the first time. I'd surprisingly forgotten quite a bit, though, so this was actually necessary for my sanity. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Lost Sisters</b> - I pretty much only didn't like this because it was Taryn trying to justify her choices to her sister and it was a lousy attempt at that. Sometimes you feel a little bad for an antagonist after hearing their side of things, but not this time. It only infuriated me more. But also made me that much greedier for <i>The Wicked King</i>. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Darkest Part of the Forest</b> - Since I was already knee-deep in faerie, I figured I'd just round out my Holly Black readathon with her magical story about a horned boy encased in a glass tomb and the siblings with ties to the fey who just happen to find him. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36896898-spinning-silver"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjyuP3vqM8y3pcr_KMxL2FB_e4-mxD5ZrCLTaTq2qyYKj9VgTVTDe5yT-G0fbdPeAw29QyFA63_rTfWv8GcMjIH_Oisu2PcVJgme-Cw-iF1Pm08XGkXg7gpknzQxMAIZalvV0jcsMCCY/s200/spinningsilver.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35997816-royals"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEBGCyCqLBfQ1HWy4RkWYkEtM7jhzbRvXpCHcqysZg-9K5rv8apuLhPz4WZOak1CMoWKePYC0MnrkxTisx_pBPGfSrN974GjAsc7DmgvZ4Kjw7jdVqzew7HybU4q2vTIXm7x8Uy4iuWE/s200/royals.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36949995-the-boneless-mercies"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsgHbf-lwJ6IuTHa6ll7hS3RvCXopcHUc_Oqft-mK37tuh7g4t-XJc-KtQ6saOi6ZWG0kYkoj1TlLNdETQ3CAP1C3iMvdyCGgsPATrM-J4o0MS0e2iZZRI9DBic-9s_-t_42ks68NNfs/s200/thebonelessmercies.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30237061-daughter-of-the-burning-city"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="312" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5uBkXuy-xWW4EWijai2eR3vnbvbygFkUrD1FenNgodd7v34tpH8-atJvUUVOtNButPlZ3ZiEiJUrEE6B5LF7yAs25BDcr5b3skvejrIfK5X6Tf3mxABJwa8F6J97SXpMv7uCZcOPyWY/s200/daughteroftheburningcity.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
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<b>Spinning Silver</b> - After months and months, my hold on the audiobook finally came through at the library. I loved buddy reading this with my bestie, but somehow the audio was even better. The narration just made the story that much more captivating. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Royals</b> - Rachel Hawkins books are always a little too cutesy for me, but I was actually in the mood for something like that recently, plus I just like stories about royalty.<i> Royals</i> was indeed cute but not in a mind-numbing way. It was just enough...the perfect palette cleanser amid a bunch of dark fantasy stories.๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Boneless Mercies</b>* - I waited so long to read my ARC that the audiobook had already released and so I went that route instead. And I think I probably enjoyed it more than I would have just reading the book. That said, if you've not read Tucholke's work before, you need to understand that it's going to be very different from what you're used to. This was a Beowulf retelling and having not read that before, I can't tell you anything about this story as a retelling. What I <i>can</i> tell you is that it's dark and violent and feminist AF. And I was here for it. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Daughter of the Burning City</b> - Seemed like the perfect time of year to re-read a story about a traveling circus and all manner of creepy things. It was. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/305234.Wicked_Lovely"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqHQF-T7IHFcalR9lannqsVVySh_L7QrnplZgxLr1bSXcL2pI-vcom74rJ9cMMBqLQQVQNJThdINiYpRWkrzUcpVOkyKDLQ5f8IXMDGSDQ8ZNsGVhFudjz0prMheFnLFtyQyy7G8Pdxc/s200/wickedlovely.jpg" width="136" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2321296.Ink_Exchange"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYiP0tknHbq-p0xJVF5CA7FFbquObONZDWVsfQSBi2fizpHzeNPqu2_OB0uYpJBPioR3AaII1Qmn2RQUW8o2KWbSpJa1sT1MN_BJcBoADl0kIJ2iyUSanhRHB7-dkaVSPXZnErBOfIbiE/s200/inkexchange.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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<b>Wicked Lovely</b> - I was on a roll with faeries, or so I thought. That ended when I decided I'd try to read the whole Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr since I discovered that Hoopla had all the books. So, this was actually the <i>third</i> time I'd read this first book because apparently, I set out to do something similar back in 2015 and failed that time, too. I still like this book, but after starting the second one, I remembered why I never followed through. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Ink Exchange</b> - This is a companion novel to <i>Wicked Lovely</i>. The fact of which, I fooled myself into forgetting upon re-reading. I fully expected to leave the mortal world behind and gallivant off into the world of faerie with Aislinn and Keenan and while away my time there. But it was not to be, at least not to the extent I wanted. And so, once again, I'm putting this series aside. ๐๐๐<br />
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*ARC received from publisher for review purposes. This does not affect my review in any way.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A D U L T</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40666351-trial-of-three"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2vyr1gnsVexJw6B2-Y1_xuEj5aYTjkVkI3Vx7Zq1kun4kQ26MObIZA6ys_JByveAFq_VcAeMJ27wiH4x7RAk_IYwCA3jwCjaRqxYH1q1yRCiM5Q65EhSshSAKOQVJI_D5qOD3JPWcQA/s200/trialofthree.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40189670-josh-and-hazel-s-guide-to-not-dating"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2WaU54ytmn3Z9VovUw436Obfv38mEljqy31YA-dDePm-oPYZ4liKnqI4io53LIYH5ZP0yWTQuk4WApLtUOJhmRE7rboh1BtLvX6WERTe8Yz2dov1g9DL3wmtuV8CorLHRoESeEdkL9g/s200/josh%2526hazelsguidetonotdating.jpg" width="129" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38357345-my-favorite-half-night-stand"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4S9beBEbRf-HAQIHGW6Sxt7OABt7_NT6vxeaKeLlthmcXSdKgIpX4iHw_hZ0an6FMtoqiRbaLzZDzl8BHypke5JuLmtbMuf7C98Zlw6CVHB6h06RgdDVByC4c5BagjSWnJO6ey27Xfo/s200/myfavoritehalfnightstand.jpg" width="129" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34455702-influential-magic"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="310" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBDuxIHpYfCPKsjKY8ZHOq69eDZOz32zyKzLw3DseiMijIDRrk-3eunvfqij61wnlcAqUesLb4fhpQdMh3BNYQSI86iIPrbdh6NqKGum60r0NUuCpWQA79sptn-0LBgWKny_o12eKcfU/s200/influentialmagic.jpg" width="131" /></a>
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<b>Trial of Three - </b>Even though there's only mere months between releases in this series, it still feels like I've been waiting <i>forever</i> for more of Lera and her fae companions. This is one of two reverse harem series that's managed to hold my attention -- not for lack of trying -- and I eagerly anticipate every book's release. And then when the audio is available, I download it and re-listen to the series all over again. The narrator is not my favorite, but I forget about that every time because I'm so hooked on the story. I think this third book might be my least favorite of the three, but that might be because I've only read it once so far. ;0) So much happened and I'm still trying to wrap my head around all the implications. Plus, I'm still waiting on a certain fae to get his day in the sun. I'm sad that the next book is purportedly the last, but I also can't wait to see how it ends. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Josh & Hazel's Guide to Not Dating* - </b>This was all kinds of adorable. Awkward and cringeworthy, but in the cutest way possible. That whole setting each other up with dates while avoiding the sexual tension between them thing was priceless. And hilarious. I'm all about the slow-burn, and this story definitely delivers. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>My Favorite Half-Night Stand</b>* - I plan to come back to this one, I really do. But according to Goodreads, I started reading this on September 21st, and I honestly don't think I've picked up or even thought about this book since. And that's with finding their most recent release completely adorkable. I think this is more of a 'it's me, not you <i>right now</i>' thing, so I'll try again later. But DNF for now.<br />
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<b>Influential Magic - </b>The ARP strikes again. This story was relatively good, with magic and witches and vampires, and I fully planned to continue the series. But the ARP only has the first book, which means I would have to purchase the next two. I liked the book but not that much. ๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6953500-insatiable"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRIAay_y4PoYbLWhO7GWmVi090G0oFH8TG-cQLc7cTM_f7DLFxefiv77eNSEelQt1gcOXmGUQbow6PLP668QFMIaUyim98qRmpU3s6PqZMaX1wIY-kXCYTprc9L_a6T_LgBBXq46-Ss8/s200/insatiable.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9462815-overbite"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47X-GFEMgc3I4XNrz4WxDGzCDTqeLjqrDCjiReCyhXxayMAqt4RRxNiUpUdWxBxP2qrqzUWJ1QrP3-nHY3JuwrDdrweT-4zfnrYvoIGt3AESqWsEhLP-Ide2fPM2_o14wakkrdtpTcDE/s200/overbite.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35717661-beginner-s-luck"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSz0clmR67zxzvBQUVAdmnArdHk1YOERsR4yCd5psnI1iNtiLW1hgth6lJOfm0a6V2iKO5WhA2E5z0TZ4nLUT5t-bjW5NPVSHYF1HkKwr7MwTyHjfdY0zjp2FsO-rXs9nNPgxZHXKvt7w/s200/beginnersluck.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41020831-charged"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="291" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPK8_r4iHG9NeMQT5634A93rYVaW3Xbw2gzLHxaqbitCHTtOq_xy5RCaNR_6efIhdn64DW89kOU2ipL_xuu0FWWAzR4JUKugAtKgF7R8COSWuJsSIUrpfcdYO9rUkbBmYAvhGrKTuFaM/s200/charged.jpg" width="123" /></a></center>
<b><br />Insatiable & Overbite - </b>I was kind of on the hunt for vampires this month. Seemed fitting. And I loved the other assorted Meg Cabot books I've read over the last few months, so I decided to give this series a try, not knowing there were only two books completed and there may never be a third. ๐ญ Which is really devastating because I really enjoyed these books. Cabot's trademark humor and feisty heroine meet their match in a seductive vampire and a sultry vampire-hunter in this series full of forbidden love. The second book felt a little contrived, a little hasty, and is maybe why there's no official third book planned? But I still enjoyed it. Perfect for this time of year. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Beginner's Luck - </b>Let's be real: we all daydream about winning the lottery. But how many of us consider the complications that might arise? I loved the MC's unflinching resolve to continue working at a job she loved, even after winning the lottery. Even when a top company sends a hot recruiter to poach her. Even when, in the process of trying to woo her to his company, they fall for each other. This was a really sweet story about taking chances and being willing to give second chances, and I can't wait to read about the other friends who won the lottery with Kit. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Charged - </b>Nope. I tried. I tried so freaking hard. Gave this story so many chances to get back on track. But it was one of those reverse harem stories that exists mostly for the sex and there's only a plot for a few seconds while the characters recover from their lust haze. Look, it didn't sound exactly great from the summary, but it had potential. Potential which was never realized because of all the sex. I'm not a prude, obviously, because there for a bit, reverse harems were my jam. But this story was just too much. And some of it sounded...quite painful. Hard NOPE. ๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32497580-the-cafe-by-the-sea"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKrK4fbCWjWgMGEbBIMHxGToFXHoZhh7JW6jRBr2cKAitFEIh8LnBh1C8imrKErvIjzS5o17yc494SgYAop5Pmm-SH1WBvZKMIgfObtth9Hemhajo4fTJQS2bVvEYtOJHClkL7Gmc3n4/s200/thecafebythesea.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38126338-christmas-on-the-island"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUOwGhQaDfvjh_70CC7wwUmN0p8KL6DXKrsCrJVPyjoJhd0Ek1zgC9FpliVBpKWJSaqTKqRzsmPZveGl8ccEIPa_8ysmArsq-4MtXlmngHsRFssNmLthsZT3YpwD0Oot2lPSJq4GZoEw/s200/christmasontheisland.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23636581-blurred-lines"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZIOy43pR2BeVBWsDY_jC11m9l8NBbdTsu0ig9LqHZTLulhd3-KLLwUumzBjSdtcbo9c7liIPK1t0SWQPc02xW-Xaqpgy0I4KG1GI5RAsT7HbqjK2ohDjDt7Vn3ddzccepKPzQCLufRc/s200/blurredlines.jpg" width="150" /></a></center>
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<b>The Cafe by the Sea - </b>I wasn't sure about this one, but I'd seen so many people talking about it on GR recently that when I saw it on Hoopla, I couldn't pass it up. And it was delightful and sad and, well, it definitely had its moments. The narration was great, and the storytelling was such that I felt like I was wandering the moors of Mure and discovering my love of cooking once again. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Christmas on the Island - </b>I did not realize that this was a series until I downloaded this book. And then I realized that I missed the second book. But a quick perusal of the summary on GR and the bit of recap at the beginning of this book had me set to rights. I loved the deepening of the complex relationships first introduced in <i>The Cafe by the Sea</i>, and though this story got a little bleak at times, it was still full of the soul-searching I appreciated from the first book. I am definitely a fan of Jenny Colgan's now. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Blurred Lines - </b>I'm pretty sure no other Lauren Layne book will ever match up to <i>Walk of Shame</i> for me. (Also, now I kind of want to re-read that one, now that I think about it.) This was one of those stories where a failure to communicate just further complicates matters and it takes the whole of the book to get things sorted out. It was also kind of flat (read: no chemistry) and predictable and <i>why can't all of her books be as good as </i>Walk of Shame<i>?</i> ๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/353937.Someone_to_Watch_Over_Me"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="295" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgvDG6_6ipomNDrnTlb_3Y_el8RFRVoA4EWa7bpci5oueMNAoWQj3GGMtpEsC_dTsE0c1wUs-G3lAK1YeNp2_Nm0wWBTjbSYwQYkT2-eTuA0xfpBHoNxXwj5ivw4ovXVWpCB2pMom7N0/s200/someonetowatchoverme.jpg" width="124" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36111620-the-governess-game"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="277" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPY9hrO51uwoOiXqOQEIn6PbBWsIehRmo0QM_s9hYFociT0JesFul_IAopVLQ_jKXmf0Ev32cuTVfOSO-PslhJttk5ivY-VZki0i5qZn5IBKuQ9pV06nTjig7TiKvu6-HQdu8HzJt5Gc0/s200/thegovernessgame.jpg" width="117" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20723641-the-loveliest-chocolate-shop-in-paris"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZgSInN6VW7zelU-BT-MrmGIGFErJ0P8RWPLca9g8Va8z6qVBDeP97aTRmdbyZkduWr_gzAxBD9N2AjH00ZM00TiESF_6Ybz3NzoYh6QCRLQ2D8YsjkplnimMWa5PjQ5rl_6FoDG894A/s200/theloveliestchocolateshopinpairs.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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<b>Someone to Watch Over Me - </b>Starting to think that Lisa Kleypas' <i>much</i> older books just aren't for me. I liked <i>The Hathaways</i> and I <b>loved </b><i>The Wallflowers</i>, and I even enjoyed <i>Sugar Daddy</i> despite a rather unfortunate title. So I'm definitely thinking she's honed her technique over the years. Which isn't to say this particular story wasn't good; it just wasn't on par with what I've come to expect from Kleypas. The story and eventual outcome were a little predictable, <i>and</i> I didn't fall for the hero as I'm wont to do with her stories. I feel kinda lost in this moment. Maybe I should re-read <i>Devil in Winter</i> to regain my composure. ;0) ๐๐<br />
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<b>The Governess Game - </b>I gotta tell you, Tessa Dare's ability to make me laugh, even in the most mundane circumstances, gives me life. I thought this book was going to feature an ass of the highest order and I was prepared to dislike him on the spot, but instead, this might just be my favorite Tessa Dare novel of ever. Which is saying something because I've pretty much loved all of her books up to this point. But even better than being a great romance with fantastic leads, this book was fun! <i>And funny</i>! I am <i>so</i> ready for Penelope's story next. I have a feeling I might just bust a gut with that one. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris - </b>Since I enjoyed her Summer Seaside Kitchen series, I thought I'd check out what else was available from Jenny Colgan on Hoopla. She does love her foodie-inspired stories, doesn't she? =) I loved the dual narrative of two women on separate timelines but with very similar trajectories for their life paths. I also loved the chocolate and the setting and the characters and just how introspective the story was. It was a little like <i>The Chocolate Thief</i>, but with more bite. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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*ARC received from publisher for review purposes. This does not affect my review in any way.<br />
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Have you read any of these? What did you think? Find any new titles to check out? ;0)<br />
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Until next time! Happy reading!<br />
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starryeyedjenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841350560201331032noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-28660766009163579112018-10-01T06:32:00.001-05:002018-10-01T06:32:32.929-05:00What I've Been Reading Lately {September 2018}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, apparently, when I find something I like, I tend to overindulge. I did it when I discovered reverse harem fantasies a few months ago -- though I haven't had much luck with that genre since -- and I did it again when I realized I like what is generally referred to as chick lit. Last month, I binged some Jennifer Crusie and Sophie Kinsella, and this month, it was apparently chick lit from Meg Cabot, Amy E. Reichert, and Christina Lauren and fantasy from the likes of Robin McKinley and Juliet Marillier. Hey, I know what I like, but at least I'm branching out some, right? Right? ;0)<br />
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And without further ado, here's what I've been reading lately...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(More on why I've gone to this format <a href="http://starryeyedrevue.blogspot.com/2016/10/my-moment-of-zen.html">here</a> in lieu of traditional reviews for each.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Y O U N G A D U L T</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199784.Pants_on_Fire"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyE-S1YOI2KAyqea-3dR_RQ-qU2jiw1XYOOkdFm0iDvhBbFS2_hsDgv2c1oIFVbwQI90BkCn168ZCAp5_Fj_B5at9MYeSfHwefcKeo7mIqVbN2A7kwWwSOkVcovOc66WjTfVuOWBercY/s200/pantsonfire.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35796008-dance-of-thieves"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="312" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvgYBsVHcWaX5YITuh98aq-5J2-ns8TaaxG5Ib5FBWVjMOlAqqCxn1MmYrUGq_DktjF53huiJS0sLQkxOfdcUNkSmZODEJWM2T06gEMsR8T6h8h-Ht_JoCcnwrV5EFZu_0XDl0Q46j28/s200/danceofthieves.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40771019-the-wrong-bachelor"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUf1AXZOrgudSogjVf9lbObDA_Xgz4nTIDdCEtHDH3MJ_hp1E1hrCAEP5YVha3M8fILd0NAWYImOXnMR5Wl5moOSSv_-6BO8ApEYVjPRnntBZ_XlsAe1nHTZhWMcVHjsrAfw9FoJhA0AY/s200/thewrongbachelor.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32671619-the-waking-land"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywOawZPW8kTfDfRb_10dRcz-ESMJAYoAwiDdLITa2rG0SEYM0V0uOAV5XjV5UZdvcZu2BVfFROiTobnH2jlW-ZOsfBEQS95TsoaMwAMjS6Bp30xIAUStIl25FmdYiF05ivEXU_69iTec/s200/thewakinglands.jpg" width="132" /></a>
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<b>Pants on Fire</b> - Sort of a friends-to-more/second chance romance story and it made me giddy. Except that Katie is kind of a cheater -- just kissing but still, I don't condone that. But then Tommy (Tom, now) comes back into her life and rocks her world with a kiss to make you forget all other kisses and an ultimatum to boot, and she decides to come clean...<b>about everything</b>. And she's told a lot of lies -- even if by omission. Witty, refreshing, and fun, I definitely enjoy Meg Cabot's young adult novels just as much as her adult stories. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Dance of Thieves</b>* - Wow. I re-read <i>The Remnant Chronicles</i> books so I'd be prepared for this, but I still wasn't. Maybe because I didn't get to it right away and then I put it off some more because I was sure it couldn't be as good. <b>But it was!</b> Definitely different but set in the same world as TRC, just maybe a <strike>decade</strike> few years or so later. Familiar faces and familiar places but also new characters you'll care for just as much. I hope to review this in full soon, but suffice it to say, my expectations were surpassed. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Wrong Bachelor</b> - Even though I pretty much despise all things <i>The Bachelor</i>, this was kinda cute? And I love the <i>hate-to-love</i> trope, but I've definitely seen it done better. Especially since this was more <i>boy-next-door-to-more</i> since the main characters didn't actually hate each other. Just a misunderstanding of sorts that led them to <i>act</i> like they hated each other. But under the guise of a reality dating show for charity -- yeah, I can <i>totally </i>see a school district being down for <i>that</i>...NOT! -- they find their way back to each other. Parts were definitely cringe-worthy and the stereotyping definitely made me want to pull my hair out at times, but I guess I can see the appeal if you're already a fan of shows like this. ๐๐<br />
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<b>The Waking Land</b> - Re-read to decide if I want to spend a credit on the sequel. I'm still debating. I still enjoyed it, but maybe a little less this time around. I think I wasn't in the right head-space either, though. For a rich fantasy, you need to pay attention and my attention is all over the place right now. :( So, I'll definitely be waiting to read the sequel until I'm more ready for it. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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*ARC received from publisher for review purposes. This does not affect my review in any way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBuNYl05I0WI_1Db9JnwmLnFQqGlc7lF7wQxmYrK10Vw7tp16cAItNZxotFeE-qb_Xkih40cxIYS2GtJsrc3CWFLBEXhT4XDF3x10eTFZwWsF9IMbbSx2dlehBnIcoSxz3wjvx9Qbofk/s1600/starseparate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBuNYl05I0WI_1Db9JnwmLnFQqGlc7lF7wQxmYrK10Vw7tp16cAItNZxotFeE-qb_Xkih40cxIYS2GtJsrc3CWFLBEXhT4XDF3x10eTFZwWsF9IMbbSx2dlehBnIcoSxz3wjvx9Qbofk/s320/starseparate.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A D U L T</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28693701-the-boy-is-back"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vIOKEoj8mAVWexZyHZ-G8Vp2UdY_yXX1AND6TiNf_UzYZACkKMn1SBp0czoKmwPjrzY8aDuTWBHn43pbmSYHhklKv5ejd4M568OC-Eg7En0t1IWr9ZLF4HTACPGp35-pAj0PcMTIBac/s200/theboyisback.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23219.Queen_of_Babble"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkTmHBdGBB0erDp1UYKue8BFgmHDz0hsv9ds_6M3vl4hpeIBKirD3JM22xTssEI4aIaGfkA9mQHQMaDKFnKZKfCRusMlzAlI5YSLq15QvILlLEpCIfQYTq4totwHrQV8_QZNVHbTimDg/s200/thequeenofbabble.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6687873-the-ruthless-charmer"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="171" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9X5CYkg8mFH8tG50c6vAGpK33WB4syH6fv8sRT_vMTlbc0fW0CCu_4J40o-TQzll5CKOm-DnActbht-Al0KMJcOGqRse0h4eSVCkMAVk-Mc7eo1NMPcaKL9F1MD6OOTe_ZWG4hZ-s7U/s200/theruthlesscharmer.jpg" width="122" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18297707-tangled"><img border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="220" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwQceK7r9kiyKlbUwhdaqLzIBg44sfJ2nCqD9wmvGpjyA3lzYtC1kJv0DFdt70TgVHcCfFV2W1Khkwmcy_0HueL9GZNsd1-ba8cZlUDtOQlJbhLfWyPF9wLe-TDFivXxfhgG1rs3JRZU/s200/tangled.jpg" width="129" /></a>
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<b>The Boy is Back</b> - Such a cute story AND it's an epistolary novel. I loved the use of text messages, emails, newspaper articles, online reviews, and even the transcript of an interview to show the characters <i>actually</i> having a conversation. This way, you got so many perspectives and you got to really know <i>all</i> of the characters. Plus, it was just plain funny. And really, really perfect for my first Meg Cabot book. All of the books in this series -- this was the fourth and naturally I started with it because I'm awful -- are epistolary in style and I can't wait to read the rest. I hope they're just as candid and hilarious. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Queen of Babble</b> - I thought I would dislike the protagonist because she shoots her mouth off at every opportunity, based on the title, but in actuality, she just has a tendency to open mouth and insert foot. I'm guilty of that myself at times, so I could identify with her plight. I did think what was essentially her trans-Atlantic booty call was a bit ridiculous, but it worked out in the end. There was a lot of room for character growth and Lizzie really shined as she worked to figure out what she wanted to do with her life. I ended up kinda spoiling myself for the second book because I thought that's the one I had already downloaded from the library, but it turns out it was the third book. Oops. Oh, well...it does seem like things get even more interesting, though. =) ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Ruthless Charmer</b> - Eh. My first Julia London book and although I've read similar somewhat estranged marriage stories before, this one was by far the longest and most drawn out. I did appreciate that in this case, the rogue is the one who keeps everything above board. However, if he'd have been a bit more forthcoming and the heroine had been a tad less impulsive and impetuous, their story could have had a happy ending much sooner and I wouldn't have been so bored. ๐๐<br />
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<b>Tangled</b> - I've seen many a Goodreads friend rave over this book -- and the series -- and since I'm still on hold for the next in the <i>Queen of Babble</i> series by Meg Cabot at the library, I thought I'd give this one a shot. I actually almost DNF'd this bad boy because the narrator -- Drew, the main character, not Sebastian York...he can narrate my books any day -- was just such a giant douchebag in the beginning. And it didn't appear he was going to be mending his ways anytime soon, setting his sights on poor Kate as a conquest, another notch on his bed post. But despite my best efforts, Drew's character grew on me. No, he never turned into Prince Charming, and yes, he remained an arrogant asshole until the very last page. But he went from a man in control to a man in fear of losing the love of his life, the only woman to bring him to his knees. So to speak. I liked this story well enough, but I think I'd prefer to leave it here rather than continuing on to the next installment, which appears to be told from Kate's POV two years in the future. Which probably means lots of drama and miscommunication and I'm just not in the mood for that. ๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33867423-shards-of-a-broken-sword"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaduMzi6yTXHHxGb4dbbOeOq9lGRivu4cDmxr_XsLmG3_EhHqzJXvlhngF4N37NHOoRzR64u_HMWcE9ylw9wKmyJbGkF_pQ9vp79_1szLevXDSACX4zGAXXhi4qDS97wzJ7Do36djsD8/s200/shardsofabrokensword.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36679778-wraith"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DsH0g3zKduMBti56A_oyi-61SIJzL8274J5oaUNteLTE17iieryzGHDONF4yPeofe1pQcyj_Li0mY6wA_jN6DyR2UAgPdocSbW-q3zUxT0PSDgFewhRuCN6S94cOXwWVx9aiDTeYbXY/s200/wraith.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17305016-dreamer-s-pool"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtNcuqW5q1LXFX-PYRe14IqKQgxSrul-_h159zGzRMGIbrCA59pNEVCvqOYckk8pZ8CwYQ-PEjPX99QKs7kteK-CtE05HQpUR-EeYsHc9Kpspc3_N5rLyxfW1rIEnXCRZPpPlvTHPr2M/s200/dreamerspool.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22567177-tower-of-thorns"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="230" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEe2XBb9G7WHWKci2wqqK_mqlbegyQcq7pMEEjUK0utrUBfKyeEpK9-Te0p6fMaxQRr6U4LocNg7-xXir8dAjttK8FkQgbqjMu5KDMQfCv7nR1Cd95EYg4XKRT0VwYfKzW3q_f2tElYQ/s200/towerofthorns.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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<b>Shards of a Broken Sword</b> - I only read the first novella of three in this book, and it was interesting but not enough to make me want to read the other two. I knew I was probably being optimistic, purchasing the set without having ready anything by this author, and now I just want my $7 back. :( ๐๐<br />
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<b>Wraith</b> - This was an Audible Daily Deal -- love those! -- and I was in the mood for fantasy so I forked over the $4. This was actually more like urban fantasy, though for the most part, it didn't feel too urban. Only when the old bowling alley or Rihanna was mentioned. ;0) It wasn't the best fantasy novel I've read, nor was it the best one I've read featuring goblins and elves; however, the wraith concept of separating yourself from your shadow self was unique enough. At any rate, it was $4 well spent to avoid thinking about work and the plethora of things stressing me out at the moment and worry instead about a Scotland where a nefarious goblin was threatening to name himself king. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Dreamer's Pool & Tower of Thorns </b>- You'll probably find this hard to believe, but <i>Dreamer's Pool</i> was my first Juliet Marillier novel. And despite how many reviews I read that said this series was boring and not as wonderful as her other books, I still wanted to give it a chance. Blackthorn's plight intrigued me when I read the summary, and it was even more captivating once I began listening to the audiobook. How she often fought with herself and her thirst for vengeance. How she learned to care and be brave again after her ordeal. But most of all, I appreciated just how clever and calculating Blackthorn was, especially in the face of betrayal and loss. I haven't picked up the third book in the series yet, but I fully intend to. And then I want to read all of Marillier's backlist to see what all the fuss is about, especially considering how much I enjoyed her lesser liked works. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199782.Queen_of_Babble_in_the_Big_City"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="264" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZBclp-pp5WiyJg7xOisMHt98iTgyyP-WYAOMiN296SVC3ZelEmHiQ-SdrtTWOyUz50SfbzAAOX1cRWHUnhSV5e4R7-tGfG_3d2kfgQtBzAK9qxneHmCw9OeIOa6q0o25MGZf6xadJVE/s200/queenofbabbleinthebigcity.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2068676.Queen_of_Babble_Gets_Hitched"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyXAlU8-3AgfWH0wBrXpN48d0ChYBFJaYsDvKp8hv8u4V-HnGM0kpsUacP_-F11SpSavP9ceM4sr6GHPWWyGFtQmMh8ttHaF8_QXkSyY6JEEry3fri88U2cCHhWlQ9RetHAJfoLRE3MM/s200/queenofbabblegetshitched.jpg" width="134" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35919863-heart-of-the-fae"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LVVa2vXkUqHcj3wiBBZF0stLpDBmUQDmBzfMHVyVtComiulkcMBWZ4f6v8h2q-kEYnmX16gaByFdqm8x3_90ZGZ3kZSVvL6VHpoyFXsE02ZLod021zuAftCNFYZUqXG6Hh37aiOq1dM/s200/heartofthefae.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36899152-veins-of-magic"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0fR7aL7T7qtvrjmWI10UfrSxJ4wa0eeLBUkU4cTNR8BLJ6FJB6HTnAESYB4qtQ1gD79yIWApNSTKbJO6Yp8sMOoe6WdIJrHU819K8Ks_ObYjr_NRXjvzM-xZnqcv2YNBS-4HRbvU5LU/s200/veinsofmagic.jpg" width="147" /></a></center>
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<b>Queen of Babble in the Big City</b> - So, basically, what I'm taking away from these books is that Lizzie is entirely too impulsive and dives into every relationship as if it's happily ever after forever and ever. She needs to take time to figure out herself. Lizzie already knows what she wants to do with her life, but now she needs to figure out how to make that happen. There was a lot of change in this book, and I was really enjoying where things were headed. Until I started reading the third book (in the right order this time!) and things were all crazy again. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Queen of Babble Gets Hitched</b> - This series was just really fun, full of the ups and downs and trials and tribulations of being out in the world for the first time. I definitely, <i>definitely</i>, love how the series was resolved and how much personal growth and friendship and love it took to get Lizzie there. I'm not sure I liked the change wrought in Luke's character, but if I'm being honest, he and Lizzie were a strange pairing to begin with, so it works for me in the end. I've really enjoyed these characters -- even the crazy side characters and their antics -- and I'm glad I stumbled upon this series. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Heart of the Fae & Veins of Magic</b> - <i>Heart of the Fae</i> was a re-listen so that I could jump into <i>Veins of Magic</i> when it was released on audio. Books like this are the reason I'm so glad to be on Goodreads and a part of the blogging community. I never would have given these books the time of day if not for a review on GR that captivated my interest and forced me to satisfy my curiosity. Rife with Irish mythology and faerie lore, this series is exactly what I've been in the mood for, and I think the conclusion was every bit as good as the first book, if not better. It continued the <i>BatB</i> theme but made it more vicious and cruel and just plain heart-breaking. But it was also just so lovely and I'll definitely be revisiting. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/531942.The_Undomestic_Goddess"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6L3k9cOh1Vm8WXNnxXJHysb17Zeay5qZsJlZdG5bqLkyoPIw6IoT8LqlNhFanJ91_XnTohVnyW_9zUAJkGobwxhdq4O2qJqmnht1wxvNyOl7-OnfwlL8eH60WhWEZcYpf9OA_4kBHrAQ/s200/theundomesticgoddess.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25650078-the-coincidence-of-coconut-cake"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="304" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJk3eXUbSHaCrCs-D-GrjDK9bDUyvkm9-aNhwmgepaf-NzMn1DxlGBtm0QYieXBfx5bV6SvLHxiuoEu3QpwMzl2_F1rZc0imPPNKcwXZqw1OboRIS1Tdm9Q8pH0VhR4ILoGk6Skc0Eb0I/s200/thecoincidenceofcoconutcake.jpg" width="128" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30753645-the-simplicity-of-cider"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="305" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAzL5qyYJZA1AZZrdq_T_74rpNhaqM9HCpQ94ZqSlYM2RYtsyEEatc8821y7b8HKKKnZtnL5TNcXJ72dFgdfT2g4XnEVZjBXdXXH1gYJ6x70XoM5DrkyXjBMSE5LZWf25tfzJjARWzrA/s200/thesimplicityofcider.jpg" width="128" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41223492-the-mackinnon-s-bride"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="302" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLIVRyUMJPMS6QWHtbI6BzQLvnR4bvVREaCO1HD-cvWv8QG1alStBITcvTyx-lYWYsTrlHusr42cHiOrkx2nEwZ4rbiTDBYRiKc19JnWba-aYsjobViIWsqCvgfkvEfO1pkYQcfVpaco/s200/themackinnonsbride.jpg" width="127" /></a></center>
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<b>The Undomestic Goddess</b> - Still trying to read all the Sophie Kinsella novels I can get my hands on, obviously. I kind of knew this wouldn't be my favorite going into it, but it surprised me. I mean, I hated cringing every time the protagonist would get herself into a scrape, but I loved seeing her get herself out of them, too. The snowballing of the lie bothered me quite a bit, especially when it came to the love interest, but ultimately I appreciated that although the MC didn't want to go back to that life, she had every intention of righting a wrong, no matter the consequences for herself. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Coincidence of Coconut Cake</b> - Now that I'm reading more "chick lit," I'm discovering all these adorable books and authors, but I'm also over here like, "<i>Why did no one tell me how <b>cute</b> this story was?!?</i>" I love foodie stories. I love cake. I love a guy with an English accent. But most of all, I love a slow burn, even when it goes up in flames. Because I adored this book so much, I immediately downloaded three or four others by this author and so far, I have zero regrets. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Simplicity of Cider </b>- Okay, so I didn't love this one <i>quite</i> as much as <i>The Coincidence of Coconut Cake</i>, but it was still pretty sweet and absolutely perfect for this time of year as we prepare for all things fall. I, personally, love cider and have since I can remember. (I love<i>love</i><b>loved</b> plain ole apple cider as a kid, so it makes sense that I'd prefer alcoholic cider to beer as an adult.) I enjoyed reading the descriptions of the process but also the hint of magic that went into it, as well as the rest of the story. It was just so heartwarming as too-tall Sanna fell in love with not only the bearded Isaac but also his inquisitive son Sebastian, while they were simultaneously falling for her and her beautiful orchard. I don't know which of Reichert's novels I'll read next, but I have a good feeling about whichever I decide on. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The MacKinnon's Bride</b> - I think I tried to listen to this one earlier this year via the ARP, but I gave up because it was slow-going and male-narrated. Not that I mind a male-narrated audiobook, but it didn't sound all that Scottish, at least not the part I had listened to, and I was highly doubtful that he could pull off the female voices. However, upon giving the book a second chance, I find myself chagrined to admit that the narrator was actually pretty brilliant. At all parts and at making every voice seem singular. The tale was rather heartbreaking on the behalf of both main characters, but maybe equally for everyone else involved because they've seen each other suffer so much over the years because of others' poor choices. I expected a lot of banter and a sexy brogue and the author and narrator alike delivered. It's not my favorite novel set in the Highlands, but it was entertaining enough. ๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27274359-luck-love-lemon-pie"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="306" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTotGyr8lqLpP6iALFS6z9mRN1olloW5RGOazfXG_AXDYUxnOfEjf6059c_1w8Jd86S6KyZ5Lcq0EHhjmvSC_vrTg3x9mJ6N17D9HbKOENnXIdcR6MIHS_M0L6H0yjRbMhpj20Vo50aWs/s200/luckloveandlemonpie.jpg" width="129" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36334131-the-optimist-s-guide-to-letting-go"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="305" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCItWR7t4pG3Uxq2rnCyqHpAqdGrrPl9tiaYoqSmKpbtqOc6-B1NIVW6tR3qOJPFyatTvmrenc10e9rDljLZ3kJtv8ROChN-9PMn4ESBu3jbaEutRKoI92brRST_q2UIlCfWxas2KxDnU/s200/theoptimistsguidetolettinggo.jpg" width="128" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35692932-the-real-deal"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsvT1qhL_hEre_4UR3dMkx0PpIfWf5TZzX7giML17uqUhHiQrhrS2pZ5PV9NjtYWoHYdICA1hj8iEzybgzj3kaTOhTepsR7BBiadrHUQaLYEIknPedaBN-VRT0MeYyOLw_FjoN-veUvA/s200/therealdeal.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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<b>Luck, Love & Lemon Pie</b> - This one...this one hit a little close to home: wife and mother who feels unappreciated and unloved...takes matters into her own hands, at the poker table no less. We've all had days like that, myself included. This novel doesn't have the fluffiness of <i>Coconut</i> or the hint of possibility of <i>Cider</i>. It's gritty in it's portrayal of a marriage on the rocks, and I'm not gonna lie, <i>it hurt my heart</i>. It takes two to make a marriage work, and I felt heartened to see some of my own struggles reflected in MJ. Yes, she makes a mistake, but if it hadn't been for her husband's lack of interest, she never would have found herself in that position. I wanted to loathe Chris for the way he acted, how he made it out to be all MJ's fault that they were having problems. Like I said, it takes two to make a marriage work. I did enjoy how everything played out, even if it felt a little longer than necessary, and I loved getting a glimpse of characters from other books. Cameos are like the icing on the cake, especially in these foodie stories. ;) But my biggest take-away from this novel is that I need to take my husband and family less for granted...to show them every day in little ways how much I care for them. Not sure how long these warm, fuzzy feelings will last before I'm frustrated with them all over again, but it's a start. :D ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Optimist's Guide to Letting Go</b> - After reading some more or less happy-go-lucky novels from Amy E. Reichert, I was surprised at the level of emotion and grief I felt while reading this book. Not as surprised as I'd likely have been if I hadn't read <i>Lemon Pie</i> first, but still. This story was pain personified. I've not known grief to the extent that these characters have, and my family isn't keeping any deep dark secrets from me -- <i>as far as I'm aware</i>, anyway -- but this story still resonated. It portrayed so many different facets of grief, making it achingly beautiful and poignant...while also making me cry, which is a feat, in and of itself. This isn't my normal type of read, but I'm left with a new appreciation for "grief" books. This was a slight departure from Reichert's usual: while still including something for foodies and remaining uplifting, it did so with a much more serious tone than I've already become accustomed to in my brief foray into her works. I enjoyed it, despite the tears, but I'm still hoping for the magic of <i>Coconut</i> with her next novel. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Real Deal</b> - So, apparently I get Lauren Blakely and Lauren Layne mixed up in my head. But the premise of this sounded cute, so whatever. And parts of it <i>were</i> sweet, but the story was pretty standard fare. I usually enjoy the fake romance plot -- or at least try to -- but there was nothing spectacular or stand-out about this one. Moreover, it was pretty underwhelming in its execution. I do admit that I *might* have liked it more had I read it instead of listening because I really dislike Erin Mallon as a narrator, nor am I that big of a fan of Zachary Webber. Needless to say, some of my disappointment in this novel obviously stems from the audio version. But I also just think that Lauren Blakely's work may not be for me. ๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2868646-sunshine"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9u7feDXq-yUnm7KYrHaBf2MLHVYdhBEntPhoYhL2v7XwCBPrqXHAlCYLyst0EiV15Kp8M4yZ9Y9i_fch6uFhoHh6eVGecqLaU_UJKTAl6ml1TmjdusINGuUlHdvS-zoTqAb7bp1QFqw/s200/sunshine.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39279231-deerskin"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2jYTloCe9IIaLw_R4jNrxwcVvukz77QsUncHhmRQtFKZb1SVP-F46OWZ7Wou6ZiAtp1vidA4FYdniRfM_EzVzcU47LKsScF4QvE2-VUnksfRhDscfoDaMKpbbP3h0bIR4SLl4C_uYr4/s200/deerskin.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18812476-the-devil-takes-a-bride"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYWFoUBr3VauSyYY-h1j0YiuA26z_lHx2YkRhbcAh5QLvYz3j6zb1ZhWB52wSkgTsAIXjyfceSoKwJnnn6FQT2-Hk6M1mP9V4CRi4nTAno5v8kbHb0z1KTkVeFe54EQCIDbL_6jT8SVI/s200/thedeviltakesabride.jpg" width="126" /></a></center>
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<b>Sunshine</b> - I thought it was just a tad too early for my annual re-read of <i>The Coldest Girl in Coldtown</i> and somehow not too early for this odd, odd vampire story. Previously, I've only read one other Robin McKinley novel, and that was <i>Rose Daughter</i>, which is a rather different retelling of <i>BatB</i>. I think it prepared me for how unique this book was going to be...while also doing little to prepare me for it. <i>Sunshine</i> is urban fantasy, not a retelling like so many of McKinley's novels. It focuses on Sunshine, nicknamed so for her affinity for sunlight, and while it <i>is</i> a vampire story, it felt like one in the most roundabout of ways because this is Sunshine's story and she just wants to bake and feed people and live in the sun and forget that anything happened to her. I liked her. But I also liked the bond she and her vampire companion shared, having both been captured by the same vampire gang. I can't say this will be on my Halloween re-reads list every year, but I definitely enjoyed the weirdness of the story and will continue my foray into the rest of McKinley's backlist. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Deerskin</b> - Weird and awful and heartbreaking but also hopeful. Those aren't nearly enough adjectives to describe this story, but it's a start. I mean, WOW. It was a powerful story but one that left me with a lot of questions, as well. Dead queen. Mad king. Runaway princess. Faithful canine companion. Eccentric Moonwoman. Kind prince. So many characters and motivations to make sense of. But in essence, this was a story of grief and healing and doing what's right, even in the face of your own failings. I still don't entirely know how I feel about it, except that it won't deter me from reading McKinley's other novels. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Devil Takes a Bride</b> - Meh. I think I've only tried one other Julia London novel and felt rather the same about it. I appreciate that the author attempts a fair bit of uniqueness when it comes to her characters, but it just doesn't come off as entirely genuine...for the character or the time period. I think I've come to conclude that this author is also not for me. ๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36373316-playing-with-matches"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="312" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Yi0uv1mUve1wxmJHrO92njhKdrZC1utqkbg0eDPFj0OFqNb1mFeWfXrgTxJt6JdMMDWJEO23xZ9Q4oSwFerI5QVwGOS9ZOu54xONGgUkWGf5P_b5zr9AsGYPpPytD6H9Y0-gs_3oWEQ/s200/playingwithmatches.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34466910-roomies"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="306" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaMEIGsL2cO3o87WaDOiSXLL4U3Tg33nR2AaMHJAU8NAhmtsyH1ZW3GrUW-P_GGaKRhwFVG5GJ-DP7PLiwoZs4yNSVfPsXs6x7x8pRS6fa_vKHvPsxzC6XYifAVNjrKurhsiAA-aA9Jc/s200/roomies.jpg" width="129" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38232071-getting-schooled"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08j5h5V6PbF1Sz6Bytg2JE7pruJ9p_QCK0M3FlDjyBaM03lfom0bllUcgVx20Fz_eWyBr5jXw5zQx1PDtBL7gGQb2CWKxz_r79mxAQdlihl1hAdVooOj79rbce1zcfmTYMUu1n3-W3Qk/s200/gettingschooled.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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<b>Playing With Matches</b> - I picked up this novel because it was suggested in a letter from the editor at the beginning of my ARC of <i>My Favorite Half-Night Stand</i> that said book "is perfect for fans of <i>The Kiss Quotient</i> by Helen Hoang, <i>I've Got Your Number</i> by Sophie Kinsella, and <i>Playing with Matches</i> by Hannah Orenstein. Well, I've read and adored two of the three, so obviously I had to give this newest recommendation -- of sorts -- a try. And I adored it, as well, but in a totally different way. Because I kind of also hated it. That ending, anyway. It was just so...<b>real</b>. And heartbreaking. And devastating. But oddly hopeful? Because it was so genuine and the voice was so authentic, I really connected with the main character. Also, because I weirdly feel like I <i>was</i> her at 22. I mean, not the matchmaking part, obviously, but everything else felt so relatable. Even now. Finally admitting that a relationship wasn't working. Jumping immediately into another one. Still trying to figure out your own stuff along the way. All that was great. And I have to admit, after having a couple of days to write and rewrite this review in my head -- thank god, without it being diary-like but only because I wrote it and then deleted it -- I get it. I get why it needed to end the way it did. It made the story more focused on the character and her hopes and dreams, like the rest of it was trivial. And it was. And so, even though I was really hoping for a different outcome -- and I'm still hoping for a sequel or <i>something</i> -- I'm giving this all the stars because it made me so happy and then soooo fucking angry and then just...content. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Roomies</b> - I still remember when I was <b>determined</b> to hate everything this author duo wrote because I had just read <i>Sublime</i> and it was, well, the exact opposite of sublime. But then my <i>The Hating Game</i> fever hit, and I wanted to read everything even remotely similar and stumbled upon <i>Dating You/Hating You</i>. And it was really fun. So, I thought I'd give the author another try, first with <i>My Favorite Half-Night Stand</i>, and then with this one. Except I finished the audio for <i>Roomies</i> and stalled on the other because I just haven't been able to focus on an actual book. That being said, I quite enjoyed <i>Roomies</i>. It took the fake romance trope and made it more funny and awkward than I've read in awhile. Both of the main characters were adorable, if a little out of their element, and the side characters, most notably the uncles, really shined...even if they were being awful gobshites. Oh, yeah, did I forget to mention that the love interest is Irish? And he plays classical guitar? ;0) It was really cute. And made me eager again to read their newest plus anxious for my hold of <i>Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating</i> to come in at the library. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Getting Schooled</b> - Funny, sweet, and charming, this book was better than I expected after not having loved <i>Tangled</i>. It had its laugh-out-loud moments but it was also filled with just enough romantic tension so as not to be dramatic but to be realistic and heartfelt. Other aspects I enjoyed: second-chance romance, the high school teacher angle, going home to a small town, and crazy, kooky parents who need looking after. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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Have you read any of these? What did you think? Find any new titles to check out? ;0)<br />
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Until next time! Happy reading!<br />
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starryeyedjenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841350560201331032noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-25650965895188779812018-08-31T09:06:00.003-05:002018-08-31T09:06:58.607-05:00What I've Been Reading Lately {August 2018}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS5K_9idFARlwHGujAPIg5EKcAmo5lnB6VUF9K52iRcse5thR8h_L_Wv7auEBYszsB8ymYF788_ELq-vNI2FbD8RdsYeTsqFRiCtqYQbDTtbwl2WnrhVMOhEZAHUfMWBm-xRUo0LSB0w/s1600/whativebeenreadinglately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS5K_9idFARlwHGujAPIg5EKcAmo5lnB6VUF9K52iRcse5thR8h_L_Wv7auEBYszsB8ymYF788_ELq-vNI2FbD8RdsYeTsqFRiCtqYQbDTtbwl2WnrhVMOhEZAHUfMWBm-xRUo0LSB0w/s320/whativebeenreadinglately.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's official: I <i>loathe</i> August. Not only is it back-to-school crunch-time for the kiddo -- and I'm probably more nervous for her than <i>she</i> is -- but it was just an all around awful month. Car accident. Fraud on my bank account. Higher stress than usual because of work. And that was only the first half of the month. BUT. <i>But</i>...it could always be worse, right?<br />
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At any rate, I wasn't very good at keeping up with my reading this month because there was so much going on. Not that I wasn't reading, but I was in an epic slump for a week or so, picking up several different books and quite a few audiobooks and just not clicking with anything. And though I remember the titles of what I read, I might have trouble recalling details since I wasn't updating this post or Goodreads like I usually do. Oops. <b>However</b>, I did reach my Goodreads goal as of the end of this month, so there's that. :D And I'm still on track to read a book a day (365 for the year), which was my unofficial goal for 2018.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhz1PcDxPpvk0q4j4H32PhtIsm_wsUf0vhvr4K9IZFrASurr5W12E7CfoL35AGDCZ0rR4k78ODd1Hkw6jppAInWUusrjLofp-bthESV9J-xpC2g8eH8RIhV1cHkov5Dvkpd3DMT98ktI/s1600/grgoal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhz1PcDxPpvk0q4j4H32PhtIsm_wsUf0vhvr4K9IZFrASurr5W12E7CfoL35AGDCZ0rR4k78ODd1Hkw6jppAInWUusrjLofp-bthESV9J-xpC2g8eH8RIhV1cHkov5Dvkpd3DMT98ktI/s1600/grgoal.JPG" /></a></div>
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And without further ado, here's what I've been reading lately...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(More on why I've gone to this format <a href="http://starryeyedrevue.blogspot.com/2016/10/my-moment-of-zen.html">here</a> in lieu of traditional reviews for each.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Y O U N G A D U L T</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36329818-legendary"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGGBM_mYvEmIsSOt00QgEQSUwbSFcKJ6XK6w928cjZuzWNFeiPuExobKznNo7N6VZKK0w_G8wcEolg7Zz7nYXahbKzPnUBWcewA2FqcdQU8_UbX4pPj1A4lCMrAq6INspWgPxTl05K1w/s200/legendary.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11387392-the-catastrophic-history-of-you-and-me"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="260" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzPNBYqKNgvmK2Sd17qmkd9bZwsfH4oKywnEL5PyphZc8fj-4pwec77bkT66Ku71UX2Kl2xUwsgdLsVmoEqdkI4jFR2blkJuapwuj9pC1PJcZNOP5kVSgVM2v1g4-3R5HFZoYuZcZ2Nk/s200/thecatastrophichistoryofyouandme.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23310751-first-then"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpSk0io3dgYiTDCZyfJ2NimeViaI2pZIhwbEsYF63i2Be35S1cbZztWLJoSIajgkktQiRS2JY57_2KmwsSWT4XVda2c-ppmvGNOEIrYYDk8xfU01hXenpH3sVERxW0UyJub2ZIgnh2DU/s200/firstandthen.jpg" width="135" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12871232-keeping-the-castle"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9rhy7ldIsYJpYvz-j9DtUojEsUlO4xvI6zMJ33fYwos5DGD9LErO0DANF3RD-8heWLhbaktBmjPDCqU8HYl69g2Ao35SblzTz601K1KzrcyPrqOFvpLpr1_B_D2eYBm1RwGFLdoAn0s/s200/keepingthecastle.jpg" width="142" /></a></center>
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<b>Legendary*</b> - The second half of this story really made this book. I gasped. I smirked. My eyes got misty. But now I am on tenterhooks, waiting for the next installment. Full review coming soon. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Catastrophic History of You and Me</b> - This was probably the first contemporary-ish novel I picked up when I first started blogging. Not my first ever but definitely the first that made me see the genre differently. Maybe because it's more like speculative fiction or magical realism. Either way, it still holds a special place in my heart. And it was still pretty adorable upon re-reading. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>First & Then</b> - <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> and football? Yes, please! I've been in a mood and I've also been missing football and a re-read of this book was just the thing to pull me out of the doldrums. And it's still so stinkin' cute! I see many more re-reads involving high school football in my near future. :P ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Keeping the Castle</b> - An unexpectedly charming novel, but it definitely could've been longer to flesh out the characters and develop the relationships further. It definitely had the Jane Austen flair I've favored of late, drawing from both <i>Emma</i> and <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> with Althea's efforts to match-make and her antagonistic relationship with one Mr. Fredericks. This book was a delight, and though it doesn't number among my favorite Austen reimaginings, it definitely aided in pulling me out of my reading slump. ๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23001588-interference"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2crSq2Br5H-0FUI1Ox0ZEB_SWSI3J4ygmUaPePWRZAggxKrvpcAyGZRSwFTvCDKrDVOIWU4b152t-lVLUd56g4F3rvCEUoPDKXIj89u8s-2MlvLrG16oK1Y_fn-KpAzZ_UMltzzDioA/s200/interference.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35068736-9-days-and-9-nights"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMHrPNx13uZuZ9BRw-aPlaG26R6sMwdv8f_dMHeAyHP9FpQmAso1DbEfqvxxoXVSY23y1VzVtb3SyymZxFoGwHgfcvRbUEhyphenhyphenOCWgMIg5TrySOvRm1MEFbUPNGqwIb_D3-Nbo8DBr0gw0/s200/9daysand9nights.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17297487-all-the-truth-that-s-in-me"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtsbjuzqm1Bc9WwRrXkNcdYfGQ1opcHW1ujg-Y1QLNS4YasvUpfKCSRsMubxPiZRAyReXoHDksPKmAwrDPWhyaeP-zovsgRVETdqeyDS7yBwaF3Qcmp8OKkV2mrAVwylY042mFgF7kmA/s200/allthetruththatsinme.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35144326-bring-me-their-hearts"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0I9Lc9b2utb2opQp4kyPwl_eh8PfqrFvOP5pvzTvEROAIKXTfby5uBzxjioOG7b8owN7upr9IwKt9E9fXGGYx1xck4ccCYKhIVopI6SSBlaCgW_vzhzTzflkX4uEibFRYlSdhjyO4Xk/s200/bringmetheirhearts.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23305614-finding-audrey"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHgnSjq3dKx75dwSmXDRyUKHi_6Wdrwc-7_GG-GcXb8TUl3MP4cSuiZ-asiRj8fLnV23I7z6xzE6qwsSCtjQI_EIax4jTtDIRsl4Zudp-ZOpKuupGi0R8yRTmeW58l9nRhmypNlp45zo/s200/findingaudrey.jpg" width="133" /></a>
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<b>Interference</b> - Told you there'd be more high school football-centric reads in my future. :P And it's another re-read and also a Jane Austen retelling. What can I say? I like what I like. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>9 Days and 9 Nights</b> - This was everything I've come to expect from a Katie Cotugno book: gritty, genuine, and full of awful truths. The situations are awkward and uncomfortable but they make you think and consider how you'd react. The characters are real and the story is honest, and even when it's depressing, it's still oddly hopeful. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>All the Truth That's in Me</b> - I first read this last summer after seeing a friend on GR gush about it, and I ended up loving it to pieces. And it's still just as amazing upon re-read. And now I have my bestie listening to it because what kind of friend would I be if I didn't force her to experience this amazing story, too? ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Bring Me Their Hearts</b> - This book was such a disappointment, and I'm not even sure I can put my finger on what exactly it was that bothered me so much. Beyond the use of such modern language for a fantasy novel. That definitely grated on me, though I could have overlooked it had other aspects aligned more with my expectations. I think I was hoping for something more akin to <i>To Kill a Kingdom</i> with a fierce heroine and witty banter and all I got was some milquetoast waif who couldn't hold up her end of the bargain. I wanted a <i>monster</i> girl, full of darkness and secrets, and though there were brief flashes of that, there was more romance than anything else. Which would be fine if it had been a <i>good</i> romance but it just felt choppy and rushed and I couldn't get on board with it. ๐๐<br />
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<b>Finding Audrey</b> - So, I ended up on a fairly awesome Sophie Kinsella binge this month. I don't know how I've avoided reading her books all this time when they're actually ridiculously cute. Except this one. This one was thoughtful and thought-provoking, and it was equal parts sad and hopeful. I think this is the author's first YA? I'm not sure and I don't feel like researching. I definitely prefer her less serious adult contemporaries, but it was nice to throw this one into the mix. ๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7230309-13-to-life"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24R0YMDF4N3C3b7gR_ALNp3t7BRvCdGtCN0AyyUZtNGPIzJbtuy19N8k01HbbJufPDeZOBwvIhJZKRa9sdHR6m55pHHWfqnbvlbtZEehOW8lDNCulgDuoPFyONbCo1d3i6oPokYFAAPE/s200/13tolife.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8662410-secrets-and-shadows"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwZVAXugrcr8IpYc0PMKJXfvGN5sMfaAJP2j7xNrOOsvV6QboGp7QFS_3TPggoRNa6eyLessTNugr6T-Dd1d9ElEV_0OHSujVQeCJYbC4PJF5APdVIUbTlI6wh9p_cUItIULJT61cHR8/s200/secretsandshadows.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9339970-bargains-and-betrayals"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcr2iSEdBHl04XmmGXfI6lg13xOboGpHuiMxlbIpUYLCdq1Qva8TnB0Mxqz1Msw_1wIaVoH1LNWYaoXQcJC-jK5own1GWMJtbMDO90o05sjcKfhPJSjd-vzcQO40-HhJOJASmp5p3Dky0/s200/bargainsandbetrayals.jpg" width="134" /></a>
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<b>13 to Life series (books #1-3, anyway)</b> - Okay, so I'm definitely a different reader than I was back in 2011 when I first read this book/series. It's not as good as I remember, but I'm trying to divest my shelves of books I'm unlikely to read again or encourage my tween to read, so I thought I'd give the series one more go before eliminating it completely from my stacks. Also, I apparently never read the 5th and final book? That wasn't really my MO back then, but it's been the case in recent years, an issue I'm trying to rectify using my "so I can finish the series" shelf for re-reads and final books. And yet I still couldn't bring myself to read past the 3rd book. :( It's weird coming back to this series and realizing just how much I'd forgotten past book one and then remembering it and putting all the pieces back together. I still didn't love it as much as I remembered, but it's still kind of a fun guilty pleasure and I like how the author pokes fun at herself throughout, something I doubt I noticed upon my initial read. Also, my copies of the 3rd and 4th books are signed, and now that I think about it, I remember meeting her at ALA Midwinter back when I first got into the series, so despite my love for these books being less than what it once was, I still don't think I can part with them. And, hey, maybe my daughter will have as much fun reading them as I did the first go-round. :D ๐๐๐<br />
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*ARC received from publisher for review purposes. This does not affect my review in any way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBuNYl05I0WI_1Db9JnwmLnFQqGlc7lF7wQxmYrK10Vw7tp16cAItNZxotFeE-qb_Xkih40cxIYS2GtJsrc3CWFLBEXhT4XDF3x10eTFZwWsF9IMbbSx2dlehBnIcoSxz3wjvx9Qbofk/s1600/starseparate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBuNYl05I0WI_1Db9JnwmLnFQqGlc7lF7wQxmYrK10Vw7tp16cAItNZxotFeE-qb_Xkih40cxIYS2GtJsrc3CWFLBEXhT4XDF3x10eTFZwWsF9IMbbSx2dlehBnIcoSxz3wjvx9Qbofk/s320/starseparate.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A D U L T</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13542496-the-anatomist-s-wife"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="305" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uYJZ7Qe_X7rIpJgsGktsUnt79bIB3rm8i7MSkioyDjxD1-tjH8d1-EoRfmaisXUUdcXWFWgvhFLYb2KGCMgtpO5dappE-GGmCULRuSZAOaZQtFXU2fcFsxWBt_RsUuIfBRvQtS6JVss/s200/theanatomistswife.jpg" width="128" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17165593-mortal-arts"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="256" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2r2peq-2cWt4CC3htwcclcgqfIawHpCHDz_8_1Nur2V4cp8goVxmmfBPZ_pMu4EzqBe-BJHBYuMIBQW4izfts19bLSpa_Gbti4oZwBIQeuJR2zn2zy5aIUYePePdPU7Gqi46D_2NzeKM/s200/mortalarts.jpg" width="128" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40092683-claimed-by-gods"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tKm2p_G4HDEzQPY445YIdmpgn3XamJ4hCOj_jEo94rF2nWl8oM1fMJFnTgmE9clMyIFi9kfPBRMSWmFmh8_EVYCvIMsaLOq0I7djsVFlnukEKotGIEaAb-B_QFEm5I3KmCOvrdI6Awg/s200/claimedbygods.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34951521-scandal-s-daughter"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcpRLn9Marlte2W8sHkP-CVJ5FHuExkFU69Z1vrXgZe63CoOsppdBE-stdmM5XALwL0BqS9GBCTgG7oDGyJTEtDnyCNM3JaA5tk5J2L0jDYlY89E7fkmrc2ge11o1WMzGU_sTnrw1qJE/s200/scandalsdaughter.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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<b>The Anatomist's Wife</b> - I've had this book on my shelf for ages -- I think the publisher sent it to me unsolicited? -- and it managed to make it into the donation pile without having been read. BUT, then I saw a Goodreads friend tearing through the whole series, and my curiosity was piqued. I went the audiobook route because, well, that's what I do, but I was excited when I saw that Heather Wilds was narrating. She's great at accents and since this story is set in Scotland, I knew she'd do a great job with the Scottish brogue. There wasn't much of that, to be honest, but there was plenty of mystery and red herrings and ominous foreshadowing, and I was very intrigued. If you're a fan of Deanna Raybourn or the Lady Sherlock books by Sherry Thomas, I think this series is a must-read. And I've only read the first book! But I've already got the next one downloaded because I can't wait to see what's in store for Kiera and Gage. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Mortal Arts</b> - This is definitely a series that I'll be sticking out, if only in hopes of seeing Kiera and Gage make it to the altar one day. :D I love their banter and how protective Gage is and how Kiera still won't let that stop her from solving the mystery at hand. She's plucky and courageous and one day, I'm sure she'll get that gun she's been meaning to purchase. ;) Lord knows she's gonna need it if she keeps on her current path. I do wish there was more of an on-going mystery and not just a new case with each book, especially as the cases thus far have been a tad predictable, but even so, I still find these books suspenseful and captivating. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Claimed by Gods</b> - I wasn't entirely sure what to expect with this RH story featuring Thor, Loki, Odin, et al. Would it be steeped in Norse mythology or based on the characters we know and love from the Marvel Universe? Eh. A little from column A and a little from column B. Or maybe the Marvel comparisons were simply my mind's own doing? Either way it was fun and that's my #1 prerequisite for a reverse harem story. But despite the humor and antics of the gods, this one still felt rather surface level. Sure, there's some bonding between the valkyrie and her cohort, but I just never felt connected to them or really their connection to each other. I'm hoping that the sequel really delves deeper because I'm not ready to give up on these characters yet...especially after that ending! ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Scandal's Daughter </b>- So, even though I figured out everything by the 25% mark on this book, I still enjoyed it. Even if it did remind me of one of my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/114166.Devil_in_Winter">favorite Lisa Kleypas books</a> -- or rather, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/827412.It_Happened_One_Autumn">the book that leads into my favorite</a>. Or maybe because of that? It made me want to go back and read all the Wallflowers books, anyway. I actually had planned on reading book 4 in this series first because I saw a review on GR that claimed my interest, but then I also saw that the hero in book 4 was the villain of book 3, and I decided I had to meet him as the antihero first. It was a good call because I also really liked the main couple in book 3. I liked the case of mistaken/stolen identity, how the scandal fell about them, and what it all meant for their relationship. But I also can't wait to see what happens to Beau...the real one. :) ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/161910.Suddenly_You"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="294" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoySBoEbRm7fiu9RWV6F_UBg11ajGHMecji7rqEDRG96OZT65FZabPVRKmYhepFr1mRYRvWftr-hZ9pOxtM81-t3nuQlyqnDgMooa7tOP1KuiqUHxb3t5p86qJuY7GCfA6zFg9c7aGNcA/s200/suddenlyyou.jpg" width="124" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36625132-the-winter-duchess"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AD-O6qninBnaQv-9dsCLW56gdBWiyrPIyQePwbiOveOYXFtGrXfTnWRycsx3mbkubGo8_hkxZqlZI1vyjIIu2JFARlxqNwEghBS50DK41kspRBYVHi9Nkn6ZYCnAYqASDbWYW43UTJw/s200/thewinterduchess.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37752021-consort-of-secrets"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1z4q1ocW-d4FurQsu-YfalNP8ss9UDcEFTtNj0XEz2OI-BDi-YibNArhRjYHqIXw3pM6g99A0vdvQaGLNzgk81F2tldffJnSy9l-uihIP8f_fMWueNBqezmalZ44NUWKNH6IMFhppo9U/s200/consortofsecrets.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25883848-the-hating-game"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUCm75damMp7Thk0lx76o7jIvHXPHW1I0sqo6-9pMcYJLPBHbz3_QlqagBriiZFWfsvAAmDOV4Nq3Hs9tgh99WB0Z61OluWozCRf-TbdNw__G18v-RJ2sZSNZhMBr1HWUnGx4xECOfqw/s200/thehatinggame.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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<b>Suddenly You</b> - This definitely wasn't my favorite Lisa Kleypas book, but it wasn't altogether unenjoyable. Though the hero and heroine both are completely pig-headed at times and made me want to bash their heads together, I enjoyed their interactions when they were bantering playfully, but it was hard to digest the lies and omissions of hard truths. It just irks me to no end when separation or betrayal could have been avoided by the characters having a simple conversation instead of making assumptions about each other. To that end, I didn't love this one, but it's still got publishing as a backstory and Jack has swagger for dayyyysss, so it was still a fun enough read. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Winter Duchess</b> - Total snoozefest. It was too short for anything to really happen, but that's partially my fault for not noticing this was a novella instead of a full-length novel. But seriously, nothing happens. Girl marries Duke out of obligation. Duke marries girl so that he'll never fall in love and turn into his father. They end up snowed in at the Duke's country estate and well, you can probably guess the rest. ๐๐<br />
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<b>Consort of Secrets</b> - I think that maybe Eva Chase isn't the RH author for me. This is the second novel of hers that I've read, but again I just felt like there wasn't enough meat to the story, no real building of the bond between all of the mates, or in this case, consorts. No connection to the characters and their relationships means that I'm just not invested in the story. And though this one had witchy goodness and the other had Norse gods, that's not enough to save the story for me. ๐๐<br />
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<b>The Hating Game</b> - Whenever I'm in a slump, it's <i>The Hating Game</i> to the rescue. No book puts a smile on my face like this one. I mean, after listening to it for the 5th or 6th time, I wanted to immediately start the audio over again. That's kind of magical. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24950568-attraction"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoVKLqP6sm1m0NobNt8pxNocSLanpGmKFEUeM62pjKtjfZ0QQAR0C-Fm1hU8gU0rVJL6Mv9jGDfabxatS2YwPsKIMFvDKymSdkzX3E9vwn6SnCKgoVnjjwwaARvWjDXA_zISUaOlCmJ0/s200/attraction.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25151096-heat"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM37l75Hx2Ju4mKw3xten2W-Kd4jgiFCazZ9ZnWx_3eYu8oCOvTcnOj6t61dT_2FfXADLR_b-rYmoP-BV25LYyYAqz7-83gu1VKet0yu6OL0-gtE4BugqdnrRhbHuVVWWe_e6rzWv3qSo/s200/heat.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24950581-capture"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGW-rdI9qb67M5h29S2mSOQvY8C3XjC8QfI6bm1fVWKNbv0B-xb3xlTepz9Lecx8Kq8X2wn9BAmXjpV0R_FpPetxjWCdmU7LaGKp2s0BJrnC_54lj0HsWlRcPmxSfF86RgS6eZffLzN34/s200/capture.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/861326.The_Viscount_Who_Loved_Me"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="295" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedO5PVBe4RVAcryupXADvWblL_GdjeZ3s9e-gTSBSnWUvmpMbEqIl_j86v5mwnG783z2mG85dKs8KDjoYBrxoNtN5wdDogb1zU6uCJBRiLBK2eAEjsVE_oIXevbp0kPKpO1B_3ivIgR4/s200/theviscountwholovedme.jpg" width="124" /></a></center>
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<b>Elements of Chemistry series</b> - This series was fun. Frustrating...but fun. Kaitlyn reminded me a lot of Janie from the first <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41127699-neanderthal-seeks-human">Knitting in the City book</a>, and I kind of adored her even when she was annoyingly naive. Martin was a textbook bad boy but also a real softie when it came to Kaitlyn. For the most part. I understood his frustration with Kaitlyn and it lessened the sting to some extent. I love Penny Reid's books and how genuine they are but also how inherently readable they are. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Viscount Who Loved Me</b> - I was looking for a reformed rake type of story, and this popped up under that category in the Audible Romance Package, though it actually wasn't the type of story I was looking for at all. I've read Julia Quinn before and I didn't hate it, but she's also not a favorite author. Her books and characters are just...meh. I found the same to be true of this set of characters, though I did enjoy the pall-mall game during the novel and again in the epilogue. The hero was just so back-and-forth and too unwilling to put his heart on the line and it was endlessly frustrating. I probably would've used the "mallet of death" on him myself. ;) ๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31290944-heartstone"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERrc69PJK88wqVR3di4rhWepPbnT2waI56KKTv5OWf7TjBA5lR3mK8ycHm1v5tt2Gqg6kx03JYmgCUQFYknL3gQEwN-IkBaAfBhMbNT4i51okCeB8eUJ79GZEArhtokhxqLQol40fURI/s200/heartstone.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8260795-stranger-in-my-arms"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="177" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimumHhp28bMW3F_mqcrDEOuvq3l5EdqV_hm3S4_n3OhmIVCSSpxRPQr42oAe1wBR3UfTDRL_Gysbo1vD3JrPktk5IaZadeCYmRqAnK4iMEIuuZqbcVxbQWR23k5pQcG4PyKzj73_D1dfQ/s200/strangerinmyarms.jpg" width="124" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/854757.Bet_Me"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="292" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtd_BuFPUxKLodYNyt2g8rwDhtrFZYqPZCyWm3j3-muHymjGjHQgceotSPKGV1ofgAuv-l0HVG-IVdlHZSLs75qABGvdA1sp1RFh2xZFaRmKkcdrTqcjQ7s3QkNu9JupaIYclxlVgGtY/s200/betme.jpg" width="123" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5853002-strange-bedpersons"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="294" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdmNAPFjVS7SzMvMyhjst735FlHm0ga9SOd7rb0BI6cxRrc8ChR1wakFc8j4oDmmy0fzhs5hyoVgUXiFqUllvaW5IVXjvxGfnmhWlc9fLlzPbjRLhY2CsWGEgNdA7T4hQZmb7hp7EdYM/s200/strangebedpersons.jpg" width="147" /></a></center>
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<b>Heartstone</b> - As I explained above, I've been on a bit of a <i>Pride & Prejudice</i> kick this month. I usually resort to some P&P when I'm feeling sorry for myself. It never fails to pull me out of a funk, but when you add wyverns and lindworms and a warrior for Mr. Darcy, well, I'm feeling more and more like myself as I think about it. :D ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Stranger in My Arms</b> - I liked the premise of this story, as well as the execution, though I still found it predictable after the initial meeting of the separated spouses. But the fact that I still found it engaging is a true compliment to Kleypas' writing. I've pretty much always found that to be true of her books, though: it can still be a lesser story compared to others of hers that I've read, and yet it's still leagues better than others in the genre. I'll admit that her backlist, including this one and the one I read earlier this week, are more comparable to other historical romance, past and present. The hero is to sigh for, yet the heroine makes all kinds of questionable decisions, leaving me to bang my head against the desk. The plot is kind of ridiculous, delightfully so, but the one true bright spot was Johnny. I'm definitely more forgiving of this book because of that orphan...also, probably because I listened to it and Rosalyn Landor is a favorite narrator. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Bet Me</b> - I enjoyed this book <b>so much</b> that I went on Audible and downloaded all they had available in the ARP because this story just left me with that giddy, happy feeling I've been missing in my life lately. Maybe I've developed a sudden taste for chick lit. Maybe they're not all as good as <i>Bet Me</i>. I don't care. As long as they keep me from feeling funky -- in the bad way -- I'll happily read all of Jennifer Crusie's books. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Strange Bedpersons</b> - Cute and funny with an opposites attract vibe and the second chances trope, which isn't my favorite but really works here. Predictable but still sweet. I liked the subplot, though I guessed how that would turn out, but I really loved Nick and Tess together. I could give two figs about Park and Gina, but it wasn't really about them anyway. ๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19384716-what-the-lady-wants"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9DQq_qYkzNo8z3Idz3vJImymg3PhF6T1NVnmEpQWzWZtWa8fIfzuCS2JJrOP1hCFQSy-nGGL81FCUMoFrnOOdt_bs9FLgW7gmFu6qMRFyLUvinztmJhnke9uvVcW-yAuA1MsZG1Q2wM/s200/whattheladywants.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33734.Getting_Rid_of_Bradley"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="302" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQl2bpRfrJURMlkLM6tc8XOGR89qewamth3NoQedcMF7fTCrPHevh90s5fZMLqC-7IoHx00bG8p1_7Hz-KhyphenhyphenG4XTeAxVdvM70nVLK5Rec3yr0J7WwbOrALTjwOuf8RLSpECNf7I0dHs34/s200/gettingridofbradley.jpg" width="127" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33734.Getting_Rid_of_Bradley"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="253" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVuTNDXFSixrAKeB9_nCKwuu0DpMAkEywE7g5hSCBnf_2LA42lX4FGgMhd2USY_9vYsSgz0REQH1WXA7LzAr_DFUj11chcfjDcjzPOzT2_6WiJ_ZMP2AcsgAXfPdh1mu7ySlunIN93Ec/s200/charlieallnight.jpg" width="127" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6644894-the-cinderella-deal"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="244" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYbyCaNZg1t0Er-O284x50M0WqOS1KnUcqMUO9TWuXqzFb6j6y1GMhESjwXQrPv0Cul_-b5aGo6NX5a-HadiQ5bO3PamWtEtR8OT_fIBOKKhyphenhyphenYDo-c1UsAOaAsHdTSgVFQ7Y8OuOEeuY/s200/thecinderelladeal.jpg" width="122" /></a></center>
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<b>What the Lady Wants</b> - This one was funny in a weirdly off-putting way. The premise was just...strange...and unbelievable in a <i>it <b>could</b> happen but would it <b>really</b></i> way. But I liked the characters. And I liked the cameo of the couple from <i>Strange Bedpersons</i>, though the narrator for this one went a little overboard with the voice for Tess. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Getting Rid of Bradley</b> - Again, not super plausible but also not completely out of the realm of possibility. I'm gathering that Jennifer Crusie's books would make for great made-for-tv movies, <i>a la</i> The Hallmark Channel. Assuming they haven't been already. I know I saw a Debbie Macomber book I read made into one around the holidays. ;) The main character was charming and quirky and the hero was rough around the edges in a sort of devil-may-care way. Cute and funny but weird seems to be Crusie's MO, not that I'm really complaining. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Charlie All Night</b> - So, this is the Jennifer Crusie book I considered borrowing from the ARP while I debated whether to purchase <i>Bet Me</i> -- before it was part of a sale for $5. For some reason, I assumed the love interest was going to be younger than the MC, which put me off. But that's because I think of DJs in the present: as young people mixing music on laptops. Not the disc jockeys of before, what I think of now as radio show hosts. At any rate, I was wrong, and I ended up adoring this one. Especially how everyone took care of Samson, the puppy whose mother abandoned it. Also, this was written before the gay best friend was a <i>thing</i> and it includes a great one. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Cinderella Deal</b> - If <i>Bet Me</i> is my favorite Jennifer Crusie novel, this is my least favorite. The characters were annoying throughout the novel and never endeared themselves to me...not once. Linc was so overbearing and Daisy was just bland, so very bland, no matter how the author tried to dress her up or make her quirky. And the whole fake relationship/marriage just really didn't work for me in this case. I needed there to be more substance to their relationship and it never developed. ๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30821598-my-not-so-perfect-life"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="308" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNrOSSZZOF5Gp3wQA4vgz54KffIXq8zqPAuuevPSXZzQ3HzYqKtd7AfebniPxSHMDOu-AKF5wIRV-ikbg9iYq-r4Dj0hxG_pCg8kLlkBIN2Jxsmss5QH1dw6FgdjKZq7UNc3joYmWgIA/s200/mynotsoperfectlife.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12033455-i-ve-got-your-number"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaijrRJLkcQAXIa9TPm0bK2zyde6Eal_vLNHVVI0WrhtQwXfvfetvNBZooNvB1lJrw4TA2G2mddQXOa3HX5RR7J4ooW70jkdhozybfmUBTXCcSfideCfsrL_XaCHAnqYMDKjIMPlxCvMY/s200/ivegotyournumber.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33724.Can_You_Keep_a_Secret_?"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="188" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7aZtj5QztckLt-AOgPwb8Aivtviw5rpk7Y7mtv8RlZl9pl1ZoAnu6anItrzs1NdrybUyRBiBcRpSpgCBl7q8ffLQDbk311aV9k-tFsFJRsf52dlts8t5zIMCE3idzCJ7psMoZMIZH8o/s200/canyoukeepasecret.jpg" width="118" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16071830-wedding-night"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="265" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaIAcDP1Znx_WUARic9FqynRJHumfijJWv3X4t5xvzlpfQI8JNqh560s3BRHwCwCjLMIaoRhAm1EwN_HfySLoR9fmqa8vQ57dUlQ0i-n7MJd-eqNhu-hjQLlCov-yV_rTXRo9VmyhNQo/s200/weddingnight.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1241074.Remember_Me_"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0cWsa-6rcOcoRDFb5AY_eJDkJRJN8QxuFrzUhUH0-RJRg-HhieRubjoE0__FAtL2cnhA6racirB9SFQ5z8mU6C_nkl3KKaziCO85NVeyx2c-SqzPuRGtP3vUM_tfYmQ0qZ23GL8PMDk/s200/rememberme.jpg" width="132" /></a></center>
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<b>My (Not So) Perfect Life</b> - My first Sophie Kinsella novel and it was just as I expected: cute and quirky and a bit awkward. I liked the reversal of fortune in this story, along with the idea that not everything is as it appears and that we all put on a front for the world. And I adored Katie and her attraction to Alex and her weird relationship with her boss -- not to mention her dad and stepmom -- plus the whole glamping business. It was cute. A little cheesy. But really cute. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>I've Got Your Number</b> - So far, this one is my favorite of Sophie Kinsella's, and I say that after having read five of them. The story's a stretch but not <i>that</i> big of one, and I loved the sharing a phone aspect. Oh, and everything being flipped upside down, there at the end...definitely <i>loved that</i>. But it was also just really sweet seeing these two people from different walks of life coming together to help one another, though they were veritable strangers before the phone incident. Equal parts comical and sweet, this one definitely left me with a smile on my face. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Can You Keep a Secret?</b> - At times, I adored this story and the characters, and at others, I was livid with them. And it started out <i>so well</i>! I mean, I still enjoyed it in the end but all of those trust issues -- well-earned, I might add -- and the secrecy, it made me reluctant to even like the love interest, despite my initial feelings toward him. Plus, it seemed rushed...their whole relationship. And I think I almost died of embarrassment on behalf of the main character. I don't know how she showed her face after that. She was definitely made of stronger stuff, that's for sure. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Wedding Night</b> - This is by far my least favorite Sophie Kinsella novel but it still wasn't half bad. It was zany, awkward, and totally off-the-wall. I preferred the less crazy relationship that was developing between Fliss and Lorkin over the rushed thing that was Ben and Lottie, but I think that's the point. You're not supposed to like Ben and Lottie because Lottie belongs with Richard and Ben is just...not ready for that kind of commitment. Fliss and Lorkin are control freaks in their own right -- <i>I can relate</i> -- and they bond over their shared intentions to keep Ben and Lottie from the altar. Meanwhile, Ben and Lottie bond over their teenage fling from 15 years ago. I deeply appreciate Arthur's -- he's not important except as a wise naysayer -- sentiment that first loves should live in different places. You should never run into a first love because it won't be like you remembered it. So. Yeah... ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Remember Me?</b> - A fluffy, frivolous Sophie Kinsella novel this is not. It's got the trademark quirky heroine who's easy to relate to and someone you'd <strike>probably</strike> definitely want as a friend. But the amnesia plotline itself was frustrating and heartbreaking and just plain sad. The romantic aspect is a little off-putting, with the main character having married sometime during the three-year period she can't remember, which means she doesn't even know her husband...or the other guy who's claiming they're lovers. And then there's the whole thing with her job and how she'd alienated all of her friends when she became boss lady. But regardless of all that, I liked this story. I liked the more thoughtful and thought-provoking side of Kinsella's writing. I could've used an epilogue because this one was a little open-ended, but I've got a pretty good imagination. :P ๐๐๐๐<br />
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Have you read any of these? What did you think? Find any new titles to check out? ;0)<br />
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Until next time! Happy reading!<br />
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starryeyedjenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841350560201331032noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-19709948982346423332018-07-31T10:27:00.000-05:002018-07-31T10:27:22.637-05:00What I've Been Reading Lately {July 2018}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, I got sucked into a bit of a reverse harem vortex there at the end of June into the first half of July...erm, and further. I don't regret it, but I definitely should have stopped while I was ahead. It's a relatively new subgenre and there's just not a whole lot of good out there yet. And reading the YA versions made me feel a little squicky at times. Why did I keep reading them, then? Because with love triangles, you have to pick a side or a team, if you will, but with reverse harem, <b>everyone gets a happy ending!</b><br />
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Okay, okay. But honestly, I read some real stinkers this month. More than I've read in awhile...or at least it feels like that. But thanks to my bestie, I did take a bit of a hiatus from reading for a few days to binge <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3288518/?ref_=nv_sr_2">Younger</a></i>, a fact that I don't regret in the slightest, especially since it made me <i>want </i>to get back to reading. But that's a post for another day. ;) I did a lot of re-reading again this month, too. Did those old favorites hold up? Read on to find out! :D<br />
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And without further ado, here's what I've been reading lately...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(More on why I've gone to this format <a href="http://starryeyedrevue.blogspot.com/2016/10/my-moment-of-zen.html">here</a> in lieu of traditional reviews for each.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBuNYl05I0WI_1Db9JnwmLnFQqGlc7lF7wQxmYrK10Vw7tp16cAItNZxotFeE-qb_Xkih40cxIYS2GtJsrc3CWFLBEXhT4XDF3x10eTFZwWsF9IMbbSx2dlehBnIcoSxz3wjvx9Qbofk/s1600/starseparate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBuNYl05I0WI_1Db9JnwmLnFQqGlc7lF7wQxmYrK10Vw7tp16cAItNZxotFeE-qb_Xkih40cxIYS2GtJsrc3CWFLBEXhT4XDF3x10eTFZwWsF9IMbbSx2dlehBnIcoSxz3wjvx9Qbofk/s320/starseparate.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Y O U N G A D U L T</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33898320-trickery"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPWggjRhJGXxiGpy6-FX3HSf21x7pSLu6zSelsYD8PHm3etPRPcUQ0WbGao6hTb5KdFpqxfdUtjWrF_nTgg9aQOq3aYsr1l8h9z74QcjfqA9wcxD641jpA1fx25iXuimGX_Ib87mOmc4/s200/trickery.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34881966-persuasion"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTHHmkpQlkZ4-9sGLpgN36yvB9TVXADf7EFSjbMpFgtY8P1Kyf_jYgE-9bcqjovGZ4yzIlJzztehSldpD2hOGyc0ZHTw3wlXVLJUToXZzTITkDnc81wKMC4KnvFtkCi-eUa6jE9w3G1s/s200/persuasion.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35380177-seduction"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCk1TpiNwDV-xtWCYZHC0-2YK45tigng-at1T9xWT-BK4bOcFC7_r1GopEbT8HG4ITvlR0agGIQrmPyH3fw9mv-Oc7g61F07DqJsEn3oq-e0aNJkUQWfPAWSxg_CFOAgEU1QYAuz3hIM/s200/seduction.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36315362-strength"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PiSsNwCp8qRr-PT-G0NagXLD4lxeI5qt3Q6YPzRLIqvEPbTU7uGmUag5WmsFGoS85mHkRLDXWaB55hNdZNrCTD2jOqd_wXVD_XTUuTiTxqZrxA1hFXYtfmgFD3FtfXEDjiCmgMUUamM/s200/strength.jpg" width="125" /></a>
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<b>CURSE OF THE GODS series</b> - Honestly, I hesitated which section to put this series under. It starts off as young adult but veers off into new adult territory as things heat up in the third book, and it <i>is</i> a reverse harem fantasy. But the language is modern -- other than a few changes to "add" to the world-building -- and the characters, at least the human ones, are around 18. And they act like 18 year-olds, so I guess what I'm saying is <i>read at your own caution</i>.</div>
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<b>Trickery</b> - I seriously almost DNF'd this book. The main character was so annoying, so clumsy, so <i>grating</i> at first, that I just didn't think I could do it. I don't know that she actually changed much, at least not till much later in this book, but she definitely grew on me. And then there were the brothers and the curse and while it wasn't quite what I was expecting, it was actually pretty funny at times, which I <i>really</i> wasn't expecting. I'm glad I took a chance on this one. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Persuasion</b> - This second book is where all the gods stuff <i>really</i> comes into play. And the world-building is less basic because there's more mythology to instill in the story. Also, the bond between the brothers and Willa really starts to intensify, which causes some problems but also means more of the humor from the first book. Also, there are five brothers and it was a little harder to keep them straight before, but this book helped with that. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Seduction</b> - This is why I should really do my research before just downloading a book to my Kindle Unlimited library. If I'd done that, I'd have known this was an unfinished series and I would have waited on the off chance that I'd enjoy it and want to binge it. Which I do but that also means the agony of waiting for the next book. In this case, that's only till the end of the month, and it's not like book 3 ended on a major cliffhanger. But still. There's going to be more than four books...so more waiting. The reverse harem aspect was on full display in this installment, to which I say FINALLY. But also, I was happy to wait. I liked the bond that was developing between Willa and her Abcurse brothers, and it had to be just right before anything further happened between any of them or it would have just felt wrong. As it is, I really, <i>really</i> like the note this book left off on, and I can't wait to read the next one. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Strength</b> - Gawd, this series is just so compulsively readable. And fun. And sexy. I think it's the humor that keeps me coming back, though. I've laughed a lot while reading these books. I do wish there'd been a little more recap in the beginning of this installment since there was a bit of time between finishing the third book at the beginning of the month and reading the 4th book which released late in the month, but it came back to me quickly enough. Now, I'm just waiting to see when my favorite Abcurse will get his time to shine. ;) ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36271664-charcoal-tears"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADyXDprSkuRZhI6y_j1YO_DsyglX5QpeMYa2XYFfIx7e0i6yZnM5F32p-PpuD5QvAPQJ660ktz3kPwkHMrQLJfsOERzdxeBGZ1qWupjpyUCrOL-3c3_nvd6F3MZ07pPw7rdPm075HelI/s200/charcoaltears.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36271679-watercolour-smile"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpH3etX5vj297rdLbmeB-TCx4Vilo04Xx5zyrXtR77hXSXqbYpHgQzJz4lACv7gqh9NKaS1P613ki9uo2eC3FnQB5a6mXOjBcVGa5N4V3r7hLMdBpLi0hsMK8ta85OSZtzH17mEKglG0/s200/watercolorsmile.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36271688-lead-heart"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzz4kf4Oa7u5mO4oyHgdvorteItYCoqfcjXSHHzuqSw07xVSoPsf9J96nOXGgnQDDxvvmAPH4mC-70i8dXlsljUaAXYF-diXUhRP6qNUzayyCbLXD2A13NLbRrtO1kKDfzj8diJvhfLjc/s200/leadheart.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36271694-a-portrait-of-pain"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bYQIUe2XPeIiAX6yb8FTEcCqI7Mecb7tjYpihbApvmE8qMc1aF3vVnZSasMvFxsj5KGmczFm2_n036_H4TaloMX85XtSwzsZ3YNB666y6e0RmW1XwNmzcvSdqsTyFHik6ixUgVU2my8/s200/aportraitofpain.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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<b>SERAPH BLACK series - </b>This one is definitely more YA, with god-like gifts being bestowed upon mere mortals. It's not really mythology-based, but the Zev society hidden among humans does have its own mythology, if that makes sense. The summaries for these books just do not do them justice. They are a thing unto themselves and it only gets crazier as the series progresses.</div>
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<b>Charcoal Tears</b> - So, after trying several reverse harem stories and ultimately being disappointed by each, I wasn't expecting much from this book. Especially since it was considered young adult and I was searching for something more akin to the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/231797-power-of-five">Alex Lidell series</a> I read last month. But <i>Charcoal Tears</i> was really quite good! The characterization, the plotting, the pace, the lingering questions...all were fantastic and kept me captivated. I wasn't even through with this first book before I was downloading the rest of the series on Kindle Unlimited. Truthfully, I read these books back-to-back-to-back over the course of the weekend, so I can't really differentiate between them at this point, but they're good, <i>really</i> good: humorous while also tackling some really awful truths, well-written, and super-intriguing. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Watercolor Smile</b> - I think I suspected who the Messenger was in the first book, but this book cemented it for me. However, that made the creepy rhymes and cruel deaths no less sinister. The Messenger's efforts <i>did</i> manage to push Seraph and her bondmates closer together, though, and <i>this </i>is how I want to see this type of romance play out: getting to know one another, forming connections, and <i>then</i> moving on to the physical stuff. But it's been pretty tame so far, which I appreciate because YAY the tight-knit closeness of this group but which I also loathe because FOUR BROTHERS. Ahem. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Lead Heart</b> - In this third installment, you could just feel Seph's solace, the sense of betrayal and her inability to trust pretty much anyone. It just leaks off the pages. But you can't blame her, considering everything she's been through. I think <i>Lead Heart</i> is a very apropos title. Big changes in this book, but it's late in the series and I feel like anything I say might be spoilery. Just...if you've made it this far, you've got to read the final book. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>A Portrait of Pain</b> - I am so, SO glad this was a completed series when I stumbled upon it. The only ones I've seemed to enjoy lately are those that are unfinished series and it's driving me crazy. Constant book hangover is no way to live one's life. <i>Anyway</i>...this final book was a big ole box of WTFs. The reveals! The sexy times! The near-constant refrain of <i>how is this even going to work</i>?!? I read it in one sitting, as soon as I finished <i>Lead Heart</i> and though I think the author maybe jumped the shark a bit here in this final book, I still maintain that it was a pretty great series on the whole. I did think it was odd that the author chose to showcase the mates voices in this last book, though. It was the first time you got to read from their perspectives, if I remember correctly, but it felt almost unnecessary at this point. The author did such a great job of introducing each Atma (mate) from the beginning and it felt understood how each would be feeling in the moment, so close were their bonds to Seph. Oh, and also, #TeamMiro. :D (I can't be the only one who likes the responsible leader. It always feels like that guy gets the shaft (ha!) because he's always putting duty above everything else.) ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30197319-finding-my-pack"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5TIjtAXLb1sTddlkqJVMh3uFSr5B2JD6oo1Qk779hdRLa5IB09FX2N1pG6Q3EjBwTScsDcNEh4Kes3AAsiR-ZcKTEqwTFahCaH3m_uVYjOFIefAOQTCc8HwExhad3ErZFbyhyr7_zIc/s200/findingmypack.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30213217-keeping-my-pack"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOmwlD8mgaiwqdfBt-BbHblpkeYCM0jlIfLUslK3NzIcU4egp_Tjz1oR4JPSRGGPPhUIuzn_WPBbw1qBbz80KSZtIH7ckZYHsOXHVHANVXmXSQh90N696MZM2qhyj5Adt8mbefZzG1Uc/s200/keepingmypack.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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<b>MY PACK series - </b>YA reverse harem series about wolf shifters that transitions <i>heavily</i> into new adult in the second book.</div>
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<b>Finding My Pack</b> - I took a chance on these books, even knowing the third one wasn't out and there's no fixed release date for it yet. That said, the main character's naรฏvetรฉ nearly made me give up in the beginning. A girl abandoned in a dumpster as a baby would likely be hardened by her circumstances, but apparently the wolf pack needed the innocence rolling off her in waves, so it is what it is. There are eight, YES EIGHT, potential mates in this series, and you would think that would get a little messy and hard to keep track of. And it was at first, but surprisingly, each guy really was his own character. I will say that the cliffhanger ending was completely unnecessary, especially having read the sequel and finding that there was an absolutely perfect spot to end at after only about a few chapters in. I almost didn't even read the second installment because it's been pretty predictable thus far...and yet, I let my curiosity get the better of me once again. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Keeping My Pack</b> - As I said, the beginning of this book should have been the ending to the first, though I get that the author wanted to hook readers. There wasn't a whole lot of action to this second installment, but there was a whole lot of naughtiness. With eight mates, it was difficult to remember who got what and when, but it was pretty hawt most of the time. This might have been the single-most sexy book I've ever read...meaning there was so much of it and with so many different partners. But that's really all this book was, aside from another sorta kinda cliffhanger. I'm not even sure I care now if that third book ever releases... ๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11983940-scarlet"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-aMRF6N-f3V_nRv8j61lyf_HmKJbEMFGa4RXjBCw6mCVhWNxol5QwoBIu71yreFCNwu0YM3cS89mi8w9TyAbQdviPTELgd2r5mhSb3j3ROLPm-1AUSTC6McGSsjX6GPbiJiTlRX_uuI/s200/scarlet.jpg" width="142" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16181630-lady-thief"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJgWjjDu9QFRVABrV6RrxRb086LtR_nH0GXCElQBjpzMH26cCpD2gAGzCPBD1iDPlEtoicezRFl4lsPXPsAqqA419hLHZmTpRXqzNEgrwgEHKasgTtncsIH8A5b_-rcjsSLzEDH120vA/s200/ladythief.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16181630-lady-thief"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHW1qGyNooEIWsW2mDEjZNulKM0SxJ0TS8waE7_CPz4h_7GiAqYxdyjW07BZivoOPtjlPnkf3GYQZVppqRIHl9rJHlK8Tkox52LkAo1cf8br_lGhLvaHFA1utTE0RexGGBx-239Yt-x6s/s200/lionheart.jpg" width="132" /></a></center>
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<b>SCARLET series</b> - Re-read of a favorite that truly holds up to the test of time. <span style="text-align: start;">๐๐</span><span style="text-align: start;">๐๐</span><span style="text-align: start;">๐</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36039614-the-loneliest-girl-in-the-universe"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkro_JmL5Sl8lWZ-9EMvWD-ut5jF6nik7MDVW3cbVUkNDcX2vyPokxw7U9hWB0fY3JLe_aRDU-2yfwOUp24rpQanNxl4_4-UA9rDsT5srNjEzL0s03Sl8nNPnRwlH6At9pYP3dvY2rfnE/s200/theloneliestgirlintheuniverse.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38769071-a-dance-with-darkness"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="295" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglymJQI5ZQByDn2I2O_9AjIqsrDu8as7EiRlf37s7GDoL7XDWJ5CRHLl-rDSxpVVxwdHFxx-YKHn9QSR_An6_57M1dX7CbIJ6lGyaaSxZkPnRSh0kRhuh1bVu9yUs1EB3FUN3rWGIZRo4/s200/adancewithdarkness.jpg" width="124" /></a></center>
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<b>The Loneliest Girl in the Universe*</b> - I've been waiting for this book for ages because it sounds amazing, but apparently I'm just not in the mood for it. Stopping at 16% and hoping to pick it up some other time. It's just not captivating me at the moment. I believe I started the audio on Friday before leaving work and I was just never compelled to pick it up again that weekend. Or since. So I'm saving myself the heartache of not loving it right now and putting it aside. <b><strike>DNF</strike> To Come Back To</b><br />
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<b>A Dance With Darkness</b> - Meh. About par for the YA reverse harem novels I've read thus far but definitely nothing to be impressed by. Really was just interested in it because fae stories are my forte. :P Undecided if I'll continue the series. ๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16429619-the-kiss-of-deception"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOzpEieRNSxBxxXxudQuZ-tScCRRA0VIP_mHIT3_UTJtm2jk1LmJXdUYnOeZ6NJTNQihj0e6tsb8InxuE6DGb8UKSz_3XU1zhQPUPEOUuefrkzQgLHJInwFxIYPEMoYQVMn07Rxnpljg/s200/thekissofdeception.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21569527-the-heart-of-betrayal"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR14tqlpS6y6x6WP50HkIphvyPYFX02ZR_vHLxeJ-vipyscetbxkeA1ILrTUsQpBnpVzHPKkUUMzaXl4K_KjrGFeE8DzRrJbO7PXs3-NfNxYXWpPlgydnfzF8rox6Vx6Esd1FTSGzmYFM/s200/theheartofbetrayal.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25944798-the-beauty-of-darkness"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNuFFdzLCVlnDbZnvPVH4s6Q4znbDE_4WxtuRRxJkRPvyKFgJjAiJ0RKPdgrTPXxMSaZ9bUwhTJ-YWM62iRRZle0Tpmrp-_L3-nqYeh74DqCyMRhK-zcX_6xWd267k-Jwyw2R0xCdrXo/s200/thebeautyofdarkness.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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<b style="text-align: center;">THE REMNANT CHRONICLES series</b><span style="text-align: center;"> - Re-read so that I can re-familiarize myself with the world before diving into <i>Dance of Thieves</i>. </span>๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6644117-the-iron-king"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nEJEu0fsUevHjbj5uDLz8NjkOj7g_2bQPYMcQU3Si1ibb_J68_C3sE9nmYWqZCon7AkWPdZier4yFAOwbQHcA93EX12nA9TGCsJadK9yVr-X2kWHgiRAQ_PUeUXTZmx1-_OwK5l7jjU/s200/theironking.jpg" width="126" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7747064-the-iron-daughter"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="306" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZVE34WqEYthh-qC8cnAtHid8JE_irMZLx7JfWx0d8012qvt1Yi7PypYihXh6Vg8bkVYSWlXZUJoWYW4IZ5wvtbMnYenV3mGuhWkcf-zdk-ECCrPv6YQ2mOyfIm6ESuOiwv19hjGPrDc/s200/theirondaughter.jpg" width="129" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8685612-the-iron-queen"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2dqZ1QNtL3DT64m5xQotLyhp5n2use9iFY9KHf4ZEnM-0yHdqo8nozDESy8WcdqHSqxRzJc3yYH5LhCfdnTpbFi7CQTygvM10zTadiT7ChtwRxHtNqfwQ8VyVJER0gGMrIiQzZHeTaI/s200/theironqueen.jpg" width="126" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9659607-the-iron-knight"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="302" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPH3UzxMw1m_KMXhVDQ-w4Z2pdWHYrg9sKF5hXIVThXuLk_tn2_0DQvuMM5sIgzkwtaPI1UUasSzHIV534XU504DwhyphenhyphenZuJh_YW1EwE7eNEEOLG7oS2xwW-Y68JlcBCj95oVjxA2uNwKRI/s200/theironknight.jpg" width="127" /></a></center>
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<b>THE IRON FEY series</b> - I re-read this series on audio because I was bored...and I didn't have any other audio to listen to at the time because I was paused in my buddy-read/listen of <i>Legendary</i>. Plus, it was available as part of the Audible Romance Package, so I didn't have to pay for it. =) Well, apart from the monthly fee. ;) At any rate, I always wondered why I never picked up the companion series, which features the main character's little brother, and now I have my answer. I just really lost interest over the course of the series, and it didn't hold up with a re-read, despite the fact that I remembered really enjoying this series initially. Oh, well...at least now I know I can cull these books from my shelves to make room for others. :D ๐๐๐<br />
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*ARC received from publisher for review purposes. This does not affect my review in any way.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A D U L T</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11436723-the-demon-lover"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CkrPdN1kDGg8V68wxnKvrZYmHO02wlKEB_5oLLto4XvLXTtSzbOlMmxBLcg4Ymhm-zKm6iNW0LlmrzhlwihN5uNctAegdkLReMaXqCbqy8ND_bM16Wb66eBTOX2G6u7qEfitMGBjn78/s200/thedemonlover.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39005858-stroke-the-flame"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVjgbTSGkpwWph1DCeC4So30ofku1iT7-mDqmj90uzxsF3ihlhyphenhyphen2qaD24EmJWsnsIBC7p2KMdyYTT7o_LeMwxGWjkdQPipWbdNjAXJSgo3VlQYj2tPyM4NHqVdCG4fJQkIWo4DGsF4W0/s200/stroketheflame.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36660118-hunted"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrP8Yob8whNWvF8DpP1S7hlQxin7UzrqnElV9liNrgkHj2BzejkrawnHGbeK6WmGA8cLcHPqi2pYTy8bkiud0ZgVmI5FtNr1-74A1MpAdYhhkFYTGhw6V4cIHP-ChdSc5bcQF-QPE1wsA/s200/hunted.jpg" width="133" /></a>
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<b>The Demon Lover</b> - I've never been a fan of Justine Eyre so I don't know why I thought I could handle her narration here. But even if the narrator had been different, I'm certainI would have still disliked this story. The main character was so dumb, so wishy-washy, and I pretty much loathed her from the beginning. The other characters were all so one-sided and transparent, which made the story even more predictable. I'd had this book on my Kindle for years and never got to it, so I thought maybe the audio would be the best way to finally get to it. Now I just want my money back. ๐๐<br />
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<b>Stroke the Flame - </b>So, apparently now I'm into reverse harem stories. Oops, how did that happen? This is only the second series I've started featuring that setup, but it's definitely my least favorite so far. When I'm reading a book about dragons, I expect there to be some Ye Olde language, some tie to a fantasy world. But the dialogue in this story was very much like you or I would speak today, and it only served to pull me out of the story more times than I can count. Also -- and I know I'm saying this as a newbie to this, erm, genre -- but I think I already prefer it when the harem members are already aware of each other and don't come off as stiff, unfeeling asses like those in this story because they can't get along. It also didn't help that there was such a lack of chemistry between the heroine and her would-be mates. At this point, I'm not sure if I'll continue the series. ๐๐<br />
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<b>Hunted</b> - This was so cringeworthy and awful and I don't know how I finished it. I think it's only because I didn't have another book already lined up that I did. It's supposed to be a fairy-tale retelling, but there's no world-building, no character growth, no romance. Just sex for the sake of mating, no bond or reason behind it except for an animal drive. And it was kind of gross. This is one series of stand-alone retellings that I will <i>not</i> be continuing. ๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35926017-the-sacrifice"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrw0753cRwYyVq0BDroK9feXaTqkaJPRT3UetdFxjdCiZxjclgNjwgbq6oHPiqjvDEU42jIBITj877WrOkgktyl3jvPVpiTyiR8XA9xspQqbdU2qkUC_GfDFEtDXye4JdBNZehkdBV0E/s200/thesacrifice.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39073020-shadow-kissed"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95m9StoI3Qxf6uakRHC4kpsHf9nmc59uM5a0ZEvYmsKgyZ5bCap7gF8MA3uEKKTXX8Q_GdO_iok18owafFsLc6V7ktCpycYSJ5L9orgK_7GcnJ0-BlJGGltYvkSkwJu6yPOqf9W-PptY/s200/shadowkissed.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39678609-darkness-bound"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2sY0La-chDV-rUdCswoaQc3ECkktF2cNhKVTxiG7EYLzoK5zoJbgi4PvMrHsZ3NG5ghEOJ98pFMfsm9rmd3bPTlMa7stOd7bFIVb3AvjiOAJ3LUWDDBZCsj1MXRGvO012DTRvZwIQPfw/s200/darknessbound.jpg" width="133" /></a>
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<b>The Sacrifice</b> - There was nothing inherently <i>bad</i> about this book, but I just didn't connect with the story. Not with the characters and not with their supposed bond. It was just so much sex and so little getting to know the actual characters and it fell flat. I need a character-driven story, especially with a story like this where there are so many major characters, so that I understand their motivations and desires. I did appreciate that this was a fantasy story and the world-building was decent and that the language wasn't so modern as some of the recent "fantasy" stories I've read. But I don't think I'll be picking up the next book...unless I can't find anything else that strikes my fancy in the next little bit. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Shadow Kissed</b> - Another foray into reverse harem but this time with much better results. If you like <i>Supernatural</i> but wish there was just a teensy bit more romance, this series is for you. One witch and five, yes FIVE, hot males all hailing from different aspects of the magical realm: a demon, a vampire, a wolf shifter, another demon, and oh, why don't we throw Death in there for good measure? Oh, and hunters -- not the badass kind like Sam and Dean but seriously sadistic dickwads -- are after all of witchkind. The main character has hidden her magic away after a tragedy nearly a decade ago, but it's time for her to come fully into her power and put an end to those arseholes. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Darkness Bound</b> - This sequel was just as good as the first book, introducing a few new characters and giving some much-needed insight into others. It really ramps up the <i>Supernatural</i>-vibe, too. And the steaminess. *fans self* Neither aspect is too terribly graphic, though. At least, not in comparison to other things I've read, lol. And it definitely left me wanting more...I can't wait until the next book releases in September! ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36506680-briar"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrkY4EtPZawCUcLXTygXWq1xnxGVKdTz_p5aLIvIjPZa-vX_Rfb6t_nhA4G1zrPUYOsCF_rFvcjSizIJQzeWR1H2MTCkIIqtZhijWaD2c6RD4ZubHFSIv3yqoZFDu-19oWvO2ExH0NsQ/s200/briar.jpg" width="134" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38636614-shadow-of-thorns"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWpZuWNUCod6POQEjjX-KRbm8s0W1agQIQ2lLmg1_DAvsy38XJIo2C6IhB-fKCVLupaJjkb7g_UrEBnRXsEOsre8DyV65HLaxIysCCeTgvDY8nNZInoiKROkjG0KmoTDxrzQQ1WdyGQE/s200/shadowofthorns.jpg" width="134" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNg4RYjlpBIpQ-_ObdsTfwiY6-1CveaQF1pAxKiNHsDdXrp-q_iLkdCSBcFdM3CLYEDQ6xz8TE9qhmrD5vO0OkzgHO2G2YwlcbzXq9W71wHPPiyzxusshKdYlnk_D9l5vpUDo33pOHjKk/s1600/thehollowoffear.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNg4RYjlpBIpQ-_ObdsTfwiY6-1CveaQF1pAxKiNHsDdXrp-q_iLkdCSBcFdM3CLYEDQ6xz8TE9qhmrD5vO0OkzgHO2G2YwlcbzXq9W71wHPPiyzxusshKdYlnk_D9l5vpUDo33pOHjKk/s200/thehollowoffear.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35919863-heart-of-the-fae"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucbjeX1ST5cIojM2IATH4ajMp5HMCuW5NCpKHMoGsmkR-Wmw5jOehGs-IO9UGbp45Yt-WCm6iSoiGG48psT_N96myRm2LN_nQ6U7GMBCLN2NquUu0ZbAho3Wb9eINplE12HOpJcAEbgU/s200/heartofthefae.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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<b>Briar</b> - This was not very good. I didn't expect much going into it, but still. Not. Very. Good. Nothing really even happens except that the female at the center of the harem -- who has an allergy to the sun -- discovers that her four new boyfriends are, <i>gasp</i>, vampires. The story was boring and cheesy and read like YA even though the main character is 22 and in grad school. But if you're thinking this means that I wouldn't be listening to the second book, you'd be wrong. Because I'm the moron who didn't have another audiobook queued up and didn't have time to search for one. ๐ญ ๐<br />
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<b>Shadow of Thorns</b> - At least this sequel was hotter? ยฏ\_(ใ)_/ยฏ Um, there's a evil villain guy who gets a lot of play in this installment, and a lot of the vampire boyfriends' past is unearthed, but I'm still just not invested in these characters or this story in general. I don't read reverse harem just for the sexy times. I read for a deeper emotional connection. I want to see the bond and understand why it makes sense for them all to be together and for them to prove that it can be done without getting weird. And, like, none of that was really accomplished with this book. Needless to say, I'm done with this series. For real this time. ๐๐<br />
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<b>The Hollow of Fear</b> - <i>Immaculate.</i> The story. The characters. The mystery. All the threads, neatly woven and utterly unpredictable. Every bit of it was immaculate and perfection and <b>ugh, I want the next book in my hands already! </b>๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Heart of the Fae</b> - Oh, this was a lovely BatB retelling. Just lovely. Except that when I downloaded the audio, I didn't think to check if the second book was available in this format. D'oh! So, now I have to buy the ebook of <i>Veins of Magic</i> and read it to myself. <b>But I will</b> because I'm 100% invested in this story. It was unique and full of Irish mythology, in addition to the <i>Beauty and the Beast</i> aspect, but was a bit more adult and feminist-minded than most BatB retellings tend to be. Not that I'm complaining. Actually, I should be <i>thanking</i> Goodreads users because this just popped up in my feed one day and I couldn't stop thinking about it, so I bought a copy on Audible. And though it appears that the second installment is the end to the BatB retelling, there are other companion retellings in the series...and now I want to read them all! ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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Have you read any of these? What did you think? Find any new titles to check out? ;0)<br />
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Until next time! Happy reading!<br />
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starryeyedjenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841350560201331032noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-48906327421715355132018-07-02T12:36:00.002-05:002018-07-02T12:36:27.440-05:00What I've Been Reading Lately {June 2018}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS5K_9idFARlwHGujAPIg5EKcAmo5lnB6VUF9K52iRcse5thR8h_L_Wv7auEBYszsB8ymYF788_ELq-vNI2FbD8RdsYeTsqFRiCtqYQbDTtbwl2WnrhVMOhEZAHUfMWBm-xRUo0LSB0w/s1600/whativebeenreadinglately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS5K_9idFARlwHGujAPIg5EKcAmo5lnB6VUF9K52iRcse5thR8h_L_Wv7auEBYszsB8ymYF788_ELq-vNI2FbD8RdsYeTsqFRiCtqYQbDTtbwl2WnrhVMOhEZAHUfMWBm-xRUo0LSB0w/s320/whativebeenreadinglately.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoi5h5dzS_QjwCHjA4d5UYozsN2oY9OhqaMEyTcxx-lBk4tDwY175WLiVfVTl1B3CXVAxFLkPe8OOY5foybQ6vbzgoyBykJC0aPK8iyFK0QGrMNlhOnbHGMhzNRGupymRjt90oAGYhdo/s1600/1500reviews.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoi5h5dzS_QjwCHjA4d5UYozsN2oY9OhqaMEyTcxx-lBk4tDwY175WLiVfVTl1B3CXVAxFLkPe8OOY5foybQ6vbzgoyBykJC0aPK8iyFK0QGrMNlhOnbHGMhzNRGupymRjt90oAGYhdo/s1600/1500reviews.JPG" /></a><br />
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Well, summer arrived pretty early here in Texas, so none of that awesome outdoor reading I'd been hoping for. Not that it kept me from reading 28 books this month. Yet that doesn't feel like enough or at least as much as I'd like if I'm going to maintain a book a day through the end of the year. But we did take vacation in June to visit the best blogging friend ever, and despite being reading buddies, we didn't get much reading done, if any.<br />
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Not that I'm complaining. :) I also hit a reviewer milestone over on Goodreads earlier this month: 1500 reviews since I joined in December 2010. Crazy pants.<br />
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And without further ado, here's what I've been reading lately...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(More on why I've gone to this format <a href="http://starryeyedrevue.blogspot.com/2016/10/my-moment-of-zen.html">here</a> in lieu of traditional reviews for each.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Y O U N G A D U L T</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39220281-rose-daughter"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="312" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqb4IlnKztj16KR06TSSAfQTzUYX6F4rgkElox79fxCjx2KTqnsGpU4nRsXo4GPJCV6rY_3yNLuQmHYAYwzPuTRau7fLHotIxSMWdcdjDMggyASWAtAGHGKcBiaGinpdvsxM6K-Dso1Uw/s200/rosedaughter.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36896898-spinning-silver"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXs50SlzlBZZUiaUaip1QhWZKRovs9TCfZ84EdGtC0lEfZ8GWpmjJGQBhHTCLGFGm9etPEEu3Pz1cnLyJL_hZyF-VmI8cLugoLl8NHW2uKQydSW8HabDKvCvTPFoaSddGXFqbXKBfjOoI/s200/spinningsilver.jpg" width="134" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36127456-listen-to-your-heart"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiS18Rb7mQUqfL64F3920Qn65z65it1ztDYAvhU5ifA8_TlVNdpIUGTno8WrVhMz5e639mC9ryo4rNcE2Erb4Hw0w2XI4Wv94E3DBk_r4NxKGVZuNEoFb-TQMbvAap18UrzDi43OK2KA/s200/listentoyourheart.jpg" width="132" /></a>
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<b>Rose Daughter</b> - If you can believe it, this was my first Robin McKinley novel. <i>I know</i>. But the good thing is, I found it absolutely lovely, and I know that when I get to <i>Beauty</i>, I'll love it, too, especially knowing how the rest of you adore it. I've been told before that this author's work is right up my alley, and it really is: lyrical and haunting, full of magic and folklore. I'll definitely be making time to check out the author's backlist, including her other BatB retelling. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Spinning Silver*</b> - Naomi Novik simply writes some of the best fierce heroines, characters who have become some of my favorites. These young women are crafty and cunning and clever and their willingness to do whatever it takes to help those in need, contrary to whatever limits society places on them, is almost unparalleled. This story was so focused on these brave females and saving their kingdoms that there was little time for romance, though I didn't actually miss that aspect as much as I thought I would. I had some difficulty with the unacknowledged switches in the point-of-view at first, but I grew more accustomed to it the longer the story continued...even at the last when there was yet another perspective added. It actually helped that each character's narrative voice was so different and it allowed an understanding of what was happening in both kingdoms on a much broader scale. All in all, I absolutely loved this book. More than <i>Uprooted</i>? I'm not sure...I love both stories for different reasons, but they're definitely on the same level. I just don't know if I could pick a favorite... ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Listen to Your Heart</b> - This was cute and I enjoyed it more than the last couple of Kasie West novels. This was more of an end-of-summer story, but hey, there's a lake in it, so yeah. I appreciated the support system that surrounded the MC, especially there towards the end, and how despite how messy things got, it was still pretty low drama. I still maintain that I've probably outgrown young YA like this author's books, but I would absolutely love if my daughter wanted all my copies of her work. West's novels are adorable and timely and fun, and honestly, kind of hard to pass up, no matter how old you are...or feel. :P ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30407729-the-dark-days-club"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjG8wzQ8mb0E-Fqxjx7CjI3fqrr9jNkOhQtn8ffKGp1mmr12KXEpRQEdXACXzk0lE9sY1lRRgmkUlyNJP8z9yhNiG0SjnW14uJqLvsFJphzL7sTkVpKm4VUhhb-AN7865HvA408HkZGpM/s200/thedarkdaysclub.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26061581-the-dark-days-pact"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BrOfHuoMYgDQl-eNC48ysKjq6barHOgid33cz2U5WDpHqP_bHHqSFXJWOLCoHq53G3WJ4hGhjhIvNNnRBLZz9vy5zSBQN3_EVunS33j0857umMc_t0wmgPSAzH8k-quQ2MMnezlkYkg/s200/thedarkdayspact.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33359446-a-torch-against-the-night"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="312" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FAlS45usMd3dYBxOqolPCjuVlPyaDgU97AkiggyCSNZ3B8yjs2bKbVnfQNsa33PZFaZWafY2Pxe-GVppwlODgeN1gjhw9EqxUfuBf30h78jskdc9SO5otm2AdJpo2gTEd1HuIqoyIvU/s200/atorchagainstthenight.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30809786-a-reaper-at-the-gates"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKjgq5irIERhieovpPkSTgBP0DZeb0X2tLIuDfzZCIE6VKDyZ7ahLJAaPgwBK0xmHW5-OkJ_K-vlXeDYnDjKNGaMLvlFcBY91aIkWBjpup478lx8J_PBQz1-WMACIiZPFUEjK_cSz0rI/s200/areaperatthegates.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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<b>The Dark Days Club</b> & <b>The Dark Days Pact</b> - Re-read because I'm getting antsy for <i>The Dark Days Deceit</i>. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>A Torch Against the Night</b> - I've re-read An Ember in the Ashes before so I only felt compelled to re-read this one so I'd recall enough to start Reaper...and it's seriously a good thing I did because I'd forgotten SO MUCH. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>A Reaper at the Gates*</b> - DAMN! This series is going to kill me; this installment nearly did. I am just in awe of the plotting and foreshadowing and just <i>everything</i>. I'm usually a little irked when they keep adding books to what supposed to be a stand-alone or a duology, but not in this case. Give me more! Just don't break my heart in the process. I might post a longer review at a later date, but suffice it to say, this book was <b>amazing</b>. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35065036-love-la-mode"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZCWJy6MqdkH2cRG_Bt3H8Mt5I0ARX3CLQy7nDfJtNtiCZ7VgwaBRy4jb4mtOL-kyh_rnXLM3Bq3j88cEPsCxQ37nzqW7ASfdSQ5yVKTEIHmcrk-NoxdJETjeK_d1UR-y04iZDBVnUfw/s200/lovealamode.jpg" width="135" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25063781-summer-days-and-summer-nights"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="293" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDx3nc4522XK_gxszx2iSHtti-BMPuGCTkvMO-zXV-fNudLg2r2_ys4pYtTv0yaXVszRpXMrSB6QqI2TJCNWkFwJWYA3jaokN23sOg2honJA1jppJNgsIffzD8qqbTP6MyI1X0PY2VNo/s200/summerdaysandsummernights.jpg" width="123" /></a></center>
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<b>Love ร la Mode*</b> - I just love books set in Paris. With food. And an adorable romance to boot. So it will come as no shock that I found this book completely adorkable. Kids who love cooking getting a chance to learn from a master chef in Paris? C'mon! That's too cute to pass up. The characters were so relatable and they formed such amazing friendships and, well, I'm not usually this envious of fictional characters but these kids were living the life and having one heck of an adventure. I do wish some things had been sorted sooner rather than later, but the story was seriously cute regardless. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Summer Days and Summer Nights</b> - See my <a href="http://starryeyedrevue.blogspot.com/2018/06/summer-days-and-summer-nights-twelve.html">full review</a> from earlier in June. But if I had to pick, I think my favorite story in this anthology was the one written by Leigh Bardugo. ๐๐๐<br />
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*ARC received from publisher for review purposes. This does not affect my review in any way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBuNYl05I0WI_1Db9JnwmLnFQqGlc7lF7wQxmYrK10Vw7tp16cAItNZxotFeE-qb_Xkih40cxIYS2GtJsrc3CWFLBEXhT4XDF3x10eTFZwWsF9IMbbSx2dlehBnIcoSxz3wjvx9Qbofk/s1600/starseparate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBuNYl05I0WI_1Db9JnwmLnFQqGlc7lF7wQxmYrK10Vw7tp16cAItNZxotFeE-qb_Xkih40cxIYS2GtJsrc3CWFLBEXhT4XDF3x10eTFZwWsF9IMbbSx2dlehBnIcoSxz3wjvx9Qbofk/s320/starseparate.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A D U L T</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17793815-eversea"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="312" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-bl5A0ctzlKO-OnSiWRRMPOT3LRNzmsnwwPmKcwfts0LTYxG7xXUNgcxsjQ6RUF8Mu9wdwhdNcON2eLbn5ePrDqMBVLlvJGrr_y-rE75mj5eYfJa24c4SSIW5BHrN77t2pGRZ7wg3_U/s200/eversea.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25526990-see-jane-score"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWq89aTbDL1d5u4rpY4PEfE-wC9J5J47RCE6HqACqh_xufoV0KAK906A61vGo0iBUmlrvndlaO7X1J-AelsHqLq38NvYW9-HH-9f-aUDq-hMxmYxY_xkh3Ma9FeyGv-SbcHBwpnWFfMw/s200/seejanescore.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38923139-power-of-five"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CnBnO8CsDQWOFUfMM41qM4eup8vwHpQG94RAQ548L6ETUERufhqOhFvKDEkJ6dpJHFBPRA_Forq-ty42flbvux05i8r0I1f37Co5TS1KVT7upZME6K29LAg8zPJt9qzbYTQfIOYPEi0/s200/poweroffive.jpg" width="133" /></a>
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<b>Eversea</b> - Ugh. A cliffhanger in a romance novel? WTF? I mean, this was a sweet movie star and hometown girl love story...until it wasn't. Then it was all drama and predictable scenarios and...I don't think I need to read the sequel to know how it all turns out. Maybe if I'd read this back at Christmas time when I was <i>all about</i> the cheesy, schmaltzy romance movies, I'd have enjoyed it more. ๐๐<br />
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<b>See Jane Score - </b>Dated but fun. But I guess since it <i>was</i> written at the turn of the century (21st, lol), that kinda makes sense. I keep trying sports romances and I just think maybe they're not my favorite thing. Or maybe I'm reading the wrong ones? Too cute maybe? And I actually grabbed the wrong book by this author. I meant to snag <i>Nothing But Trouble</i>, so I'll give her another shot before moving on completely. =) ๐๐<br />
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<b>Power of Five</b> - I'm glad I waited a few days to review this, otherwise I'd probably have said something I'd regret, and you're never supposed to put anything on the internet that you'd be embarrassed for your parents or children to see. ;) But damn was this story <b>hawt</b>. And character-driven. It's the first book in a reverse harem series and not a whole lot happens but it was super engaging and steamy AF. It's not all about the sexy times but rather the bond being forged between four fae warriors and the mortal woman that magic has claimed for their quint. And I'm dying for the next book, which luckily comes out on the 29th. =D ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1130878.Beast"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="286" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlrYJ-HMhBnbrwLU2-2Zv57sBP_m16UArIXxsE1NmQG-NNp_mkhSXf3BZ3xAgFMXPYNxRq2ipmQNQsbl61F1D5l8xwnf2wlq5iB2FziEgt4wQqn7FHcDUF3g-6_5_l6ZREUZi_S4ik4w/s200/beast.jpg" width="120" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/720801.The_Proposition"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="279" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAHbpIdSJVNTzlsc4OjwOQTPtZIfDVXYGMQrZk4eggNdJnCJgNBwf-yJm9PDOvtsbKIW9j84_SZb2ojg2-I-unUBwSvYJwkzbYdYJOOigKsUZvzGPxyM3pKkh_4YkOXxWJA1RKLiEHrk/s200/theproposition.jpg" width="117" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1177403.Sleeping_Beauty"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="288" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2eDKSmXmvLz0jHnKbPBo7dW9pMiDbLPKRg4vQiMURbkSRI7gWUBr5tzP5SOg-p-SameZjsWIzZhftelUzE-Q5copz3n8-f3npFhJWGXV4QDJwHuf4DkrHqPK_vxd5nN1FG41cso8FV8/s200/sleepingbeauty.jpg" width="121" /></a>
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<b>Beast</b> - What a completely different spin on the traditional BatB story! And oh the charade the hero finds himself in because of wounded pride. I really enjoyed the writing, though I did favor the first half over the second due to the secrets and lack of communication between the characters. And the narrator for this book was fabulous. I liked this book so much more than expected and immediately downloaded all of the author's books that were available in the Audible Romance Package. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Proposition</b> - This was a reverse makeover story -- think <i>She's All That</i> or <i>My Fair Lady </i>-- wherein a sophisticated spinster takes on a bet to turn a rat catcher into a gentleman by changing his clothing and speech patterns. But as luck would have it, his transformation -- and the man himself -- helps turn her into more than the dowdy wallflower she's accepted herself to be. It started off great, but by the end, I was rather meh about the whole thing. The hero pressures the heroine...a lot. And the heroine does a complete about-face, which was completely at odds with her character, transformation or not. Plus, that ending was just <i>a little too perfect</i> for my taste. ๐๐<br />
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<b>Sleeping Beauty</b> - Really beginning to think <i>Beast</i> was a fluke. I really enjoyed my first Judith Ivory novel and because of that, I immediately downloaded everything else of hers that was available to me. Only to be very meh about the second one and end up DNFing the third out of sheer boredom. She does have a very unique take on retellings, but she'll have to do better than that to hold my interest. <b>DNF</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36577586-the-kiss-quotient"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7zpwjcx-Cw93NKcohzVOG65yrBxZ7n0TLiwv8zENkFBgSlynuA0HM-TcdEFqNuBYjn0yC4H32vvCrJ7HxqAAYe0KZeAmSG06q64nxOvQc00TgGJZzUxdVcpLKaD6fEXVQ2VzIfqpI9s/s200/thekissquotient.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10583264-good-girls-don-t"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhFmawnCOERzutPjksuMMUb7V_FZuuNpfNFVyOegIttIBUvJ7PsCduJ5B4f_3UsvLeYpt0EJgpv2yj3OBbb053rGiB2zIskAjojgCuGiNLunxJ5a4J4tIcN3fX0lSjkeKc_gXo4QKvjE/s200/goodgirlsdont.jpg" width="126" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6903194-his-at-night"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="276" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcJirc1R_wf5A1erTnQsY0KrRRKHPKpk2BYUTY4TSnToekdppq74c2Fc-7k1ofivv2AG2MvtK9GgOEtX15amLt7Yb1JwoIlExb1CSjRyAemdzj-j6-gb-sph2zBRXN0WCiJbll922wBs/s200/hisatnight.jpg" width="123" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2660720-private-arrangements"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="244" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3hYMDeOHDHt_FMtRlbx7DTWoZaZ5fFQ0DQTJDDu4mRd8s92TfKvymFBO4sCoHmHk2lVsRceK1CNqlRpF2obGR5g6C5Ecx_1fUViMmyt74KONfp4flsz9IWedOV9Zn8pI2h3j4CjrBQA/s200/privatearrangements.jpg" width="122" /></a></center>
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<b>The Kiss Quotient</b> - Well, this book - likened to a reverse <i>Pretty Woman</i> story - was just absolutely wonderful. It's adorable and quirky but also angsty and genuine and full of so much love. I really appreciate how the author handled every aspect: sex and consent, the heroine's Asperger's syndrome, the love interest as an escort, family devotion, and well, just everything. I just <i>knew</i> I was going to love this novel! Equal parts sweet and sexy, it ranks right up there with <i>The Hating Game</i> for me...which I've read six times in the last year, if that tells you anything. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Good Girls Don't</b> - Meh. I was bored. Also, I might have a book hangover from <i>The Kiss Quotient</i> and am unable to see beyond that? And I didn't really like the heroine and her trust issues, despite being the biggest liar in the story. And I didn't really care much for what I saw of the rest of the Donovan family, so I think I'm done here. ๐๐<br />
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<b>His at Night</b> - Um, so, I may have just kicked off another Sherry Thomas binge. #sorrynotsorry Anyway, I could see this as a kind of prelude to her Lady Sherlock series, what with the mystery element and the use of chloral as a potential cause of death. But the characters were vastly different, and this book was much steamier than Lady Sherlock has been heretofore. I get a kick out of the "tricked in to marriage" trope, but pair that with a spy pretending to be a bumbling idiot and <b>I am here for it</b>. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Private Arrangements</b> - I've read this story before: girl tries to ensure herself an engagement by dishonest methods -- usually getting herself caught in <i>flagrante delicto</i> with the groom-to-be -- and the betrayed groom discovers her deceit and makes her pay for it by leaving her to lead a separate life after the nuptials have commenced. However, I have not liked them half so much as this one. It may be entirely due to the author, who is among my favorites and could quite possibly do no wrong in my eyes, but I think it's also due in part to the fact that though there was a decade of separation for the couple, there were attempts in between to reconcile, however unsuccessfully. No matter how hard each tried to deny it, the love that they shared prior to the untimely betrayal still lingered. Oh, how they fought it fiercely. This was a love-to-hate-to-love romance, if you will. PLUS, there's a secondary romance that is just utterly delightful...and it's <i>also</i> a second-chance romance. I just love how I can think I've read it all when it comes to historical romance, and then Sherry Thomas comes along and proves me wrong. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11990937-beguiling-the-beauty"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="295" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-z-qX-rD9R3ZZ8poiesYx4gp5t2KzVLBNBCJ3L5wleFH47NR3WN9IC73T-N0y5ba72u87o63b-ddmhUOkKYCtDOktn42aAn7Wi1V0am1OsWoFYPkA8PFvzSj9eSqJcsC3R0QHx2LYaQ/s200/beguilingthebeauty.jpg" width="124" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13051602-ravishing-the-heiress"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="295" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpNSayahOjYkRHC19dGwcBtva2cq0Nw2kP9AS5uKper1a9_RUgxrxOJsoha1GfJppmVaFnwZ4kuZRkoVhux-YCIxgjUWMs7UpcJabaVv1rb1b3cFq7eAtrXOTkEHWW6-_WetgDbu0ImA/s200/ravishingtheheiress.jpg" width="124" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13542886-tempting-the-bride"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="292" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHnVOYBxtj70WbQyzrFpTL_5izO3o8MDXvWyx2pxG1dHUb_jE3AWqgV4Q27HpK8dNWsImh8itBKohTZvgRQ4r5MGrV5S47LwWv4iFYVAzwpTEWgXTk1c9xPX59ad0rs4GAVzIkJB0Jmk/s200/temptingthebride.jpg" width="123" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2707398-delicious"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="274" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95CiPMvZkzol5Hb5XqlCn7Blz_lxT-zxK7Chpbt2S7gyrnhBisKcx3y0feKxGNDLOMUdEWSb0rurk_dYnxntklWx3lHKaodXtlgfIHHu9CQddotDHkVSMG0qiT6twfnAy7_MQY0jflh4/s200/delicious.jpg" width="122" /></a></center>
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<b>Beguiling the Beauty</b> - So, this is the series where I read the third book first, back at the beginning of the year when I first subscribed to the Audible Romance Package. But the thing is, I don't think it really matters because all of the Fitzhughs are mentioned in this book as if their stories are all happening concurrently (or close enough to it). I remember thinking that I probably wouldn't care about the others as much as Helena, but that just isn't true. Venetia's story is just as complicated, and although it reminded me of another tรชte-ร -tรชte aboard a ship -- and with one of the lovers unaware of the other's identity -- moreso because I <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1130878.Beast">just read it</a>, I do believe I enjoyed this one more. Not just because this was written by Sherry Thomas, though there is that, but also because this story focused more on the characters outside of who they were during their brief interlude. There's also the reveal and proving that they are more than what society has deemed them. It was quite brilliant and now I can't wait to read Millie's story. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Ravishing the Heiress</b> - My takeaway from this book: Millie has the patience of a saint and also she deserves much better than Fitz. So much better. Not that I didn't like Fitz, but FFS, grow a pair and own up to your responsibilities and quit wishing for things that can never be. So, yeah, this was probably my least favorite in the Fitzhughs series and even so, I still find myself liking it, chiefly for the sense of righteous indignation it left me with on behalf of Millie. I'm a firm believer that books should make you feel things, even if the feelings are not exactly pleasant. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Tempting the Bride</b> - Since I'd already read the first two books, might as well finish off the series with a re-read of the only book I'd read previously. I think it's a toss up whether I prefer this to <i>Beguiling the Beauty</i>, now that I've read both. But this one's got unrequited love and amnesia and hate-to-love and an illegitimate child with a pet turtle...so, maybe this one. :) ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Delicious</b> - I didn't think I would love this story. It seems so very different from all of Sherry Thomas' other stories. From outside, anyway. But I did love it! It's a <i>Cinderella</i> tale, except she falls in love with <i>Aladdin. </i>The main character isn't a corseted debutante or even a blue-stockinged spinster; she's a chef. She lets her prince charming go because of his far-reaching political aspirations and she doesn't want to be the thing that keeps him from reaching his goals, especially since he's already come so far from his humble beginnings. But a decade later, they're given a second chance at love, and it's kind of magical...and delicious. ;) But it becomes rather a comedy of errors as a love rectangle evolves and parentage is discovered, and well, it was absolutely charming. I can't believe I have no more Sherry Thomas novels to read until <i>The Hollow of Fear</i> releases later this year. ๐ญ ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35004715-my-best-friend-s-ex"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDPyA0J8F9tTp53fEOSa7X_IpUiBvQgSid3BjKJ1_ha_ICwTTpz1DqmBzQ9WMtUbBneoPAVXn1Ol3YfDMlFyFOO5wK1TQszyBONKDJKLW_cWk8m7pmhABojZdaXOfqzr_e_xtr1mJyB0/s200/mybestfriendsex.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13364848-the-husband-trap"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqWKewn2xkdLQelApFTPoX2osTRB4dE6HIzQqremPZau3iFc8Ul-nCDSPL1hLKeVyIQubELPA6ZgUHzL1AoWcwfK0HIViJt2X0jlAGp9hYJI2jnUw4X2Gt7Xw42mlra_O8J0pQ3BvSdU/s200/thehusbandtrap.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13585501-the-chocolate-thief"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZ6UtQaiP1In8gfuw8bhL4Wp5CBKzRqAPEsVTSknu22dm757X7eTZ0C6HmHBAMxDNKivfVMsWv8KpgRwgHSoiZ06a0SdXClbU4YtDSzb14z3YA3ccRnap-Ejvy5bSinWcrXkxHN3OtAs/s200/thechocolatethief.jpg" width="132" /></a></center>
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<b>My Best Friend's Ex</b> - My first experience with a Meghan Quinn novel was <i>Three Blind Dates</i>, which I adored, so I decided to give this one a try. This type of relationship is tricky, but I think the author pulled it off without too many dramatics or making it seem sordid. I think that because I read this book first though its a sequel/companion novel to <i>Co-Wrecker</i>, I probably enjoyed it more than I would have, had I read the books chronologically. I probably would have thought Tucker was a douche of the highest order and never thought twice about continuing the series. As it stands, I actually have some misgivings about reading Sadie's story, since she's the Ex in <i>My Best Friend's Ex</i>. Still, Tucker and Emma's story was sweet and sexy, heartbreaking and hopeful, and I <i>am </i>interested in reading Tucker's friend Racer's story. ;) ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Husband Trap</b> - Identical twins...always trappin' folks. :P One twin decides, on her wedding day no less, that she no longer wants to marry her duke. To save the family from ruin and scandal, her identical twin sister steps in as her and proceeds to marry the duke. Hilarity and drama ensues. This story is exactly as fun and harebrained as it sounds, but as delightful as it sounds, I don't think I'll be reading the sequel because the twin who did not marry the duke is featured in it and she was kind of just absolutely the worst. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Chocolate Thief</b> - This was just so dang cute, even the second time around. And exactly what I needed on a crappy Monday when nothing was going right. A book about chocolate doesn't quite beat the real thing, but it's a close second. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38923139-power-of-five"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CnBnO8CsDQWOFUfMM41qM4eup8vwHpQG94RAQ548L6ETUERufhqOhFvKDEkJ6dpJHFBPRA_Forq-ty42flbvux05i8r0I1f37Co5TS1KVT7upZME6K29LAg8zPJt9qzbYTQfIOYPEi0/s200/poweroffive.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39898983-mistake-of-magic"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEL_MNJb1BibgK50UceN1v0vJXLfZJv9MIS_RMJS7F6lSuB61upljw-QOdF75_k0xT8gfqMagCuiBk8QpE2G8vOe-pmKvk6SFN8B4FDwpbpl3BZHYLxylp4cg_lpjnIj_mjGvARfV2Nj8/s200/mistakeofmagic.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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<b>Power of Five</b> and <b>Mistake of Magic</b> - Yes, you saw that correctly...I did indeed read <i>Power of Five </i>twice in one month. Once via ebook and re-read via audio so I was prepared for the sequel. Not that there was any chance I wouldn't be. And this book was just as good as the first installment, not that I've come to expect anything less from this author. It's so much more than a reverse harem story, though I don't regret that aspect at all. I just love the bonds and the depth of emotion, especially on the part of the quint as it's not just from the heroine's point-of-view. All five perspectives are represented, and knowing what was going through everyone's head gave so much more insight into the bond. The situation with the trials is interesting, too, but as short as these books have been, I don't know how it'll all be tied up in the next book. I'm hoping it's not anyway...I could read a dozen more books in this series and still want more. Also, you should be proud of the restraint I showed because I refrained from interjecting about a dozen smutty jokes and innuendo into this review. ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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Have you read any of these? What did you think? Find any new titles to check out? ;0)<br />
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Until next time! Happy reading!<br />
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starryeyedjenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841350560201331032noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-8426791469305624472018-06-08T07:00:00.000-05:002018-06-08T07:00:08.760-05:00Summer Days and Summer Nights: Twelve Love Stories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Title:</b> Summer Days and Summer Nights: Twelve Love Stories<br />
<b>Author:</b> various, edited by Stephanie Perkins<br />
<b>Narrator(s):</b> various<br />
<b>Series:</b> anthology<br />
<b>Length:</b> 16 hrs 2 mins<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> Recorded Books<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> May 19, 2016<br />
<b>Source:</b> Audible Romance Package<br />
<b>Purchase:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Days-Nights-Twelve-Stories/dp/1250079128/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1528295994&sr=1-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/summer-days-and-summer-nights-stephanie-perkins/1123052908?ean=9781250079138#/">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Summer-Days-and-Summer-Nights-Audiobook/B01FWLNX7S?ref=a_a_library_c4_libItem_0_B01FWLNX7S&pf_rd_p=ae76b2bb-e63d-4a67-b357-dab3dee05ca1&pf_rd_r=P18BJQP1TERA2N40QNR9&">Audible</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25063781-summer-days-and-summer-nights" target="_blank"><img alt="Add to Goodreads" border="0" src="http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d120/Jeannette29/addtogoodreads.jpg" /></a><br />
<blockquote>
Maybe it's the long, lazy days, or maybe it's the heat making everyone a little bit crazy. Whatever the reason, summer is the perfect time for love to bloom. <i>Summer Days & Summer Nights: Twelve Love Stories</i>, written by twelve bestselling young adult writers and edited by the international bestselling author Stephanie Perkins, will have you dreaming of sunset strolls by the lake. So set out your beach chair and grab your sunglasses. You have twelve reasons this summer to soak up the sun and fall in love.<br />
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Featuring stories by Leigh Bardugo, Francesca Lia Block, Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, Brandy Colbert, Tim Federle, Lev Grossman, Nina LaCour, Stephanie Perkins, Veronica Roth, Jon Skovron, and Jennifer E. Smith.</blockquote>
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Anthologies can be hit or miss, and not every story is for everyone. Some of these stories were written and narrated by favorites of mine, while others were by authors and narrators I've only ever heard of...if that. But whether I loved all of the stories or not, I still appreciated the different takes on different types of love and just how diverse these stories were. There is literally something for everyone. Here's how they fared all in all:<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Head, Scales, Tongue, Tail</i> by Leigh Bardugo and narrated by Stina Nielsen - ๐๐๐๐<br />
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I saw where this story was headed, almost from the beginning, but the journey there was such a pleasure. This was an almost ethereal tale of a mythical lake monster that transforms into a bittersweet love story, and it was just so lovely I wanted to squeeze it to pieces. Such a great way to kick off this anthology!<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">The End of Love</i> by Nina Lacour and narrated by Erin Moon - ๐๐๐</div>
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Never read a Nina Lacour book before but I found this short story of hers to be quite sweet and hopeful, and the atmosphere just screamed <i>summer</i>. And in such a short space, she covered so many big topics.<br />
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<b><i>Last Stand at the Cinegore</i></b> by Libba Bray and narrated by Christopher Gebauer - ๐๐<br />
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This one felt like it should have been included in an anthology of spooky stories, not love stories. The romance took such a backseat to the horror going on in the rest of the story that I almost forgot about it. Had I been looking for a scary story, I would've enjoyed this a bit more. It also felt...clunky...for Libba Bray. She's one of my favorite authors and I <i>know</i> she knows how to write romance, so I'm a bit disappointed in this one. Also, it read a little like <i>Zombieland</i>, with Jesse Eisenberg as the awkward main character and the narrator. He wasn't either in this short story, but I almost could have believed he was.<br />
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<b><i>Sick Pleasure</i></b> by Francesca Lia Block and narrated by Jessica Almasy - ๐๐๐<br />
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Okay, so this story was sad and a little brutal, but I'm not gonna hold that against it since it was <b>such</b> a good reminder of what young love is like. It's all great until heartbreak and bad decision-making but it's genuine and real, if not a little bit depressing.<br />
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<b><i>In Ninety Minutes Turn North</i></b> by Stephanie Perkins and narrated by Cherise Boothe - ๐๐๐๐<br />
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Adorable, but I wouldn't have expected anything less from Stephanie Perkins. Her romances always bring the happy feelings and this second-chance at love was no exception. Pure summer fluff.<br />
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<b><i>Souvenirs</i></b> by Tim Federle and narrated by Michael Bakkensen - ๐๐๐<br />
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Sweet end-of-summer, end-of-romance story. Sometimes summer romances are just that: <i>summer</i> romances. And I'm glad this story didn't endeavor to be more than it was. It was just fun and fluffy and cute.<br />
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<b><i>Inertia</i></b> by Veronica Roth and narrated by Stina Nielsen - ๐๐๐๐<br />
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I was beginning to think this anthology was going to be full of <i>sad</i> summer love stories, the way some of these stories were going, including this one. But then this one did a full 180 and I'm back on board. I know all summer romances don't end happily, but geez. Although, this one didn't feel like a summer romance so much. It was a vaguely science fiction piece with a friends-to-more romance but it didn't really <i>happen</i> over summer.<br />
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<b><i>Love is the Last Resort</i></b> by Jon Skovron and narrated by Christopher Gebauer - ๐๐<br />
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Eh. I didn't really enjoy the narration style of this story or the matchmaker aspect. Not in a story this short. But love in the workplace or at a resort -- or both -- is fun.<br />
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<b><i>Good Luck and Farewell</i></b> by Brandy Colbert and narrated by Cherise Boothe - ๐๐๐<br />
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This was such a lovely story about love and loss and moving on. It featured not only a really sweet start to a summer romance, but a narrative about familial love and how you can lose someone without them being gone and still make room for other people in your life.<br />
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<b><i>Brand New Attraction</i></b> by Cassandra Clare and narrated by Erin Moon - ๐๐<br />
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Insta-love with a sorta-not-really sibling...where have I read this before? ๐ Maybe there were no Shadowhunters, but there were still demons and manipulative parental units aplenty. Honestly, I just don't think Clare has it in her to write outside her wheelhouse.<br />
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<b><i>A Thousand Ways This Could All Go Wrong</i></b> by Jennifer E. Smith and narrated by Jessica Almasy - ๐๐๐๐<br />
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This one definitely could have been improved by simply being a full-length novel so we could get more of that adorable slow-burn, but otherwise, I kinda loved this simple summer romance and the direction it took.<br />
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<b><i>The Map of Tiny Perfect Things</i></b> by Lev Grossman and narrated by Michael Bakkensen - ๐๐๐๐<br />
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I really enjoyed this <i>Groundhog Day-</i>esque story, filled with special little miracles that the characters map out so that they can visit whenever they want, for as long as August 4th keeps repeating. I loved the reason behind the repetition and the inevitable outcome, and despite that it finds its basis in <i>Groundhog Day</i>, it still manages to be thoughtful and unique.<br />
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I don't read many anthologies, and I enjoyed this one for the most part, but I didn't think it was as cute as the holiday anthology Stephanie Perkins edited. It did get me in the mood for more summer romances, though. ๐<br />
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<b>GIF it to me straight:</b></div>
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<blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-99s2-9_1NxXaIaBLCWNoCU8A_hpDFo09MhmkL0f65Pp670V36yaTIZaw4_-iq-yuFwcZFwMD5qMd6moVt3eEUVNj9JToPcsV2Kw2_c5rxgp-vD5z5_WBhkTMZou7TlQGwX03rfYw_kg/s1600/stephanieperkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-99s2-9_1NxXaIaBLCWNoCU8A_hpDFo09MhmkL0f65Pp670V36yaTIZaw4_-iq-yuFwcZFwMD5qMd6moVt3eEUVNj9JToPcsV2Kw2_c5rxgp-vD5z5_WBhkTMZou7TlQGwX03rfYw_kg/s1600/stephanieperkins.jpg" width="141" /></a><b>About the editor:</b><br />
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Hi, there! I'm Steph, and I wrote <i>Anna and the French Kiss</i>, <i>Lola and the Boy Next Door</i>, and <i>Isla and the Happily Ever After.</i> I also edited (and contributed a short story to) a romantic holiday anthology called <i>My True Love Gave to Me</i> and its companion anthology, <i>Summer Days and Summer Nights</i>. My next YA release is a horror novel called <i>There's Someone Inside Your House</i>, which was released Fall 2017.<br />
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<b>Find Stephanie:</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.stephanieperkins.com/">Website</a> | <a href="http://naturalartificial.blogspot.com/">Blog</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/naturallysteph">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://naturallysteph.tumblr.com/">Tumblr</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3095893.Stephanie_Perkins">Goodreads</a></blockquote>
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starryeyedjenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841350560201331032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-9126961349493561532018-05-31T08:41:00.000-05:002018-05-31T08:41:27.336-05:00What I've Been Reading Lately {5.31.18}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some months, I go on a re-reading binge. Others, I spend all my time with historical romance. This month, I binged every single one of Mariana Zapata's novels and I have <b>zero regrets</b>. Some were funny and some were kinda sad but all of them had MZ's trademark slow-burn romance and apparently, I just couldn't get enough of it.<br />
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I read 33 books this month and caught back up to my unofficial goal of a book a day. Which puts me at 60% of my GR goal of 250 books and 49 books ahead of schedule, at that. Go me! I owe it all to audiobooks. =D And with the intense heat wave kicking right now and probably right on through summer, I expect to be able to maintain this level of reading.<br />
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And without further ado, here's what I've been reading lately...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(More on why I've gone to this format <a href="http://starryeyedrevue.blogspot.com/2016/10/my-moment-of-zen.html">here</a> in lieu of traditional reviews for each.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Y O U N G A D U L T</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36347733-the-key"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ygOLAIFdT4q7L8SV_ApnZ4gS35CtbCsLrlCXjLsxiHi8klNl9vhT6vJZ6HBdO7XvLXvk43LzsbfQ3Pk6WEhn7gkuXkEAUwcQtOa-pN7ayNa4ySA7YxTWgfU8Gb59lGB8euRDGVGVgLo/s200/thekey.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36347764"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhloirY7S1xSIu7OyAoI8W7ulp4-es9CIsej9DWI56uLJGp9oNsoEFz_mheXDpr67ngYx6IfMbwbOnXGCvtiToeX5SfNIXelVE1a9-9T55b_XVHT9BLxUAafLT-yGlFf-9dia6Xiq08c0/s200/red.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36347810-war"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxukwvgZTnUR-LDHMj6kFYoEqQtxpkUSs4dFvY5K41PpwhsBFsQ0xZLnk9uxcaoI54geESTnDR0BSjOsR4j_wHJd6uyAArT04JroEirtJPHG2DWmCk1UaD6C6oLw7CIKGeiOjz6AJEx-k/s200/war.jpg" width="133" /></a>
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<b>The Key </b>- This book definitely could have used some more editing and I would have enjoyed it infinitely more if it had felt more...eloquent. It's supposed to feel medieval, with castles and sword-fighting, but the dialogue is so modern, with the exception of a "my lady" thrown in here and there. But otherwise, I loved the sassy heroine and the prince whose loyalty was being tested and just the overall premise, though it's definitely not the first time I've read about a kingdom overthrown by another power-hungry king who thinks he's annihilated all of the previous royal family and any potential heirs only to discover that, <i>oops</i>, one survived sparking a revolution in their name. This first installment left off on <b>such a cliffhanger</b> but I ain't even mad because the series is finished and I can pick up the next book when I get home...or, ya know, sneak some in at work today. ;) ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Red</b> - So, I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first book, mostly because of all of the declarations of love being thrown around. I think it's obvious that I like a little romance with my story, but there also <i>still needs to be a story</i>. The basic gist of <i>this</i> series so far seems to be about moving the lost heir from one secret place to another until everyone decides how best to use her. And for the longest, she doesn't even <i>know</i> that she's the heir everyone's been talking about. It's quite frustrating at times. But I'm still here for it, especially after yet another cliffhanger ending. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>War</b> - Finally, some real twists I can get on board with, some of them predictable but otherwise intriguing. And all through the series, I've marveled at how few people the heroine has lost on her way to the throne. Shouldna done that. ;) I really would have liked to see more development in the characters and their relationships, so that I could feel the trust and loyalty instead of being told about it. And I could have done with a longer book. This finale just felt rushed. ๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38464776-opal"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZocUGq1xqdVnibHC1gWLtgtsP-nWAWkyONyOp_J3NSzMdqh6HAR63k-1SjKwKaO2cYHpA0A4fWt3hjlfWT3gJzD4_bBVIQaJdDcMLJ3Ub1yGTAkPQFXsC_AS1gjQLAgibdvbSCouIQxs/s200/opal.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/331830.Keturah_and_Lord_Death"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="283" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwDQtfAlKc07fb7NqIY8S2GtmxKZeDd0SiHADcEf198hg4L1lDNdIamk9Ka6Di25ZByxYRo6y0Ll5DfJML1l7OLWgEs4gLyiMagEWSffj383TAaVzYPQItcLI5GDhKtErQ1EBHeKB9UI/s200/keturahandlorddeath.jpg" width="140" /></a></center>
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<b>Opal</b> - "She had no lust, because Ronan hadn't dreamt any for her, but she also had no shame, because Ronan hadn't dreamt any of that for her, either." Hehe...that just about sums up Opal. She's kind of like Ronan and Adam's adopted child...except with very hairy legs and hooves. So...maybe more of a pet. :) Oh, that was just lovely. I'm itching for a Raven Boys re-read now. I loved revisiting the Barns and Ronan and Adam and the peek at what's to come in Ronan's trilogy. I can't bloody wait! ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Keturah and Lord Death</b> - I do so adore a good tale steeped in folk lore with Death as a character. This one was lauded as a <i>Beauty and the Beast </i>retelling in a review, which enticed me, but I stuck around for the Scheherezade/Persephone aspect. Death wants to keep Keturah but she offers up a story and tells him she'll finish the tale the next night and so on and so forth. From beginning to end, this story was hauntingly beautiful and full of magic and intrigue and it completely lived up to my expectations. I can't believe I'd never even heard of this book until recently. I'd definitely recommend it for fans of <i>The Bear and the Nightingale</i> and <i>Uprooted</i>. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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*ARC received from publisher for review purposes. This does not affect my review in any way.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A D U L T</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4728979-silent-on-the-moor"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="305" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDES-mW5cu4wMF6pbbEern6jUTr0jEGzCbfbm96rPlN-UYvj2A4GpiUfE8d5HUbwxT1sLMmz9WuQE-Zj8eZqmLZ34-jH4whZUCGG8HRz2N68ikcxzR_akKbn1RuEeGv6HjaFdjXHrPmM/s200/silentonthemoor.jpg" width="128" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36992205-the-beau-the-belle"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQo2NVJ1G2fcSFuJPvjADIMGMwcN_vBtb9MHaxmHOAu8Z6WMrP6HUFQtUU_zY28StgR7TTit0bmShBFnYe5EN8rM0dfpqdrsJr32BMAkUF7xblrt4J6W-P83-4mZ7CjRllMYVTtNq9W7A/s200/thebeauandthebelle.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23285659-the-hooker-and-the-hermit"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteu9Zj3tAVRQwhICTtHD5GbJLTrXGKR1DdqmanQ-j_OfmjwXQYBFozDvxto0WkkWGXXL8FXHgQPLHVa0DuCyQpmY8ndJe8f7_ZAnH0sSs-VQvWk-hfMHehHxZwjHXoQje7vej4c7Pup0/s200/thehookerandthehermit.jpg" width="132" /></a>
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<b>Silent on the Moor</b> - This was definitely my favorite of the series! So many more details revealed about Brisbane and his past, though I did think the mystery aspect of this installment was a little more predictable than the previous books. Still. I loved it. I had planned on starting the next book, but I feel like it's going to start a new story arc and I'm terribly content with how this novel left things. I'll definitely be coming back to the series to read the next two books, but I want to bask in the sense of fulfillment a little longer first. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Beau and the Belle</b> - R.S. Grey's books are always kind of palate cleansers for me. I read them after darker or more challenging books because they're usually pretty adorable and the dramatics are kept to a minimum and they're just...<b>fun</b>. This one was a sweet second-chance romance set in New Orleans, and I kind of felt like I was there experiencing it. If I remember correctly, the previous books I've read by this author were all set in Texas, and it was the same. Of course, I live in Texas, but she just depicts the setting so well without being overly descriptive. Also, the voice of Lauren as a teenager was just so genuine as she crushed on an older guy, but her voice as an older, somewhat insecure woman was also realistic. As for the love interest, he was just yummy; I don't know what more to say about him. ;) All in all, a very pleasant reading experience and one I've come to expect from this author. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Hooker and the Hermit</b> - Sometimes you just need a good romantic comedy, ya know? I gave this one a chance because I kind of adored Reid's Knitting in the City series, especially the earlier books. I found this story to be remarkably similar to the first book in that series, specifically the dynamic between the heroine and the love interest: terribly introverted but stunning woman randomly makes the acquaintance of a handsome and well-to-do man hell-bent on sweeping her off her feet and coaxing her out of her comfort zone. And, sure, that's the premise of a lot of romance novels, but with this one, well...it was just so damn funny. And it has both perspectives, with the male narrator having an Irish accent, and well, <i>be still my heart</i>. I'd like to say I'm going to continue this series, but honestly, I have no desire to read about that asshat Sean Cassidy. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32491187-walk-of-shame"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="312" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-mHqT1mmSGIhJsyhEiTui4An6QaObm055e-psCWJ7NOisWAVsVFMHHKfDZK7Sjk13TIuGwRH42b_f0eVBwXIqI8X01m3hFyO5IQt4QqqboESVle0aMvIQ9vfaHtm4sCyk8Jy-aSUsA4/s200/walkofshame.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36572433-three-blind-dates"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCArFtNj2eGPAu3DWsTLI826ffv1VaW4InhQbDZQvM5o94Y1nRyu7YBEfHQoFrxe9Rf7hVQlrbhnZb_LUYhhYtPdb0YVIFhQPVlzzVjtloZB7FN-nGojWRGvopz0Ibu8fEYpPTQuR0EE/s200/threeblinddates.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24473763-radiance"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xTD83xG7a8xrxJnJkB0PnNghyphenhyphen2Bz6CJDBHX0RAo7HbENnBNLS-Qj6WR3ceAZrUgvkEbcBdss85SmYtkOtPa1uvOoRKV-0v_GQIkWAbSh24I-BocJ59E2QQIhP_NpqszdO7EqpU_8-1c/s200/radiance.jpg" width="144" /></a>
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<b>Walk of Shame</b> - Okay, so <i>that </i>was super adorable. Which I kind of expected, based on my previous experience with the author's work and my GR friends' reviews, but still: so stinkin' cute. It was a tad predictable and the main character seemed pretty shallow and mildly annoying in the beginning, but she grew on me, plus I can take predictability when the drama level is this low. ;) Also? Banterfluff. It's my weakness. Well, one of many, but give me witty banter and adorable meet-cutes and I'm all set to swoon. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Three Blind Dates</b> - This book was utterly delightful in every possible way. I don't think I've swooned or laughed so much at a story in <b>quite</b> awhile. And the <i>You've Got Mail</i> angle! Le sigh. I remember that movie releasing when I worked at a video rental place in high school -- yeah, I'm totally showing my age here -- and taking it home with me on more than one occasion. It was and still is a favorite to this day, and the fact that the main character loved it so much just endeared her to me that much more. The three guys were each awesome in their own right, but I knew who I wanted her to end up with. ;) The cast of secondary characters was absolutely hilarious; I was in tears I was laughing so hard. And now I can't wait to read the rest of the series! ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Radiance</b> - I'd seen people raving about this author's work recently and decided to give this novel a chance, most especially because it's kind of like <i>Beauty and the Beast</i>, except <b>both</b> characters are reviled and seen as hideous among the other's people. I loved that though they were both being forced into a marriage for an alliance, they became great friends almost immediately and that blossomed into a more lasting relationship. This book checked all the boxes for a great slow-burn romance, but I also liked the fantasy elements and the fact that if you don't read the epilogue, it could almost be read as a stand-alone. ;) ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25590679-a-sorceress-of-his-own"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZRssYgLNw_3UI3WfiRCI3H3B_143Dkju6uKf7pXAazZjRvFbOxd7hpt3uRqbbJN4yAM-LGJwl-kMfVtZyVSr-eG4AYy2VJhiPWF1B2aCrVBUd44w-A8w51srj6awa74-AQGg-zT2fvo/s200/asorceressofhisown.jpg" width="151" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25803733-rendezvous-with-yesterday"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8no1nFhXhyk51AQdR80nmm6FCz1B1DXjmnOtlClKHNBOk9Zs-traIB4gfIEFhYzZVids7m83Swa5NhSoCyCGAgA4jYKD_zV1OeSuCXHFCHAehI8ffvwklCqtiYHm12s8RBb6rjG4L8E/s200/rendezvouswithyesterday.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34098873-beauty-of-the-beast"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="305" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuAER83mH5y8eulhA0SWerpCAez4kHPOyaputrasMBdB5Ex4SDw6QjPlHWdHtxXozNGg4GokpgMK2Il_tnGbQ9OCk4aByGKObM_UgUAaRrGKTgs8sYZH0HU7coT_3iKQg4LbGTbELkrQ/s200/beautyofthebeast.jpg" width="128" /></a></center>
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<b>A Sorceress of His Own</b> - The beauty of the Audible Romance Package is that it allows me to listen to awesome books that I otherwise would not have given the time of day...or wasted a credit on. As much as it pains me to admit it, I am guilty of judging a book by its cover, and have probably passed on many a great novel because of it. Novels like this one. :( I'd never even heard of Dianne Duvall previously, but you'd better believe I'll be checking out her other books now after having enjoyed this one so much. A warrior. A sorceress. An undeniable attraction...well, once Lord Dillon discovers that she's not the old hag she's portrayed herself to be for the last seven years of their acquaintance. ;) And then there's the magic and the consequences that come with it. It was a balm to my soul to find a new fantasy series, as I've been disheartened by YA fantasy after recent reads and was beginning to think that it was a lost hope, that maybe I'd fallen out of love with the genre. I'm ecstatic to realize that's not the case. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Rendezvous With Yesterday</b> - I almost didn't read this one once I read the synopsis and saw the bit about time travel, but I really liked Robert from the first book, so I grudgingly gave it a chance. Don't get me wrong, I love time travel novels for the most part, but I just wasn't sure how well it would play out with a headstrong 21st century woman visiting medieval England. It worked, though. Beth is sassy and Robert was, well, just as perfect as he was in <i>A Sorceress of His Own</i>. I really enjoyed his story and how lovely these two characters were together. And I loved getting a bigger peek at the world of the Gifted Ones. I hadn't been sure if I would read the Immortal Guardians series because it features vampires as well as the Gifted Ones, but after seeing what Duvall has done with this book and series, I <i>have</i> to satisfy my curiosity. Even if she did make me cry at the end of this one. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Beauty of the Beast</b> - I will read pretty much anything boasting of being a <i>Beauty and the Beast </i>retelling. Except this. The writing is excruciatingly bad. The characters are one-dimensional, cookie-cutter stereotypes. The prologue intrigued me, with the would-be Beast's entire family being murdered in the name of revolution, but it was still not <i>good</i>. And then enter the Beauty, her daft father, her horrible stepsisters (did the author forget that she was writing a BatB retelling, not <i>Cinderella</i>?), and the villainous swain intent on capturing Beauty's hand...all of them so over the top and immature in their dialogue and mannerisms. I knew then at 8% into the book, I could go no further. Also, I thought this was supposed to be an adult read, but it didn't read as such...at least up to the point at which I stopped reading. <b>DNF</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13123877-broken-harbor"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="312" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2RF2M0jLEZRdg1-TJnVPFSP_a35lQ4cJXbDBTgv6jOy4dqVQe49f9TDK7-wcF987ltQ9lHF2zuiGt4_YVynlRKEBgdJ7FoWayUuFURbLmOR5z3wtKSdWrMC-dYt5OntT_hPdjQi3-aE/s200/brokenharbor.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34525559-lies-jane-austen-told-me"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYhjy91MwGFcOWMBwjtriP4WAfdodeW8nw08IaYmnXiymboDU_Xyuxq7tLisnN2VEouY7yMYbV7zxhPSciVk43ZD71H2BfXr0PVQCjdnZSgK7h_eI_hRxB_9Wfwq8g3k20AWwY05HzOM/s200/liesjaneaustentoldme.jpg" width="128" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20656356-lord-of-scoundrels"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxuT0_a3nTxMBOHgIx-JhubgBofjfWskY3fnJZ751QwKxYqOoPpoGkPCVE3Znjr8ZLFDNmEIHsGJD0aAkGXEBycWAAvuhd1qG9hCG4q9Od2G-nM73gCX5N64YDNRGMiP2dq3r4wis16E/s200/lordofscoundrels.jpg" width="200" /></a></center>
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<b>Broken Harbor</b> - I love these books. Tana French is absolute genius at creating characters and weaving backstories that just captivate. But UNGH, <i>they kill me</i>. There's no fast and neat ending. There's no tying up of loose ends. There are just cops that fuck up their cases royally, by letting their pasts get in the way or missing something vital or just plain trusting the wrong person. Or in the case of <i>Broken Harbor</i>, <b>all of the above</b>. I thought Mik "Scorcher" Kennedy was kind of a prick in the last book, but he was only a side character in <i>Faithful Place</i>, an antagonist to our hero Frank, and so he wasn't as fully developed as he is in this one. His voice at times -- both narrative and audio narrator -- reminded me a bit of Frank, and though I didn't exactly like him, I did want him to get his (wo)man. All of the Dublin Murder Squad books are disturbing in their own way, but this one takes the cake. I finished this last night way before bed, but I still woke up wondering what the hell was up with that animal in the attic. I think that's one of the things I love (and hate) most about Tana French's novels: the lingering questions and doubts. Nothing's ever quite finished. Except the careers of those who join the Dublin Murder Squad. ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Lies Jane Austen Told Me</b> - It's true. Jane Austen has given a whole slew of us really, <i>really</i> high expectations for men and love in general. ;) When we meet the heroine of this book, though, she's kinda over it. She no longer trusts Jane and has given up on love completely. Until someone shows her that the Mr. Darcy's and the Mr. Knightley's of the real world are still out there. It's sweet but also kind of bland; I like a little more <i>zing</i> in my romance. Also, I feel cheated because I could have liked this a smidge more if I had realized it was narrated by Justine Eyre -- my least favorite female narrator of all time! -- and read it instead of listening, but that's my mistake. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Lord of Scoundrels</b> - This was apparently my first experience with a Loretta Chase novel, though I find that hard to believe with as much historical romance I've read in recent months. At any rate, this one was pretty par for the course with a scandalous rogue who's met his match -- i.e. turned into a slavering idiot -- in a bluestocking beauty set on disentangling her brother (and his finances) from said rogue. The banter was witty, especially on the part of the heroine. The sexual tension was fine. I even laughed some. But there was just nothing that stands out about this novel, nothing I haven't seen before in some shape or form. ๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8804062-darkness-dawns"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="296" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDvdNLhQFFmF5mGMDfpEDEyTzElh493D8fb4ZCntTe9x-6HUpNGmPXOxgQjgqU7aeT7sxA3dVqGy9_cUxyPPtltr53JZf4ae6_KPZcbg95o7K2n1AJ3qSPMxUIZE68VodYaInix39FgA/s200/darknessdawns.jpg" width="124" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37769929-pestilence"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="298" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrSKRpYXiWvg6lazGk07xzNX4U7UKHfhbGcp0xuLRUp2ZMO94uqttaqANnk5cHI3qO5qdM2zbaBXQCkfdyBXRNlXJaTL0pFak5xiM1HV3tIo_yhnzc43oJTWu_EQNORe0PYHQe9wB7Yc/s200/pestilence.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29367958-the-wall-of-winnipeg-and-me"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrTNssGMa_M9DPDAnpJ0WLWdQdZvmrKAiNuBnzcokLJr82hZMWqgCyoAE95IRrQQCR0FvR0rmx2Rcy6LbPjKS1evWu_yMobHIwrfFlQiiRSYcRtWvSgrOpIiGBuVQu64KYZ3bFRrvSN4/s200/thewallofwinnipegandme.jpg" width="128" /></a></center>
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<b>Darkness Dawns</b> - So, as I am wont to do, I read these <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/4400405.Dianne_Duvall">two series</a> backwards. <b>But</b> by having done so, I already knew about Marcus and Bethany and Robert, and had I not read <i>Rendezvous With Yesterday</i> first, I think I would have been confused or at least mildly irritated at the mention of that situation without completely comprehending it. <i>Anyway</i>, this book focuses on Roland, whom, if you read the books in the order I did, you would have met very briefly in <i>A Sorceress of His Own</i>, and he is described as looking very sad. And in this book, you find out his tragic backstory. I have a feeling ALL of the Immortal Guardians are going to have similar tales. Even so, I really enjoyed this book. Vampirism as a disease. Hot immortals protecting humanity. And special abilities. The only thing I really disliked was the picture-perfect ending, but I'm actually kind of already used to that from this author because of The Gifted Ones series. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Pestilence</b> - A series about the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse coming to earth to destroy all of humanity but being tempted away from that task by love? Yes, please! However, every time the Stockholm syndrome would rear up and make me a little iffy on the romance aspect, I'd remind myself that the book <i>did</i> start with the heroine shooting and then setting Pestilence on fire, so at least they were on a more even playing field. Mostly. I mean, he was raining death and disease down among us mere mortals like nobody's business, but being with Sara saw him grow and learn to identify with humanity, so there's that. Also, I can't help adoring complicated villains. I loved the brief glimpse we got of Death in this book, and I can't wait to read <i>War</i> now! ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Wall of Winnipeg and Me</b> - This had to be one of the <i>slowest</i> slow-burn romances I've ever read, and it was so sweet. I liked the characters. I liked the premise. And the fact that this isn't even anyone's favorite of Mariana Zapata's novels leaves me even more excited to read the rest of her work. I'll be honest, the names and covers of her books have always kinda put me off, but now I know better. ;) ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35576284-mother-of-shadows"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_fUUOTof6Owu4Pf6yE7za3ekN1nEhoNYp1Wy5_Rb1_C2Jfvnd_k3ldRj8sdn-YE9XJHkdsSDLdFIXsHlS5M85M7Yrnnm9BIQpO0WyWedkuF1u0makgBj6q6xp-g_zNFPpH3jsj4QaHo/s200/motherofshadows.jpg" width="134" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26148083-rhythm-chord-malykhin"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="295" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Psj1drHT5znEnHpmo_KvtSMwjW77vx9tfveWlprvBPdimeg8fV6ixmBkYXPjpuf8zqoINrWVRmuriT40tU2aGx-WUL5MTXsa-DiYkZ2RXtJl8IZUrGwrZaqJw1aM5hXjrYQzsZh98hk/s200/rhythmchord%2526malykhin.jpg" width="124" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33164795-a-dangerous-seduction"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmHT7uNSQbSaKxWOy3epJacpjOSH_5xkF0iMosz_Dg0L8ACTz0LfzbtoK-hxOxQZOV5_oIrEY9wPYLtxLrw4hUzo7XpNog1e7UzAVCArVEAqwtam9Cjv3zwu1GN4Jjj3aRFHhqRrc4M8/s200/adangerousseduction.jpg" width="125" /></a></center>
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<b>Mother of Shadows</b> - If I had had the forethought to queue up another audiobook for my commute home, I wouldn't have finished this book. This was one of those "prophesied one" stories where the girl is so perfect and everyone wants to be her or be with her. She picks her mate from a line-up, gets a magical flying cat-thing, and then promptly loses said mate. And that's basically all that happens. I won't be picking up the rest of the series. ๐<br />
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<b>Rhythm, Chord & Malykhin</b> - Gawd, this book was funny. I was legit cracking up the whole time I was listening to it. All of the relationships were just so genuine and the humor, god, the humor! Bodily function jokes. Snarky banter. Sexual innuendo. And it all took place on tour, which I thought would lead to all kinds of drama because that's usually the territory with rock star books, but there wasn't even a single paparazzi issue or tabloid scandal. It was just a bunch of guys on tour and Gaby and fart jokes and soccer balls to the face and the sweetest rock star love story I've ever read. I think Mariana Zapata is my new author crush and I'm probably going to spend the rest of the month reading her novels until I've read them all. But I'm saving <i>Kulti</i> for last because it's apparently everyone's favorite and I like saving the best for last. ;) ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>A Dangerous Seduction</b> - This was an adequate second-chance romance. Nothing more, nothing less. I enjoyed the first half much more because of the build-up and the flashbacks to what once was, but the second half really fell flat. One minute Owen is accusing Scarlett of murdering her husband, and the next, they can't keep their hands off each other. Have some self-respect, woman! Scarlett wasn't the most likable of characters, especially because of her tendency to jump to conclusions and her inability to see what's right in front of her. Also, I just didn't feel the attraction between Owen and Scarlett. But, I'm willing to give this author another chance, so I've already downloaded <i>A Dangerous Proposal</i>, which features Felicity and Felix from this book. Now there are two people who have chemistry! Let's just hope it holds up in the next book. ๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20613920-under-locke"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WxIi270CANHtJSCycVolrbxyshcNXa8dPyNfOvVEY4wqUAKqoVPHkhcqI2zwBMtsawpnQ9Cf3HMHP7CA9DalpIuL6YNtR5r4lE2MY7Gp6dG_ici_hwd5YKYK_IVqF9rJttojtfENMko/s200/underlocke.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33796618-runaway-groom"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy48waoYlbzZUdCWE5Ls4mDbIBF5EbKH6Dm_ovd07cA7K6wyU5ZwVPvpulBRlAqFd9tZXbe6cFqlzH96iKKW_ULZVgA0OXFLxbiwpzVDRiOZYqUNqQ1oE1LAPD_dFLaQMkXytoEH_hcNw/s200/runawaygroom.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29283773-lingus"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKm2TgeFP36rk5MWdJ5CZWBSvLemMUYQQxBVtOfALI6u1Wzdar8cxc1MztY4hq60w0muBpd5reuIiwFZqNuGSmmQn4zFw8UNmZG-8KmRZTTUlpv2hHPtfZvL3ca320EMRgpAqmoMMej-g/s200/lingus.jpg" width="125" /></a></center>
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<b>Under Locke</b> - So, this definitely isn't going down as my favorite MZ novel, but it was still alright. Try as I might, I'm just never going to get the appeal of a complete alpha asshole. The main character was too naive for my taste, as well. She'd attempt to stand up for herself, only to back down each and every time. That said, I'm not the biggest fan of stories featuring biker boys or guys tattooed to within an inch of their life, but I do think I liked this one more than the rest I've read. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Runaway Groom</b> - I'm not a fan of <i>The Bachelor</i>, so I went into this book with pretty low expectations. But I liked previous books by the author and I read an excerpt from this one that made me think it was worth a shot. And it was pretty cute. Not too over the top, though the antics of other contestants made me wonder if anyone really wants to find love on a show like that. I mean, <i>I wouldn't</i>, but that's not the point. This book was just a nice, fun way to pass a spring afternoon...though it already feels like summer in Texas. *weeps* ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Lingus</b> - I was very hesitant to read this novel, despite having loved pretty much everything else I've read of MZ's so far. I still have a few left at this point, but I just really, <i>really</i> enjoy this woman's writing. It's funny, it's poignant, and there's always this achingly lovely slow-burn romance. And this one was kinda painful while also being really eye-opening, especially as to the way we treat and judge others. I really wasn't sure what to expect with regards to this book. I'm not a prude, but I expected it to be kinda sordid, but it was really, <b>really</b> sweet and a romance that was based on a real friendship above all else. So, yeah...it's gonna be pretty tough to pick my favorite MZ book when I've finally made my way through all of them. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26459239-kulti"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="302" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pEQ67744tP6jCREhURV6SdZ4K3vo1irZ58hyT9hBGRzmcRZSjBd-jOm3vsgSFVJFaKlzMOIgr3dGJ29p58O0LoIsBrcxIHCbDYGrxTmlKFZoMAfFP59ixkomBccN4HHZltAyJYZM4CU/s200/kulti.jpg" width="151" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37683751-from-lukov-with-love"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="296" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRC4kPHkH22vXUpZUIIFnOzWCIyoO9N7tvvDwP0c2fzuUHjT69iVi5APiPb7BOmZK_MBL8Jccz3ITdWMcp0M-pwKYvoNmma4pEsB-VOP05dZsKItper5zeC17bATlgthidbVkRbJtUilk/s200/fromlukovwithlove.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35404657-dear-aaron"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="296" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZsvo4gY58rwWU8-Kq7Q6NkibPrx_mQIQFLuVg-sRxvEyqpmsGjjzdrho5OrfDsXiJGDo25oHUs74mF7aMUbwukh1DMBA3X_8gL-SqOaq8ALW2NuOh027YjT2uwHuS8UK5k12Hnk3GJw/s200/dearaaron.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33288638-wait-for-it"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="295" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO6X7CFjgLI4-uTNhq-BDExfdbF-oXpdnVsWBHyHF1lsiYMkc8YIx_jlV1QQH-A6jo-T6jLRrw8oN6j7s5ea7OjTxLMSEFLTz1fqzGmkuZoWHzxgUyQ5PPdMekQBAxPBSpDf6x8LSgyQ/s200/waitforit.jpg" width="124" /></a></center>
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<b>Kulti</b> - So, I've finally read the MZ novel that so many call their favorite. And I get it. Brooding Kulti was hot AF. Jealous Kulti was sizzling. But sweet, gentle Kulti who hugs even when he doesn't appear to know how? <i>Sigh-inducing</i>. I laughed and <i>aww</i>ed my way through this book. I enjoyed it immensely, especially when he calls Sal <i>schnecke</i>. I loved it when Kulti was grumpy and when he stood up for Sal. In truth, I'm having a hard time finding anything I <i>didn't</i> love about this book. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>From Lukov With Love</b> - I just love a good hate-to-love romance but especially one where maybe it was never hate but the inability to articulate one's true feelings that caused such animosity. As a little girl, I thought figure skating was one of the most glorious things I'd ever seen. What little girl didn't, right? But aside from the romance, this book shows how much work goes into those beautiful routines, how challenging it is mentally and physically, and it only added to the story. I definitely appreciate that aspect of all of MZ's books. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Dear Aaron</b> - This is an epistolary novel, which I tend to love. It starts out with emails and transitions to text/IMs, with no other character interactions. We're told everything that happens in the pen pals' lives for nine months, until Aaron's return to the States after his tour of duty is over. It's funny and sweet but also it never really gets any deeper. Not until Aaron's back home, anyway. And then so much happens in such a short span of time that it was a little overwhelming. I liked the story, I just didn't love it as much as I'd hoped to. ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Wait For It</b> - I think this might have been the saddest of all of MZ's books. So much grief and loss and love and family. Most of her books are romantic comedies but this one? This one brought me to tears. There were moments of levity to even it out, especially when it came to the boys, but man, this one tugged on my heartstrings. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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So, here's what I've learned from <strike>reading</strike> bingeing Mariana Zapata's entire backlist -- out of order, I might add: a) her books are very formulaic, but it didn't detract from the stories for me one bit, b) they're all companion novels of sorts, so you'll see characters again, c) they're like potato chips, you can't read just one, d) she really favors athletes and military men (<i>but who doesn't?</i>) who are older than her twenty-something protagonists, and e) my two favorites were about a rock star and a porn star...go figure. :D Oh, and she uses Texas as her setting. A lot. Which endears her -- and her stories -- to me that much more.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20821043-the-secret-place"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RcTWoixpPdS5n0LK23UrMGWQdKBV9NB1QRXLny8xUWF_jJCR95JQAJzZ0n-B16Wd3T245Yt_rnCdiTVX81_Fur4gJr9KsjwQbD5pKicdM7ZTUUbW0p_cA4lLUDPuEt0KsZ3jg9nsn80/s200/thesecretplace.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40105130-monster-garden"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelunFMATq7s6hlI288phv5GAKCjFl6l1fS2BiOwqUzuh3yg7E63Wh3ZvHRJklxsUHxZK26x04KmgC60FTIiMbn8rJ_nlXFwSJORKeYcywUr_-trmOXkbZcOTiQOC0A8RzYIG8OzI7ldU/s200/monstergarden.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28953499-someone-to-love"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="248" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIE49t0tXBSn7RCKDShIfNwZmMy1dh_abXCMthUyKccnh_kfRT9ycJ0sBk9aACQGLnpjD32g_dSQH75fStIosm4eobmDAupnEfg9RIVnoPss3kwZty3Hy3iwLX_RRfMmRffMTRWKniiMg/s200/someonetolove.jpg" width="124" /></a></center>
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<b>The Secret Place</b> - I always go into a Tana French book knowing I'll probably have more questions than answers when I'm finished, but this one actually ended with some semblance of a resolution. I liked that this story was broken down into the here and now, with Detective Stephen Moran interrogating the possible witnesses of a murder from a year ago, and contrasted with the girls' perspectives from the months before the murder. I also appreciate how talented French is as misdirection and foreshadowing just enough but not so much that the story leans toward predictable. I'm always right there with the detectives as they put the pieces together, never a step ahead or behind. <i>And I love it.</i> This wasn't my favorite Tana French novel, but it was damn good and the series still ranks among my favorites. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Monster Garden</b> - I liked this author's Lovely Vicious series and I am very excited about her new YA <i>Bring Me Their Hearts</i>, so when this popped up on Kindle Unlimited, I grabbed it. I'm also kind of enraptured with all things fae, so that aspect didn't hurt either. But while this story has potential, the writing wasn't very tight and it needed another (dozen) round(s) of editing. And I don't just mean punctuation or grammar; I'm talking referencing the wrong character name and giving another (side) character a point-of-view chapter -- <i>just one</i> -- solely for the purpose of showing that yes, the love interest does care for the heroine but he has <i>reasons</i> for not acting on it. The story was weird and predictable at times but also just too much, going in too many directions for its own good. ๐๐<br />
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<b>Someone to Love</b> - Meh. I think I was being altogether too hopeful in my review of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15998206-the-arrangement">the only other Mary Balogh book I've read</a>. Because again nothing much happens in this book, but despite the caliber of writing, I can't get past that fact this time. I was bored, so very bored, and I think it only made this Tuesday after a holiday weekend <i>that</i> much longer. It was perfectly sweet but there was just nothing else to the story. ๐๐<br />
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Have you read any of these? What did you think? Find any new titles to check out? ;0)<br />
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Until next time! Happy reading!<br />
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starryeyedjenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841350560201331032noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-22136767014946745492018-05-01T09:32:00.000-05:002018-05-01T09:32:00.196-05:00What I've Been Reading Lately {4.30.18}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I read a little bit of everything in April, lol. Finished up one of my favorite series. Re-read some favorites. And tried out some titles that I thought would be more to my liking but weren't. And then I discovered a series I hadn't even known I'd been missing out on. So, some ups and downs, but a pretty decent reading month over all.<br />
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I'm still way ahead of my GR reading goal and only one or two books behind my wishful thinking goal of a book a day (or 365 books this year). I have Friday off for my birthday -- which is actually today but I don't like taking a day off in the middle of the week -- so I hope to get some extra reading in then while no one's at home. ;) I just got some new titles from the library and I've only dipped a toe into the waters that are Kindle Unlimited, so I've got my pick, that's for sure.<br />
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And without further ado, here's what I've been reading lately...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(More on why I've gone to this format <a href="http://starryeyedrevue.blogspot.com/2016/10/my-moment-of-zen.html">here</a> in lieu of traditional reviews for each.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Y O U N G A D U L T</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33509076-black-bird-of-the-gallows"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCNkar1xP5EqbBPc5O2d3NLigAhywoNlEvS7YtH6GL3lj33crdbUVoAgFgO0ag4Ohyphenhyphen8-IQKj0gOxt3XHHfQDPiy30Lke4A4pHqtdpcEMFSgYeShKDSISS_vLt_OVFItF38ko03LuPv5M/s200/blackbirdofthegallows.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29739428-hero-at-the-fall"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2T_uMxdwcyxpSH2CQKa4-z1ACR92_GkMF7Rfr3MVRXQ9csthyAVVAs08mOaAmZsOtpzKvKXwqoFbs7dEX1n5F2TqulgOH1a1PjgGloYW-lnJhsIPDMBaYEVS2QGCap0lWz4_1hGogVE/s200/heroatthefall.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32419641-bellamy-and-the-brute"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4aMSU6hb8CTR62hP59VYP-MTUmW2IcuA205sZPJG4lyNh28vr_BIiJj5WLiGVIVa-FE1dokUNWRAYzCCOfvO9w-taTvoLh5l5oKqi1GZgxI0anhfVMUmJdtz8pOHE5ypG9cYIYksLvg/s200/bellamyandthebrute.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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<b>Black Bird of the Gallows </b>- Finally! I recommended a book to the library...and they actually purchased it for lil ole me! :D But when I went to mark it as currently reading on Goodreads, I noticed that there's now a sequel listed and I'm all <i>Noooo! I thought this was a stand-alone!</i> The book gods are cruel like that. Except...the way this one ended, you wouldn't necessarily have to continue with the series. And I doubt I will be. The premise of this story had so much promise, but the execution just fell flat. It didn't have any depth, the romance was abrupt, and the conclusion was just so <i>perfect</i>, it made me want to yack. I'm just immensely disappointed. ๐๐<br />
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<b>Hero at the Fall*</b> - I'm sad that this series is over, but what a ride! As with any finale, you can't expect everyone to make it out alive, but I was even more worried for these characters because they've become some of my absolute favorites...and with a war coming, it was likely I was going to shed some tears. That said, I'm ecstatic with how this conclusion played out. Allies turned foes. Djinn turned loose. Fates sealed. And all at a break-neck pace. Then there were the little snippets of stories and the one at the end that worked as an epilogue, and oh my heart is sad but full. I can't wait to read what Alwyn Hamilton writes next. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Bellamy and the Brute</b> - For the first half of this book or so, I was fully prepared to give it four stars. But then the murder mystery hinted at in the prologue rears its ugly head and the story kinda derails from there. I had been leery of this one for the single reason that it's listed to be published by Clean Teen Publishing and I'm sorry, "cleaning" up books for young adult consumption doesn't sit well with me. But honestly, I don't know what's so clean about this book: there's cussing, there's sex, there's all manner of adults behaving badly. But then I read on the publisher's <a href="http://www.cleanteenpublishing.com/">website</a> that they believe in "knowledge not censorship" and okay, I'm on board with that. And it makes a lot more sense considering my experience with this book. That being said, I liked the story when it was focused more on Bellamy and Tate and was more BatB retelling than murder-mystery solving. And not because it's not romance-centric but because it's just so...implausible. I kept expecting some old guy to yell, "And I would've gotten away with it, too, if it hadn't been for those meddling kids!" ๐ ๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27348722-my-ex-from-hell"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgviCY-RZFKwMOtV3S-j5K9V4WwtagB0CaPXuPi1i7eInBzJj0AddW7ihQ6maL5FF_9oXgKHKY7o9X7oePRylpsXs21RkO5jWyz7n-juIHBwc7kvOFz7OqfW7Qutg-klCZuaJkTCZ15ElI/s200/myexfromhell.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27352123-my-date-from-hell"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUWWRrQn9hHmGV3pwP11ffaThlJPfRdgAIOifTei0wkjfMp369LyyiM4Qq3yMmGKQHwMyK6AjwMfyqHAYgz5M0sf5AegsOvc9ZqUsX1Vq6nIFLvuWvukUrqw4ZJfWbu-tNH7mqZCqcfQ/s200/mydatefromhell.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27353499-my-life-from-hell"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFF_UMEjEiGDd13DdepWq72KZRPH4bI75OalPVaQ8j20DKKbgQCXacKTWcdV1f8Gg7KmN2-5qf7991XLX1bt82addBaTeYav8GoJcqjhgSX9XBbJ-eKdgUsntvaCr3kZM-PvAYFannUM/s200/mylifefromhell.jpg" width="125" /></a></center>
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<b>My Ex From Hell</b> - So...I remember some blogger pals back in the day -- some who are no longer with us, sadly ๐ข -- raving about this series. I caught the first two books on sale back then and downloaded them for my Kindle, but I remember thinking that <i>I've read quite a few </i>Persephone<i> retellings and if you've read one, you've read them all</i>. (Wrong. This book is clever and funny and snarky and just <b>fun</b>.) Have you ever just NOT known what to read next, like you've searched through the library and Amazon and Audible for new releases or something that just strikes your fancy and <i>nothing does</i>? That was me as I decided to scroll through my oft-forgotten Kindle library. And lo and behold I stumble across this gem. It's set mostly at a boarding school. The star-crossed lovers practically hate each other. And Persephone is saved from a tragic fate by being brought back as a human. Oh, and she doesn't remember anything about her life as Persephone. For the most part. ๐ Which makes for some awkward misadventures as she comes into her goddess powers. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>My Date From Hell</b> - This sequel was even wittier and even more fun than <i>Ex</i> was! I'm seriously still so sore at myself for having these books on my Kindle for FIVE years and never even cracking them open to find out what I was missing. I love how Darling weaves real mythology into our world, showing how the gods and goddesses would behave today, what havoc they might wreak on our world if given half a chance, but also including stories of old, some as hints for challenges and some as lessons. My mythology heart is eating this up! The romance and snark are catapulted to extreme levels in <i>Date</i>, and it made the book nearly unputdownable and oh so fun. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>My Life From Hell</b> - Though I already had this downloaded, I think I changed my mind. It was a fun series, but I also think it could have been great if left at two books instead of the oft-forced trilogy. So, even though I really enjoyed the time I spent with the first two books, I'm DNFing the series with the last installment.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35555251-traitor-born"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalb91sDiUk7ffImPPeDJg7Ypz_zm4KTjEkHNsAtY8flIN-o6G59W_mlIX02Do0vSYWyN8gkpinirOvgKJSYQAqmqmxQMdDhPXGCKcn4nrRIgqcx1oe3K7C6qSKRbNPA6EqcIsAepn6gg/s200/traitorborn.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30238163-ace-of-shades"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbsVUTeJkIlFRpouTB-Ax1lw18seTFXinPMJMdAq6biUZlK5hvyyt4i8N2TtBr5yrQC50F_KtYfxPg_BTyfI8DseB_TD3knUMWZ-4T5amHXZk400rVlOIN-Uylia0JRBTLg5ev8OAt2g/s200/aceofshades.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32505753-ash-princess"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4tKY-qkZOrgoX_D2dHOTVazmUQfOWHfxRpF7lFAsZgiKoosuraulmGyJmr-x-6FjrSpLV9ppJSfywIFmmFxH8Srlw32S82IjFNA6HPpxHr0zaDw5PgIdziQvRrmTOWRY1lV7DFYaOJk/s200/ashprincess.jpg" width="131" /></a></center>
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<b>Traitor Born</b> - Well, that was a doozy. Even more so than the first book, and not just because this cliffhanger was even more evil than the last. It's kind of taken a turn for the crazy, what with all the political machinations and ever-changing alliances, but I'm so invested in the outcome now, especially with what transpires in this sequel, that Bartol could have robots taking over the world and I'd still be here for it. <i>Oh, wait</i>. :P Anyway...if you've read previous books by this author, specifically the Kricket series, you know that there's bound to be more than one love interest, but I bet you didn't expect Roselle to have <b>three</b> guys on the hook by the end of the second book. Yup. And while I was favoring the weapons expert for awhile, I'm more interested in the gruff new guy. Well, technically, he's not new, but he and Roselle have become much better acquainted in this installment. ;) I love that this series is so well-rounded, so much action and intrigue with some romance peppered in, and I can't wait to read <i>Rebel Born</i>. I only wish I already had it in my hands... ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Ace of Shades</b> - I didn't love this one quite as much as <i>Daughter of the Burning City</i>, namely because it's not a stand-alone -- and I could really use more of those in my life -- and also because the author makes use of fake swear words in place of real ones and that just always annoys me to no end. The connotation is the same, so why bother? That said, I did enjoy the book: the magic, the curses, the skullduggery. With a story like this, I always hope for the unpredictable and the improbable and I believe I got that and more in <i>Ace of Shades</i>. I'll definitely be picking up the next book, especially with an epilogue that leaves more questions than answers in its wake. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Ash Princess*</b> - Meh. I was pretty bored with this one and might not have finished had I not been listening rather than reading a physical copy. It was depressing and slow and reminiscent of plenty of other YA fantasies I've read over the years. I'm not opposed to violence in stories, but there was so much torture and abuse here that it overshadowed everything else. I'm not curious enough to continue reading after this first book, even with that little twist at the end. ๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35000457-war-and-wind"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHifqJ4wDEnbCfgGChnTToM6It5PhYIoBjVMulXoqdMmAvY6jtxgbW2mpmtV8hy-QeaOPwAZ0l3zOWjSXJnFstwIARi9kAAkR8sR8FmDrdb3CGFHdw98zPSwJDjZTCUYxLcVYVyS1DdGU/s200/warandwind.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34499243-suitors-and-sabotage"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7sU1vfzV1vqrQQtsT9mTpP238VVVEUrIaJE1Z6HwfWDx_6wnfOGqN-UuEjTDATpN4-tmJ-KqwKoa76Pnk57WVCA1JtE_BhrxH-c_AWslttQ8YcifIcFGSiJfRN03uAzXZRFlg2tB_8U/s200/suitorsandsabotage.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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<b>War and Wind</b> - Thanks to a really awesome deal ($1.99 for THREE months!), I am now a subscriber to Kindle Unlimited and as such, I have decided to catch up on some books and series that I've been wanting to read and/or finish but that weren't available on audio or through my library. I really liked the first book in this series on audio, and I really enjoyed <i>War and Wind</i>, but as I stated above with the From Hell series, it would have been great if the author had left it at two books. The ending of this one is rather nice and an epilogue would have sufficed to give the reader that longed for happily ever after. From reviews of the final book, I can surmise that there's a lot of push-and-pull regarding the romance and that people are still underestimating Nile. (They should really stop doing that.) The only reason I think I'd spend time with <i>Sea and Sand</i> is for the mention of Catsper finally meeting his match that I read in one review. My curiosity is piqued, sure. But there are so many other books that I'd like to give a chance, so for now, I'm setting aside this series, even though I found the first two books equally enthralling. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Suitors and Sabotage*</b> - Another utterly delightful YA historical romance from Cindy Anstey! The romantic entanglements and the mysterious accidents befalling one of the suitors created for quite a web of intrigue. Cindy writes such charming characters and stories, with witty banter and English manners. Though I do wish there was a tad more kissing. :) I can't wait to read what she writes next! Her books always leave me feeling light-hearted and giddy. ๐๐๐๐<br />
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*ARC received from publisher for review purposes. This does not affect my review in any way.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">T H E C L A S S I C S</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32106.The_Convenient_Marriage"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="308" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcFzkzZjhwBokUSiayBJUmSihhcAMfdg67G9SeYnhIF_fPfvwfD4mQO1ldOAdgVa4ZjZaxezr21wXu29RqdrzOXF3Earww1Z8PQiiHMaOkfIO3Ln1Jd3PgvpTtulK-K9truA46ux70_A/s200/theconvenientmarriage.jpg" width="129" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1309019.Venetia"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="295" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoge97OhNG9IF7-g58VA_RdUkgzMNud61Br048Ro8fs4-MuMS5JDa21If2bjvWMFkUl1KpSV8BKyJaQe3ZVL-82oiPXh5ZjZbt-D2H5pI_7p8oe8ONMO57wbTPKSBHzec-nm2Ta_REx6o/s200/venetia.jpg" width="130" /></a></center>
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<b>The Convenient Marriage</b> - This was my first Georgette Heyer -- was that only last year?!? -- and it still remains among my favorites. Though, truth be told, they're all kind of my favorites. ;) ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Venetia</b> - I adore the lovely Venetia, who dares to fall in love with a rake. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">R E - R E A D S</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6555517-the-dead-tossed-waves"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXe-0OU9DUN7pfX-EUEc-jHPQo-28WCvwHmOB8kXQnVsXNMUCy-2XO6mItBwCtdMkzDuB7YhyphenhyphenWbA8d5qbbcEAGSknxfQLwPEqlTF8OGSo3BnzA9oi_bK_VeT7aqmLZEBwtnIT7Wt-QSM8/s200/thedeadtossedwaves.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8535273-the-dark-and-hollow-places"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1gphe74b2om-jcOUuqc6jaH6HgsctawD1ARV9n-5zHthc7GCZb1TCNzyqmVDggXXJElcUVGuaCidiieloIr8aEl6ZES9zj9v1n7Ui1_YP_JVnyGPBImT5CPjaNoj4fO5QD9Yu_7O6X8/s200/thedarkandhollowplaces.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32972153-secondborn"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGGvULlWCFTQCgIinbG3vDdMKslAAB0p9G2dW7U-5CuXBeoS6Enlni4vnJhDcqER0gghH_gP05B15lf9IT1TzkCzwWtHmpLg9kQnuxeyXeq9DVXO2ON9rZ5ljfKw9uuJ6e2nwJHVkQXA/s200/secondborn.jpg" width="133" /></a>
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<b>The Dead-Tossed Waves </b>- Do you ever hear a song and it reminds you of a book, maybe because you listened to said song <i>ad nauseum</i> while listening to this book in particular? That's what made me want to re-read this one. Except I'm listening. And apparently I've only ever re-read this book in this series, which is the second/middle book and also my favorite. Until this month. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Dark and Hollow Places</b> - I didn't remember TDTW ending on such an unfinished note, so when it did, I immediately had to download the audio for TDAHP. I like that all three books had different narrators. But I also didn't like it. I'd gotten so used to Gabry's whiney voice in the second book that at first I wasn't sure I could handle the tough yet self-loathing narrative of Anna. But the juxtaposition of their positions, of how they'd grown up and survived their separation, actually made me like Anna more. I'm glad I finally re-read this one. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Secondborn</b> - Re-read so I could start <i>Traitor Born</i>, now that it's released. And good thing, too, because I forgot soooo much! :P ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35297469-starry-eyes"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsGSj1UHiZtMcT-_DLgV5KZw00Mcn3EqEbzCKu52dDhAYEyIMyynzjRDBd08RI_OU2Mgs6Bg-lGyLuOUJzndej9Y_aoyxhSh6Xq3facX2Km0iuLO_jd-_f-U6Atu6WmMYGytA_2EGmKQ/s200/starryeyes.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34397006-air-and-ash"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq75iTRgkacdKNOLwwEcoq5Ddvh_wLX57NzQMxI2szuripovkJsiKkrA55tRRlB5tYt5SV32-QvzT7egAZtz8rOyi6s5quPY6bArJHs6XfTYZ1-guNMaK_h7p1nC1Ud3QJDsCDf0uIRak/s200/airandash.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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<b>Starry Eyes</b> - Of course I had to read this again! But this time on audio. :D And I think I may have loved it even more, if that's possible. The more I hear Amy Melissa Bentley narrate, the more I love her, especially as the voice of Jenn Bennett's MCs. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<b>Air and Ash</b> - Re-read so that I can finish the series now that I signed up for Kindle Unlimited and they're available for free on that platform. :) ๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTJHQWPoRUJ_d4qIWQ0fIWjshxG9en4Df4Tjvy3hAf9mRYmWVbTXUG2fy3qf0jgcC4KtNzPDli8NDdn-opd28m95FUQuTXTcbd_Ki4ypQu2kaee5UjfrQ0i9ecJ2XdI2myKrKZ9KJWwI/s1600/starseparate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="58" data-original-width="545" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTJHQWPoRUJ_d4qIWQ0fIWjshxG9en4Df4Tjvy3hAf9mRYmWVbTXUG2fy3qf0jgcC4KtNzPDli8NDdn-opd28m95FUQuTXTcbd_Ki4ypQu2kaee5UjfrQ0i9ecJ2XdI2myKrKZ9KJWwI/s320/starseparate.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A D U L T</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4635602-undead-and-unworthy"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="260" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_ZBW57LgYD3YYQqRewXPdugS2KS4uu7LB6YdkMAMuzDPFHqBUdCTSwGgd6WfMLY7Nl_nvNBXhDJxb_r8MBCtlc9CiCzp7Mh31nN-_PmOq4m_FZ7GeT0ENf5aJQWd8YZV3GeV0ayUTtQ/s200/undeadandunworthy.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6139767-undead-and-unwelcome"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="262" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcI_iYsZcZcmTQZYBnt58tipQq4s5bBEztLPG9X6AiwUj988vvp4y3-qk81UrNFgxtCCHk7yZEYmHh1uAqdaBg6j3DN8DRGsaJLzeKDa77srfin2QKdyAugX1z8uKPejgVTacBfYhIzzY/s200/undeadandunwelcome.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6884614-undead-and-unfinished"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="262" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZd9N8p7fkIaekme3S_MJe-sO4ZSsr_WJYYchwOayURcrUkvP9kHpfY5ErUiIb9W0js7P8OXf0oa5AQHvTTjIT9qztYdsKEt8nXKycFCy47m8mQVMb1uIORlLE4BgFCjb3vz7bfU31ci0/s200/undeadandunfinished.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23291856-undead-and-undermined"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="253" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukVl1OL3vZIhOMZj_mmTxnM4bGpOT_SkdHeV09eD3QOvPKCcCH-PJtuhiN_GK5FOAk7NAdysCZOt1BGYkXrFQVlk50zm-AJI_1ApqW8nhbTssBudV_0jr2_FozaML1O5OEGjJKMEYpUo/s200/undeadandundermined.jpg" width="126" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20340924-undead-and-unstable"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="298" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPtx77C4KFL6S4wEGz3R3ThRrILSTmEfj1x6ZiAlJXPpYfqSSsSPrZFgULvy92SJGp5KT3k2zyB3IGPp_0ze559nBJaRshylw4mrOM8Vs4CKUeGGjopDlnDq2WfpzD_ccoocD4oF_YBg/s200/undeadandunstable.jpg" width="125" /></a>
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<b>Undead</b> (aka Queen Betsy) (books 7-11) - I only read this far in the series because my friend lent them to me probably a year ago and I just really wanted to give them back. They're not terrible books, but there's nothing substantial about them. Everything happens to Betsy and company on the surface level, and the result is that I never felt invested in the outcome. Until the Vampire Queen and the Anti-Christ go to the future via Hell. But then I sorta lost interest again because it was taking too long to get from Point A to Point B and <b>I just wanted to be done</b>. I know I'm not done with the series, but I've read enough. ๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34379276-hello-stranger"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUX2IceP7cCTgqTd2xdEEwLtnPvsfrZWwnBz2ByNjJjtnVqGqOkaAJJzhsPpuICRAauEnzFVO2E3ThVAoGUk7CieSgUvgoZLu3aRHs345NrGU6pjpUihuwcwvC3OOCkQhBtZbBWE8Q_0I/s200/hellostranger.jpg" width="126" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30177628-the-fix-up"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUXSX3aBTbKlsQ28Y0kkZ1IRfPd8fjfZ0hT9RAPyiGo2UFDTCy-gRPNua0syrDtdbd9eoZ6u7iU5n5j03Vx-5jOmKsmR_8XZFFxCqf7cRl78Dl3GnCdn3H7nlEHFFMgJqWzmoy3Wswy8/s200/thefixup.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7093952-faithful-place"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96ycAr7eFXk4ukIB3efJe41yrNhXN2ygxya-oJ5_0yq4X_kO5Im9XIOcSa9-LY08Dmp5uxoGcfOTjrhCgJEXhxkgTQEHdZPEl656ACRaaQfarhOAQyeW1EI2C53zIKxWJwnqp737mbnU/s200/faithfulplace.jpg" width="131" /></a></center>
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<b>Hello Stranger</b> - This was fun and I loved Garrett and Ransom, but OMG I've been waiting for West's story since the first book in this series. I want it. I WANT IT NOW! Okay, now that I've got that off my chest...I liked these characters from encounters in previous books, but I wasn't entirely sure if I'd like them <i>together</i>. But once I saw the gentle teasing, the comfortable way they interacted, the romantic that came out in Ransom...I was hooked. The story did sort of jump the shark with that treasonous plot, but it also felt weirdly familiar, though I can't place where I've read something like it before. Thank goodness there was quite a bit of West in this book to overcome its shortcomings. ;) ๐๐๐<br />
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<b>The Fix Up</b> - A little bit fun, a little bit sexy, and a little bit...DUMB. Also, I must have this book confused with another. I thought there was royalty in this one, as in, he's a prince and needs to find a a wife. Not <i>he just inherited a large chunk of change and needs to find a wife in order to get it</i>. My fault: I thought I grabbed this from the royalty category of the Audible Romance Package but it turns out I was still in the workplace romance category. Or the marriage of convenience section. Who knows. :P This was my first Kendall Ryan novel and I'm not sure how interested I am in picking up any others. I may have only kept listening to this one because of the British accent. ;) ๐๐<br />
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<b>Faithful Place</b> - So, I've come to a few realizations regarding Tana French's books: a) the detective in question will have had a pretty bad childhood or at least something traumatic will have happened to them during that time, b) the detective will likely do everything in their power to royally eff up the investigation before all is said and done, and c) the author likes to leave her readers hanging. As in, what <i>did</i> happen to those kids, or why did <i>he</i> choose to take the blame, and <i>did</i> she testify? And even though she does this, and even though I'm compelled to care <b>so damn much</b> about her characters and their sad lots in life, I can't stop reading this series. I liked what I saw of Frank in the second installment -- Cassie's book...gawd, I miss her already -- but I really enjoyed his character in <i>Faithful Place</i>. I loved how he took charge of a situation, even when it wasn't his to take charge of. I loved his insane family, most especially his relationship with his daughter Holly. But most of all, I loved the flashbacks of him and Rosie. French's books are just so character-driven and I can't seem to get enough. I've already got the next book on hold at the library. ๐๐๐๐๐<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30815927-cake"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhvt9ns4olP3IY82bUCB2ygrzvpTn-8jQaIrtEp20o7wkKKsIWj50AmhR5D4s1w9i75q-v1Hmg-u3qjX5KxX-w1y6lfM78njPcIDgJUALohzZHTYz3T1YUdZmkv1OMNiNj-pOdA-wTq8/s200/cake.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/267869.Silent_in_the_Grave"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="269" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVAe9VtqfUzNb9C_tk7vCEQ09RkhYCXDPOA7XWFhzljr1B1i4P6vWOOwJ5NQ7hYZadxdcWd4uDgleJh_pv5PdZQ9lCbUo_Yp3cmsrZhy3OZz3lDDKEXiN84UpWPDXGvRTS7-dVC1to5g/s200/silentinthegrave.jpg" width="135" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1943742.Silent_in_the_Sanctuary"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="180" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zOq89jS7SBn_-OSuglnXlbiLJuHmCV0tLezxLC0GKeRRDpXp8vdS_RJO4aTgREWSr4Jf1RgfLdESBOng8wYKnVCNVwI-jT5OviWPlM2YbM0XVOJBE9HKdd9wxgvL6HUbUd2yI8oGFQc/s200/silentinthesanctuary.jpg" width="129" /></a></center>
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<b>Cake</b> - Since subscribing to the Audible Romance Package, this book has been featured on many, <i>many</i> recommended reading lists on the site, so I finally caved and downloaded it while in between listens. It started off with an adorable meet-cute between the nerdy college student and a hot as sin rocker at a wedding and just got cuter as time went on. But it soon seemed like cuteness overload, and I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. And kept waiting. This story was almost too easy, ridiculously so, even with the past trying to worm it's way into their lives. There was just not enough tension to hold my interest. Not any real tension anyway, not till the very end and then it was frustrating because then the story was pretty much done. And so was I. ๐๐<br />
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<b>Silent in the Grave</b> & <b>Silent in the Santuary</b> - I've only read the first two books in the Veronica Speedwell series, but I already know I love this series more, despite their similarities. The mysteries in each book, the writing, the full scope of the story were all reminiscent of Sherry Thomas' Lady Sherlock series, an absolute favorite of mine, which made me love these books even more. I'm already almost done with Silent on the Moor, which is the third book in the Lady Julia Grey series, and I can't wait to pick up the next one! ๐๐๐๐<br />
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Have you read any of these? What did you think? Find any new titles to check out? ;0)<br />
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Until next time! Happy reading!<br />
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starryeyedjenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841350560201331032noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-89841318776171796152018-04-20T12:20:00.001-05:002018-04-20T12:20:53.963-05:00SYNC 2018 is almost here! Get ready for 13 weeks of free audiobooks!!! @audiobookSYNC #audiobooksync18<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.audiobooksync.com/">SYNC</a> is a free summer audiobook program specifically geared toward young adults. And starting next Thursday, SYNC will give you free access to two complete audiobook downloads a week - a current young adult title along with a thematically paired classic or required summer reading title. The offerings change each week and are only available for download until the next offering is announced a week later. I've included a list below of all of the scheduled downloads for this summer. SYNC will have all the details on how to download, so be sure to check back over there next week!<br />
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Here are some of the titles I'm most looking forward to:<br />
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<a href="https://soundcloud.com/audiofilemagazine/sets/2018-audiobooksync"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="311" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWTDkuxLanzGytphJVLjVr1rv5j3yZA9p40B8Hsxpon5JJTz83P8s4sOWJ78qeDDEA8xoO0SHPV9gumRFl5oclShc46Tt2zU3DKiviTUId1_oX7WUZCKDoccw_5OqNKi3Hoe4Qr2fRqU/s200/solo.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26807978-baker-s-magic"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_yD-0cz2vIIqQ7F6yZjw-mlrlk4kJ_UF5ZtJuto5WI_GcvVrlCCHYccPyMp4EgyRCIPvtCfZ5LmmVS6RGn-3k3O0ODeply0nOlYaHy22jAq-2Zw1t25AtUu15YoTsr-QquHifXDQ7iA/s200/bakersmagic.jpg" width="142" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24921988-love-and-first-sight"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6VeYMbmYsHBDV1g-v3Z86L7MPj15H30b4uF1tec1n4H5otp_mfBcZgNTulxyxhbI6xxIkXuig-8cINi6myWjy6Zz6TRrj2c3F21VyvQnOpv4dFnuEFCYM6NgSVzCJ68xMEgSStQLgN0/s200/loveandfirstsight.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26085520-everland"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdcwDjV6jW9MsDqBuMXsxn6H0wm25Me475slglxePI-4qD7yQ1rnyF3UBQtu592nX4kIHmnMgC6f09EJFoMNuV8FGnG1sqD8GLoWYavknLd77mMopndDiK-lvSWwcpeDhrM0W_ABeBeU/s200/everland.jpg" width="133" /></a></center>
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And I've already listened to these and <b>highly</b> recommend:<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28458598-when-dimple-met-rishi"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifG-l3hLNjqTNnCbY0A2hT_Y0FdbQclhaoEGpI8sMwyKMwOlCm8rtfTzdx3SLjmnbX_7D0L94cIb33m58NcQOgbQ8eqAwFyzXvLGTiN9TSEfzPjib9t6jUDC3Me1TRezkTbBm7xNwZ6l0/s200/whendimplemetrishi.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405351-how-to-hang-a-witch"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjSqgAu3FePAqIr1BIRqUCKNkkteENuzelxJ1sVhUZo5w989QrSWglgzfHzPAL5JPCgeuZcflyWU37TbgEJIxtn4B49LaK5D_3aZGaPRQ6W4fQ2jMw_BFfyytkHDixEayRy6T-enTDPs/s200/howtohangawitch.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56793.Macbeth"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="186" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAmdlOie0C5SdqdbHQJi90bVnKrMGyRo27jibKRPMjBO8qgCvnnpYgmPko8bfLtgQ84TqeJ5SYEeYKDS0jddn_gWAFAl0zfnXQ_pbiALEmzyD_irowAsJcSXoxef_D0escpashe7HQp4/s200/macbeth.jpg" width="124" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12971662-monstrous-beauty"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rwLD-m99ehTLeuW9kYVKwofw5aAvHptMGYOBDQyuQEluFhEtwPdLbkLU3EZqCCH1W_BrDjCrezzcV97WLUQpNdBWkXTRnNN5k1fXxV9hkaK0qpl-KeR3LA24JdT8n4A_f3Kr9SiuaUs/s200/monstrousbeauty.jpg" width="133" /></a>
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SYNC also has <a href="https://soundcloud.com/audiofilemagazine/sets/2018-audiobooksync">samples</a> of the audiobooks on offer, if you care to check those out prior to downloading the whole audiobook.<br />
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I'm just thrilled to pieces every year that this program continues. It's actually the reason I'm such an audiophile today! I am seriously so excited for some of these titles and also to experience some favorites again. Every year I am just so impressed with the offerings from SYNC!<br />
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In years past, I've done a weekly post showcasing which titles will be featured so you know when to go grab them. I don't know if I'll get around to doing that this year, but I'll try my best to tweet updates about which titles are available each week.<br />
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Which titles are you most excited about?<br />
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<br />starryeyedjenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841350560201331032noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773985780576975329.post-44105044894072738742018-04-03T08:37:00.000-05:002018-04-03T08:37:55.322-05:00๐ A Book Named After Me!!! ๐ STARRY EYES by Jenn Bennett ๐๐๐<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYCosR-hLUFKIjysMPOlF17_aeLpiA416NJ7tfaBW8hhzK9GBwp1xJJroE_l6A0Ci4v3tP-XFT1IWQpXTJ54UtZgW_pMx1w5YJplqFvtd5vD27rhEzxJlZhM1h58WoN0YJV7y1ktoVp0/s1600/starryeyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYCosR-hLUFKIjysMPOlF17_aeLpiA416NJ7tfaBW8hhzK9GBwp1xJJroE_l6A0Ci4v3tP-XFT1IWQpXTJ54UtZgW_pMx1w5YJplqFvtd5vD27rhEzxJlZhM1h58WoN0YJV7y1ktoVp0/s320/starryeyes.jpg" width="209" /></a>
<b>Title:</b> Starry Eyes<br />
<b>Author:</b> Jenn Bennett<br />
<b>Series:</b> stand-alone<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> Simon Pulse<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> April 3, 2018<br />
<b>Source:</b> ARC received from publisher<br />
<b>Purchase:</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Starry-Eyes-Jenn-Bennett/dp/148147880X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522262636&sr=8-1&keywords=starry+eyes+jenn+bennett">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/starry-eyes-jenn-bennett/1126512066?ean=9781481478809#/">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/Teens/Starry-Eyes-Audiobook/B07C8KHSY5?ref=audlib-pd-WISHLIST-grid">Audible</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35297469-starry-eyes" target="_blank"><img alt="Add to Goodreads" border="0" src="http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/280x200q90/924/cbHpq6.jpg" /></a><br />
<blockquote>
Ever since last yearโs homecoming dance, best friends-turned-best enemies Zorie and Lennon have made an art of avoiding each other. It doesnโt hurt that their families are the modern day, Californian version of the Montagues and Capulets.<br />
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But when a group camping trip goes south, Zorie and Lennon find themselves stranded in the wilderness. Alone. Together.<br />
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What could go wrong?<br />
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With no one but each other for company, Zorie and Lennon have no choice but to hash out their issues via witty jabs and insults as they try to make their way to safety. But fighting each other while also fighting off the forces of nature makes getting out of the woods in one piece less and less likely.<br />
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And as the two travel deeper into Northern Californiaโs rugged backcountry, secrets and hidden feelings surface. But can Zorie and Lennonโs rekindled connection survive out in the real world? Or was it just a result of the fresh forest air and the magic of the twinkling stars?</blockquote>
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Let's get this out of the way before I delve into all the reasons you're going to want this book. Sure, this book appears to be named after me, but that's not why I loved it so. (It doesn't hurt, though!) And, yeah, Jenn Bennett is my new favorite young adult contemporary novelist, though I love all of her books, including the adult-themed Roaring Twenties series. (I haven't read the Arcadia Bell series yet because my library doesn't have it on audio and I do all my backlist reading via audio. Someone get on that, please.) Of course, Jenn also gets some of the best YA contemporary covers, too. Like, this book is set at the end of summer, but that cover just screams lovely fall camping weather to me. Which was kinda perfect at the time I was reading this.<br />
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But those aren't the reasons I enjoyed the hell outta this book. Allow me to enumerate why this is now my favorite Jenn Bennett book of <b>all time</b>:<br />
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1. <b>The Maps</b> - Have you ever read a story and continually had to flip back to a description to understand where places were in relation to one another? Not so with <i>Starry Eyes</i> because Jenn -- yes the author -- has created maps for each section of the book. (It's one of the character's hobbies, so it's totally relevant and completely adorable.)<br />
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2. <b>The Awkward</b> - So, in this story, the awful has already happened -- we don't have to read about the communication breakdown that led to friends who were becoming <i>more</i> suddenly becoming bitter enemies. BUT, we do get to see all the awkward as they find their way back to becoming friends on one ill-fated camping trip. And it is so incredibly awkward at times that I wanted to reach into the book and give everyone involved a big ole hug.<br />
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3. <b>The Genuine</b> - Zorie and Lennon <i>talk</i>. Like, a lot. And it's real and it's weird and totally inevitable but also totally adorable. And then that fight out in the woods? That is amazingly accurate, the way it went down and the aftermath. Jenn doesn't write down to her readers; she writes on their level. So much so that while I'm reading, I feel a resurgence of all those emotions and I have to tell myself to calm down. But she captures it beautifully.<br />
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4. <b>The Sex Positivity</b> - Gawd, I think Jenn Bennett probably writes the best, most sex-positive stories in YA. Her characters always talk about it before jumping into bed...or wherever they happen to be. ;) They're always careful. And there's no fade-to-black to escape the awkwardness. It's the same here. But these characters have known each other for ages and I think it felt even more meaningful because of that. Basically, I just adore the overall message Bennett is dropping.<br />
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5. <b>The Family</b> - The familial situation in this book is beyond different. It's diverse but it's also full of drama. And yet, the parents remain involved in their kids' lives. Regardless of what happened between Zorie and Lennon, they're all still friends on a deeper level. (Well, most of them.) And the love is obvious. Even when the biological link isn't.<br />
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I read this back in November and I've been waiting for it to release so I could immediately download a copy of the audiobook and re-read that way. I just loved this story so much! It was lovely and profound but also left me feeling content and cozy in the knowledge that I made it past young adulthood and all this awkwardness. :P I can't wait to read it again!<br />
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<a href="http://instagram.com/starryeyedjen29" target="_blank"><img alt=" Instagram" border="0" src="http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/280x200q90/922/hafC9B.png" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">GIF it to me straight:</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqx9S9T8MrZ5sSPaNjjoN5M0OHTNACKv957VbiWzKbTdZ41LipCt6pdDK0gJIga5nfyOK4A1hYLtWiFZV43N72YVE-UsEa8htWsx52WMo7EZZE8-hIp5PS1gawhRQBoyAx8eJ1y1sIMQ/s1600/5star.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqx9S9T8MrZ5sSPaNjjoN5M0OHTNACKv957VbiWzKbTdZ41LipCt6pdDK0gJIga5nfyOK4A1hYLtWiFZV43N72YVE-UsEa8htWsx52WMo7EZZE8-hIp5PS1gawhRQBoyAx8eJ1y1sIMQ/s1600/5star.png" /></a></div>
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<blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkN3jv_38M-3IMwrF_XXgssxHwCdHjDTSBm3HD7aOXK-62F5g0I9V9w4OEXVW1hxBA4MPKmPFTAnFndxfeCti7xEeG4voRd4d7TDhAVM_lbS5ysHuKXEAMUFGaXf0GnO8wiRagNAQsug/s1600/jennbennett.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="158" data-original-width="200" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkN3jv_38M-3IMwrF_XXgssxHwCdHjDTSBm3HD7aOXK-62F5g0I9V9w4OEXVW1hxBA4MPKmPFTAnFndxfeCti7xEeG4voRd4d7TDhAVM_lbS5ysHuKXEAMUFGaXf0GnO8wiRagNAQsug/s200/jennbennett.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>About the Author:</b><br />
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Jenn Bennett is an award-winning author of several young adult books, including ALEX, APPROXIMATELY and STARRY EYES. She also writes romance and fantasy for adults. Her books have earned multiple starred reviews, won the Romance Writers of Americaโs prestigious RITAยฎ Award, and been included on <i>Publishers Weekly</i> Best Books annual list. She lives near Atlanta with one husband and two dogs.<br />
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<b>Find Jenn:</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.jennbennett.net/">Website</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Jenn_Benn">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4485813.Jenn_Bennett">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jennbennettauthor">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.instagram.com/j3nn_benn">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://www.jennbennett.tumblr.com/">Tumblr</a></blockquote>
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<br />starryeyedjenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15841350560201331032noreply@blogger.com3