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Skandia wrote: "Book Selection ~ Shelf 3: Nat’l Boyfriend DayHer Soul to Take by Harley Laroux"
Ohhhh... this looks like a good one! Will check it out as well :D
(you can never have enough book boyfriends lol)
CONGRATULATIONS, Cats with Hats!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'Nat'l Book Month'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Congratulations on the stamp Cats with Hats!
Book Completion ~ Shelf 3: Nat’l Boyfriend DayBook: Kiss of a Hellish Prince by A.M. Mason
Pages: 360
How it fits: PNR (GR - MPG)
Date: 03/11/2023
Rating: ⭐⭐�
Review:
I don't know why, but it feels like I'm in a 'picking bad books' period.
Well, it wasn't a bad book per se, but I didn't feel it wasn't good either.
Tori is just a regular woman when she gets attacked during a nightly run in the park. Waking up in a strange bed without knowing what happened and where she was, yeah.. things started off with a bang!
The book has a few twists and turns, a few significant discoveries, and a whole lot of breaking promises.
Seriously, our FMC broke promises left and right (even one made to our demonic prince a few hours after making it) but gets angry and upset when he's trying to keep her safe? Nope, I did not like my namesake at all :(
The characters overall felt underwhelming and could be fleshed out more. The book has 360 pages; a bit more backstory would have been appreciated.
There were a few scenes with some spice, and I think that will only increase from book 2 onwards.
Will I read the next installment, though? No, I have too many other books that (might) be more my cup of tea.
Shelf 3: Nat’l Boyfriend DayRequirement ~ Read a book featuring your book boyfriend
Her Soul to Take by Harley Laroux
Pages: 493
How it fits: Shelved as PNR 264 times
Read: 11/06/23
Rating: ⭐⭐�1/2
A hot demon to tame, there might be some potential :) I thought picking it for book boyfriend shelf. And there was. Leon was great.
Our heroine Rae though was bordering the TSTL category. So there comes handy for her to have a powerful demon by your side to keep you alive with all the stupid horror movie stuff she kept running into. Of course, for other entertainment too.
I must say through halfway, this book really kept my interest. Monsters, dark gothic small town atmosphere, legend for waking ancient god with human sacrifice - very thrilling.
After halfway it was mostly smut until last couple of chapters where the main action happened.
I don't mind smutty books if there is enough chemistry between characters and I don't have to skim fast forward through sex scenes. Harley Laroux certainly writes good smut.
If you like your books with a little spice and monsters in dark romance doesn't scare you, I do recommend to pick it up.
Book Selection ~ Shelf 3: Nat’l Boyfriend DayRequirement ~ Read a book featuring your book boyfriend
Book: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Pages: 850
How it fits: shelved as PNR 143 times
Category #4 ~ 8 Nov: Nat'l Savings DayRequirement ~ Read a book you got as a freebie, a gift, a library or Kindle unlimited loaner
Happy reading everyone! :D
Book Selection ~ Shelf 4: Nat'l Savings DayRequirement ~ Read a book you got as a freebie, a gift, a library or Kindle unlimited loaner
Slouch Witch by Helen Harper
Pages: 342
How it fits: UF (GR - MPG)
Book Selection ~ Shelf 4: Nat'l Savings DayRequirement ~ Read a book you got as a freebie, a gift, a library or Kindle unlimited loaner
Book: Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Pages: 623
How it fits: shelved as PNR 3 times
Book Selection ~ Shelf 4: Nat'l Savings DayRequirement ~ Read a book you got as a freebie, a gift, a library or Kindle unlimited loaner
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E.Schwab
Pages: 448 pages
How it fits: library book, shelved as UF 360 times
With Free Space, Saving and Boyfriend shelf we are one shelf call away next week!I try to finish my Free Space book also this week so we might have a chance....
Skandia wrote: "With Free Space, Saving and Boyfriend shelf we are one shelf call away next week!I try to finish my Free Space book also this week so we might have a chance...."
Yessss!!!! I finished my book for this shelf this morning and should finish my free space tomorrow. So I'll have those reviews up and the list updated! :D
Shelf 0: Free Space
Double Vision by Elizabeth Hunter
How it fits: from group bookshelf
Pages : 312
Read: 11/15/23
Rating: ⭐⭐�
Elizabeth Hunter has written one of my very favorite paranormal series - The Elemental Series with spin offs. I like her writing a lot and she usually has great character driven stories.
This book was my first introduction to a relatively new paranormal genre - paranormal women's fiction - with more mature characters and let's say cozier settings.
Murder mystery with ghosts in Palm Springs solved by a three ladies who suddenly develop psychic powers is apparently not my cup of tea. Cozy mysteries and me, we don't often get along. Maybe I need a little more action in my paranormal stories or really stand out characters but sadly, this story left me quite indifferent.
Book Completion ~ Shelf 4: Nat'l Savings DayBook: Slouch Witch by Helen Harper
Pages: 342
How it fits: UF (GR - MPG) - Got it for freeeeeeeee
Date: 12/11/2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Review:
This book/series is set in the current world, except that magic and witches are real *yay*.
I would classify this book as urban fantasy with a romantic subplot (not too much romance).
The scenes and environments were well described and let you relax and enjoy the story.
Straight from the get-go, I really liked Ivy. She's a witch who got booted from the Order (the institute all witches who are of a certain level are part of) for cheating and assault, so she has adapted a truly epic 'only do the necessary and then go chillax' lifestyle. She drives a taxi until she has earned enough to pay the bills and then goes home to lounge on her couch and watch TV :D She's everyone's hero, hahaha. But don't be fooled. Ivy is actually a really powerful witch ;)
Adeptus Exemptus Raphael Winter, also known as Winter or Rafe, is a Second Level investigator with the Arcane Branch of the Order and the person Ivy gets stuck with (pretty literally). He has a particular view about how witches should conduct themselves, and Ivy really, really does not fit that mold. This leads to many funny situations and scenes :D
The dynamic between the two is just so gooooooood. They are two opposites, but you can feel the underlying attraction.
If only Winter would lose his rigid conduit (and the stick up his *ss). They work very well together, with Winter having a lot of knowledge and clout and Ivy's ability to think outside the box and be unpredictable (which annoys Winter so much... it's so good :D).
The characters (main and side characters) feel well fleshed out, though, in hindsight, we don't know much about Ivy and Winter's past (family, for example). But we got an in-depth view of their reasoning, hopes, and dreams. That said, Winter remains a bit of a mystery :)
Overall, I can only say this: OMG... why the hell did I wait so long to read this book? :D
I had such a good time going through it I bought the series straight after.
If you like a witchy urban fantasy/mystery with a hint of romance and a lot of humor (be ready for some epic facepalm and sort moments, hahaha), pick this one up!
Book Completion ~ Shelf 0: Free SpaceBook: Star Witch by Helen Harper
Pages: 332
How it fits: Best of UF (#153)
Date: 14/11/2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review:
This is the second book of The Lazy Girl's Guide to Magic and takes place in our current world, though filled with magic and witches ;) In this installment, we go to Scotland. To the set of Ivy's number one reality show 'Enchantment' to be precise.
It starts a few weeks after the end of book one.
Ivy can't forget about Winter and how he ran out on her. While she's not stalking him, waiting at the Arcane Branch just in case he might be done with work and needs a ride home isn't all that normal :D
She's back to driving her taxi and her chill lifestyle. But I think she misses the rush and excitement of working for the Order (although she would never ever admit that, ever).
So when the head of the Order and Winter stand on her doorstep to request her help, she doesn't hesitate all that much, especially when she hears about the assignment: getting behind the scenes of her favorite show? Hell yes!
On the other hand, Winter wants Ivy to avoid getting stuck in the Order business again. Not that he doesn't want to work with her, but he wants to protect her from possible harm (and let's face it, it's Ivy; she's somehow always getting into sticky situations).
Again, the characters (main and side) are well fleshed-out and interesting. They feel real and believable.
This installment continues the romantic subplot without it being too much (it's still an UF/Mystery, after all).
While I didn't feel this installment was as fun as the first book, it still had me in its clutches (and I read it in one go, lol).
Be ready for some over-the-top scenes, some drama and death, and many funny moments :D
Category #5 ~ 15 Nov: Nat'l Cat DayRequirement ~ Read a book featuring a werecat shifter
Seems we have an extra week of reading, yay!
Happy reading everyone! :D
Book Selection ~ Shelf 5: Nat'l Cat DayRequirement ~ Read a book featuring a werecat shifter
The Demon Prince by Ann Aguirre
Pages: 348
How it fits: PNR/UF (GR - MPG) - it should have a cat shifter in it. I think it's the FMC, as they said something about a pride... will change it if it's not the case :)
I'm not sure what I'll read for this shelf, I'll decide after I finish Iron Flame - should have it done today.
Book Selection ~ Shelf 5: Nat'l Cat DayRequirement ~ Read a book featuring a werecat shifter
The King's Captive by K.M. Shea
Pages: 340
How it fits: UF (GR - MPG) - apparently main character can turn into a housecat.
I really liked those books, enjoy Skandia.
CONGRATULATIONS, Cats with Hats!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'Nat'l Savings Day'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Congratulations on the stamp Cats with Hats!
Completion Post Shelf 4: Nat'l Savings Day
Book: Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
How it fits: shelved as PNR 13 times and got it from the library
Date Finished: 11/16/23
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review:
This book was just as page turning as the first, but there was something I didn't enjoy as much as Fourth Wing (can't even pinpoint what) and that's why I'm only giving it 4.5 stars.
I did not see that ending coming - at all! I did kind of guess a different thing (view spoiler), but then yet another (view spoiler) I didn't at all guess either...(view spoiler) I definitely plan to read the next one, whenever it's published.
Book Completion ~ Shelf 5: Nat'l Cat DayBook: The Demon Prince by Ann Aguirre
Pages: 348
How it fits: PNR/UF (GR - MPG), FMC shifts into a cheetah
Date: 21/11/2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review:
I had to read the first book in the series again, as it was quite a while, and I couldn't really remember what it was all about. Was it needed? Meh, maybe not, though there is a main story arc throughout the books.
That said, I didn't mind rereading it cause I really like this series! Book 2 dealt with our second couple. Alastor is Golgoth royalty and on his brother's hit list. Sent to the conclave to die, not only does he survive, but he finds a doctor who is willing to help him with his life-threatening condition.
Ah, Alastor and Sheyla were really fun to read about. They are opposites but mesh so well when they allow themselves, at least. The author does a good job with the character development and overall story building.
There are a few spicy scenes, not over the top and well written.
The pacing and flow are good; it kept my attention throughout, and I just really enjoyed the book.
I have the rest of the series on my wishlist, and I am looking forward to getting back into it, this time with the leader of the wolf shifters and the princess of the Eldritch.
So today is another shelf call, fingers crossed for Nat'l Magic Day! :DWe're currently missing the following shelf reviews:
Megan: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon ( Shelf 3 - Nat’l Boyfriend Day ) + Shelf 5 - Nat'l Cat Day
Skandia: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab ( Shelf 4 - Nat'l Savings Day ) + The King's Captive by K.M. Shea ( Shelf 5 - Nat'l Cat Day )
Category #6 ~ 22 Nov: Kindness To Animals DayRequirement ~ Read a book featuring a shifter character; animal on cover; “kind� in series name, title or author’s name
Happy reading everyone! :D
Sry ladies, haven’t been reading much this week, i had to take unexpected work trip. Trying to catch up this weekend.
Noooo worries Skandia, thanks for letting us know :)We have another week to catch up on things, take your time!
Book Selection ~ Shelf 6: Kindness To Animals DayRequirement ~ Read a book featuring a shifter character; animal on cover; “kind� in series name, title or author’s name
Blood Heir by Ilona Andrews
Pages: 359
How it fits: UF (GR - MPG) - spin-off series from Kate Daniels featuring their ward Julie. Aaaaand I'm pretty sure Derek will be in there as well (wolf shifter), amongst many other shifters.
Book Selection ~ Shelf 6: Kindness To Animals DayRequirement ~ Read a book featuring a shifter character; animal on cover; “kind� in series name, title or author’s name
Etched in Bone by Anne Bishop
Pages: 397
How it fits: has shifters and UF is a MPG
Book Selection ~ Shelf 5: Nat'l Cat DayRequirement ~ Read a book featuring a werecat shifter
Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews
Pages: 261
How it fits: Curran is a werecat and UF is a MPG
Book Selection ~ Shelf 6: Kindness To Animals DayRequirement ~ Read a book featuring a shifter character; animal on cover; “kind� in series name, title or author’s name
Desert Bound by Elizabeth Hunter
Pages: 280
How it fits: shapeshifters and UF is a MPG
Shelf 5: Nat'l Cat DayRequirement ~ Read a book featuring a werecat shifter
The King's Captive by K.M. Shea
Pages: 340
Read: 11/29/23
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
First book I ever read with house cat shifter. So cute that even a most powerful supernatural, the elf king, decided that he wanted to keep her as his pet cat.
Forced into a role of a pet against her will, Chloe adapted quite well and did everything to keep her safe. As Noctus was quite a dutiful pet owner, she had very comfortable life as a cat with him and his companions - vampire and a werewolf.
Thrown in a little mystery to solve with magical artifacts and Chloe's dilemma how to escape from her captivity or show Noctus her real human self, this was a cozy read. Not much happened but the characters made the story enjoyable.
Decided to switch my book for book boyfriend.
Book Selection ~ Shelf 3: Nat’l Boyfriend DayRequirement ~ Read a book featuring your book boyfriend
Book: Highlander's Challenge by Jo Barrett
Pages: 270
How it fits: shelved as PNR 5 times
Completion Post ~ Shelf 3: Nat’l Boyfriend DayRequirement ~ Read a book featuring your book boyfriend
Book: Highlander's Challenge by Jo Barrett
How it fits: shelved as PNR 5 times
Date Finished: 11/29/23
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
This was a fun read. I quite enjoyed the fact that Tuck was a competent fighter and thinker, and not just a woman who didn't know what she was doing and blundered about getting herself into danger. I'm looking forward to continuing with the series since the next book will feature Ian.
Completion Post ~ Shelf 5: Nat'l Cat DayRequirement ~ Read a book featuring a werecat shifter
Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews
How it fits: Curran is a werecat and UF is a MPG
Date Finished: 11/29/23
Rating: 2.5 stars
Review:
I didn't particularly enjoy this book. It was a chore to read and I was more confused than I expected to be. After finishing, I still don't understand the world it's set in much at all...maybe that's intentional? I'll give the second book a read, since I've seen a few reviews saying that one is much better and I hope that's the case for me.
Category #7 ~ 29 Nov: Nat’l Mad Hatter DayRequirement ~ Read a book featuring an author or character named Alice -or- "Alice" in series name or title
This should be the last call, as Team 3 has bingo.
Happy reading everyone! :D
Book Selection ~ Shelf 7: Nat’l Mad Hatter DayRequirement ~ Read a book featuring an author or character named Alice -or- "Alice" in series name or title
Witch's Sorrow by Taylor Aston White
Pages: 400
How it fits: UF (GR - MPG) - Alice is the main character
CONGRATULATIONS, Cats with Hats!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'Nat'l Boyfriend Day' & 'Nat'l Cat Day'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Congratulations on the stamps Cats with Hats!
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
Books mentioned in this topic
Witch's Sorrow (other topics)Witch's Sorrow (other topics)
Highlander's Challenge (other topics)
Magic Bites (other topics)
Highlander's Challenge (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Ilona Andrews (other topics)Jo Barrett (other topics)
Jo Barrett (other topics)
Ilona Andrews (other topics)
Anne Bishop (other topics)
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Requirement ~ Read a book featuring your book boyfriend
Her Soul to Take by Harley Laroux
Pages: 493
How it fits: Shelved as PNR 264 times
A hot demon to tame, there might be some potential :)