2015 was a huge year for me, I wayyyy surpassed my goal of reading 365 books and reviewing more than 52 books.
Here are the numbers:
655 books read. OMG. I can't believe that!
68 books reviewed. Yea!
21 books were rated 3 stars
38 books were rated 4 stars
and 9 were rated 5 stars - I guess I'm hard to impress.
I was also very active with blog tours, participating in 22 blog tours.
I'm so excited to see what 2016 brings!
-- Clever Girl
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Waiting on Wednesday (127) Bright Blaze of Magic (Black Blade #3) by Jennifer Estep
This week I'm waiting on:"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, created by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
Bright Blaze of Magic (Black Blade #3) by Jennifer Estep
In the exciting conclusion to her richly imagined Black Blade series about a reluctant young bodyguard and thief, and her hometown, where magic, mobsters and monsters make for a dangerous mix, Jennifer Estep expertly combines the snark and fast-paced action that have made her a New York Times bestselling author.
BAD THINGS ALWAYS COME IN THREES…
As a thief, I’m good at three things: hiding in the shadows, getting in and out unseen, and uncovering secrets. I put these skills to work for the Sinclair Family, one of the magical mobs that run the tourist town of Cloudburst Falls.
Everyone knows Victor Draconi wants to take over all the other Families—and kill every last Sinclair. What they don’t know is that I’m on to him, and no way will I let the man who murdered my mom get away with hurting all the other people I care about. Especially when I’ve got places to break into, stuff to steal, and Devon Sinclair fighting right by my side… (Blurb via Goodreads)
What are you waiting on?
{eARC MInute Review} Breaking a Legend (Kavanagh Legends #1) by Sarah Robinson
Breaking a Legend (Kavanagh Legends #1) by Sarah Robinson
Perfect for fans of Katy Evans and Monica Murphy, Sarah Robinson’s blistering-hot series debut introduces the Kavanagh brothers—mixed martial arts fighters who work hard, play hard, and love with all their hearts.
As one of the big names at his family’s gym, Legends, MMA star Rory Kavanagh is used to being in the spotlight—until a gruesome leg injury knocks him out of the cage. Rory is left feeling sidelined in more ways than one, battling the inner demons that come with losing the one shot at his dreams. Then Clare walks into his life and gives him a new dream: winning her heart. There aren’t many new faces in Woodlawn these days, but this tough, beautiful stranger makes Rory want to get his life back into fighting shape.
Clare Ivers doesn’t think she’ll be able to tell anyone what really brought her to the close-knit Bronx neighborhood where she just started bartending. But her life’s on pause and her past is catching up fast, try as she might to move on—with new friends, steady work, and a chiseled alpha male trying to get her attention. Even though Rory’s more than a little intense, she can’t deny that her heart beats faster when he looks at her with those soulful silver eyes. Clare thought she was done with love, but Rory might just be man enough to show her she thought wrong. (Blurb via Goodreads)
{Details} eARC, 273 pages. Published September 29th 2015
by Loveswept. Source: eARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
{Rating} 3/5 - I liked it!
{Review}
Breaking a Legend kept my attention, Sarah Robinson did a good job with pacing and doling out just enough information to keep me turning the pages, but ultimately it wasn't very memorable.
I liked Clare and Rory together, they both see something in each other that they can relate to, a person to love, to fight for. Told in my favorite dual POV we get to see in both Clare and Rory's heads, Clare's fear and determination, and Rory's fierce protectiveness and the pain of broken dreams and descent into addiction.
I liked the extended Kavanaugh family and what I saw of them makes me eager to read more in the Kavanaugh Legends series. If you're a fan of MMA stories give Breaking a Legend a try
{Rating} 3/5 - I liked it!
{Review}
Breaking a Legend kept my attention, Sarah Robinson did a good job with pacing and doling out just enough information to keep me turning the pages, but ultimately it wasn't very memorable.
I liked Clare and Rory together, they both see something in each other that they can relate to, a person to love, to fight for. Told in my favorite dual POV we get to see in both Clare and Rory's heads, Clare's fear and determination, and Rory's fierce protectiveness and the pain of broken dreams and descent into addiction.
I liked the extended Kavanaugh family and what I saw of them makes me eager to read more in the Kavanaugh Legends series. If you're a fan of MMA stories give Breaking a Legend a try
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Teaser Tuesday (118) Arrogant Brit by Nikki Wild
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read(s)
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) -- or less or more -- “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
“Call me selfish, because it's true, but I'm a particularly forward thinking brand of selfish."
location 1182, Arrogant Brit by Nikki Wild
Monday, December 28, 2015
{eARC Minute Review} Persuasion (Sons of Odin MC #1) by Violetta Rand
Persuasion (Sons of Odin MC #1) by Violetta Rand
Lang Anderson may be the new leader of the Sons of Odin motorcycle club, but his personal life is in shreds. He’s struggling to take care of his three young sisters in the wake of tragedy, while rumors of drug dealing within his ranks jeopardize everything he’s built. The last thing he needs is another distraction—like a bar brawl over a woman—but Lang is a sucker for a damsel in distress. And this one gets him roaring like a finely tuned engine.
High school guidance counselor Lily Gallo is no fender bunny. So why can’t she get Lang off her mind? Lily’s head says the rugged, rough-and-tumble biker who came to her aid is bad news. Her body begs to differ. But when Lang’s troubled kid sister walks into her office, Lily’s determined to help, even if it puts her in the crossfire of a gang war. On a crash course with danger and desire, Lily partners up with Lang to fight for his family—and for love. (Blurb via Goodreads)
{Details} eARC, 221 pages. Published December 8th 2015 by Loveswept
{Rating} 3/5 - I liked it!
{Review}
{Rating} 3/5 - I liked it!
{Review}
I liked the chemistry - and the intensity - of the relationship between Lang and Lily. They both know that the best thing for each of them is to steer well clear of each other, but they can't fight the attraction. They work well together; Lang is the typical alpha male and Lily is smart - most of the time - a caretaker, compassionate, and they're both very protective of those they love.
I felt the ending was kind of a letdown. After getting so invested in the characters and the whole Sons of Odin, that's the way it ended? Hmm. I'll have to see what happens in Sons of Odin book two.
Friday, December 25, 2015
{eARC Minute Review} The Duke and Miss Christmas (The Heirs' Club of Scoundrels Trilogy #2.5) by Amelia Grey
The Duke and Miss Christmas (The Heirs' Club of Scoundrels Trilogy #2.5) by Amelia Grey
Crispin, the Duke of Hurst, has never met a woman he couldn't handle--until he's hit over the head with a basketful of mistletoe by a young lady who mistakes his intentions. When he gets into a tussle with her--and she can hold her own--Crispin knows he has finally met his match.
Miss Gwen Prim is mortified that she attacked a duke, but even more concerning is the way her resolve melts when she's near him. She's never felt this way about a London gentleman in her life. And with the magic of Christmas in the air, she may end up with a proposal she didn't expect...in this delightful Regency gem, The Duke and Miss Christmas by New York Times bestselling author Amelia Grey (Blurb via Goodreads)
{Details}Published
October 13th 2015
by St. Martin's Paperbacks. Source: ebook provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
{Rating} 3/5 - I liked it!
{Review}
A quick, sweet, and sexy holiday novella. I was charmed by the gallant reformed rake Crispin and fiercely protective Gwen's first meeting. I liked watching Crispin with Gwen's little sisters, he's kind and generous with his time and can totally see why Gwen would fall for him. There's a bit of a hiccup on the way to happily ever after but ultimately love prevails. If you're looking for a little holiday romance give The Duke and Miss Christmas a try.
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Waiting on Wednesday (126) The Loose Ends List by Carrie Firestone
This week I'm waiting on:"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, created by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
The Loose Ends List by Carrie Firestone
A refreshing, funny, and moving debut novel about first loves, last wishes, and letting go.
Seventeen-year-old Maddie O'Neill Levine lives a charmed life, and is primed to spend the perfect pre-college summer with her best friends and young-at-heart socialite grandmother (also Maddie's closest confidante), tying up high school loose ends. Maddie's plans change the instant Gram announces that she is terminally ill and has booked the family on a secret "death with dignity" cruise ship so that she can leave the world in her own unconventional way - and give the O'Neill clan an unforgettable summer of dreams-come-true in the process.
Soon, Maddie is on the trip of a lifetime with her over-the-top family. As they travel the globe, Maddie bonds with other passengers and falls for Enzo, who is processing his own grief. But despite the laughter, headiness of first love, and excitement of glamorous destinations, Maddie knows she is on the brink of losing Gram. She struggles to find the strength to say good-bye in a whirlwind summer shaped by love, loss, and the power of forgiveness. (Blurb via Goodreads)
What are you waiting on?
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Stacking the Shelves (128)
Stacking The Shelves, a weekly meme from Tynga's Reviews
where I list what I've read, what I've reviewed, what I've acquired
and anything else worth mentioning
- Sommersgate House by Kristen Ashley
- Devi by Leia Stone
- Shattered by Cynthia Eden
- Stay with Me by Elyssa Patrick
- Matefinder by Leia Stone
- Draw Me In by Megan Squires
- Deal by Shey Stahl
- Restoration by Randi Cooley Wilson - reviewed
- In Flight by R.K. Lilley
- A True Alpha Christmas by Alisa Woods
- Rock Hard by Nalini Singh
- Playing to Win by jaci Burton
- Keepers of the Labyrinth by Erin E Moulton
- The Healing Power of Sugar by CL Stone
- The Other Side of Envy by CL Stone
- All Fired Up by Elle Kennedy
4 star review
5 star review
Book image property of Microsoft
Thursday, December 17, 2015
{Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway} Restoration (The Revelation Series) by Randi Cooley Wilson
Restoration (The Revelation Series #5) by Randi Cooley Wilson
350 pages
Published on November 30th, 2015
Genre: YA Paranormal
Amazon:
Smashwords:
Goodreads Add to TBR:
Would You Run Would You Fight Would You Fall To Fate If your heart was full of love, could you give it all up?
Eve Collins will do anything to save those she loves, especially her gargoyle protector and mate, Asher St. Michael. With the world crumbling down around them, Eve and Asher must face the final battle between darkness and light. One that will end in great sacrifice.
When the skies darken and love in it’s truest form is tested, would you run? When death becomes silence and battle lines are drawn, would you fight? If you had to sacrifice, to save the one you loved, would you fall to fate? Would you dare to let it go? The End, Begins.
Restoration is the highly anticipated finale in the Revelation Series, a mesmerizing epic romantic journey filled with dark themes, beautifully melancholic musings, divine secrets, sacrifice and forbidden love
About the Author: Randi Cooley Wilson is a “New Adult” Paranormal/Fantasy and Contemporary Romance author. A resident of Massachusetts, she makes stuff up, devours romance books, drinks lots of wine and coffee, and has a slight addiction to bracelets. For more information visit:http://randicooleywilson.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/R_CooleyWilson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorrandicooleywilson
The Giveaway:
One Winner Will Receive: $25 Amazon GC, All Five Paperback Books Signed and Swag Package
Five Winners Will Receive: $5 Amazon GC, A Signed Paperback of Restoration and a Swag Package
Ten Winners Will Receive: A digital Copy of any book from The Revelation Series
a Rafflecopter giveaway
{Details} eARC, 350 pages Published November 28th 2015 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
{Rating} 4/5 - I really liked it!
{Review}
A satisfying conclusion to the Revelation series with answers, shocks and twists, action, battles, sacrifice, passion and romance, a new addition - or four - and a happy ending, er... beginning. Things change as secrets are revealed - there's more to both Eve and Asher to find out, but some things - such as Callan and Abby's cuteness - remain the same.
Eve and Asher are still struggling to figure out how to be a couple, to trust each other, to depend on each other and make decisions while keeping another person's thoughts and feelings into consideration. Their lives are never going to be easy but they love each other enough to fight for their relationship through good and bad.
I've enjoyed Eve's journey through the Revelation series and look forward to see what Randi Cooley Wilson has in store for her next heroine.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Waiting on Wednesday (125) Even if the Sky Falls by Mia Garcia
This week I'm waiting on:"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, created by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
Even if the Sky Falls by Mia Garcia
All she needs is one night to be anyone she wants.
Julie is desperate for a change. So she heads to New Orleans with her youth group to rebuild houses and pretend her life isn’t a total mess. But between her super-clingy team leader and her way-too-chipper companions, Julie feels more trapped than ever.
In a moment of daring, she ditches her work clothes for DIY fairy wings and heads straight into the heart of Mid-Summer Mardi Gras, where she locks eyes with Miles, an utterly irresistible guy with a complicated story of his own. And for once, Julie isn’t looking back. She jumps at the chance to see the real New Orleans, and in one surreal night, they dance under the stars, share their most shameful secrets, and fall in love.
But their adventure takes an unexpected turn when an oncoming hurricane changes course. As the storm gains power and Julie is pulled back into chaos she finds pretending everything is fine is no longer an option.
Mia GarcÃa’s Even If the Sky Falls is a whirlwind twenty-four-hour romance about discovering what it means to feel alive in the face of life’s greatest danger: love. (Blurb via Goodreads)
What are you waiting on?
Monday, December 14, 2015
{eARC Romance Review} In the Company of Wolves (SWAT: SPECIAL WOLF ALPHA TEAM #3) by Paige Tyler
In the Company of Wolves (SWAT: SPECIAL WOLF ALPHA TEAM #3) by Paige Tyler
There’s a new gang of criminals in town and it’s organized, ruthless, and, most importantly, a pack of wolf shifters. Eric Becker and his Dallas SWAT Team are determined to rid their streets of these lowlifes, but when his fellow cops collide with the criminals in a shoot-out, he finds himself face–to-face with the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen.
Incapable of shooting or arresting the alluring shifter who’s stolen his heart, Becker decides to hide her and leave the scene with the rest of his team. Now Jayna, his mystery woman, is left not only wondering why she was protected, but also what a street-savvy thief like her is going to do with a hot alpha wolf officer like him… (Blurb via Goodreads)
{Details} eARC, 352 pages. Expected publication:
December 1st 2015
by Sourcebooks Casablanca. Source: eARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
{Rating} 5/5 - I loved it!
{Rating} 5/5 - I loved it!
I love this series! Protective alphas, sassy, loyal, strong women, exciting storylines, and loads of action.
I empathized with Jayna. She led a hard life but once she found her pack she thought she found a home, a place to be safe, but everything goes wrong. Her divided loyalties - pack and mate - are heart wrenching.
Becker goes all out for his girl, risking his friendships, career, pack and life. I loved seeing him mature. In the first two books he was like a bouncy puppy and always had something to say about the ladies, especially the ladies in yoga pants, but with Jayna we see a guy who knows Jayna's value, knows what he wants and is determined to protect it.
In this installment we learn a little more about the mythology of
werewolves. We've already seen a pack and a lot of alphas in action but
now we see betas and omegas and Jayna's pack which is very close,
similar to the SWAT pack, but close in a different way.
Although I enjoyed the storyline I missed seeing the rest of the SWAT team as much as we did in books one and two. Cooper is still my favorite, he has the biggest heart. I can't wait for the installment.
Although I enjoyed the storyline I missed seeing the rest of the SWAT team as much as we did in books one and two. Cooper is still my favorite, he has the biggest heart. I can't wait for the installment.
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Stacking the Shelves (127) + November Month In Review
Stacking The Shelves, a weekly meme from Tynga's Reviews
where I list what I've read, what I've reviewed, what I've acquired
and anything else worth mentioning
- Hotter Than Wildfire by Lisa Marie Rice
- Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning
- Straddling the Line by Jaci Burton
- Zack by Sawyer Bennett
- Impulse Control by Amanda Usen
- The Prince's Runaway Lover by Robin Covington
- Nic's Devotion by Sara Hess
- All Fired Up by Elle Kennedy
- Twice the Growl by Milly Taiden
- Something Like Normal by Monica James
- Getting In The Spirit by Erin Nicholas
- Shiftr by Ariana Hawkes
- Home for Christmas by Lizzie Shane
- Ever After by Rachel Lacey
- Piqued by Elise Black
- Always by Ellery Rhodes
- Love Untamed by Ra'chael Ohara
4 star review
November Month In Review
53 Books Read
5 books reviewed
5 - 4 star reviews
Book image property of Microsoft Friday, December 11, 2015
{Blog Tour + Excerpt + Giveaway} Forged In Fire (Delos #3) by Lindsay McKenna @Tastybooktours @lindsaymckenna
Enter to Win a
$10.00 VISA eGift Card
(US/INT)
FORGED IN FIRE
DELOS #3
Lindsay McKenna
Releasing Dec 3rd, 2015
Blue Turtle Publishing
Pediatrician Dara McKinley loves her
job. So how could she say no when her sister asks her to come to Kabul for a
few weeks to offer medical assistance at a local orphanage? Terrified of the
dangers surrounding her, Dara finds unexpected solace in the protective arms of
Sergeant Matt Culver. Transfixed by the warrior with the exotic gold eyes, can
Dara overcome her fears?
Matt, a Delta Force operator, has
always listened to his instincts, and they have yet to steer him wrong. So when
he sees the alluring blond belly dancer at Bagram’s annual holiday show, he
knows without a doubt that she’s “the one.” Now he just has to convince her to
take a chance on him…and love. If they survive…
BUY NOW
Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo
{Excerpt}
{Excerpt}
“I
saw your wore red fingernail polish when you danced.”
She smiled. “Yes. To match my costume.” Taking a sip of wine,
she added, “You don’t miss much, do you?”
“I can’t in my world,” he agreed,
somber. Matt finished the meal and took her empty plate, putting both aside so they could
be picked up. “Have you ever known anyone in black ops before?”
“No. I’m finishing my third and
last year of residency training at a hospital in Arlington, Virginia. I never
meet military men except when I come here for a week to help out Callie and her
charity. I do it once a year—it’s my way of giving back.”
Matt rested
his chin on his folded hands, studying her beneath the dim light. “You have a good heart,” he said.
He watched her face soften and her cheeks color briefly.
“Thanks. I just can’t stand to see
a pregnant mother, infant, or child suffer. It just kills me. Callie begged me
to come over here, and I’ve been doing it the last two years.”
“So are you here much longer?”
Matt finally asked.
“Not really.
I’m here for six
days.”
“I see. And Callie?”
“Oh, she’s here full-time. The
charity she works for has her in Kabul for six months and then she goes back to
their headquarters in San Francisco the other six.”
“How many times has she been to
Kabul, then?”
“Five years in a row.” Dara
sighed. “I worry so much about her, Matt. This is a very, very dangerous place.
I don’t feel safe outside the wire. When I’m in Kabul, half my attention is on
whether we’re going to be attacked in the van we’re riding in or whether an RPG
will be shot into the building where the orphanage is.” She nibbled on her full
lower lip. “You can tell I’m a genuine worrier.”
He reached
over, his hand covering hers for a moment. “Listen, I’ve got the next week off. We’re on
standby for Thanksgiving. I’d be glad to ride shotgun with you two, stay with
you where you work for the day, and then get you back here to Bagram.”
Matt slowly removed his hand from hers.
Her skin felt like firm velvet, those slender hands of hers long and delicate.
He imagined what they would feel like across his body. That sent his erection,
which was already pressing against his zipper, into overdrive.
This woman turned him on. In fact,
she turned him inside out. There was a deep sensitivity to Dara, one that he
wanted to intimately explore with her.
“Could you do that, Matt?”
“Sure. I’ll just let my CO know,
get authorization, and I’ll be yours for the rest of the week.”
“But couldn’t that be dangerous?”
He grinned a
little. “Dara, my
business is dangerous all the time. So riding with you in a van, checking out
the building where you two are working, and riding back in a van to Bagram is
child’s play compared to what we usually do. Okay?”
He saw her eyes darken and grow
concerned. Now Dara was worried about him! He’d have laughed, but he realized
that she was a civilian and had no clue as to what he did in black ops. Not that the Army was telling anyone about
Delta Force. They weren’t, so he couldn’t fault Dara for her reaction.
“That would be wonderful!
Honestly, I’d never tell Callie this, but I cringe thinking about coming here.
I just don’t ever feel safe or completely relaxed.”
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Lindsay
McKenna lives her
life as a risk taker, and it shines through the books she loves to write:
romance, adventure and suspense. She started writing at age thirteen and
continues to hone her writing skills to this day. She sold her first romance novel
in 1981. The rest is history.
Because she went into the military,
this experience became the backbone of her writing—she is credited with writing
the first military romance novel (Captive of Fate, 1983, Silhouette Special
Edition) and has created a thriving sub-genre within the romance field! As a
New York Times Best Selling author, she has sold 23 million books and in 32
foreign languages in her career thus far. Her many experiences in the U.S. Navy
are backdrop for her understanding of the military in general, and also her
very successful Morgan’s Mercenaries, which is an ongoing series in Silhouette
to this day! Forty-five books strong!
Lindsay has gone Indie in 2015 and
has created a new family saga on par with Morgan’s Mercenaries It is known as
the DELOS SERIES. There will be paperback and eBooks created under Blue Turtle
Publishing, her company for her fans. Readers who love Morgan and his family
are bound to fall in love with the Culver family. Delos is romantic suspense,
which Lindsay is well known for. It took her five years to create and bring
DELOS to her readers. It was worth the wait, but we’ll let you decide that.
Lindsay loves to hear from her
readers and loves to know what they’d like to see her write next. Stay up with
the latest on the Delos Series here. Please visit her Web site at
www.lindsaymckenna.com. And be sure to sign up for her free quarterly
newsletter. It contains exclusive content found nowhere else on the Net. Plus,
giveaways and other surprises, to her loyal and faithful subscribers!
Grab a FREE Ebook copy of
LAST CHANCE
The Prequel Novella to NOWHERE TO HIDE
Don't miss DELOS Series Books 1 & 2,
NOWHERE TO HIDE & TANGLED PURSUIT
