Saturday, December 31, 2016

Wrapping up 2016 and Peeking into 2017



The 7th annual End of Year Book Survey created by The Perpetual Page-Tuner!


Number Of Books You Read: 113
Number of Re-Reads:15
Genre You Read The Most From: Paranormal Romance





1. Best Book You Read In 2016?
Truthwitch by Susan Dennard


This one is hard as I read a lot of great books this year. I decided to go with Truthwitch as it had the biggest impact on my reading selection.






2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

Origins by Ilona Andrews

Alphas: Orgins by Ilona Andrews- I love her Kate Daniels series and her Hidden Legacy series. So it would stand to reason I would like this one, not so much.




3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read? 
Truthwitch by Susan Dennard
Truthwitch- I have not had much luck with fantasy novels in the past. This one was so good that I tried another and then another. 







4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?
Dragon Marked (Supernatural Prison, #1)




Dragon Marked by Jaymin Eve, it is really good and yeah people just need to read it.






5. Best series you started in 2016? Best Sequel of 2016? Best Series Ender of 2016?
Deceived by Kate SeRineOf Flame and Light by Cecy RobsonDragon Mated by Jaymin Eve


Series starter-
Deceived by Kate SeRine

Series Sequel- Of Flame and Light by Cecy Robson

Series Ender- Dragon Mated by Jaymin Eve


6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2016?
A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet


Amanda Bouchet- she wrote A Promise of Fire and it was lit.







7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?

P.S. I Like You by Kasie WestP.S. I Like You by Kasie West, it is a contemporary romance which I tend to avoid like the plague but for some reason I picked this one up and then read every book she has written.






8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?

Of Flame and Light by Cecy Robson




I could not put down Of Flame and Light, the emotional rollercoaster ride that Taran was on I was on.




9. Book You Read In 2016 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?
Truthwitch by Susan Dennard
Truthwitch, the second book Windwitch releases in Jan and so I am going to re-read this one before I read Windwitch.





Bookishly Ever After by Isabel Bandeira10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2016?



Bookishly Ever After by Isabel Bandeira




11. Most memorable character of 2016?

Of Flame and Light by Cecy Robson



Taran from Of Flame and Light 






12. Most beautifully written book read in 2016?
Fire in You by J. Lynn


Fire in You by Jennifer L. Armentrout







13. Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2016?

None of the books I read this year have been life changing, they have blissfully allowed me to escape life.


14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2016 to finally read? 

Firelight by Kristen Callihan


Firelight by Kristen Callihan, in all fairness I did just hear about this series this year even though it was published in 2012.





15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2016?
Kill Without Shame by Alexandra IvyOf Flame and Light by Cecy Robson
I would love to go with something silly like “You look like a reject from a Vin Disel movie”. Kill Without Shame

The real answer though would be “You’re my perfection.” Of Flame and Light

16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2016?
Lady Midnight by Cassandra ClareIn A House Made of Bones and Teeth by Alyxandra Harvey

Longest with 698 pages is Midnight Lady by Cassandra Clare 

Shortest with 56 pages is In A House Made of Bones and Teeth

17. Book That Shocked You The Most
Chosen Fool by Scarlett Dawn


Chosen Fool by Scarlett Dawn shocked me the most- What the what …is up with Caro and the elder?





18. OTP OF THE YEAR (you will go down with this ship!)

Truthwitch by Susan DennardThreadwitch Iseult and Bloodwitch Aeduan even though they weren’t the main characters of Truthwitch.

Lana and Wolfe from The Sentinels series





19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year
Earth by Jaymin Eve
Abby and Lucy from the Walker Saga by Jaymin Eve








20. Favorite Book You Read in 2016 From An Author You’ve Read Previously
Deceived by Kate SeRine

This is one is hard as I have a few go to authors but I would have to say Deceived by Kate SeRine. It was different than her previous books and yet still had her flare to it.





21. Best Book You Read In 2016 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure:
Air Awakens by Elise Kova


Based on a recommendation, Air Awakens by Elise Kova





22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2016?
Dragon Mated by Jaymin Eve

Braxton wins this category again, even though he is not the newest. He pulled out all the stops in Dragon Mated and I loved that about him.






23. Best 2016 debut you read?
A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet


A Promise of Fire By Amanda Bouchet






24. Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?
The Pages of the Mind by Jeffe Kennedy


The Pages of the Mind by Jeffe Kennedy gal can build a world.





25. Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?
On the Fence by Kasie West


On The Fence by Kasie West





26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2016?
Of Flame and Light by Cecy Robson



Of Fire and Light made me ugly cry then happy cry in the span of a few chapters




27. Hidden Gem Of The Year?
Truthwitch by Susan Dennard



None that were hidden this year- Truthwitch sent me on a reading kick that I didn’t anticipate.



28. Book That Crushed Your Soul?
Fragile Reign by Stacey O'Neale


Fragile Reign By Stacey O’Neale (yes she knows why).





29. Most Unique Book You Read In 2016?
The Alchemists of Loom by Elise Kova



Got an E-ARC of The Alchemists of Loom by Elise Kova




30. Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?
Of Flame and Light by Cecy Robson


Of Flame and Light- still loved the book.




1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2016?

No new favorites this year, I probably need to branch out more but I like going to the blogs that I adore and it is hard enough to visit them some days of the week. 

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2016?

Of Flame and Light by Cecy Robson. I loved the Weird Girls series and am so happy to see Taran in the spotlight. 

3. Best discussion/non-review post you had on your blog?

I puffy heart adore this series and loved that I was able to do a character interview of the girls. Midnight Hour Blog Tour Stop: Kylie, Della and Miranda Interview

4. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

Val and Jess from Stuck in Books read-a-longs. They totally rock and are so much fun to participate in.

5. Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2016?

When authors follows me on twitter-Jennifer Estep, CC Hunter, Stacey O’Neale, Kate SeRine it makes my day!

6. Most challenging thing about blogging or your reading life this year?

Reviewing from about a week before Halloween till about Christmas. With four kids it gets a bit difficult to keep up with the reading during the busy holiday season.

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

Lucky is Reading Giveaway Hop with 1200 views. This makes me happy as I love St. Patrick’s day (it is the day I got engaged a decade ago).

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

How does one determine this? I guess book review post where I either really loved the book or ones that I really hated. Reading to me is an escape, it if is an exciting one then life is good. When it is a horrible one than life is not so good. Bad reviews, even though I hate posting them help, help me determine if I wanted to read the book.

9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

Adult coloring books of some of my favorite stores. They are difficult though so only buy if you are a truly like coloring. Otherwise you will only get half a page done.

10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

2016 Reading Challenge on Goodreads. I decided to set my goal at 110 and I read 113. Excluding re-reads, because for some reason I don’t feel that they should count for the reading challenge.


1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2016 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2017?

The Darkest Magic by Morgan Rhodes. I really liked A Book of Spirit and Thieves so the sequel went on my TBR pile right away. I even pre-ordered it but did not get a chance to read it. Hopefully, it will get read in Jan. That is my goal at least.

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2017 (non-debut)?

White Hot~ I have been waiting on this one for three years already.

3. 2017 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?
Hmmm haven't gotten that far yet....Lots of news series but debuts not so much.

4. Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2017?

Kate Daniels #10 this one has no title yet, and no cover but it should be last in the Kate Daniels series.  
5. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life In 2017?

I hope to get better at social media in 2017. With the kids getting older it should be easier.

6. A 2017 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommend To Everyone:

Breath of Fire- this one is epic and you need to read it sooner rather than later.

Friday, December 30, 2016

Review: Breath of Fire

Author Amanda Bouchet
Format e-ARC
Print Length 448 pages
Publisher Sourcebooks Casalanca
Published Jan. 3, 2017

SHE'S DESTINED TO DESTROY THE WORLD... 
"Cat" Catalia Fisa has been running from her destiny since she could crawl. But now, her newfound loved ones are caught between the shadow of Cat's tortured past and the threat of her world-shattering future. So what's a girl to do when she knows it's her fate to be the harbinger of doom? Everything in her power.

BUT NOT IF SHE CAN HELP IT
Griffin knows Cat is destined to change the world-for the better. As the realms are descending into all-out war, Cat and Griffin must embrace their fate together. Gods willing, they will emerge side-by-side in the heart of their future kingdom...or not at all.

My Opinion


Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for allowing me to review this novel. This in no way influenced my review.

Two fantasy series captured my attention and imagination this year. Kingmaker Chronicles being one of them. After A Promise of Fire, I was dying to get my hands on a Breath of Fire. Doubts entered my mind, it is the second book in the series. It is the sophomore book for the author, will it beat the curse? Why oh why is it going to take a year to get my hands on this book? I finally get to open before release date only during the holidays (oh no, I have to put it down). Even when I was emerged in the festivities my mind would wonder to what Griffin and Cat were up to. Several times I had sneak in a chapter or two- this was way difficult as the Hubby’s side of the family is 27 people deep (yes that is only his siblings, their children and his parents). I can say without a doubt that Cat and Griffin slayed the sophomore curse.

In A Promise of Fire, Cat and Griffin’s love was a simmering fire, slowly working its way to a steady burn. In Breath of Fire, it is a roaring fire that at times got out of control. Griffin has trouble controlling his emotions where Cat is concerned. Cat has trouble trusting in fate, the gods and love. Who can blame her, especially with how she grew up. Cat is still as fierce as ever in this book, it is Griffin that shows restraint. Not only for when Cat is in danger but also with Jocasta- his little sister. He understands that both woman need the freedom to decide the best course of action for them. He also gets that both woman have to protect the people they love. This made him ten times hotter in my book.

The tasks that they are about to embark on due to the Power Bid in play put them and all they love in danger. The journey through the Ice Plains, the Chaos Wizzard, what Kato has to do, even the Ipotane (think Centaurs on steroids), and the Agon Games will capture your imagination. The book is written with such detail that it is as if a movie plays as you frantically read the words on the page. This is one that is difficult to put down as each chapter is a new adrenaline rush.

There is more story for the other members of the Beta Team all of which have become part of Cat’s family. Kato is always the first to deliver, and the first to understand where Cat is coming from. Will he ever find love, or will he always just be a pretty face. Carver’s story in particular is heartbreaking and yet Jocasta his little sister stated something that made me think that there is even more there. What is it though? Speaking of Jocasta, her and Flynn need to figure things out and sooner rather than later. 

After finishing this epic read, I of course looked online for when the next one releases. Heart on Fire is set to release in the fall of 2017, which is way too far away. I don’t know who I am more excited to read about Cat and Griffin’s journey to reunite the kingdom or the Beta’s team response to love. Regardless it is nice to see Greek mythology sprinkled through the series. The best part being that the gods/goddess are not jerks as of yet. Breath of Fire is an epic tale of love, power, and doing what is right for all of humankind.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars


Favorite Quote “Unexpected mercy, romance, mystery….They appeal to even the most fickle and violent of hearts.”


Other People

Kato- member of Griffin’s team
Flynn- member of Griffin’s team
Carver- Griffin’s brother, part of his team
Jocasta- Griffin’s sister

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Swoon Thursday (52) Breath of Fire


The fabulous girls over at The fabulous girls over at YA Bound created this super HOT meme. Here's how it works.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON.
What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. 

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! I want to know & so do the gals at YABound.A Bound created this super HOT meme.

It's Flynn who moves first. He takes a downy white feather from the pouch at his belt, holds it between two fingers, and then drops it at Jocasta's feet. 


Her face drains of color. My heart lurches when I recognize the feather he took from her hair that day in my room. 


Breath of Fire Kindle Location 3052


Her terrified gaze rises to find Flynn. "What if you were right?" She asks so quietly I baerely hear her.


"Right or wrong doesn't matter anymore." He looks at her hard. "I'll protect you. You know that."


Breath of Fire Kindle Location 3667


I love all things Flynn, especially when it has to do with protecting Jocasta. Dang...boy has it bad for her and doesn't know what to do.


Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Waiting on Wednesday (52) Carve the Mark

 Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW!

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


On a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not — their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world?

Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s currentgift gives her pain and power — something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother’s hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows.

Akos is from the peace-loving nation of Thuve, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Though protected by his unusual currentgift, once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get his brother out alive — no matter what the cost. When Akos is thrust into Cyra’s world, the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. They must decide to help each other to survive — or to destroy one another.

Why I am Waiting?


I want to know that their gifts are. I want to know if they escape her brother’s rule. Most of all I want to know how their gifts interact with each other.

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Teaser Tuesday (52) Breath of Fire

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
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “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!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"Wait." I'm confused. "My snakes?"

"It's always about you, Harbinger. Everyone keeps telling you that, and yet you refuse to believe."

The blood crashes from my head, leaving my face numb. "No. No, you're wrong."


Breath of Fire Kindle location 3092


Only Cat would smart-off to a goddess, at least Artemis has a sense of humor. This book is so good, it is painful to put it down. I find myself trying to sneak in a chapter here and there. Sometimes life gets in the way of reading....

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Book Trailer Saturday (52) Endgame: Rule of the Game

Some people believe you can fall in love at first sight. When it comes to books I believe those people. Book trailers are an excellent way to fall in love at first sight. I hope to feature a book trailer here every Saturday to help you fall in love at first sight...




The revolutionary Endgame trilogy concludes in this explosive finale to the series. One key remains—can the Players find it before the end of the world?

The strongest are left.
One final key remains.
The fate of the world is in their hands.

The world of Endgame is populated by twelve ancient bloodlines. In each line, a Player trains for a catastrophic event that has not yet happened—until the Calling. Once they were called, the Players set off on a journey in search of three ancient keys that will save not just their line, but the world. Two keys have now been found, and the remaining Players must find the final key—before Endgame brings about the ultimate destruction.

Each book in the trilogy features an interactive “super puzzle” comprised of clues and riddles layered into the story.


Friday, December 23, 2016

Happy Holidays!


Merry Christmas! 


Holiday Break is upon us and the house is full of laughter. We spent all day yesterday holiday baking, relatives are pouring in, gingerbread houses are scheduled for today. Celebrating the most wonderful time of the year is exhausting. 

Saturday's post is already scheduled. I will be gone until Tuesday after that~entertaining and hanging out with people I haven't seen in a while. Eating amazing food and playing with some really cool toys...Belle's singing cart is the one I am most excited about...yeah, it was bought for the youngest.  Still it has Mrs. Potts and Chip on it, which makes it hip.

Hope you have a fabulous holiday filled with food, family and laughter.  If you do presents, I hope you get all that you wished for.  May you find time to read during all the fun.  Even if it is only a chapter or two.