I'm still here!

Wow! It's been a while since I updated this blog! I've been reading a lot but not as much as I would like. Life has a funny way of getting in the middle of everything I have planned. Lots has happened and lots keeps happening but one day, and soon, I will update you on some of it. So what am I reading now?

Kylie Scott's Chaser: A Dive Bar Novel

I'm almost done but not quite.

More About Horse

 Have you discovered the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club? This club is not like any other. The members are werewolves with some special skills in and out of the bedroom.

Now Candace Blevins brings us Horse who isn't a werewolf but rather a werebear. A grizzly bear shifter to be exact. 

Then she throws in a female rabbit shifter. One who has reason to be nervous, particularly when around predators. Bears, wolves and big cats? They're all in the story!

The Synopsis

Horse is one of the first non-wolf shifters to be patched into the RTMC after the rule change. He’s a Grizzly Bear, and his old pawnshop has become the MC’s new gun store in a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Gabby is a rabbit shifter with a complicated history. Rabbits live in Faerie, but her parents chose to escape to the human realm so they could be together. Tragedy struck twice though, and she was taken to The Summerlands at fourteen to be raised by extended family. She’s grown now and has chosen to come back, even though it means she’s alone in this world.

Bears are loners who are used to getting their way. Rabbits are sexual, social creatures who need a wide variety of partners in their lives if they go outside their own species.

And Gabby’s past is on a trajectory to keep her from the future she wants.

My Review

I loved this book! Ms Blevins has one of the most creative and twisted minds and it shines here in Horse. The character of Horse is a member of the RTMC but he is not a wolf shifter, he's a grizzly shifter and as far as I know he is the only member who is not a wolf. Gabby is a rabbit shifter and quite the different character. The author is able to blend the natural traits of each species into their shifter characters in such a way the characterization is enhanced and the story flows. Horse enjoys the brotherhood of the RTMC but doesn't need the pack traits as the wolves do. Gabby is introduced as a very timid woman who startles easily and has a freeze or flee instinct. It's with Gabby that the author really gets creative. Everyone knows rabbits reproduce easily and Ms Blevins took the base knowledge and ran in a direction I was not really expecting. It's so good though! We get to see Gabby grow into a strong woman and that has a lot to do with Horse. The book doesn't contain the level of kink which is present in the author's Safeword series but it does have a little bit. While you can jump into the series with this book and be fine, you would be cheating yourself of hours of reading pleasure by not reading the entire series starting with Only Human. There are characters from many previous stories who appear in this book and knowing how Ms Blevins other supernatural characters behave will enhance the read.

Cover Reveal and a Giveaway!

I am so excited to be part of the cover reveal for Claudia Burgoa's Undefeated!

This is the fifth book in the Unexpected series that began with Unlike Any Other.

You might remember that book as being on my list of top reads for 2015.

I've had the opportunity to read Undefeated and it is sooooo good! I can't wait for everyone to be able to read it.

The giveaway below is to win one of five ARCs!

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Without further delay, I give you this beautiful cover!

Undefeated by Claudia Burgoa

 Unexpected Series #5 

Cover Design: By Hang Le 

Release Date: April 1, 2016

Isn't it gorgeous? 

Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28255355-undefeated

Win One of Five ARCs of Undefeated by Claudia Burgoa. 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway 

 Direct Link: 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0cba4250211/?

Synopsis

Porter

Porter, only you can help yourself. We’re here to guide you, but we can’t take you to the next level if you refuse to work.”
  …there’s nothing they can do for me. 

No matter what I tell them, what I do or whom I talk to, my woman is gone, my kid is dead, my career is over and the only family that loved me, now despises me.

 I was once the nation’s biggest musical sensation. An International heartthrob. Now, I’m a skeleton of a life I once lived.

Porter Kendrick: the man, the myth, the legend.

A fallen branch of the Colthurst-Decker dynasty.

The demons of my past haunt me. Do I have the strength and will power to put them to rest? Can anyone really have it all?  

  Mackenzie 

 Love is a four-letter word more powerful than the energy of the sun. Love can move mountains. Love can conquer all. But there’s also the other side of the story, the sad truth. Love can destroy. Once, there was this boy I met with a set of amber eyes and a bright smile who took my breath away. It wasn’t love at first sight. No, we fell in love slowly, through the day-to-day contact.
Leonard Brooke promised to be my prince charming, as long as I could save him when he needed me. No other man could make me feel strong, safe, loved, and cherished.

But Leonard Brooke died, leaving me to figure out how to handle the grief of his loss. Inside though I’m incomplete. Broken.

My sassy-fiery daughter, and my creative-sweet son are who keep me afloat. Trying to find a new normal without the love of my life, I head to Oregon. Leaving behind our old life and dreams.

Am I strong enough to start over? Can I turn my back on the only man I’ve loved?

Book Sharing Time

I've been busy reading books this month! I've done some beta reading and some teaser finding and just plain reading for enjoyment! This month I have read books that made me laugh out loud, some that made me squirm and some that were total ugly crying.

I can easily recommend all three of these books and I will be featuring Horse in a blog later in March. So here are three of my favorite reads for February:




This is number 6 in the RTMC series and different from the rest since the title character is a werebear and not a werewolf as are the other members of the MC. I love all the books in this series. I just want to say that her shape shifters can do things I've never read in any other shifter stories. And I love it!



This is book 2 in the Bad Habits series and I so enjoyed this one! Book 3 is out now and waiting for me to get to it!


And this is book 7 in the Beyond series and features a menage a quatre with 2 males and 2 females. If you've read any of this series, you know the O'Kanes love each other without shame! This group is struggling to get to that but they find they all need the other 3 individuals to be the best they can be. The author is also setting the readers up for a change that's coming.

I can easily recommend all three of these books and I will be featuring Horse in a blog later in March.

Mean People S*ck

The internet and social media never fail to amaze me. People find the strangest things to complain about. If one of my favorite authors has sold a bunch of books, I'm thrilled for them! I would never even think about purchases made by an author. It's none of my business and how would I know the source of the money used for said purchase. I've noticed several authors moving into new homes and I think it's wonderful for them. I wouldn't even begin to think the money came just from book sales though. Many times there is a spouse involved who is providing substantial income. There could have been an inheritance or another time of settlement. None of that matters because it's none of my business!

I think there are too many people complaining about things lately. I saw someone tell an author how upset she was when books she bought full price were put on sale for $0.99. I don't understand it! The same thing happens all the time in retail. Authors need to be able to grow their fan base and putting books on sale is one of the best tools they have!

It seems to me it is much too easy to make disparaging remarks via social media. I can completely understand the choice to withdraw from it. Of course that isn't a realistic option for many. The interaction with readers helps the reader connect with the author. I would sorely miss Kristen Ashley, Harper Sloan, Cherise Sinclair, Kallypso Masters and Candace Blevins if they withdrew. There are more authors I could put on that list as well. I just want them all to continue writing!!!

So my advice to authors ...

Guess What Showed Up in My Inbox?

I woke to this wonderful cover reveal from a favorite author, Kit Rocha!

Gotta love a hot guy with a big gun! Click the pic and it will take to their page with more information including the names of the H/h if you want to know.

What To Read Next? Problem #294

I am forever asking myself this question. I think I might have reached a point where I no longer want to pick up random books from free lists. It's not that I can afford to buy a bunch of books because nothing is further from the truth. It is just that I feel overwhelmed by the number of books I now have in my Kindle library. A quick check reveals I have ordered 521 digital items in the past 6 months alone! That number includes a few songs I have purchased but it is primarily books. Does that sound like I have a problem? Maybe? Many of those books were purchased at little to no cost which is my way of justifying the staggering number of books. Or may be the number is only staggering to me? Maybe you have two or three times as many books on your list? Maybe I'm just wishful thinking here!

There are currently 398 books on my to-be-read list at Goodreads. Some of those titles have been on the list for a couple of years now. I somehow need to come up with a system to really plan out my reading list.In years past I have been reading 200+ books each year and fear I will not be able to keep pace this year. I am already two books behind for my goal of 200 books.  With less time to read right now, I don't want to waste the time I do have.

Right now, I am awaiting the delivery of Kristen Ashley's Sebring and while I want to jump right in, I would really like to go back and read the whole series before I start the last book in the series. I know I am not the only person who like to do that either. I just need more time in my days!

I think I might just have to go make a new shelf for myself on Goodreads to help with the planning process. There are just too many good books to read and not nearly enough time!

Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas!

Here's hoping Santa has your name on the list and he's bringing some magic your way!

Merry Christmas

&

A very Happy New Year!!!

My Favorite Books for 2015

I know the year isn't quite over yet but I wanted to share with you some of my top reads this year. All of these books were published in 2015. Some of the authors I have read for several years but two are new to me. I have to say that most of these books were real tear jerkers for me. Mr. Reads does not understand the appeal but he knows when I am crying in bed it's probably about characters in a book.


The "Unlike Any Other" series is on sale for just $0.99 for each book and the 4th book in the series is on preorder for the same price! It should release December 28th! This makes me so excited! Claudia Burgoa is one of the authors who was new to me. Unlike Any Other is a m/m romance with family involvement. I don't usually read anything in that genre but Ms. Burgoa created a very compelling and emotional story and I fell in love with it!

Harper Sloan's Perfectly Imperfect was an amazing read. The heroine is dealing with body issues and abuse from her so called family for her weight. As someone who has struggled with this, I loved watching Willow overcome these obstacles. I can't say enough good things about this book! Get your tissues ready for this one.

Kristen Ashley is an automatic buy for me and Walk Through Fire was an outstanding read. This is part of the Chaos series but you could read this book without having read the previous ones. It's better though if you have read the Dream Man series and the earlier Chaos books because catching up with those characters really enhances the read. Again, you will need the tissues for this one!

Candace Blevins is a favorite author for me and I absolutely loved Only Human when I read it. The book is quite a departure from her Safe Word series as it is classified as Urban Fantasy. There are vampires and other supernatural beings introduced in this book. It is set in Chattanooga as are the Safe Word books and there is some overlap with characters from the Safe Word series. I love that Ms. Blevins has been able to tie these two (or actually three) series together. The third set is the Chattanooga Supernaturals series which is also outstanding. The Supernaturals series is classified as Paranormal. The Safe Word series is primarily BDSM in nature and some of those elements carry over to Only Human and also her other series though the BDSM is not featured in the same way.

The Five Stages of Falling in Love by Rachel Higginson is another emotional book and I definitely needed the tissues for this one. Ms. Higginson is another new author for me. I don't think it is a spoiler to tell you the book begins with the death of the heroine's husband. Following the heroine as she grieves and begins to live again is an amazing read.

Fighting to Breathe by Aurora Rose Reynolds was a surprise for me. I have read many of her other books but this one just grabbed me and pulled at my emotions. It is a story dealing with losing a love and finding a second chance. I absolutely loved this book. The hero in this story is introduced in Until Lily but you can just pick up with this story and be fine.

I went back to check and all of these books except Only Human are on my "ugly cry" shelf on Goodreads. I used to avoid these sorts of books or maybe I just didn't know about them but I obviously have an affinity for them. If you have a favorite book or two, feel free to leave a comment. I'm always looking for good books!

Hard Core Reader? Absolutely!

I saw this shared on FB today and yes I resemble all of these! I never the leave the house without my kindle and the kindle is fully stocked. Even if I am just running to take kids to school, the kindle is along for the ride. Who know when you might have a minute to read?

http://www.bustle.com/articles/119498-12-things-that-separate-true-readers-from-casual-ones

Also, it's a very happy day on the kindle. Two pre-orders arrived and I'm looking forward to a reading marathon!

       

Bash Volume 2!

This! Yes!

It's finally here! Volume 2 is live :) http://amzn.to/1VCL8Xy
Posted by Kirsten O’Shea’s Universe on Friday, November 6, 2015

Walk Through Fire

Dear Reader,

I finished Kristen Ashley's latest release, Walk Through Fire, yesterday and now I have a book hangover! A five star read for me, this is one of my favorite books from this year. This was a very emotional tale (see video below) from the Chaos series. High and Millie's story spans 20+ years. I appreciate the older characters as both of them are in their 40's for the majority of the book.

Since the story is set in Denver, many previous characters from her other books make appearances in this book. Most notably are the heroes from the Mystery Man series and their girls. And Elvira who we know wrangles commandos for a living. That's another thing I love about the books Ms. Ashley writes. Her books are rich in secondary characters. They are interesting and unique (see Tex from Rock Chick series as well as Elvira).

Ms. Ashley sets the standard for epilogues in my opinion and this book did not disappoint. Plus she gives us a bonus scene on her website to read after you finish the book. It's great fun so don't miss that!

happy reading,
~becca

The First V-Log

I know it has been forever since I updated this site so I tried something new today. I made a video review / update to share with you for the book Walk Through Fire from Kristen Ashley. Let me know what you think!

I should probably tell you that I am a natural face kind of girl. Makeup is okay for some things but my DH prefers me without and it makes my life much simpler! I may decide to change this up when I'm making a v-log because this is seriously unfiltered, unedited and unretouched.

Book Recommendation

I read the best book this week! What was it? Only Human by Candace Blevins. OMG! This was a fantastic read. This is the first book in the world of Kirsten O'Shea and I would classify it as Urban Fantasy / Paranormal.

I've said before that paranormal is not my favorite genre but there are definitely some gems that I have been missing! This book has shapeshifters, werewolves, a weredragon, vampires and more otherworldly creatures. Ms Blevins skillfully brings all of these elements together and it's a non-stop thrill ride! There is BDSM in this story though nothing as extreme as some of the Safeword series. Speaking of which, Kirsten is also a character in the Safeword series and I am going to have to go back and re-read those now. You need to read this book!

Do you re-read books?

I have seen authors asking this question on facebook lately and I have to say that I do. In thinking about it though, I would say I mostly re-read books from series that I love. This week I have re-read Cherise Sinclair's Dark Haven/Mountain Masters books in preparation for the new novella, Master of Freedom.

I have also re-read Kristen Ashley's Dream Man series. There aren't any new books in the series, I just love those alpha heroes and the crazy women who love them.

So I ask, what books do you read more than once?

Nobody's Lost by Kallypso Masters Release Day!!!

I love the cover for this book! I've read the teasers and cannot wait to read the book.

The fifth book in the Rescue Me Saga released Dec. 9. While we all were expecting it to be time
for Luke and Cassie, Kally’s recent battle with cancer derailed those plans. But not wanting to
disappoint her fans, she wrote what was going to be a book about half this size but just kept
growing so that she could give her fans a book this fall as promised.

NOBODY’S LOST is about two characters who have had minor roles to this point in the Rescue
Me Saga, but who will play a large part in the future books in the series, including NOBODY’S
DREAM (Luke’s book which will release by March 4, 2015 now that Kally’s cancer free and able
to concentrate on it again.)

Haven’t read Kally’s books before? No problem! NOBODY’S LOST provides readers with a
new entry point to the series. However, most readers enjoy and understand the depth of these
stories much more so when they read in order, starting with the first book, MASTERS AT ARMS
& NOBODY'S ANGEL (almost 500 pages in print!), which is FREE everywhere. That's the ideal
place to start! Here's the reading order for all available books (including preorders):

MASTERS AT ARMS & NOBODY'S ANGEL (FREE!)
NOBODY'S HERO
NOBODY'S PERFECT
SOMEBODY'S ANGEL
NOBODY'S LOST (releases Dec. 9)
NOBODY'S DREAM (releases March 4 at latest--available for preorder)

Biting Off More Than I Should

This year, I set myself a goal on GoodReads to read 200 books. I've finished 192 and have started 193 (Exquisite Danger by Ann Mayburn). This means I have seven additional books to read before 2015 rolls around at us. So I'm taking a look at what's on my kindle and what's been pre-ordered to make up my remaining seven books.

7. Nobody's Lost by Kallypso Masters is coming December 9th and I definitely want to read this one. so it's on the list!

6. Forever With Me by Kristen Proby is on my kindle all ready to go.

5. These Men by Andrea Smith.

4. Firebird by Annabel Joseph.

3. Grit by Margaret McHeyzer

2. Affliction by River Savage

1. Tucker's Fall by Eliza Gayle

Then once I've completed the challenge, I have a stack of Kristen Ashley books to read including the first two books from her series The Three.

I've been wanting to re-read a bunch of books too but those don't count toward the goal so I think that next year, I'm setting my goal down to 100 books or maybe even fewer so that I don't feel the pressure to keep reading new books and never stopping to re-read.

Update To My Pre-Order List!

I'm so excited about this book and I have added it to my list. It is a stand alone story and you don't have to read the earlier books in the series. So feel free to jump in with this one. I do recommend the whole series though! Kallypso has written some amazing stories with this series.

Sex and Reading

This is the topic of a post over on Goodreads. I'm sharing the infographic here as well.

So in looking at my own reading shelf, I know that I predominantly read books written by women but I did read 3 books by Scott Hildreth this year and I really like his writing. I plan to read more by Mr. Hildreth in the future. 

Now that it's November

I love November! I am so excited that my hubby has decided to go NoShaveNovember this year.  He had a beard and mustache when we met and after shaving clean for our wedding, he maintained a beard and / or mustache for many years. But the last few years he has been clean shaven and I have missed the facial hair. And on a sillier note, my DS who is 16 is also participating.  We can't really tell though! I keep telling him to shave more frequently to get a heavier beard but what does a mom know?

And for me, this November means that I am trying my hand at writing my own book with NaNoWriMo.  I have several beginnings in my past but this year I have made the commitment to go forward and so far - so good! If you are participating in NaNoWriMo, feel free to add me as a buddy.