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OPEN GIVEAWAYS

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Thursday, May 4, 2017

#Audiobook #Review: 5 out of 5 stars for Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs @Mercys_Garage @PRHAudio

TITLE: Iron Kissed
SERIES: Mercy Thompson, Book #3
AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs
NARRATOR: Lorelei King
PUBLISHER: Penguin Audio
PUBLICATION DATE: November 1, 2009 (first published January 2, 2008)
FORMAT: Unabridged audiobook
LENGTH: 9 hrs and 12 mins
GENRE: Urban Fantasy
When her former boss and mentor is arrested for murder and left to rot behind bars by his own kind, it's up to shapeshifting car mechanic Mercy Thompson to clear his name, whether he wants her to or not. And she'll have to choose between the two werewolves in her life-whether she wants to or not.

MY REVIEW:

It’s been far too long since I’ve been in Mercy Thompson’s world! The third installment of this series brings the love triangle between Adam, Samuel, and Mercy to a head and Mercy must choose between the two alphas.

Mercy’s former boss and iron-kissed fae, Zee, asks her to snoop around the Umatilla Fae Reservation to see if her keen sense of smell can reveal the identity of the one responsible for a recent rash of fae killings. When Zee is found crouched over one of the victims, he is arrested. Mercy knows that Zee is innocent, but the only way that she can prove it is to put herself in danger and be forewarned that she becomes the victim of rape. As difficult and as upsetting as it was for Mercy to be subjected to that, I love how Briggs handled the aftermath. One of Adam’s packmates, Ben, was the only one who really understood what Mercy was going through as a victim of abuse himself. He put things into perspective for Adam and tuned him into what was going on with Mercy and gave her emotions a voice that she couldn’t put into words herself. I absolutely love Ben for that!! I love the way that Warren comforted and took care of Mercy and how Adam didn’t trust anyone else but Warren to do it. Adam’s pack really came through for Mercy, and it brought unity to them. I am not surprised by the decision that Mercy made between Adam and Samuel, and the timing felt right.

This was my favourite book in the series thus far. However, one of my favourite characters, Stefan, was sorely missed in this installment! Hopefully, we’ll see him back in the next one in the series, Bone Crossed.


Memorable quote:

“Some people are like Slinkies. They aren't really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to my face when I push them down a flight of stairs.” 

Lorelei King continues to be the narrator for this series, and I’m pleased as punch about that! I love the vocalizations she gave each of the characters, and they have been consistent throughout the first three books in the series. Here's a sample of the narration:



MY RATING:


5 stars!! It was superb and I will likely re-read it in the future. You should definitely put it on your TBR list if you enjoy urban fantasy!

This book qualifies as:

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Spring into Horror: Wrap-up Post #Readathon #SpringHorrorRAT @truebookaddict


This is my Wrap-up Post for the Spring Into Horror Read-a-Thon!


I Finished 4 Books
(one paperback, three audiobooks):

(Eve, Book #1)
by Anna Carey
4 stars



by Debbie Clarke Moderow
[on my iPod]
3 stars

by Michael McDowell
[on my iPod]
4 stars


Iron Kissed
by Patricia Briggs
(Mercy Thompson, Book #3)
[on my iPod]


Still reading:

by Brian Moreland
[on my iPad]

Alice Cooper, Golf Monster: A Rock 'n' Roller's 12 Steps to Becoming a Golf Addict
by Alice Cooper


Happily Never After
by Jeaniene Frost
(Night Huntress Universe, Book #1.5)


I did not keep track of pages read or minutes listened. Sorry, it was just too much work for me this time around!

Thanks again to Michelle at Seasons of Reading for hosting!

Chapter Break April Bookish Bingo: Wrap-up Post

This is my Wrap-up Post for the monthly challenge hosted by Julie & Lynn at Chapter Break.


I found this one tough!
14/25 SQUARES COMPLETED (with the FREE space)

  1. Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet (Kingmaker Chronicles, Book #2)- Completes 5 squares: Fantasy/Science fiction, Free book, Audiobook, In a series, 2017 New Release
  2. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson  - Completes 2 squares: Shelf-love book, Introvert
  3. Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost (Night Huntress Universe, Book #1) - Completes 2 squares: Made you laugh, Library book
  4. Eve by Anna Carey (Eve, Book #1) - Completes 2 squares: One-word title, Orphan
  5. Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson, Book #3) - Completes 2 squares: Tattoo/piercing, fae/fairy/fairy tale


That was fun! Thanks for hosting, Julie & Lynn!

Waiting On Wednesday: Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips @GinPhillips17 @RandomHouseCA #fiercekingdom


"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Here is this week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection:


TITLE: Fierce Kingdom
AUTHOR: Gin Phillips
PUBLISHER: Random House Canada
EXPECTED PUBLICATION DATE: July 4, 2017
FORMAT: Hardcover
LENGTH: 288 pages
GENRE: Thriller, Suspense
ISBN: 
9780735273191
An electrifying literary thriller introduces an unforgettable mother and son, whose simple trip to the zoo one afternoon is transformed into three hours of terror and survival after gunshots ring out. What would you do to protect the ones you love?

After school on a late October day, Joan has taken her four-year-old son, Lincoln, to one of his favourite places on earth: the zoo. Just before closing time, as they need to go home, she hears some loud pops like firecrackers. Not thinking much of it, they head for the exit...until Joan realizes the eerie human emptiness means danger, then sees the figure of a lone gunman. Without another thought, she scoops up her son and runs back into the zoo. And for the next three hours--the entire scope of the novel--she does anything she can to keep Lincoln safe.

Both pulse-pounding and emotionally satisfying, Fierce Kingdom is a thrill ride, but also an exploration of the very nature of motherhood itself, from its saving graces to its savage power. At heart it asks how you draw the line between survival and the duty to protect one another? Who would you die for?

I think any parent would do whatever it takes to protect their child! What interests me about this one is that it takes place in real-time over a short span and that it sounds like a nail-biter!


What are you waiting on? Please leave a comment in the section below. If you participate in this meme, please leave a link so I can visit your blog!

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

April Wrap-up



We didn't get much in the way of April showers, but we did get snow (again)! Spring is always a little unpredictable. Hopefully, the snow is behind us now.


I finished 8 books this month! Here they are (CLICK ON THE THUMBNAILS TO SEE MY REVIEW):


FROM MY BOOKSHELF:


3 stars
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

4 stars
The Hatching by Ezekiel Boone
(The Hatching, Book #1)

4 stars
Eve by Anna Carey
(Eve, Book #1)

5 stars
Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
(Night Huntress, Book #1)


4 stars
The Elementals by Michael McDowell



4 stars
Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs
(Mercy Thompson, Book #3)
[review to follow later this week]




FROM THE LIBRARY

None!



REVIEW COPIES


4 stars
Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
(The Kingmaker Chronicles, Book #2)


3 stars
Fast into the Night: A Woman, Her Dogs, and Their Journey North on the Iditarod Trail by Debbie Clarke Moderow



Halfway to the Grave was definitely my stand-out favourite read of the month, followed by Iron Kissed! I love both series! The other series that I've very excited about is The Hatching, which is so different.

I didn't have any bad reads this month. I managed to squeeze in a classic (The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde), a non-fiction book (Fast into the Night), a bit of romance (Breath of Fire), some horror for the Spring Into Horror Read-a-Thon (The Elementals and The Hatching), a dystopia (Eve), and some urban fantasy (Iron Kissed). I nailed all my favourite genres.

For the second month in a row, I didn't read any library books (although I do have a non-fiction memoir on the go).

I discovered five new authors and two new series (The Hatching and Eve), and I'm planning to continue with both.


January Wrap-up: 10 books
[3 shelf-love, 5 library, 2 review]

February Wrap-up: 9 books

[2 shelf-love, 5 library, 2 review]

March Wrap-up: 7 books

[5 shelf-love, 2 review]

April Wrap-up: 8 books
[6 shelf-love, 2 review]

Year to date total: 34 books

[16 shelf-love, 10 library, 8 review]

So, how was your April? What was your favourite book? Least favourite? Please let me know in the comments! I'd love to add your favourites to my TBR :)

Top Ten Creepy Book Covers #TopTenTuesday


This is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week, they post a new Top Ten list that one of their bloggers will answer. Everyone is welcome to join!

Today's list is:

Top Ten Creepy Book Covers

I'm the type of person that will buy a book based on the cover, without even reading the synopsis to see if it interests me. If it's a beautiful or creepy cover, I'm in!

This time we'll do creepy, so here goes! Here are some books that I've bought just solely on their covers.

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
Just why are those sharp utensils hanging over a baby carriage? Hmmm, I still haven't found out! I loved the cover so much that I book the book twice. Actually, I just forgot that I had it already :)


Unwind by Neal Shusterman
(Unwind Dystology, Book #1)
That hand is pretty creepy. It reminds me of X-Files.


Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
(Anna, Book #1)
I love this cover! I have a thing for haunted houses, so I love the creepy house in the background with the fog on the ground.


Possessions by Nancy Holder
(Possessions, Book #1)
She looks like she's about the rise out of the water.


The House of Dead Maids by Clare B. Dunkle
Those eyes are pretty freaky. 


Envy by Gregg Olsen
(Empty Coffin, Book #1)
Her hair kind of reminds me of the girl from the horror movie, The Ring.


 Flu and Fever by Wayne Simmons
(Flu, Books #1 and #2)
Zombies are pretty creepy!


The Priest's Graveyard by Ted Dekker
This graveyard with the trees silhouetted against the sky looks creepy! I wouldn't want to visit there at night.


The Vivisector by Patrick White
That cover just makes me squeamish!


The Strain by Guillermo Del Toro
(The Strain Trilogy, Book #1)
Ditto for this one!


So, what are your favourite creepy book covers? Please let me know in the comments, or leave me a link to your blog post if you are also participating in the meme!

Monday, May 1, 2017

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?


This weekly meme is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date.

Still reading: 

Something from my review pile, which is also a good fit for the Spring into Horror Read-a-Thon.

AUTHOR: Brian Moreland
PUBLISHER: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
PUBLICATION DATE: September 4, 2012 (first published 2006)
FORMAT: Kindle edition
LENGTH: 372 pages
GENRE: Horror
ASIN: B007W4908U
The truth will not stay buried.

During World War II, Germany’s Hürtgen Forest was a killing field. But there was something worse than the enemy in the mist. An ancient power was waiting to prey upon those who opposed the Third Reich.
Jack Chambers survived the war, but even after all these years, he still has nightmares about Hürtgen—and the unholy horrors he battled there. Now he is determined to reveal the truth behind his platoon’s massacre and entrusts the task to his grandson, Sean. But Sean’s quest sets him in a deadly race against those who wish to bury the truth forever—and those who plan to use it to unleash hell on Earth.



Something from the library. I'm a big Alice Cooper fan, though I'm not a fan of golf!

AUTHOR: Alice Cooper
PUBLISHER: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
PUBLICATION DATE: May 1, 2007
FORMAT: Hardcover
LENGTH: 260 pages
GENRE: Autobiography/Memoir
ISBN: 9780307382658

The man who invented shock rock tells the amazing and, yeah, shocking story of how he slayed his thirsty demons--with a golf club. It started one day when Cooper was watching a Star Trek rerun between concerts, bored and drunk on a quart-of-whiskey-a-day habit; a friend dragged the rocker out of his room and suggested a round of golf. Cooper has been a self-confessed golf addict ever since. Today he and his band still tour the world, playing some one hundred gigs a year . . . and three hundred days out of that year, Cooper is on the course.

Alice Cooper, Golf Monster is Cooper's tell-all memoir; in it he talks candidly about his entire life and career, as well as his struggles with alcohol, how he fell in love with the game of golf, how he dried out at a sanitarium back in the late '70s, and how he put the last nails in his addiction's coffin by getting up daily at 7 a.m. to play 36 holes.

Alice has hilarious, touching, and sometimes surprising stories about so many of his friends: Led Zeppelin and the Doors, George Burns and Groucho Marx, golf legends like John Daly and Tiger Woods . . . everyone is here from Dali to Elvis to Arnold Palmer.

This is the story of Cooper's life, and also a story about golf. He rose from hacker to scratch golfer to serious Pro Am competitor and on to his status today as one of the best celebrity golfers around--all while rising through the rock 'n' roll ranks releasing platinum albums and selling out arenas with his legendary act.



Something from my bookshelf. This is my vintage 1970 edition, which I've kept from my childhood! I'm reading it aloud to my daughter, and our plan is to make our way through the whole series. This is a re-read for me, but I honestly don't remember a thing about it! It read it when I was young.

SERIES: Oz, Book #2
AUTHOR: L. Frank Baum 
PUBLISHER: Scholastic
PUBLICATION DATE: 1970 (first published 1904)
FORMAT: Paperback
LENGTH: 192 pages
GENRE: Children's Fiction, Classics, Fantasy
ISBN: 0590085654

"You'll never bother me again," says Mombi the witch, "once you drink this magic brew."

"What'll it do?" cries poor Tip.

"It will turn you into a marble statue!"

Tip's heart beats wildly.

Can a mere boy escape from a witch's evil power?

But this is Oz -- the marvelous, magical land where anything can happen!


I'm listening to:

Something from the library. I love this series!

SERIES: Night Huntress Universe, Book #1.5
AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs
NARRATOR: Tavia Gilbert
PUBLISHER: HarperAudio
PUBLICATION DATE: June 24, 2014 (first published May 28, 2008)
FORMAT: Unabridged audiobook
LENGTH: 2 hrs and 46 mins
GENRE: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Isabella Spaga is about to reluctantly walk down the aisle with Mr. Dangerously Wrong…but not if dashing vampire Chance has anything to say about it. As a favor to Bones, Chance has come to derail this wedding of beauty to the beast. Now if only he can keep his hands off the bride. From New York Times bestselling author Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress world, it’s the wedding of the season…that everyone wants to miss. (Originally appeared in Weddings From Hell anthology)


I just finished:

TITLE: Iron Kissed
SERIES: Mercy Thompson, Book #3
AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs
NARRATOR: Lorelei King
PUBLISHER: Penguin Audio
PUBLICATION DATE: November 1, 2009 (first published January 2, 2008)
FORMAT: Unabridged audiobook
LENGTH: 9 hrs and 12 mins
GENRE: Urban Fantasy
When her former boss and mentor is arrested for murder and left to rot behind bars by his own kind, it's up to shapeshifting car mechanic Mercy Thompson to clear his name, whether he wants her to or not. And she'll have to choose between the two werewolves in her life-whether she wants to or not.

What are you reading? Have you read any of these books and, if so, what did you think? Please let me know in the comments and, if you are also participating in this meme, leave me a link to your blog post so that I can stop by!

Caffeinated Clean Sweep ARC Reading Challenge May 2017: Starting Line #CleanSweepARC @kimbacaffeinate

This challenge is being hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

Official Rules



  • Link-up
  • Add button to your blog (optional)
  • ARC’s must be read between May 1st, 2017 and May 31st, 2017
  • Challenge starts and ends at midnight in your local time zone
  • All ARCS/finished copies that were provided by publisher/author are eligible. They can be in any format (eBook, physical, audio)
  • Post start-up post with goals. Be sure to link back to hosts.
  • Tweet using hashtag #cleansweeparc
  • You do not have to post a review on the blog during the month of May. Just give a link to Goodreads showing read May 1 to 31st with a two sentence review. Please friend us on Goodreads so that we can see your shelves: Kimba and Kristin
  • Twitter Party Thursday, May 18th at 7:30 pm (EST) #CleanSweepARC
  • Post Results -can be combined with start-up post
  • The Participant Giveaway will include entries for books read (2 book entry a day allowed on giveaway), posting about the challenge, start up/results post (can be combined), having a button on your sidebar, participation in the Twitter party.
  • Grand Prize- One winner will receive a new release of their choice (can be audible credit, novel or eBook) valued at up to 20.00 US dollars. Open internationally.
  • The rafflecopter for Participant Giveaway will post on May 1st and will close on June 2, 2017.
My goal is to finish 5 ARCs this month.

Here are some on my TBR:


(Lily Bound, Book #1)





(A Magical Cats Mystery, Book #1)


I will add books below as I finish them:

  1. Shadows in the Mist by Brian Moreland
  2. Wallbanger by Alice Clayton (Cocktail, Book #1)
  3. Dr. Frankenstein's Daughters by Suzanne Weyn
  4. Nemesis by Brendan Reichs (Project Nemesis, Book #1)
  5. Buried in Buttercream by G.A. McKevett (A Savannah Reid Mystery, Book #17) 



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