October sucked

Yep, it's true.  October sucked.

At the beginning of the month a good family friend, and our neighbour for almost 25 years, passed away.  It was expected, and unexpected at the same time, but it threw everything I had planned out the window.  There was no way on earth that I felt like reading all the Stephen King books I had planned for my Kingoween challenge, so instead I fell back to my old favourites like the In Death series by JD Robb and Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series.

We are all slowly recovering our equilibrium after this, but it takes time.  I haven't been on the computer for almost 3 weeks, just disappearing into a book to escape and try to put all the sadness behind me for those few hours.   But I've hit the turning point where I can go for a day or two without it being in the back of my mind.

Perhaps I'll try to get to some of my Kingoween books this month.  Perhaps not.  However, I think all this time away from the TV has done me a world of good.  I think in the last month I've watched about 8 hours of TV!

Okay, that's about all that I can tell you.  I didn't do anything amazing, or travel anywhere.  Just spent the month at home, enjoying the wet weather that closed in around us and reading my favourite books.  I hope your month was better than mine.  If you discovered a great book, let me know in the comments as I'm looking for new books all the time.

So, until I see you next time,

October Wrap-up

October has been a good reading month.  

As you know, I started Gone With The Wind earlier this month.  While I don't read it every day, I have made a little bit of progress and am 152 pages into this behemoth.  If you want to know what my thoughts are so far CLICK HERE.  I will say that if I had the option, I would have prefered to read this with a book buddy.

While I have added GWTW to my Goodreads list, I have not added any of the Arcane Society and Rainshadow Island series books I've been devouring to the list.  Why?  Because I decided that I would only add new books to my Goodreads Challenge otherwise I would be forever adding and updating progress on the numerous books I reread every month.  I am a huge rereader, and love to go back into the worlds, with characters I enjoy - who have fun adventures.  For some reason October has been the month of the Jayne Ann Krentz (aka Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle) marathon.  I find these books to be quick, fast paced and fun - especially the books set on Harmony as I adore those fuzzy little dust bunnies!

Then there is this months book purchase extravaganza.  Yes, I spent waaay too much money at Book Depository this month.  I'm still waiting for about 10 books to come in the mail - yes, 10! - and have already received another 13 in the post since the start of the month (I hadn't counted until now!), as well as bought a further 4 books at my local Big W (only place to buy new books in town), and 6 used books.

OMG, I am a complete and total book tart!

Please let me know in the comments what your most extravagant book month was (so I don't feel like it's only me who does this!) ;-D

Until next time,

Off to a great start

Last night's reading quandary... went with Copper Beach

After a blah reading month in December, I was surprised to find that January has been a huge reading months so far.  Although I've only read 4 new books, I have re-read 2 series to far!  Yes, I had a case of the I-must-read-that-again's, and devoured both the Psy-Changeling series by Nalini Singh, and the Arcane Society/Harmony series by Jayne Ann Krentz (Jayne Castle).

"This is how we blog from bed, blog from bed, blog from bed..."  using EvieNyxx as the keyboard holder

I have been aided in this reading frenzy since due to the fact that I've been laid up for a little while with a bad back, and achilles tendonitis.  Not good for everyday chores that need to be done - don't even start with the vacuuming or hanging out the washing! - but reading books by the handful has helped me pass the time and forget about all my aches and pains.

On the Murder at the Vicarage front, I'm still making my way through at a snail's pace.  Up to page 72 now.  We have a murder, and now with the introduction of Inspector Slack (still an arrogant asshat), it should become a faster read.

My classic for the month, Playing Beatie Bow, is still sitting on top of the basket, waiting for me to pick it up.  Will have to get on that soon as January is just flying by.

Have three new books that should arrive in the post later this week.  Ordered Les Miserables (I know, but I just couldn't resist it), and two of the four books I was missing in the Psy-Changeling series, Shield of Winter and Shards of Hope.  Want to get them all finished before the next release later this year.

Surrounded on all sides by cats!  This is Phrynekinns.

Have a huge stash of books on lay-by in town that I will be picking up later this month, but they will need a post of their own there are so many of them.  Then my self-imposed book ban goes into effect.  I can only buy books that are part of a series that I am already reading - and not the start of a new series - and no stand alone books either, unless they are for a book challenge.  Thrift shop books are a no-go, and unless I get books as gifts, my one and only 'splurge' will be the annual Bookarama held in October.  Thankfully I read a lot of series, so I'm not going to be totally book deprived.

So, that's all from me.  I hope you're having a great January and curling up with a good book.

Until next time,

Freezing cold and a reading slump to boot

It's been about 2 weeks since I posted anything - sorry 'bout that - but I have just been so busy lately.  I've been a cleaning fiend, inspection by landlord, and between that, and the absolutely icy winds that have been howling in from the west, it's just been a really crappy time to read.  Now I know it should be the best weather for snuggling up in a blanket on the couch to read... however, when there is no heating in your home it's not really conducive for reading for any length of time.  So instead I have been bundled up in my quilted jacket, under some blankets, and watching old TV series that I like.  Yes, I'm under a blanket, but at least my hands/arms aren't out in the cold holding a book!

I'm hoping that this is either my last winter in this unit, or perhaps in this town (?), as although I do love the cool weather - I really do need either a warmer climate, or a place that has heating.  I'd even settle for a place that's draft proof.  But until then I've been re-reading some old favourites during the odd times that I've felt like reading.  I'm hoping to snap myself out of this little slump.  It's been so annoying.  I was so looking forward to Siren's Call by Jayne Castle to be released, but when I finally got a copy I read it and blah!  I've really enjoyed all the books in this futuristic paranormal romance, and yet this didn't do anything for me.  I'm hoping that it's just a result of being in a reading funk - and not that the book might be wishy-washy.

Oy, now I'm feeling blue.  Off to make some brownies I think.  Need a little chocolate-y goodness to cheer me up ;-D

Hope that your reading this month has been more productive than mine.

Until next time,

 

T5W || Side characters that deserve their own series

This was an interesting topic because while there are a plethora of side characters, how many are deserving of their own series?  Well after wracking my brain, and frantically trying to remember books that had great side characters, I finally came up with five characters that I would love to read more of.  So, here goes...

5) Charlotte Lucas (Pride & Prejudice)

Practical, level headed, and BFFs with Lizzie!, Charlotte is an often overlooked figure.  I'd love to go behind the scenes and see what she thinks of Lady Catherine DeBurgh (and her husbands world class brown nosing skills).

4) Somerset (In Death)

Give it up for Somerset!  The former conman, and now snobbiest butler out.  Would love to follow him through the Urban Wars, or when he was looking after a young Roarke ;-D

3) Lula (Stephanie Plum)

I love Lula ;-D  She's so confident in herself, and isn't ashamed of what she's done in her life.  Instead of a series, I'd like a collection of short stories.  Snippets from the existing books in the series, but from her POV.

2) Gallowglass (All Souls Trilogy)

Gallowglass was a character that made his first appearance in book 2, Shadow of Night, and I adored him.  A world travelling, tattoo wearing, vampire who was tasked to watch over our main character and waited centuries to fulfil his duty.  Of course he fell in love with her, but that would be an interesting part of a series.  His getting over her, and finding another.

1) Arizona Snow (Arcane Society series, and mentioned in the Rainshadow series as well)

While we meet Arizona Snow when she is a strange, security obsessed old lady, I would love to read about her adventures and escapades in the Arcane Society when she was a younger woman.  Especially after the information we find out about her in the futuristic paranormal romance book "The Hot Zone" where it is discovered by an descendant that Arizona possessed some unique paranormal abilities.  Could be soooo good!

Well, that is my T5W list done for another week.  I really enjoyed this week, and last weeks topics, but the frantic searching through all my bookshelves for suitable books could be classified as a part time job I think... it took that long!

As always, T5W was created by the lovely Lainey at GINGERREADSLAINEY and I'll include a link to the Goodreads group {HERE} if you would also like to participate. 

Please feel free to leave a comment below.  I love to hear from you ;-D

T5W || Most anticipated pre-orders for 2015

This weeks T5W is going to be short and sweet as I missed last weeks T5W, but I wanted to do it anyway so here goes.

5) Tricky 22 by Janet Evanovich
Enjoy this series.  Funny and fast paced.  No heavy thinking involved, and a series I reread again and again when I need to relax.

4) Devoted in Death by J.D. Robb
Love this series and can't believe that there are now over 40 books!  Enjoy the detective angle as well as the relationship between Eve & Roarke.

3) Cast in Honor by Michelle Sagara
Amazing fantasy series that I have been following since first book, Cast in Secret, published way back when.  Love Kaylin and the budding love triangle between her, Severin and Nightshade.  Fabulous and world building with Dragons, lion people, flying Aerians and the immortal Baraani.

2) Siren's Call by Jayne Castle
I pre-ordered this book last night as I don't want to miss out on getting my hands on it ASAP.  Can't wait to get my dust bunny fix ;-D

1) Archangel's Enigma by Nalini Singh
My most anticipated book of 2015!  Love this series, and have always been curious as to the origins, and current status, of the mysterious Naasir.  Is he a tiger creature?  There is something feral about him and I can't wait to see what happens.

As always, T5W was created by the lovely Lainey at GINGERREADSLAINEY and I'll include a link to the Goodreads group {HERE} if you would also like to participate. 

So these are the books that I simply must have ASAP.  Let me below know if you've read any of these series - and whether you are eagerly awaiting the next books as well ;-D

Until next time,
Happy reading!

T5W - Most Anticipated Releases of 2015

Hello, and welcome to my first T5W post of 2015!  I can't believe it's already here.  The days go so quickly now ;-D

This week it seems appropriate that we are delving into our wishlists to come up with our top 5 most anticipated books being published in 2015.  I have so many pre-orders in my wishlist it's not funny, but I have gone through them and found the 5 that I am desperately want to get my hands on.  

So, in no particular order, here are my Top 5:

Note: I scoured the author's websites to find any more details about the cover art - or book title - for the last two books, but alas, nothing.  In the future though, I will swap out the generic place holders for the final artwork as it becomes available.

So, these are my most 5 anticipated books for 2015 - for now ;-D.  It could always change especially since the first 3 are on shelves by Feb/March.

Anyway, as you know T5W was created by the lovely Lainey at GINGERREADSLAINEY and I'll include a link to the Goodreads group {here} if you would also like to participate.  If you have any questions or comments, then please feel free to leave them down below.

Best of luck with all your reading challenges/goals in 2015.

Until later,

Top 5 Wednesday - Re-reads

Where has the week gone?  It seems like it was just yesterday that I was posting last weeks Top 5.  Anyway, this week we are doing one of my favourite tags - the re-read.  I love re-reading books!  It's always fun to go back to a book you loved and fall in love with it all over again... which is why I am so surprised when I watch YouTube and see a majority of people don't re-read!  Yes, I know.  How can you not re-read a truly awesome book?  Anyhow, lets get on with this list...

   

 NORA ROBERTS STAND-ALONES

Yes, I do read Nora Roberts.  I particularly enjoy these two books, also I re-read The Search at least once or twice a year, but I just didn't have enough room to add the picture ;-D  I like most Nora Roberts books because there is a little bit of romance, some mystery, occasionally paranormal aspects, and they aren't overly violent (which is a nice change from time to time).  I find I read these books more in winter when I can snuggle up under a blanket on the couch with a hot cup of tea.

covers are made of that suede-y material that just doesn't seem to show damage!

 

 NAKED IN DEATH - J.D. ROBB

This is the first book in J.D. Robb's (aka Nora Roberts) massive In Death series - that will see the release of the 40th book in February next year!  These books are great to just chill out with when you're in a bit of a detective, slash mystery, mood.

 

 GUILD HUNTERS - NALINI SINGH

This is an amazing Urban Fantasy series!  See what the world could be like if Archangels were the apex predator.  I tend to read the first three books together, almost as if they were one bind up.  Can't recommend this series highly enough if you want something great to read that's not going to take 2 weeks, or you love those of the angelic persuasion ;-D

 

 STEPHANIE PLUM - JANET EVANOVICH

I love this series, and although the last 5 or so books have been less than stellar, I can't help but go back to Two for the Dough and Hot Six when I want something that's guaranteed to make me laugh ;-D

 

 WRITTEN IN RED - ANNE BISHOP

 I adore this book - and series - and as you can see from the photo I took of the spine this is a well read, and re-read, book ;-D

Just leaving a pic of the spine of some of my more well re-read books ;-D

Okay, so I promise that's me done for this weeks Top 5.  I hope you found something new to read, and if you want to find out more about this series, it was created by the lovely Lainey at GINGERREADSLAINEY and I'll include a link to the Goodreads group {here} if you would also like to participate.

 

If you have any questions, or comments, I'd love to hear from you... and you know what to do down below ;-D

So until next time,