Tag: Book Nerd Things

The Monthly Recap: October 2018

Posted November 6, 2018 by Rowena in Features | 2 Comments

November is here guys, can you believe it? It’s my birthday month and Thanksgiving month and a time to be grateful to be alive. I hope November treats you all well but before I move on to a new month, let’s take a look back at what October brought for me.

What I Did

October was a relatively quiet month for me. Well, Caiden was here for a week and that was a lot of fun but for the most part, I stayed close to home and relaxed. I did go to a Dodgers game against the Atlanta Braves (we won!) and it was Kershaw Day so Clayton Kershaw pitched for 8 full innings before Kenley Jansen came out to close the game and ice the win. It was a lot of fun with a lot of die-hard Dodgers fans enjoying a ballgame together. There were lots of high fives, excited cheers and booing for the opponent going on and I loved it all. We sat in the All-You-Can-Eat Pavillion and had all the Dodger dogs we could eat (we only had 1). Grandal hit a home run in our section but it was a few rows in front of us so we didn’t catch it or anything.

October was also for the Primary Program. It’s one of my favorite Church days of the year. The Primary kids put on a program each year in October and the kids get up to recite their parts and sing songs and it never fails to make me cry. We had two kids participating in the Primary Program and it was their first time being in it but both Ahbrey and Brooke did so well on their parts. They recited it in Samoan and they were so scared but they did it!! We celebrated with brunch afterward and that’s always a good time.

Halloween was the same as every year. We had chili and lots of food, the kids went trick or treating with the men while the ladies cooked and watched the Lakers game. It was a fun and relaxing month and I read some books!

What I Read

1. Rebel Hard (Hard Play #2) by Nalini Singh (eARC) | 4 out of 5
2. Fight or Flight by Samantha Young (eARC) | 4 out of 5
3. Archangel’s Consort (Guild Hunter #3) by Nalini Singh (Audiobook) | 4 out of 5
4. Shadow and Ice (War of Gods #1) by Gena Showalter (eARC) | 2.5 out of 5
5. Phoenix Unbound (Fallen Empire #1) by Grace Draven (eBook) | 4 out of 5
6. Fireworks (True North #6) by Sarina Bowen (eARC) | 4.25 out of5
7. Never Seduce a Scot (The Montgomery’s & Armstrongs #1) by Maya Banks (Audiobook) | 4.75 out of 5
8. The Other Miss Bridgerton (Rokesbys #3) by Julia Quinn (eARC) | 4.25 out of 5
9. Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson #3) by Patricia Briggs (eBook) | 4.5 out of 5
10. Bone Crossed (Mercy Thompson #4) by Patricia Briggs (eBook) | 4 out of 5

My favorite read of the month goes to Never Seduce a Scot by Maya Banks. It’s the first book in the Montgomery’s & Armstrongs series and holy cow it hit me with every single feel in my body. I loved the story, the romance and I came to love both families so much. It was hard to see it in the beginning but I came around. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

My least favorite read of the month goes to Shadow & Ice by Gena Showalter. It was slow going and I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I hoped I would. I probably won’t continue the series. *shrugs*

What I Reviewed

Long Shot (Hoops #1) by Kennedy Ryan | 5 out of 5
Never Seduce a Scot (Montgomery’s & Armstrongs #1) by Maya Banks | 4.75 out of 5
Hot Winter Nights (Heartbreaker Bay #6) by Jill Shalvis | 3.75 out of 5
Say You’ll Stay (Return to Me #1) by Corinne Michaels | 1 out of 5
America’s Sweetheart (Real Love #5) by Jessica Lemmon | 4 out of 5
Fight or Flight by Samantha Young | 4.25 out of 5
Rebel Hard (Hard Play #2) by Nalini Singh | 4 out of 5
The Governess Game (Girl Meets Duke #2) by Tessa Dare | 4.75 out of 5
Shadow and Ice (Gods of War #1) by Gena Showalter | 2.5 out of 5
Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan | 2.5 out of 5
Dearest Clementine (Dearest #1) by Lex Martin | 3.25 out of 5
Hot Dad by Whitley Cox | 1 out of 5

What I Bought

Fall (VIP #3) by Kristen Callihan
Player by Staci Hart

What I Got for Review

Sleep Over by Serena Bell
Playing for Keeps (Heartbreaker Bay #7) by Jill Shalvis
You’d be Mine by Erin Hahn
Illegally Yours (Laws of Attraction #2) by Kate Meader
My Favorite Half Night Stand by Christina Lauren

How was your month in books? Did you read anything that I should keep my eye on? Are you looking forward to reading anything next month? Share in the comments!

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The Weekly Recap (109)

Posted November 5, 2018 by Rowena in Features | 4 Comments

This week was a pretty eventful one for me and my family. We had our annual pumpkin painting and carving night on Monday and then we had our annual Halloween party on the night of Halloween. Kids starting showing up for trick or treating at like 4:30 pm and they kept right on coming until damn near 10 pm. Trick or Treating is poppin’ in my neighborhood. We had our usual Halloween goodies on display for our party. Halloween treats that included Rice Krispies shaped pumpkins, Frankenstein grapes and marshmallow cups, oreo spiders, and you know all of that kind of kid-friendly stuff. I can’t seem to find any pictures of our set up though I know that it was all over the kids snap chat but I didn’t get them so oh well, sorry. But here’s a picture of our kids all dressed up for trick or treating.

This week was also for our family viewing of Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House. Watching it with my sisters was a crack up. They screamed every ten minutes over things that weren’t even that scary because they’re super extra but it was still fun. I’ve lost count of how many people I made watch that show and how many different discussions I’ve had on that show, too. If you haven’t watched it, I highly recommend it. It’s more interesting than scary though there are some jumpy moments.

This week was also for Caiden’s first haircut. I’ll share pictures later because I’m too lazy to add them right now but I promise, I’ll share.

Now, onto the books…

What I’m Currently Reading
The Weekly Recap (109)Silver Borne
by Patricia Briggs
Series: Mercy Thompson #5
Also in this series: Silver Borne
Published by Penguin, Ace on March 30, 2010
Genres: Paranormal, Romance
Point of View:First Person
Pages: 342
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Add It: Goodreads

Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, never knows what the day - or night - may bring in a world where "witches, vampires, werewolves, and shapeshifters live beside ordinary people" (Booklist). But she is about to learn that while some secrets are dangerous whose who seek them are just plain deadly...

Mercy is smart enough to realize that when it comes to the magical fae, the less you know, the better. But you can't always get what you want. When she attempts to return a powerful fae she previously borrowed in an act of desperation, she finds the bookstore locked up and closed down.

It seems the book contains secrets - and the fae will do just about anything to keep it out of the wrong hands. And if that doesn't take enough of Mercy's attention, her friend Samuel is struggling with his wolf side - leaving Mercy to cover for him lest his own father declare Samuel's life forfeit.

All in all, Mercy has had better days. And if she isn't careful, she may not have many more...

I’m slowly making my way through the Mercy Thompson series and really enjoying all of this storytelling. I’m loving Mercy and all of the shenanigans she gets herself into and I’m curious to see where Samuel’s story arc will lead us. Does he get his own mate and will we see it here in the MT world or on his own? Does anyone know?

I’m almost done with Silver Borne and it’s another good one so I’m a happy camper.

What I Read

Bone Crossed (Mercy Thompson #4) by Patricia Briggs | 4 out of 5
Sleepover by Serena Bell | 4 out of 5
Highlander Most Wanted (Montgomery’s & Armstrongs #2) by Maya Banks | 4.25 out of 5

My favorite read of the week is definitely Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks and I’m anxious for more from these guys. I really hope that we get the next book in February like it says on Goodreads because it looks like a lot of readers have given up on it…so fingers crossed.

I don’t really have a least favorite because I enjoyed all of the books I read. I was annoyed when reading Sleepover though because I was under the impression that it was a standalone but there are recurring characters in that book, the couples from Do Over and Head over Heels so it would have been nice to know that.

Book Boyfriend

Raj Sen
Rebel Hard by Nalini Singh

What I Reviewed

Block Shot (Hoops #2) by Kennedy Ryan | 4.25 out of 5
Seduction of a Highland Lass (McCabe Trilogy #2) by Maya Banks | 4.75 out of 5
Never Love a Highlander (McCabe Trilogy #3) by Maya Banks | 4.5 out of 5

What I Posted

The Weekly Recap (108)
My TBR Pile: November 2018
Can’t Wait Wednesday: Storm Cursed by Patricia Briggs
Book Boyfriend: Raj Sen from Rebel Hard by Nalini Singh

What I Got

Forgotten Sins (Sin Brothers #1) by Rebecca Zanetti
Addicted to You (Addicted #1) by Krista & Becca Ritchie
The Studying Hours (How to Date a Douchebag #1) by Sara Ney
The Wrong Game by Kandi Steiner

What I Got for Review

Nothing. I haven’t looked through anything to request anything though I did get a print ARC of 99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne. That was fun.

What Made Me Laugh

There you have it, my week in review. How was your week?

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Can’t Wait Wednesday: Storm Cursed by Patricia Briggs

Posted October 31, 2018 by Rowena in Features | 4 Comments

First off, I’d like to wish everyone a…

I hope everyone has a fun but safe Halloween tonight and that you don’t get too many cavities from all of the candy. 🙂

Can’t Wait Wednesday is hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings and it was based on the meme Waiting on Wednesday that was hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Can’t Wait Wednesday: Storm Cursed by Patricia BriggsStorm Cursed
by Patricia Briggs
Series: Mercy Thompson #11
Also in this series: Silver Borne
Published by Penguin, Ace on March 5, 2019
Genres: Paranormal, Romance
Point of View:First Person
Pages: 384
Add It: Goodreads

In this new instalment in the No. 1 New York Times bestselling series, Mercy Thompson must face a deadly enemy to defend all she loves . . . My name is Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman, and I am a car mechanic.

And a coyote shapeshifter . . . And the mate of the Alpha of the Columbia Basin werewolf pack.

Even so, none of that would have gotten me into trouble if, a few months ago, I hadn't stood upon a bridge and taken responsibility for the safety of the citizens who lived in our territory. It seemed like the thing to do at the time. It should have only involved hunting down killer goblins, zombie goats, and an occasional troll. Instead, our home was viewed as neutral ground, a place where humans would feel safe to come and treat with the fae.

The reality is that nothing and no one is safe. As generals and politicians face off with the Gray Lords of the fae, a storm is coming and her name is Death.

But we are pack, and we have given our word. We will die to keep it.

Right now, I’m playing catch up in the Mercy Thompson series and I’m loving every minute of reading these books. I’m on book 4 right now but I love the heck out of Mercy and Adam, I’m low key scared about what’s to become of Samuel now that Mercy has made her choice and I’m anxious for what’s to come. Mercy be pissing everyone off. Haha and I love it! Mercy ain’t no bitch!

Because I’m a nosy bitch, I’ve been reading through every book blurb for this series and I’m super anxious to read all of these books so even though I have a long way to go, I’m excited to read this book. I have until March to finish the series so I’ve got plenty to keep me company until then but man…I can’t wait to get to this book.

Pre-Order the Book

Storm Cursed (Mercy Thompson #11) by Patricia Briggs
Releases on March 5, 2019
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Google Books | Kobo

Mercy Thompson Series

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My TBR Pile: November 2018

Posted October 30, 2018 by Rowena in Features | 10 Comments

Every month I put a list together of the books that I either need to read for review or the books that I want to get around to reading (finally) and I’m going to post my TBR Pile on the blog for you guys to share in my hopes and dreams of reading all of the books. Before we get to my list for next month, let’s see how I did in October.

Previous Month Stats


Books to Read: 7
Books Read: 5
Books Unread: 2

I read all but 2 books from my TBR list for last month. I think the reason I didn’t get around to reading Kill the Queen is because I have a print ARC of that book and I just don’t read from print books anymore. Weird, huh? Oh well…I hope to get it read since I’m very interested in reading it. Maybe November will be my month to read it. I went through a couple of weeks of a reading slump. Maybe I read so much in September that I needed to slow my roll in October? I have no clue though it’s probably because of all of the baseball I was watching. Yeah, I’m going to go with that excuse. I’m going to keep Wait for It on my TBR pile for November because I’m reviewing that book with Ames this month. Wish me luck!

My favorite TBR pile reads from last month go to Never Seduce a Scot by Maya Banks and Iron Kissed Both books were rough and emotional but still so good.

My least favorite TBR pile read is Shadow and Ice by Gena Showalter. I spent a lot of that book bored.

Wait for It by Mariana Zapata
Released on December 7, 2016
Publisher: Self Published, Mariana Zapata
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 670
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased

If anyone ever said being an adult was easy, they hadn’t been one long enough. Diana Casillas can admit it: she doesn’t know what the hell she’s doing half the time. How she’s made it through the last two years of her life without killing anyone is nothing short of a miracle. Being a grown-up wasn’t supposed to be so hard. With a new house, two little boys she inherited the most painful possible way, a giant dog, a job she usually loves, more than enough family, and friends, she has almost everything she could ever ask for. Except for a boyfriend. Or a husband. But who needs either one of those?

Every month, my book buddy Ames and I read a book together that we then review together here in my blog. This is our pick for November and though I thought I’d have it read already, I haven’t touched it yet but I will…this is probably going to be the first book that I read in November.

Highlander Most Wanted (Montgomery’s & Armstrongs #2) by Maya Banks
Released on March 19, 2013
Publisher: Random House, Balantine
Genres: Historical, Romance
Pages: 352
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased

In Highlander Most Wanted, a reclusive woman content to live in the shadows shows a Highland warrior the true meaning of love.

Genevieve McInnes is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.

Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever.

My book club enjoyed Never Seduce a Scot so much that they wanted to keep that discussion going into the second book of this series so we’re reading Highlander Most Wanted for discussion this month. I’m pretty anxious myself to get this book read so on my TBR pile this goes.

Mornings on Main by Jodi Thomas
Released on April 10, 2018
Publisher: Harlequin, HQN
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 336
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased

From the beloved and bestselling author of the Ransom Canyon and Harmony, Texas series comes a powerful, heartwarming story about generations of family and the ironclad bonds they forge.

When Jillian James lands in the small town Texas community of Laurel Springs, she’s definitely not planning to stay–except to find a few clues about the father who abandoned her and destroyed her faith in family.

Connor Larady is a single dad, and the only one caring for his grandmother, Eugenia, who has Alzheimer’s. And now he has to close Eugenia’s quilt shop. When Connor meets down-on-her-luck Jillian, he’s out of options. Can he trust the newcomer to do right by his grandmother’s legacy?

Jillian is done with relationships. But as she grows closer to Connor and Eugenia, she must consider giving up her nomadic life for a future with those who need her.

An inspiring family saga that asks us to consider what love and chosen family really mean.

Each month, my Book Binge buddies and I will be reading and reviewing a book together and we’re taking turns picking the book. It is the only time that I can force them to read any book that I want them to read and they have to read it. The only downside is that they get to force me to read a book too. Holly was up to choose our buddy book this month and she chose Mornings on Main by Jodi Thomas. I’ve only read one book by Thomas and I can’t remember a thing about it so this should be interesting.

Fall (VIP #3) by Kristen Callihan
Released on October 23, 2018
Publisher: Self Published, Kristen Callihan
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 436
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased

The first time I met Jax Blackwood things went a little sideways.

In my defense, I didn’t know he was Jax Blackwood—who expects a legendary rock star to be shopping for groceries? More importantly, a blizzard was coming and he was about to grab the last carton of mint-chocolate chip.

Still, I might have walked away, but then he smugly dared me to try and take the coveted ice cream. So I kissed him. And distracted that mint-chip right out of his hands.

Okay, it was a dirty move, but desperate times and all that. Besides, I never expected he’d be my new neighbor.

An annoying neighbor who takes great pleasure in reminding me that I owe him ice cream but would happily accept more kisses as payment. An irresistible neighbor who keeps me up while playing guitar naked–spectacularly naked–in his living room.

Clearly, avoidance is key. Except nothing about Jax is easy to ignore—not the way he makes me laugh, or that his particular brand of darkness matches mine, or how one look from him melts me faster than butter under a hot sun.

Neither of us believes in love or forever. Yet we’re quickly becoming each other’s addiction. But we could be more. We could be everything.

All we have to do is trust enough to fall.

I’ve been hearing nothing but good things about this book so I need to read this pronto. I read and enjoyed the other books in this series so I’m looking forward to digging into Jax’s story. Kristen Callihan is so good at writing these rock star romances. I am so thirsty for more.

My Favorite Half Night Stand by Christina Lauren
Releases on December 04, 2018
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, Gallery
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 400
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher, NetGalley

From the New York Times bestselling author that “hilariously depicts modern dating” (Us Weekly) comes a sexy romantic comedy about online dating, and its many, many fails.

With a world-famous speaker at their university, Millie Morris and her four woefully single male colleagues make a pact that they’ll all find dates. Unfortunately, Millie has more success helping them make matches online than she does navigating the onslaught of lewd pics in her own feed. But when she creates a fictional name for a new account, Millie finds herself vying for the online attention of a man she sees every day in the flesh.

I watched Sierra Burgess is a Loser on Netflix and a huge part of that movie was about a girl catfishing a boy and that was my least favorite part of the movie. I mean, I didn’t like the movie at all because of all the lying and asshole behavior going on but the catfishing part, I really hated that part….so I have no idea why I wanted to read this book so much that I requested it for review. I must have a lot of faith in Christina Lauren’s writing ability because even though I’m not a fan of catfishing and lying, I still really want to read this book. I’ll definitely be reading this book next month for sure.

What books are on your TBR pile for November? Anything good that I should keep my eye out on? Please share the books you have on deck to read next month.

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The Weekly Recap (108)

Posted October 29, 2018 by Rowena in Features | 4 Comments

I missed last week because I wasn’t really reading anything with my mind solely focused on the World Series and the road the Dodgers took to get there. My reading finally picked up and I was able to get some books read and that makes me happy. I’m going to have a lot more time to read all of the books since my Dodgers stunk it up in Games 4 and 5 of the World Series and the Boston Red Sox beat their asses so our season is done. 🙁 Damn Dodgers.

Book Club was also last week Monday and that was a lot of fun. We have two new members and our discussion was a good one. We read the first book in Maya Bank’s Montgomery and Armstrongs series and everyone enjoyed it so much that next month we’ll be discussing the second book in the series and I’m so here for it. I can’t wait to dig into that book.

Now, onto the books…

What I’m Currently Reading
The Weekly Recap (108)Bone Crossed
by Patricia Briggs
Series: Mercy Thompson #4
Also in this series: Silver Borne
Published by Penguin, Ace on February 3, 2009
Genres: Paranormal, Romance
Point of View:First Person
Pages: 303
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Add It: Goodreads

By day, Mercy is a car mechanic in the sprawling Tri-Cities of Eastern Washington. By night, she explores her preternatural side. As a shapeshifter with some unique talents, Mercy has often found herself having to maintain a tenuous harmony between the human and the not so human. This time she may get more than she bargained for.

Marsilia, the local Vampire Queen, has learned that Mercy crossed her by slaying a member of her clan—and she's out for blood. But since Mercy is protected from direct reprisal by the werewolf pack (and her close relationship with its sexy Alpha), it won't be Mercy's blood Marsilia is after.

It'll be her friends'.

After finishing Iron Kissed, I couldn’t not read the next book because I needed to know that Mercy was okay and even though I know how strong she is, Iron Kissed kicked both of our asses and I needed to keep that reading adventure going because my heart was broken for everyone. I need Patricia Briggs to make it right again. I’ve got my fingers crossed that everything will be alright.

I’m about a third of the way into this book and I’m liking what I’m reading so far. I mean, not the whole thing with Stefan or that the vampire Queen knows Mercy’s secret and is after her but everything else. I’m glad that Mercy and Adam are working on their relationship and seeing Adam with Mercy, man it just melts me at every turn because he’s so good to her. She’s so good for him, too. I love these two.

What I Read

Never Seduce a Scot (Montgomery’s & Armstrongs #1) by Maya Banks | 4.75 out of 5
The Other Miss Bridgerton (Rokesbys #3) by Julia Quinn | 4.25 out of 5
Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson #3) by Patricia Briggs | 4.5 out of 5

I re-read Never Seduce a Scot for book club last week and that was my favorite read. I cried so much while reading that book and loved Eveline so much that I could only love it all over again. Man, Maya Banks writes historical romance well so I hope she goes back to it.

I enjoyed the other books that I read last week too and I’m low key still not over Iron Kissed. Man, just…man.

What I Reviewed


Flight or Flight by Samantha Young | 4.25 out of 5
Rebel Hard (Hard Play #2) by Nalini Singh | 4 out of 5
The Governess Game (Girl Meets Duke #2) by Tessa Dare | 4.75 out of 5
Shadow & Ice by Gena Showalter | 2.5 out of 5
Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan | 2.5 out of 5
Dearest Clementine (Dearest #1) by Lex Martin | 3.25 out of 5
Never Seduce a Scot (Montgomery’s & Armstrongs #1) by Maya Banks | 4.75 out of 5

What I Posted

The Weekly Recap (107)
The Monthly Recap: September 2018
Can’t Wait Wednesday: Flare Up by Shannon Stacey

What I Got

Fall (VIP #3) by Kristen Callihan
Player by Staci Hart

What I Got for Review

Sleep Over by Serena Bell
Playing for Keeps (Heartbreaker Bay #7) by Jill Shalvis

What Made Me Laugh

There you have it, my week in review. How was your week?

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