What Are You Currently Reading? (11)

Hi there, friends! It's been aboooout a month since I last did one of these posts, so I figured it was time for another. Since then, I've been my regular mood-reading self. Meaning, I mostly spent time reading whatever I could get to hold my attention as I waited for the next Mariana Zapata book because that was released a couple of weeks ago and her books are auto-reads for me.

So yeah. I think that kind of makes it obvious what I'm about to say I'm reading this weekend, hmm?

First up...

All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata

Losing people you love is hard.

Aurora De La Torre knows moving back to a place that was once home isn’t going to be easy.

Starting your whole life over probably isn’t supposed to be.

But a small town in the mountains might be the perfect remedy for a broken heart.

Checking out her landlord across the driveway just might cure it too.

Goodreads | Amazon

*Available through KindleUnlimited!*

How much I've read: nothing yet, lol

Thoughts: As I'm writing this, the book JUST released earlier today, so I haven't had the chance to start it yet. But I'm so excited!!! The perfect way to spend my long holiday weekend. It's on my Kindle, waiting to be started. And goodness knows this is going to be a good one, as pretty much all of MZ's books are!

I'm also reading...

Broke Down by Sharan Daire

My car broke down on an icy road in the middle of nowhere. I’ve got no money in the bank, no place to stay, and no food for my kids. Can it get any worse?

Sure. A police car pulls up.

The county sheriff calls his twin brother to tow my car for repairs that'll probably cost more than the beater is worth. They say don’t worry about it. They only want to help.

Sure they do.

These gorgeous guys just happen to have two friends who own a luxurious motel called Little Cypress Lodge. I walk into this incredible hotel and it's like I've entered a new fantasy world. It's warm, there's plenty of food for my kids, and they say I can stay. For free. As long as I need a place.

The four of them even want to hire me to do some modeling work for their new fashion line. Crazy, right?

Me. The broke down, homeless single mom.

If I can keep up the act long enough to make some deposits on a new place, I can start a new life for me and my kids. If I don't lose my heart first.

Goodreads | Amazon

*Available through KindleUnlimited!*

How much I've read: 101 pages / 32%

Thoughts: This is such a fun RH brain candy read. Which is exactly what I was looking for when I picked it up. Things are really just starting to get rolling, but I'm enjoying the characters so far, and I'm looking forward to finishing the story! I'll probably finish it after I read ARLH though... because idk if I can help myself long enough to finish this one first, even though I am really liking it...lol

That's what I'm reading this weekend! What do you think? And I'd love to know what y'all are reading?! :)

What Are You Currently Reading? (10)

 

lol remember when I started this post series and I said I'd make a better graphic at some point? And here we are, over a year later, and I'm still using this rough graphic. Sigh. But I digress.

Hello, friends! It's been a hot minute since I made one of these posts. My last one was on HALLOWEEN. Goodness. Suffice it to say I've read quite a few books since then. In 2021 alone I've read 15 books so far. My GR goal is 75, so I'm keeping up alright so far. Still the same moody reader as always.

And SPEAKING of mood reading, let's get into what I'm reading this weekend, shall we?

First up, I'm reading...

The Crown of Gilded Bones by Jennifer L. Armentrout

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes book three in her Blood and Ash series…

She's been the victim and the survivor…

Poppy never dreamed she would find the love she’s found with Prince Casteel. She wants to revel in her happiness but first they must free his brother and find hers. It’s a dangerous mission and one with far-reaching consequences neither dreamed of. Because Poppy is the Chosen, the Blessed. The true ruler of Atlantia. She carries the blood of the King of Gods within her. By right the crown and the kingdom are hers.

The enemy and the warrior…

Poppy has only ever wanted to control her own life, not the lives of others, but now she must choose to either forsake her birthright or seize the gilded crown and become the Queen of Flesh and Fire. But as the kingdoms’ dark sins and blood-drenched secrets finally unravel, a long-forgotten power rises to pose a genuine threat. And they will stop at nothing to ensure that the crown never sits upon Poppy’s head.

A lover and heartmate…

But the greatest threat to them and to Atlantia is what awaits in the far west, where the Queen of Blood and Ash has her own plans, ones she has waited hundreds of years to carry out. Poppy and Casteel must consider the impossible—travel to the Lands of the Gods and wake the King himself. And as shocking secrets and the harshest betrayals come to light, and enemies emerge to threaten everything Poppy and Casteel have fought for, they will discover just how far they are willing to go for their people—and each other.

And now she will become Queen…

Goodreads | Amazon

How much I've read: 23%

Thoughts: So basically Jennifer L. Armentrout sat down to write this book & said to herself "this is going to be THE BEST BOOK." It's so freaking good. It starts with a bang and does. not. stop. It's interesting and the romance is perfect and dear goodness I love Kieran. And I'm only 23% in. AHHH.

And because my attention span is garbage I am ALSO reading...

Forever Never by Lucy Score

You don’t fall for your brother’s high school sweetheart, your boss’s daughter, or your ex-wife’s best friend. Especially when they’re all the same woman.

Under Brick Callan’s mile-wide chest beats a loyal heart with a few cracks in it. He’s the steadfast, overprotective type. Especially when it comes to the one woman he can never have. It’s a long, complicated history punctuated by fights, friendship, family, and an attraction that strains his iron willpower.

When Remi Ford returns to Mackinac Island in the dead of winter with a secret, Brick makes it his mission to find out what put the shadows in those green eyes. Even if it means breaking down the walls he’s built between them. Even if it means falling for the one girl he’ll never get over.

The free-spirited artist just needs to lay low for a few weeks so she can figure a way out of this nightmare. She’s definitely not staying. Not when the man who broke her teenage heart into splinters keeps showing up at her parents’ dinner table. Remi doesn’t need broody, bearded Brick riding to her rescue…again. Not when it will put them both in danger, costing them much more than their hearts.

Author’s Note: Frenemies-to-lovers. Opposites attract. Slow burn. Girl in danger. Glorious, glorious banter. Fighting as foreplay. Small-town shenanigans. Big, grumpy, pining, overprotective hero. Wild-child, trouble-finding heroine who keeps on pushing the hero’s buttons. Steam Level: Lava. Suspense: Nail-biting. Feels: Big time.

Goodreads | Amazon

*Available through KindleUnlimited!*

How much I've read: 78 pages / 14%

Thoughts: Since I'm reading and loving TCOGB, I was not looking for another book to read. But of course I stumbled on an ad for this one on Facebook and couldn't help but download the sample to peek at while I was at work on Friday. And now here I am with the whole book downloaded from KindleUnlimited, 14% in and so curious about where it's going. I really enjoyed Rock Bottom Girl by Lucy Score, so I have high hopes I'll like this one too. And so far, so good. I love how hung up Brick is on Remi. I am so here for the pining. And I'm curious about the details of what's going on with her. It's all shaping up to be pretty good!

So yeah, I have two monstrously large books to tackle this weekend. Now, I'd love to know what y'all are reading?! :)

What Are You Currently Reading? (9)

Happy Halloween, friends! It has been too long since I did one of these posts, so I thought now was the perfect time to fix that. Since my last post, I FINALLY finished Midnight Sun...and subsequently wished it wasn't over because I miss it already. I've also read many books on KU. Because of course.

Okay, update done. Now let's talk about what I'm reading this weekend!

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout

A Betrayal…

Everything Poppy has ever believed in is a lie, including the man she was falling in love with. Thrust among those who see her as a symbol of a monstrous kingdom, she barely knows who she is without the veil of the Maiden. But what she does know is that nothing is as dangerous to her as him. The Dark One. The Prince of Atlantia. He wants her to fight him, and that’s one order she’s more than happy to obey. He may have taken her, but he will never have her.

A Choice...

Casteel Da’Neer is known by many names and many faces. His lies are as seductive as his touch. His truths as sensual as his bite. Poppy knows better than to trust him. He needs her alive, healthy, and whole to achieve his goals. But he’s the only way for her to get what she wants—to find her brother Ian and see for herself if he has become a soulless Ascended. Working with Casteel instead of against him presents its own risks. He still tempts her with every breath, offering up all she’s ever wanted. Casteel has plans for her. Ones that could expose her to unimaginable pleasure and unfathomable pain. Plans that will force her to look beyond everything she thought she knew about herself—about him. Plans that could bind their lives together in unexpected ways that neither kingdom is prepared for. And she’s far too reckless, too hungry, to resist the temptation.

A Secret…

But unrest has grown in Atlantia as they await the return of their Prince. Whispers of war have become stronger, and Poppy is at the very heart of it all. The King wants to use her to send a message. The Descenters want her dead. The wolven are growing more unpredictable. And as her abilities to feel pain and emotion begin to grow and strengthen, the Atlantians start to fear her. Dark secrets are at play, ones steeped in the blood-drenched sins of two kingdoms that would do anything to keep the truth hidden. But when the earth begins to shake, and the skies start to bleed, it may already be too late.

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N 

How much I've read: 65 pages. (still where I left off last time, just in paperback now!)

Thoughts: I'm still super excited to get into this one, and I think my chances of actually making progress have improved now that I'm not also reading Midnight Sun. Easier to make progress on one big beast of a paperback at a time than two. I'm especially eager to read this now that I opened the book to find the last page I read and got a peek at what happened so far--I love these characters!

And because I can't help myself but to read a paperback and an ebook, I'm also reading...

When She Dances by Ruby Dixon

I never expected to spend my days as a dancing girl… but it beats the alternative. In the window of a filthy space station cantina, I gyrate my hips and hope for better days.

When I’m bought by the most intimidating alien on Three Nebulas Station, those better days are on their way. Zakoar of the Broken Back is a cyborg who deals in black market prosthetics. He’s terrifying to look at, with a metal jaw and a fearsome demeanor. He intimidates everyone in the galaxy… except me.

Zakoar doesn’t want my name. In fact, he doesn’t want anything from me…except a little bed sport. In exchange for my willingness, he’ll take me to a human-friendly planet where I can live unafraid.

Love isn’t part of the bargain, but every moment that I spend with him, I learn more about the male beneath the metal…

…and I’m suddenly dreaming of a very different happy ever after for myself…

Goodreads | Amazon

*Available through KindleUnlimited!*

How much I've read: like 2%

Thoughts: I've barely opened this one yet...like, I'm literally still in the sample instead of the full downloaded book from KU...but considering both Ruby Dixon's track record and how much I've enjoyed the previous Risdaverse books, I already know I'm going to like this one. When She Belongs is a contender for one of my favorite books of this year so I have high hopes When She Dances will at the very least be enjojyable. Plus, I was super intrigued by Zakoar when we met him before. Looking forward to diving more into it this weekend!

So that's what I plan to dig into this weekend. Now I'd love to know what y'all are reading?! :)

What Are You Currently Reading? (8)

Hello, friends! It feels like it's been a blink since the last time I made one of these posts, but in reality I've read...a lot. I hit my 2020 goal of 50 books, mostly through reading books that caught my eye on KindleUnlimited. Which means I threw what I'd planned to read out the window...because I've been fickle and picky about what I read. As per usual. It also means that there's a familiar book I'm aiming to make progress on this long weekend...

But I digress. Let's talk about what I'm reading!

Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer

When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella's side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward's version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun.

This unforgettable tale as told through Edward's eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experienced in all his years as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward's past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he justify following his heart if it means leading Bella into danger?

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | IndieBound

How much I've read: 175 pages

Thoughts: No one is more flustered than me that I haven't binged this entire book yet. But as it turns out, I've been alternating between not touching it because I'm trying to read whatever else catches my eye and slowly enjoying it when I'm in the mood. So basically I'm on board to savor this one at whatever pace works for me. Partly because I'm still so happy to have another Twilight book, and partly because I don't want it to be over. I'm definitely liking it so far. And it gets better and better the more Edward realizes his feelings for Bella. Maybe, possibly, I'll make major reading progress on it this weekend, since I have Monday off, but that's tbd.

I'm also reading...

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout

A Betrayal…

Everything Poppy has ever believed in is a lie, including the man she was falling in love with. Thrust among those who see her as a symbol of a monstrous kingdom, she barely knows who she is without the veil of the Maiden. But what she does know is that nothing is as dangerous to her as him. The Dark One. The Prince of Atlantia. He wants her to fight him, and that’s one order she’s more than happy to obey. He may have taken her, but he will never have her.

A Choice...

Casteel Da’Neer is known by many names and many faces. His lies are as seductive as his touch. His truths as sensual as his bite. Poppy knows better than to trust him. He needs her alive, healthy, and whole to achieve his goals. But he’s the only way for her to get what she wants—to find her brother Ian and see for herself if he has become a soulless Ascended. Working with Casteel instead of against him presents its own risks. He still tempts her with every breath, offering up all she’s ever wanted. Casteel has plans for her. Ones that could expose her to unimaginable pleasure and unfathomable pain. Plans that will force her to look beyond everything she thought she knew about herself—about him. Plans that could bind their lives together in unexpected ways that neither kingdom is prepared for. And she’s far too reckless, too hungry, to resist the temptation.

A Secret…

But unrest has grown in Atlantia as they await the return of their Prince. Whispers of war have become stronger, and Poppy is at the very heart of it all. The King wants to use her to send a message. The Descenters want her dead. The wolven are growing more unpredictable. And as her abilities to feel pain and emotion begin to grow and strengthen, the Atlantians start to fear her. Dark secrets are at play, ones steeped in the blood-drenched sins of two kingdoms that would do anything to keep the truth hidden. But when the earth begins to shake, and the skies start to bleed, it may already be too late.

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N 

How much I've read: 9%

Thoughts: While I LOVED book 1, From Blood and Ash, I'm easing my way into this one. Mostly because it's fantasy and my reading moods can be very finicky with this genre. The last thing I want is to not enjoy this one as much as I could because I read it at the wrong time. So far, I'm not having too much trouble falling back into the world, which is a good sign. And I'm definitely having no trouble loving Hawke/Casteel. I adore his dynamic with Poppy and I just KNOW they are only going to get better as a couple the more I read. So that's good and definitely makes me eager to keep reading. 

Considering both Midnight Sun and AKOFAF are giant books, I'm kind of getting ambitious for my reading this weekend. Especially since I'm sure to get distracted by some other book not listed here in between picking away at these two. But all is well so long as I'm enjoying my reads, yes?

 

So those are my bookish plans. Now I'd love to know--what are y'all reading this weekend?? :)

What Are You Currently Reading? (7)

Hello, friends! I couldn't help but do one of these posts this week, because I've been so excited about this book and I'm not done with it yet but I want to talk about it! I'm still super ahead of my Goodreads goal for 2020--which I'd set conservatively low at 50 earlier this year when I was a hot mess express and barely reading. I'm reading book 43 right now and have no doubt I'll meet my goal...and I don't think I'm going to raise the goal once I hit it. Everything I read after 50 will just be bonus.

But I digress. Let's talk about what I'm reading this weekend!

Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer

When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella's side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward's version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun.

This unforgettable tale as told through Edward's eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experienced in all his years as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward's past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he justify following his heart if it means leading Bella into danger?

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | IndieBound

How much I've read: 100 pages

Thoughts: I can't believe this book is a real thing that is in my hands and that I am currently reading. I stopped on my way to work on Tuesday morning to grab a copy and I've been in excited awe ever since. We're heading into the busiest part of the month in work, so I didn't have much time or energy to read much yet, but I'm super looking forward to letting it take over my life for most of this weekend. I can already feel it drawing me into the supreme nostalgia of the years when I first fell in love with Twilight. And it's more than just happy memories--this book is actually shaping up to be good. I love knowing what Edward was thinking. I love seeing Bella through his eyes, which is a vast contrast to the way Bella sees herself. I love seeing the Cullen family up close and learning about their relationships with each other. I love, I love, I love...

So yeah. That's what I'm reading this weekend. I'm hesitant to talk about what I might pick up after because while I have ideas there is also the very real possibility that I'll want to reread the entire Twilight saga. 

But now I want to know--what are y'all reading this weekend?? :)

What Are You Currently Reading? (6)

Hello, friends! I feel like it's been a while since I've done one of these posts, and after mentioning them in the Mid-Year Freak Out Book Tag last week, I'm in the mood to do one. So here we are! 

As of right now, Goodreads says I'm 8 books ahead of schedule for my reading goal this year (which is 50 books). But this past week or so I haven't been reading much--because of the usual suspects: work, stress, busy, binge watching whatever on TV in my spare time because I'm tired. This weekend, however, I'm aiming to pick up AT LEAST one book....

Hands Down by Mariana Zapata

Before he was Big Texas, he was Zac the Snack Pack.

Bianca Brannen knows time—mostly—heals all wounds. Including those your once loved ones might have unintentionally given you. (Those just take longer.)

She thinks she’s ready when a call has her walking back into her old friend’s life. Or at least as prepared as possible to see the starting quarterback in the National Football Organization. Before the lights, the fans, and the millions, he’d been a skinny kid with a heart of gold.

Waltzing out of Zac Travis’s life should be easy. Just as easy as he walked out of hers.

Goodreads | Amazon

*Available through KindleUnlimited!*

How much I've read: 0 pages :(

Thoughts: This released last week, and I was SO EXCITED that I downloaded it right away. But I never got around to starting it due to Hamilton, spending time with family, etc. I'm really hoping and aiming to get to it this weekend, though, because I've heard nothing but positive things about this one. I've heard it makes people smile a whole bunch. Plus, it's MZ so I'm sure there's some delicious slow burn in there. Aside from overall opinions I've come across here and there I've been avoiding reviews of Hands Down because MZ is an author I prefer to go into books mostly blind for. Because I have every confidence it's going to be *amazing* and I want to experience that fully. So yeah. That's where I am with that!

And what I'm looking at reading after Hands Down...

Take A Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

Talia Hibbert returns with another charming romantic comedy about a young woman who agrees to fake date her friend after a video of him “rescuing” her from their office building goes viral...

Danika Brown knows what she wants: professional success, academic renown, and an occasional roll in the hay to relieve all that career-driven tension. But romance? Been there, done that, burned the T-shirt. Romantic partners, whatever their gender, are a distraction at best and a drain at worst. So Dani asks the universe for the perfect friend-with-benefits—someone who knows the score and knows their way around the bedroom.

When brooding security guard Zafir Ansari rescues Dani from a workplace fire drill gone wrong, it’s an obvious sign: PhD student Dani and ex-rugby player Zaf are destined to sleep together. But before she can explain that fact, a video of the heroic rescue goes viral. Now half the internet is shipping #DrRugbae—and Zaf is begging Dani to play along. Turns out, his sports charity for kids could really use the publicity. Lying to help children? Who on earth would refuse?

Dani’s plan is simple: fake a relationship in public, seduce Zaf behind the scenes. The trouble is, grumpy Zaf’s secretly a hopeless romantic—and he’s determined to corrupt Dani’s stone-cold realism. Before long, he’s tackling her fears into the dirt. But the former sports star has issues of his own, and the walls around his heart are as thick as his... um, thighs.

Suddenly, the easy lay Dani dreamed of is more complex than her thesis. Has her wish backfired? Is her focus being tested? Or is the universe just waiting for her to take a hint?

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | IndieBound

How much I've read: 0 pages (obviously)

Thoughts: I've been itching to read this for weeks now, but it looks like my copy is finally showing up this weekend and I am *so happy*!!! This is another one I've started avoiding people talking about because I want to go into it and experience it fully, but the things I HAVE seen make this book sound like exactly my kind of thing and it's going to be gloooorious! *happy sigh*

That's it for me! Now I want to know--what are you reading this weekend? What do you think of what I'll be picking up?? :)

What Are You Currently Reading? (5)

It's been a few weeks since I last made a post like this. Last time, I shared four books I was considering picking up next. Since then, I've read three of those four books! So now I feel like it's time to share what's next for me as we head into the weekend!

But first, my most recent read...

Crave by Tracy Wolff

My whole world changed when I stepped inside the academy. Nothing is right about this place or the other students in it. Here I am, a mere mortal among gods…or monsters. I still can’t decide which of these warring factions I belong to, if I belong at all. I only know the one thing that unites them is their hatred of me.

Then there’s Jaxon Vega. A vampire with deadly secrets who hasn’t felt anything for a hundred years. But there’s something about him that calls to me, something broken in him that somehow fits with what’s broken in me.

Which could spell death for us all.

Because Jaxon walled himself off for a reason. And now someone wants to wake a sleeping monster, and I’m wondering if I was brought here intentionally—as the bait.

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

How much I've read: 592 pages (the entire book)

Thoughts: THIS BOOK MADE ME SO HAPPY. I started it the day after the Midnight Sun announcement, and it did exactly what I wanted it to do--soothed the Twilight-shaped hole in my heart. It's definitely its own thing, but with enough nods to the series I love that I was on cloud 9. Plus. Man. That ending. I cannot wait for book 2!!


Now, next for me...

Blood & Honey by Shelby Mahurin

The hotly anticipated sequel to the New York Times and IndieBound bestseller Serpent & Dove—packed with even steamier romance and darker magic—is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas.

After narrowly escaping death at the hands of the Dames Blanches, Lou, Reid, Coco, and Ansel are on the run from coven, kingdom, and church—fugitives with nowhere to hide.

To elude the scores of witches and throngs of chasseurs at their heels, Lou and Reid need allies. Strong ones. But protection comes at a price, and the group is forced to embark on separate quests to build their forces. As Lou and Reid try to close the widening rift between them, the dastardly Morgane baits them in a lethal game of cat and mouse that threatens to destroy something worth more than any coven.

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

How many pages I've read: 0

Thoughts: I haven't officially started this yet, but I AM starting it this weekend. A few of my best friends who also were lucky enough to land e-ARCs and I are going to buddy read it, and I'm so excited! Serpent & Dove was one of my top favorite reads of last year (and also of all time, tbh), so I'm kind of bouncing off the walls looking forward to diving into this one and spending time with Reid and Lou and all the characters I love. Will it hurt me? Probably. BUT IT'LL BE SO WORTH IT I KNOW IT.

Now I want to know! What are you reading this weekend? What do you think of what I'll be picking up?? :)

What Are You Currently Reading? (4)

Hello, friends! I hope you're all doing well and staying healthy. I've been working a lot and writing a lot of fanfiction and *gaspgaspgasp* reading a whole bunch! I'm actually three books ahead on my Goodreads goal, which is a huge improvement over my however many books I was behind only a couple of weeks ago. This weekend I'm kind of at an impasse because I...have no idea what exactly I'm picking up next. 

But let me show you what I'm working with!

Lost Star by Rebecca Royce

Evander wants her…

Trapped in stasis, Sienna reaches out to her caretakers with her mind. Awakened to the war, she must confront not only why the remains of the distant corporation wants her but her own chances at survival with the viruses riddling her system. The new crew of the Artemis will do anything to keep her safe though they long to defeat the overlords who have wreaked so much havoc.

They will do anything to protect her…

Super Soldiers Blaze, Anders, Corbin, and Kellan tease her with their blunt attitudes and artless charm. Human doctor Wade figured out the solution to hold the viruses at bay and wake the siren whose voice sustains him. Trenton, the wickedly talented human pilot, will use every skill he has to keep Artemis in fighting form. The ancient ship has her work cut out for her when a seventh soul inserts himself into their crew, stealing Sienna and possibly her heart.

As the Wings of Artemis races to its epic conclusion, Sienna will have to trust her heart and these men to save the galaxy or die in the attempt.

Goodreads | Amazon

*Releases May 27th & will be available through KindleUnlimited!*

How much I've read: 255 pages (aka the entire book)

Thoughts: Okay, so I blew through this entire book last Sunday. It's the upcoming installment of one of my all-time favorite series, and once it landed in my inbox I really had no choice but to binge. So I did. And it was so freaking GOOD. It's reverse harem, and all the guys are amazing. I keep trying to pick a favorite and then change my mind...maybe someday I'll be able to definitively narrow it down. Only two chapters into it I was smiling my face off. It was everything I wanted. And if you enjoy reverse harem, I strongly recommend the Wings of Artemis series. 

After reading Lost Star, I read another reverse harem book called Jane's Team. It was entertaining but not amazing. After that, I re-read book 2 of the Veil Diaries series, which is also RH. I considered re-reading through book 5 so I could continue on to book 6 (which is where I left off back when I was reading this series in the first place) buuuut after looking at the sample of book 6 I'm not sure it's going to hit the spot the way I want it to and I'm terrified of being disappointed so I've shelved that idea for now.

Which leaves me here. I'm kind of in an RH mood but no RH books seem to be sticking out to me. Here's a few books I'm considering picking up next:

Angie's Gladiator: It is no secret I've been working my way through Ruby Dixon's books. First Bound to the Battle God, then Ice Planet Barbarians, then Sworn to the Shadow God, and now Icehome. While some of her books are better to me than others, all of them so far have been at least good. Most of them have been more than good. And the romance continues to be top notch. Especially Icehome--the first three books of the series were super strong. I think this is the highest contender for me because I know I'm going to get something that will warm my heart and it'll be a quick read that won't bog me down. Wins all around!

I Temporarily Do: This one was free so I grabbed it and it checks all my boxes. Fake relationship? Check. Fluff? Check. Humor? Check. I've read multiple reviews and I have high hopes that I'll enjoy this one. So I'm eyeing it up big time...but idk if it's exactly what I'm in the mood for at this moment. 

From Blood and Ash: I have this one in ebook and paperback and I keep looking at it and I kind of feel an urge to read it. And it's JLA so I KNOW it's going to be good. But. It's high fantasy. And high fantasy takes time to get into--because world building. Not sure I'm in a patient enough reading mindset quite yet. But hopefully soon? Or maybe I'll just take the plunge? We'll see, I suppose!

Crave: This has been compared to Twilight and that has me drooling. Literally the only reason I didn't read Crave the day I bought it was because I'm nervous to have to wait for the sequel. I'm here for vampires every day of my life, and I'm so here for something Twilight-esque. If the comparisons are even close, it'll be wonderful. But possible cliffhangers and waiting for sequels concern me, so we'll see how long I hold out before I just binge the f out of this beauty.

So that's what's going on for me, reading-wise. Now I'd love to know! What are you reading? And any guidance on the books I'm looking at to pick up next?? :)

What Are You Currently Reading? (3)

Hello, friends! I hope you're all holding up well in these tough & uncertain times. It's been a super stressful couple of weeks on my end, but I DID manage to get a tiny bit of reading in. I even finished a book last weekend! So now I want to talk about what's next on my reading agenda.

This weekend I'm reading...

Barbarian's Choice by Ruby Dixon

I might be the only unmated female in my tribe, but it doesn’t mean I’ve given my heart. I’m waiting. I want resonance, and I won’t settle for anything less.

But when an alien ship lands and a handsome stranger steps out, I know he’s the one. His name’s Mardok and he’s fascinatingly different – and distractingly appealing. But Mardok can’t stay on the ice planet, and he says he can take me with him.

Now, I must make a choice. Do I stay and lose my mate forever? Or do I follow him to the stars and leave behind everything I know?

Goodreads | Amazon

*Available through KindleUnlimited!*

How much I've read: 0 pages

Thoughts: So I haven't officially started this one yet. But I'm HOPING to breeze through it this weekend. At this point, the only books I've completed this year have been by Ruby Dixon. So I'm thinking I can't go wrong with another book by her, especially since this one is in her Ice Planet Barbarian's series--aka a series that I LOVE. That said, this one is about Farli, and the premise shows it will be a little different than the others so far. Knowing Ruby Dixon's books I'm sure this one will be great...but I'm always & forever nervous. Ha.


I'm also reading some fanfiction right now. Mostly I want to re-read one of my favorite stories by one of my fav ff authors, Moonchild707--it's called Dark Waltz.

And I just got a whole bunch of books from Apollycon, so I miiiight pick up one of those but I'm not sure yet so I'll keep quiet on that for the moment.

Now I'd love to know! What have you read lately? What will you be reading this weekend?? :)

What Are You Currently Reading? (2)

Hi, friends! I enjoyed writing this post so much last time I think I might want to do it once or twice a month--depending on how much I'm reading and whatnot. I never got around to making a new graphic, but oh well. 

If you're new, let me explain the concept of this post a little (though it's kind of self explanatory):

I'm going to talk about what I'm currently reading. Where I'm at in the book(s), what I think so far, etc. Why? Because I love talking about books! And it's especially fun to talk about books I'm excited for. So this is like a double whammy opportunity. :)

Now, for what I'm reading this weekend...

Sworn to the Shadow God by Ruby Dixon

Adventure.

It's what my boring life is missing, so when I fall through a portal into another world, I'm excited. Here, I'm important. Here, I'm special.

I find out just *how* special when I meet Death.

Yup. That guy. He's been exiled to the mortal realm to work through his flaws, and he's just as spoiled and awful as you'd think. Rhagos, the Shadow Lord, is arrogant and rude and controlling and demands to get his way. He's selfish. He's impossible.

He's also utterly gorgeous. Magnetic. Lonely. And strangely protective of me.

Thanks to a magic bond, I now serve him as his anchor to the mortal realm. It means that I'm his conscience, his guide...and the target for any assassin or glory-seeker. After a few days of this, I'd rather go home than continue on this 'adventure'. I need a way back to Earth, and fast.

As the world falls down around us and we're hunted simply for existing, I find myself wondering what it'd be like to serve the lonely god of death...in all ways. To kiss him. To touch him. To bed him.

Except...I'm supposed to be finding a way home, not trying to kiss Rhagos. No matter how tempting he is. No matter how much he stares at my lips.

No matter how much I want it.

Goodreads | Amazon

*Available through KindleUnlimited*

How much I've read: 3 pages

Thoughts: I am so bummed that I haven't gotten to read much of this book yet. Y'all remember how excited I was to read this, right? How book 1 was my favorite book of 2019? BUT. Right after it released I got sick (just a cold--I'm fine now), then I spent most of a weekend with my nephews, then I work full time during the week and tend to be too tired after getting home lately to read much and bam! Now it's like three weeks later and I haven't even made a dent in this book. I'm hoping to get a good chunk read this weekend, however. I'm in a reading mood! And I love Ruby Dixon's books!

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas

Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life—working hard all day and partying all night—until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She’ll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.

Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose—to assassinate his boss’s enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he’s offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.

As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City’s underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion—one that could set them both free, if they’d only let it.

With unforgettable characters, sizzling romance, and page-turning suspense, this richly inventive new fantasy series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas delves into the heartache of loss, the price of freedom—and the power of love.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas launches her brand-new CRESCENT CITY series with House of Earth and Blood: the story of half-Fae and half-human Bryce Quinlan as she seeks revenge in a contemporary fantasy world of magic, danger, and searing romance.

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

How much I've read: 0 pages

Thoughts: This one is kind of a cheat because I'm not TECHNICALLY reading it yet. I'm just peeking at it. Because I'm excited! It's finally here! And it's BEAUTIFUL. And I've had a couple of friends who have been tiptoeing their way through it for like weeks if not months now and I'm so damn curious. So yeah. Maaaaybe I'll actually, officially read this one after I finish Sworn to the Shadow God? We shall see ;)

So that's it. That's what I'm reading...and kind-of-but-not-really reading this weekend! Now, please! Tell me what you've been reading lately! What are you reading this weekend??

What Are You Currently Reading?

Hi, friends! I was thinking I'd try something a little new this week. This isn't new to the blogging world in general, but it's something new on SIB that I think I may do once a month or so. Instead of posting a review or something else, I want to talk about what I'm reading--and then I, of course, would love for y'all to share what you're reading too!

I'm doing this for two reasons:

1) I feel like a lot of the time I read things and then it takes me a while to get a chance to write a review. So I like this opportunity to talk about what I'm reading NOW and not a month from now when I get around to writing and posting my review.

2) I'm reading a book I'm super excited about this weekend and want to squeal about it!

P.S. please excuse the very rough graphic I made for this--I'm tired and don't have the patience to fine tune a graphic that doesn't suck tonight so fingers crossed I get around to it for the next time I make a post like this...ha.

This weekend I'm reading two books:

Heritage: Locke's Legacy by Guin Archer

“If you look closely, in the shadows of the great birch, you may catch a silhouette moving as though walking between the boughs. If you listen, you might hear a happy giggle as the dragonfly perches on the petal of a water lily. There are more magics and miracles in this world than you can possibly imagine.” -Deeta Rose Rimbauer

Adeline Rimbauer was descended of a long, proud line of Caretakers. Her family had been charged with the care and safekeeping of Vampyrs for generations. She’d served more than half of her life in the shadow of her Vampyr Masters and Mistresses and she was quite good as what she did. While not pursuing her heart’s passions as her sister did, she was comfortable in the life she’d made for herself.

Not happy, but content.

Women like her...well, women such as she didn’t deserve better. Darkness was a roiling, destructive presence in her life as far back as she could remember. It sucked the joy from her soul like the vacuum of an abyss. It tainted her. She’d fought for a shred of happiness of her own, but learned the brutal truth on the dagger’s edge of death...

Some people just weren’t worth the air they breathed.

Fate, however, sought to teach her a new lesson. One’s legacy is not left in the footprint of their failures, but in their connections with those around them and the glowing mark which they leave behind in the hearts of those that love them.
Miracles and magic are all a matter of perception and seven men are bound and determined to show Adeline how much of a miracle she is in this world.

Goodreads | Amazon

*Available through KindleUnlimited*

How much I've read: 99 pages

Thoughts so far: This is one of those books that's just really hitting the spot. It's reverse harem and kind of reads like something in the vein of fanfiction and I am kind of so here for it? I just love the unapologetic take to writing feelings and situations in a way that's so dramatic but also satisfying. For example, the MC in the book is sick right now and I love how concerned the love interests are for her. It's a little over the top but that's GOOD. I LIKE it that way. You know what I mean? I think this is going to be a book I really enjoy.

Sworn to the Shadow God by Ruby Dixon

Adventure.

It's what my boring life is missing, so when I fall through a portal into another world, I'm excited. Here, I'm important. Here, I'm special.

I find out just *how* special when I meet Death.

Yup. That guy. He's been exiled to the mortal realm to work through his flaws, and he's just as spoiled and awful as you'd think. Rhagos, the Shadow Lord, is arrogant and rude and controlling and demands to get his way. He's selfish. He's impossible.

He's also utterly gorgeous. Magnetic. Lonely. And strangely protective of me.

Thanks to a magic bond, I now serve him as his anchor to the mortal realm. It means that I'm his conscience, his guide...and the target for any assassin or glory-seeker. After a few days of this, I'd rather go home than continue on this 'adventure'. I need a way back to Earth, and fast.

As the world falls down around us and we're hunted simply for existing, I find myself wondering what it'd be like to serve the lonely god of death...in all ways. To kiss him. To touch him. To bed him.

Except...I'm supposed to be finding a way home, not trying to kiss Rhagos. No matter how tempting he is. No matter how much he stares at my lips.

No matter how much I want it.

Goodreads | Amazon

*Available through KindleUnlimited*

How much I've read: 0 pages

Thoughts: So I haven't officially started this yet. But I plan to start it Saturday morning and I AM SO EXCITED. Idk if y'all saw my post about my favorite books of 2019, but spoiler alert: Bound to the Battle God was my favorite book of the year. So now the companion/sequel is out and I am beyond ready to let it take over my life this weekend. I'm nervous I won't like it as much as book 1...but also just so ready to let it ruin me regardless because I've been reading a lot of Ruby Dixon in the past couple of months and I trust her. 

So yeah. That's what I'm reading this weekend! And all I've been reading in the past week or more-ish. It's been super busy at work for me, so I've been too tired to read much when I get home. My reading has been focused around the weekends as of late...which is why I'm talking about what I'm reading this WEEKEND instead of just in general.

But I want to know! What have y'all been reading lately? What are you reading this weekend??