Title: Hellbound Guilds & Other Misdirections
Author: Annette Marie and Rob Jacobsen
Format: audiobook
Length: 8 hours 12 minutes
Rating: 3 stars
Publication Date: September 14, 2021
I wanted to give Kit a chance, but I am just not feeling this series. I did like how the events that happened on Halloween with the demon are in all three series (Spellbound, Warped and Demonized) though. I will continue on with this series as it’s part of the read-along I am doing but it’s not my favorite.
Good morning readers! These are all of the books that I acquired/received/borrowed onto my shelves, virtual and/or physical, for the entire month of March:
No, choosing red covers was not planned for this month, LOL!!!!
These are traveling books, aka borrowed books, within the Facebook group.
Again, an orange theme was also not planned for this month, haha!
An e-ARC of David Ellis’ newest book is in my possession!
Acquired: 8
Total spent this month: $0.00
Total spent this year: $0.00
Title: Taming Demons for Beginners
Author: Annette Marie
Format: audiobook
Length: 7 hours 52 minutes
Narrator: Cris Dukehart
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: December 31, 2019
Taming Demons for Beginners by Annette Marie is such a fun and refreshing start to the The Guild Codex: Demonized series. The story follows Robin, a quiet and rule-loving bookkeeper who works for a guild of mages but wants absolutely nothing to do with magic herself. Of course, that plan quickly falls apart when she accidentally summons and becomes magically bound to a powerful demon named Zylas.
What makes this book so enjoyable is the contrast between Robin and Zylas. Robin is cautious, anxious, and determined to follow every rule, while Zylas is reckless, dangerous, and constantly pushing her out of her comfort zone. Their reluctant partnership creates a lot of humor, tension, and surprisingly heartfelt moments as they slowly learn to trust each other.
I also really enjoyed how this story intertwines with The Guild Codex: Spellbound. Both series take place in the same world and run alongside each other, which makes it fun to see overlapping events and characters from different perspectives. It adds an extra layer to the story for readers who are following both series, which I am doing.
The worldbuilding is easy to jump into, with a unique take on guilds, contracts, and demons that keeps the story moving without feeling overwhelming. The pacing is quick, the action scenes are exciting, and the banter between the characters makes it hard to put the book down.
Overall, Taming Demons for Beginners is a highly entertaining urban fantasy with lovable characters, witty dialogue, and the start of a really intriguing series. If you enjoy magic, slow-building relationships, and a bit of chaos mixed with humor, this is definitely a book worth picking up.
Good morning readers! These are all of the books that I acquired/received/borrowed onto my shelves, virtual and/or physical, for the entire month of February:
I borrowed all of these from Libby.
I did not choose a First Reads book this month.
Scene of The Crime Early Readers Program sent me a widget on NetGalley for this one on audiobook.
I found this eBook in the Free Section on Bookbub.
Acquired: 7
Total spent this month: $0.00
Total spent this year: $0.00
Title: Demon Magic and a Martini
Author: Annette Marie
Format: audiobook
Length: 7 hours 15 minutes
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: April 23, 2019
Demon Magic and a Martini was an absolute blast from start to finish. Annette Marie nails the perfect balance of humor, action, and urban fantasy vibes, making this a story that’s incredibly easy to fall into and hard to put down. The pacing is spot on—there’s always something happening, but it never feels rushed or overwhelming. Each scene flows naturally into the next, keeping the tension high and the momentum strong.
One of the biggest highlights is the cast of main characters. Every single one of them shines, with distinct personalities, great banter, and believable chemistry. The protagonist is especially fun to follow, and the supporting characters add so much charm and depth that the story feels alive and dynamic. Their interactions are just as entertaining as the plot itself. Highly recommended for fans of urban fantasy with heart and humor.
Title: When I Kill You
Author: B.A. Paris
Format: audiobook
Length: 7 hours 52 minutes
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: February 17, 2026
I listened to this last year so it counted for last years challenges.
When I Kill You is another gripping, emotionally charged thriller from B.A. Paris, and I was hooked from the very first page. The tension builds beautifully throughout the story, with Paris’s signature blend of atmospheric suspense and deeply personal stakes. I found myself completely immersed, not just in the plot but in the way the story unfolded with such precision and psychological depth. I did guess the plot twist before it happened, but it did not ruin the book for me.
If you’re looking for a thriller that keeps you on edge while delivering strong character insight, When I Kill You is absolutely worth the read.
I received a complimentary ALC through NetGalley.
Good morning readers! These are all of the books that I acquired/received/borrowed onto my shelves, virtual and/or physical, for the entire month of January:
I borrowed all of these from Libby.
Acquired: 12
Total spent this month: $0.00
Total spent this year: $0.00
Title: Two Witches and a Whiskey
Author: Annette Marie
Format: audiobook
Length: 8 hours 9 minutes
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: February 28, 2019
Two Witches and a Whiskey by Annette Marie was an absolute delight to listen to, and the audiobook experience made an already engaging story even more immersive. From the very beginning the story pulls you in and never lets go. The pacing translates beautifully to audio, with sharp dialogue, well-timed humor, and escalating tension that makes it hard to press pause. Every chapter flows smoothly, keeping the momentum high and the stakes clear.
One of the biggest strengths of the audiobook is how vividly the characters and their relationships come through. Hearing the interactions really brings the banter, emotions, and shifting dynamics to life. The friendships, rivalries, and found-family moments feel incredibly natural, and listening to those relationships develop adds an extra layer of connection. The characters chemistry is a joy to experience through audio.
Overall, the Two Witches and a Whiskey is a thoroughly engaging and entertaining experience. The combination of a gripping story, strong character relationships, and lively dialogue makes it easy to get completely absorbed. It’s the kind of audiobook that makes commutes fly by and keeps you looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Highly recommended for anyone who loves urban fantasy and character-driven storytelling.
Title: Inside Man
Author: John McMahon
Format: audiobook
Narrator: Will Damon
Length: 9 hours 35 minutes
Publication Date: January 13, 2026
Inside Man by John McMahon is a gripping, smartly constructed thriller that kept me fully invested from start to finish. McMahon writes his cast with depth and emotional realism, making it easy to become immersed in their world and genuinely care about what happens as the story unfolds.
The dual investigations are especially compelling. As the two cases gradually intertwine, the tension builds in a way that constantly pulled me forward. Just when I thought I understood where things were heading, new connections emerged, keeping the story fresh and unpredictable without ever feeling forced or confusing. The pacing strikes a great balance between thoughtful development and propulsive suspense.
The audiobook elevates the experience even further. Narrator Will Damron does an outstanding job, bringing nuance and authenticity to each character’s voice. His performance enhances the emotional beats and sharpens the tension, making it hard to stop listening.
I received a complimentary audio copy. Thank you to the lovely people I reached out to at Macmillan for allowing me to have this ALC on my NetGalley Shelf.
I was looking over my reading stats since I started tracking them, and this will be my third year spending no money on books. While that sounds absolutely insane and not doable to most people, I assure you that it’s possible. I am not the type of person who HAS to read a book the second it’s published. I have been making use of my local library for most of all my reading needs, and just put myself on the wait list as books I want to read are coming out. I’ve also gotten a lot of newer reads with not a long wait time through Libby as well.
For those who care, or don’t believe that this is possible, my plan will be to share receipts of books I acquire this year when posting about the book.
Do you spend a lot of money on books in a year? Do you use your library at all?
Title: Dark Arts and A Daiquiri
Author: Annette Marie
Format: audiobook
Length: 7 hours 39 minutes
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: November 16, 2018
This audiobook is a fast and funny urban-fantasy adventure. Tori’s snarky voice and fearless attitude make her a fantastic protagonist, and the chemistry with her mage roommates is as charming as ever. Annette Marie delivers sharp humor, great action, and surprisingly heartfelt moments, all wrapped in vivid world-building that’s impossible to resist. I cannot wait to listen to the next book in this series!
Good morning, readers! December started off strong and tanked around the holidays, which is expected since I was so busy with traveling and family things.
Excited for all these great plans I have for 2026!
If you’re not following me on Storygraph, you should! This is my page. I stopped using Goodreads last year.
Also, I am trying to get more people liking my posts on Instagram. If you could follow me there, and maybe like a photo or two, I would also appreciate that :) I also follow back anyone who follows me.
This is where I will be keeping track of my Audiobook Challenge to share with everyone. You know I also track everything on multiple spreadsheets like a huge nerd!
I am trying to listen to 20-30 audiobooks this year (Binge Listener)
Use the hashtag #2026AudiobookChallenge
January 2026
February 2026
Good morning readers! These are all of the books that I acquired/received/borrowed onto my shelves, virtual and/or physical, for the entire month of December:
I borrowed all of these from Libby.
I borrowed this hefty paperback copy from my library as well. I knew I wouldn’t be able to read the e-copy within the time frame I was allowed to borrow it.
I borrowed these Christmas and Hanukkah themed eBooks from Prime Reading.
James Patterson’s Street Team sent me this paperback advanced reader copy of Judge Stone by Viola Davis and James Patterson.
My mom got me a Blind Date With A Book for Christmas.
Acquired: 10
Total spent this month: $0.00
Total spent this year: $0.00
I tracked this challenge on a Google Spreadsheet this year as well as a tag on Storygraph. Here are my results!
I listened to 58 audiobooks this year. My aim was “binge listener (20-30 books)” and I passed that goal in mid July!
Welcome to WWW Wednesday! This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and revived on Taking on a World of Words.
The Three Ws are: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next?
I borrowed The Shadow of What Was Lost from the library and so far I am enjoying the hell out of it. I am currently 20% in at the time of writing up this post.
I am listening to The Intruder by Freida McFadden. It was available on Hoopla as an instant borrow, and since it’s a new book I snagged it up.
It’s the end of the year and with all the holiday shenanigans coming up I am leaving my TBR open ended. I’ll read whatever I am in the mood for and just wing it till January. This will probably be my last WWW Wednesday until the new year as well.
Don’t forget to link up with Taking On A World Of Words to share your WWW!
Welcome to WWW Wednesday! This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and revived on Taking on a World of Words.
The Three Ws are: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next?
I borrowed The Shadow of What Was Lost from the library and so far I am enjoying the hell out of it.
I am listening to The Woman On The Ledge thanks to Libby. This one is also really good and I am listening as much as possible.
I read and listened to Snow Place Like Home for the #HoHoHoRAT. A cute holiday read that wasn’t super cheesy!
It’s the end of the year and with all the holiday shenanigans coming up I am leaving my TBR open ended. I’ll read whatever I am in the mood for and just wing it till January.
Don’t forget to link up with Taking On A World Of Words to share your WWW!
Title: Warping Minds and Other Misdemeanors
Author: Annette Marie and Rob Jacobsen
Format: audiobook
Length: 6 hours 34 minutes
Rating: 3.5 stars
Publication Date: August 25, 2020
COYER Library Love
I liked the characters in this book, but something about the story won’t let me rate it above 3.5 stars. I think my mind is wanting to compare it to the other series that Annette Marie wrote, and while they are in the same universe, this one just has a different feel. It was not a bad story, and I will continue on with the read-along.
Title: This Is A Safe Space
Author: Lucinda Berry
Format: audiobook
Length: 3 hours 40 minutes
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: October 21, 2025
Audiobook Challenge, COYER, Library Love Challenge
This audiobook is a fast, razor-sharp psychological thriller that grabs you from the first page and never lets up. The full-cast narration takes it to another level, with realistic text message dings and voicemail audios. It’s immersive, emotional, and so vivid that it feels like you’re right inside the story. Smart, twisty, and impossible to stop listening to, it’s a standout thriller from start to finish.
I borrowed this audiobook from my library. Thanks Libby!
Welcome to WWW Wednesday! This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and revived on Taking on a World of Words.
The Three Ws are: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next?
Starting this month off with an ARC of Such A Clever Girl by Darby Kane.
I borrowed Malice from the library so I am gonna start it and see how it goes.
I am listening to Dark Arts and A Daiquiri for the Read-along I am participating in.
This wasn’t doing it for me in the slightest and I forced myself through it thinking it would get better. I will not be posting about this one on my blog.
These ARCs are slated to be read before the year is over. I always feel like December is a huge mood month for me but I want to try to get to these before the new year.
Don’t forget to link up with Taking On A World Of Words to share your WWW!
