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.
The Three Ws are: What are you currently reading?What did you recently finish reading?What do you think you’ll read next?
I am about to listen to The Launch Party by Lauren Forry. I borrowed the audiobook of an Edelweiss ebook I accepted awhile back and haven’t gotten around to reading. Easy way to catch up on my ARCs TBR shelf.
On my Kindle I am reading Yours Always by Corinne Sullivan. It was an Amazon First Reads choice last month, and it’ll work for a HRCYED prompt I need. I’m about halfway through the book at this point.
Also on Kindle I am tackling book 2 in the Vegas Shadows series The Night Watcher by Victor Methos. I just received book 3 via NetGalley and wanna read it as soon as possible lol.
I reviewed both of these on Storygraph last week.
All of these above books I need for multiple challenges I am doing. I am trying to juggle everything lol!!!
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!
I absolutely LOVE using my library for all my books and audiobook needs. I do not have a lot of money to blow on a hobby, so I found a good way to support my community, my library and my reading habit! The library has a ton of resources and I always check there first for audiobooks I want to listen to or books I want to read. Libby is my friend and I have multiple library branches hooked up to my account for maximum borrowing.
I thought it’d be fun to post monthly updates about my library stats, on top of keeping up with my official challenge page.
*I use Amazon pricing, or the price on the receipt when I leave the library*
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.
The Three Ws are: What are you currently reading?What did you recently finish reading?What do you think you’ll read next?
I am reading The Gone World by Tom Sweterlitsch. I found this novel being talked about on TikTok and borrowed it from my library. It’s great so far!!!!
I am currently dual reading/listening to Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister. This one is absolutely holding my interest!!!!
On my Kindle I am about to start Keep Them Close by David Ellis, a NetGalley ARC I have.
I was drawn to the premise, but after awhile I knew this one just wasn’t for me. Definitely not a bad story, YA Fantasy just doesn’t hold my interest anymore.
These books are on my April TBR. I am leaving April open to just read whatever I feel like reading.
The Three Ws are: What are you currently reading?What did you recently finish reading?What do you think you’ll read next?
I am currently reading a sprayed edge hardcover copy of Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister. This one is absolutely holding my interest!!!!
I am listening to Kill Me If You Can by James Patterson and Marshall Karp.
On my Kindle I am reading The Silent Watcher by Victor Methos.
I finished Strange Houses by Uketsu last week. I still have to write up a review and post it on Storygraph, but I gave this one four stars!
The challenge I am participating in where I have to read the book I chose, The Forest Grimm, starts today. I will be getting to this one the second I am done with my current audiobook.
I am giving The Bone Queen another chance. When I picked it up earlier this year it wasn’t vibing with me so I set it down. Gonna try it again and see how it goes. I have a Netgalley ARC and am trying to get my ratio 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.
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.
I absolutely LOVE using my library for all my books and audiobook needs. I do not have a lot of money to blow on a hobby, so I found a good way to support my community, my library and my reading habit! The library has a ton of resources and I always check there first for audiobooks I want to listen to or books I want to read. Libby is my friend and I have multiple library branches hooked up to my account for maximum borrowing.
I thought it’d be fun to post monthly updates about my library stats, on top of keeping up with my official challenge page.
*I use Amazon pricing, or the price on the receipt when I leave the library*
The Three Ws are: What are you currently reading?What did you recently finish reading?What do you think you’ll read next?
On my Kindle I am reading Served Him Right by Lisa Unger, a NetGalley ARC that publishes next month. I should have it complete by pub day, woohoo!
I was sent an audiobook ALC of A Place To Die For by A.M. Strong and Sonya Sargent thanks to Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse. This book publishes next month so I decided to start listening to it today.
My review of Her Last Breath will be posted on the blog next week.
Two Kinds of Stranger is an ARC I have that is publishing in March. Might as well get to it sooner rather than later!
If I get stuck in a rut or feel a slump hitting I am gonna go to the next read in the Read-along I am doing with Taming Demons for Beginners. I’ll be way ahead, but it’ll keep me motivated to read.
For a prompt in HRCYED 2.0 I am pulling out an unread Amazon First Reads and reading The Silent Watcher. I have not read a bad Victor Methos book yet, and I am hoping it keeps me wanting to read on my Kindle.
The Three Ws are: What are you currently reading?What did you recently finish reading?What do you think you’ll read next?
I started reading a book off my bookshelf, as part of Personal Stack Challenge this year. You’ve Been Warned by James Patterson is “a dark, propulsive psychological thriller for readers who crave moody, big-city atmosphere, breathless pacing, and the intoxicating dread of chasing desire while disaster whispers just off-frame.” – Storygraph.
I am currently listening to Malice by John Gywnne. I unsuspended my hold (since I wasn’t ready for it when it was available to me) and it came in the next day. Is my mind ready to handle an epic fantasy right now? Probably not. But it’s gonna be what it’s gonna be I guess. I definitely DID want to read/listen to this book this year so I am hoping when I start this later today I’ll be into it!
I switched up the book I am reading on my Kindle. For whatever reason, this year I am NOT feeling Kindle books in the slightest. I have DNFed a TON of them and it’s only February. I do not think it’s the books I think it’s the timing, and honestly, it’s totally me. ANYWAY, I picked up Served Him Right by Lisa Unger, a NetGalley ARC that publishes next month.
Two Kinds of Stranger is an ARC I have that is publishing in March. Might as well get to it sooner rather than later!
Scene of The Crime (William Morrow) sent me an ecopy of Her Last Breath by Taylor Adams. This one just published so I think I am throwing into the “next pile” lol.
If I get stuck in a rut or feel a slump hitting I am gonna go to the next read in the Read-along I am doing with Taming Demons for Beginners. I’ll be way ahead, but it’ll keep me motivated to read.
The Three Ws are: What are you currently reading?What did you recently finish reading?What do you think you’ll read next?
I just started reading Dead In The Water by John Marrs. A friend of mine received a paperback ARC and lent it to me to read.
I threw myself on the Libby waitlist for the audiobook of Empire of Silence by Christopher Ruocchio. Yes, I did borrow the hardcover from the library last year and started the book, but it took a backseat at some point and I ended up returning the book to the library a month later. The audiobook is totally keeping my attention and I am invested in Hadrian’s journey!
For HRCYED 2.0 I needed a book with 7+ colors on the cover. You Shouldn’t Be Here by Lauren Thoman is a First Reads backlog book that fits this prompt. I totally forgot what the book is even about so I am gonna go in blind later tonight.
I finished reading The Invisible Woman by James Patterson and Susan DiLallo. I gave this book an average rating because it was just alright to me.
I finished listening to Nine Pines by Kiersten Modglin. I was not a fan of this one.
A new month is about to start, so new plans have emerged. These are the books I am trying to get to in February.
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:
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.
I absolutely LOVE using my library for all my books and audiobook needs. I do not have a lot of money to blow on a hobby, so I found a good way to support my community, my library and my reading habit! The library has a ton of resources and I always check there first for audiobooks I want to listen to or books I want to read. Libby is my friend and I have multiple library branches hooked up to my account for maximum borrowing.
I thought it’d be fun to post monthly updates about my library stats, on top of keeping up with my official challenge page.
*I use Amazon pricing, or the price on the receipt when I leave the library*
The Three Ws are: What are you currently reading?What did you recently finish reading?What do you think you’ll read next?
I am reading The Invisible Woman by James Patterson and Susan DiLallo. As a comfort author and not knowing what to read, I picked this one up on a whim. So far it’s good, and I like the main character Elinor.
I had no audiobooks lined up to listen to next, so I went with the next book in the Guild Codex Read-along. Yes, a little early but it is what it is. I am enjoying it so far, which is no surprise to me.
I am still hopeful that I will read at least one of these ARCs before the month is over. I’ve been in a Kindle slump (is that even a thing? LOL!) – just that none of t he ARCs are calling to me when I pick up the Kindle. Last year I received a lot of ARCs that published in January and February. At the time I was like ‘I have plenty of time to get to these, that’s months away’… and now here we are in January.
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 read slow, and it’s a thicc boy of a book! I am currently 25% in at the time of writing up this post.
I am listening to Two Witches and A Whiskey by Annette Marie, the next book in the read-along I am participating in. I borrowed it through Libby.
I already pulled a mood reader move… I put down an ARC I wasn’t feeling and grabbed something random. A quick YA read with Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard is what was calling to me.
I finished this ARC right before the new year.
Darby Kane, author of the #1 international bestseller Pretty Little Wife, returns with a gripping domestic thriller in which a family goes missing and a long-buried family mystery resurfaces.
This book publishes on the 20th of this month.
Gonna try to tackle some ARCs this month and hopefully get to my First Reads choice of this month. I’ll choose one of these above once I finish what I am currently into.
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!