A Very ARC-Ish Readathon ~~ Update

I signed up to participate in the 'A Very ARC-Ish Readathon' at the end of last month, with the very earnest intention of reading as many ARCs as possible this month... I read a total of 24 unique reads during the month of April, but none of them were ARCs!! I didn't even come close to looking at, let alone reading, the tentative 'tbr' list I created for myself just before the start of the 'A Very ARC-Ish Readathon' began. Oops!! 

I simply found other books I was more interested in reading than the ARCs I currently have on hand. I'll get around to reading the ARCs at some point in time... Just not this month!!

Little Free Library in Half Moon Bay, California

My husband and I visited Half Moon Bay, California and also Moss Beach, California yesterday. During our visit, we stopped off at a Little Free Library in Half Moon Bay. 

I left four books inside of the Little Free Library we visited and took one book for myself to read at a later date.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

Unabridged Audio Version from Audible

I've known about the wildly popular, best-selling book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo, for quite some time now and have toyed with the idea of actually reading it for myself. I have clutter issues, but where to even begin decluttering seems so daunting that I've been putting off the idea for one reason or another. Long story short, I finally bit the bullet and listened to the unabridged audio version of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo and I am glad that I did!

Listening time for The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo is 4 hours, 50 minutes and is narrated by Emily Woo Zeller. Emily Woo Zeller does a phenomenal job of narrating The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo, which made my listening experience all that much more enriching.

As far as The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo goes, I really liked it and found some great information on how to declutter and reorganize my own home. I really look forward to trying out the advice that Marie Kondo shares with her readers to see if it can help me transform my home into a sea of tranquility and tidiness.

Here are some of the things I learned while reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo:

* Discard/organize items/things by category, not by room.
* Best time to start discarding is in the morning.
* One must tidy in the right order: Discard items first, then tidy/reorganize after you've discarded the things you no longer want.
* Before you begin tidying, start by visualizing why you want to tidy. What is your end goal? Really drill down and visualize how tidying up will transform your life.
* Exam what you own and ask yourself if each object sparks joy. If It doesn't spark joy get rid of it. Also, discard items that no longer serve a purpose.
* Focus on what to keep, not what to get rid of.
* Don't discard momentos first... Start with clothing, then books as they are easier to discard than mementos.... Momentos should be the last category one goes through.
* Discard and organize in one big marathon event. Not in small spurts.

What I didn't like was some of the woo woo aspects that the author discusses/mentions in her book. I felt like some of the information was repeated several times throughout the book, which was a bit frustrating. Also, the idea of doing a marathon discarding and reorganizing event sounds like way too much to do... For me doing stuff in smaller spurts seems much more manageable/doable.

The following is a publisher's summary for The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo from Audible:

Despite constant efforts to declutter your home, do papers still accumulate like snowdrifts and clothes pile up like a tangled mess of noodles? Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo takes tidying to a whole new level, promising that if you properly simplify and organize your home once, you'll never have to do it again. Most methods advocate a room-by-room or little-by-little approach, which doom you to pick away at your piles of stuff forever. The KonMari Method, with its revolutionary category-by-category system, leads to lasting results. In fact, none of Kondo's clients have lapsed (and she still has a three-month waiting list).With detailed guidance for determining which items in your house "spark joy" (and which don't), this international bestseller featuring Tokyo's newest lifestyle phenomenon will help you clear your clutter and enjoy the unique magic of a tidy home-and the calm, motivated mindset it can inspire.

I am giving The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Poet Shel Silverstein’s Sausalito Houseboat Is For Sale!

I came across an article I discovered online titled, Poet Shel Silverstein’s Sausalito houseboat asks $390K by Adam Brinklow. In the article, Adam Brinklow wrote:

A bohemian one-bed, one-bath Sausalito houseboat that once belonged to Shel Silverstein, the late author of The Giving Tree and Where the Sidewalk Ends, listed in March, now asking $390,000.

Waterfront dwellers pre-Silverstein built 8 Liberty Dock on top of an old balloon barge from World War II. Balloon barges were special Navy vessels “whose lofted cables were designed to snare kamikaze aircraft,” according to Smithsonian Magazine, although Marinscope calls them anti-submarine defenses.

In either case, Silverstein moved into the converted wartime tub in 1967, opting out of the relative hustle and bustle of the Haight to join Sausalito’s floating bohemia of artists, itinerants, and literal drifters, according to the 2007 biography A Boy Named Shel:

In the beginning the houseboat community was essentially a community of squatters who had only salvage rights. [...] The whole place was a bit like living in Never Never Land. Since Shel was a modern day Peter Pan, the two fit together perfectly.

Click on the top link to read the entire story and see photographs of Shel Silverstein's former houseboat.

Sausalito is a beautiful place to live, but I can't imagine paying $390K for a houseboat that only has one bedroom and needs renovation work... Even if said houseboat is a piece of history.

The Case of The Hated Body (The Sleepless Detective Murder Mystery #1) by Carrie Marsh

Cozy Mystery Novella

The Case of The Hated Body (The Sleepless Detective Murder Mystery #1) by Carrie Marsh is mystery novella approximately 96 pages in length by a new to me author.

I was able to download a copy of The Case of The Hated Body (The Sleepless Detective Murder Mystery #1) by Carrie Marsh to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of The Case of The Hated Body (The Sleepless Detective Murder Mystery #1) by Carrie Marsh.

I enjoyed reading The Case of The Hated Body (The Sleepless Detective Murder Mystery #1) by Carrie Marsh. It wasn't a perfect read by any means, but it kept my interest throughout the entire novella from start to finish. The red herring was obvious... However, I was surprised by whodunnit, even if I did figure it out kind of early.

The following is a plot summary for The Case of The Hated Body (The Sleepless Detective Murder Mystery #1) by Carrie Marsh from Amazon:

Chilling Screams... A Dead Boarder...Deception

Confident in his ability to solve any case the sleepy town of Rockport can throw at him, Detective Richard Watson never expected to get saddled with the senseless brutality of a case like the Rockport Heights Murder. Not only could any one of the guests at Rockport Heights boarding house be suspects, but the more he investigates the more he finds there is something badly off about the murder of Rebecca Jones...

Richard sets his sights on two major suspect: Rebecca's husband, found to have a history of abusive behavior, and Julian Rhys, her self-appointed protector. But he finds himself torn between the most obvious options and his gut feeling that they may not be the right ones. Struggling to separate his personal life and his judgement, Richard turns to the only clue he really has: the way the young woman died.

With mounting tension threading to topple their investigation Richard and his young assistant, Alexander Ford, follow a confusing trail of clues that seem to lead in every direction.

Can Detective Watson find a way to put together the seemingly senseless clues in time to solve the case once and for all?

Or will suspicions, ghost stories and his own waning health prevent from discovering the truth in time?

The Case of the Hated Body is a spine-tingling race through multiple suspects, each with a motive for killing the young woman. As each is cleared, join the detective as he searches for the truth of what happened that dreadful night…but don’t read it alone in the dark!

This is a standalone cozy mystery novella.

I am giving The Case of The Hated Body (The Sleepless Detective Murder Mystery #1) by Carrie Marsh a rating of 3 stars out 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

Power, Wealth And Murder by Ella White

Cozy Mystery Novella

Power, Wealth And Murder by Ella White is a cozy mystery novella approximately 68 pages in length. Power, Wealth And Murder is the first book in the Carriage Cove Cozy Mystery Series and is the first thing I've read by author, Ella White.

I was able to download Power, Wealth And Murder by Ella White for FREE to my Kindle from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of Power, Wealth And Murder by Ella White.

I enjoyed this novella a lot. Nice story line for such a short read.

Below is the plot summary for Power, Wealth And Murder by Ella White from Amazon:

Life terrifyingly ends up imitating art when Sip & Read Cafe owner Victoria Matheson hosts a book reading at her establishment. An event which features "Power, Wealth & Murder"... the latest mystery novel from one of her favorite authors Harrison Bell. But the very next day the body of the book store’s assistant manager is discovered. Apparently murdered in a similar fashion to characters in Bell's book! Carriage Cove police chief Susan Miles apprehends Bell in Lee's death, placing him behind bars.

Victoria, saddened by both the sudden death and Harrison's imprisonment. She sets out with the aid of her daughter Rachel to solve the mystery. Victoria and Rachel will have to sift through a dark and odd cast of characters including a shady Businessman, an obsessed fan who bares a striking resemblance to Harrison, and a very ambitious personal assistant of Mr. Bell's. To uncover the shocking truth! 

Find out what happens in book one of the Carriage Cove Mysteries!

I am giving Power, Wealth And Murder by Ella White a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

The Amersham Rubies by Rhys Bowen

Historical Mystery Short Story

The Amersham Rubies by Rhys Bowen is 38 page cozy mystery, short story that features the character, Molly Murphy. This was the first time reading something by author, Rhys Bowen.

I was able to download The Amersham Rubies by Rhys Bowen to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of The Amersham Rubies by Rhys Bowen.

I heard about Rhys Bowen as a mystery writer for quite a few years now, but had never read anything by her until now. I decided to read The Amersham Rubies by Rhys Bowen, because it's a short story, which will give me a short sample of Rhys Bowen's writing style. Additionally, The Amersham Rubies by Rhys Bowen is the first in the Molly Murphy Mysteries, so I figured that if I enjoyed Rhy Bowen's writing and the leading character of Molly Murphy, then I would continue reading the Molly Murphy Mysteries series.

I was a bit disappointed after reading The Amersham Rubies by Rhys Bowen. I thought that Rhy Bowen's writing was good, but felt like this short story was more of a teaser read. Meaning that, I felt like The Amersham Rubies by Rhys Bowen was basically an introduction to the character of Molly Murphy for those of us yet acquainted with her. The Amersham Rubies by Rhys Bowen also felt too tidy of a story, with Molly Murphy solving the crime rather too quickly for someone who has never been a crime solver before. Plus, the criminal seemed too eager to just go along with things rather too easily for my taste.

The following is a plot summary for The Amersham Rubies by Rhys Bowen from Amazon:

Before Molly Murphy crossed the Atlantic or even had an inkling that she might someday become a much sought after private investigator in New York City, young Molly lived in Ireland in a small cottage with her father, brothers and little else.

While keeping herself and her home together, Molly receives a request from Lady Hartley—the lady of the country estate where Molly lives, and the family that employs Molly’s father and brothers. The Hartleys are hosting a ball at their manor house, and there will be so many fine gentlemen and ladies in attendance that Lady Hartley needs Molly to help some of her guests prepare for the ball.

Beautiful debutantes, dresses of the finest fabrics, and sparkling chandeliers are all on display, as are heirloom jewels like the Amersham rubies—a stunning and priceless ruby necklace that has been in the Amersham family for generations. When the rubies go inexplicably missing from Lady Amersham’s neck in the middle of the party, the high-spirited Molly must rely on her wits to solve her first case in Rhys Bowen’s charming prequel to her beloved Anthony and Agatha Award–winning historical mystery series.

I am giving The Amersham Rubies by Rhys Bowen a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

A Cue to a Kill (Stage Door #2.5) by Lilian Watts

Cozy Mystery Short Story

A Cue to a Kill (Stage Door #2.5) by Lilian Watts is a cozy mystery short story approximately 45 pages in length.

I was able to download A Cue to a Kill (Stage Door #2.5) by Lilian Watts to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of A Cue to a Kill (Stage Door #2.5) by Lilian Watts.

I like reading cozy mysteries and A Cue to a Kill (Stage Door #2.5) by Lilian Watts was an enjoyable cozy mystery to read. I liked the setting taking place in a theater and that the characters were part of the cast and crew of a theater company. I, however, was able to figure out whodunnit early on, so that was a bit of a buzzkill.

The following is a plot summary for A Cue to a Kill (Stage Door #2.5) by Lilian Watts from Amazon:

The show must go on... but can it, when one of the actors has a cue to a kill?

Backstage at the last night performance of the murder-mystery play "Bone Chiller," a real life killer is stalking the corridors of the theater.

The Goose Meadow Bay Players' Halloween production has been declared an artistic success by enthralled audiences, but onstage and backstage the cast and crew are just a little bit bored.

On the last night, one of the actors has a great idea to liven things up and everything seems harmless enough, but then an attempt is made on one actor's life. Not long after that, another goes missing.

With the audience's laughter ringing in their ears, the cast are more intent on stardom than finding the potential murderer lurking amongst them. Can Kath keep the show running, the cast safe and make sure the killer sticks to the script?

This is a cozy mystery short read in the Stage Door series.

I am giving A Cue to a Kill (Stage Door #2.5) by Lilian Watts a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Black Eyed Susie by Kristen Mae

eBook Short Story

Black Eyed Susie by Kristen Mae is a short story that is approximately 32 pages in length. This is the first thing I've read written by author Kristen Mae.

I was able to download Black Eyed Susie by Kristen Mae to my Kindle for Free from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of Black Eyed Susie by Kristen Mae.

Black Eyed Susie by Kristen Mae is a decent read as it is suspenseful. I enjoyed the plot twist for Black Eyed Susie... One person taking justice into their own hands is the best way to describe this short story.

The following is a plot summary for Black Eyed Susie by Kristen Mae from Amazon:

“Dark and gritty and bloody and awesome. But you have to read to the end.” - Meghan O’Flynn, author of the Ash Park series

*A predator lurks...

She caught his attention right away with her blond angel curls, heart-shaped mouth, and huge black eyes. She’s young, but she’s mature for her age—someone he can confide in. Someone who doesn’t pester and nag and berate him. Someone who, with a webcam recording, will do any naughty thing he asks.

And now that her parents are out of town, she’s invited him for a visit.

He stands on her front porch ready to knock, knees shaking, heart pounding. He knows what he’s doing is against the law—that it’s wrong. But he won’t turn around. Because on the other side of that door, Susan is waiting. And she says she wants to make all his fantasies come true.
But what he doesn’t know is that when it comes to little Black-Eyed Susie, you’d better be careful what you wish for.

*Please note that all characters in this story are 18+

I am giving Black Eyed Susie by Kristen Mae a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Little Free Library in Livermore, California

Yippee!! Yesterday evening, my husband and I visited our seventh Little Free Library this year in Livermore, California.

I really enjoy visiting Little Free Libraries and have fun going out of my way to find ones that I have yet to visit. I love the idea of sharing books with other readers. I always find it fun to see which new book or books are waiting for me to read at the Little Free Libraries I visit. 

I left a copy of the novel, The First Wife, for the next reader to find and grabbed a copy of the novel, The Nest, for myself at the Little Free Library we found in Livermore, California.

I also register the books I leave behind at Little Free Libraries on Bookcrossing in hopes that the next reader will join Bookcrossing (if they aren't a member of Bookcrossing already) and that the reader will make a journal entry for the book letting me know their thoughts about the book once they've read it.

Until my next post, happy reading!

A Cocktail Literally Made With Old Books!!

I discovered an interesting article on Washingtonian's website titled, Columbia Room Has a Cocktail Literally Made With Old Books by Jessica Sidman. In the article, Jessica Sidman wrote the following:

To make the literary tincture, the bar staff collected a number of 100-year-old books. “I was trying to avoid getting anything too iconic. It probably would have been interesting to do Proust,” Fetherston says, but he felt conflicted about destroying a great piece of literature. (He doesn’t remember the titles of the books used.) 

The pages were vacuum-sealed with grapeseed oil, then the infusion was fat-washed with a neutral high-proof spirit. 

The result? “It has that musty, fusty old library quality to it,” Fetherston says. And strangely, it tastes like duck fat, too.

The old books are combined with Armagnac, vintage PX sherry, a porcini cordial, and eucalyptus to create a sweet dessert drink with a “savory edge.” The cocktail is served in a flask that’s placed inside a hollowed-out book. It’s paired with a chocolate shiso leaf.

I don't think this particular cocktail made from old books sounds very appealing to me. I wouldn't drink it. What are your thoughts? Would you drink this unique cocktail?

Murder at the Manor by C. T. Mitchell

Cozy Mystery Short Story

Murder at the Manor by C. T. Mitchell is a 32 page cozy mystery short story written by a new to me author.

I was able to download Murder at the Manor by C. T. Mitchell to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of Murder at the Manor by C. T. Mitchell.

I didn't enjoy reading Murder at the Manor by C. T. Mitchell at all. The characters and the story were deplorable! Ugh, I couldn't believe the interactions between characters... Let alone how the story's outcome and ending turned out. I'm so glad I received this short story for free and that it was a short read. I do not plan to read any of the other books in the series.

The following is a plot summary for Murder at the Manor by C. T. Mitchell from Amazon:

Former UK British army Major, Digby Roberts, is found dead; poisoned during a birthday celebration given for his adopted daughter Natasha at his prestigious luxury manor on the outskirts of Bangalow, a sleepy country village in northern New South Wales, Australia.

Detective Tom Sullivan is called to investigate and is surprised to find Lady Margaret Turnbull already on the scene. He knows that she is way ahead on solving this murder mystery; much to his annoyance. Former UK resident Lady Margaret, the proud owner of Lawler's Loft, the region's finest bed and breakfast guesthouse, is also considered to be the village busy body and part time amateur sleuth. Together they work well.

"Poisoning is not random. It's a private, personal affair" is Maggies line of thought as this woman sleuth sorts her way through a myriad of suspects including a neglected, subservient wife, a drunkard bother in law and an over protective boyfriend - all with secrets to hide - making this crime fiction women sleuth novella even more captivating.

In his latest international cozy mysteries series, mystery novel Australian crime fiction author C T Mitchell serves up another feast of twists and turns that will keep you guessing right to the end. You won't pick the ending in this amateur sleuth murder mystery - in fact it will surprise you!

I am giving Murder at the Manor by C. T. Mitchell a rating of 1 star out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Snow by Howard Odentz

Horror Short Story

Snow by Howard Odentz is a short story 34 pages in length.

I was able to download a copy of Snow by Howard Odentz to my Kindle for Free from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of Snow by Howard Odentz. 

I enjoyed reading Howard Odentz's writing! Especially the dialogue between the three main characters and the sense of panic and urgency created in various scenes within Snow. The ending of Snow by Howard Odentz has an awesome plot twist that was certainly unexpected and don't want to spoil for those of you that have yet to read this short story.

The following is a plot summary for Snow by Howard Odentz from Amazon:

Words to live by: Never steal from a drunk in the woods.

An epic and sudden blizzard is blanketing Mount Tom Regional High School . . . in October. A dangerous man is stalking the hallways, and three teens harbor a secret that may get everyone killed if they don't figure out how to stop the snow and the rampage.

Epic Award nominated author Howard Odentz is the author of the Dead (A Lot) Trilogy (zombie apocalypse), the stand-alone horror novel Bloody Bloody Apple, and the short story collection Little Killers A to Z. 

I am giving Snow by Howard Odentz a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

The Mercenary by Jone Brown

eBook Short Story

The Mercenary by Jone Brown is an erotica short story approximately 18 pages in length.

I was able to download The Mercenary by Jone Brown to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon some time ago, but for some reason I am no longer able to find this short story on Amazon's website!

Below is my unbiased review of The Mercenary by Jone Brown.

This short story was bad, really bad story/plot wise. There was potential for The Mercenary by Jone Brown to be a good read, but the author chose to make it primarily all about 'insta-connection' and rough sex between the two main characters. The way in which the main characters interacted seemed all wrong, especially Sarah's character. Sarah is portrayed as a good girl in her 20s who is still a virgin and the daughter of a US Senator. She wants to lose her virginity and doesn't seem to care with whom she hooks up to lose her virginity... A goodie two shoes just doesn't rush off with some guy she just met and barely interacted with at bar to have sex with, especially if she's a senator's daughter and might be kidnapped for ransom. So, long story short, Sarah's actions in The Mercenary seemed fake for what a real person would do. 

And why does every man in an erotica story have to have a ginormous penis and be a pro in bed?? Get real writers! 

I also thought the sex scenes between Hunter and Sarah were too rough for a virgin. And no talk of using condoms during sex between two strangers occurred either.

Let's just say The Mercenary by Jone Brown left me cold.

The following is a plot summary for The Mercenary by Jone Brown from Goodreads:

Hunter was hired to make sure Sarah has an accident to send a message to her father. But Hunter can’t do it. What’s a mercenary to do when he can’t do his job?

I am giving The Mercenary by Jone Brown a rating of 1 star out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Maids of Misfortune (A Victorian San Francisco Mystery #1) by M. Louisa Locke

Unabridged Audio Version

I enjoyed listening to the unabridged audio version of Maids of Misfortune (A Victorian San Francisco Mystery #1) by M. Louisa Locke and narrated by Cynthia Wallace.

Listening time for Maids of Misfortune (A Victorian San Francisco Mystery #1) by M. Louisa Locke is 10 hours, 3 minutes.

I enjoyed M. Louisa Locke's writing very much. And living in San Francisco's East Bay area, it was fun to read a mystery novel set in Victorian San Francisco, California. I also enjoyed Cynthia Wallace's narration of Maids of Misfortune (A Victorian San Francisco Mystery #1).

I also enjoyed the characters and storyline for Maids of Misfortune (A Victorian San Francisco Mystery #1) by M. Louisa Locke as well. So, if you enjoy mysteries set in the Victoria era, then I think you'll enjoy this novel very much.

The following is a plot summary for Maids of Misfortune (A Victorian San Francisco Mystery #1) by M. Louisa Locke from Audible:

It's the summer of 1879, and Annie Fuller, a young San Francisco widow, is in trouble. Annie's husband squandered her fortune before committing suicide five years earlier, and to pay off a debt, one of his creditors is now threatening to take the boardinghouse she owns.

Annie Fuller also has a secret. She supplements her income by giving domestic and business advice as Madam Sibyl, one of San Francisco's most exclusive clairvoyants, and one of her clients, Matthew Voss, has died. The police believe his death was suicide brought about by bankruptcy, but Annie believes Voss has been murdered and that his assets have been stolen.

Nate Dawson has a problem. As the Voss family lawyer, he would love to believe that Matthew Voss didn't leave his grieving family destitute. But that would mean working with Annie Fuller, a woman who alternatively attracts and infuriates him as she shatters every notion he ever had of proper ladylike behavior.

Sparks fly as Anne and Nate pursue the truth about the murder of Matthew Voss in this light-hearted historical mystery set in the foggy gas-lit world of Victorian San Francisco.

I am giving Maids of Misfortune (A Victorian San Francisco Mystery #1) by M. Louisa Locke a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars. I look forward to reading or listening to the remaining books in the A 'Victorian San Francisco Mystery' series.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

To Catch A Killer by Amelia Wilson

Paranormal Mystery/Romance

To Catch A Killer by Amelia Wilson is a paranormal mystery and romance novella approximately 58 pages in length.

I was able to download To Catch A Killer by Amelia Wilson to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of To Catch A Killer by Amelia Wilson.

First the cover of this novel caught my attention right away! I also loved the title and premise of To Catch A Killer by Amelia Wilson. Also, the thought of a ghost helping to solve his own murder, along with the start of a romance sounded like a fun read to me.

However, Amelia Wilson's writing just didn't do it for me. The plot and characters weren't that engaging... I simply wasn't that riveted by To Catch A Killer by Amelia Wilson.
The following is plot summary for To Catch A Killer by Amelia Wilson from Amazon:

Can a ghost solve his own murder?

Detective Anya White is being haunted. Her dead partner, Rob, is pushing her to solve his murder, and he won’t let her rest. She has to finish his unfinished business… and it’s starting to look like part of that business is putting her in the path of the new detective in town. Does Rob want her to catch his killer, or does he just want Anya to stop being lonely? Time will tell…

I am giving To Catch A Killer by Amelia Wilson a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

A Friend In Love by Amelia Wilson

Paranormal Romance Novella

A Friend In Love by Amelia Wilson is a paranormal romance novella approximately 109 pages in length. 

I was able to download the ebook edition of A Friend In Love by Amelia Wilson to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of A Friend In Love by Amelia Wilson.

This was not the typical vampire read I am use to reading, but that didn't make A Friend In Love by Amelia Wilson a captivating read for me. I'm all for paranormal romances filled with action and drama that are a bit different or unique, but Amelia Wilson's writing just doesn't do it for me. The plot and characters weren't that engaging... I just wasn't that riveted by A Friend In Love by Amelia Wilson.

Below is the plot summary for A Friend In Love by Amelia Wilson from Amazon:

Unfortunately for her, this was not meant to happen.

Yarra Davis was a normal college girl who wanted what everyone else wanted too; a comfortable future, a loving partner and a quiet life. She is gifted with the power so many people crave – the ability to see into the future.

When she meets a mysterious man with mysterious circumstances during a blind date, she gets a vision that he would kill her one day. But, it does not matter to Yarra, for she finds herself falling in love with this man. Nothing would have prepared her for the fact that her future lover is indeed, a vampire.

Yarra is faced with a difficult choice. To stay with him is to risk losing her life, but to stay away is the parallel of living a life without pleasure.

Which would Yarra decide? How would an Oracle and Vampire make their relationship endure, when everyone else is expecting them to fail?

I am giving A Friend In Love by Amelia Wilson a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Ghosts of Tsavo by Vered Ehsani

Unabridged Audio Version

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Ghosts of Tsavo by Vered Ehsani and narrated by Alison Larkin.

Listening time for Ghosts of Tsavo by Vered Ehsani is 6 hours, 33 minutes.

The Ghosts of Tsavo by Vered Ehsani makes for interesting reading. It combines the paranormal, with African myth, and Victorian sensibilities.

I enjoyed listening to the Ghosts of Tsavo by Vered Ehsani. I liked the leading character of Beatrice Knight very much... She's very witty and a very fun leading character. I also enjoyed the storyline of Ghosts of Tsavo.

The following is a plot summary for Ghosts of Tsavo by Vered Ehsani from Audible:

Where African myth meets Victorian manners 

Armed with Victorian etiquette, a fully loaded walking stick, and a dead husband, Beatrice Knight arrives in colonial Kenya desperate for a pot of tea and a pinch of cinnamon. But she'll need more than that if she's to unravel the mystery of the Ghosts of Tsavo without being eaten in the process. All this while surviving the machinations of her best friend's dashing godfather and the efforts of her safari guide to feed her to any lion willing to drag her away. What is a ghost-chasing widow to do?

Ghosts of Tsavo is the first case in Society for Paranormals, in which a paranormal detective refuses to let danger, death, and unwanted suitors inconvenience her in colonial Kenya. Welcome to a cozy mystery series concerning Victorian etiquette, African mythology, and the search for a perfect spot of tea. If you enjoy historical mysteries, adore Victorian steampunk, appreciate British humor, or would love to experience adventure in colonial Africa, download Ghosts of Tsavo to start your supernatural safari today.

I am giving Ghosts of Tsavo by Vered Ehsani a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Calling all Goodreads Members... Check Out These 12 Goodreads Hacks!

I've been a member of Goodreads for about 2.5 years and I have yet to fully explore and utilize the site.

So, when I discovered an article on Bustle's website titled, 12 Goodreads Hacks That Will Totally Change The Way You Use The Site by Emma Oulton, I looked forward to discovering the different hacks mentioned. 

In the article, Emma Oulton wrote:

If you're a bookworm with an extensive TBR that you can't keep track of, or if you can't read a book without checking the reviews first — then I'm guessing you've already discovered the bookish wonders of Goodreads. The bookish social media site is the go-to place for book-lovers to mark the books they'd like to read, as well as to rate and review books they've finished — but it also does so much more than that. With these twelve Goodreads hacks, your reading experience might be about to change forever. 

Once you've learned these handy little tricks, Goodreads will transform from just a place to record your reading journey into a vibrant social community, bursting with personalized recommendations just for you. Goodreads can interact with your home bookshelf, and it can give you information about your local library. Thanks to these sneaky Goodreads hacks, you can even get some of the most exciting new releases seriously reduced, or you might even be able to nab them for free. You can chat to your favorite authors. You can push yourself to new reading heights. It's every book-lover's dream — and a ton of users have no idea that these features even exist.

So, what are you waiting for??? Click the very top link and see all 12 Goodreads hacks!

Heartbeats by Lucia Jordon

Erotica Short Story

Heartbeats is the third short story I've read by Lucia Jordon. Hearbeats is approximately 61 pages in length.

I was able to download Heartbeats by Lucia Jordon to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of Heartbeats by Lucia Jordon.

I didn't like Heartbeats by Lucia Jordon. The actions and thoughts of the main characters, Noelle, Rolan, and Ryce,  seemed so fake and unbelievable throughout this entire short story. 

Although the ending of Heartbeats by Lucia Jordon, was unexpected, I didn't like it because it was a cliffhanger ending. So, if you want to know more, then guess what?? You'll have to buy the rest of series, which I am not planning on doing.

The following is a plot summary for Heartbeats by Lucia Jordon from Amazon:

Here is the first book of the ‘Heartbeats’ Series, a seriously hot and provocative romance by Lucia Jordan, written in her signature style of high passion with searing depictions of sex and emotion.

Noelle had always secretly been attracted to her hunky twin neighbors Rolan and Ryce. But she’d had a boyfriend while the twin brothers always seemed to have hot, willing women in and out of their door.

When Noelle catches her boyfriend cheating it leaves her vulnerable and in need of picking up. She lets the brothers invite her for dinner at their place, never knowing she’d be tempted to finally give in to her fantasies to be claimed by the two hottest men she’d ever come across. Would they give her the double-layered satisfaction she craved or will they think she wasn’t ready to handle their special brand of passion?

This ebook contains very hot and explicit descriptions of romantic activity. Only mature readers should download this book.

I am giving Heartbeats by Lucia Jordon a rating of 1 star out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Whipped by Lucia Jordan

Erotic Short Story

Whipped is the second short story I've read by Lucia Jordan. Whipped is approximately 35 pages in length.

I was able to download Whipped by Lucia Jordan to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon. 

Below is my honest, unbiased review of Whipped by Lucia Jordan.

Whipped by Lucia Jordan was not that great of a short story to me. It is the first in a series and has a cliffhanger ending. I am not a huge fan of cliffhanger endings. 

I also didn't like the instalove between Avery and Burke. Additionally, Margot, Avery's boss, is a complete BITCH and rude to boot. How Avery put up with Margot for so long is beyond me. The entire sub/dom role thing isn't my style either.

The Following is a plot summary for Whipped by Lucia Jordan from Amazon:

Avery Martin’s life screeched to a halt ten years ago when a drunk driver killed her parents, and any hope she had for a normal life disappeared. Now all she has to show for her life is a dead-end job in an antiques store owned by Margot, Avery’s boss that treats her like a slave. She has no idea who she is or what she wants, she just knows something – or someone – is missing from her life.

Burke Stone instantly fell for Avery Martin when he first saw her at the courtroom on the day of his stepbrother’s trial nine years ago. Even through her grief, she was the most demure young lady he’d ever seen, a perfect mix of sensuality and innocence. So when Burke walks into the store where Avery works she has no idea who he is - all she knows is she’s completely entranced by the mysterious stranger’s charm and seductive good looks.

But as the passion starts to intensify, Avery begins to discover the man of her dreams is no stranger at all. Will Avery be able to overcome the tragedy of her past to create a future with Burke?

I am giving Whipped by Lucia Jordan a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

The Housewife Assassin's Handbook (The Housewife Assassin #1) by Josie Brown

Unabridged Audio Version 

I enjoyed listening to the unabridged audio version of The Housewife Assassin's Handbook (The Housewife Assassin #1) by Josie Brown and narrated by Melissa Moran from Audible.

Listening time for The Housewife Assassin's Handbook (The Housewife Assassin #1) by Josie Brown is 5 hours, 59 minutes.

Melissa Moran is an excellent narrator for The Housewife Assassin's Handbook (The Housewife Assassin #1) by Josie Brown.

I enjoyed listening to this audiobook. It's funny and engaging. I liked the story and the plot as well as the characters. If you're looking for a fun read, then The Housewife Assassin's Handbook (The Housewife Assassin #1) by Josie Brown for you.

The following is a plot summary for The Housewife Assassin's Handbook (The Housewife Assassin #1) by Josie Brown from Audible:

Every desperate housewife wants an alias. Donna Stone has one - and it happens to be government-sanctioned.

But Donna earned it the hard way: Her husband was killed the day she delivered their third child.

To avenge her husband's murder, Donna leads a secret life as an assassin.

But espionage makes for strange bedfellows, and brings new meaning to that old adage, "Honey, I'm home...."

I am giving The Housewife Assassin's Handbook (The Housewife Assassin #1) by Josie Brown a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Little Free Library in Lodi, California, USA

Yesterday on Easter, my hubby and I spent the afternoon and evening with family in Lodi, California. 

During our visit, I discovered a Little Free Library in town. I didn't see any books I wanted to add to my collection, so I happily left a novel at this particular Little Free Library for another lucky reader to find.

The cool thing is that this particular Little Free Library was close to my mother's childhood home, so I was able to make a visit to see the home where she grew up!

The Belmont Hotel, Room Service by Pauline Allan

Erotica Short Story

The Belmont Hotel, Room Service by Pauline Allan is an erotica short story approximately 29 pages in length.

I download The Belmont Hotel, Room Service by Pauline Allan to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of The Belmont Hotel, Room Service by Pauline Allan.

The best part of The Belmont Hotel, Room Service by Pauline Allan was its cover. There's nothing like looking at a man with a hot body! Otherwise, The Belmont Hotel, Room Service, was not a short story I enjoyed reading. I didn't realize this was male/male erotic short story when I downloaded it and I am not into male/male erotic fiction. 

Plus, The Belmont Hotel, Room Service by Pauline Allan seemed like purely a sexual read with any plot scenarios between sex scenes a set up for the next sexual encounter. The sex scenes were bad/lame and I was tired of reading the same tired/cheesy one liner repeated again and a again. This was not my kind of read.

I am giving The Belmont Hotel, Room Service by Pauline Allan a rating of 1 star out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Kiss and Tell by Monica Corwin

Erotica, Romance Novella

Kiss and Tell by Monica Corwin is an erotica, romance novella that is approximately 77 pages in length.

I was about to download Kiss and Tell by Monica Corwin for FREE to my Kindle from Amazon. 

Below is my honest, unbiased review of Kiss and Tell by Monica Corwin.

I didn't like the main character of Tonya McGregor... I thought she was too entitled/spoiled. I just didn't quite understand fully why she was such a bitch to her boyfriend, Jeremy Brandt... He seemed like a nice enough guy. But, Tonya McGregor is tired of him and cheats on him only to have it come back to haunt her when she gets blackmailed!

Also, the drama between Jeremy and Tonya gets old quickly. They end up treating each other badly throughout Kiss and Tell, saying that their romance/relationship is over repeatedly, only to get together in a cheesy, predictable manner by the end of this novella.

The following is a plot summary for Kiss and Tell by Monica Corwin from Amazon:

In a world of one night stands and friends with benefits, Tony is ready to experience all life has to offer, if only Jeremy could allow her to forget his hands, his mouth, and his proposal.

Tonya McGregor has everything a girl could want except...a man. Well, she has a man, just not one she wants. Transferred overseas to her international office, her father intends to teach her about the market. Instead of learning the lay of the land, she starts learning the men, including her sexy ex across the hall. On the advice of her best friend, Tonya takes a more active role in her love life, effectively ruining it for good.

Jeremy Brandt left New York City to get away from the rejection, the pain, and humiliation of falling for the boss's daughter. Self imposed exile in South Korea turns distracting once Tonya sweeps into the Seoul office. Sleepless nights and long days spent between Tony's thighs ignite emotions Jeremy thought he buried long ago.

The mistake of a lifetime throws Tonya back into Jeremy's arms and each day that passes they drive closer to finally holding on to something real or losing it forever.

I am giving Kiss and Tell by Monica Corwin a rating of 1 star out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

A Fond Kiss by Meredith R. Stoddard

Historical Romance Short Story

A Fond Kiss by Meredith R. Stoddard is a historical romance short story approximately 44 pages in length.

I was able to download A Fond Kiss by Meredith R. Stoddard for FREE to my Kindle from Amazon. 

Below is my honest, unbiased review of A Fond Kiss by Meredith R. Stoddard.

Usually, I enjoy historical romances as they can be sweet and charming. However, I thought that A Fond Kiss by Meredith R. Stoddard was very bland, boring, and predictable short story. It's a very forgettable read. I don't have plans to further explore any of the author's other works.

Below is the plot summary  for A Fond Kiss by Meredith R. Stoddard from Amazon:

When Charles French of Berkely, Massachussetts accepted a position in North Carolina, he thought he would save enough money to fund his law studies. He would spend two years tutoring Dr. James Manney's children and then return north for a clerkship. He had not expected to fall in love with the daughter of his employer. Over the course of his two years in the Manney house Charles realizes that the future he wants to build has to include her.

Nancy Manney is the bright, bookish daughter of one of Beaufort's most prominent families who longs to experience the world outside their small seaside town. She finds a kindred spirit in the adventurous young family tutor. They keep their love a secret from her family and plan marry when Charles becomes a lawyer. The only thing standing in their way is her father's pride and determination that she marry into one of the state's leading families. As Charles leaves for his clerkship their love comes up against the wall of Dr. Manney's plans for Nancy setting off a battle of wills that spans decades.

I am giving A Fond Kiss by Meredith R. Stoddard a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Dominated By His Ghostly Touch by Alexx Andria

Erotica Short Story

I read Dominated By His Ghostly Touch by Alexx Andria, a paranormal, erotica short story earlier this month.

I was able to download Dominated By His Ghostly Touch by Alexx Andria for FREE to my Kindle from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of Dominated By His Ghostly Touch by Alexx Andria.

Ugh, Dominated By His Ghostly Touch by Alexx Andria wasn't a good read for me at all. Thank goodness it was FREE and a short story, so I didn't invest any money or a lot of time reading this one. 

Essentially, the leading character, Elizabeth Kyle is a hotel manager hired to turn around the failing Holt House historic mansion that is haunted by the ghost of the former owner who was something of a playboy. Ms. Kyle doesn't believe in ghosts... Until her first night at the Holt House! 

Ms. Kyle does encounter the ghostly figure of Mr. Holt who is a very horny ghost. Mr. Holt is very raunchy both verbally and physically dominating Ms. Kyle sexually.... I thought Mr. Holt's behavior was borderline rape, but Ms. Kyle seems to love Mr. Holt's aggressive sexual style and being called 'a whore', which I found to be appalling.

The following is a plot summary for Dominated By His Ghostly Touch by Alexx Andria from Amazon:

An erotic paranormal short story between an ambitious hotel manager out to make a name for herself and a devilish ghost who has a thing for the ladies...whether they're willing or not! 

ELIZABETH KYLE DOESN'T BELIEVE IN GHOSTS... 

Jumping at the chance to turn around a failing bed and breakfast at a historic gothic mansion, Elizabeth is ready for the challenge. As for the rumors that the mansion is haunted? Rubbish. 

BUT ONE NIGHT CHANGES EVERYTHING. 

On her first night alone in the big house, Elizabeth discovers there is indeed a ghost in Holt House and he has quite the carnal appetite -- one he plans to sate with her lovely body.

I am giving Dominated By His Ghostly Touch by Alexx Andria a rating of 1 star out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!