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RC 2019: Finishing the Series

2019-FTS-Button-Border.jpg
 

From Celebrity Readers:

We’re back for another year!!  This challenge is focused on finally finishing those series that you’ve started but not yet completed.  It was previously hosted by Bea’s Book Nook, but we’ve been hosting it since 2018.

Guidelines:

While we’re pretty lax about how you wish to set up this challenge for yourself, we do have a few guidelines to follow.

  • The challenge will run from January 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2019.  Books must be read during this time frame to count.  Sign up is open from now until December 1st, 2019, so you may join even just for the last month of the year.

  • Series can be already completed as well as still ongoing.  For ongoing series, the goal is to catch up to the most recent book published by the end of 2019.

  • We don’t care if you have only 1 book or 10 books to read in order to finish your series, as long as you’ve started the series before 2019 (ie read at least one book in the series), it counts.  Re-reads are not required.

  • Any format and length of book counts – print, ebook, audio, ARC, etc.

  • Series can be any length (even if it’s just a Duet).

  • Crossovers from other challenges are totally acceptable!

  • Reviews are not required, but highly encouraged.

How to Play:

  • Declare your intentions to participate in this challenge somewhere on the internet!!  You do not need to be a blogger to participate, there are many ways to declare.  You could write a blog post, create a reading challenge page, create a Goodreads shelf containing series you hope to finish, post about it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.

  • Some things you could include (but that aren’t required):

    • A link to this page so that others may find us and join the fun as well (feel free to download the button at the top to use in your posts).

    • A list of series you hope to read for this challenge.  You could even get fancy and list the length of the series, or the books you’ve already read, etc.

    • The level you are aiming for.

  • Sign up for the challenge using the link up below, and link directly to where you’ve declared your intentions (ie to the specific blog post, the goodreads shelf, the facebook post, etc).

  • We will be posting monthly link ups for you to add links to your reviews or any wrap-up/overview posts you wish to share.

  • Go forth and READ!!  And have fun!!

  • Use the hashtag #FinishingTheSeries2019 on any social media to keep up with other participants!

The Reward:

Uh…your own sense of pride in achieving a goal?  Sorry folks, we’re not actually that motivated by prizes ourselves, so we’re just offering bragging rights.  But we can offer you some pretty graphics to either declare your goal or to use as a badge once achieved!

The Levels:

We offer you 3 different “Celebrity” levels of achievement for this reading challenge.

I’m going to try this challenge again and go for the B-List Series Finisher of 5-8 series.

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tags: Finishing the Series
categories: Reading Challenges
Tuesday 01.08.19
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

2018 Reading Challenge Roundup - Failed

Not too many challenges left uncompleted this year. I’m very happy with my progress.

Perpetual Reading Lists Challenge
Goal: 28/30 books 93.3%

  1. The Origin of Satan by Elaine Pagels (1/12/18)

  2. Arabian Nights (1/19/18)

  3. Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning (3/17/18)

  4. The Dark Tower by Stephen King (1/25/18)

  5. The History of Love by Nicola Krauss (3/16/18)

  6. Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen (7/31/18)

  7. Ramses 2 by Anne Rice (3/7/18)

  8. Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (2/7/18)

  9. The Selection by Kiera Cass (6/6/18)

  10. For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund (5/26/18)

  11. Alice in Zombieland by Gina Showalter (4/20/18)

  12. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins (2/9/18)

  13. The Great Halifax Explosion by John Bacon (4/7/18)

  14. Bachelor Nation by Amy Kaufman (4/13/18)

  15. The Radium Girls by Kate Moore (4/27/18)

  16. Across a Star-Swept Sea by Diana Peterfreund (6/15/18)

  17. A History of the Wife by Margaret Yalom (6/24/18)

  18. The Last Castle by Denise Kiernan (6/26/18)

  19. College Girls by Lynn Peril (8/28/18)

  20. Pox Americana by Elizabeth Fenn (9/8/18)

  21. Cocktails Across America by Diane Lapis and Anne Davis-Peck (9/11/18)

  22. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer (10/23/18)

  23. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde (9/29/18)

  24. Dracula by Bram Stoker (10/24/18)

  25. Looking for Alaska by John Green (12/12/18)

  26. Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (11/24/18)

  27. The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken (12/7/18)

  28. Nimona by Noelle Stevenson (11/27/18)

  29. TBD

  30. TBD

TBR Pile 2018.jpg

TBR Pile
Goal: 9/12 Books 66.7%

  1. Nefertiti by Michelle Moran (1/23/18)

  2. The Bostonians by Henry James (1/30/18)

  3. Their Eyes were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston (9/12/18)

  4. The Dress Lodger by Sheri Holman (5/4/18)

  5. School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins (DNF)

  6. Parasite by Mira Grant (6/20/18)

  7. The Rose Labyrinth by Titania Hardie (DNF)

  8. Birthmarked by Carah O'Brien (5/23/18)

  9. A Poisoned Season by Tasha Alexander

  10. Stealing Fire by Jo Graham

  11. The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant (3/21/18)

  12. Little Bee by Chris Cleave (8/24/18)

  13. The Firemaster's Mistress by Christie Dickason

  14. An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin (10/20/18)

Reading Assignment 2018.jpg

Reading Assignment
Goal: 11/12 Books  91.7%

  1. January - Arabian Nights (1/19/18)

  2. February - Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (2/7/18)

  3. March - Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning (3/17/18)

  4. April - The Words We Live By by Linda Monk

  5. May - Anne of Avonlea by Lucy Maud Montgomery (5/30/18)

  6. June - A History of the Wife by Marilyn Yalom (6/24/18)

  7. July - How to Fall in love with a Man Who Lives in a Bush by Emmy Abrahamson (7/31/18)

  8. August - The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert (8/25/18)

  9. September - The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde (9/29/18)

  10. October - Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant (10/31/18)

  11. November - The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan (11/20/18)

  12. December - Strange Weather by Joe Hill (12/22/18)

Series 2018.jpg

Finishing the Series
Goal: 6/10 Series 60%

  1. Chronicles of St. Mary's by Jodi Taylor

    • #5 No Time Like the Past (1/16/18)

    • #6 What Could Possibly Go Wrong (10/6/18)

    • #6.5 Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings (10/9/18)

    • #7 Lies, Damned Lies, and History (11/13/18)

    • #7.5 The Great St. Mary's Day Out (11/17/18)

    • #7.6 My Name is Markham (11/28/18)

    • #8 And the Rest is History

    • #8.5 A Perfect Storm

    • #8.6 Christmas Past

    • #9 An Argumentation of Historians

  2. Witchcraft Mystery by Juliet Blackwell ✓

    • #6.5 A Haunting is Brewing (1/24/18)

    • #7 Spellcasting in Silk (1/26/18)

    • #8 A Toxic Trousseau (2/9/18)

    • #9 A Magical Match (11/14/18)

  3. Fairwick Chronicles by Juliet Dark ✓

    • #3 The Stone Angel (2/4/18)

  4. Bedwyn Saga by Mary Balogh ✓

    • #0.2 A Summer to Remember (3/10/18)

    • #1 Slightly Married (4/25/18)

    • #2 Slightly Wicked (4/25/18)

    • #3 Slightly Scandalous (4/25/18)

    • #4 Slightly Tempted (5/16/18)

    • #5 Slightly Sinful (5/16/18)

    • #6 Slightly Dangerous (5/16/18)

  5. Cemetery of Forgotten Books by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

    • #2 The Angel's Game

    • #3 The Prisoner of Heaven

  6. Strain by Guillermo del Toro

    • #2 The Fall

    • #3 The Night Eternal

  7. Ramses the Damned by Anne Rice ✓

    • #2 The Passion of Cleopatra (3/7/18)

  8. Hex Hall ✓

    • #1 Hex Hall (2/9/18)

    • #2 Demonglass (3/8/18)

    • #3 Spell Bound (3/14/18)

  9. The Glamourist by Mary Robinette Kowal

    • #1 Shades of Milk and Honey (2/26/18)

    • #2 Glamour in Glass (3/30/18)

    • #3 Without a Summer

    • #4 Valour and Vaniety

    • #5 Of Noble Family

  10. Edwardian Brides by Carrie Turansky ✓

    • #1 The Governess of Highland Hall (1/8/18)

    • #2 The Daughter of Highland Hall (1/9/18)

    • #3 A Refuge at Highland Hall (1/10/18)

Seasonal Series Summer
(June 21st - September 21st)
Goal: 24/25 Books 96%

1. Read a book from a fantasy series - Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire (7/20/18)
2. Read a book while drinking a cool drink - The Anomaly by Michael Rutger (6/29/18)
3. Read a book from a really hyped series - Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire (7/21/18)
4. Read a book with yellow on the cover - Give Up the Ghost by Juliet Blackwell (7/18/18)
5. Read while eating ice cream - Emily and the Dark Angel by Jo Beverley (8/15/18)
6. Read a book that's set in summer - The Stolen Bride by Jo Beverley (8/10/18)
7. Read a book from a YA series - Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco (8/14/18)
8. Read while having a picnic - Keeper of the Castle by Juliet Blackwell (6/28/18)
9. Read a book with LGBT+ characters - Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire (7/14/18)
10. re-read a favorite book
11. Read a book that has blue on the cover - Symbiont by Mira Grant (7/4/18)
12. Read a book from a series that has four or more books - The Heir by Kiera Cass (6/23/18)
13. Free Space: read any book of a series - Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen (9/15/18)
14. Read a book while eating fruit - Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan (8/26/18)
15. Read a book that you're sure you'll love - A Ghostly Light by Juliet Blackwell (7/25/18)
16. Read a book where someone travels -The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert (8/25/18)
17. Read a book while on the go - Smoke and Iron by Rachel Caine (8/4/18)
18. Read a book from a contemporary series - Flirting with Forever by Gwyn Cready (9/13/18)
19. Read by a pool/ sea/ lake... - How to Fall in Love with a Man Who Lives in a Bush by Emmy Abrahamson (8/8/18)
20. Read a book that features an OTP or great love story - The Crown by Kiera Cass (6/24/18)
21. Finish a trilogy - Chimera by Mira Grant (7/13/18)
22. Read a book during 24 hours - Happily Ever After by Kiera Cass (6/22/18)
23. Read a book someone recommended to you - Little Bee by Chris Cleave (8/24/18)
24. Read a book while wearing sunglasses - Dusk or Dark or Dawn or Day by Seanan McGuire (7/6/18)
25. Read a second book in a series - Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed by Jo Beverley (7/10/18)

Seasonal Series Spring
(March 20th - June 20th)
Goal: 22/25 Books 88%

1. Take a walk while listening to an audiobook - A Mad Zombie Party by Gena Showalter (6/4/18)
2. Read a book while drinking lemonade - Bachelor Nation by Amy Kaufman (4/13/18)
3. Read the first book in a series - If Walls Could Talk by Juliet Blackwell (4/4/18)
4. try to unhaul a book you've lost interest in
5. Read a book that's been on your shelves way too long - Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien (5/23/18)
6. Read with rain in the background -> real rain or sounds - NOS4A2 by Joe Hill (4/17/18)
7. Read a book with pink on the cover - Dead Bolt by Juliet Blackwell (4/6/18)
8. read a book from a middle grade series
9. Read a series with a new book coming out in 2018 - A Conspiracy in Belgravia by Sherry Thomas (6/3/18)
10. Read a book of a series where the parents of the MC aren't dead - The Selection by Kiera Cass (6/6/18)
11. Read a book with character growth - Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter (4/20/18)
12. Read a book while eating chocolate - Through the Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter (5/6/18)
13. Free Space: read any book of a series - For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund (5/26/18)
14. read a book where only the first book of a series is out
15. Read a book set in the real world - Parasite by Mira Grant (6/20/18)
16. Read a book with a spring colors on the cover - Home for the Haunting by Juliet Blackwell (6/16/18)
17. Finish a duology - Across a Star-Swept Sea by Diana Peterfreund (6/15/18)
18. Use a flower as a bookmark - The Dress Lodger by Sheri Holman (5/4/18)
19. Read a book with great friendship - The Queen of Zombie Hearts by Gena Showalter (5/18/18)
20. Read a second book in a series - Glamour in Glass by Mary Robinette Kowal (3/30/18)
21. Read a book while sitting outside - The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King (4/13/18)
22. Read a book that is (partly) set in spring - Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (5/29/18)
23. Read a book with green on the cover - Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery (5/30/18)
24. Read a book that includes an animal - Murder on the House by Juliet Blackwell (6/2/18)
25. Read a book under 300 pages - River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey (4/24/18)

tags: End of the Year, perpetual, TBR Pile, Reading Assignment, Finishing the Series, Seasonal Series Readathon
categories: Reading Challenges
Saturday 01.05.19
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

My Name is Markham by Jodi Taylor

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Title: My Name is Markham (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #7.6) 

Author: Jodi Taylor

Publisher: Accent Press 2016

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 51

Stars: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series; Seasonal Series - Free Space

Like a smaller and much scruffier Greta Garbo – finally – Markham speaks!

It’s Christmas and time for the first (and almost certainly last) St Mary’s Annual Children’s Christmas Party – attendance compulsory, by order of Dr Bairstow. Discovered practising his illegal reindeer dance and poo-dropping routine, our hero, along with fellow disaster-magnets Peterson and Maxwell, is despatched to Anglo-Saxon England to discover the truth about Alfred and the cakes.

In his own words, our hero reveals Major Guthrie’s six-point guide to a successful assignment and the Security Section’s true opinion of the History Department. And of historians in general. And of one historian in particular.

And, just to be clear, it is time travel, for God’s sake. Forget all that pretentious ‘investigating major historical events in contemporary time’ rubbish.

This is history without the capital ‘H’. Because this is the way the Security Section rolls!

Cute little short story from the St. Mary’s crew. I enjoyed the subject matter of this one and the fun comedy bit at the end involving the reindeer. I wasn’t as much of a fan of Markham narrating the story. I’ve gotten so used to Max’s voice that this one was a bit strange. Still love this series and pushing through to the next one!

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s:

  • #0.5 The Very First Damned Thing

  • #1 Just One Damned Thing After Another

  • #2 A Symphony of Echoes

  • #2.5 When A Child is Born

  • #3 A Second Chance

  • #3.5 Roman Holiday

  • #4 A Trail Through Time

  • #4.5 Christmas Present

  • #5 No Time Like the Past

  • #6 What Could Possibly Go Wrong

  • #6.5 Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings

  • #7 Lies, Damned Lies, and History

  • #7.5 The Great St. Mary’s Day Out

  • #7.6 My Name is Markham

  • #8 And the Rest is History

  • #8.5 A Perfect Storm

  • #9 The Long and Short of It

Series 2018.jpg
DYkQPpvX0AAd8zr.jpg

Next up on the TBR pile:

ne'er duke.jpg wedding people.jpg familiar.jpeg raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg grace year.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg maybe you should.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg wicked things.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Jodi Taylor, fantasy, science fiction, Finishing the Series, Seasonal Series Readathon, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 11.28.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Great St. Mary's Day Out by Jodi Taylor

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Title: The Great St. Mary’s Day Out (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #7.5) 

Author: Jodi Taylor

Publisher: Accent Press 2016

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 96

Stars: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series; Seasonal Series - Drinking Tea

Everyone deserves to get away for a bit. Even the miscreants at St Mary's. Astonishingly, Dr Bairstow has declared a holiday. Even more astonishingly - he's paying for it. Needless to say, there are strings attached. The trip is to record the 1601 performance of Hamlet, with Shakespeare himself in the role of the Ghost. It doesn't go well, of course. With Dr Bairstow and Mrs Mack turning a simple visit to a street market into a public brawl, Professor Rapson inadvertently stowing away on a vessel bound for the New World, and Shakespeare himself going up in flames, it would seem that Max, of all people, is the only one actually completing the assignment.

A fun short story where the various characters from St. Mary’s finally get to see Shakespeare! I loved the visit to The Globe and the hijinks that ensue. My favorite, once again, is Markham. I can’t wait to see what he gets into next time.

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s:

  • #0.5 The Very First Damned Thing

  • #1 Just One Damned Thing After Another

  • #2 A Symphony of Echoes

  • #2.5 When A Child is Born

  • #3 A Second Chance

  • #3.5 Roman Holiday

  • #4 A Trail Through Time

  • #4.5 Christmas Present

  • #5 No Time Like the Past

  • #6 What Could Possibly Go Wrong

  • #6.5 Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings

  • #7 Lies, Damned Lies, and History

  • #7.5 The Great St. Mary’s Day Out

  • #7.6 My Name is Markham

  • #8 And the Rest is History

  • #8.5 A Perfect Storm

  • #9 The Long and Short of It

DYkQPpvX0AAd8zr.jpg
Series 2018.jpg

Next up on the TBR pile:

ne'er duke.jpg wedding people.jpg familiar.jpeg raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg grace year.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg maybe you should.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg wicked things.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Jodi Taylor, fantasy, science fiction, Finishing the Series, Seasonal Series Readathon, 5 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 11.17.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

A Magical Match by Juliet Blackwell

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Title: A Magical Match (Witchcraft Mystery #9)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Berkley 2018

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 327

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series; Seasonal Series - Catch-up

Lily Ivory and her friends are planning a 1950s-themed brunch to benefit the local women's shelter. When a figure from her past shows up unannounced, threatening her unless she returns something that belonged to him, Lily's fiancé, Sailor, steps in to defend her. After the same man is found dead later that day, Sailor is the primary suspect. He swears he's innocent, but multiple witnesses ID him as the perpetrator of the assault. Lily vows to clear his name...only she's not sure where to start with the mounting evidence against him. 

Finally I got ahold of this latest Witchcraft Mystery volume! I was so excited to get back into Lily’s story and world. I really enjoyed this volume much more than the last one. I loved the murder mystery, but even more I loved the interactions between all our main characters. And we finally get to meet Graciela and Lily’s mother in this volume. So great! And the reveal of info at the end of the book has got me thinking about what’s coming next for our band of San Franciscans!

Witchcraft Mystery

  • #1 Secondhand Spirits

  • #2 A Cast Off Coven

  • #3 Hexes and Hemlines

  • #4 In a Witch's Wardrobe

  • #5 Tarnished and Torn

  • #6 A Vision in Velvet

  • #6.5 A Haunting is Brewing

  • #7 Spellcasting in Silk

  • #8 A Toxic Trousseau

  • #9 A Magical Match

Next up on the TBR pile:

ne'er duke.jpg wedding people.jpg familiar.jpeg raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg grace year.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg maybe you should.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg wicked things.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Juliet Blackwell, mystery, paranormal, Finishing the Series, Seasonal Series Readathon, 5 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 11.14.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Lies, Damned Lies, and History by Jodi Taylor

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Title: Lies, Damned Lies, and History (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #7) 

Author: Jodi Taylor

Publisher: Accent Press 2016

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 320

Stars: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series; Seasonal Series - Scares Me

At St Mary's Institute of Historical Research, the historians don't just study the past, they revisit it. Behind the strait-laced façade of a conventional academic institution, the secret of time travel has been discovered and is being used for ground-breaking and daring historical research. The series takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride through history: from the destruction of Pompeii to the trenches of the First World War; from the Great Fire of London to the burning of the library at Alexandria; from Bronze Age Troy to the time of the dinosaurs... Meanwhile, within at St Mary's itself, there are power struggles, romances and intrigues worthy of a book in themselves.

Another heartbreaking story from the wayward characters at St. Mary’s. I knew this one was going to have something big happen and I was not disappointed. I only got about 1/3 of the way into the book before I almost put it down in sadness. Thankfully I stuck with it and was rewarded with a great story of adventure and change. Oh and the big twist at the end was priceless. Love it!

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s:

  • #0.5 The Very First Damned Thing

  • #1 Just One Damned Thing After Another

  • #2 A Symphony of Echoes

  • #2.5 When A Child is Born

  • #3 A Second Chance

  • #3.5 Roman Holiday

  • #4 A Trail Through Time

  • #4.5 Christmas Present

  • #5 No Time Like the Past

  • #6 What Could Possibly Go Wrong

  • #6.5 Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings

  • #7 Lies, Damned Lies, and History

  • #7.5 The Great St. Mary’s Day Out

  • #7.6 My Name is Markham

  • #8 And the Rest is History

  • #8.5 A Perfect Storm

  • #9 The Long and Short of It

DYkQPpvX0AAd8zr.jpg
Series 2018.jpg

Next up on the TBR pile:

ne'er duke.jpg wedding people.jpg familiar.jpeg raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg grace year.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg maybe you should.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg wicked things.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Jodi Taylor, fantasy, science fiction, Finishing the Series, Seasonal Series Readathon, 5 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 11.13.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings by Jodi Taylor

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Title: Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #6.5) 

Author: Jodi Taylor

Publisher: Accent Press 2015

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 51

Stars: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Finishing the Series; Seasonal Series - Bonus Content

It's Christmas again at St Mary's and time for Max's obligatory illegal jump. On this occasion, however, they're right up against it. A loaded gun has been left behind in Ancient Egypt and it's up to St Mary's historians to retrieve it before someone accidentally blows their own head off, thus affecting the timeline for centuries to come. And as if that's not enough, Max has inadvertently poisoned Mr Markham. It's hot, they're running out of supplies, they can't find the gun, and it's all going horribly wrong. Again.

I so love these cute little short interlude stories featuring the crazy characters at St. Mary’s. This story is another fun Christmas-time adventure with a visit to ancient Egypt. I love every time Markham shows up to add to the fun.

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s:

  • #0.5 The Very First Damned Thing

  • #1 Just One Damned Thing After Another

  • #2 A Symphony of Echoes

  • #2.5 When A Child is Born

  • #3 A Second Chance

  • #3.5 Roman Holiday

  • #4 A Trail Through Time

  • #4.5 Christmas Present

  • #5 No Time Like the Past

  • #6 What Could Possibly Go Wrong

  • #6.5 Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings

  • #7 Lies, Damned Lies, and History

  • #7.5 The Great St. Mary’s Day Out

  • #7.6 My Name is Markham

  • #8 And the Rest is History

  • #8.5 A Perfect Storm

  • #9 The Long and Short of It

Next up on the TBR pile:

ne'er duke.jpg wedding people.jpg familiar.jpeg raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg grace year.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg maybe you should.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg wicked things.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Jodi Taylor, fantasy, science fiction, 5 stars, mount tbr, Finishing the Series, Seasonal Series Readathon
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 10.09.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

What Could Possibly Go Wrong? by Jodi Taylor

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Title: What Could Possibly Go Wrong? (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #6) 

Author: Jodi Taylor

Publisher: Accent Press 2015

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 300

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Finishing the Series; Seasonal Series - Science Fiction

Max is back! New husband, new job, and a training regime that cannot fail - to go wrong! Take one interim Chief Training Officer, add five recruits, mix with Joan of Arc, a baby mammoth, a duplicitous Father of History, a bombed rat, Stone Age hunters, a couple of passing policemen who should have better things to do, and Dick the Turd. Stir well, bring to the boil - and wait for the bang! Join Max in the sixth instalment in the off-the-wall Chronicles of St Mary's series.

Every time I started a Chronicles of St. Mary’s book, I’m expecting a light and fluffy story. They usually start that way and then Wham! something tragic happens. This volume was no exception. And the tragedies that occurred really hit me. Full of emotion. And yet, I loved every page of this book. I love continuing the adventures of Max and her band of misfits. Such a great series.

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s:

  • #0.5 The Very First Damned Thing

  • #1 Just One Damned Thing After Another

  • #2 A Symphony of Echoes

  • #2.5 When A Child is Born

  • #3 A Second Chance

  • #3.5 Roman Holiday

  • #4 A Trail Through Time

  • #4.5 Christmas Present

  • #5 No Time Like the Past

  • #6 What Could Possibly Go Wrong

  • #6.5 Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings

  • #7 Lies, Damned Lies, and History

  • #7.5 The Great St. Mary’s Day Out

  • #7.6 My Name is Markham

  • #8 And the Rest is History

  • #8.5 A Perfect Storm

  • #9 The Long and Short of It

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Next up on the TBR pile:

ne'er duke.jpg wedding people.jpg familiar.jpeg raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg grace year.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg maybe you should.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg wicked things.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Jodi Taylor, fantasy, science fiction, 5 stars, mount tbr, Finishing the Series, Seasonal Series Readathon
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 10.06.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Bedwyn Saga #4-6 by Mary Balogh

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Title: Slightly Tempted (Bedwyn Saga #4)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Dell 2003

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 384

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Finishing the Series 

Young. Ravishing. Exquisitely marriageable. From the moment he spies Lady Morgan Bedwyn across the glittering ballroom, Gervase Ashford, Earl of Rosthorn, knows he has found the perfect instrument of his revenge. But wedlock is not on the mind of the continent’s most notorious rake. Nor is it of interest to the fiercely independent Lady Morgan herself…until one night of shocking intimacy erupts in a scandal that could make Gervase’s vengeance all the sweeter. There is only one thing standing in his way: Morgan, who has achieved the impossible—she’s melted his coolly guarded heart. For Gervase, only the marriage bed will do, but Morgan simply will not have him. Thus begins a sizzling courtship where two wary hearts are about to be undone by the most scandalous passion of all: glorious, all-consuming love.

Eh. I wasn't the biggest fan of this volume. Morgan and Gervase's entire relationship had its issues. I just didn't love how everything played out.

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Title: Slightly Sinful (Bedwyn Saga #5)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Dell 2004

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 368

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Finishing the Series 

As the fires of war raged around him, Lord Alleyne Bedwyn was thrown from his horse and left for dead—only to awaken in the bedchamber of a ladies' brothel. Suddenly the dark, handsome diplomat has no memory of who he is or how he got there—yet of one thing he is certain: The angel who nurses him back to health is the woman he vows to make his own. But like him, Rachel York is not who she seems. A lovely young woman caught up in a desperate circumstance, she must devise a scheme to regain her stolen fortune. The dashing soldier she rescued from near-death could be her savior in disguise. There is just one condition: she must pose as his wife—a masquerade that will embroil them in a sinful scandal, where a man and a woman court impropriety with each daring step...with every taboo kiss that can turn passionate strangers into the truest of lovers.

Oh my. I really loved this one. Rachel and Alleyne were so much fun to follow. I loved every bit of their relationship. Definitely the winner of the series. 

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Title: Slightly Dangerous (Bedwyn Saga #6)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Delacorte 2004

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 400

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Finishing the Series 

All of London is abuzz over the imminent arrival of Wulfric Bedwyn, the reclusive, cold-as-ice Duke of Bewcastle, at the most glittering social event of the season. Some whisper of a tragic love affair. Others say he is so aloof and passionless that not even the greatest beauty could capture his attention. But on this dazzling afternoon, one woman did catch the duke’s eye—and she was the only female in the room who wasn’t even trying. Christine Derrick is intrigued by the handsome duke…all the more so when he invites her to become his mistress. 

What red-blooded woman wouldn’t enjoy a tumble in the bedsheets with a consummate lover—with no strings and no questions asked. An infuriating lady with very definite views on men, morals, and marriage, Christine confounds Wulfric at every turn. Yet even as the lone wolf of the Bedwyn clan vows to seduce her any way he can, something strange and wonderful is happening. Now for a man who thought he’d never lose his heart, nothing less than love will do.

With her trademark wit, riveting storytelling, and sizzling sexual sparks, Mary Balogh once again brings together two polar opposites: an irresistible, high-and-mighty aristocrat and the impulsive, pleasure-loving woman who shows him what true passion is all about. A man and a woman so wrong for each other, it can result only in the perfect match.

Not as excited about this volume. It had its entertaining parts, but overall I wasn't that excited. Not quite as weak as the volume featuring Freyja, but still not my favorite at all. 

Bedwyn Saga

  • #0.1 One Night for Love
  • #0.2 A Summer to Remember
  • #1 Slightly Married
  • #2 Slightly Wicked
  • #3 Slightly Scandalous
  • #4 Slightly Tempted
  • #5 Slightly Sinful
  • #6 Slightly Dangerous
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Next up on the TBR pile:

ne'er duke.jpg wedding people.jpg familiar.jpeg raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg grace year.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg maybe you should.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg wicked things.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Mary Balogh, historical fiction, romance, mount tbr, Finishing the Series, 3 stars, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 05.16.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Glamour in Glass by Mary Robinette Kowal

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Title: Glamour in Glass

Author: Mary Robinette Kowal

Publisher: Tor 2012

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 334

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series; I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - Second in Series

Mary Robinette Kowal stunned readers with her charming first novel Shades of Milk and Honey, a loving tribute to the works of Jane Austen in a world where magic is an everyday occurrence. This magic comes in the form of glamour, which allows talented users to form practically any illusion they can imagine. Shades debuted to great acclaim and left readers eagerly awaiting its sequel. Glamour in Glass continues following the lives of beloved main characters Jane and Vincent, with a much deeper vein of drama and intrigue.

In the tumultuous months after Napoleon abdicates his throne, Jane and Vincent go to Belgium for their honeymoon. While there, the deposed emperor escapes his exile in Elba, throwing the continent into turmoil. With no easy way back to England, Jane and Vincent's concerns turn from enjoying their honeymoon…to escaping it.

Left with no outward salvation, Jane must persevere over her trying personal circumstances and use her glamour to rescue her husband from prison . . . and hopefully prevent her newly built marriage from getting stranded on the shoals of another country's war.

A good second volume in this series. I don't think this will be one of those series that I rave about to everyone I meet, but I am enjoying myself. I love the mix of fantasy and Regency. I love the descriptions of using glamour and the results of the efforts. I enjoy the characters although both of the main characters can be trying at times. I did enjoy the moving of the setting to France. Interesting little volume. 

The Glamourist

  • #1 Shades of Milk and Honey
  • #2 Glamour in Glass
  • #3 Without a Summer
  • #4 Valour and Vanity
  • #5 Of Noble Family
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Next up on the TBR pile:

ne'er duke.jpg wedding people.jpg familiar.jpeg raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg grace year.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg maybe you should.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg wicked things.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Mary Robinette Kowal, fantasy, 4 stars, I Love Libraries, Finishing the Series, Seasonal Series
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 03.30.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins

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Title: Demon Glass (Hex Hall #3)

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Publisher: Hyperion 2012

Genre: YA Paranormal

Pages: 327

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series; I Love Libraries

Hailed as "impossible to put down," the Hex Hall series has both critics and teens cheering. With a winning combination of romance, action, magic and humor, this third volume will leave readers enchanted. Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that's what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn't as confident. Sophie's bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it's too late?

A fitting end to the series. I wasn't particularly surprised by anything that happened in this volume, but I did enjoy the ride. Hawkins writes in a very easy manner, pulling the reader along at a fast pace. I enjoyed the characters (especially Archer) and the storyline. And even though one particular death was devastating, I understand why it had to happen. Overall, a very good fun series. Now I can finally read School Spirits that has been sitting on my shelf for over two years.

Hex Hall:

  • #1 Hex Hall
  • #2 Demonglass
  • #3 Spell Bound
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Next up on the TBR pile:

ne'er duke.jpg wedding people.jpg familiar.jpeg raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg grace year.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg maybe you should.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg wicked things.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Rachel Hawkins, paranormal, young adult, 4 stars, Finishing the Series, I Love Libraries
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 03.14.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

A Summer to Remember by Mary Balogh

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Title: A Summer to Remember (Bedwyn Saga #0.2)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Dell 2003

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 384

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Finishing the Series; What's in a Name - Season

Kit Butler is cool, dangerous, one of London’s mostinfamous bachelors—marriage is the last thing on his mind. But Kit’s family has other plans. Desperate to thwart his father’s matchmaking, Kit needs a bride...fast. Enter Miss Lauren Edgeworth.

A year after being abandoned at the altar, Lauren has determined that marriage is not for her. When these two fiercely independent souls meet, sparks fly—and a deal is hatched. Lauren will masquerade as Kit’s intended if he agrees to provide a passionate, adventurous, unforgettable summer. When summer ends, she will break off the engagement, rendering herself unmarriageable and leaving them both free. Everything is going perfectly—until Kit does the unthinkable: He begins to fall in love. A summer to remember is not enough for him. But how can he convince Lauren to be his...for better, for worse, for the rest of their lives?

A fluffy romance was just what I needed this week. I accidentally read the related series to the this one before so the ending was a bit spoiled (although most of these books are easy to predict the endings). I did enjoyed the story of Kit and Lauren. I especially liked seeing Lauren come out of her ice queen shell from the last book. This volume was quick and enjoyable. Just what I like in my Regency Romances. 

Bedwyn Saga

  • #0.1 One Night for Love
  • #0.2 A Summer to Remember
  • #1 Slightly Married
  • #2 Slightly Wicked
  • #3 Slightly Scandalous
  • #4 Slightly Tempted
  • #5 Slightly Sinful
  • #6 Slightly Dangerous
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Next up on the TBR pile:

ne'er duke.jpg wedding people.jpg familiar.jpeg raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg grace year.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg maybe you should.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg wicked things.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Mary Balogh, 4 stars, historical fiction, romance, mount tbr, Finishing the Series
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 03.10.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Demon Glass by Rachel Hawkins

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Title: Demon Glass (Hex Hall #2)

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Publisher: Hyperion 2011

Genre: YA Paranormal

Pages: 359

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Finishing the Series

Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch. That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

I sped through this middle volume of the trilogy. It was fast-paced and action filled. We follow Sophie to England and to the Council and then lots of things happen. I enjoyed getting to meet her father and learn about the history of the Prodigium and specifically her family. I loved the inclusion of Cal and Jenna. And I especially enjoyed the continuing storyline between Sophie and Archer. But I must say that this volume left the readers on one hell of a cliffhanger...

Hex Hall:

  • #1 Hex Hall
  • #2 Demonglass
  • #3 Spell Bound
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Next up on the TBR pile:

ne'er duke.jpg wedding people.jpg familiar.jpeg raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg grace year.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg maybe you should.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg wicked things.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Finishing the Series, I Love Libraries, 4 stars, Rachel Hawkins, fantasy, young adult
categories: Book Reviews
Thursday 03.08.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Passion of Cleopatra by Anne Rice and Christopher Rice

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Title: The Passion of Cleopatra  (Ramses the Damned #2)

Author: Anne Rice

Publisher: Anchor Books 2017

Genre: Horror

Pages: 399

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual (Anne Rice); Popsugar - By Two Authors; Finishing the Series 

Ramses the Great, former pharaoh of Egypt, is reawakened by the elixir of life in Edwardian England. Now immortal with his bride-to-be, he is swept up in a fierce and deadly battle of wills and psyches against the once-great Queen Cleopatra. Ramses has reawakened Cleopatra with the same perilous elixir whose unworldly force brings the dead back to life. But as these ancient rulers defy one another in their quest to understand the powers of the strange elixir, they are haunted by a mysterious presence even older and more powerful than they, a figure drawn forth from the mists of history who possesses spectacular magical potions and tonics eight millennia old. This is a figure who ruled over an ancient kingdom stretching from the once-fertile earth of the Sahara to the far corners of the world, a queen with a supreme knowledge of the deepest origins of the elixir of life. She may be the only one who can make known to Ramses and Cleopatra the key to their immortality—and the secrets of the miraculous, unknowable, endless expanse of the universe.

I finally got to read the long-awaited sequel to The Mummy. Overall I really enjoyed the continuation of the story. We get to see how the relationships between Ramses, Julie, Alex, and Cleopatra evolve. We get to see and hear the backstory of the elixir. We get to hear about the long-lost kingdom of Shaktanu. I even loved the inclusion of a few new characters from the past. When they first appeared, I was concerned that they would muddle the storyline, but in the end they were good additions. I loved traveling around the world with all the characters. What I wasn't a huge fan of was a few of the long philosophical passages about the soul that appeared towards the end of the novel. To me, they got a bit preachy in tone. 

Ramses the Damned:

  • #1 The Mummy
  • #2 Ramses the Damned: The Passion of Cleopatra
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Next up on the TBR pile:

ne'er duke.jpg wedding people.jpg familiar.jpeg raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg grace year.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg maybe you should.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg wicked things.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Anne Rice, horror, perpetual, 4 stars, Finishing the Series, Popsugar
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 03.07.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

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Title: Hex Hall (Hex Hall #1)

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Publisher: Disney Hyperion 2010

Genre: YA Paranormal

Pages: 323

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual (YA of US); Popsugar -- Alliteration; Finishing the Series

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father—an elusive European warlock—only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium

I have School Spirits sitting on my unread shelves and put it on my TBR list for this year, but didn't realize that this was a spin-off series. So I decided to start at the beginning with Hex Hall. I sped through this book, not that it was life-changing or super emotional, but because it was highly enjoyable and easily read. I immediately loved Sophie and the assortment of side characters at Hecate Hall. I was drawn into the world and loved discovering the secrets locked within. I will definitely be continuing on with this series. In fact, I've already put the other two books in the trilogies on hold at the library.

Hex Hall:

  • #1 Hex Hall
  • #2 Demonglass
  • #3 Spell Bound
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Next up on the TBR pile:

ne'er duke.jpg wedding people.jpg familiar.jpeg raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg grace year.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg maybe you should.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg wicked things.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Rachel Hawkins, young adult, paranormal, perpetual, YA Across the USA, Popsugar, Finishing the Series, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 02.09.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Angel Stone by Juliet Dark

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Title: The Angel Stone (Fairwick Trilogy #3)

Author: Juliet Dark

Publisher: Ballantine Books 2013

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 303

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; A to Z - A; Finishing the Series

For Callie McFay, a half-witch/half-fey professor of folklore and Gothic literature, the fight to save the enchanted town of Fairwick, New York, is far from over. After a hostile takeover by the Grove—a sinister group of witches and their cohorts—many of the local fey have been banished or killed, including Callie’s one true love. And in place of the spirit of tolerance and harmony, the new administration at Fairwick College has fostered an air of danger and distrust. 
 
With her unique magical abilities, Callie is the only one who can rescue her friends from exile and restore order to the school—a task that requires her to find the Angel Stone, a legendary talisman of immense power. Propelled on an extraordinary quest back to seventeenth-century Scotland, Callie risks her life to obtain the stone. Yet when she encounters a sexy incarnation of her lost love, she finds the greater risk is to her heart. As the fate of Fairwick hangs in the balance, Callie must make a wrenching choice: reclaim a chance for eternal passion or save everything she holds dear.

I really enjoyed the last book in this fun trilogy. I was looking forward to this volume, but was unsure of where this was going to go. I was concerned about the the premise of Callie going back in time to find the Angel Stone. I was afraid it was going to be too rushed or drag on too long. Instead, It was a nice change of setting and helped to move the plotline along. I really fell back in love with Callie and William. Definitely a good conclusion to the story. 

Fairwick Trilogy:

  • #1 The Demon Lover
  • #2 The Water Witch
  • #3 The Angel Stone
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Next up on the TBR pile:

ne'er duke.jpg wedding people.jpg familiar.jpeg raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg grace year.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg maybe you should.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg wicked things.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Juliet Dark, fantasy, Finishing the Series, a to z, I Love Libraries, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Sunday 02.04.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Spellcasting in Silk by Juliet Blackwell

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Title: Spellcasting in Silk (Witchcraft Mystery #7)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Berkley 2015

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 336

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series; Popsugar - Next in a series I've started; Library Love

Lily would like nothing better than to relax, enjoy her friends, and take care of business at her store, which is booming thanks to San Francisco's upcoming Summer of Love Festival.  But as the unofficial witchy consultant to the SFPD, she is pulled into yet another case.

A woman has jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge, and her apparent suicide may be connected to a suspicious botanica in the Mission District. When the police investigate the shop, they ask Lily to look into its mysterious owner, whose granddaughter also appears to be missing. As Lily searches for the truth, she finds herself confronted with a confounding mystery and some very powerful magic…

Oh my I loved this volume so much! I think this series has really progressed with lots of growth from Lily and more big interactions between her and the side characters. I cannot wait to see where Lily's relationships with Sailor and Adrian go in the next book. This should be interesting... 

As to the storyline of this volume, I loved the inclusion of new witchy characters and lots of San Francisco locales. I did not guess the perpetrator at all! So yeah, for unpredictability. Definitely a fun little cozy mystery. Can't wait to read the next one.

Witchcraft Mystery

  • #1 Secondhand Spirits
  • #2 A Cast Off Coven
  • #3 Hexes and Hemlines
  • #4 In a Witch's Wardrobe
  • #5 Tarnished and Torn
  • #6 A Vision in Velvet
  • #6.5 A Haunting is Brewing
  • #7 Spellcasting in Silk
  • #8 A Toxic Trousseau
  • #9 A Magical Match
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Next up on the TBR pile:

ne'er duke.jpg wedding people.jpg familiar.jpeg raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg grace year.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg maybe you should.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg wicked things.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: mystery, paranormal, Juliet Blackwell, 5 stars, I Love Libraries, Finishing the Series, Popsugar
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 01.26.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

A Haunting is Brewing by Juliet Blackwell

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Title: A Haunting is Brewing (Witchcraft Mystery #6.5)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: InterMix 2014

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 113

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; A to Z - H; Finishing the Series

When Mel Turner is hired to rehab an old Victorian mansion to act as the eerie setting for a Halloween bash, she’s expecting the normal challenges—old wiring, bad plumbing, maybe a ghostly specter or two. But when a young man is killed after spending the night in the house, and the mannequins in the attic start to come to life, it’s clear that this is serious paranormal activity. Maybe this time, a real witch is needed. 

I haven't read the Haunted Home Renovations series, but I'm deep into the Witchcraft Mystery series. this one was a fun crossover novella. I loved seeing Lily help solve a murder in a very strange old house. The life size dolls were definitely creepy characters. I loved reading this novella. I'm ready to move onto the next Witchcraft Mystery book.

Witchcraft Mystery

  • #1 Secondhand Spirits
  • #2 A Cast Off Coven
  • #3 Hexes and Hemlines
  • #4 In a Witch's Wardrobe
  • #5 Tarnished and Torn
  • #6 A Vision in Velvet
  • #6.5 A Haunting is Brewing
  • #7 Spellcasting in Silk
  • #8 A Toxic Trousseau
  • #9 A Magical Match
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Next up on the TBR pile:

ne'er duke.jpg wedding people.jpg familiar.jpeg raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg grace year.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg maybe you should.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg wicked things.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: mystery, paranormal, Juliet Blackwell, 5 stars, mount tbr, Finishing the Series, a to z
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 01.24.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

2018 Finishing the Series Reading Challenge

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From Celebrity Readers:

This challenge is focused on finally finishing those series that you’ve started but not yet completed.  We participated in a similar challenge in 2016 hosted by Bea’s Book Nook, but we couldn’t find one for 2017.  So we decided we would host our own version for 2018!

Guidelines:

While we’re pretty lax about how you wish to set up this challenge for yourself, we do have a few guidelines to follow.

  • The challenge will run from January 1st, 2018 to December 31st, 2018.  Books must be read during this time frame to count.  Sign up is open from now until December 1st, 2018, so you may join even just for the last month of the year.

  • Series can be already completed as well as still ongoing.  For ongoing series, the goal is to catch up to the most recent book published.  For example, I’m hoping to catch up on the Winston Brothers series by Penny Reid, but I know there will still be another book coming in 2019 before that series is considered complete.  I would just need to read all the books published before the end of 2018 to qualify it as completed for this challenge.  So assuming the release schedule remains the same, that would include Dr. Strangebeard but not Beard Necessities.

  • We don’t care if you have only 1 book or 10 books to read in order to finish your series, as long as you’ve started the series before 2018 (ie read at least one book in the series), it counts.  Re-reads are not required.

  • Any format and length of book counts – print, ebook, audio, ARC, etc.

  • Series can be any length (even if it’s just a Duet).

  • Crossovers from other challenges are totally acceptable!

  • Reviews are not required, but highly encouraged.

How to Play:

  • Declare your intentions to participate in this challenge somewhere on the internet!!  You do not need to be a blogger to participate, there are many ways to declare.  You could write a blog post, create a reading challenge page, create a Goodreads shelf containing series you hope to finish, post about it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.

  • Some things you could include (but that aren’t required):

    • A link to this page so that others may find us and join the fun as well (feel free to download the button at the top to use in your posts).

    • A list of series you hope to read for this challenge.  You could even get fancy and list the length of the series, or the books you’ve already read, etc.

    • The level you are aiming for.

  • Sign up for the challenge using the link up below, and link directly to where you’ve declared your intentions (ie to the specific blog post, the goodreads shelf, the facebook post, etc).

  • We will be posting monthly link ups for you to add links to your reviews or any wrap-up/overview posts you wish to share.

  • Go forth and READ!!  And have fun!!

  • Use the hashtag #FinishingTheSeries2018 on any social media to keep up with other participants!

The Reward:

Uh…your own sense of pride in achieving a goal?  Sorry folks, we’re not actually that motivated by prizes ourselves, so we’re just offering bragging rights.  But we can offer you some pretty graphics to either declare your goal or to use as a badge once achieved!

The Levels:

We offer you 3 different “Celebrity” levels of achievement for this reading challenge:

C-LIST SERIES FINISHER ⇒ COMPLETE 1-4 SERIES.

B-LIST SERIES FINISHER ⇒ COMPLETE 5-8 SERIES.

A-LIST SERIES FINISHER ⇒ COMPLETE 9+ SERIES.

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I'm going to go with the B-List level of 5-8 series finished. I know that Juliet Blackwell's Witchcraft Mystery series is on my list. I also want to try and finish Jodi Taylor's Chronicles of St. Mary's. 

tags: Finishing the Series
categories: Reading Challenges
Thursday 01.11.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

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Title: The Daughter of Highland Hall (Edwardian Brides #2)

Author: Carrie Turansky

Publisher: Multnomah 2014

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 338

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: A to Z - D; Library Love; Finishing the Series

Strong-willed and beautiful, debutante Katherine Ramsey feels ready to take the London social season by storm, and she must. Her family estate, Highland Hall, has been passed to older male cousin Sir William Ramsey, and her only means of securing her future is to make a strong debut and find a proper husband. With her all-knowing and meddling aunt as a guide, Katherine is certain to attract suitors at the lavish gatherings, sparkling with Great Britain’s elite.
 
When a shocking family scandal sidelines Katherine, forcing her out of the social spotlight, she keeps a low profile, volunteering with the poor in London’s East End. Here Katherine feels free from her predictable future, and even more so as a friendship with medical student Jonathan Foster deepens and her faith in God grows. But when Katherine is courted anew by a man of wealth and position, dreams of the life she always thought she wanted surface again. Torn between tradition and the stirrings in her heart for a different path, she must decide whom she can trust and love—and if she will choose a life serving others over one where she is served.

Second volume in this Christian romance series. I actually liked this one more than the first. Katherine and Jon are better characters with more interesting storylines than William and Julia. I enjoyed the move to London and the added storyline of Lydia and her sister. Nice little book to get me through some of the frigid temperatures while still in Indiana for the holidays.

Edwardian Brides:

  • #1 The Governess of Highland Hall
  • #2 The Daughter of Highland Hall
  • #3 A Refuge at Highland Hall
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Series 2018.jpg

Next up on the TBR pile:

ne'er duke.jpg wedding people.jpg familiar.jpeg raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg grace year.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg maybe you should.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg wicked things.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Christian, romance, historical fiction, Carrie Turansky, 4 stars, I Love Libraries, a to z, Finishing the Series
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 01.09.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 
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