I was so very lucky to receive an ARC of one of my most anticipated 2021 romances. I sunk into Love at First (February 2021) by Kate Clayborn this weeI was so very lucky to receive an ARC of one of my most anticipated 2021 romances. I sunk into Love at First (February 2021) by Kate Clayborn this weekend, and it is essentially the electric brush of two lovers' hands captured in perfect book form.
Love at First reminded me of all the romantic touches I've loved in so many different forms of media. From the perfect rhyme in a sonnet, to Romeo falling head over heels at the first sight of Juliet, the Darcy hand flex in 2005's P&P, I highlighted the heck out of my digital copy. There's a perfect line I'm holding close to my heart right now....more
God I love this messy family of architects and one volcanic scientist. Love them. I was sick for a few days this March and I downloaded this set from God I love this messy family of architects and one volcanic scientist. Love them. I was sick for a few days this March and I downloaded this set from KU so I could binge read my fav comfort books while recovering.
Erin and Shannon are characters that will stay with me for a long time, as will their love interests.
I'm still not a huge fan of Sam, but he's growing on me....more
I official own three copies of Brazen and the Beast and sorry not sorry I'm keeping them all. I re-read my favorite book of 2019 via audio book, and lI official own three copies of Brazen and the Beast and sorry not sorry I'm keeping them all. I re-read my favorite book of 2019 via audio book, and let me tell you a grunting hero is a glorious thing to hear. Hattie and Whit are my ride or die couple and I'll be re-reading their story for years to come.
Sheer and utter perfection. I am here for #yearofhattie, Carrick bend knots used for sexy reasons (OMG JUST WAIT), and Beast, oh Beast.
MacLean has done it again and I cannot wait for everyone to read this book. Full review to come closer to the publication date.
Thank you to the publisher for the advanced reading copy!
A lady determined to raise the sails on her own future inadvertently brings an underworld king to his knees when she discovers him trussed up in her carriage on her birthday. Hattie wasn't looking for this man for her birthday, but he turns out to be her utterly perfect Beast. Watching this savvy business woman fight for her future and for the man she loves is an absolute delight, and a must read, especially for fans of other historical romance authors who bring together the ballroom and the smuggler's den, like Sophie Jordan or Julie Ann Long. If you haven't yet read Sarah MacLean, what are you waiting for?...more
Kylie and Joe shared a scorching kiss after a night of celebrating their friends' engagement and both don't know what to do about it. When Kylie's mosKylie and Joe shared a scorching kiss after a night of celebrating their friends' engagement and both don't know what to do about it. When Kylie's most treasured possessions, a hand-carved wooden penguin, is stolen she turns to Joe for help knowing his skills as a private security firm enforcer/investigator will help solve the mystery. Both try to play it cool but as the investigation heats up, so does their chemistry.
AH. So good! I love a great frenemies to lovers tale and I adored how this story started with the big first kiss already in the characters' back pockets. Joe is the perfect mix of alpha with a heart of gold and Kylie is an awesome woodworker, has a fantastic little doggo, and is a swell leading lady!
Thank you to Edelweiss for the ARC!
I re-read this because one, it is awesome and sexy and super sweet, and two because it is about to be released! My favorite, so far, in the Heartbreaker Bay series by Jill Shalvis. ...more
I listened to the audiobook, and Wil Wheaton's narration is spot on. I've upped my overall review of the book to 4 stars because I had a damn good timI listened to the audiobook, and Wil Wheaton's narration is spot on. I've upped my overall review of the book to 4 stars because I had a damn good time listening to this during my daily commute. I still wish Cline had done more with this, because I think he really had something with the (view spoiler)[idea of the government using video games to secretly train an army to fly drones (hide spoiler)].
Let's be honest. I LOVED Ready Player One. It is my favorite audiobook of all time, one I press on any willing soul who'll listen. So, Armada had a lot to live up to. I had fun reading it and I'm super looking forward to hearing it narrated by Wil Wheaton (same narrator as RPO).
That said, I think the reason I LOVED Ready Player One versus my more lukewarm reaction to Armada is related to the type of video gamer I am. When I do play video games (which is rare post-N64) I like puzzle solvers, RPGs, or "second lives." These type of games don't rely on reflex or other players much like in RPO which is set in a fictional reality called the Oayses. I think gamers who enjoy massive online games, like World of Warcraft, or those who like first person shooters and games like X-Wing Rogue Squadron or Mech Warrior will LOVE Armada.
Still super enjoyable, I was so pleased when I could say "I got that reference" and I loved how Cline was tweaking his nose at the "Video Gamers save the world" tropes prevalent in pop culture. I just wanted more; more depth, more character development, and more time.
I'll save the rest of my thoughts for after I listen to the audiobook.
Thank you to Read it Forward for the free copy of Armada!
I was obsessed with the EU in my tweens/teens (ok still am) and this was by far my favorite addition to the Star Wars canon. And dammit it still is caI was obsessed with the EU in my tweens/teens (ok still am) and this was by far my favorite addition to the Star Wars canon. And dammit it still is canon to me! Luke and Callista's doomed romance probably messed me up for life, but holy hell did I love every minute of it....more
I've read the available issues of Saga about five times over. This beautiful collected edition of the first three volumes is a must read/own/cherish cI've read the available issues of Saga about five times over. This beautiful collected edition of the first three volumes is a must read/own/cherish copy for fans of BKV and Fiona Staples. Hell, for fans of amazing literature an art. A beautifully put together piece, and the inclusion of the "how an issue of Saga is put together" section at the back is a fascinating peek into the world of Graphic Novel production.
I can't stop recommending Saga, to everyone! I actually laid the Deluxe Edition out at a recent friends getaway weekend and everyone picked it up and read it. Amazing....more
Revised review from physical copy 07/11/2014 Link to my review posted by the Read @MPL Blog my link text
After recovering from a myriad of sins in MercyRevised review from physical copy 07/11/2014 Link to my review posted by the Read @MPL Blog my link text
After recovering from a myriad of sins in Mercy Falls, Minnesota, rocker Cole St. Clair is ready to take LA by storm with a new album deal and a reality show. But, Cole is really heading to LA for Isabel Culpepper, the ice queen who simultaneously stole his heart and smashed it under one of her stiletto boots. Can a former junkie, not to mention a former werewolf, survive the temptations of rock star life and prove to Isabel once and for all that he is really wants is her?
Isabel has built a new life in LA and a wall around her heart. She tells herself she never loved Cole St. Clair, even though she still thinks about him every day. When he blows back into her life like the Santa Ana winds, can she expect to be burned again, or can these two sinners manage to heal their damaged souls together?
Sinner is a perfect follow-up to the Shiver Trilogy where we first meet Isabel and Cole, but it can also be read as a stand-alone. Perfect for reading on a hot summer night, you will taste the LA air, see the neon lights, and feel the sand under your own paws. Author Maggie Stiefvater is simply a word magician, and each sentence is so evocative and thoughtful I found myself highlighting entire passages.
If you question whether adults should feel guilty for reading Young Adult, why not be a Sinner? Maggie Stiefvater's work proves why you should be reading YA.
**Thank you to www.netgalley.com and the publisher for the complementary review copy.
After a couple of years in Mercy Falls, MN, rock-star Cole St. Clair is ready to take LA by storm with a new album deal and a reality show. But, Cole is really back for Isabel Culpepper, the ice queen who simultaneously stole his heart and smashed it under one of her stiletto boots. Can a former junkie, not to mention a former wolf, survive the neon lights of LA, the perils of rock star life, and pitfalls of love?
Isabel has built a new life in LA and a wall around her very self. She never loved Cole St. Clair, even though she still thinks about him every day. When he blows back into her life like the Santa Ana winds, can she expect to be burned again, or can they both manage to heal their damaged souls together?
Simply fantastic. Maggie Stiefvater is a word magician and each sentence is so evocative and thoughtful I wanted to highlight every one. This is the perfect follow-up to the Shiver Trilogy and the perfect book to read on a hot summer night. I could taste the LA air, see the neon lights, and feel the sand under my own wolf paws. Cole and Isabel were my favorites, and I'm so glad we get to see how their story plays out. Wonderful....more
2018. I'm re-listening to this series as Will Patton's narration is my ultimate comfort zone. Stiefvater is a master at crafting tension, foreshadowin2018. I'm re-listening to this series as Will Patton's narration is my ultimate comfort zone. Stiefvater is a master at crafting tension, foreshadowing, and drama.
-3rd Read 03.29-03.30.2016 in preparation for The Raven King. I find something new to hold in my mind, inspect, and treasure each time I read this book. Stiefvater's prose is so full of imagery and intended meaning, and if you aren't careful with it you might miss something. I love that. And oh, the subtle tension between Blue and Gansey as they both fall for each other feels more intimate than most romance novels, even though it is so innocent and lovely. And man, Ronan. This is truly his book.
-2nd go through of The Dream Thieves (first was audiobook with the amazing Will Patton).
Wow, I really missed a lot of the sub-text of this novel listening to the audio so I am SO glad I re-read right away. Will Patton just swept me away, but Stiefvater's writing brought me home. I am in love with these characters and each of their quests.
When a book/series can make me think, make me continually guess, and make my heart soar and burst, that is the mark of some great writing chops. Everyone should read this right now so I have more people to talk to about it....more
5th Read - audiobook! I LOVE LOVE LOVE these audiobooks narrated by Will Patton. I'm currently doing a comfort re-listen/binge of the entire Raven Cycl5th Read - audiobook! I LOVE LOVE LOVE these audiobooks narrated by Will Patton. I'm currently doing a comfort re-listen/binge of the entire Raven Cycle and I'm so happy.
3rd or 4th read - not sure 03.27-03.28.2016 Decided to start my re-read of the Raven Cyle in preparation for The Raven King on Easter, because resurrecting an ancient Welsh King seemed appropriate for Easter. Just as amazing after so many reads, and Maggie Stiefvater's prose just keeps on giving gifts. So in love, and so excited and so afraid for this series to end.
2nd read:
So in awe of this story, the writing, and the characters. My favorite books are about bands of misfits who are meant to be together yet grind against one another in the most delicious of ways. After listening to this on audiobook (and book 2) I was so glad to go back and read it to absorb even more of the details and my god the FORESHADOWING that I missed the first go around. It is clear that Stiefvater has a true plan for this series, and I cannot WAIT to discover where we are going. I am afraid though, that it may shatter my heart (but it will be totally worth it).
1st "read" **Review based on audiobook read by Will Patton
Blue Sargeant's mother and aunts are all psychic. Blue is not, but somehow her presence helps amplify their gifts. Blue has also been told by every psychic she meets that if she kisses her true love, he will die. Now 16, Blue is just fine not kissing anyone and living her life. That is until a huge mystery involving a group of boys from the prestigious Aglionby Academy, a long lost Welsh King's bones, and some powerful ley lines threatens to rock her entire world.
I love Maggie Stiefvater's characters; they are deliciously well-drawn and so alive, even when minor. Blue's scenes with the boys (Ronin, Gansey, Adam, and Noah) simply sparkle with life. Will Patton also does an amazing job capturing the South Carolina flair in speech, and each character is entirely distinct. He does a marvelous job narrating women too. Love.
This book, well seemingly a 'romance' due to the nature of Blue's curse (kissing leading to death) is really not a romance yet at all. The story focues on creating the deep ties between the characters that I'm sure is going to lead to some tough times later on in the series.
I will defintely be loading up Book 2, the Dream Thieves, in the car soon!...more
This was everything. I don't even know what to say about it right now, so I'll try again later.
I started on audiobook, ended by reading the last 1/4, This was everything. I don't even know what to say about it right now, so I'll try again later.
I started on audiobook, ended by reading the last 1/4, and now finishing up the last bit on audio. If you haven't read this series. DO. IT. NOW.
2019 I re-listened to The Raven King on audio in honor of St. Mark's Eve, and it is still everything. This series gives me all the feelings and I am in love with the Raven Boys, with Blue, the ley lines, and their magic. I cannot wait to read Call Down the Hawk this fall....more
2nd Read - 06/03/2014 Still amazing. I'm going to purchase this for myself. I have a mad crush on both Jon and Suzie - and I can't wait to see what hap2nd Read - 06/03/2014 Still amazing. I'm going to purchase this for myself. I have a mad crush on both Jon and Suzie - and I can't wait to see what happens with the Sex Police. My favorite comic series out there right now along with Saga. Way to go Image.
Review based off of a free copy received from Netgalley...Thank you!
I haven't had as much fun reading a graphic novel volume since Y: The Last Man by Brian K Vaughan. Witty and humorous dialog, fun characters that are so alive, and so irreverent, and a concept that is as unique as it is fascinating. Let's just say I too will now be thinking of hymens when I see those terrible Humane Society commercials (In the arms of an angel)...
Our heroine Suzie is adorable, and Matt Fraction did an awesome job of not turning her into a over-sexualized female stereo-type (ironic isn't it). She looks like a real woman, has a job, and a great heart. Suzie frankly discusses how she discovered her ability to stop time with her orgasms, and her frustration as a young child in not having enough information or help in understanding any of it. I must say, I had never heard of any of the sex positions Susie's middle school friend draws for her in that bathroom stall. Naughty!
These flashbacks interspersed with the flash-forwards to the main action of this volume were well done and had great pacing. Suzie's "partner in crime" and boyfriend, Jon, who she discovers has the same power is also completely adorkable and totally not your typical comic book dude.
I also loved how the only real "crime" Suzie is inspired to commit with her "power" is to pull a Robin Hood and steal money from the bank trying to foreclose the library she works with. Go girl! Of course, there is a huge cliffhanger, so I can't wait for more.
One thing I did learn, about myself, is that I do not really enjoy reading Graphic Novels on my computer. I MUCH prefer the real volume, so will eagerly await it when the copy I ordered for my library comes in.
2018 - Re-listen! Still adore Will Patton's narration and love how Blue comes into her own in this story. The Gray Man and Maura's romance, in the few2018 - Re-listen! Still adore Will Patton's narration and love how Blue comes into her own in this story. The Gray Man and Maura's romance, in the few lines it gets, is just delicious and awesome. Stiefvater does such a great job of making all the characters important, and the adults are not simply there to foil the youth, they are there to help, or actively hurt. Gansey and Blue's night time ride in the Pig is still one of the most angsty, romantic, and just ah, I die moments in any book I've ever read. And then they fight, and it is so heartbreaking but real, and I just love it.
3rd Read 03.30-03.31.16 in preparation for The Raven King Blue Sargent is my hero, and my heart breaks for her. She longs for her missing mother, she is so in love with Richard Campbell Gansey III but is so afraid of what that may mean for her if his fate comes true, and she just wants to be somebody. I'm so glad Blue really comes into her own in this book, and I adore how the various adults are also active, key, and important characters in their own right. That cliffhanger at the end about kills me each time, and I'm longing for 04.26.16. Bring it on Stiefvater, I hope my heart is ready.
Blue Sargent and the Raven Boys search for Blue's mother and the body of Welsh King Glendower in the eerie cavern they discovered at the end of The Dream Thieves. Amidst their search, a new Latin teacher, a growing connection between Blue and Gansey (who she still hasn't told will die before the year is up), and new revelations all threaten to end their quest before it can be completed.
Atmospheric, poetic, and simply genius, this is the series I most press into the hands of willing (and sometimes unwilling) readers. Stiefvater creates a circle of friends that you can only wish that you were a part of, and while Blue Lily, Lily Blue was amazing, it left me breathlessly waiting for Book IV.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC - and I cannot wait to get my copy from Fountain Book Store.
I finished. I'm sad I finished. So good. Review to come when I'm not brain dead.
Blue Sargeant's mother and aunts are all psychic. Blue is not, but somehow her presence helps amplify t**Review based on audiobook read by Will Patton
Blue Sargeant's mother and aunts are all psychic. Blue is not, but somehow her presence helps amplify their gifts. Blue has also been told by every psychic she meets that if she kisses her true love, he will die. Now 16, Blue is just fine not kissing anyone and living her life. That is until a huge mystery involving a group of boys from the prestigious Aglionby Academy, a long lost Welsh King's bones, and some powerful ley lines threatens to rock her entire world.
I love Maggie Stiefvater's characters; they are deliciously well-drawn and so alive, even when minor. Blue's scenes with the boys (Ronin, Gansey, Adam, and Noah) simply sparkle with life. Will Patton also does an amazing job capturing the South Carolina flair in speech, and each character is entirely distinct. He does a marvelous job narrating women too. Love.
This book, well seemingly a 'romance' due to the nature of Blue's curse (kissing leading to death) is really not a romance yet at all. The story focues on creating the deep ties between the characters that I'm sure is going to lead to some tough times later on in the series.
I will defintely be loading up Book 2, the Dream Thieves, in the car soon!...more
Who knew such hilarity could be created with a basic computer Paint program and some text? I sure didn't until I read this book. I'm waaaay behind in Who knew such hilarity could be created with a basic computer Paint program and some text? I sure didn't until I read this book. I'm waaaay behind in my internet culture, so I'm always happy to see excellent online offerings turned into books. So many laugh out loud moments here, which is rare for me. My top three most favorite essays included the lost in the woods (with mom), moving with dogs, and my number one most favorite, the goose in the house (real photos included). ...more
LOVED Volume 2. The issues within had a story line that felt more continuous than the first volume which I enjoyed. The art totally grew on me, and PiLOVED Volume 2. The issues within had a story line that felt more continuous than the first volume which I enjoyed. The art totally grew on me, and Pizza Dog (last issue in the volume) was a totally amazing look at the life of a comic book super hero's dog. So unique. I also appreciated the insight into how the artist does the minimalist coloring; so cool to see how digital programs can really help an artist....more
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