My FAV reads from September 2018

I got stuck reading ONE book this last week. It's soooooo good and there is no skimming! I don't want to miss anything! It's hard to find the time where I can sit down for long lengths of time and just read this book!
It's this book:

BRIGHT RUIN by Vic James

Opening line:
"The Snubbing Post, down by the river in Vauxhall, was a useful sort of place when the whole of London was looking for you."

This is the third book in The Dark Gifts Trilogy. I'm hooked!





Other books I've enjoyed this past month (is September REALLY OVER???):

THE POET X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Opening line:
"The summer is made for stoop-sitting
and since it's the last week before school starts,
Harlem is opening its eyes to September."

WARCROSS by Marie Lu

Opening line:
"It's too damn cold of a day to be out on a hunt."

(I can't wait to read WILDCARD in October!).

SHADOW OF THE FOX by Julie Kagawa

Opening line:
"It was raining the day Suki came to the Palace of the Sun, and it was raining the night that she died."






I didn't get as much reading done this month. I've already met my reading goal for the year though, so there's that...

2018 Reading Challenge

2018

READING

CHALLENGE

Congrats!

You have read 100 books of your goal of 65!

100/65 (154%)

 

 WHAT BOOKS DID YOU LOVE READING SO FAR THIS YEAR?

AND I did get a lot of WRITING done! WAHOO for me! I can't wait for these little romances I'm writing to be out in the world so others can enjoy these characters who chose me to tell their stories! 

 

My Favorite Reads of 2014!

I read over 140 books in 2014. One hundred and forty! That's an all time high for me. And will probably be the record forever. Out of those books, I've picked my top ten favorite reads (in no particular order). 

What were your favorite reads of this year?

UNRAVELED: A TALE OF TRUE LOVE by Julie Daines
Folklore, romance and magical shoes. What girl can pass up magical shoes? Oh! And a prince!

ELEVATED by Elana Johnson
I loved this book and not just because my daughter is on the cover. I wish I could write in verse in a way that grabbed readers and pulled them into a story that made them think about it long after they shut the book.

LEGEND by Marie Lu
Why did it take me so long to read this series? Why? Fast paced, intriguing, suspenseful, I had a hard time putting this book down and getting back to reality.

THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US by Kasie West
I loved the characters. I loved the setting. I loved the romance.

CLICKOLOGIE: Elevating Your Photography From Beginning to Pro by Erin Summerill
Awesome book on bettering your photography. From how to pose, to using light to equipment. Loved it.

NOAH'S RAINY DAY by Sandra Brannan
I have not read any books by this author, but I might start now. Here is the opening line:
"The good news is I think I broke my leg. The bad news is I don't know if anyone at school would ever believe how it happened. Or worse, I'm not sure it anyone will ever figure out how I got here."

THE WINNER'S CURSE by Marie Rutkoski
It's been a while since I've read a book with such a unique world and history.

OUTLINING YOUR NOVEL: MAP YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS by K. M. Weiland
I'm a total pantser and editing is hard! I wanted to try outlining and this book helped see that I can outline.

THE LANGUAGE OF RECOVERY by Gordon Bruin
This is a great, short, informative book for anyone who knows someone with an addiction.

THE ORCHARD by Krista Lynne Jensen
I love PERSUASION by Jane Austen. So I couldn't help but love this book.

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.


To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

First line: "Oy, ice-boy! You sure you know where you're going?" 


Another WOW book! (Look at the front AND back covers! Ash and Puck. Gotta love it.)
The Iron Knight is probably one of my favorite reads this year.
And it might be my favorite book in the series. I want to go back and read the whole series again. (I haven't reread a whole series since Twilight.) I couldn't put it down (or shut it off my iPhone).

The Iron Knight is told from Ash's point of view with twists, turns and obstacles on his way to claiming a soul for himself so he can be with the woman he promised his life to.

Every part of Ash's trip made him better, strengthened him and helped him get closer to his goal to be with Meghan Chase, the Iron Queen.

I loved the Testing Grounds the best.

Along Ash's journey is the ever present Puck, who loves Meghan too. A few surprises in the shape of fellow travelers/helpers show up as well and each must make hard decisions and overcome weaknesses. Even Grimalkin!

The Iron Knight taught the importance of atoning for past mistakes, keeping stories alive and the strength of love.



Thanks to Net Galley, Harlequin Teen and Julie Kagawa for a wonderfully amazing journey.



Rating: PG 13

V: a little. intense scenes

S: mention

L: a couple

Want to buy it? Yes you do!

The Iron Knight (Harlequin Teen) 


25% test:
Sorry. I can't do it without giving away part of the story. I tried but I just can't. You'll have to read the book!!