Tag: Holly’s Monthly Reads

Monthly Reads: March 2018

Posted April 2, 2018 by Holly in Features, Giveaways | 9 Comments

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Casee: I read two whole books in March. Two entire books. I’m not even mad at myself because I read two whole books!

Covert Game by Christine Feehan | 4 out of 5
Shadow Keeper by Christine Feeha | 3.75 out of 5

My favorite book was obviously Covert Game. It bums me out that there is only one GhostWalker book per year.

Holly: March was a sad reading month for me. I wanted to read, but nothing really held my attention. I started close to 30 books I ended up setting aside after a few pages or a few chapters. I did manage to get a few books during the last week. Let’s hope April is better. I miss reading.

The Woman Left Behind by Linda Howard | 3.75 out of 5
Dark Desires by Eve Silver | 3 out of 5
Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt | 4 out of 5
Complicated (audiobook) | 3 out of 5
Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley (audiobook) (reread) | 2 out of 5/ 4 out of 5
For You by Kristen Ashley (reread) | 3.5 out of 5
On the Edge by Ilona Andrews (reread) | 3.5 out of 5
Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews (audiobook) | 4 out of 5
Wildfire by Ilona Andrews (reread) | 4.5 out of 5
Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon by Kerrelyn Sparks | 3 out of 5
Dragon Actually by G.A. Aiken | 4.25 out of 5
Flames and Chains by G.A. Aiken | 3 out of 5
About a Dragon by G.A. Aiken | 3 out of 5

My favorite read of the month was Dragon Actually by G.A. Aiken, with Duke of Sin a close second. My least favorite was Flames and Chains, a short story included with Dragon Actually. It was originally written for her newsletter and it showed. I also really struggled with the audiobook of Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley. That was horrible. I love that book like whoa, but the audio was junk.

Rowena: March was the month of Baby Caiden. It was also the month that started my obsession with all things Ilona Andrews. Baby Caiden was visiting California from Utah for three weeks and he’s leaving tomorrow so I’m a little sad but also happy to report that I’m still loving and reading all things Ilona Andrews. I only read 12 books this month but I’ll take what I can get and be happy that I’m actually reading and not in a slump.

Here’s what I read in March.

Burn for Me (Hidden Legacy #1) by Ilona Andrews | 5 out of 5
White Hot (Hidden Legacy #2) by Ilona Andrews | 4.25 out of 5
Wildfire (Hidden Legacy #3) by Ilona Andrews | 4.75 out of 5
Over Us, Over You by Whitney G | DNF
Hello Stranger (Ravenels #4) by Lisa Kleypas | 4.5 out of 5
On the Edge (The Edge #1) by Ilona Andrews | 4.5 out of 5
On Hart’s Boardwalk (On Dublin Street #6.7) by Samantha Young | 4 out of 5
Bayou Moon (The Edge #2) by Ilona Andrews | 4.25 out of 5
Jock Blocked (Gridiron #2) by Jen Frederick | 4.75 out of 5
Hot Response (Boston Fire #4) by Shannon Stacey | 4 out of 5
Suddenly Forbidden (Gray Springs University #1) by Ella Fields | 4 out of 5
The Love Coupon (Stubborn Hearts #2) by Ainslie Paton | 4 out of 5

My favorite read of the month goes to Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews (anyone surprised?) and my least favorite read of the month goes to Over Us, Over You by Whitney G. Burn for Me was just so freaking good. I loved the world, the magic, Nevada and Mad Rogan and everyone else we meet in that book. As for Over Us, Over You, it was too immature for me and I stayed annoyed with the main characters so I DNF’d that one. I’m wondering if I’m going to have to break up with Whitney G. soon. I haven’t cared for her last few releases that I read. Hmm.

This month we’re giving away:

If you want to be entered to win, leave a comment on this post telling us what your favorite – and least favorite – reads of the month were. Also, be sure to tell us what book you’re interested in winning. You can put your name in for more than one book, but you’ll only be allowed to win one, so choose wisely.

So…what was your favorite read of the month? And your least favorite? Use the Rafflcopter Widget to enter! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Monthly Reads: February 2018

Posted March 6, 2018 by Casee in Features, Giveaways | 12 Comments

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Casee: I only read three books. I looked it up just now and I was shocked. It felt like I read ten books. I am just happy that I’m reading again.

Devil’s Cut by J.R. Ward | 3 out of 5
Blood Fury by J.R. Ward | 4 out of 5
Archangel’s Viper by Nalini Singh | 3.75 out of 5

Holly: February was a strange reading month for me. It felt like I read a lot, but I only read 15 books. Part of the reason is because I listened to Anne Bishop’s The Others series on audio, then sat down and read them. So really I read each of The Others books twice.

Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas (audio) | 4.5 out of 5
Written in Red by Anne Bishop | 4.25 out of 5
Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop | 4.25 out of 5
Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop | 4.25 out of 5
Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop | 4.25 out of 5
Etched in Bone by Anne Bishop | 4.25 out of 5
Lake Silence by Anne Bishop | 4.25 out of 5
Natural Witch by K.F. Breene | 4 out of 5
Sweep in Peace by Ilona Andrews (reread) | 4.5 out of 5
One Fell Sweep by Ilona Andrews (reread) | 4.75 out of 5
Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews (reread) | 4.25 out of 5
White Hot by Ilona Andrews (reread) | 4.25 out of 5
Saving Grace by Julie Garwood (audio) | 4.5 out of 5
Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase (audio) | 4.5 out of 5
Rough Ride by Kristen Ashley | 3 out of 5

My favorite reads of the month were the Anne Bishop books. I’m not sure I have a favorite from the series, so I’m just including them all. Hello Stranger was also wonderful. I adored Ethan.

My least favorite was Rough Ride by Kristen Ashley. I liked Snapper, but overall the novella was slow moving and kind of boring. It wasn’t a bad read, it just didn’t hold up against the other books I read this month.

Rowena: February was a busy month for me. We were in the thick of multiple basketball seasons so I drove all over the South Bay to support El Camino College, Vanguard University and Torrance Parks and Recs. I’m trying to make as many basketball games as I can because I know that my girls basketball playing days are numbered. I’m so going to miss this when it’s all said and done so I’m glad that February was good to my girls and their basketball teams.

Anyway, even with all of the basketball games, I still managed to get some reading done. Not as much as I thought I did but it’s all good because I read and that’s what is important.

Here’s what I read last month.

Irresistible You (Chicago Rebels #1) by Kate Meader | 4 out of 5
So Over You (Chicago Rebels #2) by Kate Meader | 4.25 out of 5
Undone by You (Chicago Rebels #3) by Kate Meader | 4 out of 5
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory | 4 out of 5
Runaway Groom (I Do, I Don’t #2) by Lauren Layne | 5 out of 5
Sweep in Peace (Innkeeper Chronicles #2) by Ilona Andrews | 4.5 out of 5
Living Out Loud (Austen #3) by Staci Hart | 3 out of 5
One Fell Sweep (Innkeeper Chronicles #3) by Ilona Andrews | 4.75 out of 5
What a Difference a Duke Makes (School for Dukes #1) by Lenora Bell | 4 out of 5
Hurts to Love You (Forbidden Hearts #3) by Alisha Rai | 4 out of 5

My favorite reads of the month go to Runaway Groom by Lauren Layne, Sweep in Peace and One Fell Sweep by Ilona Andrews. All three of those books were fantastic reads and I’m thirsty for more from both authors.

My least favorite read of the month goes to The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory. The very first time that I read that book, I zipped right through it and glossed over a lot of things that I didn’t think were a big deal until I was writing down my thoughts for my review. I realized that those things that bothered me, bothered me a great deal more than I originally thought so I read the book again from cover to cover and…I didn’t like a lot of things that went on in the book so my enjoyment of the book suffered. The heroine got on my nerves and the hero treated his friends poorly so he got on my nerves too.

Giveaway Alert

This month, we’re picking three winners and each of those winners will be allowed to choose one book from any of our reading lists. If you want to be entered to win, leave a comment on this post telling us what your favorite – and least favorite – reads of the month were.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So…what was your favorite read of the month? And your least favorite? Use the Rafflcopter Widget to enter! Good luck!

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Monthly Reads: October 2017

Posted November 3, 2017 by Holly in Features, Giveaways | 12 Comments

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Casee: I read a book!

Hello Again by Brenda Novak | 4 out of 5

It was just what I needed to get out of my slump and I profusely thanked Brenda for that. I’m now on my second book since finishing a few days ago.

Holly: I had a pretty solid reading month. I read 21 books. Many of them were new-to-me, which is great since there’ve been a lot of months where my rereads outnumber my new reads.

Sustainted by Emma Chase | 4.75 out of 5
Sidebarred by Emma Chase | 4.25 out of 5
Heart Sight by Robin D. Owens | 4 out of 5
Radiance by Grace Draven | 4.25 out of 5
Eidolon by Grace Draven | 3.75 out of 5
Lover of Thorns and Holy Gods by Grace Draven | 3.5 out of 5
Good Boy by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy | 4.5 out of 5
Stay by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy (reread) | 4.25 out of 5
Dying to Please by Linda Howard (reread) | 4.25out of 5
Rock Chick Reawakening by Kristen Ashley | 4 out of 5
Rock Chick Rescue by Kristen Ashley | 3.5 out of 5
Rock Chick Redepmtion by Kristen Ashley | 3.5 out of 5
Rock Chick Renegade by Kristen Ashley | 3.75 out of 5
Rock Chick Revenge by Kristen Ashley | 3.25 out of 5
Rock Chick Reckoning by Kristen Ashley | 3.75 out of 5
Rock Chick Regret by Kristen Ashley (reread) | 4 out of 5
Rock Chick Revolution by Kristen Ashley (reread) | 3.75 out of 5
The Promise by Kristen Ashley (reread) | 3.75 out of 5
Hold On by Kristen Ashley (reread) | 4 out of 5
Hold Her Again by Shannon Stacey | 3 out of 5
Bountiful by Sarina Bowen | 3.5 out of 5

My favorite read of the month was Sustained by Emma Chase. I adored Jake and the McQuaid family. Radiance by Grace Draven is a close runner up. I loved how different the story was. My least favorite was, collectively, the Rock Chick series by Kristen Ashley. I didn’t dislike the books, but she has better series’.

Rowena: It’s been a slow reading month for me because I have been so wrapped up in baseball and with that over for the year, my goal is to get my reading back up so wish me luck on that. With that said, I did manage a few reads over the course of October. Here’s what I read.

On a Tuesday by Whitney G. | 3.75 out of 5
Lady Sophia’s Lover by Lisa Kleypas | 4.25 out of 5
Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas (re-read twice) | 4 out of 5
Sustained by Emma Chase (re-read) | 5 out of 5
An Ex for Christmas by Lauren Layne | 4 out of 5
Holiday Wishes by Jill Shalvis | 4 out of 5
A Duke in Shining Armor by Loretta Chase | 4.25 out of 5

My favorite read of the month is a tie between Lady Sophia’s Lover and A Duke in Shining Armor. Both books were so great and I adored them both to pieces. My least favorite read of the month goes to On a Tuesday by Whitney G. The book is good, I just enjoyed the other books I read a little more.

This month we’re giving away:

Hello Again by Brenda Novak
A Duke in Shining Armor by Loretta Chase
Sustained by Emma Chase or Radiance by Grace Draven, winner’s choice

If you want to be entered to win, leave a comment on this post telling us what your favorite – and least favorite – reads of the month were. Also, be sure to tell us what book you’re interested in winning. You can put your name in for more than one book, but you’ll only be allowed to win one, so choose wisely.

So…what was your favorite read of the month? And your least favorite? Use the Rafflcopter Widget to enter! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Monthly Reads: June 2017

Posted July 4, 2017 by Casee in Features, Giveaways | 10 Comments

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Casee: I read none books this month. None. I am too pathetic for words. I can admit it.

Holly: I only managed to read 13 books. June was a crazy month and I wasn’t very focused on reading. I had a pretty good reading month as far as quality goes. I read some really great books.

  1. Lady Luck by Kristen Ashley (reread) | 3.5 out of 5
  2. Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley (reread) | 4.25 out of 5
  3. Stay by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy | 4 out of 5
  4. One Fell Sweep by Ilona Andrews (reread) | 4 out of 5
  5. Pia Does Hollywood (reread) | 3.5 out of 5
  6. Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews (reread) | 4.25 out of 5
  7. White Hot by Ilona Andrews | 4.5 out of 5
  8. Wildfire by Ilona Andrews | 4.25 out of 5
  9. The Lion’s Lady by Julie Garwood (reread) | 4.5 out of 5
  10. Saving Grace by Julie Garwood (reread) | 4.75 out of 5
  11. Moonshadow by Thea Harrison | 4 out of 5
  12. Spellbinder by Thea Harrison | 4.25 out of 5
  13. Archangel’s Viper by Nalini Singh | 4.5 out of 5

I read some really great books, so it’s hard to pick a favorite. Archangel’e Viper by Nalini Singh and White Hot by Ilona Andrews probably top the list, but Spellbinder by Thea Harrison is right up there.

Rowena: June was a busy month for me with prom and graduation then graduation parties but in the midst of the madness, I still managed to get some books read. Yay me!

Here’s what I read in June:

  1. The Impossible Vastness of Us by Samantha Young | 4 out of 5
  2. The Day of the Duchess by Sarah MacLean | 5 out of 5
  3. Wired by Julie Garwood | 3.5 out of 5
  4. Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon (re-read) | 4 out of 5
  5. I Knew You Were Trouble by Lauren Layne | 4 out of 5
  6. Dating You, Hating You by Christine Lauren | 4 out of 5
  7. Eye Candy by Jessica Lemmon | 4 out of 5
  8. Stay by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy | 4.25 out of 5
  9. Some Kind of Hero by Sherrilyn Kenyon | 3.5 out of 5
  10. Lucky in Love by Kasie West | 3.25 out of 5
  11. How to Change a Life by Stacey Ballis | 3.25 out of 5

My favorite read of the month is hands down, The Day of the Duchess by Sarah MacLean. That book was freaking amazing and I just adored it to pieces. I think everyone should read it and love it with me. Who’s with me? 🙂

My least favorite read of the month goes to How to Change a Life by Stacey Ballis. The book itself isn’t bad, it was just slow going for me and I almost DNF’d it. It was my first read by Ballis but I enjoyed the foodie aspects of the main character, Eloise…I just wanted to connect with her and the story more.

This month we’re giving away:

Any book from Holly or Rowena’s list.
White Hot by Ilona Andrews or Spellbinder by Thea Harrison (winner’s choice)
The Day of the Duchess by Sarah MacLean

If you want to be entered to win, leave a comment on this post telling us what your favorite – and least favorite – reads of the month were. Also, be sure to tell us what book you’re interested in winning. You can put your name in for more than one book, but you’ll only be allowed to win one, so choose wisely.

So…what was your favorite read of the month? And your least favorite? Use the Rafflcopter Widget to enter! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Monthly Reads: May 2017

Posted June 4, 2017 by Holly in Features, Giveaways | 1 Comment

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Casee: May started out as a slow reading month for me. By the second week, I had only read something like two books. Then I discovered D.B. Reynolds and I gobbled her books up. I don’t even remember how I discovered her. But I am so glad I did. I think I’ve said it a few times…if you’re into paranormal and haven’t read her, you’re missing out.

I read eight books in May and they were all by D.B. Reynolds.

The Stone Warriors: Damian by D.B. Reynolds | 3.75 out of 5
Raphael by D.B. Reynolds | 4 out of 5
Jabril by D.B. Reynolds | 4 out of 5
Rajmund by D.B. Reynolds | 3.5 out of 5
Sophia by D.B. Reynolds | 3 out of 5
Duncan by D.B. Reynolds | 4.25 out of 5
Lucas by D.B. Reynolds | 4 out of 5
Aden by D.B. Reynolds | 3.75 out of 5

Holly: May turned out to be a great reading month for me. I did a lot of UF reading, including a re-read of the entire Kate Daniels series.

A Questionable Client by Ilona Andrews (re-read) | 3 out of 5
Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews (re-read) | 3 out of 5
Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews (re-read) | 3.5 out of 5
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews (re-read)
Magic Mourns by Ilona Andrews (re-read) | 3.75 out of 5
Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews (re-read) | 3.75 out of 5
Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews (re-read) | 3.5 out of 5
Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews (re-read) | 4 out of 5
Magic Tests by Ilona Andrews (re-read) | 3.5 out of 5
Magic Gifts by Ilona Andrews (re-read) | 4 out of 5
Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews (re-read) | 3.75 out of 5
Retribution Clause by Ilona Andrews (re-read) | 3 out of 5
An Ill-Advised Rescue by Ilona Andrews | 3 out of 5
Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews (re-read) | 4.25 out of 5
Magic Steals by Ilona Andrews (re-read) | 3.5 out of 5
Magic Breaks by Ilona Andrews (re-read) | 4.5 out of 5
Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews (re-read) | 4.5 out of 5
Magic Stars by Ilona Andrews (re-read) | 4 out of 5
Magic Binds by Ilona Andrews (re-read) | 4.5 out of 5
Tanner by Sarah Mayberry | 4.25 out of 5
Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur | 3.25 out of 5
Kissing Sin by Keri Arthur | 3.5 out of 5
Tempting Evil by Keri Arthur | 3.75 out of 5
Dangerous Games by Keri Arthur | 3.5 out of 5
Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews (re-read) | 4 out of 5
White Hot by Ilona Andrews | 4.25 out of 5
Wildfire by Ilona Andrews | 4.5 out of 5
Lady Luck by Kristen Ashley (re-read) | 3.5 out of 5
Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley (re-read) |
Silver Silence by Nalini Singh (re-read) | 4.25 out of 5

My favorite reads of the month were White Hot by Ilona Andrews and Tanner by Sarah Mayberry. Both were wonderful. My least favorite read was Full Moon Rising by Riley Jenson. I didn’t dislike it, but it wasn’t as great as I was expecting it to be.

Rowena: Another month has come and gone and I’m still not reading regularly yet. I don’t know when I’m going to get my reading shit together but I hope it’s soon. I did manage to get some books read but not nearly as much as I hoped. I watched a lot of movies though. Right now, I’m just not in the mood to read. I’m hopeful that things will turn around in June. Fingers crossed.

Here’s what I did read last month.

Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs | 4 out of 5
The Girl with the Make Believe Husband by Julia Quinn | 3.5 out of 5
Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett | 4 out of 5
Shadow Reaper by Christine Feehan | DNF
Second Chance Season by Liora Blake | 4 out of 5
Black Tie Optional by Ann Marie Walker | 3.25 out of 5
Revenge by Lexi Blake | 4.25 out of 5

My favorite read of the month goes to Revenge by Lexi Blake, which I just finished last night. Man, it was good. I was looking forward to Drew Lawless’ book because he’s a pretty interesting character in the other books in this series and I was interested in seeing him front and center. He’s everything that I hoped he’d be and even though he drove me crazy with his thought processes at times, I still loved the hell out of him.

My least favorite read of the month goes to my lone DNF, Shadow Reaper by Christine Feehan. I wanted to read this book even though I didn’t care for the first book in this series because it was Ricco’s book. I had questions about his character and his back story and I wanted to know some things about him but his story was so slow going that I got bored and just quit the book. I got about 40% into the book before I called it quits. It wasn’t for me.

This month we’re giving away:

The Stone Warriors: Damian by D.B. Reynolds
White Hot by Ilona Andrews
Tanner by Sarah Mayberry
Revenge by Lexi Blake

If you want to be entered to win, leave a comment on this post telling us what your favorite – and least favorite – reads of the month were. Also, be sure to tell us what book you’re interested in winning. You can put your name in for more than one book, but you’ll only be allowed to win one, so choose wisely.

Giveaway Alert

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So…what was your favorite read of the month? And your least favorite? Use the Rafflcopter Widget to enter! Good luck!

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