Reading in February and March

Here it is at last - the reading update for February and March.

I haven't tackled the TBR pile as much as I'd liked but continued listening to audio books. 15 out of the 20 books belonged to a series - yes I did start some new ones because of availability but I do want to dwindle down my series to something more manageable *grin*.

1. Warlock Holmes: A Study in Brimstone  (Warlock Holmes #1) by G.S. Denning | 4.5 stars
2. Dragon Blood (Hurog #2) by Patricia Briggs (audio read by Joe Manganiello) | 5 stars
3. The Bad Guys: Apocalypse Now (Bad Guys #4) by Aaron Blabey (childrens) | 5 stars
4. Stone Castles by Trish Morey | 5 stars
5. Beauty and the Beast (Spindle Cove #3.5) by Tessa Dare (novella) | 5 stars
6. The BFG by Roald Dahl (audio read by David Walliams) | 5 stars
7. Magic Study (The Chronicles of Ixia #2 - Study #2) by Maria V. Snyder | 4.5 stars
8. Don't Look Back (Lake & March #2) by Amanda Quick (audio read by Josephine Bailey) | 5 stars 
9. Red Hot Lover (Winged & Dangerous #3) by Mel Teshco (novella) | 5 stars
10. The Untamed Bride (Black Cobra Quartet #1) by Stephanie Laurens (audio read by Simon Peeble) | 4.5 stars
11. Late for the Wedding (Lake and March #3) by Amanda Quick (audio read by Josephine Bailey) | 5 stars
12. Hit (Makedde Vanderwall #4) by Tara Moss (audio read by Tara Moss) | 4.25 stars
13. Secrets of Sloane House  (Chicago World's Fair Mystery #1) by Shelley Gray (audio read by Tavia Gilbert) | 4 stars
14. A Stolen Season by Tamara Gill | 4.5 stars
15. One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress, #2) by Jeaniene Frost (audio read by Tavia Gilbert) | 5 stars
16. Devil's Bride (Cynster #1) by Stephanie Laurens | 4 stars
17. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo graphic novel (Millenium #1 graphic novels) by Denise Mina  | 4 stars
18. Homer's Odyssey by  Seymour Chwast (graphic novel) | 4 stars
19. The Singing Bones: inspired by Grimm's Fairy Tales by Shaun Tan (scultpures to passages from fairy tales) | 5 stars
20. The Seventh Son (The Tales of Alvin Maker #1) by Orscon Scott Card (audio read by various readers) | 4 stars

Happy Reading!

February Update

Well it had been a very busy month and little reading has been done until the last few days. That means I am way behind on all the challenges. However in the last few days, I've managed to finish two books, bringing the year's total to three.


Here is what the challenges are looking like.



Australian Women Writers (0/10)

- I would like to read a Tara Moss book.

DarkSiders (1/12) - UP

- currently reading: Secret Ones by Nicole Murphy

- Allegra Fairweather by Janni Nell


Horror & Urban Fantasy (0/24)

Currently reading - Under the Dome by Stephen King

Mystery & Suspense (0/12)

Currently reading- Moonlight Becomes You by Mary Higgins Clark

Speculative Romance (1/18)

Currently Reading- Passion by Lauren Kate

Steampunk (0/6)

Currently reading - Blameless by Gail Carriger

Writing Buddies (1/24) - UP

Currently reading - Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh





So how have you been doing with your challenges?

DarkSider Challenge - February wrap up

February continued along the same path as January, with no DarkSider novels being finished.

How about you?

Did you get any DarkSider reading done?

February reads

February has come and gone, so here's what I read.

Books read in Feb = 7
Total books read to date = 14

Again I had a fantastic month of reading.



The Right Chord by Elisabeth Rose

A lovely romance. Grace and Harry get off on the wrong impression from the start, with Grace trying to be more assertive. Add a dog, Woof, who howls when Grace practices (she's in an orchestra), and Harry's cute kid, and there's lots of situations for misunderstandings and confusion.
(Romance)

Love is a Four Legged Word by Kandy Shepherd 

I loved this book. It made me laugh with Brutus, the millionaire mutt.  Will definitely reading more of Kandy's books.

There were so many tongue-in-cheek things I loved it's hard to list them all, but must say the romance between Maddy and Tom is just so lovely. And the best pack ending!! :)
(Romance)

hey what is it with me and books about dogs this month?!!



Generation 18 by Keri Arthur (Spook Squad, Book 2)

This is the second book in the Spook Squad series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love the futuristic setting, the characters (Gabriel - mmmm), and the storyline. Sam is still trying to piece together where she comes from. She and Gabriel have lots of tension but he pushes her away afraid she will be killed. And there is a mysterious man she meets and is in her dreams too...someone she doesn't know if she can trust but who knows all about her and her past. He's just not saying...
(Horror & Urban Fantasy)


The Arrival by Shaun Tan

This is a book devoid of any words but the pictures speak enough for it. The story of immigrants going into another country. I see familiar faces really, having been a daughter of immigrants, but also the photographs of family as they were when they first arrived in Australia. Such a lovely book in sepia tones. I can say there was emotion stuck in my throat 'reading' the stories in there. Fantastic artwork as usual. Making everything both familiar and unfamiliar.

Oh btw - Shaun won an Oscar for Best Short Animated Film for The Lost Thing. Fantastic news!!! I've read the book but haven't seen the movie. 

Night of the Living Trekkies by Keith David Anderson & Sam Stall 

It’s sci-fi/horror – zombie book set at a Star Trek convention. Much fun had with the two genres and of course it was funny. There was even Star Wars references shown in. I actually picked up this book from the library because of the Book trailer....it's gold.
(Horror & Urban Fantasy)

Trailer YouTube link



Shaun of the Dead (Graphic Novel)

Adaptation of the movie. Still laughed at bits (even though I've seen the movie) and the art work is very good. Didn't realise they had put this out until I spotted in my library.



Glory in Death by J.D. Robb (In Death, Book 2)

The second of the Eve Dallas and Rourke series. Again great writing and I was able to move along with this story quickly. I love the relationship between these characters. Both are from unloving backgronds and it's nice to see them have comfort in each other. I shall be continuing with the next book.
(Mystery & Suspense)

So summing up:

Speculative Fiction 2/12 (no change)

Horror & Urban Fantasy 3/24 (up by 2)

Mystery & Suspense 1/12 (up by 1)

Stephen King 0/12 

Romance 3/24 (up by 2)

So looks like the Horror&UF and the Romance Challenges are out in front.

Until next time, happy reading!

February reads

I'm definitely behind with my reading blogging. 


Here is what I read this month.

Walking Dead by C.E. Murphy - Urban Fantasy

A thoroughly enjoyable read. I'm finding Joanne's journey is getting better and better. I love her wit and sarcasm, and that despite that when she's scared, she can scream like a little girl. LOL. And her relationship with Morrison & the other characters (Gary, Billy, Mel) is wonderful. Can't wait for book 5!

Executive Mother-To-Be -by Nicola Marsh - Harlequin Romance

Thoroughly enjoyed

Hot Boss, Wicked Nights by Anne Oliver - HM&B Sexy Sensation

Phew, what a wickedly sensational book. Damon and Kate certainly steam up the pages, and fall in love in the process.

Deadly Desire by Keri Arthur - Dark Urban Fantasy

Oh this one was a real goodie to read. Investigation, passion, attraction....& more. Two more books in the series to go. Can't wait to see how this story goes...

The Greek Boss's Demand by Trish Morey - Harlequin Presents

This has been on my TBR pile for years!! I've read some of Trish's later work but not the book that started it all. Finally read and enjoyed.

Drawing Faces by Rosie Dickins and Jan McCafferty - Non-Fiction - Children's

An introduction to drawing faces for children or those wanting to go back to basics. Great overview.

Iron Soldiers: a story of arms & armour by Dave Luckett - Non-Fiction - Children's

Told from the POV of a blacksmith's business changing over time in regards to armour and how it was made. Interesting.

So that's it for February.

I'm still reading 'Sizzle, Seduce & Simmer' for my reward book and it's making me hungry (cooking is a big part of the stories).