FREE/BARGAIN — Romance & Discussion

[library addict]

Blossom, having the words helps. Not only when dealing with doctors, etc, as they tend to write-off women's symptoms unless you (a) really make them listen and (b) have professionals who understand things overlap and look at the "big picture." But also just for your own peace of mind.

[library addict]

Weekly Report:

Read:
Finished my complete Psy/Changeling reread as I reread through Tangle of Need plus all of the novellas and short stories (I did skip a few of my non-fave short stories). I had already reread the full-length books from Heart of Obsidian through Silver Silence earlier this year before Ocean Light's release, so I didn't reread them as I'm out of time. (Although I confess I am currently rereading HoO for the bazillionth time ) Looking forward to tomorrow's newsletter with the Ain't No Party Like a Bear Party short.


Purchased:
I normally buy my books from Kobo and Google Play (or occasionally BAM). I also don't like supporting the practice of "Amazon only" books. But I had gift card money from my birthday/Christmas so went a bit looney between that and the Digital Day coupon. (Plus I've been waiting over 4 years for the JG books to have a wide release, but apparently they're never going to so...). All of these are backlist titles I own in print except the Drake novella.

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by library addict

Blossom, having the words helps. Not only when dealing with doctors, etc, as they tend to write-off women's symptoms unless you (a) really make them listen and (b) have professionals who understand things overlap and look at the "big picture." But also just for your own peace of mind.

Isn't that the truth. I was at the emergency room two Fridays ago. Doc ask my age after I told him my symptoms and declare it to be hormones. I found out later they did not such hormonal tests. He was wrong. It's a localized infection of some sort in my either my inner ear or sinus that doesn't show up on blood tests. The lymph nodes are pushing on the nerves in my neck, particular the vagus nerve according to research causing all sorts of crazy things. As long as I keep my neck tilted to the right when it happens it stops

I've started sinus rinsing, Airborne, chicken soup and Motrin. I tried a warm compress but it made it worse. I'm feeling a bit better today no burning in the lymph nodes.



Sent from my Moto E

[sufue]

Magic Binds is the 9th in the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. It has dropped to $1.99 at Kindle and Kobo US.

Kindle US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AHKXIB0
Kobo US: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/magic-binds

Spoiler:

Mercenary Kate Daniels knows all too well that magic in post-Shift Atlanta is a dangerous business. But nothing she’s faced could have prepared her for what’s to come in this heart-stopping novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

Kate and the former Beast Lord Curran Lennart are finally making their relationship official. But there are some steep obstacles standing in the way of their walk to the altar.

Kate’s father, Roland, has kidnapped the demigod Saiman and is slowly bleeding him dry in a never-ending bid for power. A Witch Oracle has predicted that if Kate marries the man she loves, Atlanta will burn and she will lose him forever. And the only person Kate can ask for help is long dead.

The odds are impossible. The future is grim. But Kate Daniels has never been one to play by the rules...

[sufue]

The G.A. Aiken Dragon Bundle contains The Dragon Who Loved Me, What a Dragon Should Know, Last Dragon Standing & How to Drive a Dragon Crazy from the Dragon Kin series by G.A. Aiken. It has dropped to $2.99 at Kindle and Kobo US. I like the earlier titles in this series, although I'm not wild about some of the later ones.

Kindle US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009CEXARA
Kobo US: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/g-a...dragon-crazy-1

Spoiler:

Only for those I love would I traipse into the merciless Northlands to risk life, limb, and my exquisite beauty. But do they appreciate it? Do they say, "Gwenvael the Handsome, you are the best among us--the most loved of all dragons?" No! For centuries my family has refused to acknowledge my magnificence as well as my innate humility. Yet for them, and because I am so chivalrous, I will brave the worst this land has to offer.

So here I stand, waiting to broker an alliance with the one the Northlanders call The Beast. A being so fearful, the greatest warriors will only whisper its name. Yet I, Gwenvael, will courageously face down this terrifying. . .woman? It turns out the Beast, a.k.a. Dagmar Reinholdt, is a woman--one with steel-gray eyes and a shocking disregard for my good looks. Beneath her plain robes and prim spectacles lies a sensual creature waiting to be unleashed. Who better than a dragon to thaw out that icy demeanor?

And who better than a beast to finally tame a mighty dragon's heart?

"Sexy and outrageous humor." --Romantic Times

I know what they see when they look at me. The charming, soft-spoken dragoness bred from the most powerful of royal bloodlines. A disguise stronger than any battle shield that allows me to keep all suitors at tail's length. A technique that's worked until him. Until Ragnar the Cunning, handsome barbarian warlord and warrior mage from the desolate Northlands. Unlike those who've come before him, he does not simply submit to my astounding charm and devastating smile. Instead, he dismisses me as vapid, useless and, to my great annoyance, rather stupid!

Yet I'll allow no male to dismiss me. Soon he'll learn my worth, my many skills, and the strength of my will. For this one challenges me enough to make me want to ruthlessly taunt him, tease him and, finally, when the trap is set, bring him to his knees.

I was raised for battle. And as the first daughter of a warrior family, I've earned my reputation the hard way. Yet now I fight alongside uncivilized male Northland dragons who think a female is only good for breeding and waiting back home in the cave. But it's the foolish and foolhardy who would try to stop me, Rhona the Fearless, from doing what I do best—destroying the enemies of my kind.

So the smartest thing wily barbarian Vigholf the Abhorrent can do for me is stay out of my way as we risk all on a deadly mission in enemy territory. I don't care if he's fascinated by me, even though he is as attractive as he is resourceful. He's having far too much fun putting me in difficult situations and testing my sense of duty to the limit. And I'm going to enjoy challenging his insufferable confidence, outwitting his schemes, and making him surrender in the wildest ways. . .

"Sexy and outrageous humor." --Romantic Times

Some things never go away, like vile enemies, bad ale, and annoying kin. But I thought I was finished with the one dragon I'd have done anything for: Éibhear the Blue, a big, gorgeous, blue-haired beast who thinks the world belongs to him. The world and, apparently, me.

So if Éibhear wants to play the caring hero and travel into the most forsaken of Gods forsaken lands to protect the one woman who doesn't need it--namely me--I'll let him. Because while I'm trying to fulfill a ridiculous quest for a pushy god, I'm going to draw this overconfident warlord much too close, rekindle his fires, and enjoy every minute of his delicious defeat. . .

[library addict]

One of my favorites from this year:

Under Control by Shannon Stacey (Boston Fire #5) on sale for 99¢

Spoiler:

When faced with the opportunity to change shifts while staying in the same house, veteran firefighter Derek Gilman jumps at the chance. His new schedule means not working Saturdays, which means more time to spend with his two kids. His divorce may have been amicable, but being a firefighter and a single dad is a lot to juggle. And when fate brings a gorgeous, wealthy woman into his life, he’s pretty sure he can’t handle more than he already is.

Olivia McGovern loves plans. She planned to start her own business and planned its growth. It’s earning her seven figures now, but her personal life simply doesn’t exist. Getting trapped in a broken elevator figures in exactly nowhere, and freaking out in front of a sexy firefighter definitely isn’t on the agenda. Especially not one with two kids and an ex.

What would have been a random incident with an attractive stranger becomes something more when a charity event brings them back together. They’re from different sides of the tracks, literally—with friends, family and careers to consider. But as Derek and Olivia are discovering, chemistry doesn’t allow for plans, and love doesn’t bother with logistics.

Kobo

iTunes

Amazon

[library addict]

I did well on my reading goals again this year.

I enjoyed Elizabeth Hunter's Cambio Springs series and would recommend it to fans of shapeshifters. Also, if you are a fan of small-town romances (and don't mind the paranormal aspect). It's only three full-length books plus two novellas, so not a huge time commitment.

I’d picked Kylie Brant as my auto-buy author I was woefully behind on (9 books). I’ve now decided to drop her and Meg Benjamin from my autobuy list since they’ve both gone to Amazon-only imprints. If MB ever releases the third book in her Brewing Love series with Entangled I will buy it though. Brant has switched to mostly straight suspense with no romance, so…

The only goal I didn't meet was finishing a complete new-to-me series. Only because the final two books in Jeffe Kennedy's Sorcerous Moons series have yet to be released. I did read (and enjoyed) the first four books.

I am still way behind on a few authors. I’ve selected Carla Neggers to catch up on in 2019. This is mostly because my big goal for 2019 is to completely finish up my print TBR pile. I have 19 of CN’s books and one last Linda Raye (aka Linda Turner) Jove Second Chance at Love in print. I also have more of Neggers old category books in digital I haven’t read yet. I am missing one of her books written as Amalia James, but am reluctant to spend the money I’ve seen it listed for at Thrift Books, Amazon, etc. So it may be I just never get to that one My eyes may not thank me, but 20 print books spaced out over the year shouldn't be too bad (I hope!). Plus I broke down and bought some reading glasses. I so resent having to wear contacts and glasses both, but what else can one do

I went "shopping" in Calibre (via cover view) and picked ten “must read” books for 2019. I’ve done this the past few years and it’s a fun way to get to some books which I was eager to read when purchased but have languished on Mount TBR.

I plan to read one of the *coughdon'twanttoadmithowmanytherearetochoosefrom* series I bought in its entirety by an author I have not yet read. I’m going with Caitlyn McFarland’s Dragonsworn trilogy which is just three books. Only because I also want to finally read the multi-author Hotel Marchand series I bought during the big 5¢ sale at Harlequin which has 12 books. I also picked four authors to read two backlist titles each. And I have a few other small goals.

I think this approach has worked well for me the past few years. I like setting goals in conjunction with reading challenges because it offers me a wide variety of books to suit whatever mood I'm in. The challenges at AAR are flexible and I can easily switch out a book if I decide to DNF something. Having goal books/authors and loosely “scheduling” books to read has helped me to read more from my TBR.

I did fairly well with only buying books I planned to read right away this past year unless they were on sale. I only had the one buying binge from last week, which was mostly backlist I’ve already read in print. There were some new releases I haven't gotten to yet, but I did much better than in past years.

2019 will be more difficult with having to stretch the budget to buy Harlequin titles at Kobo rather than using the free codes to get them direct from Harlequin. So I'll apply the same rule to them (only buy when ready to read). I've saved up all of my Google Play rewards this year, so I will buy more from them in 2019 than I did this year. I've made a strict book budget, so having this option will help.

My most eagerly anticipated books for 2019 are

• Warrior of the World by Jeffe Kennedy (Chronicles of Dasnaria #3)
• Flare Up by Shannon Stacey (Boston Fire #6)
• Polaris Rising by Jessie Mihalik (The Consortium Rebellion #1)
• End Transmission by Robyn Bachar (The Galactic Cold War trilogy #3)

And the usual JD Robb In Death and Nalini Singh Psy/Changeling Trinity books. Plus Jeffe Kennedy will be finishing up The Uncharted Realms series with The Fate of the Tala. The new Singh mystery, A Madness of Sunshine, should also be good.

What are you all looking forward to next year?

[Hemmi]

I made a goal early this year to read some of those books I've had sitting around for years. Either read them or move them out. I still have some around but I worked thru a good portion of the older books I had.

Same thing with my ereader. For every newer acquired book, I try and go several pages back and read something I've had for a while.

[Blossom]

I need to finish the last Love At Stakes book. Finish a Regency I forgot I was reading. Find the next great series to start.

50 books once again is my goal. I met 2018 goal by a hair.



Sent from my Moto E

[worktolive]

Happy New Year to all!

I'm always impressed when people set book goals and actually meet them.

My goal for 2018 was to read at least 12 nonfiction books (one a month). Unfortunately, I didn't hit that goal, but I'm going to repeat it for 2019 and this time I'm determined to meet it. I have a nonfiction that I'm very interested in waiting for me at the library so I'm off to a good start.

Aside from that, there is the never ending attempt to tackle Mt. TBR. I like the idea of reading one older book (that I've owned for at least a year) for every new book that I read. That might work... Only problem is that I'd also have to cut down on the number of books I buy and those darned sales and freebies are just too tempting.

[bluesapphires2k]

Lionheart (Moonshadow #3) by Thea Harrison is $1.99. So far it's an Amazon only sale.

Amazon US

Spoiler:

King Oberon reigned over his Dark Court in Lyonesse for centuries until an assassination attempt laid him low. Now he lies unconscious in his snow-bound palace while his Power battles the enchantment that threatens to end his life.



A skilled trauma surgeon and magic user, Dr. Kathryn Shaw reigns at the top of her profession in New York. Then comes a challenge she can’t resist—she is asked to cure the incurable. Just getting close enough to try healing Oberon is a dangerous proposition. When she does reach him, he awakens too soon.



Roused from darkness by Kathryn’s presence, Oberon confronts the beautiful stranger who claims she wants to save his life. But the enchantment has frozen his emotions. How can he learn to trust her when he can’t feel anything?



Oberon’s desire is icy, devoid of all tenderness. Not only must Kathryn match wits with him, she must also fight her reaction to his touch, because there is so much more at stake than her own endangered heart.



For the Dark Court faces its most deadly peril yet. Its ancient enemy Isabeau, Queen of the Light Court, is obsessed with its annihilation, and Oberon must be brought to remember his loyalty and affection for his people.



Because if he won’t fight for them, Lyonesse itself may very well be destroyed…

[worktolive]

Originally Posted by bluesapphires2k

Lionheart (Moonshadow #3) by Thea Harrison is $1.99. So far it's an Amazon only sale.

Amazon US

I one-clicked this book so fast, I'm surprised I didn't dislocate my finger. I loved the first two books in this series. Both have my favorite kind of heroine - smart, strong, determined, and perfectly capable of rescuing herself and making her own (good) decisions. I've heard that the heroine in this book is the same.

[sufue]

The Lester Family Collection: An Anthology contains three titles in the (wait-for-it) Lester Family series by Stephanie Laurens. It has dropped to $3.99 at Kindle US - a pretty good price if you need all three titles. Titles include:

• The Reasons for Marriage
• A Lady of Expectations
• An Unwilling Conquest

link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OOM1KAO

Spoiler:

The Reasons for Marriage
Lenore Lester is perfectly content with her quiet country life, but the notoriously charming Jason, Duke of Eversleigh, is determined to loosen the hold she has on her heart.

A Lady of Expectations
Jack Lester seeks the perfect bride—one who is attractive and kind but who also loves him in spite of his wealth. But when Sophie Winterton enters his life, believing he must marry into wealth to run his family's estate, how will he convince her that she is the woman he desires?

An Unwilling Conquest
Self-proclaimed rake Harry Lester has no intention of being ensnared by the trap of marriage. But when he encounters Mrs. Lucinda Babbacombe, a beautiful, independent widow, he finds himself prisoner in the most passionate of traps.

[sufue]

A Montana Mavericks Christmas: An Anthology contains Married in Whitehorn by Susan Mallery and Born in Whitehorn by Karen Rose Smith. It has dropped to $2.49 at Kindle US.

link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0041KLFFO

Spoiler:

Married in Whitehorn by Susan Mallery
Duty-bound to protect pregnant amnesiac Angela Sheppard, Deputy Sheriff Shane McBride swore he'd never give his heart. Yet, soon he hungered to call the attractive widow his own. Was it possible a wedding--with baby!--was due for Whitehorn's brooding man in blue?

Born in Whitehorn by Karen Rose Smith
Dr. Jeremy Winters discovered he was a daddy when he came to beautiful Leah Nighthawk's rescue and delivered their tiny twins. And though the hard-hearted doctor would never deny his babies a daddy this Christmas, would he give Leah the gift of his love?

[library addict]

Weekly Report:

Read:

• Midsummer Dreams by Amalia James (2 stars/C-)
• Storm Warning (The East Coast of Scotland #2) by Toni Anderson (3 stars/B-)

Purchased:
none