Duration: 1st February – 28th February 2021 Number of books: 6 Hosted by: My Vampire Book Obsession
Duration February 1st – 28th 2021
Rule Complete at least 2 tasks to get the heart No minimum page count All genres welcome Rereads welcome A different book must be used for each task
‣ Oxen are the hard workers in the background, intelligent and reliable, but never demanding praise. Recent years of the Ox are: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 • Read a book published in any of those years
‣ Metal – 1961, 2021 – These Oxen face obstacles early on, although there are no financial worries. Friends and family aren’t much help, but they will be able to enjoy a comfortable retirement. • Read a book with a retired character or where a character doesn’t get along with their family – Matilda by Roald Dahl
‣ Water – 1973, 2033 – These Oxen have a comfortable early life and are respected their entire life. They will have a loving family, but it’s recommended to marry late. • Read a book with a family or marriage – The Other Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
‣ Wood – 1925, 1985 – These Oxen are multitalented and live like a breeze. There are some difficulties in the beginning, but everything smooths out. • Read a book with a dramatic story or cliffhanger – The Cad and the Co-Ed by L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid
‣ Fire – 1937, 1997 – These Oxen are friendly and social. There are no financial worries their entire life. • Read a book with a wealthy character or that was expensive – Beard in Mind by Penny Reid
‣ Earth – 1949, 2009 – These Oxen are detailed and like being the leader. They usually make a lot of money, but can’t seem to hold onto it. However, they are able to slow down and enjoy their later years. • Read a book where someone loses something or with a slow-burn romance – Rebel Hard by Nalini Singh
Duration: 1st February – 28th February 2021 Number of books: 10 Hosted by: My Vampire Book Obsession
♥ Duration: Starts: February 1st Ends: February 28th
♥ How It Works: Max is 10 books each month. But there are 5 different levels. Select which level you want and that’s how many items you will need to check off.
♥ Levels: Transitional – 2 books Baby Vamp – 4 books Vampire minion – 6 books Master – 8 books Vampire King or Queen – 10 books or more
1. Not your traditional February Love theme… Read a book that starts with a letter in OPPOSITES OR Read a book whose author’s initial can be found in ATTRACT The Other Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
2. February 1 ~ Spunky Old Broads Day Read a book whose MC is a spunky old broad OR Read a book whose MC is a “spring chicken” (young person)
3. February 2 ~ Ground Hogs Day Read a book with repeating words in the title OR Read a book with no words beginning with the same letter in the title Beard in Mind by Penny Reid
4. February 7 ~ Superbowl Sunday Read a book with red, blue or silver on the cover (NFL logo) OR Read a book with no teamwork (your interpretation) Necromancing the Stone by Lish McBride
5. February 11 ~ White T-shirt day Read a book with a white shirt on the cover OR Read a book with a bare chest on the cover Megan’s Mark by Lora Leigh
6. February 13 ~ Get a Different Name Day Read a book where someone gets married OR Read a book with a character that has a nickname Rebel Hard by Nalini Singh
7. February 14 ~ Valentine’s Day Read a book with a heart on the cover OR Read a book with a couple that bickers or fights often
December, as always, was nuts. So not as much reading as I would like…
But. Wow. What a year.
I’m also a little annoyed at myself, because I had all these grand plans to get my 2020 Reading Challenges completed… but at least I made my reading goal!!!
Title: Elizabeth’s Wolf Author: Lora Leigh Series: Breeds #3 Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Erotica, Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense Dates read: 28th – 29th December 2020 Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Berkley Year: 2004 5th sentence, 74th page: Even his balls tightened at the smell.
New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh returns to the “highly charged and carnal” (Fresh Fiction) world of her Breeds novels with an expanded edition of Elizabeth’s Wolf, a paranormal romance that awakens the beast within…
Special Forces soldier Dash has all but given up his will to live – until an innocent letter from a little girl brings him back to life. Cassie writes to him every week, strengthening his resolve to recover from the devastating loss of his unit. But when the letter suddenly stop arriving, Dash instinctively knows Cassie and her mother are in critical danger.
Elizabeth and her daughter are on the run from a dark and bloody past that refuses to let them go. The stakes are too high for Elizabeth to fall for this dangerous man who just walked into her life, but, now more than ever, she needs help.
Saving his mate and her daughter calls Dash’s beast to the forefront and transforms the lone wolf into an alpha protector; he becomes Elizabeth’s wolf.
The Breeds series is one that I have a bit of a tendency to pick up, and then put back down again. Not because it isn’t amazing. But it is most definitely graphic. And not the kind of books that I like to read with other people around… there’s a little too much toe-curling spice in it to have witnesses to my reading. Which means that its been quite a while since I picked up a Breeds novel.
Elizabeth’s Wolf may be my favourite Breeds novel yet. It was a little bit more romantic and relationship based than the others. Less of that raw, animalistic frenzy to mate. Which, whilst enjoyable, is a little bit intense. Instead, Elizabeth and Dash work slowly towards trust. And, whilst they do start ripping each other’s clothes off with abandon, it takes that little bit longer.
There is something gorgeous about a child setting up their parent and creating their happily ever after. Somehow, Cassie is much, much better at this and more manipulative than most of the children I’ve had in my other romances who do this. So much better at it. And a lot more entertaining. She’s an absolute delight and often steals the show. Which makes her backstory and all of the horrible things that happen to her that much more heart wrenching.
I could not get enough of the emotional rollercoaster that this novel took me on. It had all of the fun emotions in it that I’m used to in some of my favourite books. And although it was still erotic and incredibly graphic, the greater build up to these moments made me want it that much more. And seriously helped me to fall further in love with all of the characters.
This holiday season, two of today’s most popular paranormal authors invite you into their worlds—where creatures are always stirring . . . and no one sleeps through the night.
I was surprised that this “collection” only contained two novellas. I had half expected it to have more like most of the other collections of this varietal. But somehow it just worked perfectly. I love that both stories are Christmas vampire stories. That they feature long nights and a whole lot of love. And lust. Because there should always be some lust involved…
Both of these stories are so different from one another. The Gift is a beautiful, slow burn romance that leaves you feeling very happy, and just a little bit tingly. Home for the Holidays on the other hand is a little bit more of an action-packed story. One that constantly gets your heart racing and leaves you turning the pages at record speed.
These two novellas were wonderful Christmas stories. They were fun and intriguing. Engaging and definitely a collection that I will be reading again and again in the future.
Where are my heroes? Whenever I’m reading a book by one of my favorite authors I find I’m falling for the wrong guy — not the hero, but the other man — and what I really want is for him to have his own story.
Like Jake Linley, from Someone to Watch Over Me by Lisa Kleypas…that doctor could sit by my bedside if I ever got sick. And Ned Blydon in Splendid by Julia Quinn…he makes me want to learn to waltz! I never thought living in a drafty castle would be much fun until Simon of Ravenswood in Master of Desire by Kinley MacGregor came along.
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that these are my men — when do they get their stories?
Sincerely, A Romance Fan
Some books are so special that there is more than one hero to love, but only a single story is told. So if you find yourself asking, “Where is my hero?” you’ll discover the answer right here in this delicious collection by New York Times bestseller Lisa Kleypas, New York Times bestseller Julia Quinn and USA Today bestseller Kinley MacGregor.
I figured that I would finish the year of 2020 that has been absolutely insane with some nice, pleasant romances. Normally I really enjoy dystopian fictions, but this year that just didn’t feel quite suitable. Romance was the way to go. And as one of the last books of the year, this was most definitely a great fit.
I am already obsessed with Julia Quinn but discovering Lisa Kleypas and Kinley MacGregor through this anthology was such an amazing experience. There is something uniquely wonderful about each and everyone of these authors. Late nights curled up on the couch with a cup of tea and my dogs made their words come to life. Sinking me into a happy little world where true love always wins.
I love that this collection is about well-loved secondary characters in each of the authors’ series. There have been a number of romances that I have read where you really want the story of a secondary character. A story that often doesn’t come. So I loved that there were three novellas that managed to hit that nice, sweet spot.
This is most definitely a collection that I will want to read again. It is also filled with stories from series that are now filling my wish list. I can’t wait to get further and further into the writings of these authors… I suppose that that could be a bit of a New Years Resolution for next year…
For the holidays, giving can bring as much pleasure as receiving.
Come, as these four bestselling authors invite you to savour the sweet anticipation of unwrapping these never-before-published novellas of searing sexuality, rapturous romance, and paranormal pairings.
Experience the feral fire of #1 New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra’s tale of the Children of the Air. Explore the outer limits of carnal craving in USA Today bestselling author Eileen Wilks’s world of the lupi, and enter national bestselling author Kimberly Frost’s all-new world of desire and devotion.
As intimate as they are imaginative, these unique holiday stories reveal the flush of surprise and joy when the most unexpected package turns out to be just what you always craved…
I had assumed from the cover of this book that this was going to be heavily Christmassy. It wasn’t. there were hints of the holidays throughout. And for some of the story, this was much more than a hint. But, ultimately, it had just enough Christmas feeling that it was a great read in the holidays when I was feeling very uninspired by the holiday season.
Of the holiday anthologies that I read this year this was most certainly the most lustful one. It was deliciously fun and wonderfully toe tingling. There was also the usual tales of love and romance. But, for me, I loved this collection because of the erotic aspects of the storyline. Not so much the sappy love stories. I had other collections for that.
Tied with a Bow is a great collection. One that takes place in a couple of series and worlds that I already love. And took me to a few new realities that I haven’t had the pleasure of adding to my shelves yet. The perfect mix for any anthology that I have on my shelves. A mix of startling new discoveries, and wonderful old favourites.
Tis the night before Christmas and all through the house, things are definitely stirring… because if you’re going to wait up for Santa, you might as well have some very sexy company…
“White Knight Christmas” is by “New York Times” bestselling author Lori Foster. Officer Parker Ross hates Christmas; Lily Donaldson lives for it. She’s determined to introduce him to the pleasures of the season, and he’s looking forward to being deliciously converted…
“Snowed Under” is by Erin McCarthy. Justin Fairbanks has always been attracted to Claire Robbins. When she gets soaked by a snowplough and asks him to help remove her wet clothes, well, what sane man could possibly say no?
“Ms. Humbug” is by Jill Shalvis. Wild, daring, a complete rebel, Matt is the man no woman can tame – until he kisses his nemesis, Cami, at the office holiday party, and suddenly, all bets are off…and running…
“I’ll Be Home For Christmas” is by Kathy Love. Seven years ago, Rob Marsten chose work over the love of his life, Erica. Now, a snowstorm and a car rental mix-up leads to a reunion, and this time, Rob will show Erica exactly how much he wants her…
“Seducing Scrooge” is by Katherine Garbera It’s Christmas Eve, and workaholic Jackson Peters is annoyed that his staff has left early. Only Krista Miller is still there, but from the look on her face, she doesn’t seem to have work on her mind…
“The Good Girl’s Guide To A Very Bad Christmas” is by Kylie Adams Peri Knight has had it with being good. She’s made a list of her top five sexiest fantasies, and in the week before Christmas, she’s going to live out every single one…
I read a few Christmas anthologies at the same point at the end of 2020, and this was most definitely the sweetest of them. It was very cutesy. And kind of completely adorable. There is something hopeful about Christmas Eve, or the night before Christmas. Something that always feels filled with potential. I feel like it never truly is… but it always feels like it could be.
I only knew two of the authors when I started this collection. It was a lovely, pleasant surprise when I discovered the other four. I’ll most definitely have to do some research and add some more of their books to my wish list. Not that I really need to add any more to my wish list… considering how damn big and kind of out of control that thing is…
The Night Before Christmas helped to cure a little bit of that humbug in me and remind me what it is about Christmas that I normally love. It was filled with more cute and sweet stories than lustful ones. And was just generally a seriously enjoyable and easy way to spend a few nights in the lead up to the festive season.
Skip the mistletoe – you won’t need it after you indulge in these six tempting tales of romance filled with the sort of naughty-but-oh-so-nice men who make the season so bright it’s downright hot…
He See You When You’re Sleeping – Lori Foster What Booker Dean wants for Christmas isn’t under the tree, it’s right next door. Frances Kennedy is everything Booker desires…and the gift he has planned for her involves a lot of delicious unwrapping…
All She Wants for Christmas – Janelle Denison When sexy pediatrician Matthew Carlton plays Santa, pulling Faith Roberts on his lap, he has no idea what’s on her Christmas wish list…or how much he’ll enjoy fulfilling every bit of it…
Turning Up the Heat – Susan Donovan Being stood up on Christmas Eve is bad enough, but now Valerie’s furnace is broken, too. Good thing that sexy repairman is available to raise the temperature dramatically…
Baby, It’s Cold Outside – Donna Kauffman It’s been ten years since Suzanna York left Jace Morgan. Now, as fate reunites them during a holiday snowstorm, they’ll have plenty of time to discover that distance only sharpens certain hungers…
A Blue Christmas – Alison Kent Thomas “Blue” Miller never expected to see Jessie Buchanan on his Christmas Tree farm again. But now that she’s here, he’s ready to show her exactly what she’s been missing…
The Nutcracker Sweet – Nancy Warren Co-workers Daniel and Tara couldn’t hate each other more. So when they end up as Secret Santa partners, it’s a perfect chance for revenge and a dare that just may ignite the steamiest night of their lives…
What a fun and glorious little collection. Jingle Bell Rock is filled with six wonderful novellas that remind you that around Christmas time…anything is possible.
These are incredibly light-hearted and fun novellas. They feature people from all walks of life. People with different goals, desires and love. The thing that unites them all? Love and the festive season.
This year, I really needed something to get me feeling a little more of that holiday spirit. So I picked up a collection of anthologies off my shelves which feature Christmas and the holidays. This was most certainly one of the sweetest and cutest of the collections. There was a little bit of lust, but, ultimately I loved the fact that this was just so incredibly cute.
Earth and Skye 