Tag: Shelf Control

Wednesday Shelf Control

Louise H6 Comments

Showing a little Shelf Control

Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out the introductory post, here.

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the linked post, and jump on board!

Tackling my ever growing, ridiculously large TBR list is my top priority this year. In order to do this I’ve cut back on being a member of most arc teams, and am trying my best to avoid visiting places like Netgalley, Booksprout, BookSirens and StoryOrigins too frequently. I’ve got my google calendar blocked out up to August with books I own and want to have read by the end of the year. I’m also trying to limit my new purchases to the few arc books I am still reading, along with new books from any series that I have already started. Those ones I try to read immediately, as I discovered last year that the chances of me reading them decreased exponentially with time since purchase. Each month I’ve also allowed a “catch-up” week, which allows for arc reads from the few teams I remain on, life hiccups that prevent me from reading, impulse buys (but it was on sale!) and the occasional fall from the no-new-arcs wagon.

So far I’ve read 5 books, though two were re-reads because they were part of a series. I’m currently reading the 6th book and this is probably more TBR list books than I’ve managed to read in a year before! I’m hoping I can keep this up, though at the same rate per month it will still take a few more years to clear the purchased books on my kindle. It would take a decade or more to clear the freebies 🤣🤣🤣.

Witches’ Bane is my current read and it will be followed by Chase the Dark, I shall also be dipping in and out of Missing Ink as this is one of the said purchases because it’s part of an ongoing series I am reading. So whilst it technically isn’t a TBR read, it is stopping it from going ON that list. Not increasing the darn thing often feels as much of a success as reducing it


So my fellow book lovers – what are you currently reading and is it from your TBR list?

Shelf Control Wednesday – #4

Louise H2 Comments

Shelf Control Wednesday 2021 Week #4

Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out the introductory post, here.

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the linked post, and jump on board!

I’m on a TBR clearing spree and this is one that feels like it has been on there forever. It hasn’t but given how much I enjoyed the first book, Fae, I can’t explain why it’s still unread! Book 1 was a very dark and gritty PNR, fast paced and well written and I’m hoping I love Book 2 just as much.

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45999817

Genre – Paranormal Romance

Immortal. Enslaved by an ancient god. Can she ever be free?Obey and survive. Those have been the words that Tara has lived by for over a thousand years. She is Faeoihn, an immortal warrior for the goddess Eltera, but none of that matters when she’s cursed by one of the gods in her pantheon to serve as a slave for eternity.
All because of a single battle, lost over two millennia ago.
When an assassin appears in the dead of night to take her to a new master, she doesn’t fight, because when you’ve lived in darkness for so long it’s hard to believe in the light. But this handsome, all-too-mortal man, has his own demons and his kindness might just be the thing to wake Tara up.
No women. No kids.
Simple rules to live by, but they have let Alaric deal with the life he’s been given. A life of privilege, money, and power – as long as he takes the lives he’s told to. When his mentor sends him on a job to kill a man and kidnap a woman, he reluctantly accepts.
But once he’s face to face with this beautiful, strange girl, he’s not sure he can turn her over when the call finally comes. As Tara and Alaric clash, their pasts catch up to them in a whirlwind that is inescapable, forcing them to acknowledge the mistakes they’ve made and see that with each other they might find salvation.
Can Tara find the will to fight again? Can Alaric betray the only family he has left to protect her?
Discover their destiny in this exciting dark, paranormal romance!

Publisher’s note: Tara is the second book in the Daughters of Eltera series. It contains dark themes, slavery, violence, damaged heroes, and gods and goddesses. If those things don’t interest you, please seek another book.

Wednesday Shelf Control – 2021

Louise HLeave a comment

Shelf Control
Week #3

I’ve already read TWO books this year that have been on my TBR for ages (in fact they had been on my ereader for the same amount of time too.) I succumbed to temptation and downloaded a couple of arcs from Netgalley, which really isn’t going to help me work on that TBR, but thankfully one has quite a long reading date on it. So after I’ve finished my current read I will get back to my TBR clearance project. Depending on my mood that will involve reading one of the following books. Some have been on my kindle longer than others but all of them are on that mountainous TBR list.

Star Kingdom Box Set by Lindsay Buroker

Witches Bane (Soul Eater #2) by Pippa DaCosta

Badass Brats Box Set by Cari SIlverwood, Sorcha Black and Leia Shaw

What are you hoping to read from your TBR list?


Shelf Control Wednesday

Louise H2 Comments

Mishca and Lauren: The Complete Collection
(Volkov Bratva #1-3.5)
by London Miller

Title: Mishca and Lauren: The Complete Collection
Author: London Miller

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01DIF7HAE/



Lauren was just a girl looking to make a fresh start in New York City, until she meets the man that will change everything she thought she knew. Spanning over two years, from the very beginning, until the sweet end, delve into the Volkov Bratva world and learn how it all began.


Mishca and Lauren: The Complete Collection contains the first three novels of the Volkov Bratva Series, In the Beginning, Until the End, and The Final Hour, as well as the companion novella, Time Stood Still…

I own an ebook copy of this collection, checking back I discovered that I bought it EXACTLY three years ago today! It’s maybe about time I read it. I love this author’s work, she builds detailed and very rich worlds complemented by a multi-layered plot. Her characters are complex, often troubled and definitely not perfect. They tend to tread a fine line between right and wrong, though they do at least follow some sort of moral code.

Shelf Control

Louise HLeave a comment

Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up on Bookshelf Fantasies post for the week.

Books I want to read this month

These books can be read as a stand alone trilogy, though they do continue the story of Jenny and Mark, who we first met in the six books of the Pony Tales series. The first three books of that series are pure erotica, over the course of the next three books the story builds, and we get some excellent suspense elements too.

I read the first two books quite a while ago, so only remember some of the major plot points/pivotal moments. Despite having purchased book #3 I just never quite got around to reading it and have embarked on a complete series re-read (or in the case of Pony Tales #6 a first read) to ensure I maximise my enjoyment of the story.

Shelf Control Wednesday

Louise H8 Comments

Shelf Control Wednesday

Since I don’t have a review to share with you today, I’m joining in with TWO memes, both of them share books I have yet to read. Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves, and is hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies. Do visit their blog, it’s a treasure trove a good book recommendations.

My aim this year was to read more books than I bought, in an attempt to clear some of my TBR list, the one that consists of actually purchased books and not just ones that I’m interested in buying. I’m not sure how successful I’ve been because my reading buddies keep recommending books to me! In fact the book I’m featuring today was one-clicked for that very reason.

The book appealed mainly because of the age of its characters. Despite the what the cover picture suggests (and I’m disappointed that the image of a young woman was used) this book is about a married couple in their 40’s. My friend also recommended it as the age play is very subtle and the focus is more on the power exchange.


This type of book have come a long way since the 50 Shades phenomenon. I haven’t read those, since the relationship portrayed veers more towards abuse than a genuine BDSM one. However I do appreciate that not only did they bring a great deal of enjoyment to thousands of readers but more importantly it forced a wedge into what had once been a closed door. That sliver of light allowed authors with a personal understanding of BDSM and a genuine knowledge of the lifestyle to write and release books portraying a more consensual relationship.

Title – Cheri’s New Rules
Author – Markie Morelli
Genre – Age Play/ Domestic Discipline Contemporary Romance
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34110542-cheri-s-new-rules

Blurb – Every marriage has its ups and downs and for twenty years, Judge Michael Reynolds has been reminding himself of that fact. His wife, Chéri, is the epitome of the perfect suburban wife. Chéri works for an advertising agency, raises their twin sons, and micromanages them all to within an inch of their lives. It’s working, he reassures himself. It’s not working well, but it’s working. He keeps his nose to the grindstone and stays out of her way as best he can, avoiding confrontations and acting as a buffer between her and the boys. Even now he isn’t sure if he is having a mid-life crisis or it has something to do with the boys going off to college – but one day he’s had enough, more than enough! It’s time for some new rules, and for the first time in a very long marriage, he feels capable of enforcing them. Michael tries not to present them as an ultimatum, but Chéri knows what they are just the same. Her husband is tired of her domineering, controlling ways. While he readily accepts his part of the blame for what their marriage has become, he is not willing to continue with the status quo.
What he wants shocks her to the core. At the same time, there is a certain aspect of his idea that appeals to her in a way she never would have suspected. You see, Michael wants to take over. He wants to be the one in charge of their household and especially of her, as he’s convinced it will improve their love life as well as their marriage. He wants to try age-play. They will start slowly, he assures her. On the weekends he will become her daddy. She will leave her troubles and adult responsibilities at the door when she walks in the house on Friday evening. From then on, it is his turn to take care of her. He will provide for all her needs, love and care for her, and discipline her when the need arises. In return for her obedience, she will be pampered and sexually satisfied in ways only he is aware of.
For sure it is a leap of faith, but Chéri takes it, and finds far more than she bargained for as this forty-something couple learns you can teach an old dog new rules.

Shelf Control Wednesday

Louise HLeave a comment



Shelf Control on Wednesday


I’m back joining in with Bookshelf Fantasies and sharing another book that is currently languishing on my TBR list. When your bought-it-so-read it shelf has well over 200 books on it, you know you need to do some remedial work! This is going to go on my reading schedule for May, since I’m enjoying lighter, fluffier reads at the moment.

What’s on your bookshelf crying out to be read?

Ice Age Shifters Collection (Books 1-4) by Carol Van Natta

Ice Age shifters defy the odds to protect their true mates from anyone and anything that stands in their way.
Four complete magical paranormal romances with action, humor, and heart by USA TODAY bestselling author Carol Van Natta. Immerse yourself in the secret worlds of the smokin’ hot Ice Age Shifters today.

Shifter Mate Magic
Lonely bear shifter Trevor must convince a pregnant woman on the run that he’s her mate, and their only hope is a magical sanctuary town. Jackie doesn’t trust shifters. With the feline pride hot on her trail, however, Trevor might be her only chance for survival. Even his indomitable bear may be no match for a dangerous enemy seeking retribution.

Shift of Destiny
There is no such thing as magic, or sexy shifters. Or… is there? Moira doesn’t believe in magic, despite being chased by a crazy billionaire for her supposed “gifts.” The magic of a quirky town has to be a tourist gimmick. Chance, prehistoric lion shifter, believes in Moira, his true mate. He’s determined to protect her and help her find the magic in her blood. But even a top predator can’t guess the lengths to which a desperate billionaire will go to get what he wants.

Heart of a Dire Wolf
Skyla, prehistoric dire wolf shifter, and Nic, sexy tiger shifter, recognize their true mate in each other. Problem is, they’re prisoners of an underground auction. To stay together, they must escape captivity, avoid ruthless hunters, and figure out how to work together if they’re going to crack the secrets of a mysterious new-old sanctuary town. And they better hurry, because the greedy wizards are after the fabled treasures of this vulnerable sanctuary town—and them.

Dire Wolf Wanted
The magical world stands on the brink of war, unless two extraordinary shifters can bridge the gulf between them. Dire wolf shifter Rayne Chekal works to take down an illegal auction house that trafficks in shifters. Arvik Inuktan, secret mythic shifter, infiltrated the auction staff with the same mission. The attraction is instant… and impossible. War is coming. When Rayne and Arvik meet on the battlefield, can they overcome their differences and work together to stop the evil, or will this war engulf the magical world?

Shelf Control – tackling that TBR

Louise HLeave a comment


Each Wednesday is an opportunity to join in with Bookshelf Fantasies and their meme of ‘Shelf Control‘. The idea is to feature a book from your TBR list, we all have plenty to choose from there!

Last week I featured a book that I HAVE put on my upcoming reading schedule. As anyone who arc reads knows, if you don”t plan ahead you may have to forego eating and sleeping in order to complete them on time. I’m not much of a forward planner but I DO plan my arc/book reading.


Sin & Lightning (Demigod of San Franciscco #5) by KF Breene


Blurb

One thing has become incredibly clear to Alexis and Kieran, if they hope to last in the arena of Demigods, they’ll need a more robust defense team.
They must take two incredibly dangerous journeys, seeking the prized talents other Demigods would kill for. Except, there is a reason other Demigods don’t have these magical workers–they are as ruthless as they are dangerous, and the last thing they want is to be on a Demigod’s team.
If that isn’t enough, Alexis has received an invitation from Demigod Lydia, the only Hades Demigod who hasn’t openly declared war. She’s talking like they could be allies, but those of Hades cannot be trusted. A trap is just as likely as a handshake. Still, it’s a chance they must take.
Any one of these trips could be their last, but to back down would be the most dangerous of all.


This dropped on my ereader on Monday and despite all the other books on there clamoring to be read, I’m going to make this one a priority. The books in the series are NOT standalone but they are fast-paced, humorous, steamy and action-packed. K.F. Breene‘s writing speaks to me on another level, one that involves strange rituals, magic of a dubious origin and the binding of my soul. But it’s so worth it!

Showing a little Shelf Control, on a Wednesday

Louise H2 Comments


Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies. (I’ve borrowed their graphic – I hope they don’t mind!)


Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it). If you join in go visit their page, leave a link to your own post, link their post on your page and visit some other participants too. After all our TBR shelves always need something adding to them!


I have probably been driving my Goodreads friends doolally over the last few days. Why I hear no one asking? Well let me tell you anyway. I’ve been creating lists of all those books I have (a) bought and never read (ouch – there are 248 books on it already, although some are half read anthologies) or (b) downloaded for free from either prolific works or bookfunnel. I still have my free-from-amazon shelf to create and populate yet, so depending on people’s settings some of them are going to be bombarded with my updates. However it does mean I should be able to find books to feature in this meme a little more easily than I would otherwise have found it.

Ballistic (Icarus #2) by Aria Michaels



Title – Ballistic (Icarus Series Book 2)

Author – Aria Adams

Published – June 2016

Length – 412 pages

Synopsis
It’s been three days since Solar Storm Icarus silenced the world…three days since the GRS virus wiped out most of humanity and started changing the few who remained. Liv and the others made it through the initial wave, but they’ve lost a lot along the way and the journey to Salvation is far from over. A rogue military organization has taken hold of the area and they possess a weapon that could change everything.

When Liv finds out her brother and the other refugees are being held captive at Camp Seco, she will risk everything to get him back. As the group embarks upon a dangerous rescue mission, a rival band of survivors threatens their safety and a new storm gathers overhead. The virus has spread and the infected are being drawn together. What’s worse, the beast that lurks inside of Liv is growing stronger and more difficult to control. But Liv has a promise to keep–and her little brother is running out of time.


Will Liv be able to harness her strength to save her brother and the hundreds of other innocents beyond the walls of Camp Seco, or will she let the monster out and put them all at risk? 



How and When I got it


I am 100% an ereader convert. For years I pooh poohed them, wondering what all the fuss was about, preferring my tactile, beautiful books with their glossy covers and distinctive smell. However it’s difficult to read a paperback in bed without having your other half huff and puff about the light keeping him awake. So I caved and now couldn’t live without my beloved kindle.

I bought it on my birthday in 2018, nearly two years ago now, using money from an amazon gift card I won in a competition.


Why I want to read it


I adored book 1, which I will have to do a re-read of first. It’s a fast paced, YA, dystopian/zombie apocalypse carnival and I loved every minute of it. Good characterisations, a twisty plot, sketchy situations and people and emotions aplenty. I DEFINITELY need to add this to my upcoming reads schedule.