Vanessa’s Comments (group member since Jun 15, 2017)

Vanessa’s comments from the Read, Reading, Planning to Read and More group.

I hope that Everyone had a great Christmas.

I posted the 2019 A-Z Reading Challenge Discussion. Don't forget to add a second message to post your 2019 Book Covers! :-)
The only rules to the challenge are that you make up your own challenges and your own rules!

My 2019 Book Covers:

I am doing Titles as my 1st A to Z challenge:

A- And Now For Something Completely Different By Jodi Taylor
B- Bring the Heat by G.A. Aiken
C- A Code Of Love by Jacki Delecki
D- The Dragon Who Loved Me by G.A. Aiken
E- An Everlasting Christmas by Mandy Roth
F- Feel the Burn by G.A. Aiken
G- Grave Expectations by C.J. Archer
H- How to Drive a Dragon Crazy by G.A.Aiken
I- I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella
J- Just Come Over by Rosalind James
K- Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas
L- Light My Fire by G.A. Aiken
M- The Ministry of Curiosities Boxed Set by C J Archer
N- New Vyr by T.S. Joyce
O- Of Thrones and Crowns: An Anthology of Fantasy Standalones
P- Pucked by Helena Hunting
Q- Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare
R- A Rather Lovely Inheritance by C.A. Belmond
S- Silver Shark by Ilona Andrews
T- To Catch A Rogue by Bec McMaster
U- The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella
V- Vow of Deception by C.J. Archer
W- The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden
X- Kingdom of EXiles, by Maxym M. Martineau
Y- A Mackenzie Yuletide by Jennifer Ashley
Z-

I am doing Authors as my 2nd A to Z challenge:

A- Arden, Katherine, The Winter of The Witch (Winternight Trilogy #3)
B- Balogh, Mary, Someone to Hold
C- Clare, Pamela, Surrender
D- Delecki, Jacki, A Code of Love: The Code Breaker Series.
E- Edwards, Hailey, Rise Against
F-
G- Galaxy, Jackson, Cat Daddy: What the World's Most Incorrigible Cat Taught Me About Life, Love, and Coming Clean
H- Hunter, Faith, Circle of the Moon Soulwood # 4
I- Isadora Brown, Sea of Darkness
J- Joyce, T.S., New Vyr (Daughters of Beasts) Book # 5
K- Kinsella, Sophie, The Undomestic Goddess
L- Lawrence, Mark, Holy Sister
M- McMaster, Bec, To Catch A Rogue (London Steampunk:The Blue Blood Conspiracy Book 4)
N- Nix, Susannah, Remedial Rocket Science
O- Olson, Melissa, Boundary Broken
P- Potzsch, Oliver, The Hangman's Daughter
Q- Quinn, Julia, The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband
R- Roth, Mandy, An Everlasting Christmas (The Happily Everlasting Series #7)
S- Sarath, Patrice, The Sisters Mederos (Tales of Port Saint Frey Book 1)
T- Taylor, Jodi, And Now For Something Completely Different (The Chronicles of St. Mary's #9.7)
U- Underwood, Chris, Cunning Devil
V- Vincy, Mia, A Wicked Kind of Husband
W- Woolf, John, Stephen Fry's Victorian Secrets
X- NiX, Susannah, Remedial Rocket Science
Y- TaYlor, Jodi, When Did You Last See Your Father?
Z- Zanetti, Rebecca, Demon's Mercy

I am doing Names as my 3rd A to Z challenge:

A- Aidan the Divine, Bring the Heat (Dragon Kin Book 9)
B- Branwen the Awful, Bring the Heat (Dragon Kin Book 9)
C-Charlie Todd, To Catch A Rogue:London Steampunk The Blue Blood Conspiracy Book 4
D- Dorian Havilliard, Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass Book 7)
E- Eibhear, How to Drive a Dragon Crazy: Dragon Kin Series Book 6
F- Ford Owen, Tarian Protector New Tarian
Pride Book 4
G- Gaius Domitus, Feel the Burn: Dragon Kin Series Book 8
H- Hope Kyllwood, Demon's Mercy (Dark Protectors Book 9)
I- Iseabail, (Izzy), How to Drive a Dragon Crazy: Dragon Kin Series Book 6
J- Jolene Bails, An Everlasting Christmas (The Happily Everlasting Series #7)
K- Kathryn Shaw, Lionheart (Moonshadow #3)
L- Lark Rathinger, To Catch A Rogue (London Steampunk:The Blue Blood Conspiracy Book 4)
M- Morozko, the Winter-King, The Winter of The Witch (Winternight Trilogy #3)
N- Nathaniel, The Undomestic Goddess
O- Oberon, Lionheart
P- Pinky, And Now For Something Completely Different (The Chronicles of St. Mary's #9.7)
Q- Quentin Rutherford, The Trouble with Twelfth Grave (Charley Davidson #12)
R- Riyah Dane, New Vyr (Daughters of Beasts) Book # 5
S- Samamtha Sweeting, The Undomestic Goddess
T- Tarjen, Tarjen (Star-Crossed Alien Mail Order Brides #4)
U- Unroch, The Blacksmith Queen
V- Vasilisa Petrovna, The Winter of The Witch (Winternight Trilogy #3)
W- Wil Messing, An Everlasting Christmas (The Happily Everlasting Series #7)
X- IxXter, Treoir Dragon Hoard
Y- sYn, Blood Truth
Z- Zane Kyllwood, Demon's Mercy (Dark Protectors Book 9)

I am doing Locations as my 4th A to Z challenge:

A- Albuquerque, N.M. The Trouble with Twelfth Grave (Charley Davidson #12)
B- Belgravia, England, To Catch A Rogue (London Steampunk:The Blue Blood Conspiracy Book 4)
C- Cotswolds (The), England, The Undomestic Goddess
D- Desert Lands, How to Drive a Dragon Crazy: Dragon Kin Series Book 6
E- Everlasting, ME, An Everlasting Christmas (The Happily Everlasting Series #7)
F- Fort Ticonderoga, Untamed
G- Grim's Mountain, New Vyr (Daughters of Beasts) Book # 5
H- Hireath, Kingdom of Exiles
I- Idris, Queen of Air and Darkness: The Dark Artifices #3
J- Jamestown, NY, An American Princess: The Many Lives of Allene Tew
K- Knoxville, TN, A Code of Love: The Code Breaker Series.
L- London, England, To Catch A Rogue (London Steampunk:The Blue Blood Conspiracy Book 4)
M- Moscow, Russia, The Winter of The Witch (Winternight Trilogy #3)
N- New Delphi, Rada, Silent Blade
O- Ottilia, Death Knell(The Foundling Book 3)
P- Paris, France, An American Princess: The Many Lives of Allene Tew
Q- Quintillian Sovereignty, Feel the Burn Dragon Kin #8
R- Regensburg, Bavaria, The Beggar King
S- St. Petersburg, Russia. To Catch A Rogue (London Steampunk:The Blue Blood Conspiracy Book 4)
T- Terrasen, Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass Book 7)
U- Uley, Silver Shark, (The World of Kinsmen Book 2)
V- Vyr's Mountains, New Vyr (Daughters of Beasts) Book # 5
W- Westmarch, England, Lionheart (Moonshadow #3)
X-
Y- Y's, Karre, Lionheart (Moonshadow #3)
Z- Zemaya, The Palace of Lost Memories (After the Rift #1)

I am doing Species as my 5th A to Z challenge:

A- Angel, The Trouble with Twelfth Grave (Charley Davidson #12)
B- Badger, In a Badger Way
C- Chaos Demon, The Winter of The Witch (Winternight Trilogy #3)
D- Dragon, New Vyr (Daughters of Beasts) Book # 5
E- Elves, Lionheart Moonshadow #3
F- Firebird, The Winter of The Witch (Winternight Trilogy #3)
G- Gorilla Shifter, New Vyr (Daughters of Beasts) Book # 5
H- Hunter, An Everlasting Christmas (The Happily Everlasting Series #7)
I- Imperial Ravens, To Catch A Rogue (London Steampunk:The Blue Blood Conspiracy Book 4)
J- Jackal Shifters, In a Badger Way
K- Kraken, An Everlasting Christmas (The Happily Everlasting Series #7)
L- Lion Shifter, New Vyr (Daughters of Beasts) Book # 5
M- Melder, Silent Blade (The World of the Kinsmen Book 1)
N- Nature Sprite, Lionheart (Moonshadow #3)
O- Ogre, How to Drive a Dragon Crazy, (Dragon Kin, #6)
P- Polar Bear, New Vyr (Daughters of Beasts) Book # 5
Q- Quintillian, Feel the Burn: Dragon Kin #8
R- Rias, Treoir Dragon Hoard: Belador Book 10
S- Sidhe, Daoine, Lionheart (Moonshadow #3)
T- Trolls, How to Drive a Dragon Crazy, (Dragon Kin #6)
U- Umpyre, The Winter of The Witch (Winternight Trilogy #3)
V- Vampire, To Catch A Rogue (London Steampunk:The Blue Blood Conspiracy Book 4)
W- Witch, The Winter of The Witch (Winternight Trilogy #3)
X- foX Shifter, Storm Cursed
Y- Yeleni, Circle of the Moon, Soulwood Book 4.
Z- Zombie Hyhenas, Wyvern's Lair

Well it's that time of year again, the 2019 A-Z Reading Challenge is on. The simple rules are-

You decide the categories and the way you want to fill them in. Also, if you want to show this years' book covers make a separate message right after your A-Z challenge.

Copy and paste the following template:

I am doing ......... as my A to Z challenge:

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Merry Christmas Everyone!! I wish you all peace, joy, and contentedness. Oh, and lots of reading time!!

So in an attempt to catch up on series that I am behind on, I am wondering if the Dragon Kin series is complete. I ask because G.A. Aiken is starting a new series, The Blacksmith Queen which is supposed to be out in August.
The Dragon Kin books, (except book 9, Bring the Heat) are in the Audible Romance package.

On audio, I listened to a novella The Christmas Hirelings While it was predictable, I thought that the story was quite a sweet one and the "hirelings" were especially endearing. I believe that it was a free download and it might be still available.

On kindle I am reading an ARC of The Winter of the Witch. If you haven't read this trilogy, I recommend trying it. Set in a fantasy Russia, Arden wraps a story of a girl becoming a woman up in old world mystique and folklore. I wasn't sure that I was going to like it, it has a slow pace at times but I am very happy that I stuck with the series. I can't wait to see just how this all works out. There are villains, gods, demons, wraiths, house brownies, witches, and magical creatures of all kinds.

Lulu wrote: "@TINNGG, hope your DH is feeling better soon!

I'm planning to read the new Shifters Unbound Christmas novella tonight: "

Lulu... I'm going to read the Shifters Unbound novella right after I finish Grim Christmas I love checking in on the Shifter communities for the holidays, don't you?

Are there any Christmas themed series, books, novellas, etc. that you folks like to read during the holidays? I'm always interested in Christmas reads.

I think that this is only the second time that I completed all of my categories. I think that we have been doing this for 5 years now.

There is something tangible and satisfying in seeing all of my book covers in one place.

I can't believe it but with a bit of maneuvering, and a tiny bit of creativity, I finished all 5 of my categories!! And before the last days of the year!! Whew!!

I had to eliminate quite a few of my book covers to gain enough characters, so next year for the A-Z challenge I am going to add another post after my category post to accommodate my book covers. I like to see all of them displayed.

I hope that you all finish your challenge and return to do it next year!! :-)

Doug thanks for the Holy Sister info. I listen to that series, but if I can get an ARC, I'll be very happy. I listed book 1 and book 2 on my top books list for this year. This is another series that is excellent on audio.

melindeeloo... I haven't read Edward's Necromancy series, do you like them all ? I am a fan of hers for the most part, although I haven't read her Araneae series. (The whole series is free on KU, so I might.)

HappyBookWorm.... I did like Cake too, but I didn't list it. I am also reading the Spindle Cove books, though I have already read the 5th book because it was a crossover. I'm curious about Mimi Mathews, are her books funny?

Shannon wrote: "I love reading everyone’s favs! I am finding quite a few to add to my list. 😊


Shannon... I see that you listed Kingdom of Ash in your favorites this year. I am currently listening to that book, and it may be because the last main story book was out in 2016, but I'm finding it hard to get all of the massive list of characters straight. It's possibly because I listen to the series, but I find myself going "who is that?" I can usually remember, but every once in a while I'm stumped. Did you actually do a re-read? I feel like I need a cheat sheet. LOL!

For some reason, I never quite got into the Lupi series. When it came out it should have been just what I was into at the time, but it never really resonated with me.

Doug.... I think that the first Spindle Cove book is actually the weakest. I did love A Week to Be Wicked Minerva and Colin, (Lord Payne) were a great couple. Minerva was a well written character, witty, clever, and very intelligent.

TINNGG... When I was a child, my family used to spend time on a mountain that bordered both N.C. and TN, (Roan Mountain). I love those mountains. From the time that I hit the Shenandoah, I feel like I am home. Both you and Kristi live in a beautiful area. It must be really nice with the snow.

In an absolutely amazing occurrence, I got both Demon's Mercy and the final book in the trilogy, The Winter of the Witch on NetGalley this week.

I forgot to add... Honorable mention for finally revealing Cassie's mate in Cross Breeds (Breeds #23)- Lora Leigh only took somewhere around 18 books before that reveal.

Douglas wrote: "Stopped after reading the first 2 book of "War of the Damned" series to read this one and probably the novella that comes after it, only a few pages into it and already liking it a lot

A Nig..."</i>

Doug... I started out with the novella, [book:Once Upon a Winter's Eve then because there was a snippet at the end, I read A Night to Surrender. I then read A Week to Be Wicked which I really liked. Now I am on A Lady by Midnight. I can sympathize, I feel that I can't stop.

Each year, I add a "year" shelf and when I complete a book I add my book to that shelf. It is just about the only way I can keep track of each years' reading. This year I have read, (so far), 202 books. The only bad thing is that my audio books don't usually add to my list.

TINNGG.. Congrats on the wall completion, it sounds like just in time. 10" of snow, where do you live, if you don't mind telling me.

In absolutely no specific order----

1. Iron and Magic - Ilona Andrew
2. The Grand Sophy- Georgette Heyer (audio)
3. Strong Practice (Dr Greta Helsing #1)- Vivian Shaw (audio)
4. Red Sister (Book of the Ancestor #1)- Mark Lawrence (audio)
5. Grey Sister (Book of the Ancestor #2)- Mark Lawrence (audio)
6. Dark Queen (Jane Yellowrock #12)- Faith Hunter
7. Hot & Badgered (The Honey Badger Chronicles #1)- Shelly Laurenston (audio)
8. Marked (Alex Verus #9)- Benedict Jacka (audio)
9. Lake Silence (The Others #6)- Anne Bishop
10. A Treacherous Curse (Veronica Speedwell #3)- Deanna Raybourn (audio)
11. A Girl In The Tower (Winternight Trilogy #2)- Katherine Arden (audio)
12. Shades of Wicked (Night Rebel #1)- Jeanienne Frost (audio)
13. Magic Triumphs (Kate Daniels #10)- Ilona Andrews
14. Burn Bright (Alpha and Omega #5)- Patricia Briggs
15. Becoming A Vincent (The Wild Ones #1)- C.M. Owens
16. Change of Fortune (Miss Fortune Mystery # 11)- Jana DeLeon (audio)
17. Red Rising (Red Rising Trilogy #1)- Pierce Brown (audio)
18. An Easy Death (Gunnie Rose #1)- Charlaine Harris
19. Canada- Mike Myers (audio)
20. Hi Bob- Bob Newhart (audio)

Series that I ripped through---- (not all 5* but I couldn't stop reading them)

1. Virgin River- Robyn Carr (audio)
2. The Desert Cursed Series- Shannon Mayer
3. Scottish Highlands- Janet Elizabeth Henderson
4. The Chronicles of St Mary's- Jodi Taylor (By far my favorite audio series this year) I love both the novels and the novellas.
5. I read every book that T.S. Joyce produces as they come out

Novellas----
1. Diamond Fire (Hidden Legacy # 3.5)- Ilona Andrews
2. Tiger Striped (Shifters Unbound #11.5)- Jennifer Ashley
3. Dearest Ivie (Black Dagger Brotherhood #15.5)- J.R. Ward
4. The Emperor's Soul- Brandon Sanderson (audio)

I'm going to have to check my 2018 books and get back to you on that. :-)

Lisa.... I can't wait for Will and Tessa's children's stories. Are you reading the Dark Artifices books? You are aren't you? I don't mind them and I do appreciate the glimpses at (view spoiler)[Jem and Tessa (hide spoiler)]. Also it's good to know that you enjoyed Stalking Jack the Ripper. I have that in my TBR too. Someone must have recommended it. I love her titles, Hunting Prince Dracula, and Escaping Houdini, cute!

Doug wow how have you put up all of those reviews if you have only read a couple of books? ;-) You have a momentous task if you are going to adjust your list. I do wish that GR would change their algorithms. I am constantly trying to adjust my books, or looking through all of the versions of the books, (like foreign language ones), to find the audio ones. Audible books, while it sometimes says that I am currently reading one, never usually automatically go on your "My Books" lists.

Paula.... Brag Away!! That's amazing! That's a lot of books in one year, whew! Congrats! Almost a book a day.

Mindy... I happen to like Feehan's "Reapers". They are just different enough to keep me interested. I just hope that she doesn't develop a story for all of the Shadow Keepers in the universe, so to speak. LOL!! I think that it is the best series that she is writing.

LAB... I feel bad that you had to read the big reveal on Clare's FB page. I have had that happen to me in the past. If I'm not all caught up on a series, I tend to not lurk around the author's web site or FB page. I am going to read Queen of Air and Darkness soon, probably after Kingdom of Ash Kingdom of Ash which is another really long book, 33 hours on audio compared to Queen of Air and Darkness which is 30 hours. I think that upon reading book 2, Lord of Shadows you will remember the 1st book. IMHO, I think that Cassandra Clare has such a fan-girl following that they automatically assume that you have already read the second book. Some of the YA fans don't seem to put things in spoiler quotation marks, but I think that tends to be their youth and their lack of discretion.

Hi Carol... Nice to see you posting. :-) I hope that with the first 2 siblings covered, that IA will give us the brother's story. I wonder if he will stay with Maud for a while and fall in love with a female vamp? Maybe Lady Karat? I like her.

Has anyone here read or looked at Heather Killough-Walden's newest series, Monsters? Monsters, Book One: The Good, The Bad, The Cursed Like her other series, these are vaguely related to the rest of her other novels.

You can say that again Lisa. Every year the same letters, unless I read a book with Zombie in it, LOL!!

Ok so it is coming down to the wire, (per usual), and all that I need is a "Z" book, and an "X" and "Y" author.

Next year I will designated a "message" strictly for my book covers. I have to continually delete my books so I can fill in my categories.

We're almost there!!

Lulu... Sounds like a great bucket list adventure, I hope you get to do it soon.

Melindeeloo... I had a great time listening to The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax. The narrator did a fine job of conjuring an older lady's voice, and I liked her practical view on life.
I seem to be on a kick of older lady stories. I also listened to the latest Lady Hardcastle Mystery, A Picture of Murder This series is set in 1920's England and one of the crime solvers is an older lady, (She happens to only be in her 40's, but sounds like she is in her 80's) LOL!! These would be classified as a cozy mystery, I believe.

Next up on audio is probably Kingdom of Ash. Has anyone else read this? Were you satisfied with the dramatic conclusion?

I haven't seen this mentioned this week either. Queen of Air and Darkness also came out Tuesday. Is anyone reading this? This is the final book in the Dark Artifices, (Shadowhunter), world. I'm generally not a YA reader, but I have been reading the main novels in the Shadowhunter world. I didn't read all of the spin-off stories. It might be time to give up on the Shadowhunter series. I loved the Victorian era, Infernal Devices series, and have enjoyed seeing small peeks into a couple of the characters from that era/series in the Dark Artifices books.

On kindle I am going to start a novella in the Tessa Dare Spindle Cove series, Once Upon a Winter's Eve. It is currently free on KU.