Secret Santa gift exchange! discussion
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2018 Gift Exchange
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Random Chitchat
Lisazj1 wrote: "Bahahaha!!! That's too hilarious, Acrobat by Mary Calmes is MY comfort read too!!! :) I love them both but Dreo is so swoony! *dreamy sigh*.."Hahahaha!!! That is awesome!!! ~high five~ :)
Yes, he is!! I don't know what it is about this book but I never get tired of listening to it. I just finished another re-listen earlier today :)
Lisazj1 wrote: "Oooh, from Kirt Graves on I dont recognize the readers. ..."Wait, what?? You have never listened to Gary Furlong, J.F. Harding, Michael Ferraiuolo, and Sean Crisden? That can't be right O_O
edit: Sean Crisden narrates Acrobat!
Lisazj1 wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Kacey wrote: "Thank you ladies!!! I have so many options to go check out now. It definitely makes sense that it really depends on the narrator. So if it’s a narrator that you like..."
Melissa wrote: "Kacey wrote: "Thank you ladies!!!
I have so many options to go check out now. It definitely makes sense that it really depends on the narrator. So if it’s a narrator that you like are you more in..."
Yes exactly! I work in a kitchen so I always have my headphones in listening to music so it would perfect for listening to audiobooks :) they tend to be more expensive though which is why I’ve hesitated.
I don’t mind all the suggestions! I appreciate it lol I haven’t even known where to start when it comes to audio so this is super helpful. Looooove fantasy and I have yet to read a TJ Klune book but I bought Wolfsong and Ravensong recently so those are next up! His audiobooks seem to be highly recommended. Do you usually buy the book and the audiobook so you have both? I think I’d want to still have the written book too.
Josy wrote: "Lisazj1 wrote: "I’m the same Melissa, there are a couple of Mary Calmes books I absolutely love, and one that’s a comfort re-read.."It took a while but I learned to love most of her books :)
What..."
Lisazj1 wrote: "Who does Michael Pauley read for Angela? I don’t believe I’ve ever listened to him.
I’m the same Melissa, there are a couple of Mary Calmes books I absolutely love, and one that’s a comfort re-rea..."
I read her Matter of Times Series first. Actually, I started with her freebie, Piece of Cake, and that got me hooked on her. After Matter of Time I fell in love with her Change of Heart series. Although after each re-read I skip maybe half of the book because it's crap filler, and the rules change, and people change (which I hated). I'll always go back to those books, but the rest, eh.
Lisazj1 wrote: "Shile wrote: "My Favourites are:Greg Boudreaux / Greg Tremblay, Nick J. Russo, Kirt Graves, Gary Furlong, Nick Boulton, J.F. Harding, Michael Ferraiuolo. Sean Crisden"
Oooh, from Kirt Graves on ..."
Glitterland by Alexis hall narrated by Nick Boulton
Check out their profiles.
Michael Ferraiuolo
J.F. Harding
Kacey wrote: "Looooove fantasy and I have yet to read a TJ Klune book but I bought Wolfsong and Ravensong recently so those are next up! His audiobooks seem to be highly recommended. Do you usually buy the book and the audiobook so you have both? I think I’d want to still have the written book too. .."I'm a total TJ Klune fanatic so it probably doesn't mean much when I say all his books and audiobooks are awesome, lol!
A lot of my audiobooks I also have in ebook format. Mostly because I picked up the ebook while it's been on sale at Amazon and the audiobook was later discounted because it got whispersynced. But I also bought audiobooks after I read and loved the ebook. Also, I have more time for listening than reading and I love to re-read favorites of mine so an audiobook is the better option for me.
Josy wrote: "Kacey wrote: "Looooove fantasy and I have yet to read a TJ Klune book but I bought Wolfsong and Ravensong recently so those are next up! His audiobooks seem to be highly recommended. Do you usually..."Oh, Josy. Wear your TJ fanatic badge with honor. I do! LOL It means a lot when you say all of his books are awesome. I haven't found one I don't like. There are definitely some I like more than others, but isn't that like asking a parent which kid is their favorite? :D :D :D :D :D :D
Even if I already own the ebook, when it goes on sale I can't help but wish I could buy it all over again because it's that awesome. I listen to his audios over and over, and I think my Lightning Struck could wear out one day.
I really hope audible comes out with a better membership deal than they have going right now, $6.95 for3 months. Come on $4.95! Hahaha!
About Elfster, not only is there not an option to see a compiled list of who wished for what books, but they don't notify you except on the website when a friend adds something. At least I don't get an email.
Melissa wrote: "Oh, Josy. Wear your TJ fanatic badge with honor. I do! LOL It means a lot when you say all of his books are awesome. I haven't found one I don't like...."LOL!! Believe me, I do!! I just meant to point out that my opinion might be viewed as biased, lol!
How To Be A Normal Person literally changed my life and Lightning will forever be my happy place. I haven't read all of his books yet but those that I have read were indeed all awesome. At times very different from one another but no matter if it was fantasy like Lightning, or contemporary like Normal, Tell Me It's Real, and Bear, Otter, and the Kid, or paranormal like Wolfsong and Into This River I Drown, or sci-fi like Withered + Sere and The Bones Beneath My Skin, I loved them all :)
Okay, I'm done fangirling now ;)
Melissa wrote: "About Elfster, not only is there not an option to see a compiled list of who wished for what books, but they don't notify you except on the website when a friend adds something. At least I don't ge..."That's weird. If I'm friends with the people on Elfster (follow them) I do get an email notifying me that they 'Just wished for something'.
Josy wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Oh, Josy. Wear your TJ fanatic badge with honor. I do! LOL It means a lot when you say all of his books are awesome. I haven't found one I don't like...."LOL!! Believe me, I do!! ..."
I've read all those too! They are so different from each other but undeniably TJ. Really wish there would be more Withered books. Such a disturbing world but gah, captivating! And he only live a few hours from me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Like 2ish hours. :-O If his address were ever leaked...LOL :D
Josy wrote: "Melissa wrote: "About Elfster, not only is there not an option to see a compiled list of who wished for what books, but they don't notify you except on the website when a friend adds something. At ..."I get reminders from Elfster about birthdays, but that's it. Maybe it's a settings issue.
Josy wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Oh, Josy. Wear your TJ fanatic badge with honor. I do! LOL It means a lot when you say all of his books are awesome. I haven't found one I don't like...."LOL!! Believe me, I do!! ..."
There is never enough fangirling for TJ, never. He writes literal magic!
He;s the only author that I own all his book in both audio and digital format and quite a few in print as well. I intend to make that all of them.
Shile wrote: "Lisazj1 wrote: "Shile wrote: "My Favourites are:Greg Boudreaux / Greg Tremblay, Nick J. Russo, Kirt Graves, Gary Furlong, Nick Boulton, J.F. Harding, Michael Ferraiuolo. Sean Crisden"
Oooh, from..."
I'm looking at your & Josy's recs right now! <3
*edit* Wow, I'm listening to Michael Ferraiuolo right now with Slow Heat and not much over an hour in, it's so friggin' hot it's giving me shivers. I'm definitely getting more of his.
Josy wrote: "Kacey wrote: "Looooove fantasy and I have yet to read a TJ Klune book but I bought Wolfsong and Ravensong recently so those are next up! His audiobooks seem to be highly recommended. Do you usually..."Ooooo that's such a good idea to buy the audio to reread! So many options now I'm overwhelmed :) I really want to read How To Be A Normal Person, I've only seen good reviews. I JUST started reading m/m so I feel like I'm trying to catch up on years worth of amazing books!!
Melissa wrote: "I get reminders from Elfster about birthdays, but that's it. Maybe it's a settings issue..."In the account settings, there is a tab 'Email Notifications'. Have you looked there?
Melissa wrote: "And he only live a few hours from me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Like 2ish hours. :-O If his address were ever leaked...LOL :D.."LMAO!! You sound slightly stalkerish ;)
Lisazj1 wrote: "I'm looking at your & Josy's recs right now! <3*edit* Wow, I'm listening to Michael Ferraiuolo right now with Slow Heat and not much over an hour in, it's so friggin' hot it's giving me shivers. I'm definitely getting more of his. ..."
YAY :)
Michael F. is so good, isn't he? I really, really loved not only the book but the narration as well!! ~fingers crossed~ ;)
edit: I forgot to add Seth Clayton to my list of good narrators. I'm listening to him just now and I forgot how much I enjoyed him :)
Kacey wrote: "Ooooo that's such a good idea to buy the audio to reread! So many options now I'm overwhelmed :) I really want to read How To Be A Normal Person, I've only seen good reviews. I JUST started reading m/m so I feel like I'm trying to catch up on years worth of amazing books!!.."LOL!! I felt the same when I started reading MM not too long ago and now you know why my library is so big, lol! I picked up everything I could because I wanted to read it all :)
Normal is a very special book for me so again, my opinion might be biased, but I just love it!! The audiobook is really good as well. It's narrated by Derrick McClain. Be prepared for snorting laughter!!
Lisazj1 wrote: "There is never enough fangirling for TJ, never. He writes literal magic!.."Yes, he does :)
Josy wrote: "Melissa wrote: "I get reminders from Elfster about birthdays, but that's it. Maybe it's a settings issue..."In the account settings, there is a tab 'Email Notifications'. Have you looked there?"
I haven't tried yet, but I will. Thanks!
Josy wrote: "Melissa wrote: "And he only live a few hours from me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Like 2ish hours. :-O If his address were ever leaked...LOL :D.."LMAO!! You sound slightly stalkerish ;)"
I completely admit to stalkery :D
I would like to note that im really really happy to be apart of this group hecause for the past couple months o havent been able to really get into a book that i van finish in a few days. And let me tell ya. I just finished Openly Straight in about 3 days.... and found out there is a second and third book to the series?????!!!
Have you guys ever read a really good book and when it comes out on audio you don't like the narrator's voice. I sometimes do the whisper sync thing.
Aղցela W. wrote: "Have you guys ever read a really good book and when it comes out on audio you don't like the narrator's voice. I sometimes do the whisper sync thing."I’m listening to a book now and I’m not liking the narrators voice 😞
I haven’t had that happen much but I hate when it does happen
Unfortunately yes, but if I don't enjoy the narrator I return the book to Audible - they take it back and credit your account. There are too many wonderful audiobooks out there to waste your time listening to a narrator's voice you don't enjoy!
Moe ((Formly Spidey Gwen)) wrote: "I would like to note that im really really happy to be apart of this group hecause for the past couple months o havent been able to really get into a book that i van finish in a few days. And let m..."I loved Openly Straight. I listened to the audio and it was super good. Enjoy the rest of the series.
Aղցela W. wrote: "Have you guys ever read a really good book and when it comes out on audio you don't like the narrator's voice. I sometimes do the whisper sync thing."Sigh, yeah. That happens and I hate it!
Aղցela W. wrote: "Have you guys ever read a really good book and when it comes out on audio you don't like the narrator's voice. I sometimes do the whisper sync thing."I just listened to Maya Banks "Forged in Steele" and the narrator did the main characters voice like Batman. Not even kidding. By the end of the book I was kept repeating "I am batman" in my head whenever the main character spoke. I just had to laugh.
Just received a group message from Heather that some people are concerned about how we are gifting and receiving many ebooks and I do have to admit it made me sad. I thought everyone understood that we have to purchase the books we gift legally. And I'm sure everyone did. It's just ..... I'm sad now.
Mod
I know- I didn't want to make people feel upset, but I also didn't want someone to gift books in an illegal way, even if it is 100% accidental! I wouldn't have even thought about it but a few people reached out to me with some concerns so I felt like I had to put it out there.
Mod
Don't let my little message ruin your fun :) We have a great group of elves here, I just wanted to spread the word.
Heather K (dentist in my spare time) wrote: "Shin Mon wrote: "Just received a group message from Heather that some people are concerned about how we are gifting and receiving many ebooks and I do have to admit it made me sad. I thought everyo..."I know! I'm sorry if I made other people uncomfortable. It was just like a punch to my gut to hear that. It's just so difficult for international people to gift through Amazon. I understand their difficulty. That's why I feel sorry to hear that. Anyhow, yea, I won't let it taint our joy. :)
Mod
I totally get it too. It IS hard to gift internationally, so I hope it's better next year to make it easier on all of us! Smashwords is still my go-to, but I hope the publishers get on board also.
Heather K (dentist in my spare time) wrote: "Shin Mon wrote: "Heather K (dentist in my spare time) wrote: "Shin Mon wrote: "Just received a group message from Heather that some people are concerned about how we are gifting and receiving many ..."My assigned elf, I did message you back then remember? None of the books she wanted is on Smashwords. :/
Btw, already sorted her wishlist and sent her two books. :)
Mod
Yup- I remember. Makes it SO hard.
Heather K (dentist in my spare time) wrote: "Shin Mon wrote: "Heather K (dentist in my spare time) wrote: "Shin Mon wrote: "Heather K (dentist in my spare time) wrote: "Shin Mon wrote: "Just received a group message from Heather that some peo..."EXACTLY!
BeeKay wrote: "Aղցela W. wrote: "Have you guys ever read a really good book and when it comes out on audio you don't like the narrator's voice. I sometimes do the whisper sync thing."I just listened to Maya Ban..."
that's funny I wanted to listen to Consequences series on audio but it was read by a woman and I didn't have a problem with that but I wanted a male voice for Tony
Shin Mon wrote: "Just received a group message from Heather that some people are concerned about how we are gifting and receiving many ebooks and I do have to admit it made me sad. I thought everyone understood tha..."It never even crossed my mind. I believe it should have been made clear from the start, international gifting is a bitch, and working around it is hard. Now i am sure every one is suspicious of the gifts they received via email, questioning if they are legit of not. I would like to believe we are all responsible readers and gifters and we do buy books.
Mod
https://support.google.com/googleplay...
Mod
It didn't cross my mind either, but it did with other giftersgiftees and I wanted to put it out there. Just be aware, everyone, of how you send gifts going forward and don't sweat it too much. :)
Heather K (dentist in my spare time) wrote: "Looks like you can gift from Google play but not internationally:https://support.google.com/googleplay..."
Another limitation. We are doomed. Only smashwords is international friendly.
Mod
https://support.google.com/googleplay..."
Another limitation. We are doo..."
I knoooow. I just messaged a few publishers begging to change this. It used to be easier with Allromance :(
Can you send someone who is international a gift card I know its hard to send ebooks?
Heather K (dentist in my spare time) wrote: "Shile wrote: "Heather K (dentist in my spare time) wrote: "Looks like you can gift from Google play but not internationally:https://support.google.com/googleplay..."
Another limitati..."
Fingers crossed. :)
Aղցela W. wrote: "Can you send someone who is international a gift card I know its hard to send ebooks?"I know some publishers (like Dreamspinner and Riptide for the LGBTQIA+ genre) offer gift cards. If you want to send a gift card through Amazon, you have to use the store your giftee has to use for ebook purchases - so in my case, for example, you'd have to use amazon.de to buy and send me a gift card that I'd be able to use to buy ebooks because I'm only allowed to buy ebooks there.
Josy wrote: "Aղցela W. wrote: "Can you send someone who is international a gift card I know its hard to send ebooks?"I know some publishers (like Dreamspinner and Riptide for the LGBTQIA+ genre) offer gift ca..."
Ok thanks
Aղցela W. wrote: "Can you send someone who is international a gift card I know its hard to send ebooks?"Amazon allows you to buy gift cards internationally, but you have to know which "store" to buy from. So if someone is outside of the US, gifting you a card for in the US, they'd have to go to Amazon.com to purchase the gift. It can get very complicated.
Some publishers offer the purchase of gift cards directly from their shop, which usually work internationally also.
Just out of curiosity... do secret Santa’s typically call themselves “secret Santa” or would they still use their elf name?I’ve gotten quite a few books from random generous elves but none of them have called themselves my secret Santa. I am definitely not complaining because this group has been SO giving and wonderful, but I’m honestly just really curious if I’ve actually heard from my secret Santa yet or just all these sneaky elves!
Either way I’ve already been given more books than I could have imagined and it’s been amazing. Thank you to all the beautiful souls in this exchange! ❤️❤️
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Secret Santa gift exchange!
Books mentioned in this topic
Consequences (other topics)Openly Straight (other topics)
How to Be a Normal Person (other topics)
Slow Heat (other topics)
Bear, Otter, and the Kid (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Derrick McClain (other topics)Seth Clayton (other topics)
Lora Leigh (other topics)
Shayla Black (other topics)
Lucy Lennox (other topics)
More...
Greg Boudreaux / Greg Tremblay, Nick J. Russo, Kirt Graves, Gary Furlong, Nick Boulton, J.F. Harding, Michael Ferraiuolo. Sean Crisden"
Oooh, from Kirt Graves on I dont recognize the readers. Recs please ma'am!! :)