Let's Get Personal #30

 Hello Bookies,

My reading mood has changed right when I started a new book. I guess I'm no longer into fantasy books. Even after I just got a whole bunch to read. But I refuse to return Onyx Storm because I will listen to that book and get caught up with the series. Anyway I think my new reading mood might have to do with the fact that Halloween decorations are starting to come out now. It's spooky season and now I'm in the mood for spooky and suspense. Books that will get the heart rate going, or something like that. So I had to return all of my books that I had just checked out because there is no point keeping them if I'm not in the mood to read them and won't enjoy the story. But I did pick up a new book for the new mood I am in and once I am a little further, I will update you on that book. I literally just started the book and I'm only a few pages in. Not enough to share yet. Maybe after work today. 

So until next time....

-Lys 

Started reading The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

 

Hey there Bookies,

Since I have to wait for a book to come in, I grabbed this one off the shelves at work. I'm not sure what this book is about but it has vampires in it. Also according to the tags on Goodreads this book is also a romance fantasy. I've read the first three chapters. Well the prologue and two chapters and learned that our main character is a girl that was adopted by the vampire king after her family was killed. That was about it. Being a fantasy, I'm sure we have to go through some world building before anything interesting happens. My goal is to finish actually reading a book instead of relying on audiobooks. Wish me luck.

So until next time...

-Lys

Finished reading Iron Flame

 

Hello Bookies,

I have finished the book. Nothing like an intense battle to keep you glued to the book. And, of course the book ends with a cliff hanger. Now I have to wait for the third book to come in so I can see what happens to Xaden since he made a sacrifice in order to keep Violet alive. What that sacrifice is, is something you will have to read the book to find out. Also Violet nearly sacrificed herself in order to protect Xaden. Luckily neither of them died or the series would be over. Instead Violet's mom takes on the sacrifice to save her children. Now I just want to know what happens next and see what the third book is going to be focused around. Probably trying to find a way to reverse Xaden's sacrifice. Or, trying to learn more about what breed Violet's other dragon is since they are the only of their kind. I'm ready for the third book but I will have to wait until it comes in since I requested it when I was almost done with this one. Again, I can see why the hype about this series was so intense. I do enjoy it and it has enough going on too keep you engaged. Would recommend it to people but sadly it only gets four stars out of five because even with the sacrifices that took place, I felt nothing. No tears but that could be we are killing off characters that aren't entirely introduced and bonded to the reader.

So until next time...

-Lys

Listening to Iron Flame

 

Hello Bookies,

Well I broke my keyboard on my laptop. Luckily we have spare keyboards laying around the house that I can use one of them so I can keep you updated on my reading. After DNFing so many books because my reading slump is really hard to get out of, I finally got new batteries for my audiobook. I'm about three fourths through the book now and I don't know if there will be another post after this one. Depends if anything big happens or if I want to spoil any of the book. Right now Violet has broken free from the one character that made me so frustrated with the book. Well she almost died, had Xaden save her, and then she killed that one character. Then she ended up taking half of the school with her when they flew off back to Xaden's home. Now she is living every day as a student and also trying to help prepare for a war that is about to begin. Including being forced to interact with Xaden's ex-girlfriend. Which is not easy when she can amplify Violet's emotions. I had to take a break after Violet nearly killed her and then Xaden had to prove that he only has feelings for Violet. It was pretty intense. Also it doesn't help when I have to keep pausing because my family doesn't know what wearing headphones means. Also I would probably be finished with this book by now if I didn't have to keep rewinding it to find where I left off because I fall asleep listening to it. Note to self, stop laying down when reading. I really enjoy this series so far. The romance isn't in my face and it has enough action taking place that it keeps me engaged with the story. I can see what all of the hype is about.

So until next time....

-Lys

Let's get personal #29

 Hey there Bookies,

I am still alive. I went to Rockfest and had a blast, but I came back with a souvenir that I didn't ask for nor pay for. So my vacation got extended but during that time I was sleeping because I felt like crap. Also during that time I learned that Highest Bidder isn't a book for me either. Or I'm just not into that kind of thing right now. Pretty sure I'm in a reading purgatory at this point. I haven't been able to finish a book yet but I am determined to do so. I'm at least halfway through Iron Flame after being frustrated with it for so long. The book is good but I was forcing myself to read a book that I wasn't enjoying. Also I am still obsessed with Bad Omens right now since I saw them live finally and my brain rather focus on that than reading. Wish me luck.

-Lys

Started reading Highest Bidder by Lauren Landish and Willow Winters

 

Hello Bookies,

This book is massive, but it is to be expected when it holds four different books in it. Since I am now on vacation, I figured I would get some reading in during my down time. This book will probably take my whole vacation but at least I am reading. I don't know anything about this book. I just saw some people mention it on TikTok and decided that I should check it out. I'm only on the first book of the four in this massive thing. I know it is about 200 pages and I'm already almost halfway through. We have our dom who is kind of sick of his rich mundane life and our sub, who only joined the club because she heard that she could make money to pay for her tuition. That is as far as I got. Nothing to tell. Also I'm pretty sure this book is going to be more focused on the spice than the plot but the only way to know for sure is to read the book. Wish me luck.

So until next time....

-Lys

DNF Blob

 

 

Hey there Bookies,

 

Well I got so annoyed with a book that I had to stop reading it. The book just isn't my vibe and I felt like that the main character complained a little too much. I also found the book to be a little too slow for me. With my ADHD, I need books that keep me in the story and this book just didn't do it for me. I did get about halfway through the book and even that felt like forever. While reading this book, I felt like I was reading a lot but not getting anywhere in the book. I also felt like I was getting a lot of information but not a lot of it was helpful. So I stopped reading the book and returned it. Sadly this book gets one star from me because I didn't finish it. Time for my coworker to try again.

 

So until next time....

 

-Lys 

 

Started reading Blob: A Love Story by Maggie Su

 

Hey there Bookies,

Well I have learned that I have a coworker that is not afraid to put books on my holds list at the library. Got to work and found this book. I'm not sure what this book is about but my coworker thought I would like it. They say it is a quick read, so I figured I would give it a try. I don't even think this book is on my TBR. I'm sure I've seen it come through as a new release or whatever, but never paid much attention to it. But who is ready to go on this journey with me.

So until next time...

-Lys

Let's Get Personal #28

 Hello Bookies,

Well, we have discovered why I've been getting sick a lot this year. Turns out I have asthma and with the air quality begin crappy, it is taking a huge toll on my lungs. I'm trying to read when I can but with this last wave of illness, I'm tired and have no energy to read. I already have one book overdue and I don't plan on returning it until I finish it. At least I was able to read a few chapters of that book while I was in the emergency room waiting for test results. Like I said, I got sick again and this time my asthma created bronchitis and breathing is hard. Hard to focus on a book when you are coughing every five minutes for ten minutes. Or, at least that is what it feels like. I'm working on it though. I did read more of Iron Flame last night while I waited for the time to be able to use my inhaler again. Anyway I thought I would update y'all on what is going on before I tried to get some sleep. 

So until next time....

-Lys

Started listening to Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

 Hello Bookies,

Well I finally am on the second book of this series and it kept me up until the sun started to rise the next day. Honestly I thought I would be farther than I am with how long I listened to it. Anyway we are continuing the storyline. Well first they thought they all died when they didn't and Xaden made a show of that. Then they get a new teacher or commander or whatever they are and they guy has a hard on for these kids. The keep getting assassination attempts left and right since the new school year started. Some of them even didn't survive the first day of their second year because the dragon belonging to this new adult decided to have no limits and torch everything that moved. Good thing Violet's dragon showed up when he did or more people would have died. Even Violet is getting threatened to have the ones she loved killed and that only pisses her off. Also it doesn't help that her and Xaden are separated, making their dragons irritated since they have to spend seven days apart from each other. Then they only have 48 hours to be together before the whole cycle starts over again. This wouldn't be a problem for Violet with a grumpy dragon since he is always grumpy, but she is targeted by the new adult and he has to check her back rudely every time she is about to leave. I don't like this new person and I hope they get what is coming to them soon or this whole book is going to piss me off. 

So until next time....

-Lys

Almost done reading Lights Out

 

 Hey there Bookies,

 

Well, I am finally almost finished with this book. I have like forty pages and I'm going to upset some people on my opinion on this book. The book was okay but it wasn't great. It felt like there was no plot line or character development. It felt like the author was like "Here are the characters and this is the way they are." I'm not going to lie that it was fairly good but not fantastic. I was pretty much bored after halfway through the book. Yes there were some tense moments and fun banter with some spicy scenes thrown in, but that is about it. I believe that this book is too over hyped. But I will say that it is nice to have a male character that knew his actions were questionable and even told the female lead that he would stop if she asked him to. He knew that there are limits to his weirdness. Bravo on that. Sadly, the book is only going to get three out of five stars. I would honestly say that it would be two and a half stars, but I had to round up. It would be too mean to round down. But if you are into books that are more about the romance and the spice, this is your book. If you want more of a plot line, move on, this book isn't for you. Will I be reading the second one? I don't know. I was planning on it but after reading this book, I'm not so sure anymore. I guess time will only tell. 

 

So until next time....

 

-Lys

Finally halfway through Lights out by Nevessa Allen

 

Hello Bookies,

I can finally share my experience with this book. Having ADHD episodes while physically reading a book is hard. But I want to finish this book. It has taken me days to just get halfway and this book goes back in two days. I have to finish this book. Anyway we are following a trauma nurse named Aly. She has been living life by routine. Her only relief from the mundane life she has is a little social media app that has her watch videos of her favorite thirst trap creator. Of course, one day she decides that she wants to explore this possible kink she had develop of having a masked man satisfy her, only problem is that the guy she was kind of seeing decided to find someone else while she was drowned with work. But there is something about the guy that she was kind of seeing. It turns out that his roommate is the one that was making the thirst traps that Aly was fantasizing over. But Josh doesn't like to show who he really is because he is the prime example that you can't choose your parents. Example being that his dad is a serial killer. With that in thought, Josh doesn't get out much, but his interest is peaked when Aly sends his roommate one of his videos and asks if he was willing to play something out with her. Then the obsession begins. That is pretty much the story so far. Of course Aly isn't going to just make it easy for Josh and Josh is having too much fun with her to just lay everything on the table. Aly suspects that it is Josh behind the mask, she just can't prove it yet. That is as far as I got in the book. But I'm going to try to read a few more chapters because I'm quite enjoying this predictable romance playing out. 

So until next time....

-Lys

Been listening to Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

 

Hello there Bookies,

This is probably going to be the only post I make about this book. I'm already almost done with it. Now this book is probably going to get a low rating from me. Not because it is a bad book. But the book is just not my vibe. I like fantasy but I like action and fast pace. This one is not that. Which I already knew that when I got this book. I was only hoping that I would really enjoy it. The book is about an orc that decides to give up the life of battles and near death experiences to open a coffee shop. That is about it. Or at least, that is about all my brain could absorb while I listened to this book as I played video games. But if you like fantasy books that are slow paced, cozy, and relaxing this book would be for you. I thought I wanted cozy but I guess I was wrong. I would recommend this book but I hate to say that it isn't that memorable to me. The book gets two out of five stars from me. Nothing against the author or the book. It just isn't my vibe.

So until next time...

-Lys

Finished reading Fourth Wing

 

Hello there Bookies,

I was finally well enough to get some headphones and finish Fourth Wing. For the longest time I was starting to feel like I was lied to when they said that this book was spicy. You pretty much almost finish the book by the time the two love interests finally give in to what they desire and get spicy. Sadly, I can't tell you hot this book ends because the twists will be ruined. But I will say that Violet learns that everything she has ever known was a complete lie. Then there is a very intense battle and we loose a character we end up liking because he sacrificed himself to save Violet. Then Violet almost dies but is saved by an unknown mender. Well the book ends with the identity of that mender and of course why not throw them in to show how much Violet has been lied to. Pretty sure Iron Flame is going to be Violet wrapping her mind around the fact that she has been lied to and try to relearn everything. Also probably have her love interest rebuild their relationship and regain her trust. I do look forward to reading the next book. I do like that this book doesn't really focus on the romance in the plotline. It focuses more on the character development. I applaud the author for that. That is the kind of romances I like, where it is more of a subplot than the actual plot. Book will get four out of five stars from me. I enjoyed it and the battle scenes were pretty intense. But still a little predictable. Especially with Violet almost dying. Can't continue the series if the main character dies. I can see the hype on the storyline but not on the romance. 

So until next time....

-Lys

Let's Get Personal #27

 Hey there Bookies,

I am here to report that my dog broke my headphones. Now I can't finish listening to Fourth Wing because I have no headphones to plug into the MP3 player to listen to the book. I'm a little upset about it because I have a few other audiobooks I would like to listen to but I have no headphones to listen to them. So now I have to fight with my ADHD to physically read a book. Lights Out is my victim at the moment and I haven't gotten far enough in the book to share my opinion on it. Pretty sure I'm only on chapter four because I can only read three pages at a time. The struggle is real. If only my dog didn't get crazy playing with one of his toys and tore my headphones apart with his crazy strong legs and claws. I would love to get new headphones but I'm currently sick because I worked myself to illness. Why did I do something like that you ask? Because I wanted to go see Bad Omens at Rockfest. That is why. So now I'm sick, cranky, and can't read more than three pages of a book before my ADHD kicks in and says that I'm bored. At least I can read between naps because three pages seems to be enough for my energy to hold out long enough before I'm too tired and need more sleep. Hopefully I feel better soon so I can finally finish Fourth Wing after buying headphones. I was so close to finishing. The physical copy told me I only had a hundred pages left. 

So until next time...

-Lys

Been listening to Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

 

Hey there Bookies,

I know it has been a long time since I last posted but life got a little busy. Also being a mood reader, you spend what feels like forever trying to find a book that sticks while reading graphic novels. The best way to even get some reading done is through audiobooks and I got my hands on Fourth Wing. I don't have the attention span to sit down and actually read a book. Trust me, I've tried. But people don't realize that this book is in an mp3 player form and I was able to snag it. Also it has been like a year or two since this book came out, so I'm a little late to the game. Nothing like waiting for the hype to die down in order to be able to read a book that everyone is reading. Anyway Fourth Wing follows a young woman who is forced to join the dragon riders by her mother when she is actually trained to be a scribe. But against all odds of being weak and small, she has survived for half of the book so far. There is more detail in the book buy I don't feel like writing a whole novel explaining the world this book takes place in. I'm just happy that I'm reading a book and breezing through it. So far the book is okay. We go through the training and the main character overcoming her flaws in order to survive. People want to kill her because she is either weak or has a badass dragon. Pardon my language. But the down fall to having this specific dragon is the fact that her life is now chained to her nemesis because of course her dragon is mated to his. Of course she has the hots for her nemesis and I sense an enemy to lovers trope hidden in this fantasy. I do like the books that focus more on the storyline than the romance and this is one of them. I'm only halfway through and the only romance I have had a peek at is the childhood best friend confessing his feelings with a kiss, but because he lives by the rules and order, nothing is going to happen but he still loves her. Also the main character can't return those feelings like she first thought because a shadow wielder had caught her eye against her own will. The heart wants what it wants. But I'm going to head out. If you want a more detailed description of the book, might as well read it yourself. 

So until next time....

-Lys

Close to finishing Daughter of No Worlds

 

Hey there Bookies,

This book is supposed to be only 500 pages but it feels like it is so much longer. It is one of those books that gives you so much information but your brain just can't process all of it. I feel like the details in this book was more important in the writing of this book than the actual plot. It could just be me but I'm not vibing with this book as much as I thought I would. But I do plan on finishing this book since I have reached the last hundred pages. I just won't be updating anymore. This book would be recommended to someone who wants low fantasy and more war based storyline. That is what I will have to say about this book. We still have magic in another world. But it is more realistic than magical and personally if I am looking for fantasy, I want to be taken to a completely different world. This book just felt like every day life to me. The book was pretty good and there is a hint of romance. As far as I know, there is no spice unless it suddenly comes up out of no where at the end of the book. The book gets three out of five stars. I liked it but I didn't vibe with it. 

So until next time...

-Lys

Been reading Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent

 

Hey there Bookies,

I've been listening to a new book. Or at least trying to. I feel like not much has happened in the book and I'm already almost halfway through. We have a young woman who was captured to be a slave. She did everything to pay for her freedom, only to find out that her master had no intention of letting her go. He would rather kill her than let her go. So in order to save herself, she ends up killing her master. I don't remember how she did it but with her injuries, she runs off to another place. Nearly dying in the process. Her goal is to join The Order which I think is an organization of magic wielders. The only problem is that she is late and a little too old to go through classes. But once she is healed, she is taken to her mentor. A person named Max that is a retired military man. He is against teaching her because he doesn't want anything to do with The Order, but our main female character is left with him against his wishes. At first Max sees our main character as nothing but a thorn in his side. Forcing her to teach herself until they finally have a heart to heart. Then he slowly starts to teach her how to control her magic. At one point they even go to the capital and witness a horrible scene of a man getting killed because he was branded a traitor. Shortly after that they go into battle and end up saving multiple people that survived their lord blowing up the city. Then the student and teacher have a heart to heart and fall into a mundane routine. I stopped reading when it was time for our lead female character to take her evaluation of her magic. Again, I know a lot happened and I pretty much glossed over everything. Also it feels like not a whole lot happened. It's one of those books that if you cut out half of the details, you wouldn't miss it. 

So until next time....

-Lys

Almost done reading Quicksilver

 

Hello Bookies,

I'm almost done reading Quicksilver. I was making good progress reading it myself, but with all of the distractions going on in my home I found a quicker way to read this book. I found an audiobook on Youtube and have been taking it to my advantage. What better way to play a mindless game, than listening to a book in the process. Currently my phone has died and needs to charge. Now I will say a lot happens in this book. So much so that I have no idea what to tell you without spoiling any of the book. We do have our lead female character Saeris who comes from a life of doing what she can to survive. The book is told in her point of view. I think the last time I posted, I mentioned that Saeris had opened a doorway to another realm and now she was trapped there until she could control a metal called quicksilver. Our male lead character is Kingfisher who is the black sheep of his kind, or you could say that of the Winter Palace. He has been leading a fight with an endless war for centuries before he disappeared for a time. At least until he heard the call of the quicksilver and retrieved a dying Saeris. For the majority of the book I thought that this was just going to be an enemy to friends trope but I was wrong. When these two finally give in to their feelings, the book gets a little spicy. But I do like the fact that the romance is kind of the sub plot of the book and the main plot is trying to figure out how to control the quicksilver and put an end to the endless war. Eventually Saeris does figure out how to work the quicksilver but it isn't a happy ending for her. Not when she learns that her and Kingfisher are fated to be together. You soon quickly learn that Kingfisher is willing to sacrifice himself in order to keep those that he love safe. And that is where my phone died. Kingfisher has run off to save his sister without telling anyone other than through a note, pissing off Saeris in the process. Then this is when my phone died and all I did was get to the part where Saeris used the shadowgate, that Kingfisher used to send his sister home through, in order to get to where he was and save him in the process. Now I'm patiently waiting for my phone to charge so I can find out what happens next. But I give the book four out of five stars. I really liked the plot with the touch of romance. These are the kinds of romance books I like. The ones that don't fully focus on the romance and making you frustrated that the characters just get over it already. Don't get me wrong. I knew this was a romance when I came in to the book, but it wasn't written like every other romance I've read. That is what I liked. It was different. I would recommend this book to those that are in that are not into that much romance but still like a touch of it. This book was pretty action packed and it actually took time for the main characters to learn about each other before falling for each other. I could write more about this book if I could. But I feel like I'm rambling. 

So until next time...

-Lys

Started reading Quicksilver by Callie Hart

 

Hello Bookies,

I am have my fantasy book and I'm already about a quarter of the way already. This book is pretty interesting. We have a young woman who is doing everything she can to survive. But then greed gets the best of her and she falls into some trouble. Far bigger trouble than she is used to. Our main lady nearly dies but in the process, she unlocks a magic trick she had suspicions about and unlocks a magic doorway. Then she is taken to the world on the fae, who she thought didn't even exist at all. Now she has learned that she has a very special ability to reopen pathways between realms. But she has no idea how to access this ability. Now she is stuck in this new world with a war criminal that she is attracted to but also hates at the same time, trying to open the pathways so she can go home. That is as far as I got. I did gloss over some details because I want you to read the book. 

So until next time...

-Lys

Let's Get Personal #26

 Hey there Bookies,

The downside to being a mood reader is when you are no longer in a dark romance mood halfway through a book. Then I was in reading purgatory for a little bit to figure out what reading mood I was in. Turns out I am now in a fantasy mood. Hopefully I'll be able to finish Praise eventually. Of course, I ordered a whole bunch of books through the library and now I have to either force myself to read them or just return them. I just love this whole switch between reading moods that ruins my reading plans. Of course the fantasy books I grabbed are like 700 pages each. Two of them are even from out special Lucky Day shelf, so those will have to be tackled first. Wish me luck. I will need it.

So until next time....

-Lys

Putting a pause on Praise

  

Hey there Bookies,

I was forced to return Praise. I at least made it through half of the book before it had to go back. But I also have a little bit of bad news. While reading this book, my reading mood changed. So it isn't fair to review a book fully when you aren't in the mood to actually enjoy the book. I was really interested at first when I started reading the book, but then the mood changed and I was no longer enjoying the book. So until my dark romance mood returns, I can't say when I will actually finish this book. But I will tell you that there is nothing like getting back at your cheating ex than fantasizing about their hot dad that you work for. 

So until next time...

-Lys

Started reading Praise by Sara Cate

 

Hey there Bookies,

We are on our way to our next book. This one actually falls under a square in the book bingo because it is a one word book title. I don't know anything about this book other than the tags on Goodreads to hint what this book might be about. We got dark romance, BDSM, and that is all I remember because I was snatched by just those two tags. I'm my own world, I am normal even though in most people's eyes I am not. First impression since I haven't actually really opened the book yet is that the cover is pretty. Or at lest the edition I have. There is something about having a black cover with a neon color with it. I think this cover alone would have had me grab the book if it wasn't for the tags. Once again we are going in blindly. I'm hoping for a quick read but it depends how I like the writing style. 

So until next time...

-Lys

Finished reading Does it Hurt?

 

Hello there Bookies,

I literally just finished this book and it is like one in the morning, but I thought I would put my thoughts down while they were still fresh. This is a book that really focused on the plot and the growth of the characters while still have a few spicy scenes. Our main female is on the run but we don't know what until the very end. We get an idea on what it is but we don't know the full truth until close to the end when she finally confesses to what happened. But her growth is focused around the fact that she had to lie and do anything to survive. That includes stealing identities while running. But then she meets our lead male character and he become one of her victims. Sadly, he isn't going to let it go easily. While punishing her for her actions, they end up shipwrecked on a small island. They meet an old man that give some serious creep vibes that lives in a lighthouse. They live the best they can while also trying to overcome their inner demons. Our main lead character hates out lead female character but he also wants her. Which only makes him more angry. Eventually they start to mend their relationship and confess their pasts. But once you think that things are going to be okay from now one until help can arrive, the creepy old man starts to show his true colors. Even the truth with the ghosts roaming the halls get revealed and it is actually a little bit awful to picture. They eventually get saved and spend their lives happily ever after. I did skim over a lot of details but if I told you everything, you won't want to read the book. I want you to read this book. I quite enjoyed it. It does get only three stars out of five. There were a few flaws to the book but not big enough to really mention. It just be my own opinion on some things. Either way the book was pretty good and I would recommend it. 

So until next time....

-Lys

Started reading Does it Hurt by H.D. Carlton

 Hey there Bookies,

I'm optimistic about this book. What I mean by that is that I'm sure I am going to breeze through it. Only because I breezed through the Cat and Mouse duet. Also I didn't expect this book to come in so quick and I only have so long with it before I have to give it back. As usual I don't know much about the book. I've read about three chapters so far and I have learned nothing other than that our main character is on the run. From what? We don't know yet. I'm sure the back of the book explains but what is the fun in that? This will be the third book I've read by H.D. Carlton and no one has hinted to me what this book is about. Pretty sure none of my coworkers have read the book yet. So I am really going into this book blind. I've only grabbed this book because it is a dark romance and I'm still a little bit in that phase of my mood reading. The only way we are going to be learning about this book is to read it. Wish me luck.

So until next time...

-Lys

Finished reading The Ritual

 

Hey there Bookies,

I finally finished this book. Also I was wondering why authors wait until the very end to make things really interesting. Sure we were thrown some curve balls here and there, but to be honest I felt like the story just dragged on. To me the book felt like it focused more on the spice and the dark romance than it did on the actual plot. For that very reason the book only got a three out of five stars from me. If there was a little more effort into the book when it came to the plot, than maybe it would have gotten a better score. Also the character development was a little nonexistent.  I would tell you how they grew through out the story but I didn't find any of it. I'm sure it was there but I feel like Ryat is still possessive and controlling. And Blake still throws a fit when she doesn't get her way or when she finds out that someone is either lying to her or keeping secrets from her. I am curious on how the other books play out but it will be a wait until I get the second book. When your library is the only one with the book in the whole system, the line can be a long one. 

So until next time...

-Lys

Let's Get Personal #25

 Hey there Bookies,

I know it has been a while since I posted. I was working myself so much to the point I got myself sick. I've been slowly recovering and I'm starting to feel better. I have done some reading here and there, but not enough to actually make a post. I have like 16 books to read in a month. I'm hoping that I can do it. I got so close last time and I was doing so well this time around. I just need to remember that I need to take a rest every once in a while. Now in order to get back into reading, I actually need peace and quiet. Which I'm still not allowed in my house. The struggle is real.

So until next time...

-Lys

Started reading The Ritual by Shantel Tessier

 

Hello Bookies,

I was so excited to see this book when I showed up at work the other day. I wasn't even expecting it to come in. The wait list for this book was pretty long and only one library in our system had it. So you know I dived into this book the moment I had the chance. I don't know much about this book other than it is a popular dark romance that has been floating around the social media. I was just wanted to read it the moment I heard it was a dark romance. It makes my dark soul sing when I get my hands on anything that is hinting it will be dark. Out of the few pages I was able to read, there is a secret society in the college that recruits young men to be come "LORDs" and becoming one of them, the world is your oyster. Our main male character is named Ryat and he has worked hard to be part of this society and he is given a mission to own a young woman named Blakely. He doesn't see that it will be difficult but there is a small problem. Blakely has a boyfriend who is also part of the secret society. But her boyfriend won't tell her anything or does anything with her and it is frustrating her. I can't wait to see what juicy stories this book holds for me.

So until next time....

-Lys

Finished listening to The Amityville Horror

 Hey there Bookies,

I have to admit that I don't know much about this book. The down side to listening to the book before bed is that you tend to fall asleep and lose your place. But if I am also being honest here, I didn't find the book that interesting. It was just a recounting on what happened to the family while they lived in the house. So I have nothing really to say because I feel like I learned nothing at all listening to this book. Maybe if I read it I would have a different reaction. But the audiobook wasn't that fun. Sadly the book gets two stars out of five from me. I just didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. 

So until next time....

-Lys

Finished reading The Coven

 Hello there Bookies,

Nothing annoys me more than a book ending on a cliff hanger. Now I will have to wait for who knows how long to get the second book to find out what happens next. Nothing like the witch thinking that she is saving the Coven by doing what she thought was right. Only to find out that all she was doing was actually helping open Hell and release the archdemons. Including the devil himself. That is literally how the book ends. With a whole 'to be continued' at the very end. I enjoyed the book and it wasn't that dark to me. This is extremely mild compared to the other dark romance I've read. And we all know that I've read some dark stuff. But the book was interesting. It did have a good plot and a small twist. Other than that it wasn't anything different than what I've read before. I do want to read the second book just to find out what happens. I don't like how some books just don't end with a pretty little black bow and now I have to read the second book in order to hopefully get that small little bow. This book gets about three out of five stars. 

So until next time...

-Lys

Started listening to The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson

 

Hello Bookies,

I'm doing another square while I also read the other book. The book falls under the "Author who shares your birthday month" square on the Winter Bingo. Luckily this book also lands on my TBR list. I can't remember if this book is a classic but it is still something I wanted to check out. I've seen the movies and the paranormal shows about this house, so it was time to read/listen to the book. It kind of makes me curious on how accurate all of the stories are compared to the book. I'm sure a lot has been dramatized to make a good show, but you never know. Wish me luck on this book.

So until next time...

-Lys

 Hey there Bookies,

I'm in a bit of a dark romance mood and since I'm a mood reader when not inspired by Winter Bingo reading prompts. Let's see if this one is actually a dark romance unlike that last dark romance I read. This book does have trigger warnings, so that is a good sign. In the dark romance department at least. But also good so that readers know what they are getting into. I don't know much about the book. I saw a booktuber showing it in a video and thought I would check it out. All I know from the tags on Goodreads is that this is a witchy dark romance. I could read what the book is about but what is the fun in that? I did try to read it at work at one point but I couldn't focus then and can't remember what I read. The best to do is reread the small bit I did and give it my full focus. Or at least try to with the house I live in. 

So until next time...

-Lys

Finished reading Ice Planet Barbarians

 Hello Bookies,

This book was a good quick read for me. I did cheat and find an audiobook online to listen to the book before bed. But being a quick read, a lot doesn't happen. It is a spicy book and it does take place on a different planet. But the storyline isn't that intricate. We just have our main character learning about a new planet while trying to understand the customs. The book pretty much ends when she accepts the new planet as her home. That is how it ends. The book was okay. It will probably get three stars out of five from me, but I am curious about the other books in this series. Now that we are introduced to the new planet, I wonder if the stories will be more interesting. This one if more of an introduction into that new planet so I can understand why it wasn't that interesting. But this book will remain in limbo with my thoughts because I didn't hate it, but I also didn't love it. It was just okay.

So until next time...

-Lys

Started reading Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon

 Hey there Bookies,

I'm on to my next Bingo square and this one is "Alien Encounters". I figured it would be good to grab a book with or about aliens and call it good. I literally have no idea what this book is about other than it lands in a square for the Winter Bingo. I needed a book with aliens that kind of fit what I usually read and this one fit the bill. All I got about this book are the tags that were placed for this book on Goodreads because I never read what a book is about. I like to be surprised as usual. From what I gather from the tags this book is a spicy scifi romance. I like romance and I like spice. I usually don't read scifi, but there is always a first for something. I don't know if I will like this book and I don't know if I will like it. The only way to find out is to read it.

So until next time...

-Lys

DNF Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

 

Hey there Bookies,

I have come to the conclusion that Grady Hendrix is not for me. As much as I wanted to read this book, I just couldn't. I don't feel right rating this book because I only got a third of the way through the book before it was like pulling teeth to read. Maybe I'll try again at a later time, but for now, the book goes back. I gave it a try and I can be happy for that. I'm just not clicking with the author's style or their characters. I feel bad because I don't want my opinion to deter you from discovering this book. It just isn't for me. I thought it would fit my vibes because I like spooky and I like anything out of the norm. But the book is like a slow burn for me and I don't like slow burn books. You can blame my ADHD for that because if a book doesn't grasp me in the first 25% of the book, I get bored and don't want to read. But feel free to check out this book. I'm sure Grady Hendrix is a great writer. They are just not for me. 

So until next time....

-Lys

Finished reading Credence

 

Hello Bookies,

I have to make a correction from my last post. I seemed to have mixed up Penelope Douglas with a different author who has a similar name. My mistake and this is the first book I've read from them. It was nice to read a book that I could just breeze through. The book is pretty steamy but I wouldn't put this in the dark romance category. I think some people have put it there and it just seems like a normal romance to me. Of course we have the 'reverse harem' but that isn't anything dark. For people who are polyamorous that is just normal behavior. When I think dark romance, I think BDSM kinks that force the author to have trigger warnings in the beginning. The only thing I see that would be taboo would be the whole step thing going on, but again because we don't judge, isn't that bad. But this book isn't just focused around the steam and spicy. The plot is about healing and discovering yourself. If I had a choice on what to label this book as it wouldn't be a romance. More of a contemporary fiction that has spice in it. I did enjoy the book and I would recommend it to those that like the whole harem aspect of things. But I do have to say that the harem thing wasn't that long or huge. It was just part of discovering and healing. By the end of the book, everyone is just monogamous anyway. If I could, this book would get four and a half stars out of five. It almost made me tear up in some parts but almost. Sadly I will have to grade down and give it four stars instead. Five are for the ones that actually get me feeling something other than the spicy scenes. I have to really connect to have five stars and this book almost had it, but it just fell a little short. 

So until next time...

-Lys

Reading Credence by Penelope Douglas

 

Hello Bookies,

Well I had to start reading this book because it has to go back soon. I was a little intimidated by its size but I'm practically devouring this book. Also I noticed that out of all the books by Penelope Douglas, which is like two counting this one, I'm noticing a bit of a theme. So far I have read books by them that have a bit of a step fetish. When you read this book, you'll understand. Anyways our story follows a young woman who's parents suddenly die. That is literally how the story starts. Our main character finds her parents passed away in their bed, dressed in their best. Police assume it is a suicide brought on the fact that her father was dying of cancer anyways. Our main character doesn't know how to act because her parents never acted like she existed anyway because they were to focused on each other. Our main character then gets a call from her step-uncle saying that her parents had left her in his care until she is of age. Which is like a few weeks away and doesn't seem like it is necessary, but the offer still stands. And she takes it in hopes that the change in scenery is just what she needs. It doesn't take long before the line between right and wrong gets toed a bit. Especially when her step-cousin Kaleb comes back from being in the woods and goes animalistic on her. Then she tempts her step-uncle in the kitchen a few weeks later, only to have the truth thrown in her face. Then her 18th birthday comes around and a lot happens when they celebrate, but the jerk in town thinks he can take what isn't his and pulls in some friends to help him. Luckily the snow storm shows up and protects them from any repercussions for their actions. At least for the time being. Her other step-cousin pulls a joke and puts on a porno to make her uncomfortable but she calls his bluff. Lines get crossed yet again but dear old step-uncle saves the day and puts an end to it before anything gets too far. But lines totally get crossed a few days later and it is dear old step-uncle that crosses it all the way. The sons find out and are a little upset that they didn't get to her first, but they come to an agreement that if our female character doesn't resist, she is fair game. And that is where I stopped for now. I haven't found a 'reverse harem' book yet and this is my first one. This book is literally my life goal at this point. Being trapped by snow in a cabin with hot men and books. No internet, no social media, no connection with the outside world. Sign me up.

So until next time....

-Lys

Let's Get Personal #24

 Hello there Bookies,

I thought I would give a small update on what is going on. Yes, I am still reading the Grady Hendrix book I got. But sadly, I am not making much progress. I don't know if I am not in the mood or the book just doesn't interest me. I've heard a lot of good things about Grady Hendrix and I was excited to read one of their books. But it is taking a lot for me to get into the book. It could also just be a slow start and that it will pick up soon. Hopefully. I'm finally a third of the way and I feel like I have learned nothing in the book. In order for me to make a post, something has to happen and not much has. Let's hope that the book picks up. Also I don't want to DNF the book because I'm at the point that I'm not far enough in the book to give it a true chance. So I'm going to tough it out for a few more chapters. Also I might have overwhelmed myself on all of the books I have checked out. I had requested books thinking that it would take a while for them to come to my library and then they all showed up at once. If this snow storm gets any worse, I know what I will be doing. Well, if I am left alone to read. Which isn't easy in my house. But that is where I am at right now. Hopefully I have more to update you with later on. Also I have completed four squares out of the Winter Bingo card I have. None to make an actual bingo, but I am just happy that I filled four squares.

So until next time....

-Lys

Almost done reading The Doll-Master and Other Tales of Terror

 

Hello Bookies,

Well I did enjoy this little collection of stories. They aren't that scary but are pretty good. The vacation one that I left off on gave me a bit of toxic vibes. Also it didn't help that the wife did everything to make sure the husband was happy. The story after that long of a short story was about this little girl that lived in a town where pets and children were going missing. I got a creep vibe right away from her friend's family and I was right to have them. You will have to read to figure out what happens with that story. I only have one story left and I thought I would give my rating on the book. I give it a solid three stars. I liked it but I didn't love it. Each story ended with a cliff hanger to make the reader wonder what happened. This book would be a good book to read to an English class and have them discuss what was going on in each short story. This book would be good in an educational setting to teach foreshadowing and other constructive writings. 

So until next time....

-Lys

Reading a short story collection

 

Hello Bookies,

I'm reading my first collection of short stories. The Doll-Master was a pretty good one. I had found it pretty fascinating. Of course this book does land on a square in the winter bingo. The square being "read a collection of short stories" and since I like horror, I grabbed this one. The second short story had me a little confused. It was about a man that was a trial for killing someone. He said it was in self-defense but was it really? The third story was about a house sitting that had gone wrong. Nothing like someone unexpected show up and scares you. Then suddenly someone ends up dead, traumatizing the house sitter forever. The fourth story I just started and so far it is a couple on a vacation in South America. That is as far as I got. I know I skipped talking about the first story but that one is too fascinating to talk about. I want you to read it to figure out what the Doll-Master is all about. I'll update you once I finish the stories.

So until next time....

-Lys

Let's Get Personal #23

 Hello there Bookies,

Well I have been taken out of town by my best friend. I did pack books with the hopes that I'll be able to read while I am away. I'm even lucky enough to be able to post while she cleans up our mess from dinner. We are also checking out the movie Wicked, which makes me want to reread the whole series again. The last time I read those books was way back in middle school. I know at work we have Wicked and I might pick that up when I get the chance. But right now I have twenty-four books I need to read before April for the winter bingo at work. So far I have finished two books and I am working on my third. Of course that book isn't really taking me the short amount of time I thought I would have to read it. It is actually taking me a lot longer. I was promised spooky and witchcraft. So far I've only had a taste of the witchcraft. But I am only a quarter of the way through the book and the spooky probably hasn't even started yet. Also I did pick up a short story collection as well that I am reading. They say you are not a true bookworm unless you are reading multiple books at once.

So until next time....

-Lys

Almost done reading None of This is True

 

Hello Bookies,

I don't know what to tell you about this book without ruining it for you. A lot happens towards the ends. People go missing and family members get murdered. We also get other perspectives of the story that counteracts what Josie has told Alix. It makes you wonder who is really telling the truth. But it also makes you wonder if there is something mentally wrong with Josie that makes her believe that she hasn't done anything wrong. I just have to say that you will have to read the book to find out on your own. I really liked the book. The beginning was a bit slow but once things pick up, they picked up. I would give the book a four out of five stars. I would also recommend it if you like a thriller that keeps you gripped.

So until next time....

-Lys

About two thirds of the way through None of This is True

 

Hey there Bookies,

Well this book has me questioning my own sanity. I don't even know who is telling the truth anymore and what anyone motives are. The only one I can be sure of is Alix. She somehow ends up in the same place at a woman named Josie, who shares a birthday with her. Alix runs a podcast series and is looking for a new project and Josie is just feeling stuck in her life. Everything seems innocent at first but than things turn an obsessive turn once these two characters start to record a podcast together. And with this turn things also start to get a little weird. You learn about Josie and how she met her husband that is 26 years older than her. Then we learn about their children and what is going on in their homelife. It is a rabbit hole I didn't expect to be going down. I admit that the book was a little slow in the beginning. But once you hit the second part in the book and the weird things start, you just want to keep going to figure out what is actually going on. You get a few hints in the podcast clips throughout the book, but they don't really explain anything. They just keep you wondering what is going on. I stopped at the point where Josie is literally stalking Alix's husband and she has something planned. I just don't know what.

So until next time....

-Lys

Started reading Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

 

Hello there Bookies,

I my have forgotten a book at work and somehow ended up with another book that fits the book bingo. This book falls in the "Published in 2025" square. I just so happen to be walking by the Lucky Day bookshelf and saw this book. Of course, knowing that this book literally just came out a few weeks ago, I grabbed it. Also this would be my first Grady Hendrix book. I've heard good things about this author and I do like the spooky stuff. I don't know how spooky this book is because I didn't read what it was about or any reviews. I like to be surprised by going into a book blind. I can't wait to read this book. I've only read a few pages and all I know so far is that this girl gets pregnant. Her family sees it as a disgrace and sends her to a home for wayward girls. That is all I know. She literally just arrived at the Home before I had to stop reading and get back to work. But I am curious on what this book holds.

So until next time....

-Lys

Started reading to None of This is True by Lisa Jewell

 

Hello Bookies,

We are on to our next prompt for the bingo card and this book supposedly falls under the "Protagonist who is a villain" square. I know this was a pretty popular book when it came out and I had to wait until the holds list for it dwindle down a bit. Which is good because I don't remember anything this book is about. That means we get a raw review from me. I've attempted to try to listen to the book but at the time my family likes to complain and talk to me about everything that is going on. I even held the book to read along to show that I was reading and that didn't even work. So hopefully I'll be able to listen to more before I go to bed. I'm already behind on my reading schedule due to illness and mental health. My goal is to finish this book quick so I can move on to the next prompt.

So until next time...

-Lys

Almost done reading Butcher & Blackbird

 Hello Bookies,

I have another book with an unpopular opinion. I wanted to like this book and I just don't. I feel like it is too over hyped. The beginning is pretty good and then I feel like it just starts fizzling out. To me the book just drags on with the game only keeping it interesting. I'm not feeling the romance and I feel like the spicy scenes aren't that good. I've only found one amusing part in the book and that was right after the second year of the competition takes place. I have less than a hundred pages to read, but I thought I would do a review in case I don't finish the book. I do have a goal to finish it because I am literally almost done. The book also doesn't really have anything major happen that keeps me in the story unless the game is involved. This book is just not for me. But I do plan on reading the second book and hopefully it isn't as dragged out as this book. I like series that focus around a group of people having a book focused on their own story. This one had Rowan and I know the second book has his brother Lachlan. I am really curious about the third brother Fionn's book but that doesn't come out until later this year, because he seems to be the only 'normal' one out of the three brothers. Sadly this book will get two stars out of five from me. I want to give it a higher rating but I just can't.

So until next time....

-Lys

About Halfway Through Butcher & Blackbird

 

Hello Bookies,

Well I had a night of insomnia and took advantage of it. I'm nearly halfway through the book and I feel like nothing much has happened between our two main characters. We have the typical too scared to be in a relationship while the other is a big flirt that doesn't see what they are doing to the other. The frustration of neither of them giving in is getting on my nerves. Well, we did almost have a moment but instead of a kiss, it gets interrupted by a perfectly timed phone call. That is pretty much where I have left off. Pretty sure the whole drugged out confession would have put things in motion but it didn't. I have no idea when these two will finally be officially together but I hope it isn't at the end of the book. That would really annoy me. 

So until next time....

-Lys

Started reading Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

 

Hello there Bookies,

We are starting off kind of strong on the Winter Bingo by reading the prompt "Read a book with a bird on the cover". This has been on my TBR for a while and all I know is that it is a dark romantic comedy. Also that it is kind of like a love story between two serial killers. I kind of like the cover. The black background with the hot pink details are very nice. Sadly, this book isn't in as best of condition since I got it. My dog is evil and put a hole in the cover by stepping on the book because he wants attention. Poor book. Anyways, I'm a few chapters in and I was wondering how they were going to do this whole competition idea. Now I know and Butcher's brother actually picks the target and the two main characters have to figure it out. Who ever kills the target first, wins. Interesting way of things to play out but it really has them use their skills to figure it out. I'm not sure how the romance is going to play out but I am curious about it. I guess I just have to read to find out. 

So until next time....

-Lys

Let's Get Personal #22

 Hello Bookies,

I haven't been reading because a lot has been going on. Also I needed to rest after the hell of a month I had with traveling to Oklahoma for the second time for a funeral. Then there was the holidays and work. Then I finished a Stephen King book and had no idea what to read next as I entered a reading slump. Then I finally picked a book and came down with the stomach flu. That was not fun. Now that I'm rested and all better after feeling like I was dying, I'm back to reading. Also the reading challenge through work has officially started. That is right, it is Winter Bingo time. The goal, as always, is to get a blackout on the card while giving a review on every book I read. That means I have to read twenty-four books by April 15th. I got pretty close last time, so let's hope that I can get even closer this time. Wish me luck.

So until next time....

-Lys

Finished reading The Outsider

 

Long time no see Bookies,

Well I can say that I finally finished a Stephen King book. Now the book was interesting in trying to solve a murder but as you get closer to the end, the book makes a supernatural turn. If I am being honest, I don't think this book needed anything supernatural going on to make this a good book. Also it just leaves you with more questions than answers. I don't like that. Sadly the book gets three stars from me. I wanted to love this book but once it went supernatural and made no sense, I opt out. Granted I did finish the book because I was so close and stuck through it. But I guess Mr. King likes his supernatural. He wouldn't be one of my idols in the horror genre if he didn't. Sadly, I can't say much about this book. Like I said, the moment it went supernatural, I just kind of droned out listening to the audiobook. The ending was kind of happy but two people did lose their lives to stop the monster that was terrorizing them. I am motivated to read the second book in this universe and now I know to expect a little supernatural for next time. Anyways, I liked the book. Would recommend, but would warn that if you don't like something suddenly taking a supernatural turn to not read this book.

So until next time....

-Lys