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Thursday, December 31, 2015

My Top 15 Reads Of '15!

I always love/hate doing these end-of-the-year best reads lists, as it's very difficult to pick favorites...especially this year because it's been the first time I've read over 250 books! But, after looking back over what I've read, there are some clear standout favorites for me.


Top 15 Reads Of '15!*
(in order of date read)

*not including rereads ;)

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE READS OF 2015?? 
Please share below!

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases For The First Half of 2016


Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases For The First Half of 2016


1. Curse by Steven James
May 24, 2016

This is the final book in the Blur trilogy and I cannot wait to read it! :D

Don’t miss this intriguing and climactic conclusion to the Blur Trilogy. 

As Daniel Byers prepares to attend a basketball camp before his senior year of high school, the terrifying blurs that’ve plagued him for the last nine months return.

Dark images begin to haunt him—creatures crawling from the deepest pits of his nightmares, glimmers of chilling memories from his early childhood. But before he can unearth the meaning behind his mysterious hallucinations, Daniel must team up with two other extraordinary teens to save a young woman who has been abducted by a scientist obsessed with enacting his own warped form of justice.

This atmospheric mystery picks up where Fury left off and takes readers into the uncharted regions where reality and madness intertwine.

2. The Reluctant Duchess by Roseanna M. White
March 29, 2016

LOVED the first book in this series!

Will Fleeing the Scottish Highlands Only Leave Her in More Danger? 

 Lady Rowena Kinnaird may be the heiress to a Highland earldom, but she's never felt good enough--not for her father, not for the man she thought she'd marry, not for God. But after a shocking attack, she's willing to be forever an outcast if it means escaping those threatening her life. 

Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, has never been one to shy away from manor-born ladies, yet the last thing he needs is the distraction of the newly introduced Lady Rowena. He has enough on his plate having recently come into possession of a rare treasure for which many would kill, yet those around him seem intent on pairing him with this desperate but beguiling girl. 

Rowena is reluctant to marry this notorious flirt. And when she learns that Brice is mixed up in some kind of questionable business with a stolen treasure, she fears she'll end up in more danger than she fled.

3. The Goodbye Bride by Denise Hunter
March 8, 2016

She only remembers loving him. But he can’t forget the way she left. 

Lucy Lovett can’t remember the last seven months of her life. She doesn’t remember leaving her fiancé Zac Callahan weeks before their wedding or moving to Portland, Maine. And she sure doesn’t remember getting engaged to another man. All she remembers is loving Zac more than life itself.

Zac was just beginning to get his life back on track after Lucy left him with no explanation. And now she’s back—vulnerable, homeless, and still in love with him. Has he been given a second chance with the only woman who stirs his passion and haunts his dreams?

Lucy knows she must unlock those missing months and discover why she threw everything away. And Zac knows that if he follows his heart he’ll win back the love of his life—but if Lucy’s memory returns, his would-be bride will say good-bye forever.

4. Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey
February 2, 2016

Loved Dani's Alaskan Courage series. Can't wait to read this new series!

Four Best Friends. And Then One Went Missing . . . 


In college, Griffin McCray and his three best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore Police Department, Declan Grey would head to the FBI, and Parker Mitchell would study to become a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world--and friendships--crumbled.

Now years later, Griffin has left the police and his friendships behind. Still trying to forget a case that went bad when he was a SWAT team sniper, he's living a quiet life as a park ranger at Gettysburg. Quiet until skeletal remains are uncovered near Little Round Top--and they aren't Civil War-era.

Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott discovers evidence pointing to the work of an expert sniper. When FBI agent Declan Grey steps in to take over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he'll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he--and those he cares about--are going to escape a downward spiral of crime, danger, and murder.
5. Her One and Only by Becky Wade
May 3, 2016

The latest Porter Family novel. Can't wait to read Dru's story!

Romance Fans Eagerly Anticipate Every New Release from Becky Wade 

Gray Fowler, star NFL tight end, is being pursued by a stalker, so his team hires a protection agency to keep Gray under the watch of a bodyguard at all times. When Gray meets Dru Porter, an agent assigned to him, he's indignant. How can an attractive young female half his size possibly protect him?

But Dru's a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt. She's also ferociously determined to uncover the identity of Gray's stalker. And she's just as determined to avoid any kind of romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past. But the closer they get to finding the stalker, the closer they grow to each other. As the danger rises, can Dru and Gray entrust their hearts--and their lives--to one another?
6. You're the One That I Want by Susan May Warren
February 1, 2016

Even though I have to still read Always on My Mind and The Wonder of You, I know I'm going to want to read this book ASAP, as I loved the books I've read in this series.


Owen Christiansen has been in a downward spiral since an injury ended his NHL career. But a job on an Alaskan crabbing boat offers a fresh start . . . maybe even a shot at romance with Elise “Scotty” McFlynn, the captain’s daughter.

Used to being one of the guys, to never relying on anyone, Scotty doesn’t believe in happily ever after—especially with someone like Owen. Her instinct is confirmed when Casper Christiansen arrives to drag his prodigal brother home, bringing with him a truckload of family drama—and even worse, the news that Casper is wanted for questioning in connection to a crime back in Minnesota.

But Owen is more than the sum of his mistakes, a truth both he and Scotty discover when she escorts both brothers to Deep Haven as part of her new job on the Anchorage police force. Thrust into an unfamiliar world of family, faith, and fresh starts, Scotty begins to see potential for a happy ending . . . if she’s brave enough to embrace it.

7. Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin
May 3, 2016

One Plucky Female Pharmacist + One High-Society Naval Officer = Romance--and Danger 

For plucky Lillian Avery, America's entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg's attentions only annoy--even if he is her brother's best friend.

During the darkest days of the war, Arch's destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves--and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection?

Sarah Sundin brings World War II to life, offering readers an intense experience they won't soon forget.

8. Close to You by Kate Isaac
April 26, 2016


A disgraced scholar running from her past and an entrepreneur chasing his future find themselves thrown together—and fall in love—on a Tolkien tour of New Zealand.

Allison Shire (yes, like where the Hobbits live) is a disgraced academic who is done with love. Her belief in “happily ever after” ended the day she discovered her husband was still married to a wife she knew nothing about. She finally finds a use for her English degree by guiding tours through the famous sites featured in the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. By living life on the road and traveling New Zealand as a luxury tour guide, Allison manages to outrun the pain of her past she can’t face.

Jackson Gregory was on the cusp of making it big. Then suddenly his girlfriend left him—for his biggest business competitor—and took his most guarded commercial secrets with her. To make matters worse, the Iowa farm that has been in his family for generations is facing foreclosure. Determined to save his parents from financial ruin, he’ll do whatever it takes to convince his wealthy great-uncle to invest in his next scheme, which means accompanying him to the bottom of the world to spend three weeks pretending to be a die-hard Lord of the Rings fan, even though he knows nothing about the stories. The one thing that stands between him and his goal is a know-it-all tour guide who can’t stand him and pegged him as a fake the moment he walked off the plane.

When Allison leads the group through the famous sites of the Tolkien movies, she and Jackson start to see each other differently, and as they keep getting thrown together on the tour, they find themselves drawn to each other. Neither expected to fall in love again, but can they find a way beyond their regrets to take a chance on the one thing they’re not looking for?

9. Thin Ice by Irene Hannon
January 5, 2016

If Ginny Reed is still alive--who is the woman buried in her grave? 

After losing her parents and her sister, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. Now, life is finally starting to feel normal again--until an envelope addressed in her sister's handwriting arrives in the mail. And the note inside claims she is still alive. 

FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the case . . . but he's coming up with more questions than answers. Is Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game--or the target of a sinister plot? As Lance digs deeper, one thing becomes clear: someone in the shadows has a deadly agenda.

10. Siren's Song by Mary Weber
March 1, 2016


“The realization hits: We’re not going to win. It’s why I couldn’t defeat Draewulf in Bron—because this power was never mine anyway. I drop my arms and let the energy die off. And turn around to face Eogan.”


After a fierce battle with Draewulf, Nym barely escaped with her life. Now, fleeing the scorched landscape of Tulla, her storm-summoning abilities are returning; only . . . the dark power is still inside her.

Broken and bloodied, Nym needs time to recover, but when the full scope of the shapeshifter’s horrific plot is revealed, the strong-willed Elemental must race across the Hidden Lands and warn the other kingdoms before Draewulf’s final attack.

From the crystalline palaces of Cashlin to the legendary Valley of Origin, Nym scrambles to gather an army. But even if she can, will she be able to uncover the secret to defeating Draewulf that has eluded her people for generations? With a legion of monsters approaching, and the Hidden Lands standing on the brink of destruction, the stage is set for a battle that will decide the fate of the world.

This time, will the Siren’s Song have the power to save it?

That's my Top Ten "Most Anticipated Releases For The First Half of 2016". Please share your list and comments below!

Monday, December 28, 2015

Clean Out Your E-reads Challenge (#COYER) -- Sign-up & Progress!

Because Reading is better than real life

This challenge started a little over a week ago and I completely missed signing up for it...until now! I had so much fun last year participating and I can't wait to get started "cleaning out my e-reads" again! ;) Since the challenge already started, I'm going to include any books I finished since the 19th that work.

Check out the rules and sign-up on the Because Reading site.

My progress so far:

2016 Reading Challenges!!

After taking a somewhat break from blog reading challenges in 2015 (only participated in the 2015 TBR Pile Challenge), I am going to do several in 2016! I came across these and they sound super fun, so I'm hoping I can complete them.


Hosted by Book Date

"Complete the card below. You can do it in any order you wish. You are allowed "one free exchange", if there is something on the square you really dislike you may change it to something of your choice. Once you have played this free choice that is it. Mention the exchange in the final summary post."


For the "Self Challenge" square, I'm going to challenge myself to "Read a book that's over 500 pages".

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Falling For YA

Hosted by Falling For YA

My Goal: Platinum - 75 Books

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2016netgalleychallenge
Hosted by Fictively
Also participating in this NetGalley Reading Challenge. Going to go with the highest level.


41+ books

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The 2015 Re-Read Challenge

Hosted by Belle of the Literati

Here are some of the books I hope to reread in 2016:



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Blogger Shame

"The Blogger Shame Review Challenge--cohosted by herding cats & burning soup and Addicted to Happily Ever After-- is all about dusting off all of those forgotten review books and making them happen!"


All review books that have been on your review list for 6+ months count.

Goal: read at least 30 books

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Level 1: 1 – 5 series enders

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My goal is to read 12 nonfiction books in 2016

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I'll be tracking my progress HERE. Will try to keep that page updated monthly.

Are you participating in any reading challenges next year? Please share below!
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