Everything I Read in March 2021

Welp.

I read didly squat. Instead, I spent the entire month watching Bones on Amazon Prime.

I love that show. Even with all it’s terrible science and it’s cheesy everything. It always manages to bring a smile to my face.

The downside of spending an entire month trying to watch 12 seasons of a tv show is it doesn’t really leave time to read a whole lot of books. So I didn’t. I sacrificed book reading to the TV gods this month. Next month I plan to do better.

Of course, that’s what I said last month.

Oh well.

Monthly Wrap Up-March 2021

Well, what a month huh? It went by fast. Not real sure how that happened, but it did. I mean, one minute March was there, the next minute, it was April first!

Anyhoo…on to the wrap-up!

Everything I Read in February 2021: Well, that was a short list, wasn’t it?

Book Haul-February 2021: Speaking of short lists! I actually stuck to my book buying goals!

Every New Release I Want in March 2021: It might surprise you to learn this, but this is a list of the new releases that I want. Big shocker, I know.

We Got It!: This is the one where I exclaim our joy at the fact that the hubs and I got our vaccine!

Well, Here We Go Again: We’re going to Disney! Sorry, was that to loud? I’m just excited.

And there you have it. All the blog posts from the month of March! Huzzah!

Well, Here We Go Again

We are doing it this time! We are really going to do it!

What are we going to do? Well, once we are done being vaccinated (after our two week waiting period), we’re going to Disney World!!!

Huzzah!!

It only took a moment for us to decide to make the trip. And three and a half ours after that decision, I had contacted our original travel agent at Small World Vacations and we were booked! I even had plane tickets and restaurant reservations done. And parental visits scheduled for our days at Disney Springs and Epcot!

Trip planned!

Now I just have to take care of all the minor details, like planning cute outfits to wear and deciding whether or not to buy those cute mickey ears off of Etsy.

We Got It!

Well, we got it!

What did we get, you may ask?

We got the first dose of the Covid vaccine!

Go us! And by us, I mean me and the hubs.

We are very excited because it means going out in public and seeing people! People!

I miss people.

Every New Release I Want-March 2021

I love new releases. Upside- new books! Downside- expensive new books! So sometimes I wait until these baby’s are out in paperback, or I buy them on the Kindle machine for a cheaper price. But books!

So here are the new releases from March 2021 that I want to pick up, but probably won’t, because I am on a book buying ban.

The things I do to myself.

Wild Sign by Patricia Briggs-March 16th

In the wilds of the Northern California mountains, all the inhabitants of a small town have gone missing. It’s as if the people picked up and left their possessions behind. With a mystery on their hands and no jurisdiction on private property, the FBI dumps the whole problem in the lap of the land owner, Aspen Creek, Inc.–aka the business organization of the Marrok’s pack.

Somehow, the pack of the Wolf Who Rules is connected to a group of vanished people. Werewolves Charles Cornick and Anna Latham are tasked with investigating, and soon find that a deserted town is the least of the challenges they face.

Death sings in the forest, and when it calls, Charles and Anna must answer. Something has awakened in the heart of the California mountains, something old and dangerous–and it has met werewolves before.

I love everything set in the Mercy Thompson world, and the Alpha and Omega series is no exception. I pre-ordered this one the minute I learned it existed. And, just so you know, this is book number 6 in the series. It would also help if you read the Mercy Thompson series first. Just sayin.

Breach Of Peace by Daniel B Green-March 30th

An imperial family is found butchered. Officers of God are called to investigate. Evidence points to a rebel group trying to seed fear into the very heart of the empire itself. Inspector Khlid takes the case and begins a harrowing hunt for those responsible. But when a larger conspiracy comes to light, will Inspector Khlid be able to trust those working within her own precinct?

I’m not usually one to buy things that YouTubers make, but apparently I will want to buy their books. This novella actually sounds pretty good, and at 140 pages, I will probably be purchasing this. Also, that’s a great self publication cover!

The Ladies of the Secret Circus by Constance Sayers-March 23rd

Paris, 1925: To enter the Secret Circus is to enter a world of wonder—a world where women weave illusions of magnificent beasts, carousels take you back in time, and trapeze artists float across the sky. Bound to her family’s circus, it’s the only world Cecile Cabot knows until she meets a charismatic young painter and embarks on a passionate affair that could cost her everything.

Virginia, 2004:Lara Barnes is on top of the world, until her fiancé disappears on their wedding day. When her desperate search for answers unexpectedly leads to her great-grandmother’s journals, Lara is swept into a story of a dark circus and ill-fated love.

Soon secrets about Lara’s family history begin to come to light, revealing a curse that has been claiming payment from the women in her family for generations. A curse that might be tied to her fiancé’s mysterious disappearance.

I like books that bounce through various timelines. They make me happy.

The Unbroken by C.L. Clark-March 23rd

Touraine is a soldier. Stolen as a child and raised to kill and die for the empire, her only loyalty is to her fellow conscripts. But now, her company has been sent back to her homeland to stop a rebellion, and the ties of blood may be stronger than she thought. 

Luca needs a turncoat. Someone desperate enough to tiptoe the bayonet’s edge between treason and orders. Someone who can sway the rebels toward peace, while Luca focuses on what really matters: getting her uncle off her throne. 

Through assassinations and massacres, in bedrooms and war rooms, Touraine and Luca will haggle over the price of a nation. But some things aren’t for sale.

I will take assassinations and massacres. This book sounds both dark and fun all at the same time. Or maybe that’s just me.

The Bone Maker by Sarah Beth Durst-March 9th

Twenty-five years ago, five heroes risked their lives to defeat the bone maker Eklor—a corrupt magician who created an inhuman army using animal bones. But victory came at a tragic price. Only four of the heroes survived. 

Since then, Kreya, the group’s leader, has exiled herself to a remote tower and devoted herself to one purpose: resurrecting her dead husband. But such a task requires both a cache of human bones and a sacrifice—for each day he lives, she will live one less.

She’d rather live one year with her husband than a hundred without him, but using human bones for magic is illegal in Vos. The dead are burned—as are any bone workers who violate the law. Yet Kreya knows where she can find the bones she needs: the battlefield where her husband and countless others lost their lives.

But defying the laws of the land exposes a terrible possibility. Maybe the dead don’t rest in peace after all.  

Five warriors—one broken, one gone soft, one pursuing a simple life, one stuck in the past, and one who should dead. Their story should have been finished. But evil doesn’t stop just because someone once said, “the end.”

You had me at “resurrect dead husband”.

The Shadow in the Glass by JJA Harwood-March 18th (kindle only)

Once upon a time Ella had wished for more than her life as a lowly maid.

Now forced to work hard under the unforgiving, lecherous gaze of the man she once called stepfather, Ella’s only refuge is in the books she reads by candlelight, secreted away in the library she isn’t permitted to enter.

One night, among her beloved books of far-off lands, Ella’s wishes are answered. At the stroke of midnight, a fairy godmother makes her an offer that will change her life: seven wishes, hers to make as she pleases. But each wish comes at a price and Ella must decide whether it’s one she’s willing to pay…

I love Cinderella retellings…sometimes. This one sounds great!

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner-March 2nd

Hidden in the depths of eighteenth-century London, a secret apothecary shop caters to an unusual kind of clientele. Women across the city whisper of a mysterious figure named Nella who sells well-disguised poisons to use against the oppressive men in their lives. But the apothecary’s fate is jeopardized when her newest patron, a precocious twelve-year-old, makes a fatal mistake, sparking a string of consequences that echo through the centuries.

Meanwhile in present-day London, aspiring historian Caroline Parcewell spends her tenth wedding anniversary alone, running from her own demons. When she stumbles upon a clue to the unsolved apothecary murders that haunted London two hundred years ago, her life collides with the apothecary’s in a stunning twist of fate—and not everyone will survive.

And we are hopping through timelines again! Whoo hoo! Full disclosure, I also bought this book. It was a Book of the Month pick this month and the description brought me joy!

Machinehood by S.B. Divya-March 2nd

Welga Ramirez, executive bodyguard and ex-special forces, is about to retire early when her client is killed in front of her. It’s 2095 and people don’t usually die from violence. Humanity is entirely dependent on pills that not only help them stay alive, but allow them to compete with artificial intelligence in an increasingly competitive gig economy. Daily doses protect against designer diseases, flow enhances focus, zips and buffs enhance physical strength and speed, and speeds the healing process.

All that changes when Welga’s client is killed by The Machinehood, a new and mysterious terrorist group that has simultaneously attacked several major pill funders. The Machinehood operatives seem to be part human, part machine, something the world has never seen. They issue an ultimatum: stop all pill production in one week.

Global panic ensues as pill production slows and many become ill. Thousands destroy their bots in fear of a strong AI takeover. But the US government believes the Machinehood is a cover for an old enemy. One that Welga is uniquely qualified to fight.

Welga, determined to take down the Machinehood, is pulled back into intelligence work by the government that betrayed her. But who are the Machinehood and what do they really want?

Terroist cyborgs? I’ll take some of that.

Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas-March 23rd

It’s been five years since Wendy and her two brothers went missing in the woods, but when the town’s children start to disappear, the questions surrounding her brothers’ mysterious circumstances are brought back into the light. Attempting to flee her past, Wendy almost runs over an unconscious boy lying in the middle of the road…

Peter, a boy she thought lived only in her stories, asks for Wendy’s help to rescue the missing kids. But, in order to find them, Wendy must confront what’s waiting for her in the woods.

This is a Peter pan retelling by the author of Cemetery Boys, a book I loved. Yes, I have it pre-ordered.

And just like that, there are all the books I am looking forward to in March. What books are you looking forward to?

Book Haul February 2021

Another month, another book haul. Last month I promised to only buy three books. Let’s see how I did.

Faithless in Death by J.D. Robb

The story of the murder of the lover of a rich, lesbian socialite takes a turn in an investigation into the unexpected in the 52nd book in the In Death Series. It was as good as ever. Also, don’t you love it when you forget about pre-ordering a book?

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

The story about a black girl who wants blue eyes. I bought it for a book club read and then never read it. I am going to read it. Why? Cause it won a Nobel!!!

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

This book should contain a trigger warning for suicide, cause that’s what happens. A young woman decides to end her life and when she does it, she is taken away to the Midnight Library. There she is given the opportunity to see all the could have beens in her life. This has intrigued me since it was released, and it was 50% off the list price, so I snatched it up.

To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini

There is a girl, she finds an ancient alien artifact. Then there is a war. I’m gonna be honest, I’m not real sure what this one is about. I just liked the cover.

Well, I bought 4 books last month. Not bad! Could be worse, so I’d say I did a good job!

How many books will I buy in March?

Everything I Read in February 2021

Are you ready? Cause this month the list is super long.

Are you sure your ready?

Faithless in Death by J.D. Robb

Ah yes, the 52nd book in the In Death series. This one follows Eve as she tracks down the killer of, well, the lesbian lover of a extremely conservatives religious groups biggest financial donor’s daughter. No, this book isn’t complicated at all. It was fun to read though. I gave it 4 stars, but that’s mostly for nostalgias sake. I think it’s more of a 3.5 star book if I’m honest. Still, I loved it and that’s all that matters!

Time’s Convert by Deborah Harkness

The final book set in the All Souls universe. Though not the last, as the author has admitted to being in the process of writing more. Hooray! This one is all about Marcus and his journey as a vampire! I loved it enough to give it 5 stars. I might be biased, but Deborah Harkness is one of my favorite authors.

In Love and Pajamas by Catana Chetwynd

Cute comics about an engaged couple that are adorably in love with each other. I have each book the author has produced and am in love with her daily comics. My husband even enjoyed flipping through this little book!

And there you have it. Those are the only books I read last month. I started a book that I haven’t finished yet. But still. Just wasn’t feeling the book reading last month. It happens sometimes. Oh well, at least I still read.

My moods for books are even across the board this month! I guess that’s what happens when you read so few books.

I kind of figured the pacing would be split evenly between all three books.

No 500 page books? Well, I only read three books, so…

Only 4 genres? That’s so few.

Two 4 star books? Yeah, I can see that.

This was a slow reading month for me. I was more concerned about the newest episodes of WandaVision and A Discovery of Witches then I was about actually reading. I actually watched TV this month. Who knew that could happen?

Monthly Wrap Up- February 2021

February is over! Between the brutal cold (that Texas wasn’t set up to handle) and our power going out for a few days, I could do without a repeat. Although I did buy this from Build a Bear! Look at the little Dalek! I am such a nerd! Ain’t it great!

On to the wrap up!

January Book Haul: I started the month off like I usually do, with a book haul. Look at all the pretties I got!

Everything I read in January 2021: Um, yeah. It’s a list. A list of books. A list of books that I read in January!

Feburary 2021 New Releases That I Want: I appear to be pretty good at making my titles tell you exactly what’s in the post.

Book Un-Haul 2021: I selected a few books to remove from my shelves. More room for new books!!!

20 Questions Book Tag: I had a lot of fun doing this book tag. Go give it a read!

And that’s all I have for you from last month. February was a short month anyway, but add on a week lost to the winter storms and zeesh. Less posts.

20 Questions Book Tag

Well hello there! How’re you doing today? Are you drinking enough tea? Inquiring minds want to know.

I was tagged by absolutely nobody to do this 20 questions tag that I found on the interwebs. I discovered it through Paperfury, but alas, I was unable to find the originator of this tag due to the dead end spiral I was sent upon. Bother.

I thought this tag sounded fun and a little bit different. So without further ado, on with the tag!

How many books are too many for a series? I’ll get back to you when I have discovered the answer to that, as I just finished reading book 52 in the In Death saga by JD Robb. I might have them all. Maybe.

How do you feel about cliffhangers? I am of a mixed mind about cliffhangers, actually. When done really well, I enjoy them. But when they are bad, just, no. Also, I always worry that the authors second or third book won’t be picked up by the publisher and then I’m left with no resolution. It’s problematic.

Hardcover or paperback? Yes. I happen to like both. I was obsessed with mass market paperbacks for years, but they fall apart easily if you read them too many times. And I love the floppy paperbacks they now offer. However a hardback offers longevity, something you don’t get with a paperback.

Favorite book? Pshaw. I have several.

I have never been able to choose my favorite book. And I’m sure this list will change as the years pass. I need to re-read a few of these. And I just reread A Discovery of Witches, but every time I bring it up, I want to read it again. Also, if it’s in a series, I love the whole series, not just the first book. Cause logic.

Least favorite book? I know it may seem mean to actually answer this, but The Road Not Taken but Susan Rubin is up there, and I never even finished it. Life is too short to read books you don’t like.

Love triangles, yes or no? For the most part no. I really don’t like that trope, and can count on one had the very few times I have liked it. Well, I think I mean only once. But for the most part, it’s a big no for me.

The most recent book you couldn’t finish? Outlawed by Anna North.

I really wanted to like this book. I think this was just a matter of right book wrong reader.

A book you are currently reading? Point B by Drew Magary

A story where teleportation is possible? Yup. I’m there.

The last book you recommended to someone? If we discount all the recs I make as a blogger, then both The Invisible Live of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab and A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. They are both very different books, but both speak to me. I just love recommending them.

Oldest book you’ve read by publication date? Um, I have no idea. I read The Odyssey for fun once. That’s the oldest one I can think of.

Newest book you’ve read by publication date? Faithless in Death by J.D. Robb

I know. I already mentioned this one. But it just came out! Pluss I love this series. I would have to to have read all 52 books in it.

Favorite author? Hmm. I guess I never thought of it. Deborah Harkness (I love her writing style, and her plots), J.D. Robb ( I’m sorry, but I simply adore Eve and Roarke), Melanie Rawn (I’m still anxiously awaiting book three of the Exiles trilogy, and I may never get it). That’s all I can think of for now. Of course, this list may change later.

Buying books or borrowing books? Um, both? I like borrowing books from libraries. Especially since you can do it through the Libby app on your phone now. But I also have an addiction to collecting books. I must own all the pretties!

A book you dislike that everyone seems to love? Dune by Frank Herbert. I just can’t connect with this book. Doesn’t stop me from continuedly trying to read it though.

Bookmarks or dogears? Either one is perfect acceptable. I prefer bookmarks, but if I don’t have one handy, dogeared pages do in a pinch.

A book you can always re-read? Um, see favorites list above, I can re-read that list of books anytime, anywhere. Also, anything in the Valdemar universe by Mercedes Lackey.

Can you read while listening to music? Yes, if by music you mean having the TV on in the background. I do that all the time. I used to read by music all the time. Not in the last few years though. Huh, I may have to try that again.

One POV or multiple? In this I have no preference. For multiple POV’s though, it has to be clearly stated who’s POV it is, or I get frustrated and DNF the book.

Do you read a book in one sitting or multiple days? I can do both, honestly. It depends on how the books is, what time I have free, and if my ADHD is acting up. Tic Tok waits for no woman!

Who do you tag? I tag you! Go forth and try this tag out for yourselves! I had a lot of fun doing it.

Book Unhaul 2021

Well, wasn’t that a week? If you don’t know, I live in Texas, the Dallas area, to be more specific. There was a small winter storm last week. It knocked out our power for a few days, then we were on the rolling blackout schedule. Ruined everything in our fridge. Luckily we were able to put all of our frozen items outside on the back patio to stay frozen for those few days without power.

Huzzah.

Alas, I was not able to post last week, cause no power means no internet. We didn’t even have internet on our phones. We suffered so.

Still, we were lucky compared to some. We did get power back eventually, and we live in a newer house so we have better insulation on our house, plus gas logs in the fireplace and a gas stove top to cook on. Oh, and I was still able to make the all important cup of tea on that same stove. I can’t go without my tea!

But on with the regularly scheduled blog post!

The time has come, my book shelves say, to get rid of some books!

Now, we don’t get rid of books haphazardly. Members of this household are scarred from the last time they got rid of books. So we do it sparingly.

But, I’ve been saving a few books to unhaul, and I don’t want to keep something I know I’m not going to read again. That’s just a waste of space that could be better put towards storing books that I like. Which would mean I get to buy more books.

Huzzah!

Plus, I’m going to take them to a Half Priced Books, which is a book re-sale shop here in Texas (and all over the country if I’m honest) where I can get store credit to buy more books. So yeah.

Look. I’m not saying I have a problem buying books. Well, I am, but that’s not the point. The point of this post is the unhauling of books! Let’s get to it!

The Road Not Taken by Susan Rubin

This story about a woman who meets her doppelgänger who just happens to be part of an alien race seemed promising but fell short for me. Very, very short. I DNF’d this book last year after only 25 pages. Which stinks, because I wanted to like it.

Kill the Farm Boy by Delilah S. Dawson and Kevin Hearne

The story about an unlikely chosen one. I wanted to like this one. I heard it was really funny, but, it just… wasn’t. My husband, who read it first, didn’t like it either.

How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse by K. Eason

The story about a girl who gets thirteen fairy blessings and then uses them to help her get out of a sticky situation. This one wasn’t terrible. I gave it two stars. I just don’t see myself reaching for it to re-read it.

The Anita Blake Series by Laurell K. Hamilton

I only have the series up to book 13. That’s right after they took a turn from books with plot to, well, books with a lot less plot. I like plot. Plot is important. Now, the author may have improved this since I stopped reading the books, but I’m not going to buy more books to figure it out. Off they go to the used book store!

A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore

A book about a guy that gets a new job as death. Sounds like it would be right up my alley. I was wrong, and so I will cart this book off to somewhere else so someone else can give it a good home.

I have a few books that I DNF’d last year that I am telling myself I am going to try and read again, like The Four Profound Weaves and Dune, because for some reason I just can’t give up on that book.