Sunday Post #01 - The One With The Reboot

Hello me lovelies!!

Another long time no speak/see/post... Whatever. I had all the good intentions with getting back onto the blog etc. but this year has been one thing after another with health and family to the point that if I weren't already slightly insane I'd definitely be so now!

But that's too long a story so I'm going to draw a virtual line and just start again (for the one millionth time) and see where things go!

This week is actually a perfect example of this year's fckery in action...

I've been tired, aching and generally struggling with an autoimmune flare up. I phone the doc as I'm really struggling with my joints and they order a load of bloods.

I expect to wait a few days on results and instead get called the next day as I'm severely anaemic so I'm booked in for intravenous iron infusion and whatnot to get things sorted. Fun times... 😐

And because of the combination of the flare and the anaemia I'm now off work for 4 weeks and the timing sucks... Not to mention the flare up takes a back seat to the anaemia so I'm still majorly hurting.

Honestly, I'm a little bit mad at myself for not noticing the anaemia. I've been having bp issues, breathlessness, dizziness, fatigue, brain fog etc for so long now but I'd attributed all of it to other issues and medication side effects. However, anaemia has been my "friend" and shadow since I was a teenager (around 13). I was only discharged from the care of a haematology specialist when I hit my late 20's! Since then, I've been in/out of mild anaemia as I'm perpetually low on iron (even with improved diet and on/off supplementation) and they've never quite been able to pin point a single cause...

I'm just special like that. 😜

This is the first time since my teens though that I've been stupidly anaemic to the point of the doctors riding in all syringes waving... And it kick starts another load of testing and consultations... Which will probably end up the same way as it did all the way back then but I'm just ranting now so I'll stop. 😂

That's been my week, how's yours been?

This week, I binged the Evelyn Maynard Trilogy by Kaydence Snow and I really enjoyed it!

I'm not a RH reader (I think I've read one other RH series) but this was good. I loved the dynamic between Evelyn and her Bond and the dynamics of her Bond Mates with each other. 

There's a novella set in this world (different fmc) which I plan on reading next as I'm not ready to leave the world or the characters just yet!

If anyone has read this series and has recommendations for something similar drop me the name in the comments, please!

This week, I added six new books to the TBR list... 

Amethysts and Alchemy by Rachel Rener

Rewitched by Lucy Jane Woods

Hot Hex Boyfriend by Carly Bloom

Phantasim by Kaylie Smith

Snowed in With The Gargoyles by Zoe Ashwood

The Scribe by Elizabeth Hunter

Have you read any of these? If so, what did you think?

I hauled six new books which were all on sale for 99p!

Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young

Forbidden King by Laura Pavlov

The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood

Inferno by Dan Brown

Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

Three of the books (Inferno, Maybe in Another Life, The Alice Network) are a little outside of my typical reading choices but I've read other books from all of these authors before and enjoyed them so I'm sure I'll enjoy these too.

Sometimes you're just in the mood for something different.

Mage Assassins and Other Misfits by Annette Marie and Rob Jacobsen

 

The weirdness level of my life has reached an all-time high. Which is saying something, considering I started out as a psychic conman and somehow ended up as a MagiPol agent. And not just any agent. Lately, I’ve been Captain Blythe’s right-hand man and most trusted confidant.

Yeah, I know. Super weird.

It’s also kind of awkward, because unbeknownst to her, I’ve also teamed up with her most loathed nemesis, Darius King, guild master of the Crow and Hammer and the number one guy on the Consilium’s “To Be Eliminated” list.

Oh, and the Consilium? It’s just a secret organization embedded deep in the upper echelons of the MPD that’s using its nefarious influence to take over the world. Or destroy it. We’re still figuring that part out.

“We” being me and Blythe. And me and Darius. But not Blythe and Darius. Like I said, it’s awkward.

Unfortunately, the Consilium knows we’re on to them. It’s only a matter of time before they reveal how much power they truly wield—and eliminate all three of us for good.

It feels like forever since we've had a Guild Codex adventure so it was amazing to sink back into Kit's series and go on a magic filled romp full of humour and chaos!

This book was a rollercoaster and its safe to say that the stakes have never been higher! I'm actually a little afraid for our beloved characters...

Kit is as loveable as always and he is growing into quite the badass! His magical ability is something else... It's been nice to see his growth both magically and personally from the beginning of the series through to now.

Darius features prominently in this book and we learn more about the Mage Assassin's past.

The slow slow burning romance between Kit and Lienna finally seems to be moving...

All in all it was a wholly satisfying, fast-paced and informative, adventure in one of my favourite fictional worlds. If you're a fan of the series, I doubt you'll be disappointed!

The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson

 

Mackenzie hasn't had a successful date in months. She's only a year out of residency, and her grandmother's obsession with finding the perfect mate threatens to drive her barking mad, so it should be a small thing when she lies about meeting someone . . . until she blurts out the name of the last man she would ever date: Noah 'The Big Bad Wolf of Denver General' Taylor.

Noah, interventional cardiologist and all-round grump, has spent his entire life hiding what he is - an unmated alpha. But when an anonymous tip brings everything to light, he's left with two choices: come clean to the board and risk his career or find himself a mate. So, when the chatty, overly friendly ER doctor asks him to be her fake boyfriend the same day he's called to meet the board, it must be kismet, right?

Mackenzie gets her grandmother off her back, and Noah gets the chance to prove he can continue to work without a real mate - it's a mutually beneficial business transaction. But when the fake-mate act turns to a very real friends-with-benefits arrangement, lines start to blur, and they quickly realise love is a whole different kind of animal.

Lara Ferguson's The Fake Mate is such a good read! I had a great time inhaling Mackenzie and Noah's story and my only complaint is that it ended. Ok... I have a few more, mostly around the overuse of the word "slick," but whatever. 

The book is smutty af and a fun read.

I liked both Mackenzie and Noah as characters and together I thought they were awesome.

The meddling family members amused me and the low-drama level was just what I needed.

 

It's worth noting that this particular "paranormal romance" is more Omegaverse than paranormal romance... Well, in my opinion it is. They might turn into wolves - once - but the rest of the book is definitely human driven (with certain "animalistic" traits) which is very much Omegaverse.

Anyhoo, If you like fake-dating, doctors, shifters and a whole load of spice then check it out!

(And yes... There is knotting.)

Tattered Huntress by Helen Harper

 

Sure, I might be a low elf. But that doesn't mean I won't get up to high jinks.

I’m not particularly special. I’m certainly not perfect. I’m just another delivery driver with a smattering of elvish magic who's trying to make an honest living on the mean streets of Edinburgh.

Go me.

However, my world changes when I cross paths with Hugo Pemberville, the celebrated high elf who’s well known for his accomplished work as a treasure hunter. He might be famous but he’s also an arrogant idiot who deliberately destroys my life.

I’m not the sort of person who’ll let anyone ruin me without a fight. But when I take my revenge on Hugo, I end up thrust into a treasure hunting adventure that I could never have dreamed of.

I’m determined to succeed against all the odds. Unfortunately, treasure hunting is more difficult and dangerous than I’d expected. I’ll need all my wits about me if I’m going to survive.

But, hey, who doesn’t love an under-dog?

Book one of a new series and I like where its going!

Action, adventure, snark and a tantalising tease of the romance that is sure to come... Reading this book sent me to my happy place.

If you like fast paced stories full of humour and action then this might be a series for you!

Daisy is a fierce and likeable heroine but has one major issue... She's a drug addict. She takes the drugs for a good reason - to control her magic and avoid hurting people - but she is still a drug addict and it makes me itchy... That said, I have confidence that as the series unfolds, and more about her past and how she ended up for adoption is revealed, that she'll get to grips with the addiction, kick it to the curb, and learn to control her magic without it. She has a good bunch of folks who are no doubt going to step in around her... Especially a certain slightly judgemental, powerful, sexy as sin, hot for Daisy, high elf! (I'm excited to see how that relationship unfolds!)

The story was surprisingly light hearted and I recommend it for those who love bingeable urban fantasy with a dash of romance!

TMST: How's the TBR list coming along?

 

Oh, it's been a long time since I've posted a Tell Me Something Tuesday and, I have to say, it's lovely to be doing so!

This week's question is a TBR Update: How's your list coming along?

 Well, isn't that a loaded question! 😂 

Anyone who knows me knows that I don't do TBR lists as I'm a moody moose mood-reader and TBRs serve only one purpose for me: Guaranteeing that whatever I read it won't be what's on the list!

So, I'm giving the question a slightly different slant and focusing on my NetGalley percentage/books as that's kinda like a TBR only my brain doesn't react to it in the same way it does a TBR! 😉

My NetGalley percentage is currently at 65%, so it's not great... But it could be worse! 

So, my mission, at the moment, is to focus on my ARCs and get that percentage back up to at least 80%.

Part of me thinks it won't take too long as I have some books on there I'm super excited about, such as:

Beneath These Cursed Stars by Lexi Ryan

The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy

Love at First Knight by Megan Clawson

Hearts on Thin Ice by Katie Kennedy

But, the more recent books aren't really the problem.

The problem is the books that I requested forever ago and, for various reasons, I never got around to reading/reviewing. Those are the ones I really need to read and get off the list, such as:

Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn

To Charm a Dark Prince by Kathryn Ann Kingsley

The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall

When a Duke Loves a Governess by Olivia Drake

Tackling the backlog/overdue reviews will be what makes the difference!

*Sigh.*

I'll probably do a bit of both to sort it out as I'm excited for the upcoming releases, I've reignited my enthusiasm for some of the backlist (due to new books in the series peaking my interest etc.) and I'll try to browse my NetGalley shelf when "in a mood" to see if anything amongst the dusty and forgotten fits the bill before browsing my owned books... Or worse, looking and buying a new one! 🙈

❤

What's your TBR (or NetGalley) looking like?

Smelly Cat and Return To Sunday Post!

 It feels like forever since I sat and wrote a Sunday Post: Probably because it has been forever! 

Honestly, I don't even know what to update. 

Where to begin...

Okay, I've sat staring at a blinking curser for about 10min debating and I'm just jumping back in as though I haven't missed dozens (hundreds?) of these posts whilst dealing with the flighty fairy in my brain.

❤

This week was a pretty uneventful week. 

Work, school and standard housework. 

What can I say? I lead an exciting life. 😂

We had some drama yesterday when Vesta, one of my cats, escaped the back garden and went on the lam... She's done it before and always comes home fairly quickly but it always gives me major anxiety in case she gets hurt (or stolen). 

She came back after an hour or so and I gave her a pet and realised she was wet. 

Then my nose caught up and I realised she stank! Upon closer inspection, she was wet down one side, all over her legs, chest and belly, tail... I have no idea what the heck she had got herself covered in but it was nauseating. My housing area is surrounded by fields and farms so I assume it was either some animal related substance or a farm related substance like fertiliser/slurry or something but it resulted in a full bath for the cat; rinsing, soaping, repeat until finally clean. 

To say she was not happy is probably the biggest understatement of the decade. 

I really wasn't happy either. I got soaked bathing her and then had to shower, change and then mop floors (not to mention cleaning the bathroom - after cleaning just the day before!) so she's currently banned from garden time. 

She also took forever to get dry and brushed out because, did I mention, that Vesta is a fluffy white Ragdoll? 😫

She's a menace. But I love her.

Today, I'm baking ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls and finishing off laundry. 

Earlier this week, I read Big Demon Energy by Deborah Wilde.

I'm currently reading Baby, One More Time by Camilla Isley and listening to Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross. 

I'll probably finish both of them today. I have 1.5hrs of Divine Rivals left and about 30% remaining on Baby, One More Time.

We're currently watching Shogun and Fallout. 

I'm enjoying Shogun but Fallout is not my thing... But the husband is watching it so I inevitably watch it too. 

❤

Do you like Cinnamon Rolls? 

Big Demon Energy by Deborah Wilde (Bedeviled AF #1)

 

She’s just a demon, standing in front of a vampire, trying not to punch him.

Aviva Fleischer hides a dangerous secret. She’s carefully concealing her infernal heritage, a.k.a. Cherry Bomb. Maybe it’s weird naming her demon side and referring to her in the third person, but guys do the same with their junk, and unlike most of them, Avi isn’t deluded about Cherry’s prowess.

Avi’s been working her ass off, climbing the ranks of a supernatural policing organization to enact change and empower those like her forced to hide their true nature. Sure, she’s bent the rules now and then, but her arrest record speaks for itself. Her promotion is in the bag.

Instead, the director strikes a deal with Avi: spy on the operative sent in to work a rash of bizarre murders and prove she can be a team player, or kiss that new rank goodbye.

No problem.

Okay, maybe just one.

Her co-leader, Ezra Cardoso, is a charming, ruthless vampire with his own agenda, whom she fantasizes about: mostly staking him then vacuuming up his remains.

But when the killer sets Aviva’s team firmly in their sights, she’ll have to decide whether to keep playing by the rules or show everyone exactly what she—and Cherry Bomb—are capable of…

A new heroine, a new world and a fabulous new series from Deborah Wilde!

I love me some Urban Fantasy but when it's UF full of snark, quirky characters, and a slow-burning second chance romance that repeatedly pulls on the heartstrings I go from, "Yes, this is nice, more please." To virtual stalking of the author's social media to hoover up every snippet about future books whilst wailing into the wind, "I neeeeeeds it!" and trying to convince the old gods to do a gal a favour and send her some books from the future so that her sanity remains intact. 👀

So, yes... Big Demon Energy. I liked it very much. I'm excited to read more. I am positively feral to see how Avi and Ezra's relationship heals and evolves. I'm curious as to what happens when Avi's dual heritage comes into the open and I want to know more about the insidious plot and evil faction doing the bad things.

If you're an UF lover give this series a try!

Spring Cleaning The Blog!

 Oh, hi there! Remember me? Nicci? 

I used to live here but I had a bit of a mental meltdown and when I recovered I struggled with my attention span which means I mostly moved to Instagram... 👀

(To be fair, I still struggle with my attention span, but I'm relearning (have relearnt?) all my coping mechanisms which allowed me to be a functional individual for over 30 years of my life 'pre-meltdown.')

Despite multiple attempts to "get back to blogging," since recovery* I've never really succeeded but, alas, I'm a stubborn goat and I'm not giving up my little wordy space! 

Nope. No sir. 

I will reclaim this final piece of myself, therefore, I'm having a virtual spring clean!

My blog space is currently a mess of broken links, missing graphics and general WTFery of horrid formatting and other ugliness caused by changing my colour scheme, blog name and graphics numerous times during the previously mentioned period of mental instability and return attempts. 

This means I need to fix it or I need to delete it all. 

My brain will accept nothing less. 

Since I don't want to delete everything, fix it I will!

Now, I need to convince myself that everything doesn't need to be fixed and uniform before starting to post again... Logically, I know that it doesn't but the feral creature that lives in my head is rattling its bars and howling at the very thought. *sigh*

Anyhoo, I guess this is my way of saying I'm about to undertake attempt 10043 at returning to my blog space!

I'm excited to catch up with old favourites and meet new folks!

❤

*Recovery has many ups, downs, backward steps and forward sprints. I've given up trying to pin-point when recovery was or even if I am fully recovered... I'm just rolling with it and trying to be better every day.