Contents of blog copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2023
I've been gone a while. I started reading fanfiction to escape and I got sucked in an abyss.

I have no idea if someone else is hosting similar challenges. I just grabbed some of what I have hosted before.

Here's to a happy year of great reading
Jan2023: Not much has changed. Writing a fanfiction now O_o as well as reading but I bought 7 new books in December and hope to get those read soon. Crossing fingers about adding challenges (late!)

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Purrsday












just a place to share the cute/funny/weird pictures I find while surfing....when I should be doing a whole range of things ;) Don't forget to head over to The True Book Addict because Michele has a meme going, with links and everything!

~*~*~*~*~

Have a great weekend! See you on Monday.


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

Z is for . . . The Zombie Project (children's chapter book-Boxcar Children!)

The Zombie Project
created by Gertrude Chandler Warner

Series: The Boxcar Children 
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
ISBN: 978-1-4532-2203-4
Release Date: September 6, 2011
Genre: chapter book
age level: 6-10 
126 Pages

format available: ebook, paperback, hardcover 

Series' website | Twitter 

Book Blurb
While at the Winding River Lodge, the Aldens hear about a zombie living in the surrounding forest! As the signs of the zombie attacks start to mount, the Boxcar Children recruit the help of a reporter and some locals. But is someone hiding information? Or should the Boxcar Children really be afraid of things that go bump in the night?

Quick note about the series:
When their parents died, the Alden children ran away to live on their own. They feared they would be found and sent to live with their grandfather. They had never met him, and they worried he might be mean to them. So the children stayed in an old boxcar in the woods. The old railroad car quickly became their home, and they lived there until their grandfather found them. When the children saw how nice he was and how much he loved them, they went to live with him in Greenfield. Later, as a surprise, Grandfather had the boxcar moved into the backyard so they could play in it any time they liked.

Each book is an adventure/mystery with the children mostly doing it all themselves.

My Thoughts
Once again, Grandfather drops the children off while he runs off for a business meeting. I'd be mad about it if I hadn't read more of the stories. The Alden children are very self-sufficient and they are had a cabin vacation spot owned by friends of Grandfather.

There is a lot going on and I don't like some of the characters. There is a painter, a reporter, the owners grandson and his friends, plus numerous other guests. It all starts at breakfast where the reporter is complaining about a missing persons case. Actually it is a businessman who is missing, along with his clients money. Since she's suppose to be on vacation she stops thinking about it. When the grandson mentions the zombie she jumps all over it. This reporter also has a blog about hauntings.

As with all the books I remember, the children are well-mannered, thoughtful, helpful, hard-working and a little nosy. And Ben is hungry.

I actually liked how this one ended. The reporter wasn't quite the flake she seems at the beginning. The grandson and his friends were also big helpers. And the zombie? There really was one, just like in the movies.


Disclaimer: This was a private purchase but the review is not written any differently than if I had received a complimentary review copy. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of the the series website.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Y is for . . . Your Daddy Loves You (picture book)

Your Daddy Loves You
by Tom Choquette


Publisher: GOLS, LLC 
ISBN: 978-0615743462
Release Date: Dec 2012 
Genre: Picture Book 
28 Pages

format available: ebook, large print paperback 

Author's website | Twitter I didn't find anything 

Book Blurb
For fathers young and old, new and not-so-new, this sweet rhyming book is meant to be read aloud to your child creating a special bond and a memory that will be treasured for a lifetime.

My Thoughts
Two things to know right away. This is for girls (there is a boy one). Also the kindle is formatted to show a two page spread which may not work well with smaller screens.

Now that that's out of the way . . .

This is so cute! Every two-page spread shows a daddy loving his little girl and it goes from infant to off to school. Feeding, movies, falling off a bike, all the way to waving as she goes off to school. There is a mommy in some of the pictures (okay, one of them) but a single dad could read it as something other than "mommy".

Some of the pages have the whole verse on one side and the picture on the other while some split the verse and have two pictures. This one went all the way across to the open, dark closet and split the verse.

When something in your closet has given you such a fright!


The ending . . . with another cute picture to go with it.

I love that it is "daddy" so that Dads can read to their little ones.

The colors are bright and the pictures are like watercolors. I'm kind of wishing I had a reason to buy the boy one ;-)


Disclaimer: This was a private purchase but the review is not written any differently than if I had received a complimentary review copy. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of amazon and the book itself.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

X is for . . . The X-mas Cat (Christian romance)

I cheated! This is a cute story and my X book was too long!


The Christmas Cat
by Elise M. Stone

 
Publisher: Civano Press 
ISBN: ASIN: B00QFZDSSK
Release Date: December 2014
Genre: Christian romance 
16 Pages

format available: ebook 

Author's blog | Twitter 


Book Blurb
Christmas can be lonely if you’re new in town—unless a lost kitten shows up on your doorstep and makes your wishes come true.


My Thoughts
The is a very short story, more of an introduction to a romance than a romance itself.

I could feel the loneliness dripping from the pages. She's always gone home for Christmas before, she doesn't have her own ornaments or even a live tree. She does remember seeing a church on her way home from work so that's how she'll spend the evening. At the Christmas Eve services.
Day was already fading into evening.The falling snow glittered in the light of the street lamps, coating the parking lot in fairy dust. She should walk down to the mailboxes and get her mail. Maybe there’d be more Christmas cards to hang on the half wall, make it seem more like Christmas.

After rinsing her glass and putting on her coat, Stephanie opened her front door. 
“Mew.” 
A small grey cat, about half-past being a kitten, sat on her doorstep, looking up at her with pleading eyes.
And she does what anyone with heart would do and brings the kitten inside.

Next up are conversations with the cat, several phone calls, feeding the kitten and finally locking it in the bathroom when she decides to go to church.

Since I already told you it was a romance I can also say she finds the owner of the cat at church. It was a total fluke, or meant to be, you decide.

This is a very sweet story and I would love to find out what happens next.



Disclaimer: This was a private purchase but the review is not written any differently than if I had received a complimentary review copy. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of the amazon and the book itself.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

Monday, April 27, 2015

W is for . . . When in Bloom (m/m contemporary romance/erotica)

When in Bloom
by Nicole Dennis

Series: Southern Charm 
Publisher: Totally Bound
ISBN: 9781784304249
Release Date: January 2015 
Genre: m/m erotica contemporary romance 
209 Pages

format available: ebook, trade paperback 

Author's website | Twitter 


Book Blurb
Fighting type one diabetes since childhood, Jude Sebastian runs to prove he can live a normal life, until epileptic seizures begin to change his life. Even with Dawson, his medical alert Golden Labrador, at his side, Jude finds daily life difficult. He owns the floral shop Flowers in the Breeze, and designs everything from simple bouquets to elaborate themes for weddings and celebrations.

At the Shore Breeze Clinic, Jude comes across a man clearly suffering with a PTSD episode. A new arrival in the small town, Doctor Elliott Sheffield, a retired Army Ranger doctor, is looking for a second chance after what he saw in the Middle Eastern deserts.

Wanting a normal relationship, Jude tries to deny his disorder, but something is happening. He can’t regulate his sugars and his disorder worsens. When he returns to the clinic, Dawson alerts Jude to an oncoming seizure.


My Thoughts
Classified as erotica because of word choice, heat level is more mainstream

The publisher gives a "Reader Advisory: This books contains scenes referencing PTSD, seizures and diabetes." but I'd add an AIDS death to this. The other three are not surprises.

This is book 4 in the series but we're meeting more new characters then we are seeing old ones. Of course, we're at the clinic or in town, all the other books have been centered around Southern Charm.
Veterans always seem to get me and the book opens with the doc in the middle of a flashback. Even when he's back among us, the flashback lingers. Thunder is a big trigger and gosh darn, he just so happens to run into someone who knows how to handle a flashback with care and confidence. 

Sometimes what you've experienced together in hours or days can equal what takes others months or years to experience. I thought the sex happened too soon but several things caused me to change my mind. They've been through a whole heck of a lot together, and it all happened so fast but took longer than I thought.

I loved how Elliott met his cat. It's as good as how he met Jude. I almost didn't like Elliott. He received a phone call while on his way home from work,  Jude was inviting him to spend the night. The problem would have been if he hadn't gone home to take care of his cat first!

There are a couple story lines continuing from the previous book/s but there isn't a lot said about them. There are a couple of story lines continuing on. One big one looks sounds like it was settled.

Remember that Father of the Year award? Turns out you can give it to other men. Men too full of their own beliefs and importance. I'm glad he showed up but I'm also glad he wasn't around for long.

This is a very nice addition to the series. It is away from Southern Charm so we met more of the town than we did in the other books. Now I just have to wait for the next one. Looks like there will be three more books :-)


Disclaimer: This was a private purchase but the review is not written any differently than if I had received a complimentary review copy. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of the author, publisher and the book itself.


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Thoughts on . . . Too Safe for Strangers

Too Safe for Strangers
by Deputy Sheriff Robert Kahn


Series: Bobby and Mandee's Safety Series
Publisher: Future Horizons
ISBN: 978-1885477750
Release Date: October 2001
Genre: picture book
24 Pages

format available: paperback

series' website 

Book Blurb
Most children, especially children on the autism spectrum, accept adults' friendliness at face value. Sometimes it can have tragic consequences. Written by a Deputy Sheriff, this book is credited with foiling at least 22 stranger abductions. Characters Bobby and Mandee explain stranger danger in a way that is accessible, but not frightening, for children.
My Thoughts

I want to start at the back. There is a coloring page and a place to write down safe names and telephone numbers. I'm mixed about this - first, it's important info and I love to color. On the other hand, I don't want to teach kids it is okay to write/color in books. That's just me being picky.

There are a couple of other important pages at the end of the book. A list of question you can go over with your child to help reinforce what was learned. A list of safe adults such as a store clerk, when working, or the telephone worker, make sure you can see his truck. The final important page is about teaching your child about 911, such as when to call and when not to call.

This is a picture book in that there are drawings, few words and a large-size font.

Yes, that's duplicated from Too Smart for Bullies (review). There is also a spot to write in your code word.

This book is SCARY. Bobby isn't around much to save the day or even give good advice. The book goes over the difference between good strangers and bad strangers nicely and even though I expected it, I kind of jumped when Mandee reaches for the suckers and the BAD stranger grabs her.

We're brought up to be nice to everyone (or at least I hope so), this book tells us to be nice as well EXCEPT when an adult you don't know well tries to talk to you without your parent's being there. There are different scenarios with the solution.

I remember doing a code word with my kids. I also remember letting them leave my side when shopping but I always called out "children" when I was ready to go so people wouldn't hear me call out their names.

The author recommends role-playing this book with you and your child taking turns being the stranger. I'd recommend switching it up by also playing a good stranger who doesn't make the "safe adult" list.


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy of this book without any obligation to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of the author, amazon, and the book itself.


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

Thoughts on . . . Too Smart for Bullies (children's safety picture book)

Too Smart for Bullies
by Deputy Sheriff Robert Kahn
& Sharon Chandler

Series: Bobby and Mandee's Safety Series
Publisher: Future Horizons
ISBN: 978-1885477767
Release Date: October 2001
Genre: picture book
24 Pages

format available: paperback

series' website 

Book Blurb
Most children accept adults’ friendliness at face value. Sometimes it can have tragic consequences. The Bobby and Mandee series of safety books help children deal with today’s problems.

Bullies, Beware! This is a little book is going to have a big impact! In this moral-driven story, Mandee tells big brother Bobby how a bully took all her money. Bobby stresses that she needs adult help, and explains what to do if it happens again. Don't argue; just walk or run away; tell a trusted adult, or call 911. If the adult doesn't believe you, tell another adult until you find someone who understands.

My Thoughts
I want to start at the back. There is a coloring page and a place to write down safe names and telephone numbers. I'm mixed about this - first, it's important info and I love to color. On the other hand, I don't want to teach kids it is okay to write/color in books. That's just me being picky.

There are a couple of other important pages at the end of the book. A list of question you can go over with your child to help reinforce what was learned. A list of safe adults such as a store clerk, when working, or the telephone worker, make sure you can see his truck. The final important page is about teaching your child about 911, such as when to call and when not to call.

This is a picture book in that there are drawings, few words and a large-size font. This was an uncomfortable book to read but one that every parent should read. I only had a couple of problems with it.

Mandee's walking home from the public pool all by herself in just a swimsuit and shoes. First, throw a pair of shorts on the kid. Second, why was she swimming by herself? (Fine. If she had on shorts you may not think "swimsuit" and she may have met friends there. Still.)

The other thing is about the bully "One reason a child is a bully is because someone is being a bully to them." Then goes on to list family or someone who lives with them in their house. This bothered me for two reasons and I'm sure the research was done to back up the wording, just thinking could be  should have been used instead of is. And just family members? Maybe they're being bullied by an older kid and they're just passing it down.

Off soapbox. . .

Bobby is an awesome big brother! I love that all the things an adult would say to help was being said by Bobby and he still takes Mandee to tell Mom and Dad. Because, you know, this is not a secret to keep. I hope every parent and responsible adult reads this.

The author's recommend role-playing the book with you and your child taking turns playing the bully and the one being bullied.


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy of this book without any obligation to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of the author, amazon, and the book itself.



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

Happy Monday, a little Early




Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.  ;-)

Don't forget to link up your list




~ here are the newest review books in my house ~
this is a good thing, right?



~ here are the newest books in my house ~
~WON~
Thank you to Carolyn at RIEDEL Fascination for
The Wednesday Witch by Ruth Chew
The arrival of a witch who travels by magic vacuum cleaner is only the beginning of Mary Jane's strange adventures.

and

Mystery of the Green Cat by Phyllis A. Whitney

There is a great deal of hostility between Jill and Carol Spencer and their stepbrothers until the mysterious events taking place in the old Victorian house next door distract them..


Below the Belt by Jeanette Murray
a First to Fight novel, 2015, mass market paperback

Athletic trainer Marianne Cook is ready to do whatever it takes to turn the men of the Marine Corps boxing team into fighting machines. After all, her ultimate goal is to land a job training professional athletes. But when she notices a certain hard-bodied marine trying to hide an injury, Marianne realizes that she’ll have to use covert tactics to get him talking.

First Lieutenant Brad Costa has waited years for the chance to fight for a spot on the Marine Corps boxing team, knowing he has to push twice as hard to get half as far as his younger counterparts. Brad tries to downplay his injuries to the attractive trainer who has his dreams in her hands, but Marianne isn’t buying it. Maybe it’s time to deploy some targeted flattery.

As Brad and Marianne’s attraction turns red-hot, there’s more than one person having a hard time keeping their eyes on the prize…

Caught Dead Handed by Carol J. Perry
Witch City Mystery, 2014, mass market paperback

Most folks associate the city of Salem, Massachusetts with witches, but for Lee Barrett, it’s home. This October she’s returned to her hometown-where her beloved Aunt Ibby still lives-to interview for a job as a reporter at WICH-TV. But the only opening is for a call-in psychic to host the late night horror movies. It seems the previous host, Ariel Constellation, never saw her own murder coming.

Lee reluctantly takes the job, but when she starts seeing real events in the obsidian ball she’s using as a prop, she wonders if she might really have psychic abilities. To make things even spookier, it’s starting to look like Ariel may have been an actual practicing witch-especially when O’Ryan, the cat Lee and Aunt Ibby inherited from her, exhibits some strange powers of his own. With Halloween fast approaching, Lee must focus on unmasking a killer-or her career as a psychic may be very short lived. . .

Twice the Growl by Milly Taiden
Paranormal Dating Agency, 2014, ebook

Talia Barca needs a date. Badly. She uses the services of the Paranormal Dating Agency hoping for a decent guy to take to a family wedding. A wedding her ex-husband has wormed his way into as a guest.

Connor and Theron want Tally to complete their Alpha triad. She's sexy, curvy and funny. But she's human. And they're not sure she'll go for a relationship with two men at the same time.

As if deciding to give two men a shot wasn’t difficult enough, Tally will also need to deal with a threat from the pack. She'll either prove she's strong enough to be an Alpha mate or find herself at the mercy of a vicious opponent.


If I Told You So by Timothy Woodward
young adult, 2012, trade paperback

Sixteen-year-old Sean Jackson’s summer is off to an inauspicious start. The only place hiring in his small New Hampshire hometown is the local ice cream shop owned by the “Fabulous” Renée, who has a reputation for being tough on employees. Donning a pink t-shirt to scoop sundaes for tourists and seniors promises to be a colder, stickier version of hell.

On his first day of work, Sean meets Becky, a wickedly funny New York transplant with a sarcastic attitude and a taste for mischief. The store manager, Jay, is eighteen, effortlessly cool, and according to Becky, “likes” Sean the way Sean’s starting to like him. But before Sean can clear a path to the world that’s waiting, he will have to deal with his overprotective mother and come out to his sweet, popular girlfriend, Lisa. And just when he thinks he has it all figured out, Sean’s absentee father shows up unannounced. Over the course of one unforgettable summer, Sean must deal with the uncertainty of being gay in a small town, the excitement and danger of his first gay kiss and the difficulties of coming out to the people closest to him.
~*~*~*~*~

I haven't received any review books, won any contests or received any books as a gift. I have added several free ones that don't make this list, I've pinned them here.







What are you Reading?

A weekly Monday meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Post what you read last week and what you're planning to read this week then link to Shelia's post. Then visit others and be prepared to add to your TBR pile!




Finished:
Quinn's Christmas Wish by Lawna Mackie
R is for Running by Ray Charbonneau
Squeak and a Roar by Joyee Flynn
Under the Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis
You Melted Me by Kari Gregg
Sparkle and Purr by Stormy Glenn
When Tony Met Adam by Suzanne Brockmann
Velvet Dragon by Sean Michael
Your Daddy Loves You by Tom Choquette
Two Fangs and a Hoof by Joyee Flynn
Stripes and Twin Horns by Joyee Flynn
Scales and a Tail by Stormy Glenn



Happy Reading!
copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-Thon - Late Start



My first post about the RaT, here. The important parts . . . We spend the same 24 hours reading so check here for your start time. Mine's 5 a.m. just as I'm heading to sleep. O_o

For more information, click here I'm sure you could still jump in!


Hashtags: #Readathon #Dewey #MiniChallenge #RahRahReadathon


5 a.m. - already asleep.

It's 8:30 p.m. here - I've sleep well, gone out to dinner for my birthday (today!), went to the gym - dang 1/2 mile shy of a 5k (the gym closed)


All my letters are read, reviewed, and scheduled. So I get to pick other stuff to read. I've got 6 - 8 hours of reading time ahead of me, let's see how much I get done!



~ Books Started ~
√ Scales and a Tail by Stormy Glenn
√ Too Smart for Bullies by Deputy Sheriff Robert Kahn and Sharon Chandler
√ Too Safe for Strangers by Deputy Sheriff Robert Kahn
Fire and Ash by Gabrielle Evans


~ Books Read ~
169 - Scales and a Tail by Stormy Glenn
24 - Too Smart for Bullies by Deputy Sheriff Robert Kahn and Sharon Chandler ~ review
24 - Too Safe for Strangers by Deputy Sheriff Robert Kahn ~ review


~ Total Pages: 217 ~

Now I remember why I so October. I usually get a couple hours in before heading to bed but this time I woke up and was already 9 hours behind. On top of that was dinner out for my birthday, a trip to the gym, and reading a wonderful gift from my husband (The story of how I knew whom I was supposed to marry). I'm just happy I was able to get the two safety books reviewed.

I've never done so little reading for a Read-a-Thon but I'm still going to consider this a success. Not a knock-out by any means but still a success. See you in October!



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

V is for . . . Velvet Dragon (gay erotica)

Velvet Dragon
by Sean Michael

Series: Velvet Glove 
Publisher: Torquere Press
ISBN: 9781610400862 
Release Date: October 2010 
Genre: Gay Erotica/BDSM 
84 Pages

format available: ebook 

Author's website | facebook 

Book Blurb
Serius is an expert in whipping; his beauty is a riding crop, but he's an expert with all manner of whips, floggers and paddles. He's also a man looking for someone special to be his sub; he believes in order, discipline, submission, but he also wants a challenge. When Hercules promises him the perfect sub in exchange for his working at the exclusive Velvet Glove, Serius believes it's possible he just might find the man he's looking for.

Dragonne has the appearance of the perfect sub, but the truth is he's never truly submitted. He's never been pushed past his boundaries, never had to use his safeword, never been broken. He has built a wall of control around his core, and wonders if anyone can breach it. Can these two men find what they're looking for in each other?


a word about the series:
The Velvet Glove is the name of a club for men who enjoy other men and BDSM. It is set in a future world where space has been colonized but is not a science fiction story, it is a story about sex, decadence, friendships and love. The series explores all the different ways you can interpret BDSM. For example, one of the books is about puppy play, one is more medical.

The series began as a serial novel that has since been published. There are currently more than 14 other titles in the series.


My Thoughts
The story is short but we are privy to several scenes both between Serius and Dragonne and others. Dinner was an interesting affair and I may never look at sherbet the same way again.

So far we have learned enough about Dragonne to whet our appetite but not enough to satisfy.

back to reading . . .
"I expect you to be honest with me. That is all.... Like last night, when I made you come with a simple kiss. That was an honest reaction."

"There was nothing simple about your kiss, sir."
Truth! "Just" a kiss but dang, it was hot! The pair learns more during breakfast but I'm finding that the orgasms are decidedly one-sided so far and not the side I expected.

Dragonne does answer the questions but as we're privy to his thoughts we can tell he is censoring his words.

Dragonne is a beautiful submissive but he was also part of the ruling class on his home world. His submissiveness has been trained out of him, turned into something else. It is wonderful to be part of his journey to be more comfortable in his own skin, to be what Serius asks of him.

There is a lot of sex going on in this story but there is an underlying romance also going on that could almost exist without the sex that is oh, so enjoyable. I've read many of the author's stories and most are the same. Lots of sex, good stories, some great characters. I think I've read all of the Velvet Glove series and don't remember any that I didn't like.

If you like reading m/m romance and like a little (lot!) of kink with your sex, this a a nice addition to your library.

personal note: I was unable to finish that Shades book. This series? I devoured!


Disclaimer: This was a private purchase but the review is not written any differently than if I had received a complimentary review copy. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of the author, GoodReads, and the book itself.


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

Friday, April 24, 2015

U is for . . . Under the Mistletoe (contemporary romance)

Under the Mistletoe
by Jill Shalvis

Series: Lucky Harbor
Publisher: Forever Yours 
ISBN: 9781455544905 
Release Date: Dec 2012  
Genre: contemporary romance 
81 Pages

format available: ebook 

Author's website | Twitter 

Book Blurb
There's no place like home for the holidays. And the Lucky Harbor Bed & Breakfast is bursting with festive lights and good cheer. But for Mia, Christmas is turning out to be anything other than merry and bright. Her recent break-up with her boyfriend Nick has made her return bittersweet. But then a surprise arrives, when Nick follows her to town bearing gifts-and asking for forgiveness.

Nick grew up without a family of his own so he's overwhelmed by the love that Mia receives from all her relatives, gathered together to celebrate the season. Under their watchful eyes, Nick finds earning back her trust the hardest thing he's ever had to do. If he succeeds, he will receive the greatest gift of all, Mia's love for a lifetime.

a word about the series:
Lucky Harbor series starts with one sister going to Washington to claim an inheritance. She soon gets both of her sisters involved. They all have a book: 1, 2, and 3. The series could have ended there but there are a lot of quirky characters in Lucky Harbor, Washington so we've had four year of stories. The author lists them in published order (here) but says they can be read in any order.

My Thoughts
This is Mia story and published 8th. It has been long enough that I don't remember when we were first introduced to her.

Our story starts in New York with Mia running on "killer four-inch red heels". From other comments we discover she's always running late and that she's wearing a Mrs. Claus outfit. She's on her way to meet a dinner date, has a "little black dress" in a bag so she can change but they're seated before she can.

Personally, I'd be so embarrassed to be a high-end restaurant dressed as Mrs. Claus but Mia is so bubbly and excited to be there with Nick that after a while I don't think she remembers. Of course, she's also thinking that they've been dating for six months and . . .
Nick was working around the clock to make a name for himself and reduce his monumental college debt— which was currently rivaling the size of the national deficit. So his restaurant choice had to mean something.
Of course, she had something planned too. She was flying home to Lucky Harbor to a wedding and wanted Nick to come with.

Chapter two give us more information on Nick. A flashback to when he first met Mia, some problems they had at the beginning, and just how stupid he was currently being and then he finds out she's already gone.
This was possibly the most important moment of his entire life, and he had an audience. Well, what the hell. He was good at tuning out the bad shit. He’d been able to tune out unfavorable foster parents, nosy teachers, menacing bullies… everything. It was a unique gift. So he used it now, and looked only at Mia.
sniff

back to reading . . .
“I feel lots of things for you, Nick. Probably too much. But that doesn’t change anything.... It’s just too complicated,” she whispered. “You shouldn’t have come.”
But... there has to be a happy ending! Doesn't there? Isn't that the whole point? Oh, man.

back to reading . . .

Whew. Enough tension and stupidity to make you question the HEA but it still delivered. The wedding was a beautiful backdrop and not only were uncles and a father ready to defend her, an old love-of-her-life was also there to witness Nick's fumbling.

The sad thing, the story was so short. The good thing is that there are other stories taking place in Lucky Harbor and I've got a good chunk on them in my library ;-)


Disclaimer: This was a private purchase but the review is not written any differently than if I had received a complimentary review copy. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of the author and publisher.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

Thursday, April 23, 2015

T is for . . . There's No Such Thing as a Dragon (picture book)

Repetitive note with slight changes:
This is a repeat review. I changed the format but basically plucked it right off my other post. The reason is simple. I love this book. It's fun, as picture books should be, it has a dragon in it, but mostly I just love the message and am glad to see it back in print.

There's No Such Thing as a Dragon
by Jack Kent (1920-1985)


Publisher: Dragonfly Books
ISBN: 978-0375851377
Release Date: September 2009 
Genre: picture book 
32 Pages
reading level: Baby-Preschool

format available: paperback 

Author's website | Twitter - not available 


Book Description:
When Billy Bixbee finds a tiny dragon in his bedroom, his mom tells him, “There’s no such thing as a dragon!” This only makes the dragon get bigger. He grows, and grows, and grows, until he’s bigger than Billy’s house—and that’s just the beginning!

My Thoughts:
Billy Bixbee woke up one morning to find a dragon in his bedroom. It was about the size of a kitten. Now the size is important because when Billy told his mom, she said "There's no such thing as a dragon". The dragon is ignored all day and spends the day getting bigger. It also does several cat/dog like things that should have been disciplined but how do you discipline something if it doesn't exist?

Mom spends all morning doing her chores, having to go around the dragon, which I'm sure would have moved for her, even climbing in and out of windows to get around. Poor Mr. Bixbee, by the time he came home for lunch, the dragon had gotten big enough to move the house when it chased the bakery truck!

The dragon shrinks back to kitten size and on the last page it is curled up on Mom's lap:
"I don't mind dragons THIS size," said Mother, "Why did it have to grow so BIG?"

"I'm not sure," said Billy, "but I think it just wanted to be noticed."

Profound words from a little boy.

This is a picture book with the print size/number of words per page that you'd expect from a picture book. The graphics are simple but very nice watercolors like the cover. The dragon is very cute and I wish I'd find one in my bedroom when I woke up one morning ;-)

I feel there are two "morals to the story". The one on the last page but also, a mother's, or a father's, words make a world of difference.


Disclaimer: This was a private purchase but the review is not written any differently than if I had received a complimentary review copy. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of amazon.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

Purrsday












just a place to share the cute/funny/weird pictures I find while surfing....when I should be doing a whole range of things ;) Don't forget to head over to The True Book Addict because Michele has a meme going. With links and everything!

~*~*~*~*~

a very serious problem

right, back to work





copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

S is for . . . Squeak and a Roar (gay paranormal romance)

Squeak and a Roar
by Joyee Flynn

Series: Midnight Matings
Publisher: Siren Publishing
ISBN: 9781610348072
Release Date: June 2011
Genre: Gay Paranormal Romance 
121 Pages

format available: ebook, paperback

Author's website | Twitter 

Book Blurb
Software developer Gavin Ashby is perfectly happy with his life. He finds other people annoying after being around them for only a short period of time, and having a mate sounds like pure torture to him.

Video game tester Ant Marino is satisfied with his quiet, solitary life. After being accosted and almost forcibly mated, he meets the aloof but handsome Gavin. Neither Ant nor Gavin are prepared for the feelings that arise.

Will the two men continue to dance around each other or will they pounce on love and never let it go?

A word about the series:
There is a huge meeting every leap year. Some come every time, some come as little as possible. This time it is mandatory. Each type of shifter has an Elder, they in turn rule the Counsel. The Elders are up on the stage and everyone else is mingling in the ballroom.
Welcome. I am Elder Burke... I want to thank you all for being here tonight.... This is a momentous occasion for us. It’s been twenty-five years since the Great War between all paranormals ended, taking a large portion of our population from us.... I would like you all to drink a toast with me in memory of those we lost.... May we never forget them....
As far as we know, all the shifters drank to the toast, it would have be disrespectful not too. Unless you knew what the Elders were up to. After the toast the Elders drop a huge bomb on everyone. They've spiked the drink to jump start everyone's mating instinct and you have less than 24 hours to find, and record, your mate, or you'll go feral. Feral paranormals are hunted down and killed. And here's the cherry on top . . . you can't mate within your species. This is done in order to cut back on the squabbling. Some of these guys live for centuries and am sure they're set in their ways but after living that long no one wants to go feral.

And once you're mated, you need sex every 24 hours so no cheating the system by mating just for the meeting then going your own way when you leave.


My Thoughts
Whew. This is the first book in the series. Not all of them have the full beginning of the meeting, just enough to get the idea of what's happening if you haven't read any of the other books. There are over 25 books directly or indirectly related to this huge meeting.

As you can imagine, the ballroom erupts into a free for all. I enjoyed reading the first part of several books just dealing with that first hour or two. Especially when they overlapped.

Here's where we meet Gabe. His dad's an Elder. Did he say anything to Gabe about the drink? Of course not.
 “I make money for the pride. I don’t start problems. I just want to be left alone.”
“Good, then find a mate who wants the same! Because I’m tired of having some pathetic recluse as a child.”
Great father of the year material :p Let's see if we can find Ant.

Found him. Or rather Ant found Gabe. There's sex right off the bat, after all, Gabe wants to make sure they're compatible ;-) Now we're at Ant's house (he owns) and Gabe is moving from his rented apartment and the miscommunication kicks in. Not to mention a jealous (human) personal assistant. A lot going on and they haven't met each other's family yet! Well, except for the dad and he's doing all

back to reading . . .

One of the problems I have with ebooks is not paying attention to how fair along I am. I came to the end of a chapter, where the book could have ended, and was all what? what about? and what happened to ....

There's a lot of sex. Wild monkey sex (but without monkey shifters) and slow making love. Each has to learn how to live together, to trust each other, learn how to show love to each other. All with Gabe's dad interfering. No complaining to the counsel because he's also an Elder. Boo hoo, life's unfair. Well, if Gabe and Ant don't kill him, I might!

Whew, there's another chapter :-)
“I think I’m a bit tipsy,” my mate giggled as we climbed the stairs to the guest room we were using.

“Uh-oh,” I chuckled, and wrapped an arm under his shoulders. “And what kind of drunk is my mate?” 
“A horny one,” he whimpered
Yea, that's a good spot to leave them (I'm still going to peek).

The series is a nice concept and this is a nice introduction to it. I don't remember which I read first but I think I've read them all by now.



Disclaimer: This was a private purchase but the review is not written any differently than if I had received a complimentary review copy. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of the publisher, Barnes and Noble, and the book itself.


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

R is for . . . ;-) R is for Running (humor)

R is for Running
A Primer for the Footsore
by Ray Charbonneau


Publisher: y42k.com
ISBN:  ASIN: B005ONM66O
Release Date: Nov 2014, revised edition 
Genre: humor  
26 or 52 Pages (depends on if the picture shows up with the words or if it is on the facing page)

format available: free ebook (links)! or paperback 

Author's website | facebook 

Book Blurb
F is for Fun in this lighthearted lexicon that spells out what it means to be a runner. It's 26 smiles of running enjoyment!

A fun, easy read for the road warrior, trail trotter, or weekend jogger!


My Thoughts
An ABC book for runners. Fun, fast, quirky read about things runners know. Think injury, age, and YASSO 800's.

B is for BEER
Drink after the race 
A little too much and 
You'll fall on your face

The whole book is like this, with pictures to match. No deep meanings, certainly not an instructional manual, just a funny book about running quirks.


Disclaimer: This was a private purchase but the review is not written any differently than if I had received a complimentary review copy. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of the author and amazon.


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

Monday, April 20, 2015

Q is for . . . Quinn's Christmas Wish (paranormal Christmas)

Quinn's Christmas Wish
by Lawna Mackie

Series: Bandit Creek 
Publisher: self-published (CreateSpace) 
ISBN: 978-1468008098 
Release Date: November 2011 
Genre: Paranormal Christmas  
178 Pages

format available: ebook, paperback 

Series' website | Author's blog | Twitter

Book Blurb
As far as twelve-year old Quinn is concerned Christmas has lost its magic. Since his father’s death life has lost its sparkle. His mom is now a widow struggling to put food on the table. Quinn is no help, and the mysterious illness afflicting him only makes things worse. Even Christmas, complete with decorated trees, ribbons and bows has no meaning…then along comes Jazira.

Jazira doesn’t know what happened to her former self, the eleven-year old little girl. She drowned, didn’t she, along with half the other folk of Bandit Creek in 1911? Somehow, she’s grown four furry legs complimented with a large wolf head and body. Scared and alone, she reaches out to Quinn and a strong bond is formed. Jazira learns Quinn, and his mother, are threatened by a wealthy powerful citizen of Bandit Creek. She is determined to protect her new family, no matter what.

Christmas Eve finds Quinn staring up at the adorned tree and muttering a quiet prayer. Will the Spirits of Christmas grant his wish, or will the evil surrounding Bandit Creek prevail once again?

My Thoughts
We're in Montana, 1912 and chapter one introduces us to Quinn:
Dried leaves crunched beneath twelve-year old Quinn’s weight as he sank to his knees. His throat burned and he swallowed hard, his breath catching in his chest. He would not cry. He wouldn’t! In slow motion, he watched a drop of his crimson blood splatter against the carpet of fallen leaves. Anger and hurt brought unshed tears to his eyes.
Interesting. We also learn about "The Flood" and
A year later, murder, superstition, possession, and mysterious illnesses engulfed the town and survivors of the flood.
I'm looking forward to reading more about Quinn, his anger and hurt, and the flood. Except chapter two jumps to Samuel Campton checking his trap lines at Lost Lake. When he gets there, there is a wolf floating on a chunk of ice. Except the lake hadn't frozen yet. The wolf is really struggling so he goes to shoot it, to put it out of its misery.
Unexpectedly, the wolf lifted its head and stared directly at him. Its eyes glowed, turning from red to gold and boring straight through to his soul. He got the impression the creature was pleading for salvation and a chance to live.
Yes, Samuel saves the wolf and it runs off. Weird. Of course, you've read the description but I had forgotten what it said by the time I started reading (I just needed a Q book that was on the short side).

Chapter three brings another character, Amanda, she runs the boarding house. Doesn't own it mind but does the cooking and cleaning. When another women calls for her we find out she in also Quinn's mother.

Dang,  it sounds like Quinn barely made it to the boarding house, bloody nose, cuts on his face, too weak to stand. I'm thinking there is a bully in town! He's all "sorry momma, it happened again" and I'm all what? but Amanda is so calm except when she sees a stranger riding into town. It's Samuel and he carries Quinn home for Amanda. Isn't that nice.

Amanda's husband died in the flood. Samuel thinks she's hot. See where this is going? That's what I thought but it's 1912 so maybe not. Samuel doesn't come to town much but the owner of the boarding house offered a free meal for helping with Quinn so he stays the night. And to make sure he gets to see Amanda again, he tells her he'll be back tomorrow to stock up her wood pile.

This is very sweet and I'm thinking the whole book will be like this and am wondering where the wolf fits in. Then the wolf howls and there is a drunk man in Samuel's way as he's going to the boarding house and he tells him
"You should have let the she-beast drown...Things found in Lost Lake should stay in Lost Lake.”
Yay! I'm really going to enjoy this. Back to reading. . .


Once started, finished. Sure it was a short book but it was also intense and interesting and they totally went there ;-) I loved the interactions between characters and the way the wolf is portrayed. The evil spoken of is in Lost Lake as well as walking on two feet. It is the personification of all the bad stereotypes of the "wealthy and privileged".

The author mentions that there may be a sequel and I hope one is written. It seems that this is actually book 7 of a multi-author series so maybe we'll run into Amanda, Quinn and Samuel again.

And the wolf. The wolf is very important.


Disclaimer: This was a private purchase but the review is not written any differently than if I had received a complimentary review copy. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of the author, series' website and amazon.


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Happy Monday, a little early




Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.  ;-)

Don't forget to link up your list




~ here are the newest review books in my house ~
Whew, still working on the pile I have!


~ here are the newest books in my house ~
Poisoned Apple by Katherine McIntyre
young adult, 2015, ebook

Snow White’s a goth and Prince Charming’s a jerk.

On Neve’s eighteenth birthday, her stepmother kicks her out. A group of diner rats offer her refuge—including Brendan, who offers his couch for her to crash on. But the more time she spends with him, the more he confuses her. One second, he’s kissing her. The next he’s pushing her away.

Believing her life has reached rock bottom, Neve struggles to ditch her “damaged girl” label. But when she uncovers the truth about her life, she’s rocked to her very foundation. Will Neve be able to hold on to the good things coming her way, or will her bad luck poison everything? 
 
A Midwinter's Tail by Sofie Kelly
A Magical Cats Mystery, 2014, mass market paperback

Winter in Mayville Heights is busy and not just because of the holidays. Kathleen Paulson is hard at work organizing a benefit at the Stratton Theater to raise money for the library’s popular Reading Buddies program. When a guest at the gala drops dead, Kathleen, along with her magical cats Owen and Hercules, becomes entangled in secrets and murder.

The victim is the ex-wife of town “entrepreneur” Burtis Chapman, but she hasn’t lived in the area in years. And though everybody is denying knowledge of why Dayna Chapman was back in town, as Kathleen and her detective boyfriend, Marcus, begin nosing around, they discover more people are connected to the deceased than claimed to be. Now Marcus, Kathleen, and her uncanny cats have to unravel this midwinter tale before the case gets cold.


Buried in a Book by Lucy Arlington
A Novel Idea Mystery, 2012, mass market paperback

After receiving her first pink slip at the age of forty-five, former newspaper journalist Lila Wilkins is desperate for work, even if it means taking a pay cut. After combing through the classifieds, Lila accepts an internship at A Novel Idea, a thriving literary agency in the utopian town of Inspiration Valley, North Carolina.

Lila can’t imagine anything better than being paid to read, but with a crew of quirky co-workers and a sky-high stack of query letters, she doesn’t exactly have time to discover the next great bestseller—especially when a penniless aspiring author drops dead in the agency’s waiting room.

No one else seems too concerned about the man’s demise, but when Lila uncovers a series of threatening letters, she’s determined to uncover what—or who—killed the man’s dreams of literary stardom…

The Whole Cat and Caboodle by Sofie Ryan
Second Chance Cat Mystery, 2014, mass market paperback

Sarah Grayson runs Second Chance, a repurpose shop in North Harbor, Maine. When her beloved grandmother volunteers Sarah to teach one of her do-it-yourself workshops for free to a group of seniors, Sarah ends up discovering the body of Arthur Fenety. She also reconnects with hunky Nick Elliot, an investigator for the medical examiner’s office.

It turns out the charming, silver haired Fenety was a con artist with a string of wives and fiancés, who were all left a lot poorer after their time with the man. Since he’d been in North Harbor, Fenety had been seeing Madeline Hamilton, and when the police arrest Maddie for Fenety’s murder, her friends—including Nick’s mother, Charlotte—decide to investigate. Sarah has never forgotten how kind Maddie was when Sarah’s father died, and she refuses to believe the older woman could hurt anyone. Before she knows it, Sarah and her would-be detectives, with some help from Mr. P., a geriatric computer whiz, and Elvis, a cat with an uncanny nose for sniffing out the truth, are on the trail of a cold-hearted killer.



For Elise  by Sarah M. Eden
Paperback – September 2, 2014 by Sarah M. Eden (Author)

In the sprawling gardens of their neighboring estates, childhood friends Miles and Elise spent countless pleasant days together in the spirited adventures of youth. They were inseparable until Elise vanished without a trace. Miles searched, but Elise could not or would not be found . . .

After years spent laboring on the family plantation in the West Indies, Miles Linwood is shocked by the unexpected news: he has inherited his uncle's estate and the title of Marquess of Grenton. Miles's return to England is tarnished by only one thing he is still haunted by Elise's mysterious disappearance. So when he glimpses a woman with a startling resemblance to his lost friend, he's shaken to the core. This is no mere shadow of the past: it is truly Elise. But his dear friend has changed to the point that he questions whether it is really her, though he knows it is. Accustomed to rescuing Elise from childhood escapades, Miles takes her and those in her care back to his estate, even as he struggles to understand her fear and mistrust. As their friendship and feelings slowly blossom again, the shocking truth of their separated years is revealed, and Miles realizes more than ever that he must protect Elise. She slipped away once, and he cannot lose her again.

~*~*~*~*~

I haven't received any review books, won any contests or received any books as a gift. I have added several free ones that don't make this list, I've pinned them here.





What are you Reading?

A weekly Monday meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Post what you read last week and what you're planning to read this week then link to Shelia's post. Then visit others and be prepared to add to your TBR pile!




Finished:
Last Chance Summer by Hope Ramsay
Poisoned Apple by Katherine McIntyre
Here Kitty, Kitty by Joyee Flynn
My Little Kitty by Joyee Flynn
My Angel Cheetah by Joyee Flynn 
Not Safe for Work by Michael S. Booker 
Into the Looking Glass by Sean Michael 


Happy Reading!


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

Saturday, April 18, 2015

P is for . . . Poisoned Apple (fairytale retelling)

Poisoned Apple
by Katherine McIntyre

Publisher: Decadent Publishing
ISBN: 9781613337837
Release Date: January 2015 
Genre: young adult 
88 Pages

format available: ebook 

Author's website | Twitter 

Book Blurb
Snow White’s a goth and Prince Charming’s a jerk.

On Neve’s eighteenth birthday, her stepmother kicks her out. A group of diner rats offer her refuge—including Brendan, who offers his couch for her to crash on. But the more time she spends with him, the more he confuses her. One second, he’s kissing her. The next he’s pushing her away.

Believing her life has reached rock bottom, Neve struggles to ditch her “damaged girl” label. But when she uncovers the truth about her life, she’s rocked to her very foundation. Will Neve be able to hold on to the good things coming her way, or will her bad luck poison everything?

My Thoughts
How could she fit the fragments of her life into a single suitcase? Regardless, she’d have to try because, after tonight, she no longer had a home.
Good question. I am wondering what the step-mother will do now that Neve, and her paycheck, isn't there.

back to reading . . .

Wow. Fairytale re-telling. Short but not too sweet. Beautiful ending (it is a fairytale) with lots of modern day drama to keep it fast-paced.


Disclaimer: This was a private purchase but the review is not written any differently than if I had received a complimentary review copy. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of Smashwords, the author and amazon.



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

O is for . . . Our Sexy Tiger (paranormal gay erotica)

Our Sexy Tiger
by Joyee Flynn

Series: Purrfect Mates
Publisher: Siren Publishing
ISBN: 978-1610344258
Release Date: March 2011
Genre: paranormal gay erotica (vampire/shifters)
112 Pages

format available: ebook, paperback

Author's website | Twitter 


Book Blurb
After his loser boyfriend pushes him too far, Kody Donovan decides that he wants more than just someone to warm his bed at night. When he meets Conley Norton, vampire and leader of the west coast covens, not to mention walking sex dream, Kody couldn’t be happier. Especially when Kody finds his other mate, the equally hot and sexy vampire, Marc Rindge, hours later.

Kody thinks that life couldn’t be more perfect than it is in that moment, despite the danger being the mate of such a powerful man entails. Unfortunately life is rarely perfect, as Kody soon discovers. Marc and Conley have a history together and it's not one that ended happily.

When the two men are faced with having to share the mate or spend eternity alone, they try to be civil. But can Conley overcome his past relationship's mistakes, or will he repeat history with Kody?


My Thoughts
The problem with being the mate of the leader of the west coast covens is that you're now a target.

He's also busy and self-absorbed.

There are two things you need to know about this world that aren't mentioned above. 1) Cat shifters have 48 hours to claim their mate after scenting them, and 2) Vampires die when their mate dies. Oops, three things. Cat shifters get two mates because the full moon sends them into heat  :D

The whole thing starts off bad. Kody is on a deadline to mate Conley but Conley is only passing through on his way to deal with a coven and insists that Kody pack a bag and join him. Conley just assumes that Kody will leave his job, school and apartment to move, not only in a new house, but a new state!

Well promises are made and promises are broken. Kody and Marc leave Conley to protect Kody's heart/sanity. Remember they target?

There are now dissidents in the coven they thought was safe. What will happen when Kody goes into heat? Will Conley even know? And what happened to Marc? We also met Curtis and while he's the brother of the bad guy, he's not a complete bad guy himself. Now I'm wondering if he gets his own story ;-)


Disclaimer: This was a private purchase but the review is not written any differently than if I had received a complimentary review copy. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of the author and publisher.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015
Disclaimer

In accordance to the FTC guidelines, I must state that I make no monetary gains from my reviews or endorsements here on Book Dragon's Lair. All books I review are either borrowed, purchased by me, given as a gift, won in some kind of contest, or received in exchange for an honest review.