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The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

Forgive my absence for the last week.  I had my hip replaced on 9/1.  After a rather unpleasant few days, I am walking without a cane or walker, pretty much pain free.  I was extremely nauseated from the anesthesia, and then again over Labor Day weekend from the pain meds.  Once that was all figured out, it was full steam ahead. 

I could barely walk with a walker the first few days because my leg was on fire, but by the weekend I was chugging along without any aids.  My hip pain is gone, and there’s only a little pain left at the surgical site.  I don’t have much energy yet and spend a fair amount of time napping.  I hope the doctor gives me the okay to drive when I see him for my two week post-op. It’s very frustrating being dependent on someone else for running errands.  I still hope to be back in the saddle by the middle of October.

I’ve read some great books since my surgery.  I strongly recommend Patricia Brigg’s Mercy Thompson books, and I’ve only read the first two so far.  They are so good!  What are you reading this weekend?

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

Books received over the past two weeks -

This Monstrous Thing

High Couch of Silistra

A Wedding in Truhart

Return Once More

Montana Hearts: Her Weekend Wrangler

Orphans Blade

Getting Lucky

Wendy Darling

The Ark

Tower of Thorns

Plain Fame

Salt

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

What did you get? Please leave links and share!

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The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

I’m officially freaking out about my surgery on Tuesday.  I still don’t know what time I have to be at the hospital.  I had to stop taking the anti-inflammatory, so I can’t even sit down without a great deal of pain and effort.  Every time I speak with the surgical coordinator, I have a mini meltdown.  She is the one who said dogs are dirty and I can’t be near them for weeks after the surgery, or that I couldn’t skip in home PT in favor of going to the therapist I already know and who knows my goals and history (the surgeon said it was fine!).  Last week she said I needed to have a walker, and that the crutches I have aren’t recommended, and my cane can’t be used until Week 2.  I have decided that I will take her advice with a grain of salt and discuss everything with the hospital PT and my PT.

Friday night I had to run Poppy up to the vet.  Her little toes are red and inflamed, and I was worried they would become infected.  I won’t be able to take her  next week, so the vet fit us in.  We both suspect that she is suffering from allergies, and because of my surgery, she suggested an antibiotic shot that works for 2 weeks, instead of worrying about having to give her pills.  It was a little more expensive, but since I don’t know what time Dean will be home on Tuesday, or what I’ll be home Wednesday, I thought it was a good idea.  She’s also on an anti-inflammatory and Benadryl.  I discovered avocados a few weeks ago (I share a little bit with the duppers), so I don’t know if that may be the problem.  There are several trees in the yard dropping obnoxious berries and fruits, so that might the culprit, too.

While there, I asked the vet about having to stay away from the dogs after my surgery.  She laughed.  She told me to wash, wash, wash my hands, and to keep the dogs off the incision, and all will be fine.  She said there is a huge psychological advantage to having pets near during recovery, and not to worry about it.  She did advise that I change the sheets every few days, and be careful that they don’t jump on me.  Phew!

Yesterday, Dean and I stocked up on a few last minute essentials, and then went to Buca’s for lunch.  I had a 20% off coupon, so we ordered several of their small plates, which still feed more than 2,  a big bowl of pasta, and dessert (to go!).  Now we have enough leftovers that I don’t have to worry about him starving while I’m in the hospital.  Today, after watching the horses work, I’m meeting my uncle and some of his friends for dinner at Maggiano’s for a little pre-surgical party.  Since they have a enjoy one dinner here and take one home, I’ll have a little stockpile of food to look forward to when I get sprung from the hospital.  I hope I have an appetite!  Between that and what I’ve prepared and put in the freezer, I should be good for the next two weeks, when I will be feeling the worst.  The thought of having to cook while I feel like crap just isn’t appealing, and it was stressing me out.  Problem – SOLVED!

My Kindle Fire is charged and ready to go.  I have a couple audio books in case I don’t feel like reading, as well as Mercy Thompson #2 and Fair Game, Bk #3 in the Alpha and Omega series.  Between some upcoming fantasy novels I have eARCs for, my new Harlequins, and access to digital downloads at the library, I should keep from going stir crazy, too!

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

Lots of great 2016 releases!  Harlequin had a BOGO free sale, so I grabbed a couple of titles there, too.

Assassin’s Heart

Reign of Shadows

The Girl from Everywhere

The Great Hunt

Burning Glass

Sustained

Should’ve Said No

Sword and Verse

Kissed by a Cowboy

The Nanny Plan

The Lawman Lassos a Family

Daddy Wore Spurs

The Texas Ranger’s Bride

The Cowboy and the Lady (I HATE this cover!  It is on so many books!)

The Cowboy Returns

Her Favorite Cowboy

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

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The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

My hip replacement surgery is a little over a week out, and I’m freaking out.  I’ve spent the last two weekends building a little nest, in hopes that I’ll be comforted by new surroundings.  We purchased new fluffy rugs for the bathroom, new sheets for the spare bedroom because I know that I’m going to want to be left alone for the first few days, and some snack foods I don’t usually indulge in.   I ordered a box of new chews for the dogs so, hopefully, they will be occupied while I’m recuperating.   I still need some sweats or loose lounge pants, and I’ll need to make some food and freeze it so I have easy access to meals.  Other than that, I guess I’m good to go – ugh.

I just finished Moon Called by Patricia Briggs.  I liked it quite a bit.  Between naps and loads of laundry I’ve been reading Tessa Dare’s latest, When a Scot Ties a Knot.   It’s pretty good so far!  What are you reading this weekend?

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

Chapelwood

Brazen

Weighing Shadows

Followed by Frost

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

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The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

I was at the Buckeye Morgan Challenge last weekend.  I took Elle, and she placed placed middle ribbons in her driving classes.  I was happy just to be there; my hip is so painful I have stopped riding, and sitting is uncomfortable.  It was our last show of the year. With my upcoming surgery, I won’t even be able to attend the Morgan Grand Nationals this year, and I’m really depressed about it, but alas, it is what it is.

Only 17 more days until my surgery and I am counting down the days.

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

This is two weeks worth – I received some GREAT books!

An Apprentice to Elves

The Cinder Spires the Aeronauts Windlass

Tower of Thorns

Ever After

Primal Force

In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse

The Talk of Hollywood (Harlequin comics)

Majesty, Mistress…Missing Heir (Harlequin comics)

A Matter of Honour (Harlequin comics)

THE CALL OF THE DESERT (Harlequin comics)

Sword of Honor

Another Day

I also purchased another pair of glasses from Zenni optical.  They were having a sale, so I thought it would be a good idea to have a spare pair.  Once again, I bought a pair of progressive lenses for less than $90, including shipping.  It took just over a week to receive them, and I am very happy with them.

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

What did you get? Please leave links and share!

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The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

I had a meeting with the surgical coordinator on Friday.  Apparently, I have to stay away from the duppers for a few weeks after my surgery?  I don’t know how I’m going to be able to do that.  I look to these guys to give me emotional support and to keep my spirits up.  Now I can’t take naps with them or cuddle with them while I’m recuperating? I am going to be unhappy, and they are going to be unhappy and confused while they are segregated to a room I’m not in.  I am so bummed…

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

Crowned: The Nanny Palace (.99)

Racing Hearts

Her Holiday Rancher

Unwrapping the Castelli Secret

A Christmas Vow of Seduction

Long Tall Christmas

The Complete Chi’s Sweet Home Part 1

Her Lucky Cowboy

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

What did you get? Please leave links and share!

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The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

Sorry I haven’t been around much the last week; I’ve been crazy busy.  I had an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon, and I will have my hip replaced on September 1.  The joint is in bad shape. The ball is now egg-shaped, there is absolutely no cartilage left in the joint, and my right leg is now shorter than my left leg.  The doctor told me not to worry – he’ll fix everything! 

I’ve never been in the hospital, I’ve never had a surgery before, and I’m freaking out about this.  The pain is getting unbearable, though, it’s uncomfortable to sit at my desk at home, so I haven’t written any reviews in over a week, even though I’m reading up a storm.  My riding days are numbered until after the surgery because it is so painful to get on and off a horse.  I have leased Pixie out for the rest of the season, Elle has one more show in August, and then, unfortunately, I think I have to be done until after I’m fixed up.  I get all of the details on the surgery on Friday, so I’ll share the process with you in case anyone else is contemplating having the procedure done.

Last weekend I flew out to Tampa to see my parents.  It was a whirlwind visit, and I didn’t even take my laptop with me (that’s the first time in about 20 years I have traveled without it!).  It was good to see everyone, and I am thankful for my wonderful sister-in-law for being a rock for both my mom and dad.  She’s also a great cook, so I know that they are eating well!  Thank you, Ok-Hui, for being so wonderful!   I don’t know what we would do without you!

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

This is two week’s of books:

Voice of the Gods (FREE)

The Italian’s Inexperienced Mistress  (.99)

Rescued by the Brooding Tycoon  (.99)

Cherry Blossom Baseball

Frisk Me

And Then He Kissed Me

Some Kind of Courage

The Copper Gauntlet (Magisterium, Book 2)

Crucible Zero  (I read the fist book of the series last week – it was fantastic!)

Dodging Temptation

Mackenzie Fire

Lumière

Demon Drums  (I don’t care for the new cover, but I wanted to read this again)

Sit! Stay! Speak!  (I could not resist the adorable puppy)

Scorpion Rules

The Bloodforged

Hunter

The Bollywood Bride

Thunder on the Plains

Curve Headphones (I bought this in case I’m not feeling well enough to read after my surgery.  I can listen to audio books or binge watch TV shows)

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

What did you get? Please leave links and share!

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The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

Today is my mom’s birthday – Happy Birthday, Mom!!!  Love you and I will see you next week!!!

I will be hopping on a plane and traveling to Tampa next weekend for a quick visit with my parents (and I’ll see my older brother and my SIL, too!).  I am a tad nervous because I have never flown by myself before.  I just have to give myself plenty of time so I’m not rushing around and I will be fine.  I hope.  If you can’t tell, I am an anxious traveler, especially if flying is involved.

I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon this week.  The pain in my hip keeps getting worse, so I have to suck it up and get it taken care of.  Hopefully he can do something for the pain until we have a permanent solution figured out.

How was your Fourth of July?  We got coneys and then I read most of the weekend.  It was blissful!

Check out my current contests!  See the Contest Widget on the Sidebar to enter!

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

This is two week’s of books

Lady Be Good (cute cover!)

My Neighbor Seki Vol 3

What Did You Eat Yesterday Vol 9

Prince’s Royal Concubine (.99!)

A Daddy for Christmas

A Cowboys Christmas Reunion

Falling for Her Fake Fiancé

Claimed for Makarovs Baby

An Heir Fit for a King

Winter’s Camp  (This is FREE)

From One Night to Wife

Gold Throne in Shadow

Crossbones  (I almost swooned when I saw this on Netgalley – I love this series!)

To Love a Texas Cowboy

Texas Thunder

A Book of Spirits and Thieves (Library)

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

What did you get? Please leave links and share!

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The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

I haven’t done one of these posts in a few weeks!  I was at a horse show, and then last week we were running around all weekend long.  So, here goes-

Last week was an awful week, and if you have noticed, all I’m reading are Harlequins, which means it was a really terrible week.  It all started on Monday, when my parents let us know that they aren’t coming to visit next week because my mom isn’t feeling well.  While I was disappointed, I would much rather she find out what’s up than drive all the way here from Florida, so get better, Mom!  We’ll see you soon!

Tuesday, Elsa’s lesson horse slipped in the arena, fell on her leg, and broke her ankle.  Talk about a not fun lesson!  Drink lots of milk and get better soon, Elsa!

Wednesday, my physical therapist pretty much fired me.  He told me that there’s nothing else he can do for me, and that I need to have my hip replaced.  All the stretches and exercises in the world aren’t going to fix my problem.  Since I haven’t been sleeping well due to the pain, and riding horses is becoming unpleasantly painful, I will be making some phone calls to get the ball rolling on the surgery.  I’m extremely anxious about the cost and the recovery process, but this is getting ridiculous.  The joint is painful even at rest, and the thought of waiting another 6 months until my health insurance improves makes me break out in a cold sweat.

Hopefully your week was better than mine! 

Check out my current contests!  See the Contest Widget on the Sidebar to enter!

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

This is THREE weeks of books -

First up – .99 comics!

Taken by the Sheik

The Desert King

The Desert Lord’s Bride

Mistress for a Night

The Drafter

Dragon Fall

Time for Love

Map to the Stars

The Perfect Bargain

The Highlander Takes a Bride

Second Chance Summer

Frozen in Amber

An Officer and a Maverick

Ink and Bone

Bound to the Warrior King

Two Across

Perfect Touch

Close to Heart

Waterborne Exile

Chasing Jillian

The Maddening Lord Montwood

Pursued by the Rogue

The Gladiator’s Mistress

Young Widows Club

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

What did you get? Please leave links and share!

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The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

A few weeks ago I ordered some glasses from Zenni.com.  I purchased a single vision pair for a little over $25, and a pair with progressive lenses for about $85.  They would have cost over $800 if I had purchased them from a brick and mortar optical store, and, frankly, I didn’t have the money for that.  I have purchased glasses online before, from another company, but Zenni was having a sale on lenses, so I thought, what the heck.  Either I just wasted $120 (with shipping), or I made the best purchase of the year.

I love the single vision pair.  They are a light-weight pink wire frame, and the lenses turn pink in the sunlight.  I am having a love-hate relationship with the progressives.  These are a light-weight purple wire frame, and the lenses turn purple in the sunlight.  The frames are small, and I am having a hard time shifting my eyes to the correct part of the lens when I’m walking around, and it’s driving me nuts.  They are great for working on the computer or reading a book, but I am having a tough time adjusting to doing anything else.  So, the fault is not really with the quality of the glasses, but with my inability to get used to them.  I plan to purchase two more pair when they have another sale, in case a pair gets broken (the dogs are rough on glasses!  Good thing I wear contacts to ride.), and it would be nice to have an different look every now and again. I get tired of wearing the same glasses for the two years or so between prescription changes.

Did you see the Belmont Stakes yesterday?  Finally, a Triple Crown winner!  Hopefully there won’t be another 37 year gap before the next one.

I’ll be away at Morgan Gold Cup most of the week, and I’m looking forward to getting away!  Have a great week!

Check out my current contests!  See the Contest Widget on the Sidebar to enter!

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

Wildfire in His Arms

Texas K-9 Unit Series Books 1-3: Tracking Justice\Detection Mission\Guard Duty (.99 for 3 books!)

Ransom Canyon

I’ll Stand by You

To Win Her Love

Two Family Home

Wild Thunder

Practice Makes Perfect

First Last Kiss

The August 5

Flying Changes

No Better Man

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

What did you get? Please leave links and share!

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The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

Last weekend I was at a horse show, and I’ve been crazy busy at work trying to catch up, so things have been a little quiet here.  I also haven’t been feeling well; I have been in a lot more pain since I started physical therapy, and it’s sapping away my energy.  Some evenings it is painful to sit and read, so I end up going to bed early, but I haven’t been sleeping well for the same reason.  It’s extremely frustrating.

The show went well.  Elle was the Classic Pleasure Driving Champion.  She was less than mannerly in our first class, and in the classic division, manners are of utmost importance.  Let’s just say that we were about 2 seconds from being excused, and we placed, appropriately, at the bottom of the ribbons.  Every now and again she gets a bee in her bonnet, and to my extreme embarrassment, she chose that class to do it.  We went back in the championship two days later, and she was a different horse.  Mannerly, elegant, and beautiful, if I do say so myself.  I purchased a picture that I will share as soon as I receive it from the photographer.

Pixie was a good girl, too, but because I was having hip issues, she was pretty much operating without a pilot, especially in the championship class.  I couldn’t engage my right leg, and I was having balance issues because of it.  Despite my difficulties, she did every gait she was supposed to, so I am happy with her performance.  I purchased a picture of Pixie, too, and I hope they arrive soon.

Wednesday we had a weird weather day.  Dime size hail, punishing rain, and high winds – for about ten minutes, and then sunshine.  The storm, though short, did a major number on trees in the area.  Numerous power lines were down, and when I got home from work, I was bummed to see that we lost a tree.  It looked like it just toppled over, roots and all.  Then I fretted all night about having it cut up and removed from the property.  In one burst of good luck, DTE showed up at the door asking if they could remove another tree on the property because it was leaning on a power line.  Best part of the whole thing? They had to cut up the first tree to get to the second tree.  And then the neighbor said he’d cut up the bigger pieces and move them, because he wanted the wood. Yay!  One major headache instantly solved!

Last night Dean and I had an enjoyable evening with my uncle, who I haven’t seen in forever.  We had a great time, ate some great Chinese food, and made plans to have a repeat next month, only we going to a Japanese restaurant Dean and I like.  It will be my uncle’s first time trying Japanese cuisine, and I hope he likes it!  (Though, really, if he isn’t feeling adventuresome, teriyaki chicken is usually always a winner.)

How was your week?

Check out my current contests!  See the Contest Widget on the Sidebar to enter!

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

This is two week’s of books, and I once again went a bit nuts with the .99 Harlequin manga.

The Liar’s Key

The Veil

Yukarism V2

Wicked Embers

A Game of Chance

Return of the Stranger

An Uncommon Abigail

The Italian’s Rightful Bride

Sheik’s Betrayal

Her Wish-list Bridegroom

Bad News Cowboy

When a Scot Ties the Knot

Not pictured Twelve Kings in Sharakhai: The Song of Shattered Sands: Book One

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

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The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

Another of the Vicktory Dogs has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  These dogs are game changers, and they proved that love and loyalty have nothing to do with breed or upbringing.  Victims of greed and cruelty, they have proven time and again that despite their reputation, they are capable of more love and possess more soul than most humans.  I worry that their stories will be forgotten as they are lost, one after another, but they will always hold a special place in my heart.  Rest in peace, Ray, you’ve more than earned your place in Heaven.

You can read about Ray here: http://raythevicktorydog.com/2015/05/16/hearts-torn-asunder/

Well, my first physical therapy appointment was less than encouraging.  I was told that our goal will be pain management, but there really isn’t much to be done because there is no ability to restore cartilage.  There is no real rehabilitation, and once the pain is bad enough, I’ll need a hip replacement.  So, yeah, not a successful session and I’ve been a bit blue ever since.  Good thing my Kindle is well stocked with escapist fiction.

The second horse show of the season starts at the end of the week, so hopefully that will keep my mind off of my aches, pains, and problems.

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

The Last Warrior Queen (.99 for Kindle)

A Thousand Nights

The Girl Who Could Fly

Supersymmetry

Earth Flight

Cardfight!! Vanguard V5

My Neighbor Seki V2

The Billionaire Date – Finding Mr Right (.99 for Kindle)

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

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The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

I had one of the worst doctor’s appointments of my life last week.  I went in for an asthma recheck, and discovered that:

- my sore throat was from a raging upper respiratory inflection

- my lung capacity had diminished 35%

- the ache in my hip that I have been experiencing for the last year is advanced arthritis.  There is no cartilage left in the joint.  The cause?  My asthma meds.  I didn’t take the news well, and when the doctor pointed out that I have to breathe, I pointed out that I have to walk, too. 

If I am feeling better, I start physical therapy next week, which my insurance does not cover. 

I am still not feeling well, but I’m starting to think that it’s mostly because of the asthma flare up.  I’ve had to work all week, though I did come home early on Tuesday.  Getting sick on Monday is the worse possible day, because you feel yucky all week before you can rest on the weekend.  I spent the second Saturday in a row napping with the duppers and reading series romance. I am going to try to go to the barn today because we have a horse show in two weeks.  UGH!

Hope you all had a better week!  Were you able to do anything fun?

Check out my current contests!  See the Contest Widget on the Sidebar to enter!

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

Lots of surprises in the mail this week!

The Price of Valor

The Gospel of Loki

Spider’s Trap

Searching for Beautiful

Witchcraft Works V4

AJIN V4

Prophecy V3

Secret of the Oasis (.99 for Kindle)

A Slave to Sensation

Hello I Love You

Sharp Shootin’ Cowboy

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

What did you get? Please leave links and share!

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The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

Ugh! Yesterday I woke up with a killer throat ache, and I feel like I’m coming down with a cold. Or my allergies are going berserk.  Either way, I spent most of the day in napping and reading. I have one of my favorite comfort foods, chicken in a spicy verde sauce, simmering the crockpot today.   I feel a little better, but I’ll this short and sweet. 

Had a good remainder of the horse show last weekend.  Elle won her championship class, but pilot error cost Pixie a chance to win one too.  I’m a little angry at myself for picking up the wrong canter lead right in front of the judge, so that’s something we will be working on for the run up to the next show later this month.

The weather here is finally feeling spring-like, with 70s all weekend long!  How’s the weather in your neck of the woods?

Check out my current contests!  See the Contest Widget on the Sidebar to enter!

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

An Ember in Ashes (2.99 preorder for Kindle)

Double Feature

Mirrored

Blood Passage

Silver in the Blood

Legacy of Kings

Flight from Death

Sliver of Stardust

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

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The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

This weekend marked the first horse show of the season.  Typical of a Michigan spring, the weather did not cooperate.  Lows in the 30s, highs in the mid 50s.  It was soooooo cold in the morning!  I opted to dress at the hotel instead of in the changing room at the fairgrounds because the thought of shedding layers in the freezing barn aisle just did not agree with me. 

With all of the construction and accidents, I was so glad that I did decide to treat myself to a little personal time at the Fairfield Inn. It’s only about an hour drive, but the construction traffic added to that significantly, and I didn’t want to have to get up and be on the road by 6:30am to be ready for the 9:00 start time.

So far, my girls are doing a great job.  I let Elsa show Elle in a junior exhibitor driving class, and then I drove her yesterday in the Open class, and she scored a blue ribbon each time.  The championship is later this morning, so hopefully she will continue to shine. 

Pixie was second in both her classes; one of the trainers rode her Friday night, but my girl stalled up and would not go forward before the second canter.  When I rode her, she reversed and cantered instead of reverse and trot, in the same spot!  I don’t know if I overcued her or the overhead door, which is green, freaked her out for some weird, small horsey brain reason, so I will do whatever I can to NOT be ANYWHERE near that door when we have to transition from one gait to another during the championship.  Otherwise, she was really, really good.  She stayed on the rail, a huge problem for us last year, she didn’t keep bobbing her head, and she actually flat walked for me, so all in all, a good show so far.

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Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

Lots of romances because I am under a lot of stress right now.

Tycoon’s Delicious Debt

Bull Rider’s Son

Thunderstruck

To Tempt a Cowgirl

His Defiant Princess

Pregnant by the Cowboy CEO

The Cowboy SEAL’s Triplets

Her Knight in the Outback (Library)

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

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The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

The weather has finally improved, and we have enjoyed temps in the 70s!  The grass is turning green, the flowers are coming back to life, and the trees are slowly starting to bud.  We’ve been warned of another Polar Vortex though, which is expected to hit just in time for the first horse show of the season – next week!  Oh, well, I’ll have to pack a box of hand warmers for the trip.

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

Prince of Fools – I have waited and waited for this to go on sale, and it finally did!  1.99 at Amazon!

The Great Bazaar & Brayan’s Gold – I really need to catch up on the Demon Cycle books, because I LOVE the concept of the series

Stay the Distance  – Horses, YO!

Powerless – Superheroes!

Aquarion Evol Volume 01 – Cute cover!

Cosplay Basics

Dragon’s Lair

Last Year’s Mistake

Shackled

After Hours

To Win Her Favor

The Wrath and the Dawn

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

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The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

I had a pleasantly boring week.  I spent most of my leisure time riding or reading, so you aren’t going to hear any complaints about that!  The weather is still a little iffy, but yesterday was beautiful, so here’s hoping there are many more pleasant, sunny days ahead.

What are you doing today?

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Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

There were a bunch of Harlequin comics available for the Kindle for .99, so I stocked up!

Expecting the Boss’s Baby

Maddie’s Love-child

Wife to a Stranger

The Mediterranean Marriage

Make-Believe Bride

Expecting His Love-Child

Walk on Earth a Stranger

Ash & Bramble

After the Storm

The Shadow Revolution

Fire & Chasm

Pursued by the Rich Rancher

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

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The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

Happy Easter!  I am going to play with the horses this morning, and then Dean and I are going to spend a quiet day at home with the puppers.  Easter is a laid back holiday for us.  I did sneak away from work early on Friday so I could read and go riding.  What are your plans for today?

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

The Detective’s Assistant

Trouble has a New Name

Boundary Crossed

Once Upon a Cowboy

Flirting with Fire

The Duke’s Holiday

Dark Instincts

Undone by His Touch (Library)

The Waterborn

In the Brazilian’s Debt (Library)

Under a Painted Sky (Library)

Written in the Stars (Library)

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

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The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

Okay, so wow!  What a week in Romancelandia, huh?  I’m still trying to wrap my head around the revelation that Jane from Dear Author is also a secret best-selling author.  While I applaud her success, I feel duped that the “for readers, by readers” site is actually helmed by a NA author.  That was a big Oh Dear!  moment for me last week.  It’s like the biggest April Fool’s joke ever, except that blog readers are the  fools.

If you are unaware of the situation and want to get up to speed, check out these posts:

Dear Author

SBTB

You can also Google for more info.

If you are a Dear Author follower, what do you think of the news?  Are you still going to visit the blog?  I haven’t made up my mind yet. Ugh!

Check out my current contests!  See the Contest Widget on the Sidebar to enter!

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

Daughter of the Sword

Sugar on Top

Superposition

The Fairy Tale Bride

All the Rage

Hidden Huntress

Rescued by the Rancher

Emergence: Dave VS the Monsters

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

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The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

Well, it may be spring, but it still doesn’t quite feel like it here in Michigan.  With highs in the 30s and lows in the teens, I worry about all of those flowers that are beginning to stir.  The grass is still brown, and our trees still don’t have any leaf activity.  I check every day!  Come on, Mother Nature, give us some green!  St Paddy’s day wasn’t enough.

I spent most of yesterday reading (zombies!), and I plan on doing the same today, after my Sunday morning trip to the barn.  What are you doing today?

Check out my current contests!  See the Contest Widget on the Sidebar to enter!

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

A Secret in Her Kiss (.99 for Kindle)

The Truth about Hope

Expressly Yours, Samantha

Overruled

Bits & Pieces (SQUEEEEE!!! I have to catch up on the series now!)

Taking Chances

Still the One

Nothing Like a Cowboy

Four Nights with a Duke

Disciple of the Wind

In Bed with the Bachelor

Getting Lucky

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

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The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

Last week was a trying week, so I didn’t have the energy to spend much time on the blog.  My time away from work was spent with the dogs, the horses, or reading and decompressing, and I finished Anne Bishop’s Vision in Silver.  The book was just what I needed to escape from reality, but now I’m sad that I’m caught up in the series.  It will be a long wait until the next one!

Temperatures are finally warming up, and Spring is in the air!  It’s nice to hear the birds again in the morning.  Winter is bleak and devoid of most animal sounds, so it’s nice to hear something other than the wind howling through the bare tree limbs.

How was your week?  Did you read anything good or do anything fun?

Check out my current contests!  See the Contest Widget on the Sidebar to enter!

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

The Cowboy’s Homecoming

The Waterborne Blade

Midnight Thunder

One Night with Her Bachelor

Mine Tonight

Brokedown Cowboy

Touched by an Alien

Possessed by a Wolf

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

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The post The Sunday Post and Stacking the Shelves–Spring is in the Air! appeared first on Manga Maniac Cafe.

The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

Last week, Dean and I packed our bags and headed to Las Vegas.  We stayed at the Venetian, in an impressively large standard suite, and spent our vacation strolling along the Strip, playing slot machines, and eating.  It was a nice, relaxing week, and I managed to stay disconnected from my devices for most of the trip, so that was a nice break, too.

Here are some pix:

Part of our suite.  I loved the room.  It was spacious and clean, and it made me want to actually spend time in it.

The other part of the suite.  The shades/blinds were controlled by a remote. Our view wasn’t anything special, but it was still fun to see all of the lights at night. 

One of my favorite slots.  I actually won a little bit on this one.

The whole city was celebrating the Year of the Goat, and all of the hotels were decked out with colorful displays.  Wish we had visited during the Year of the Horse.

But not to worry, I did find many horses around the casinos.

Another horse – this one at the Forum Shops.

This slot machine gets props for the bonus rounds, which allowed me to relive some of the scenes from the movie.  I just love Tony Stark.

I won a little bit on this slot machine, too.  I play pennies, and quit as soon as I double my money (I start with $10).  I tripled my pennies on this one, and between OMG! Kittens, Puppy Plunder, and Fiesta Chihuahua, I broke even on the gambling. 

It’s been about 10 years since we’ve been to Vegas, and the price of food gave me sticker shock.  Many of the smaller casinos changed hands, too, and are now owned by brand name corps.  The Imperial Palace, the first place we stayed the first we visited (that was a long, long time ago, and even back then it desperately needed a rehab!) is now the LINQ, and they are remodeling the rooms – I’m curious to see what the finished product looks like.

I actually spent most of my time in the casinos glued to my Kindle – Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop was fantastic, and since I didn’t want to end up in a gambling hole, I stopped playing the slots.  I think Dean felt bad, because he was having fun playing Bundles of Cash, and he thought I was bored.  Nope, I was more than content to locate one of the machines in yet another casino so he could play, and I could settle back and read.  I even indulged in a Mud Slide, which was yummy, but I’m not supposed to drink because of my asthma meds, so I enjoyed one and over-indulged on gelato instead.

Have you been to Vegas?  What’s your favorite casino? 

Check out my current contests!  See the Contest Widget on the Sidebar to enter!

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

The Closer You Come

Edge of Dark

Public Enemies

The Haunting of the Sunshine Girl

Searching for Beautiful

Mist-Torn Witches

Witches with the Enemy

A Girl Undone

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

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The post The Sunday Post and Stacking the Shelves–Viva Las Vegas! appeared first on Manga Maniac Cafe.

The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

Dean and I are taking a little break this weekend, which I’ll tell you all about next Sunday.  I hope you are having a great weekend and that the weather is improving wherever you are!

I am reading Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop and it’s fantastic! What are you reading today?

Check out my current contests!  See the Contest Widget on the Sidebar to enter!

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

Cold  Burn of Magic

No One Like You

Dark Heir

Force of Attraction

The Shattered Court

A Night Divided

Royally Ever After

My Japanese Husband (still) Thinks I’m Crazy

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

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The post The Sunday Post and Stacking the Shelves–It’s March! appeared first on Manga Maniac Cafe.

The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

So, wow! We had two days when the actual temps were –18 and then –22.  Just HOW??  Is that even possible?!  What an awful stretch of frigid weather we are having!  The dogs don’t even want to go outside to do their business!  We had a slight reprieve yesterday, with a high in the 20s, but it’s going to be subzero again the rest of the week. UGH!

Poppy recovered from whatever gave her an upset stomach, and I took the duppers to daycare twice last week.  Once on Monday, when it was 18 below (I should have thought that one out better!  They were so excited their panting instantly froze a glaze of condensation on the driver’s window, making it difficult to see out of it!) and then again on Saturday so we could get some shopping done, enjoy a nice lunch at Bahama Breeze (thank you, money saving coupon!), and start tackling the task of purging the upstairs closet.  I also vacuumed the house, a chore that Bumble HATES.  He does not like the vacuum, so I did it without his assistance.

How was your week?  What are you reading today?  I’m alternating between Grave Matters (Roy) and The Promise of Rain (Sinara) – so far, both are really good!

Check out my current contests!  See the Contest Widget on the Sidebar to enter!

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

The Wide World’s End

Zom-B: Bride  (I have lots of catching up to do with this series!)

Dead Heat  (Hopefully I will be starting Cry Wolf this weekI

HIT (This looks awesome!0

Beautiful Secret  (Argh! I still haven’t started any of Lauren’s books)

Game Play (Hockey romance – what else is there to say)

Murder of Crows (I bought this because I’ll be sitting on a plane this week)

Rules of the Game

Red (I love her books)

When It’s Right  (I enjoyed At Wolf Ranch, so I’m looking forward to this)

Dark Alchemy (I love her books, too!)

Wild Magic (It has critters!)

A Crown for Cold Silver

Grave Matters (Love this series!)

More than Comics (I couldn’t resist the setting – SDCC)

Back in the Game

The Promise of Rain  (Library)

Cry Wolf  (Library)

Going Home (Library)

California Bones (Library)

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

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The post The Sunday Post and Stacking the Shelves–It’s Stupid Cold! appeared first on Manga Maniac Cafe.

The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

Last week was all about the snow.  Ugh!  About 20 inches of the stuff!  Most of it fell on Sunday, and then we got another dumping on Wednesday. We couldn’t get out of our driveway on Monday, let alone our subdivision, so we took a snow day – which involved actually moving snow out of the way so we could get our cars out.  I was also able to read, so it was a nice, unexpected break.

This weekend we are having a heat wave; temps in the upper 30s!  Melt, snow, MELT!

How was your week?

Check out my current contests!  See the Contest Widget on the Sidebar to enter!

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

Pacific Fire

Last of the Red-Hot Riders

Runaway Cowboy

Hexed

Rebel Queen

Almost Perfect

Rodeo Riders

Dust of the Dead

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

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The post The Sunday Post and Stacking the Shelves–Heat Wave Edition appeared first on Manga Maniac Cafe.

The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.

It’s already February!  This is my least favorite month; it’s all dark and dreary, and even though it’s the shortest month of the year, the weather makes it feel like the longest.  Our forecast is calling for 6 – 10 inches of snow – oh, yay!  NOT!  The grocery store was a disaster with people shopping for the Super Bowl and stocking up in case we do get whacked by a snowstorm. I would like to officially lodge a complaint because they were completely out of taco sauce and my favorite variety of pasta sauce. How will I survive an entire week without my taco sauce??

Are you going to watch the Super Bowl?  I want to watch the Puppy Bowl, and I’ll probably turn in to the football game to watch some of the commercials.  I am not really a fan of either team, so I don’t care who wins (I’m very apathetic to the game this year).  Who are you cheering for?

Check out my current contests!  See the Contest Widget on the Sidebar to enter!

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library.  Click here to learn more about it.

New Arrivals at the Café:

The Skull Throne (I have a lot of catching up to do in this series!)

Ship of the Dead (Library)

Covenant’s End

From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess

Finding Someplace

The Sign of the Cat

Lost

To Win Her Favor

Whenever You Come Around

Huckleberry Spring

Gone Crazy in Alabama

Below the Belt

A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!

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The post The Sunday Post and Stacking the Shelves – Super Bowl Sunday Edition appeared first on Manga Maniac Cafe.