karenmarie: buckling up for a wild ride in 2025 - part VIII

Welcome to my eighth thread, and may the Universe protect us from the chaos demon and his minions. I keep thinking it can’t get worse and yet it does.

Eight is my lucky number, so this thread should be especially lucky!

Eight ways to describe me and books: bibliolater, bibliomaniac, bibliophile, lectiophiliac, bookworm, Book Dragon, biblioflâneuse, and librocubicularist. I’m adding Book Angel – an internet image that represents how I see her. Shimmery, gold, fierce, carrying a sword.

Books help to form us. If you cut me open, you will find volume after volume, page after page, the contents of every one I have ever read, somehow transmuted and transformed into me. Alice in Wonderland. the Magic Faraway Tree. The Hound of the Baskervilles. The Book of Job. Bleak House. Wuthering Heights. The Complete Poems of W H Auden. The Tale of Mr Tod. Howard''s End. What a strange person I must be. But if the books I have read have helped to form me, then probably nobody else who ever lived has read exactly the same books, all the same books and only the same books as me. So just as my genes and the soul within me make me uniquely me, so I am the unique sum of the books I have read. I am my literary DNA.

Howard's End on the Landing by Susan Hill

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The Good: Family, friends, kitties, books, and soccer in constantly-rotating order. Smut, of course, and book sort team and sales/Friends of the Library. Jenna and Hwan are coming home for Thanksgiving!

We’ve found a wonderful handyman, Trevor. This is important for two seniors who can’t do as much as they used to be able to do in addition to not ever having been able to ever do some things at all!

The Bad: The betrayal of our country by the Idiot in Chief’s dark and evil stupidity. The reminder that corrupt money, corrupt power, and corrupt/evil/stupid souls are currently prevailing over decency and honor.

The Shadenfreude: Even some of the Gang of Psychos are not as enamored of the evil orange one as they have been previously, and his approval rating, an aggregate total reported on the NYTimes, is currently 57% disapproval, 41% approval.

From the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists Doomsday Clock. This information was published on January 29th when the clock was set to 89 seconds before midnight, apocalypse. 89 seconds is the shortest time to apocalypse since the clock was created in 1945. Rather than try to quote parts or even the whole thing, I’m going to provide the link for those with the stomach to read it: Doomsday Clock 2025

The ugly: Everything political in the US at the national level and quite a bit at the local level in almost every state.

I read and am a charter member of the Redbud and Beyond Book Club, started in 1997. Our 2025-2026 Book Club Year. I have all the books from Oct – April on my shelves or on my Kindle.
Jul – Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro **abandoned at 56%**
Aug – The Awakening by Kate Chopin – read in my 20s, remembered the ending, and just no
Sep – Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie – read the intro and first chapter and no again
Oct – The Future by Naomi Alderman – loved it. Gave it 4.5 stars.
Nov – The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon - abandoned
Dec – Yellowface by RF Kuang - loved/hated it. Gave it 3.5 stars.
Jan – How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith
Feb – Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope
Mar – The Women by Kristin Hannah
April – How to Read a Book by Monica Wood
May – book selection for 2026-2027

I have been married to Bill for 34 years and am mother to Jenna, who turned 32 in August and is married to Hwan, who turned 30 at the end of June. Or, bio daughter and bonus daughter.

Mom and Aunt Joyce both were cello and piano players, took tap and ballet. This is in high school, Cedar Rapids Iowa. Mom is seated, 4th from left, Aunt Joyce is seated, on far right.



Zoe on one of her favorite perches and Wash in his new happy place – the kitty skritching post we put up to protect the furniture.



My goal last year was 150 books, recognizing that I’m powering through the smut. I still really, really enjoy reading this subgenre of contemporary fiction/romance and will continue until it no longer interests me. It’s getting more challenging to find books as I’ve refined my targeted trope(s), but I’ve become a great detective. This year’s goal is 200, which is still based on reading smut. 386 read and 161 abandoned, 108,349 total pages read.




News avoidance still about 85-90% of the time.

And, finally, I always, always need to remember to express gratitude for what I have - family, friends, intangibles and tangibles - every single day.

Currently Reading:
How the Word Is Passed by Clint Smith 12/30/25 hardcover 290 pages 2021
Unhinged by Onley James 12/30/25 Kindle Adam and Noah Necessary Evils 1 2021
The American Civil War by Professor Gary W Gallagher The Teaching Company 2000 24 hours
The Federalist edited by Jacob E. Cooke 5/28/22 656 pages hardcover 1961

read

**abandoned His Prince by Cora Rose** 228 pages Facile, cutsey, chaotic emotions that didn't always make sense.
**abandoned The Club by Rina Saint** 100 pages One of the main characters, in the closet, all of a sudden comes out dramatically and publicly at a sex club. The dynamic between him and the other main character was a bit too kinky for me, and I don't hate kink.
1. The Sinner's Sanctuary by August Jones 1/3/25 1/5/25 427 pages Kindle Christian and Gibson Doormen of the Upper East Side 3 2024
2. Crossroads by Riley Hart Narrated by Sean Crisden 1/3/25 1/5/25 Audible 7.5 hours Nick and Bryce Crossroads 1 2015 really 4.25
3. A Little Bit by L Waltree 1/5/25 1/5/25 310 pages Kindle Warren and Eli 2024
4. Ruined by Vanessa Waltz 1/5/25 1/6/25 382 pages Kindle Luca and Dominic Sinners of Boston 1 2024
5. Test Drive by Riley Hart 1/5/25 1/7/25 Narrated by Sean Crisden Audible 6 hours Justin and Drew Crossroads 3 2016
6. Hard to Let Go by Jaclyn Quinn 1/7/25 1/10/25 Audible audio book narrated by Sean Crisden 6.75 hours Owen and Brady Haven Coves' Series 1 2019
7. How to Hack a Hellhound by Shannon Mae 1/7/25 1/8/25 234 pages Kindle Quinton and Liam Hellhounds of Paradise Falls 2 2025
**abandoned Taken by the Lord of the Nocturne Court by KA Merikan** 80 pages
**abandoned Never Have I Evan by DJ Jamison** 107 pages
8. James by Percival Everett 12/23/24 1/11/25 303 pages hardcover 2024
9. Commitment Issues by Bradley Brady 1/11/25 1/12/25 350 pages Kindle Evan and Scott Commitment Issues 1 2017
**abandoned Man of Honor by Parker St John** 182 pages 1/10/25 Kindle Gage and Wyatt
10. Dead Draw by Layla Reyne 1/12/25 1/14/25 237 pages Kindle Marsh and Levi Perfect Play 1 2022
11. Pull Back by JD Sampson 1/14/25 1/14/25 147 pages Kindle Bodhi and Morgan Hollywood Endings 1 2020
12. The Vertigo Effect by JD Sampson 1/14/25 1/15/25 170 pages Kindle Bodhi and Morgan Hollywood Endings 2 2020
13. The Two Shot by JD Sampson 1/15/25 1/17/25 201 pages Kindle Bodhi and Morgan Hollywood Endings 3 2021
14. Deep Focus by JD Sampson 1/15/25 1/18/25 184 pages Kindle Bodhi and Morgan Hollywood Endings 4 2023
15. Six Degrees of Lust by Taylor V. Donovan 1/18/25 1/19/25 366 pages Kindle Sam and Machlan By Degrees 1 2020
16. One Man's Trash by Marie Sexton 01/16/25 1/23/25 narrated by John Solo 12 hours Taylor and Warren Heretic Doms Club 1 2017
17. Hearsay by Taylor V Donovan 1/21/25 1/22/25 240 pages Kindle Derrick and Roman Bylaws 1 2014
18. Benji by NR Walker 1/22/25 1/23/25 196 pages Kindle Benji and Nolan The Wylde Street Boys 1 2025
** abandoned When We Collide by Avril Ashton ** 167 pages Zander, Vince, Scotty
** abandoned Six Degrees of Separation by Taylor V. Donovan ** 208 pages Mac and Sam By Degrees
** abandoned Love the Sinner by Avril Ashton ** 110 pages Gabe Pagan
** abandoned Silver & Gold by Katherine Diane 47 pages ** Seth and Raider Seth & Raider series 2
19. Disaster Stray by FA Ray 1/24/25 1/24/25 280 pages Kindle Luke and Sebastian Rainbow Rescue Cat Cafe 2 2024
20. Reckless Hearts by Jax Calder 1/24/25 1/25/25 412 pages Kindle Seb and Marcus Rainbow Redemption Book 2 2025 4.5
21. The Other Brother by Jax Calder 1/25/25 1/26/25 290 pages Kindle Ryan and Cody 2022
22. The Fixer by Charity Parkerson 1/26/25 1/27/25 244 pages Kindle Chad and Journey Damaged Devils 1 2023
** abandoned A Matcha Made in Hell by FA Ray ** 68 pages facile, no character development
23. Under Construction by Juliet M Dixon 1/27/25 1/28/25 505 pages Kindle Dennis and Chris Straight to Him 1 2025
24. Back With the Tide: Memoirs of Ellen Douglas Bellamy By Ellen Douglas Bellamy 1/23/25 1/30/25 54 pages trade paperback 1940
25. Savage by Brooke Blaine and Ella Frank 1/28/25 1/30/25 301 pages Kindle Lachlan and Cooper Park Avenue Kings 1 2025
26. A Simple Mistake by Alice Winters 1/30/25 1/31/25 361 pages Kindle Liam and Gabriel Deadly Mistakes 1 2025
** abandoned Save Me by Beck Grey ** 97 pages
** abandoned Sold by Ace Fawn ** 43 pages
** Tender Strokes by Diane Vale ** 41 pages
27. MateHub: Legend by Marie Reynard 1/31/25 2/1/25 342 pages Kindle Richard and Hunter MateHub 1 2024
28. Something About You by Riley Hart narrated by Sean Crisden 1/23/25 2/2/25 Audible audio book 7 hours Saint and Lucky Saint & Lucky 1 2018
29. Accidental Bonds by Marie Reynard 2/1/25 2/3/25 454 pges Kindle Victor and Elijah Elemental Bonds Book 1 2023
30. The Southerner's Book of Lists by Jim Erskine 2/3/25 2/3/25 128 pages paperback 1996
31. Mixed Motives by Leslie Macadam 2/4/25 2/4/25 73 pages Kindle Henry and Keane
32. Born Again Sinner by Daryl Banner 2/2/25 2/6/25 Audible audio book 10 hours Trey and Cody Spruce Texas Romance 2 2018
33. Raising Hell by Daryl Banner 2/6/25 2/7/25 329 pages Kindle Mathew (sic) and Charlie 2018
34. The Husband Experience by Maya Jean 2/7/25 2/7/25 150 pages Kindle Eli and Colby Sweet Southern Book 1 2024
** abandoned Guardian Angel in Leather by KA Merikan ** 20 pages
** abandoned Ho Ho Homicidal Maniac by KA Merikan ** 74 pages
** abandoned Notorious by Leslie McAdam - re-read ** 141 pages
** abandoned Bloom by NR Walker ** 104 pages
35. Crown of Disguise by Lola Malone 2/7/25 2/8/25 291 pages Kindle Dominique and Gaël Initiation Series 1 2023
36. Crown of Steel by Lola Malone 2/8/25 2/12/25 406 pages Kindle Régis and Arthur Initiation Series 2 2024
**abandoned A Different Light by Morningstar Ashley ** 100 pages
**abandoned Open Mind by Luna David ** 9 pages
**abandoned Sick Bargain by Nordika Night ** 189 pages
**abandoned Shameless by Lola Malone ** 71 pages
**abandoned Bonds of Denial by Lynda Aicher ** 8 pages
37. Cambros by Juliet M. Dixon 2/7/25 2/7/25 49 pages Kindle Alex and Cory 2024
38. Pretty Broken Doll by Bree Wiley 2/12/25 2/12/25 348 pages Kindle Shilo and Ryan 2025
39. Getting Lucky by Daryl Banner 2/7/25 2/15/25 Audible audio book narrated by Chris Chambers and Alex Kydd 12 hours Lucas and James 2018
40. Bad Intentions by Ella Frank 2/15/25 2/15/25 Audible audio book narrated by Tim Paige and Aiden Snow 6.5 hours Gabe and Marcus Intentions Duet 1 2021
41. The Mercenary and the Mortician by Alexandra St. Pierre 2/12/25 2/15/25 760 pages Kindle Cal and Ryan The Silent Hollow 1 2025
42. One by Paulina Ian-Kane 2/15/25 2/16/25 291 pages Kindle Michael and Raph Angels of Wrath Book 1 2023
43. Six by Paulina Ian-Kane 2/16/25 2/18/25 306 pages Kindle Ollie and Rague Angels of Wrath Book 2 2023
44. Happily Never After by Ava Olsen 2/18/25 2/18/25 222 pages Kindle Aaron and Harrison 2025
45. Three by Paulina Ian-Kane 2/18/25 2/20/25 339 pages Kindle Rami and Hunter Angels of Wrath Book 3 2024
46. Five by Paulina Ian-Kane 2/20/25 2/20/25 341 pages Kindle Gabe/Bez and Lori Angels of Wrath Book 4 2024
47. Mighty Quill by Emmaline Strange /2/21/25 2/24/25 398 pages Kindle Thor and Cassian Sanguis et Fauna 1 2022
48. Wake Me Up Inside by Cardeno C 2/24/25 2/24/25 313 Kindle Zev and Jonah Mates Collection 1 2015
49. With This Ring by RS McKenzie 2/25/25 2/26/25 297 pages Kindle Carter and Kaison Opposites Attract 1 2025
**abandoned Redeeming Rafe by Sloane Kennedy ** 81 pages
**abandoned Friction by Kindle Alexander** 323 pages
50. Wild by Adrienne Wilder 2/26/25 2/28/25 338 pages Kindle Carter Keenan and August 2017
51. Out, Proud, and Prejudiced by Megan Reddaway 2/28/25 3/1/25 346 pages Kindle Bennet and Darius 2018
52. Shelter Me by Megan Reddaway 3/1/25 3/2/25 Kindle Leo and Cole Heven Book 1 2017
53. Honor, the Duel, and Indiscretion: The Life of Elizabeth "Betsey" Pollock Devereaux Jones (1818-1879) by W. Davenport Robertson 3/5/25 3/5/25 40 pages paper published in "North Carolina Historical Review," vol. CI, no. 4 (October) 2024
54. The Killer Who Kept Me by Davidson King 3/5/25 3/6/25 224 pages Kindle Em and Soros 2025
55. Run To Me by Ashlynn Mills 3/6/25 3/6/25 248 pages Kindle Nate and Jace 2025
56. Estranged Heart by Ashlynn Mills 3/6/25 3/3/7/25 346 pages Kindle Silas and Elijah 2025
57. Taken By My Dad's Bodyguard by Candace Lark 3/8/25 3/8/25 78 pages Kindle Otto and Myers Sin City 1 2023
58. Vile Heart by Lola Malone 3/8/25 3/8/25 80 pages Kindle Camren and Davian Vicious Valentine 1 2025
59. Distant Heart by Chani Lynn Feener 3/8/25 3/8/25 91 pages Kindle Ilya and Rexton Vicious Valentine 2 2025 own
60. Caught by Leo Rivers 3/8/25 3/8/25 75 pages Kindle Evan and Silas Mating Run 1 2025
61. Rivals by Leo Rivers 3/8/25 3/9/25 91 pages Kindle Viktor and Nick Mating Run 2 2025
**abandoned Be Mine, Bloody Valentine by Skyler Snow** 43 pages
62. Pounding Skin by LA Witt 2/15/25 3/10/25 Audible audio book narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo 9.5 hours Jon and Matt Skin Deep, Inc. 2 2019
63. Shifter for Brains by F.N. Manning 3/9/25 3/9/25 258 pages Kindle Lucas and Chase Supernatural Affairs 2 2022
64. Black Moon by Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes 288 pages 3/10/25 3/10/25 Kindle Linden and Colt Wolf Moon Rising 1 2021
65. Lost and Pound by Lilo Quie 3/10/25 3/11/25 103 pagesKindle Nico and Shilo Love Sync Mates Season Two 8 2025
**abandoned NOX by Adrienne Wilder** 178 pages
66. Reckless by Nicole Edwards 3/11/25 3/12/25 361 pages Kindle Cam and Gannon Pier 70 Book 1 2015
67. Hunter Moon by Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes 3/12/25 3/13/25 345 pages Kindle and Brook Wolf Moon Rising 3 2021
68. Wolf Lost by Sam Burns 3/13/25 3/14/25 206 pages Kindle Sawyer and Dez The Wolves of Kismet Book 1 2019
69. Werewolf in Shining Armor by Minerva Howe 3/14/25 3/14/25 127 pages Kindle Symon and Adrian Werewolf Knights Book 1 2024
70. Such a Good Omega by Lorelei M Hart 3/14/25 3/15/25 96 pages Kindle Talon and Rowan His Alpha Desires 1 2024
71. Werewolf in Leather Armor by Minerva Howe 3/14/25 3/14/25 127 pages Kindle Rian and Eyre Werewolf Knights Book 1 2024
72. Cold Moon by Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes 3/15/25 3/16/25 225 pages Kindle Dante and Skye Wolf Moon book 4 2021
73. Lone Wolf by Tessa Kane 3/16/25 3/17/25 346 pages Kindle Keir and Julien Exiled Omegas Book 1 2023
74. Cinderella in the Sheets by Reece Pine 3/17/25 3/17/25 131 pages Kindle Presley and Louis 2018
75. Carnal Heart by Emmy LaRoux 3/17/25 3/18/25 82 pages Kindle Zaiah and Devyn Vicious Valentines 3 2025
76. Blinding Light by Lola Malone 3/19/25 3/20/25 374 pages Kindle Cyprian and Moargan 2025
77. The Hunter's Heart by Minerva Howe 3/20/25 3/20/25 17 pages Kindle Jason and Isaac 2020
78. Echo by Chani Lynn Feener 3/20/25 3/22/25 437 pages Kindle Rabbit and Baikal Devils of Vitality 1 2023
79. These Silent Stars by Chani Lynn Feener 3/22/25 3/23/25 500 pages Kindle Rin and Kelevra Devils of Vitality 2 2023
**abandoned Guns 'n Boys by KA Merikan** 8.75 hours
**abandoned My Only Regret by Leigh Lennon** 2.5 hours
**abandoned The Measure by Nikki Erlick** 5.25 hours
80. Call of the Sea by Chani Lynn Feener 3/23/25 3/25/25 565 pages Kindle Sila and Bay Devils of Vitality 3 2023
81. Devil May Care by Chani Lynn Feener 3/25/25 3/26/25 482 pages Kindle Nate and Kazimir Devils of Vitality 4 2024
**abandoned Devil May Fall by Chani Lynn Feener** 127 pages
82. Kick at the Darkness by Keira Andrews 3/26/25 3/27/25 267 pages Kindle Parker and Adam Kick at the Darkness 1 2015
83. His Secret Alpha by Chani Lynn Feener 3/27/25 3/28/25 146 pages Kindle Sky and Kian Christmas Omegas 6 2023
**abandoned The Wolf's Wounded Omega by AJ Kane** 108 pages
**abandoned Chasing Mr. Wright by Aimee Nicole Walker ** 173 pages
**abandoned Betrothed to the Emperor by Kai Butler** 197 pages
84. Who Said Mobsters Were Scary? by Aria Clark 3/28/25 3/30/25 324 pages Kindle Leo and Chai Mobster Mayhem 1 2024
85. Kestrel by Adrienne Lothy 3/30/25 3/30/25 362 pages Kindle Niko and 'the Kestrel' Starhawk Book 1 2024
86. The Alpha's Heir: Captive by Wolf Specter 3/30/25 3/31/25 135 pages Kindle Zeke and Mathias The Alpha's Heir 1 2016
87. Mated to the Alpha books 1-8 by Rosa Swann and Wolf Specter 4/1/25 4-2-25 388 pages Kindle Max and Ethan 2015
88. Claimed by the Boss by Sophie O'Dare 4/2/25 4/3/25 211 pages Kindle Leo and Nolan Taken by His Alpha 1 2024
89. The Alpha Wolf Rancher's Runaway Omega by Asher Wylde 4/3/25 4/3/25 220 pages Kindle Wesley and Zack 2025
90. Mating the Omega by Ann-Katrin Byrde 4/3/25 4/3/25 153 pages Kindle Jason and Mac Mercy Hills Pack 1 2016
91. Abel's Omega by Ann-Katrin Byrde 4/3/25 4/4/25 348 pages Kindle Bax and Abel Mercy Hills Pack 2 2016
**abandoned Who Said Witness Protection Was Boring? by Aria Clark** 153 pages
**abandoned Wrong Train, Right Wolf by Colbie Dunbar** 43 pages
**abandoned Wrong Number, Right Wolf by Colbie Dunbar** 23 pages
92. Collared by Lola Malone 4/4/25 4/5/25 116 pages Kindle Thurel and Maël The Wicked Chase 1 2024
93. Trapped by Lola Malone 4/5/25 4/5/25 124 pages Kindle Robin and Arsène The Wicked Chase 2 2024
94. Hunted by Lola Malone 4/5/25 4/5/25 124 pages Kindle Olivier and Alexandre The Wicked Chase 3 2024
95. Cherry Breeze by Jett Masterson 4/5/25 4/6/25 392 pages Kindle Asher and Sebastian 2025
96. Marked by Lola Malone 4/6/25 4/8/25 126 pages Kindle Edouard and Romain The Wicked Chase 4 2024
97. Finding Lord Landry by Lucy Lennox 4/8/25 4/9/25 340 pages Kindle Kenji and Landry The Billionaire Brotherhood 5 2025
98. His Bewildered Mate by Brea Alepoú 4/9/25 4/9/25 234 pages Kindle Dillan and Rhy Unexpected Mates 1 2019
99. Grabbed by Susi Hawke and Crista Crown 4/10/25 4/10/25 157 pages Kindle Preston and Noah Team A.L.P.H.A. Book 1 2019
**abandoned Ready or Knot by Susi Hawke and Crista Crown** 124 pages
100. Devlish by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine 4/11/25 4/11/25 295 pages Kindle Lucien and Kai Park Avenue Kings 2 2025
101. The Revenge Game by Jax Calder 4/11/25 4/12/25 439 pages Kindle Andrew and Justin The Revenge Club 1 2025
102. His Reluctant Omega by Sam Abbot 4/13/25 4/14/25 45 pages Kindle Nathan and Brock Devil's Creek Omega Book 1 2015
103. Wildlands Omega by Ruby Nox 4/14/25 4/14/25 121 pages Kindle Riley and Jack Summerwood Wolves 1 2017
104. The Alpha's Touch by Claire Cullen 4/14/25 4/15/25 94 pages Kindle Robert and Sebastian Lost Omegas Book 1 2016
105. Wrenched by Casey Morales 4/15/25 4/15/25 257 pages Kindle Sam and Miguel Nashville Spicy Book 1 2023
106. Omega's Escape by Feral Moon 4/15/25 4/16/25 72 pages Kindle Aiden and Jude The Omega Files Book 1 2016
**abandoned Hollywood Lightning by JV Speyer** 80 pages
107. Kiss the Villain by Rina Kent 4/16/25 4/17/25 496 pages Kindle Kayden and Gareth Villain 1 2025
108. Between the Devil and the Sea by Chani Lynn Feener narrated by Dan Levy 3/26/25 4/18/25 12 hrs 20 minutes Apollo and Shadow The Devil and the Sea 1 2023
**abandoned Wrath by Ellis James** 346 pages
**abandoned Rescue by Mx Alex** 188 pages
109. Ferocious by Leslie McAdam 4/17/25 4/19/25 405 pages Kindle Rowan and Charlie 2025
110. Omega On the Run by Aria Grace 4/20/25 4/20/25 80 pages Kindle Jamie and Cameron Love Sync Mates Season 2 10
111. His Dark Paradox by Avery Tu and Kota Quinn 4/20/25 4/21/25 260 pages Kindle Nuri and Silver 2023
112. Villain by Chani Lynn Feener 4/21/25 4/22/25 310 pages Kindle Nix, Lake, West, and Yejun Demons of Foxglove Grove 1 2024
113. Martyr by Chani Lynn Feener 4/22/25 4/23/25 298 pages Kindle Nix, Lake, West, and Yejun Demons of Foxglove Grove 2 2024
114. Saint by Chani Lynn Feener 4/23/25 4/24/25 266 pages Kindle Nix, Lake, West, and Yejun Demons of Foxglove Grove 3 2024
115. Beer Money by Remy Tate 4/24/25 4/24/25 243 pages Kindle Jared and Andrew Black Box 1 2025
116. Unwritten Law by Eden Finley narrated by Antony Ferguson and Joel Leslie 4/18/25 4/26/25 Audible audiobook 5.45 hours Law and Reed The Steele Brothers 1 2018
117. Body Count by L Eveland 4/26/25 4/27/25 349 pages Kindle Theo and River Wayward Sons 1 2023
**abandoned Skin Deep by L Eveland** 141 pages
**abandoned A Bright Celestial Sea by Chani Lynn Feener** 189 pages
118. You Will Never Know by Chani Lynn Feener 4/25/25 4/25/25 238 pages Kindle Hunter and Odin A Whisper in the Dark 1 2022
119. Bent by Jesse H Reign 4/27/25 4/28/25 110 pages Kindle Oliver and Ethan 2021
120. Bent Backwards by Jesse H Reign 4/28/25 4/28/25 123 pages Kindle Ethan and Oliver 2021
121. Stay in Your Lane! by Cari Z and LA Witt 4/28/25 4/29/25 284 pages Kindle Everett and Kyle 2025
122. Off the Beaten Path by Cari Z 4/30/25 4/30/25 186 pages Kindle Ward and Henry 2021
123. His Surprise Omega by Allie W Scott 4/30/25 4/30/25 143 pages Kindle Wendell and Rafe Christmas Omegas 7 2023
**abandoned Unnatural by Alessandra Hazard** 43 pages
**abandoned Auctioned Omega by Kellan Larkin** 76 pages
**abandoned Mated into the Mob by Colbie Dunbar** 60 pages
**abandoned His Sinful Need by Leighton Greene** 193 pages
124. Knot Mine by Alice La Roux 5/3/25 5/4/25 263 pages Kindle Shiloh and Zale 2025
125. A Pika's Safe Haven by Odessa Hywell 5/4/25 5/4/25 202 pages Kindle Dean and Jules Heat, Prey, Love 2 2025
126. Ugly by Roe Horvat 5/4/25 5/4/25 180 pages Kindle Burke and Emerson Winter Sun 1 2021
127. The Good Student by MM Phoenix 5/4/25 5/4/25 86 pages Kindle Asher and Philip Straight No More 2 2025
128. The Arrangement by Laura Taylor 5/4/25 5/5/25 175 pages Kindle Oliver and Jet 2019
**abandoned Edge of Control by M Walker ** 126 pages
**abandoned Evil Omega by S Rodman ** 62 pages
129. Unspoken Vow by Eden Finley narrated by Antony Ferguson and Joel Leslie 4/26/25 5/7/25 Audible audiobook 9.25 hours Anders and Brody The Steele Brothers 2 2020
** abandoned The Unexpected Omega by Jacey Davis** 129 pages
130. Omega's Silver Alpha by Loralei M Hart 5/6/25 5/6/25 148 pages Kindle Will and Jack Mapleville Omegas 8 2018
**abandoned Serving the Alpha by HP Fly** 19 pages
**abandoned The Marriage Switch by Aja Foxx** 46 pages
131. Hurricane by Laura Taylor 5/7/25 5/8/25 120 pages Kindle Azure and Tor The Elements 1 2019
132. Slow Heat by Leta Blake 5/8/25 5/9/25 388 pages Kindle Jason and Vale Heat of Love 1 2017
**abandoned Devil in the Details by Chani Lynn Feener** 86 pages
133. Milk by Roe Horvat 5/9/25 to 5/9/25 112 pages Kindle Nico and Charles 2024
134. The Bound Omega by KC Carmine 5/10/25 5/10/25 55 pages Kindle Eldin and Ole Defiant Omegas 1 2024
135. Rough Country by Kelly Fox 5/10/25 5/11/25 290 pages Kindle Emery and Woody Central Texas 1 2024
136. Precious by Roe Horvat 5/11/25 5/11/25 218 pages Kindle Micah and Travis Heated Touch 1 2020
137. Doctor's Orders by Preston Walker and Liam Kingsley 116 pages 5/11/25 5/12/25 116 pages Kindle Reese and Connor 2018
138. Fearless Bond by Roe Horvat 5/12/25 5/13/25 199 pages Kindle Calvin and Barclay Bears of Beauville 1 2024
139. Finding Finn by Kiki Burrelli 5/13/25 5/14/25 169 pages Kindle Finn and Luke Wolf's Mate 1 2016
140. Mated to the Alpha books 1-8 by Rosa Swann and Wolf Specter 5/8/25 5/8/25 388 pages Kindle Max and Ethan 2015
141. The Omega Accountant by Bella Bennet 5/13/25 5/13/25 239 pages Kindle Matteo and Luca Corvino Family Mafia 1 2025
142. Enemy Match by Anna Wineheart 5/13/25 5/14/25 156 pages Kindle Hadley and Darius Perfect Match Agency: Springtime 2 2024
143. Luscious Match by Anna Wineheart 5/15/25 5/15/25 174 pages Kindle Gabe and Kallen Perfect Match Agency: Springtime 4 2024
144. Dinosaurs by Lydia Millet 4/23/25 5/17/25 230 pages Hardcover 2022
145. His Hunter by MM Farmer 5/16/25 5/16/25 245 pages Kindle Ari and Samson Omegas After Dark 1 2024
146. Ex Match by Anna Wineheart 5/16/25 5/16/25 123 pages Kindle John and Michael Perfect Match Agency: Springtime 1 2024
**abandoned Chased By the Alpha by Summer Aspen** 41 pages
**abandoned Snatched Up By the Cartel by Michael Levi** 54 pages Rylan and Mateo
**abandoned Alpha for Appearances by Libby Walsh** 165 pages fake marriage
147. Rome and Jules by Tara Lain 5/16/25 5/17/25 217 pages Kindle Rome and Jules 2020
148. Temple by Avril Ashton 5/17/25 5/18/25 71 pages Kindle Temple and Vik Freelancers 1 2021
149. Craving You by Avril Ashton 5/18/25 5/18/25 368 pages Kindle Kannon and Preacher Dread+ Terrible 2 2020
150. Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection by John Green narrated by the author Audible audio book 5/11/25 6/2/25 5.5 hours
151. His Sassy Omega by Raiven Matthews 5/19/25 5/20/25 364 pages Kindle Quinn and Lachlan Sweet Alps Mates 1 2022
152. His Bratty Omega by Raiven Matthews 5/20/25 5/21/25 367 pages Kindle Wade and Finn Sweet Alps Mates 2 2022
153. A Husband for Christmas by Beau Brown 5/21/25 5/22/25 211 pages Kindle Rider and Jax 2018
154. Roman by Avril Ashton 5/22/25 5/22/25 154 pages Kindle Roman and Tate Freelancers 2 2021
155. Doctor Perfect by Beau Brown 5/23/25 5/23/25 235 pages Kindle Fox and Liam The Omegas of Sweet Water, Texas 1 2019
156. Possession by Rina Saint 5/23/25 5/24/25 231 pages Kindle Lucas and Roman Constantine Brothers 1 2025
157. Werewolf in Rusted Armor by Minerva Howe 5/24/25 5/24/25 102 pages Kindle Quin and Thiago Werewolf Knights 3 2025
158. The Covenant by Cora Rose and Lark Taylor 5/25/25 5/25/25 341 pages Kindle Matthias and Wyatt The Firm 1 2025
159. Instant Bond by LA Lambert 5/25/25 5/26/25 251 pages Kindle Cam and Karter 2024
160. Primal Urges by Harper Aveline 5/26/25 5/26/25 184 pages Kindle Bishop and Lucien Primal Series 1 2024
161. His Every Move by M Walker 5/26/25 5/27/25 251 pages Kindle Elijah and Benji Stonewall Investigations:Midnight 2 2025
162. Claimed by the Wolf by Lyndon Land 5/27/25 5/28/25 135 pages Kindle Taggart and Mikhail Moonbond Run 1 2025
163. Trapped by the Alpha by Lyndon Land 5/28/25 5/29/25 156 pages Kindle Toby and Mason Moonbond Run 4 2025
164. Infamous Park Avenue Prince by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine 435 pages 5/29/25 5/29/25 Kindle West and JT Park Avenue Princes Book 1 2023
**abandoned Primal Instinct by Harper Aveline** 196 pages
**abandoned Chokehold by Leigh Rivers** 282
**abandoned An Omega for the Sheriff by Corie Rosling** 51 pages
**abandoned The Beautiful Dead by Skyla Raines** 213 pages
**abandoned Cooper by Fel Fern** 106 pages
165. Insatiable Park Avenue Prince by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine 5/28/25 5/29/25 406 pages Kindle Donovan and Kelly Park Avenue Princes 2 2023
166. A Different Kind of Chemistry by Ashlynn Mills 5/29/25 5/29/25 270 pages Kindle Maverick and Casey Nerds & Tattoos 1 2021
**abandoned Office Jinx by AW Turner** 63 pages
167. Scandalous Park Avenue Prince by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine 5/31/25 6/1/25 438 pages Kindle Preston and Archer Park Avenue Princes 3 2024
168. Possessive Park Avenue Prince by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine 6/1/25 6/2/25 332 pages Kindle Gavin and Daire Park Avenue Princes 4 2024
169. Wild Match by Amy Bellows 6/3/25 6/3/25 110 pages Kindle Leo and Steve Perfect Match Agency: Springtime 5 2024
170. The Accidental Everything by Amy Bellows 6/3/25 6/3/25 166 pages Kindle Isaac and Rhett Nerds Who Knot 1 2019
171. The Bookmobile Baby by Amy Bellows 6/3/25 6/4/25 231 pages Kindle Simon and Art Nerds Who Knot 2 2019
172. To Catch a Firefly by Emmy Sanders 6/4/25 6/5/25 309 pages Kindle Ellis and Lucky 2024
173. Worthy by Michele Lenard 6/5/25 6/6/25 271 pages Kindle Cade and Maddox Adrenalin 1 2025
174. Beautifully Fractured by Michele Lenard 6/6/25 6/7/25 286 pages Kindle Liam and Cruz Front Range University 1 2024
175. Echo by Chani Lynn Feener 6/7/25 6/8/25 437 pages Kindle Rabbit and Baikal The Devils of Vitality 1 2023
176. Vile Heart by Lola Malone 6/8/25 6/9/25 80 pages Kindle Cam and Davian Vicious Valentines 1 2025
**abandoned Privileged by Michele Lenard ** 111 pages
**abandoned Salacious Park Avenue Prince by Ella Frank ** 210 pages
177. Distant Heart by Chani Lynn Feener 6/9/25 6/10/25 91 pages Kindle Ilya and Rexton Vicious Valentine 2 2025
178. Carnal Heart by Emmy LaRoux 6/10/25 6/10/25 82 pages Kindle Zaiah and Devyn Vicious Valentine 2 2025
179. Stalked by Leo Rivers 6/10/25 6/10/25 112 pages Kindle Mason and Toby Mating Run 3 2025
180. Don't Date a DILF by DJ Jamison 6/10/25 6/11/25 342 pages Kindle Hunter and Clark Rules We Break in Granville Book 1 2023
181. Collared by Lola Malone 6/11/25 6/11/25 116 pages Kindle Thurel and Maël The Wicked Chase 1 2024
**abandoned Primal Claim by Leo Rivers ** 100 pages
**abandoned Alpha Fated Temptation by Alice Chandler** 247 pages
**abandoned One True Thing by MJ O'Shea and Piper Vaughn** 221 pages
182. The Omega Puppet by Bella Bennet 6/11/25 6/12/25 230 pages Kindle Elio and Dario Corvino Family Mafia 2 2025
183. His Best Friend's Heat by Ansley Ellis 6/13/25 6/13/25 170 pages Kindle Micah and Nick 2025
**abandoned Rescued by the Alpha by MM Wilde** 115 pages
**abandoned Stepbrother's Secret by Anna Wineheart ** 104 pages
**abandoned A Voice in Chains by Harleigh Beck** 142 pages
184. Invitation to the Blues by Roan Parrish narrated by Greg Boudreaux Audible audio book 6/3/25 6/14/25 8.25 hours Jude and Faron Small Change 2 2019
185. Dean by Cora Rose 6/13/25 6/13/25 262 pages Kindle Dean and Avery Unexpected 9 2025
186. Omega Teacher's Baby by Anna Wineheart 6/13/25 6/14/25 429 pages Kindle Dale and Greg Men of Meadowfall 2 2017
187. His Captor by MM Farmer 6/15/25 6/15/25 250 pages Kindle Hayden and Mace Omegas After Dark Book 2 2024
188. The Bear's Brave Omega by AJ Cane 6/15/25 6/17/25 234 pages Kindle Milo and Everett Grizzly Ridge Book 1 2023
**abandoned Mr. Picture Perfect by Darryl Banner ** 74 pages
**abandoned His Master by MM Farmer ** 108 pages
189. Mated to the Alpha by Lyndon Land 6/17/25 6/17/25 147 pages Kindle Malcolm and Jeremy Moonbond Run 2 2025
190. Devil May Care by Chani Lynn Feener 6/17/25 6/19/25 482 pages Kindle Nate and Kazimir Devils of Vitality 4 2024 *reread*
191. Devil May Fall by Chani Lynn Feener 6/19/25 6/20/25 380 pages Kindle Flix and Aneski Devils of Vitality 5 2024
192. Devil May Lie by Chani Lynn Feener 6/20/25 6/21/25 449 pages Kindle Berga and Madden Devils of Vitality 6 2024
193. Devil May Breathe by Chani Lynn Feener 6/21/25 6/23/25 570 pages Kindle Zane and Pavel Devils of Vitality 7 2024
**abandoned Mating Maddox by DJ Heart ** 107 pages
194. Omega Reclaimed by Tanya Chris 6/23/25 6/23/25 97 pages Kindle Leo and Angel Omega Reimagined Book 1 2016
**abandoned Baby and the Wolf by Victoria Sue ** 82 pages
**abandoned 7 Minutes in Kevin by DJ Jamison ** 123 pages
**abandoned The Devil's Embrace by Chani Lynn Feener ** 212 pages
**abandoned You Will Never Know by Chani Lynn Feener ** 61 pages
195. Wicked Games by Willow Dixon 6/24/25 6/24/25 382 pages Kindle Killian and Felix Silvercrest U 1 2025
196. Wicked Lies Boys Tell by K Webster narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Jacob Morgan Audible 6/18/25 6/24/25 6 hrs 45 minutes Penn and Copeland **reread
197. Step Bully by Willow Dixon 6/24/25 6/25/25 320 pages Kindle Ash and Jules 2022
198. Don't Bang Your Stepbro by DJ Jamison 6/26/25 6/26/25 310 pages Kindle Wes and Beckett Rules We Break in Granville 3 2023
199. Outcast by DJ Jamison 6/26/25 6/27/25 338 pages Kindle Gray and Emory Foster Bro Code 1 2025
200. Brim Over Boots by Emmy Sanders 6/27/25 6/27/25 313 pages Kindle Colton and Noah Darling Brothers 2 2025
201. Cloudy With a Chance of Bad Decisions by Fae Quin 6/27/25 6/29/25 572 pages Kindle George and Alex 2025
202. Just a Bit Twisted by Alessandra Hazard 6/29/25 6/30/25 158 pages Kindle Shawn and Derek Straight Guys 1 2014
203. Off Limits by Willow Dixon 6/30/25 6/30/25 319 pages Kindle Asa and Dex Legacy Mechanics 4 2025
**abandoned Feuds and Reckless Fury by K Webster ** 148 pages
**abandoned Lust by Devon McCormack ** 48 pages
**abandoned Hunt Me! by Fae Quin ** 111 pages
204. His Burden to Bear by Shelley Grayson 6/30/25 7/1/25 223 pages Kindle Trevor and Bear Dark Moon Shifters 1 2016
205. Wolfsong by TJ Klune 7/1/25 7/3/25 498 pages Kindle Ox and Joe Green Creek 1 2022
206. Sweat Connection by Katherine McIntyre 7/3/25 7/3/25 173 pages Kindle Rhys and Cole Hot under the Collar 1 2023
**abandoned Rival for Rent by Spencer Spears ** 301 pages
207. Best Friends, Tennessee by Raleigh Ruebins 7/23/25 7/24/25 231 pages Kindle Ori and Finn Hard Spot Cafe 1 2025
208. His Shy Omega by Eva Lyra 7/24/25 7/5/25 266 pages Kindle Kai and Alex Lotus Academy Babies 1 2021
209. Following Chance by Kiska Gray 7/5/25 7/5/25 142 pages Kindle Huxley and Chance Shifters of Greymercy 1 2018
210. Alpha for Comfort by Libby Walsh 7/5/25 7/6/25 256 pages Kindle Rowan and Camden Manhattan Mates 2 2025
211. Pretty AF by Arden Steele 7/6/25 7/6/25 85 pages Kindle River and Deaton At First 1 2025
212. The Boyfriend Subscription by Steven Salvatore 7/6/25 7/6/25 253 pages Kindle Teddy and Cole 2024
213. Fool Hearts by Emmy Sanders 7/6/25 7/7/25 296 pages Kindle Wyatt and Easton Plum Valley Cowboys 1 2022
214. Mountain Man's Baby by Ashlyn Dupree 7/8/25 7/8/25 90 pages Kindle Rowan and Kieran Ironclaw Wolves 1 2025
**abandoned A Dark Billionaire Obsession by Rhea Marcellis ** 108 pages
**abandoned Convincing Conrad by Casey Drake ** 65 pages
215. Omega's Secret Guardian by Anna Winehart 7/8/25 7/9/25 361 pages Kindle Storm and Linus The Danger Alpha Brotherhood 3 2025
216. The Omega's Secret Baby by Ann-Katrin Byrde 7/9/25 7/10/25 288 pages Kindle Elias and Matthew Oceanport Omegas 2017
217. Without You by Marley Valentine narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Tim Paige 7/4/25 7/11/25 9.25 hours Audible Audio Book Deacon and Julian Without You Duet 1 2020 **re-listen**
218. His Fertile Omega by Lee Bright 7/11/25 7/11/25 40 pages Kindle Hudson and Sam 2024
219. Surprised by Fate by RS McKenzie 7/11/25 7/13/25 184 pages Kindle Brandon and Mason Fair Falls Fated 2023
220. It's Just One Kiss by Monica Moss 7/13/25 7/14/25 370 pages Kindle Alex and Ryan The Stepbrother Series 1 2024
221. Business and Pleasure by Annabel Rose 7/15/25 7/15/25 77 pages Kindle Mattie and Blake Alpha CEO 3 2022
**abandoned Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro ** 225 pages
**abandoned Second Chance by Braylon Black ** 105 pages
**abandoned Omega in the Middle by Braylon Black ** 25 pages
**abandoned Unexpected Fate by RS McKenzie ** 21 pages
**abandoned Blaze by RM Neill ** 116 pages
**abandoned Burn It Down by Nicole Dykes ** 116 pages
**abandoned A Wolf Reborn by Isha Fáng ** 66 pages
**abandoned Hot Roommate Blues by Parker Avrile ** 93 pages
222. Bad Cowboy, Tennessee by Raleigh Ruebens 7/15/25 7/16/25 298 pages Kindle Draven and Max Hard Spot Saloon Book 3 2025
223. The Marriage Policy by Riley Hart 7/16/25 7/17/25 249 pages Kindle Donovan and Eric The Jilted Exes' Club 2 2025
**abandoned Leave it All by April Kelley** 84 pages
**abandoned Boyfriend by the Hour by Alexa Land ** 69 pages
224. The Loophole by Alexa Land 7/18/25 7/19/25 245 pages Kindle Embry and Bryson First and Forever Stories 12 2025
225. Mated to the Alpha books 1-8 by Rosa Swann and Wolf Specter 7/17/25 7/20/25 388 pages Kindle Max and Ethan 2015
226. His Secret Omega by Wolf Specter 7/20/25 7/20/25 143 pages Kindle Aidan and Luke 2015
227. Unsuitable Omega by Skye R. Richmond 7/20/25 7/20/25 228 pages Kindle Nikolas and Jai Billionaire Alphas 1 2018
228. Wrecked by the Best Man by Jenny Bowen 7/20/25 7/21/25 109 pages Kindle Owen and Slade 2025
229. Bite Before You Kiss by Jenny Pineapple 7/21/25 7/21/25 80 pages Kindle River and Theo 2025
230. Heteroflexible by Daryl Banner narrated by Chris Chambers and Kirt Graves 7/15/25 7/22/25 Audible Audio Book 11.5 hours Bobby and Jimmy Spruce Texas Romance 3 2020
231. Rival Attraction by Jenny Pineapple 7/21/25 7/21/25 42 pages Kindle Kai and Asher Peak Edge Innovations 1 2024
232. Claimed by Midnight by Jenny Pineapple 7/21/25 7/21/25 71 pages Kindle Eli and Damien 2025
233. Unwrap Me After Dark by Jenny Pineapple 7/21/25 7/21/25 76 pages Kindle Liam and Tyler 2025
234. Blitz'd by RS McKenzie and Lee McCornick 7/21/25 7/23/25 339 pages Kindle Kerian and Zander Evergreen University 1 2025
**abandoned Solar Eclipse by Jenny Pineapple ** 46 pages
**abandoned Hot Head by Mika Nix ** 138 pages
**abandoned Home in Austin by Susi Hawke 48 pages
**abandoned Primal Bonds 1 by Zara Lee** 128 pages
**abandoned Bitter When He Begs by Avery Collins** 203 pages
235. Crown of Thorns by Lola Malone 7/24/25 7/26/25 381 pages Kindle Noah and Louis The Initiation Series 3 2025
236. Broken Alpha by Everleigh Fox 7/26/25 7/27/25 281 pages Kindle Luke and Aiydn Unwanted 1 2025
**abandoned Swift's Temptation by JR Loveless ** 126 pages
237. Hostile by Nicole Dykes 7/27/25 7/27/25 298 pages Kindle Rhett and Grayson 2022
238. The Omega Next Door by Libby Walsh 7/27/25 7/28/25 111 pages Kindle Dean and Noah 2025
239. Sunshine for Sale by Cora Rose and Nicole Dykes 7/28/25 7/29/25 174 pages Kindle Jimbob and Braxton Homegrown Hearts 1 2024
240. Breaking Free by Isabel Lucero 7/29/25 7/30/25 274 pages Kindle Dominic and Trevor South River University 3 2021
241. Caught in His Sights by Sophie O'Dare and Lyn Forester 7/30/25 7/31/25 221 pages Kindle Oliver and Caleb Taken by His Alpha 2024
242. Barback's Baby by Ashlyn Dupree 7/31/25 7/31/25 96 pages Kindle Julian and Boone Whiskey Ridge Wranglers 1 2025
243. Hot Ice Tennessee by Raleigh Ruebins 7/31/25 8/1/25 235 pages Kindle Jesse and Mason Hard Spot Saloon 2 2025
244. Devil May Hunt by Chani Lynn Feener 8/1/25 8/1/25 177 pages Kindle Brennon and Gunho Devils of Vitality 8 2025
245. Wicked Soulmate by Jenny Pineapple 8/1/25 8/2/25 42 pages Kindle Lucas and Dylan My Last Valentine 1 2025
246. Trust No Alpha by Wendy Rathbone 8/2/25 8/2/25 200 pages Kindle Kris and Thorne Omega Misfits Book 1 2020
247. Second Match by Wendy Rathbone 8/2/25 8/2/25 172 pages Kindle Morgan and Riley Perfect Match 5 2023
248. Hunter's Creek by Victoria Sue narrated by John Solo 7/26/25 8/3/25 Audible Audio Book 6.75 hours Asher and Sai Hunter's Creek Book 1 2019
249. Alpha Wolf: Jason by Kellan Larkin and Kaz Crowley 8/2/25 8/3/25 175 pages Kindle Jason and Rudy Brother Wolves 1 2018
250. Cautious Match by Roe Horvat 8/3/25 8/3/25 159 pages Kindle Avery and Jori Perfect Match 1 2023
251. Psync by Zile Elliven 8/3/25 8/4/25 378 pages Kindle Eli and Karuka Enchanted University 1 2021
252. Missiletoe: This one *is* remotely about Christmas by Zile Elliven 8/4/25 8/5/25 272 pages Kindle Vix and Paris A Really Gay Villian Christmas Series 2 2023
253. Never Feed the Crows by Jennifer Cody 8/6/25 8/6/25 66 pages Kindle Amos and Corvin Corvin's Crows Book 1 2024
254. Dealer of Secrets by Davidson King 8/6/25 8/6/25 144 pages Kindle Zaire and Carter The Elite 1 2023
255. Omega's Fire by Sasha Silsbury 8/6/25 8/8/25 226 pages Kindle Leo and Nash Prime Match Book 1 2025
256. Omeg's Fever by Sasha Silsbury 8/8/25 8/8/25 239 pages Kindle Milo and Kellen Prime Match Book 2 2025
**abandoned The Frat Boys Baby by Aiden Bates** 120 pages
**abandoned The Awakening by Kate Chopin** 42 pages
**abandoned Pit Stop by Cora Rose** 136 pages
257. Hollis by Ashley James 8/8/25 8/10/25 284 pages Kindle Hollis and Ford The Moore Men Book 2 2025
258. Mobster's Mate by Kiki Clark 8/10/25 8/11/25 220 pages Kindle Caden and Quinten 2024
259. Treasure Trail by Morgan Brice narrated by John Solo 8/4/25 8/11/25 Audible Audio Book 7.25 hours Treasure Trail Book 1 2019
260. A Really Gay Book by Zile Elliven 8/11/25 8/11/25 112 pages Kindle Apple and Adam A Really Gay Villian Christmas Series 1 2023
261. Crocodile Tears by Xanthe Walter 8/11/25 8/13/25 410 pages Kindle Alex and Josiah Dark Water 1 2025
**abandoned Immoral by Brooke Blaine ** 134 pages
262. Ghost Eye by Xanthe Walter 8/13/25 8/14/25 382 pages Kindle Alex and Josiah Dark Water 2 2025
263. Ricochet by Xanthe Walter 8/14/25 8/15/25 517 pages Kindle Matt and Rick 2012
264. Not Safe for Command by Jenny Pineapple 8/15/25 8/16/25 180 pages Kindle Cain and Ellis Station Thirteen 2 2025
265. The Lost Zone by Xanthe Walter 8/14/25 8/18/25 530 pages Kindle Josiah and Alex Dark Water 3 2025
266. Rustler's Baby by Ashlyn Dupree 8/18/25 8/18/25 88 pages Kindle Cal and Luca Whiskey Ridge Wranglers 3 2025
267. Hide and Seek by Willow Dixon 8/18/25 8/20/25 357 pages Kindle Jax and Myles Silvercrest U 2 2025
268. The Edge of Heaven by EM Lindsey 8/20/25 8/21/25 273 pages Kindle Archer and Julian Love Beyond Measure 1 2020
**abandoned Runaway Magic by Zile Ellivan ** 67 pages
**abandoned Touch Him and Die by Jenny Pineapple** 156 pages
269. Soft Place to Fall by BA Tortuga narrated by 8/13/25 8/22/25 Audible Audio Book 9 hours Stetson and Curtis 2019
270. Claimed by the Alpha by Riley Sloane 8/23/25 8/24/25 90 pages Kindle Liam and Kane Ridge Wolf Shifters 1 2025
271. Clutch by Piper Scott and Virginia Kelly 8/24/25 8/24/25 222 pages Kindle Nate and Alistair Forbidden Desires 1 2018
272. Danny Hall Gets a Lawyer by Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey 8/24/25 8/25/25 220 pages Kindle Danny and Miller Goose Run 1 2025
273. Family Recipe by Lisa Henry and Tia Fielding 8/25/25 8/26/25 213 pages Kindle Justin and Del 2020
274. Keeping Promises by Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga narrated by John Solo 8/22/25 8/26/25 Audible Audio Book Jeremy and West 7 hours Higher Elevation 2 2021
**abandoned Wrecked by BA Tortuga** 143 pages
275. Take a Chance by Kris T Bethke and Tia Fielding 8/26/25 8/27/25 308 pages Kindle Mal and Crew Blue Creek Ranch 1 2025
276. The Legend Next Door by Jesse H Reign 8/27/25 8/28/25 453 pages Kindle Ben and Jeremiah Totally Pucked 2 2025
277. The Inheritance Clause by S Black 8/28/25 8/28/25 321 pages Kindle Evan and Alister Revenge Series 1 2025
**abandoned Jack Rabbit by Em Jae Black** 31 pages
**abandoned Bully's Rejected Omega by Krystal Clark** 46 pages
**abandoned Cowboy's City Slicker Omega by Bella Bennet** 20 pages
**abandoned Midnight at the Laundromat by Bella Bennet** 108 pages
**abandoned Having His Back by Andrew Grey** 31 pages
**abandoned Pieces of Home by Becca Neil** 355 pages Too traumatic, too stressful, only 66% done, and there will be more violence gainst one of the MCs, guaranteed
278. Bad With Love by Sophie O'Dare and Lyn Forester 8/29/25 8/30/25 90 pages Kindle Warren and Roman Marked By His Alpha 1 2024
279. Honey Sunshine by Gen Blackwell 8/29/25 8/30/25 96 pages Kindle Zach and Harvey Bower Brothers 1 2024
280. Omega's Choice by Gen Blackwell 8/30/25 8/30/25 75 pages Kindle Cody and Rafe 2023
281. Black Tiger Run by Mira Harlson 8/30/25 8/30/25 79 pages Kindle Black Tiger and Cyprian Black Tiger 2 2025
282. At Your Service by Alessandra Hazard 8/30/25 8/30/25 65 pages Kindle Troy and Andreas 2023
283. Puck My Stepbrother by Holly Myers 8/30/25 8/31/25 266 pages Kindle Quinn and Levi Pucked and Possessed 2 2025
**abandoned Let Your Hearts be Light by Fae Quin** 7 hours too twee
**abandoned Let Me Show You by Becca Seymour** 3 hours also too twee
284. His Weekend Alpha by Ansley Ellis 8/31/25 8/31/25 236 pages Kindle Kole and Lawson 2025
**abandoned Headstrong by Eden Finley ** 3.75 hours
285. Chokehold by Leigh Rivers and Harleigh Beck 8/31/25 9/2/25 437 pages Kindle Cole and Blaise 2024
286. Ricochet by River Hale 9/2/25 9/3/25 373 pages Kindle Callum and Stone 2024
287. His Cruelest Claim by Kai Valemont 9/4/25 9/5/25 77 pages Kindle Dante and Julian 2025
288. The Puck Contract by MM Phoenix 9/5/25 9/5/25 355 pages Kindle Mateo and Groover Melting Ice 1 2025
289. The Sheriff and the Stray by Ashlyn Dupree 9/6/25 9/7/25 92 pages Kindle Colt and Mateo Dustbite Coyotes 2025
**abandoned On My Knees for Him by Ezra Dao ** 51 pages
**abandoned Mating Season by Kai Valemont ** 58 pages
**abandoned Model Obsession by MK Zarah ** 97 pages
**abandoned Never Too Late by Quinn Ward ** 202 pages
**abandoned Sweat by Jonah Yorke ** 214 pages
290. Man On by Rebecca Rathe 9/4/25 9/7/25 475 pages Kindle Noah and Lane Forbidden Goals 2 2024
291. A Voice in Chains by Harleigh Beck 9/5/25 9/8/25 263 pages Kindle Zach and Arkin 2025
292. Boots, Babies and Bad Decisions by Bella Bennet 9/8/25 9/8/25 257 pages Kindle Jesse and Cole Baby Makes 3 6 2025
293. The Revenge Agenda by Saxon James 9/8/25 9/9/25 276 pages Kindle Rush and Hunter Accidental Love Book 3 2024
294. Voices by Joey Parker 9/9/25 9/10/25 408 pages Kindle Charlie and Shane Irish Knights Hockey 1 2025
295. Power Plays & Straight A's by Eden Finley and Saxon James 9/10/25 9/11/25 302 pages Kindle Foster and Zach CU Hockey 1 2020
296. Egotistical Puckboy by Eden Finley and Saxon James 9/11/25 9/12/25 296 pages Kindle Ezra and Anton Puckboys 1 2022
297. Poetry on Ice by Jesse H Reign 9/12/25 9/12/25 451 pages Kindle Robbie and Ant Totally Pucked 1 2025
298. Goal Lines & First Times by Eden Finley and Saxon James 9/12/25 9/13/25 303 pages Kindle Cohen and Seth CU Hockey 3 2021
299. The New Guy by Sarina Bowen 9/13/25 9/13/25 338 pages Kindle Hudson and Gavin Hockey Guys 1 2023
300. Savage Titan by EV Olsen 9/13/25 9/14/25 173 pages Kindle Eli and Alexei North Shore Titans Hockey 1 2024
301. Brutal Titan by EV Olsen 9/14/25 9/15/25 118 pages Kindle Jackson and Killian North Shore Titans Hockey 2 2024
302. Unhinged Titan by EV Olsen 9/14/25 9/15/25 237 pages Kindle Viktor and Beckett North Shore Titans Hockey 3 2024
303. Omega for the Mafia Boss by Jena Wade and Aria Grace 9/15/25 9/16/25 107 pages Kindle Andro and Joey Mated in the Mafia Book 1 2024
304. Irresponsible Puckboy by Eden Finley and Saxon James 9/16/25 9/16/25 273 pages Kindle Tripp and Dex Puckboys 2 2022
305. Heartless Alpha Don 2 by Ella Jensen 9/17/25 9/17/25 283 pages Kindle Ethan and Dante Heartless Alpha Don 2 2025
306. Kiss-Fist by Cora Rose and EM Lindsey 9/17/25 9/18/25 310 pages Kindle Thom and Robbie Deaf Hearts Book 1 2025
307. Goaltender Interference by Brigham Vaughn 9/18/25 21/25 548 pages Kindle Connor and Jesse Scoring Chances 1 2025
308. Blindsided by Becca Steele 9/21/25 9/22/25 284 pages Kindle Noah and Liam LSU 1 2022
309. Flagrant Foul by Jesse H Reign 9/23/25 9/23/25 414 pages Kindle Teddy and Sev Totally Pucked 3 2025
**abandoned Offside Play by Becca Steele ** 164 pages
**abandoned Love Language by Reese Morrison ** 176 pages
**abandoned Deck the Fire Halls by NR Walker ** 124 pages
**abandoned Pacey and His Unicorn Professor by Lorelei M Hart ** 92 pages
310. The Poster Boy by EM Denning 9/23/25 9/24/25 234 pages Kindle Marek and Jay Love the Game 3 2025
311. Pucking Strong by Emily Rath 9/24/25 9/27/25 648 pages Kindle Teddy and Henrik Jacksonville Rays 4 2025
312. Whiskey & Sin by Emily Rath 9/27/25 9/28/25 446 pages Kindle Silas and Bear 2022
313. Second Shot by Beau Brown 9/28/25 9/28/25 474 pages Kindle Ryan and Gabriel Hockey Bros 2 2025
314. One Honeymoon, Two Hockey Bros, Three Little Words by Oslo Fox 09/28/25 09/29/25 214 pages Kindle Ethan and Jean-Luc 2025
315. I’m Your Guy by Sarina Bowen 9/29/25 10/1/25 341 pages Kindle Carter and Tommaso Hockey Guys 2 2023
316. Last Guy on Earth by Sarina Bowen 10/1/25 10/2/25 364 pages Kindle Clay and Jethro Hockey Guys 3 2025
317. The Understatement of the Year by Sarina Bowen 10/2/25 10/3/25 296 pages Kindle Rikker and Graham The Ivy Years 3 2014
318. Sinner by Chani Lynn Feener 10/3/25 10/3/25 285 pages Kindle Nix, Lake, West, Yejun Demons of Foxglove Grove 4 2025
319. Ours by Leo Rivers 10/3/25 10/4/25 76 pages Kindle Cole, Blake, and Luca Mating Run 5 2025
320. Kept by Leo Rivers 10/4/25 10/4/25 95 pages Kindle Eli and Cade Mating Run 4 2025
321. Omega's Faith by Sasha Silsbury 10/5/25 10/5/25 217 pages Kindle Alex and Jonah Prime Match 3 2025
322. Secret Daddy by JR Gray 10/5/25 10/5/25 159 pages Kindle Aiden and Jensen Arrowood 1 2020
323. Fated to My Stepbrother by Donna J Fisher 10/5/25 10/6/25 308 pages Kindle Julian and Jace 2025
**abandoned My Captain by Sage Riven ** 155 pages
**abandoned The Inside Man by Bella Bennet ** 91 pages
**abandoned His Weekend Alpha by Ansley Ellis ** 122 pages
**abandoned Crossed Sticks Ryan Taylor ** 198 pages
324. Lost Love by JR Gray 10/6/25 10/7/25 93 pages Kindle Avery and Danny Arrowood 3 2021 8
325. Scapegoat by JR Gray 10/7/25 10/7/25 232 pages Noah and Callum Kindle Working Dogs 1 2022
326. No Pucks by JR Gray 10/7/25 10/8/25 272 pages Kindle Logan and Anthony Gods Versus Monsters 1 2025 7
327. Pucking Hostile by J Love 10/8/25 10/9/25 227 pages Kindle Ryker and Kai 2025 2
328. Off Limits by Leo Rivers 10/9/25 10/9/25 91 pages Kindle Asher and Gabriel Mating Run 6 2025
329. Wolf on Ice by Kallie Froster and Harper B Cole 10/9/25 10/25 79 pages Kindle Zane and Wesley Love at First Puck 1 2021
**abandoned Their Bounty by KA Merikan ** 53 pages
**abandoned Step in the Zone by Blane Bellamy** 151 pages
** abandoned Crossed Hearts by JR Gray ** 33 pages
330. Ben by Cora Rose 10/10/25 10/10/25 291 pages Kindle Ben, Ford, and Cash Unexpected 8 2023
331. His Problem Alpha by Ansley Ellis 10/10/25 10/12/25 192 pages Kindle Devon and Alex 2025
**abandoned Owned by the Kingpin by Bella Bennet and Riley Sloane ** 137 pages
**abandoned The Don's Omega Assassin by Quinn Michaels ** 117 pages
332. The Future by Naomi Alderman 9/28/25 10/12/25 420 pages hardcover and Kindle 2023
333. Puck Struck by Brooklyn Cate 10/11/25 10/12/25 349 pages Kindle Logan and Cam Dirty Puck 3 2025
334. Barnburner by Jodi Oliver 10/12/25 10/12/25 260 pages Kindle Brayden and Jesse Love the Game 2 2025
**abandoned Echoes of a Gilded Cage by Elias Night ** 62 pages
335. Trade Deadline by Jodi Oliver 10/13/25 10/13/25 260 pages Kindle Blaine and Alex Chicago Thunder 1 2023

336. My Freshman Mate by Lexie Slater 10/13/25 10/14/25 110 pages Kindle Braiden and Wes 2025
337. Virgin Flyer by Lucy Lennox 10/14/25 10/14/25 254 pages Kindle Teo and Jack 2020
**abandoned Make Mine a Lion by Harper B. Cole and Colbie Dunbar** 78 pages
**abandoned Off Season by Jodi Oliver** 150 pages
338. The Year of Us January - July by Kate Hawthorne and EM Denning 10/14/25 10/15/25 348 pages Kindle Reese and Cory The Year of US 1-7 2025
339. Will & Patrick 1-7 by Leta Blake and Alice Griffiths 10/16/25 10/18/25 961 pages Kindle Will and Patrick 2015-2017
340. This Might Hurt by Riley Nash 10/17/25 10/18/25 432 pages Kindle Jude and Andrew 2025
**abandoned Reckless by Kate Hawthorne ** 64 pages
**abandoned An Alpha for Rylan by AW Scott ** 53 pages
**abandoned Only Skin Deep by Kelex ** 126 pages
341. Castaway Heat by Kelex 10/19/25 10/19/25 107 pages Kindle Shiloh and Ronin 2025
342. The Step Don't by Devon McCormack and Riley Hart 10/20/25 10/20/25 332 pages Kindle Ash and Colin Peach State Stepbros 2 2024
343. Mr. Big Shot by Arden Steele 10/20/25 10/20/25 194 pages Kindle Nicholas and Rhys +One book 3 2023
344. One Good Thing by Arden Steele 10/20/25 10/21/25 166 pages Kindle Greyson and Jace +One book 1 2020
**abandoned Parker's Forbidden Mate by Blake R. Wolfe ** 38 pages quaffed s/b coiffed, f***ed like pigs. Really?
345. Never Too Late by HL Day 10/21/25 10/21/25 235 pages Kindle Finn and Cillian Paris Tales 1 2025
346. The Jumblies by Edward Lear 10/21/25 10/21/25 40 pages hardcover 1968
347. Bittersweet Revenge by Riley Hart 10/21/25 10/22/25 304 pages Kindle Dean and Tiernan Sins of the Father 1 2025
348. Rushing In by Alice Winters 10/22/25 10/22/25 148 pages Kindle Clyde and Bradley Aces Wild 3 2019
349. Purrfect Harmony by Arden Steele 10/22/25 10/23/25 170 pages Kindle Remi and Kol Blackhaven Manor 1 2020
**abandoned The Pretenders of Copper County by May Archer ** 146 pages
**abandoned The Bargain by Jocelynn Drake ** 167 pages
350. With One Kiss by HL Day 10/24/25 10/24/25 271 pages Kindle Laurent and Cormac Paris Tales 2 2025
**abandoned Sweet Vengeance by Riley Hart ** 236 pages
351. Bad Boy by Sammi Cee 10/26/25 10/26/25 70 pages Kindle Trickster and Colby Carousal Lounge Prequel 2021
352. Heart Strain by Michele Notaro and Sammi Cee 10/26/25 10/26/25 230 pages Kindle Holden and Jameson Interlocking Fragments 1 2019
353. Operation:OMEGA by Wolf Specter 10/26/25 10/26/25 42 pages Kindle Kyle and Clay 2015
354. Playing By the Book by Sasha Silsbury 10/26/25 10/27/25 224 pages Kindle Luke and Cal Winterstoke Wolves 1 2019
355. Under the Dragon's Spell by Ann-Katrin Byrde 10/26/25 10/27/25 189 pages Kindle Adrian and Tyrel Fires of Fate 1 2016
356. Omega Trapped by Beau Brown 10/27/25 10/28/25 304 pages Kindle Nico and Valentino MM Mafia Romance Mpreg 1 2023
357. Loren by Crea Reitan 10/28/25 10/29/25 384 pages Kindle Loren and Oakley Van Doren Book 1 2024
** abandoned Imry by Crea Reitan ** 62 pages
** abandoned His Biggest Secret by Xander Collins ** 139 pages
358. Shiver by Crea Reitan 10/29/25 10/30/25 321 pages Kindle Egon and Rakesh For Puck's Sake 1 2023
359. Broken Bond by JL Cross 10/30/25 10/31/25 126 pages Kindle Julian and Enzo Claimed in Blood 1 2025
**abandoned Promised to the Mafia Prince by Bella Bennet and Riley Sloane ** 98 pages
** abandoned Science & Jockstraps by Christina Lee ** 49 pages
360. His Secret Omega by Chani Lynn Feener 10/31/25 11/1/25 342 pages Kindle Sky and Kian 2025
361. Filthy Little Fix by Quinn Orin 11/1/25 11/2/25 368 pages Kindle Leo/Nyx and Dante Tsars of Transgression 1 2025
362. My Defiant Mate by Lexie Slater 11/2/25 11/3/25 101 pages Kindle Toby and Jionni Westbridge Mates 2 2025
363. Bet You by Neve Wilder 11/3/25 11/4/25 213 pages Kindle Spencer and Cory Franklin 4 2022
**abandoned Festive Fugitive by KA Merikan ** 121 pages
**abandoned The Dragon Boss by Anna Wineheart ** 90 pages
**abandoned The Duke's Cowboy by Andrew Grey ** 78 pages
364. Kiss My Axe by May Archer 11/4/25 11/5/25 356 pages Kindle Griffin and Beckett Axford Brothers 1 2025
**abandoned Shared by His Alphas by Madeleine Grey ** 22 pages
**abandoned Extra Credit by SoulDesire ** 73 pages
365. Hand Picked by May Archer 11/5/25 11/6/25 324 pages Kindle Luke and Webb Sunday Brothers 3 2022
366. The Hallmarked Man by Robert Galbraith narrated by Robert Glenister 9/4/25 11/6/75 Audible audio book 31 hours Cormoran Strike 8 2025
367. Mr. Romance by Louisa Masters 11/6/25 11/7/25 288 pages Kindle Charlie and Liam Franklin U 3 2022
368. Sold to the Alpha Enforcer by Bella Bennet and Riley Sloan 11/7/25 11/7/25 177 pages Kindle Finn and Ronan O'Donoghue Mafia Omegaverse 1 2025
**abandoned Omega for Sale by Beau Brown ** 182 pages
369. Gilded Cage by Quinn Seaver 11/7/25 11/8/25 227 pages Kindle Vittorio and Ethan The Syndicate 1 2025
370. Cowboys Can't Kiss by RM Neill 11/8/25 11/8/25 272 pages Kindle Jackson and Riley Kissing Ridge Cowboys 1 2025
**abandoned Claimed by the Underboss by Bella Bennet ** 50 pages
**abandoned His Biggest Secret by Xander Collins ** 139 pages
**abandoned The Alpha's Human by DJ Heart ** 200 pages not worth a review, just the # of pages read
371. Something Unavoidable by Rory Maxwell 11/09/25 11/11/25 282 pages Kindle Izzy and Keegan Split Rock Ranch 6 2024
372. Swipe Right on the Alpha by Lance Roddick 11/11/25 11/11/25 119 pages Kindle Aiden and Dylan Fur Real Love 1 2025
373. Feeding the Grump by Jax Calder 11/11/25 11/11/25 68 pages Kindle Benji and David 2025
374. Bull Riders Don't Swoon RM Neill 11/8/25 11/12/25 292 pages Kindle Jamieson and Griff Kissing Ridge Cowboys 2 2025
375. Cowboy Haven by BA Tortuga 11/11/25 11/12/25 256 pages Kindle Heath and Kolt BA's Cozy Cowboys 9 2022
**abandoned The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon ** 102 pages
376. Fakers by Lucy Lennox and May Archer 11/12/25 11/13/25 324 pages Kindle Mal and Brooks Licking Thicket 1 2020
377. ILY by Cora Rose and EM Lindsey 11/13/25 11/15/25 308 pages Kindle Leaf and Thorne Deaf Hearts 2 2025
378. Faking Ever After by Hayden Hall 11/14/25 11/15/25 226 pages Kindle Percy and Finn 2025
379. Tender by EM Lindsey 11/14/25 11/16/25 248 pages Kindle Miles, Emmett, Cosimo The Beginning of Always 4 2025
380. Snow Storm by EM Lindsey 11/16/25 11/17/25 246 pages Kindle Claude and Harley 2024
381. Seeds and Sunshine by Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga 11/17/25 11/17/25 204 pages Kindle Tate and Shiloh Wrecked Universe 3 2023
**abandoned His Moody Mechanic by Shiloh Smith ** 53 pages
**abandoned Mad For Madison by Hayden Hall ** 125 pages
382. Temptation Ranch by Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga 11/18/25 11/19/25 169 pages Kindle Strait and Tad 2021
383. Overeager by Grae Bryan 11/19/25 11/19/25 247 pages Kindle Eli and Noah Extra Credit 1 2025
384. Tilt by Emma Pattee narrated by Ariel Blake 11/7/25 11/19/25 Audible audio book 7 hours 2025
**abandoned Saddles and Snowstorms by Atreus Rosewood ** 139 pages
**abandoned Pick Up Man by Jodi Payne ** 151 pages
**abandoned For the Love of the Broken Man by Sam E Kraemer ** 30 pages
**abandoned My Boss's Boss by R. Cayden ** 147 pages
**abandoned His Little Secret by Daniel Davis ** 45 pages
385. Elevator Pitch by AM Johnson and Christina Lee 11/21/25 11/21/25 42 pages Kindle Graham and Caleb 2024
**abandoned Bound by Blood and Choice by Marian Black ** 100 pages
386. Dance of Defiance by Jagger Cole 11/21/25 11/23/25 583 pages Kindle Roman and Val 2025
**abandoned Played: Manhattan Ruthless by Sadie Kincaid ** 265 pages
387. Lessons from Cats for Surviving Fascism by Stewart "Brittlestar" Reynolds 9/7/25 11/24/25 55 pages hardcover 2025
388. Taken Off Camera by Sophie O'Dare and Lyn Forester 11/23/25 11/25/25 462 pages Kindle Micah and Sebastian Taken By His Alpha 7 2025
389. Fight or Flight by Willow Dixon 11/25/25 11/26/25 401 pages Kindle Shane and Jace Silvercrest U 3 2025 psycopath
390. Second Song by Con Riley 11/28/25 11/29/25 310 pages Kindle Rowan and Liam Second Chance School 1 2024
391. The Most Unusual Haunting of Edgar Lovejoy by Roan Parrish 11/29/25 11/30/25 366 pages Kindle Jamie and Edgar 2025
**abandoned Hot Seat by Eli Easton and Tara Lain ** 100 pages
**abandoned The Meaning of You by by Jay Hogan ** 82 pages
**abandoned Desperate to Marry by Sophie O'Dare and Lyn Forester ** 102 pages
392. Muscle and Bone by Mary Calmes 12/1/25 12/3/25 322 pages Kindle Avery and Graeme Breaking Tradition 1 2021
393. John Wilder Gets Schooled by Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey 12/3/25 12/4/25 228 pages Kindle John and Avery Goose Run 2 2025 improbable bi-awakening, great found family interactions
394. Just George by Mary Calmes 12/4/25 12/4/25 60 pages Kindle George and Kurt With George 1 2023
395. Wintering with George by Mary Calmes 12/4/25 12/4/25 120 pages Kindle George and Kurt 2 2024
396. George's Big Day by Mary Calmes 12/5/25 12/6/25 122 pages Kindle George and Kurt 3 2025
**abandoned You & I, Rewritten by Chip Pons ** 120 pages high-powered exec, bottom
397. Timing by Mary Calmes 12/6/25 12/6/25 233 pages Kindle Stefan and Rand Red Diamond Ranch 1 2022
398. Frog by Mary Calmes 12/6/25 12/7/25 162 pages Kindle Weber Cyrus 2012
399. Red Dirt Heart by NR Walker 12/7/25 12/7/25 Kindle 180 pages Charlie and Travis Red Dirt Heart Book 1 2014
400. More than Life by Mary Calmes 12/7/25 12/8/25 348 pages Kindle Hart and Morgan 2020
401. Deviant by Cora Rose and Lark Taylor 12/8/25 12/9/25 312 pages Kindle Ansel and Cade The Firm Book 2 2025
402. Sixty Five Hours by NR Walker Kindle 12/9/25 12/9/25 182 pages 182 pages Kindle Cameron and Lucas 2015
403. Yellowface by RF Kuang 11/11/25 12/13/25 318 pages Kindle 2023
404. Ice Around the Edges by Mary Calmes 12/11/25 12/11/25 56 pages Kindle Evan and Dixon 2024
405. Claimed by the French Mafia Boss by WR Vale 12/11/25 12/12/25 290 pages Kindle Gabriel and Alexandre Sugar & Sin 1 2025
**abandoned Trust Fund Baby by Aiden Bates ** 107 pages
406. Christmas Mafia Prince by KA Merikan 12/13/25 12/14/25 268 pages Kindle Damen and Killian The Naughty List 1 2025
407. Murder Under the Mistletoe by RS McKenzie and Lee McCormick 12/14/25 12/15/25 148 pages Kindle Streeter and Remington The Naughty List 4 2025
408. Heir's Reluctant Witness by SD Baraiya 12/15/25 12/16/25 221 pages Kindle Eli and Nico Graveport 1 2025
409. Omega Kidnapped by SC Wynne Kindle 12/16/25 12/18/25 285 pages Kindle Carter and Jack Bad Guys and Babies 1 2019
**abandoned Bent Not Broken by Ki Brightly ** 135 pages
**abandoned Not My Groom by Devon Doe ** 217 pages
**abandoned Run Boy, Run by RJ Raze ** 95 pages
410. Not That Guy by Felice Stevens 12/19/25 12/20/25 278 pages Kindle Weston and Brenner Unpredictable 1 2025 own
411. Slightly Foxed - but still desirable: Ronald Searle's wicked world of Book Collecting by Ronald Searle 12/21/25 12/21/25 128 pages hardcover 1989
412. The Fake Christmas Boyfriend by Rose J Hogan 12/21/25 12/21/25 238 pages Kindle Rhys and Leo 2025 abandoned in the cottage by staff? too many ... ... ...s mine
413. My Partner the Wolf by Hollis Shiloh 12/22/25 12/23/25 258 pages Kindle Tom and Sean Shifters and Partners 1 2014
414. Whispers of Home by AL Kelly 12/23/25 12/24/25 220 pages Kindle Jaron and Travis Picklevile 1 2019
415. Omega's Formula by Sasha Silsbury 12/24/25 12/25/25 265 pages Kindle Nolan and Erik Prime Match 4 2025
**abandoned Jilted by LA Witt ** 172 pages
**abandoned ILYSM by Leslie McAdam, JE Birk Rachel Ember** abandoned 140 pages
416. Rule Breaker by Lily Morton 12/25/25 12/26/25 276 pages Kindle *reread* Dylan and Gabe Mixed Messages 1 2017
417. Rumor Has It by Crea Reitan 12/26/25 12/28/25 338 pages Kindle Dak and Sparrow Longwood U 1 2024
418. The Room I Paid For by Crea Reitan 12/28/25 12/28/25 82 pages Kindle Edries and Gabe 2025 mine
419. Killer Crush by Onley James 12/29/25 12/30/25 83 pages Kindle Cade and Tris Kiss. Kill. Repeat 1 2025 KU
**abandoned Chained By Fate by Kira M Rose ** 102 pages
**abandoned Hell Creek Boys by Atreus Rosewood** 134 pages

adds - 306 last year

1. Audible - Silk & Sand by Katherine Diane
2. Audible - Crossroads by Riley Hart
3. Audible - Guns 'n Boys by KA Merikan
4. Kindle - Colonel Chabert by Honoré de Balzac
5. FoCCL - The Complete Parallel Bible with the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books published by the Oxford University Press
6. FoCCL - Cicero Select Letters Volume I
7. FoCCL - Cicero Select Letters Volume II
8. Audible - Hard to Let Go by Jaclyn Quinn
9. Amazon - All of Us Strangers by Taichi Yamada
10. FoCCL - Introduction to Islam by Frederick Matthewson Denny Fourth Edition
11. FoCCL - French in 10 minutes a day by Kristine Kershul
12. Kindle - Commitment Issues by Bradley Brady
13. Kindle - Dead Draw by Layla Reyne
14. Kindle - Toward Eternity by Anton Hur
15. FoCCL - Sir John Dering by Jeffery Farnol - sad copy needed a good home
16. Karen - The Writing of the Gods: The Race to Decode the Rosetta Stone by Edward Dolnick
17. Karen - Marsupial Frogs by William E Duellman
18. Re-added from being culled - The Future by Naomi Alderman
19. Re-added from being culled - Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
20. Audible - One Man's Trash by Marie Sexton narrated by John Solo
21. Kindle - Save Me by Beck Grey
22. Kindle - The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
23. Amazon - The Poems of Catullus: A Bilingual Edition by Gaius Valerius Catullus (Author), Peter Green (Translator)
24. Audible - Wilmington's Lie: The Murderous Coup of 1898 and the Rise of White Supremacy by David Zucchino
25. Audible - Hard to Let Go by Jaclyn Quinn
and thus ends January's acquisitions, to be reviewed later in case I missed any.

26. FoCCL - How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci by Michael J. Gelb
27. FoCCL - The How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci Workbook by Michael J. Gelb
28. FoCCL - The New American Bible by the Catholic Bible Publishers
29. Audible - Getting Lucky by Daryl Banner
30. FoCCL - The Hunter by Tana French
31. In House - The Calvert Party Encyclopedia by Calvert Distillers Company
32. In House - We Made It! Recipes from Aunt and Uncle's 50th Wedding Anniversary
33. In House - Collection Seventeen Kitchen Pamphlets
34. FoCCL - In Too Deep by Lee Child and Andrew Child
35. FoCCL - The Cask by Freeman Wills Crofts
36. FoCCL - Great Stories of All Nations ed by Maxim Lieber
37. FoCCL - The Bedside Book of Famous American Stories ed by Angus Burrell and Bennett A. Cerf
38. FoCCL - Time Travel: A History by James Gleick
39. Amazon - Bonded in Death by JD Robb
40. Kindle - The Best Strangers in the World: Stories from a Life Spent Listening by Ari Shapiro
41. FoCCL - Starborn by Roberto Trotta
42. FoCCL - A Reading Diary by Alberto Manguel
43. FoCCL - Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris
44. FoCCL - When Will there Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson
45. FoCCL - Beloved by Toni Morrison
46. Amazon - The Library at Night
57. Kindle - Taken By My Dad's Bodyguard by Candace Lark
58. FoCCL - The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu translated by Royall Tyler 2 vol set, slipcased
59. Kindle - Chased by the Alpha by Summer Aspen
60. Audible - Treasure Trail by Morgan Brice
61. FoCCL book sale - The Lost Art of Scripture: Rescuing the Sacred Texts by Karen Armstrong
62. FoCCL book sale - Mirage: Napoleon's Scientists and the Unveiling of Egypt by Nina Burleigh
63. FoCCL book sale - The Great Chiefs by Benjamin Capps
64. FoCCL book sale - Farewell, My Lovely by Raymond Chandler
65. FoCCL book sale - Bloodless by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
66. FoCCL book sale - Eternelle egypte by Collectif
67. FoCCL book sale - Early Middle Ages by Philip Daileader
68. FoCCL book sale - The High Middle Ages by Philip Daileader
69. FoCCL book sale - The Late Middle Ages by Philip Daileader
70. FoCCL book sale - Who Were the Celts? Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Celts 1000 B.C. to the Present by Kevin Duffy
71. FoCCL book sale - The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Workbook: Guided Practice in the Five Basic Skills of Drawing by Betty Edwards
72. FoCCL book sale - Ephesus by Selahattin Erdemgil
73. FoCCL book sale - Bad Actors by Mick Herron
74. FoCCL book sale - Joe Country by Mick Herron
75. FoCCL book sale - London Rules by Mick Herron
76. FoCCL book sale - Real Tigers by Mick Herron
77. FoCCL book sale - Slough House by Mick Herron
78. FoCCL book sale - Spook Street by Mick Herron
79. FoCCL book sale - dot.dead by keith.raffel
80. FoCCL book sale - The Great Book of King Arthur: and His Knights of the Round Table by John Matthews
81. FoCCL book sale - A Pocket Guide to the Identification of First Editions by William M. McBride
82. FoCCL book sale - Mother London by Michael Moorecock
83. FoCCL book sale - Homemade Cookies by Nell B. Nichols
84. FoCCL book sale - Egyptian Antiquities in the Hermitage by B. Piotrovsky
85. FoCCL book sale - The Pyramids and Sphinx by Desmond Stewart
86. FoCCL book sale - Three Aces by Rex Stout
87. FoCCL book sale - The Chicago Record Prize Cook Book: Seasonable, Inexpensive Bills of Fare for Every Day in the Year by The Chicago Record Co.
88. FoCCL book sale - The Philosophers' Quarrel: Rousseau, Hume, and the Limits of Human Understanding by Robert Zaretsky
89. FoCCL book sale - The Holy Bible Red Letter Edition, KJV
90. Peggy - The Gold Bat and Other School Stories by PG Wodehouse
91. Peggy - Losing Battles by Eudora Welty
92. Peggy - The Matriarch by GB Stern
93. Peggy - The Basil and Josephine Stories by F Scott Fitzgerald
94. Peggy - The Friendly Young Ladies by Mary Renault
95. Peggy - We That Were Young by Irene Rathbone
96. Peggy - Four In Hand by Sylvia Townsend Warner
97. Peggy - Uncommon Clay by Margaret Maron
98. Peggy - Patriots: The Men Who Started the American Revolution by AJ Langguth
99. FoCCL - Tutankhamun by TGH James
100. FoCCL - Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly
101. Amazon - Between the Devil and the Sea by Chani Lynn Feener audio book
** Jan - Mar
102-109. Kindle - Mated to the Alpha Series, books 1-8 by Rosa Swann and Wolf Specter
110. FoCCL - The Book of Knowledge: The Keys of Enoch by JJ Hurtak
111. FoCCL - Wah'Kon-Tah by John Joseph Mathews
112. Amazon - The Spy in Moscow Station by Eric Haseltine
113. Kindle - Emmaline The Orphan of the Castle by Charlotte Turner Smith
114. FoCCL friend - Honor, the Duel, and Indiscretion: The Life of Elizabeth "Betsey" Pollock Deveraux Jones (1818 - 1879) by W. Davenport Robertson
115. Audible - Unspoken Vow by Eden Finley
116. At the House - Rome Past and Present with Reconstructions of Ancient Monuments
117. FoCCL - The End of Everything: (Astrophysically Speaking) by Katie Mack
118. FoCCL - The Man in Black & Other Stories by Ellie Griffiths
118. Amazon - Launching LBJ: How a Kennedy Insider Helped Define Johnson's Presidency by Helen O'Donnell
119. Amazon - Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake
120. Audible - Back Piece by LA Witt
121. Kindle - Slow Heat by Leta Blake
122. Audible - Paris Trout by Peter Dexter
123. FoCCL - Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit
124. FoCCL - The Early American Cookbook by Dr. Kristie Lynn and Robert W. Pelton
125. Kindle - Finding Finn by Kiki Burrelli
126. Amazon - Baking Across America by B. Dylan Hollis
127. McIntyre's Donations - Berlin Atomized by Julia Kornberg
128. McIntyre's Donations - Hiroshima by M.G. Sheftall
129. McIntyre's Donations - Mis Kim Knows by Cho Nam-Joo
130. McIntyre's Donations - Butter by Asako Yuzuki
131. McIntyre's Donations - Don't Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen
132. McIntyre's Donations - Son of the Old West by Nathan Ward
133. FoCCL - One Rare Book by Henry R. Wagner
134. FoCCL - Colonial Virginians at Play by Jane Carson
135. FoCCL - Zamorano Club & Roxburghe Club Roster 1955
136. FoCCL - On Crisis by Thomas Paine
137. McIntyre's Donations - Making the Best of What's Left by Judith Viorst
138. McIntyre's Donations - Lolly Willowes by Sylvia Townsend Sarner
139. McIntyre's Donations - The Army of the Potomac Trilogy by Bruce Catton
140. McIntyre's Donations - A Year of Compassion by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
141. Retreat - Charlotte's Web by EB White
142. McIntyre's Donations - Hell Put to Shame by Earl Swift
143. McIntyre's Donations - The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians
144. McIntyre's Donations - Assassins Anonymous by Rob Hart
145. McIntyre's Donations - Tower of God by SIU
146. Audible - Invitation to the Blues by Roan Parrish
146. Audible - Shadow Country by Peter Matthiessen
147. Amazon - Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
148. FoCCL - The Smithsonian Guide to Historic America: The Carolinas and the Appalachian States, circa 1989
149. FoCCL - Totems: The Transformative Power of Your Personal Animal Totem by Brad Steiger
150. FoCCL - Concerning Them Which Are Asleep by John O Means
151. FoCCL- Thinkers - Be Seated! Booklet #6 by T.A. Dedowitz, Ocracoke, NC
152. Amazon - How to Read a Book by Monica Wood
153. Amazon - Pioneer Summer by Elena Malisova & Kateryna Sylvanova
154. Amazon - There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
155. Kindle - Hot Roommate Blues by Parker Avrile
156. Audible - Five Tuesdays in Winter by Lily Kind
157. Kindle - The Awakening and Selected Stories by Kate Chopin
158. FoCCL - Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness by Peter Godfrey-Smith
159. FoCCL - The Women by Kristyn Hannah
160. Kindle - Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
161. Amazon - Something to Hide by Elizabeth George
162. Audible - Heteroflexible by Darryl Banner
163. Audible - Freddy Goes to Florida by Walter Brooks
164. FoCCL - Miscellaneous Writings of the Late Samuel J. Smith, of Burlington, N. J. Collected by Members of the Family
165. FoCCL Handbook of Pictorial Symbols by Rudolph Modley
166. Audible - The Riddle of the Labyrinth: The Quest to Crack an Ancient Code by Margalit Fox
167. Amazon - Taste History by Max Miller
168. Audible - Let Your Hearts Be Light by Fae Quin
169. FoCCL - The Southerner's Handbook: A Guide to Living the Good Life by the Editors of Garden&Gun
170. Kindle - His Shy Omega by Eva Lyra
171. FoCCL - Brave the Wild River: The Untold Story of Two Women Who Mapped the Botany of the Grand Canyon by Melissa Sevigny
172. Edith A. Waters: December 11, 1915 - October 27, 2013 Posthumously and by Family
173. Audible - Without You by Marley Valentine
174. Friend Karen - A Place for Everything by Judith Flanders
175. Friend Karen - The Constitution and the Supreme Court: A Documentary History edited by Louis H. Pollak
176. Friend Karen - Mongrel Nation by Clarence E. Walker
177. Friend Karen - Book of the Little Axe by Lauren Francis-Sharma
178. Friend Karen - The Last Jews of Kerala by Edna Fernandes
179. Audible - The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green
180. FoCCL - The Bestiary of Tolouse-Lautrec
181. FoCCL - The New Oxford Annotated Bible With the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books (New Revised Standard) - editor Bruce M. Metzger
182. FoCCL The Waiting by Michael Connelly
183. FoCCL - The Tomb of Tutankhamen by Howard Carter
184. Kindle - Pastel by Georgette Heyer
185. Amazon - Algospeak: How Social Media Is Transforming the Future of Language by Adam Aleksic
186. Audible - Hunter's Creek by Victoria Sue
187. Audible - Mislaid by Nell Zink
188. FoCCL - The Days Are Just Packed by Bill Watterson
189. FoCCL - Life on the Mississippi by Mark Twain
190. Audible - The Road to Blissville Boxed Set 1-3 by Aimee Nicole Walker
191. Audible - Hunter's Creek by Victoria Sue
192. FoCCL - Sappho and Alcaeus: An Introduction to the Study of Ancient Lesbian Poetry by Denys Page
193. Amazon - Gamelife: A Memoir by Michael W Clune
194. FoCCL - Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie
195. Audible - Shame by Salman Rushdie
196. Audible - Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie
197. Audible - The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie
198. The Lonely Ones by William Steig
199. Dragonbreath: Curse of the Were-Wiener by Ursula Vernon
200. Why Pandas Do Handstands and Other Truths About Animals by Augustus Brown
201. Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe - an edition published in the last 1920s
202. The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks - just because
203. Why Grizzly Bears Should Wear Underpants by The Oatmeal
204. The Photographic I Ching, a new interpretation by Dhiresha McCarver photos by Gary Woods
205. A Medieval Life: Cecilia Penifader of Brigstock, c. 1295-1344 by Judith Bennett
206. Audible - Soft Place to Fall BA Tortuga
207. Amazon - Threads of Empire: A History of the World in Twelve Carpets by Dorothy Armstrong
208. Audible - Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto by Vine Deloria Jr.
209. FoCCL - Origami With Dollar Bills: Another Way To Impress People With Your Money! by Duy Nguyen
210. FoCCL - Origami by Anne Akers Johnson
211. FoCCL - Low-Hanging Fruit: Sparkling Whines, Champagne Problems, and Pressing Issues from My Gay Agenda by Randy Rainbow
212. FoCCL - The Complete Christie: An Agatha Christie Encyclopedia by Matthew Bunson
213. Amazon - The Boy Between Worlds: A Biography by Annejet van der Zijl
214. Audible - Keeping Promises by Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga
215 - 251. Jenna's books 2025
252. FoCCL - The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
253. Audible - Let Me Show You by Becca Seymour
254. Jenna's Books - Quiddich Through The Ages by JK Rowling
255. Jenna's Books - Let's Enjoy Origami in English and Japanese by Makoto, Yamaguchi
256. Jenna's Books - They Went into the Fight Cheering: Confederate Conscription in North Carolina by Walter Carrington Hilderman
257. Kindle - The Ballad of Reading Gaol by Oscar Wilde
258. Audible - Headstrong by Eden Finley
259. Audible - Unforgiven by Ruth Clampett
260. Audible - Honeymoon For One by Keira Andrews
261. Kindle - The Benson Murder Case by SS Van Dine
262. Kindle - Culpability by Bruce Holsinger
263. Amazon - The Hallmarked Man by Robert Galbraith
274. Audible - The Hallmarked Man by Robert Galbraith
275. Peggy - Lessons from Cats for Surviving Fascism by Stewart "Brittlestar" Reynolds
276. Audible - Becoming Kin: An Indigenous Call to Unforgetting the Past and Reimagining Our Future by Patty Krawec
277. FoCCL - The Complete Peanuts 1950-1954 Box Set by Charles M. Schultz
278. FoCCL - The Complete Short Stories of Saki by Saki
279. FoCCL - Black Death at the Golden Gate by David K. Randatz
280. FoCCL - God Is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World--and Why Their Differences Matter by Stephen Prothero
281. FoCCL - From Spanish Court to Italian Ghetto Isaac Cardoso: A Study in Seventeenth-Century Marranism and Jewish Apologetics by Yosef Hayim Yerushalmi
282. FoCCL - Not in God's Name: Confronting Religious Violence by Jonathan Sacks
283. FoCCL - How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith
284. FoCCL - The Bible as History: A Confirmation of the Book of Books by Werner Keller
285. FoCCL - 1952 the Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church According to the Use of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Usa Together with the by John Wallace Suter
286. FoCCL - Journal of a Lady of Quality; Being the Narrative of a Journey from Scotland to the West Indies, North Carolina, and Portugal, in the years 1774 to 1776. by Janet Schaw
287. FoCCL - With Lee in Virginia. A Story of the American Civil War. by GA Henty
288. FoCCL - Elaine Bracket and the Dragon King by Elsa B Trotman
289. FoCCL - Perry Mason in the Case of- The Glamorous Ghost / Terrified Typist / Lucky Loser / Screaming Woman / Long-Legged Models / The Foot-Loose Doll / The Waylaid Wolf by Erle Stanley Gardner
290. FoCCL - Death by Chocolate Cakes: An Astonishing Array of Chocolate Enchantments by Marcel Desaulniers
291. FoCCL - American Classics: More Than 300 Exhaustively Tested Recipes For America's Favorite Dishes by Editors of Cook's Illustrated Magazine
292. FoCCL - To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
293. FoCCL - Killingly by Katharine Beutner
294. FoCCL - Revelations by Elaine Pagels
295. FoCCL - Truth and Fiction in The Da Vinci Code by Bart D. Ehrman
296. FoCCL - God's Problem by Bart D. Ehrman
297. Kindle - Hidden Pieces by Mary Keliikoa
298. Kindle - The Future by Naomi Alderman
299. FoCCL - The Jumblies by Edward Lear Drawings by Edward Gorey
300. FoCCL - Hitler's Last Days: The Death of the Nazi Regime and the World's Most Notorious Dictator by Bill O'Reilly
301. FoCCL - Korean Cultural Potpourri by Jeon Kyu-tae
302. FoCCL - The American Civil War by Professor Gary W. Gallagher audio book
303. Kindle - His Biggest Secret by Xander Collins
304. FoCCL - Lewis & Clark: Voyage of Discovery by Stephen E. Ambrose
305. Audible - Tilt by Emma Partee
306. Kindle - Cowboy Haven by BA Tortuga
307. Jenna's Books - The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám
308. Kindle - Soft Burial by Fang Fang
309. eBay - Slightly Foxed - but still desirable by Ronald Searle
310-319. FoCCL The Photographic History of the Civil War in Ten Volumes, editor in chief Francis Trevelyan Miller
320. Amazon - Radical Antiquity by Christopher B Zeichmann
321. FoCCL - The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus by Amy-Jill Levine
322. Kindle - His Little Secret by Daniel Davis
323. Kindle - His Little Secret 2 by Daniel Davis
324. Audible - The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
325. Kindle - Feinted Love by Elle Keaton
326. Kindle - The Most Unusual Haunting of Edgar Lovejoy by Roan Parrish
327. Kindle - His Coffee Shop Crush by Elle Waters
328. Kindle - The Lumbee Indians: An American Struggle by Malinda Maynor Lowery
329. Audible - Salvagia by Tim Chawaga
330. FoCCL - Crime Wave: Reportage and Fiction from the Underside of L.A. by James Ellroy
331. FoCCL - Jane Austen: Obstinate Heart by Valerie Grosvenor Myer
332. Kindle - Sixty Five Hours by NR Walker
333. Jenna's Books - Origami by Makiko Ikeda
334. Amazon - London's Lost Rivers by Paul Talling
335. Jenna's Books - The Frog and Toad Treasury by Arnold Lobel
336. FoCCL - Chocolate: The Consuming Passion by Sandra Boynton
337. FoCCL - The Italian Cookbook by Staff Home Economists of the Culinary Arts Institute
338. FoCCL - The Templars by Piers Paul Read
339. Kindle - Not That Guy by Felice Stevens
340. Kindle - Kill Your Darlings by Josh Lanyon
341. Kindle - My Partner the Wolf by Hollis Shiloh
342. Kindle - My Partner and Me by Hollis Shiloh
343. FoCCL - The Boston Cooking School Cook Book by Fannie Merritt Farmer
344. FoCCL - Pies from Amish and Mennonite kitchens edited by Phyllis Pellman Good and Rachel Thomas Pellan
345. FoCCL - The Silent Hostess Treasure Book by the Electric Refrigeration Department General Electric Company
346. FoCCL - Learn to Bake by General Foods Corp.
347. FoCCL - Dormeyer Electric Mix Treasures by Dormeyer Mixer
348. FoCCL - Good Housekeeping's Cake Book by the editors of Good Housekeeping Magazine
349. FoCCL - Recipes of All Nations by Countess Morphy
350. Kindle - The Fake Christmas Boyfriend by Rose J Hogan
351. Kindle - Somebody Killed His Editor by Josh Lanyon
352. FoCCL - Skywriting by Word of Mouth by John Lennon
353. Found - one of Bill's Mama's Bibles - Holy Bible
354. Karen - Courting India by Nandini Das
355. Karen - Wet Pussies: Hilarious Snaps of Damp Cats by Charlie Ellis
356. Karen - Big Cocks: Hilarious Snaps of Prominent Poultry by Charlie Ellis
357. Karen - Songbirds & Stray Dogs by Meagan Lucas
358. Karen - Lincoln: A Life of Purpose and Power by Richard Carwardine
359. Karen - Egypt and the Ancient Near East by The Metropolitan Museum of Art
360. Kindle - The Room I Paid For by Crea Reitan
361. Amazon - Butter by Asako Yuzuki - duplicate, darn it

culls - 219 last year

1. Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky
2. Impulse & Initiative by Abigail Reynolds
3. Prayers for Peace by Karen Blincoe
4. The Southerner's Book of Lists by Jim Erskine
5. Boundaries and Protection by Pixie Lighthorse
6. Better Homes and Gardens Crockery Cookbook
7. Lean and Lovin' It by Don Mauer
8. In the Kitchen with Rosie by Rosie Daley
9. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
10. Touchstone by Laurie R. King
11. A Fearsome Doubt by Charles Todd
12. Uh-Oh by Robert Fulghum
13. It Was On Fire When I Lay Down On It by Robert Fulghum
14. Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear
15. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
16. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
17. Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife by Linda Berdoll
18. Darcy & Elizabeth by Linda Berdoll
19. Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett
20. Stardust by Neil Gaiman
21. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
22. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman - yes, duplicate
23. Smoke and Mirrors by Neil Gaiman
24. Justice Hall by Laurie R. King
25. The End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
26. Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman
27. All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
28. Seabiscuit by Laura Hillengrand
29. We Keep the Dead Close by Becky Cooper
30. In The Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick
31. Spying on the South by Tony Horwitz
32. Mother London by Michael Moorcock - duplicate, new copy in better condition
33. The Defector by Daniel Silva
34. The Messenger by Daniel Silva
35. Prince of Fire by Daniel Silva
36. The Heist by Daniel Silva
37. The Rembrandt Affair by Daniel Silva
38. The English Spy by Daniel Silva
39. The Unlikely Spy by Daniel Silva
40. Portrait of a Spy by Daniel Silva
41. Moscow Rules by Daniel Silva
42. The Kill Artist by Daniel Silva
43. Mrs. Mike by Benedict Freedman
44. Ships by Enzo Angelucci
45. Rumford Complete Cook Book by Lily Haxworth Wallace - 1935 edition
46. The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly abridged CDs
47. Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee unabridged CDs
48. Doctor Sleep by Stephen King unabridged CDs
49. Dress Yuor Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris unabridged CDs
50. Classic Tales of Espionage and Suspense by Graham Greene
51. Astaire: The Man, the Dancer by Bob Thomas
52. The Old Devils by Kinsley Amis
53. John Adams by David McCullough
54. Taking on the World by Robert W. Merry
55. Angels & Insects by AS Byatt
56. Rosslyn by Tim Wallace-Murphy & Marilyn Hopkins
57. Murder at the Library of Congress by Margaret Truman
58. The Lonely Dwarf by Rosemary Lamkey
59. Friends to the End by Bradley Trevor Greive
60. The Silent World of Nicholas Quinn by Colin Dexter
70. Mortal Sins by Penn Williamson
71. Greg Hildebrandt's Favorite Fairy Tales
72. Mother London by Michael Moorcock
73. Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali
74. Chelsea Mansions by Barry Maitland
75. Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter
76. The Kept Woman by Karin Slaughter
77. The Jackal Man by Kate Ellis
78. The Green Knight by Iris Murdoch
79. Marrying the Mistress by Joann Trollope
80. The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters
81. Cheri and the Last of Cheri by Colette
82. A Game of Thrones by George RR Martin
83. Eeny Meeny by MJ Arlidge
84. Aftermath by Clara Kensie
85. Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan
86. The Last Samurai by Helen DeWitt
87. A Cup of Light by Nicole Mones
88. Haunted Ground by Erin Hart
89. WC Fields & Me by Carlotta Monti
90. Tell Me No Lies by Elizabeth Lowell
91. Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee
92-94. His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman
95. Little Bitty Lies by Mary Kay Andrews
96. Savanah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews
97. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
100. The Gun Runner's Daughter by Neil Gordon
101. Mother Tongue by Bill Bryson
102. Venus by Jane Feather
103. Vice by Jane Feather
104. Velvet by Jane Feather
105. Vixen by Jane Feather
106. Politically Correct Bedtime Stories by James Finn Garner
107. Once Upon a More Enlightened Time by James Finn Garner
108. Close to You by Christina Dodd
109. Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child by Bob Spitz
110-121. Poldark Series by Winston Graham
122. Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris
123. Molly Ivins Can't Say That, Can She? by Molly Ivins
124. Mother Goose Illustrated by Arthur Rackham
125. A Treasury of American Folklore: Stories, Ballads, and Traditions of the People by B.A. Botkin
126. Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalier
127. Astray by Emma Donoghue
128. I Am Charlotte Simmons by Tom Wolfe
129. Eragon by Christopher Paolini
130. The Dark Wood Wandering by Hella S Haasse
131. Bring Me The Head Of Willy The Mailboy! by Scott Adams
132. The Children's Book of Virtues edited by William J. Bennett
133. I'm Too Young To Be Seventy: And Other Delusions by Judith Viorst
134. Tar Heels: Five Points in the Record of North Carolina in the Great War of 1861-5 by Patrick A Schroeder
135. Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie
136. Origami with Dollar Bills by Duy Nguyen
137. Hissy Fit by Mary Kay Andrews
138. The Master of All Desires by Judith Merkle Riley
139. Three Complete Novels by Lawrence Sanders
140. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab
141. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
142. Ladies' Night by Mary Kay Andrews
143. Silk by Alessandro Baricco
144. Lucy's Child by Donald Johanson
145. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
146. Darwin's Blade by Dan Simmons
147. The Road to Little Dribbling by Bill Bryson
148. Seveneves by Neal Stephenson
149. The Historian by Elizabeth Kosova
150. The Boy Between Worlds by Annejet van der Zijl
151. Low Hanging Fruit by Randy Rainbow
152. The Photographic I Ching
153. Hungry Girl 200 Under 200 by Lisa Lillien
154. Instant Pot For Two Cookbook by Alice Newman
155. How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman
156. The Origin of Humankind by Richard Leakey
157. The Origin of the Universe by John D. Barrow
158. The Intern by Gabrielle Tozer
159. The Shadow Knows by Diane Johnson
160. The Origins of Intellect by John L Phillips, Jr
161. Great Racing Stories by Dick Francis and John Welcome
162. Becoming by Michelle Obama
163. Handbook of Pictorial Symbols by Rudolf Modley
164. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
165. Kraken by China Mieville
166. Insatiable by Meg Cabot
167. The Ringed Castle by Dorothy Dunnett
168. The Disorderly Knights by Dorothy Dunnett
169. The House at Riverton by Kate Morton
170. Jeeves and the Wedding Bells by Sebastian Faulks
171. The Kings and Queens of England by Jane Murray
172. King of the Confessors by Thomas Hoving
173. The Fresco by Sheri S Tepper
174. The Music of the Spheres by Elizabeth Redfern
175. Tilt by Nicholas Shrady
176. I Am America (And So Can You!) by Stephen Colbert
177. Good Will Hunting by Matt Damon & Ben Affleck
178. Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty
179. Charm City by Laura Lippman
180. The Distant Echo by Val McDermid
181. A Regency Christmas IV
182. A Regency Christmas
183. Baltimore Blues by Laura Lippman
184. Smilla's Sense of Snow by Peter Hoeg
185. Hen's Teeth and Horse's Toes by Stephen Jay Gould
186. Alive by Piers Paul Read
187. The Last Place by Laura Lippman
188. True Evil by Greg Iles
189. A Man Lay Dead by Ngaio Marsh
190. A Darker Domain by Val McDermid
191. A Taste for Death
192. The Panda's Thumb by Stephen Jay Gould
193. Slightly Foxed - but still desirable by Ronald Searle

YTD Statistics through October

359 books read
332.5 ebooks, 20 audio books, 6.5 paper books
84024 pages in completed books
175.5 hours in completed audio books
144 books abandoned, 16071 pages abandoned, 26.5 hours abandoned

100095 total pages read

Avg pages read per day, incl books abandoned: YTD = 329
Avg pages read per book, only those completed: YTD = 234

Book(s) of the Month:
The Future by Naomi Alderman
Loren by Crea Reitan

Books by Month
January: 26 books read - 18 ebooks, 4 audio books, 5 paper books
February: 24 books read - 21 ebooks, 4 audio books, 0 paper books
March: 36 books read - 34 e-books, 1 audio book, 1 paper book
April: 37 books read - 35 e-books, 2 audio books, 0 paper books
May: 43 books read - 41 e-books, 2 audio books, 1 paper book
June: 37 books read - 35 e-books, 2 audio books, 0 paper books
July: 39 books read - 37 e-books, 2 audio books, 0 paper books
August: 42 books read - 37 e-books, 5 audio books, 0 paper books
September: 30 books read - 30 e-books, 0 audio books, 0 paper books
October: 43 e-books read, 0 audio books, 2 paper books

Author
Male 10%
Female 71%
Undeclared * 17%
Non-Binary 2%
* - can't find info anywhere

Living 99%
Dead 1%

US Born 32%
Foreign Born 13%
Undeclared * 55%
* - can't find info anywhere

Medium
Audio Book 6%
e-Book 92%
Paper Book 2%

Source
My Library 11%
Library 0%
Kindle Unlimited 89%
Borrowed 0%

Misc
Galley Proof 0%
Re-read 3%
Series 78%

Fiction 99%
NonFiction 1%

Author Birth Country
Australia 3%
Britain 1%
Canada 3%
Czechoslovakia 1%
England 2%
Finland 1%
Germany 1%
Grenada 1%
Netherlands 1%
New Zealand 4%
Nigeria 1%
Puerto Rico 1%
Scotland 1%
UK 2%
Undeclared * 48%
US 28%
Wales 1%
* - can't find info anywhere

Original Decade Published
1870-1879 1%
1940-1949 1%
1990-1999 1%
2010-2019 19%
2020-2025 78%

Genre
Contemporary Fiction 1%
Crime Fiction 1%
Historical Fiction 1%
History 1%
Humor 1%
Informational Nonfiction 1%
Memoir 1%
MM/MMM/MMMM Romance 93%

Average Rating
0.5 3
2.0 - Bad 10
2.5 - Average 20
3.0 - Good 33
3.5 - Very Good 96
4.0 - Excellent 162
4.5 - Outstanding 34
5 - Masterpiece 1

Average Rating 3.66
Books acquired YTD (last year 306) 304
Books culled YTD (last year 219) 155

5895 books cataloged on 12/31/24

October Lightning Round

Any in bold are NOT MM romances, few and far between as they are.

Quite a few of the smut books have warnings about triggers that I don’t mention here. Caveat emptor re triggers if you want to dip your toes in.

I’m Your Guy by Sarina Bowen 9/29/25 10/1/25 341 pages Kindle

Amazon blurbs are sometimes stupid and sometimes provocative. The ones that use the word “Oops” usually irritate me, but this one intrigued me because an NHL hockey player and a twink meet up when Tommaso is trying to buy a sofa, I was intrigued. And since it’s Sarina Bowen, chances were that I’d like it.

TOMMASO
The furniture district is my personal hell. I don’t know my ass from an ottoman. But when a hot designer comes to my rescue, I realize my problems are bigger than the house I’m trying to furnish.
A scorching kiss over fabric samples makes me question all my choices. But is it too late to change my entire life to get more of them?
CARTER
I need this gig, but my cocky new client leaves out a couple crucial details:
He doesn’t mention that he's a famous hockey player. And he doesn’t own up to the way he’s always trying to undress me with his dark, broody eyes.
The man throws out more mixed signals than a broken traffic light. I've never been more sexually frustrated in my entire life. I need to back away before I do something stupid, like lose my heart.
Oops. Too late.

Their chemistry is off the charts, their snarky banter, too. Carter’s bubbly personality offsets Tommaso’s broody seriousness. It works, of course, and after Carter learns enough about hockey to at least cheer in the stands and become a WAG – wives and girlfriends now wives and guys – things end up with their HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

Last Guy on Earth by Sarina Bowen 10/1/25 10/2/25 364 pages Kindle

Clay is the youngest coach in the majors, Jethro is the most decorated goalie in the NHL. The powers that be trade Jethro to Clay’s team. Jethro is devastated – feeling rejected, moving his nephew and father after 14 years at his previous club. Clay is devastated because he and Jethro were roommates in college and were secret lovers. They both bring a lot of anger and fear to this new situation. They live in the same apartment complex, and one night a cupcake crisis has Jethro remembering that Clay was a great cook and baker. A phone call, the ice was broken, and they secretly start seeing each other. They get their HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

The Understatement of the Year by 10/2/25 10/3/25 296 pages Kindle

Rikker and Graham met in middle school and become best friends. In high school, they start experimenting. One night, they are seen kissing in public, four trolls attack Rikker, and rather than staying, Graham runs. Rikker ends up in the hospital and Graham never visits him. Rikker goes to live with his grandmother in another state. Fast forward. Rikker is outed because his college kicks him out (Catholic). Graham is deeply in the closet, even in denial. Rikker joins the hockey team at Graham’s college. Graham won’t even acknowledge him. Over time, they have sort of a truce, are still attracted to each other. Rikker’s out, but Graham is deathly afraid of admitting he’s gay to himself, much less Rikker, his family, his team. We learn more about the events that sent Rikker away, see how it affected them both deeply. Graham slowly comes to realize that he’s gay, and he and Rikker start seeing each other secretly in Graham’s dorm room. Graham gets clobbered at a match and is carted off unconscious. He has a concussion. The coach, the team manager, and a few of the players wait in the ER. Graham keeps asking for Rikker, shouting his name. It’s a terrible time for everybody. The get their hard-won HEA. Back and forth between high school and the present day, the dual timeline worked well. The characters were sympathetic (except for the trolls) and well written. I really felt for Rikker and Graham. Caveat emptor re sex.

Sinner by Chani Lynn Feener 10/3/25 10/3/25 285 pages Kindle

Fourth and final book in the Demons of Foxglove Grove series has Nix, Lake, West, and Yejun still dealing with threats, Lake’s planned crowning, and Nix and Yejun’s needing to bond yet both feeling fragile from events of a previous book where Yejun abused Nix. I really wanted to like this because the first three were lots of action and we were still learning about them. It was intriguing to see how the author would resolve the tensions and issues to make this MMMM romance work. In this book, we get a rehash of what happened in the first three books, the discovery of who’s behind the attacks on Nix and who also wants the downfall of Lake. Nix and Yejun reconcile, and all four get their HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

Ours by Leo Rivers 10/3/25 10/4/25 76 pages Kindle

Set in the Omegaverse, Cole has had a bad breakup and signs up for the mating run. Blake and Luca share everything and are looking for a mate. When they scent Cole, they chase him down and … well. Everything occurs in a way which all three want. Cole is accepting of their bond, they both want Cole. Cole moves in with them and they get their MMM HEA. Pretty much just a short story, with some large gaps between the forest and Cole moving in with them, but that’s okay. Caveat emptor sex.

Kept by Leo Rivers 10/4/25 10/4/25 95 pages Kindle

Set in the same Omegaverse as Ours, Eli is kicked out by his stepfather and his mother and wanders aimlessly through town. He comes across what appears to be an empty house and breaks in to stay safe during the mating run. He wanders around upstairs and ends up in the master bedroom. Cade is an alpha, and when he comes upstairs from working out in his basement gym immediately scents Eli and thinks “Mine.” Eli is as attracted to Cade as Cade is to Eli and they spend the next several days in bed. Cade wants to protect and ‘keep’ Eli, and Eli has fallen in love with Cade. Eli returns to his stepfather and mother’s house to get a box that he’s hidden away in his bedroom. Cade is waiting outside, all alpha male and threatening, and intimidates the stepfather, which appeals to me. A novella, but it sets vivid scenes. Eli and Cade are both well-developed characters. Caveat emptor re sex.

Omega's Faith by Sasha Silsbury 10/5/25 10/6/25 217 pages Kindle

Third in the Perfect Match series has Alex, debauched billionaire playboy being forced to register with the Omega Match Bureau by the Board of the corporation he nominally oversees. Jonah comes from a closed religious community and has already registered. They are matched with a 98% compatibility rating and get married with all the fanfare Alex’s mother’s friend can manage. Neither wants this, but with such a high compatibility rating they are required to. After the wedding they return to Alex’s mansion. Jonah is thrown into heat by all the stress. Alex takes care of him, but is shocked to realize Jonah might be pregnant. He says he doesn’t want children, Jonah is devastated and returns to his family, knowing marriage is for life. His journey and Alex’s journey to reconciliation and parenthood are tough for both of them, but they end up with their HEA and a son. Caveat emptor re sex.

Secret Daddy by JR Gray 10/5/25 10/5/25 159 pages Kindle

First in a trilogy about 3 brothers in the small town of Arrowood. Aiden, the youngest, works at the Library. For the last 6 months he’s been entertaining a visitor after the Library’s closed who has him wear a mask then does wonderful and D/s and BDSM things to and with him. One night a snow storm has his secret ‘admirer’ offer to drive him home. His admirer wants to stay the night. Aiden agrees, but he has to agree to keep the mask on until lights are out. The next morning he assumes his admirer is gone, but he recognizes Jensen, the man he’s been crushing on since he was a teenager. Jensen’s shocked, too, that he forgot to set an alarm. After that, it doesn’t make sense to go back to the Library routine, and they start navigating the ins and outs of having a relationship. Aiden’s been burned by his last boyfriend and is terrified of starting a relationship and getting abandoned again. Jensen’s been attracted to Aiden since they were teenagers but didn’t think he could date his best friend Adam’s brother. This one’s laugh-out-loud, as they snark each other and Aiden dances round doing more than secretly f***ing, Jensen tries to get him to talk about things and not keep them bottled up. Aiden’s parents are a riot and don’t mince words when they see things they shouldn’t, and Adam wants eye bleach when he walks in on them. Everybody’s wondered why they never got together because they were meant for each other. So funny, so sweet, such vivid characters and situations. Caveat emptor re D/s and BDSM. Caveat emptor re sex.

Fated to My Stepbrother by Donna J Fisher 10/5/25 10/6/25 308 pages Kindle

Julian is a high school-aged omega, stepbrother to college student and heir to their pack Jace. Okay, so far so good. Julian has had a crush on Jace ever since his mother and Jace’s father got married. Jace’s wolf has almost stopped manifesting because Jace has not found his fated mate. Once they figure it out, it's good. Until it isn’t, because Jace slept around before becoming bonded with Julian and his former girlfriend turns up pregnant. Jace can feel a bond with the child and everyone assumes it's his, including himself. Julian is devastated and runs away and hides. HE turns up pregnant, too, and it’s only because of his friend Theo that he has a place to live and hide from Jace. That’s still okay, but the violence that Jace’s girlfriend and family show towards Julian and their manipulation of Jace show how unattractive Jace is as an Alpha and bonded mate. It veers off the deep end with pregnancies to control alphas, continuing violence towards Julian, and Jace’s abandonment of Julian all of which paint unsavory and unlikeable characters. Even Julian, our hero, loves Jace when he really shouldn’t. The HEA starts about 2/3 of the way through but therea re STILL bumps in the road. Irritating yet I chose to finish it. Sometimes I surprise myself. Cavet emptor re sex.

**abandoned My Captain by Sage Riven ** 155 pages

Have you ever started a book by NOT reading the correct Amazon blurb? This was one of those cases. I thought Elias, the rookie NHL player was the son of Damian’s best friend, and kept waiting for that dynamic to develop. Instead, I got a very, very dark tale of domination and submission, violence, and nothing more than sexual scenes for the first 155 of 481 pages. Elias was so driven to succeed that he was willing to get seriously hurt just to please Damian, and Damian’s behavior with Elias was unconscionable without any tender feelings by the time I abandoned it. On-ice violence and disturbing sexual scenes. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned The Inside Man by Bella Bennet ** 91 pages

Quinn has escaped his Irish mob family being killed by the Bratva, returns to town years later to work undercover at a local gay bar to discover who actually did it. Alexei owns the bar, has known all along who killed Quinn’s family. He wants Quinn in the worst way and soon they’re together. Lots of mob violence, vengeance, and steamy scenes. It just got a bit too ridiculous, so I had no qualms about abandoning it. I really didn’t care about either character. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned His Weekend Alpha by Ansley Ellis ** 122 pages

Alpha Lawson and omega Kole are best friends. They are attracted to each other. Lawson needs a fake boyfriend, and you can see where this is going. Since it’s an Omegaverse novel, Kole ends up pregnant. Honestly, it’s another one where the execution is not up to par although the premise is, as always, a good one. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned Crossed Sticks Ryan Taylor ** 198 pages

Things didn’t work out, and Harper and Luca hadn’t seen each other in years. Harper plays for the NHL, Luca plays professional lacrosse. There is serious sparkage again, but I put this one down to start something else, and when I came back to it, I wasn’t particularly interested in how it was going to turn out. Caveat emptor re sex.

Lost Love by JR Gray 10/6/25 10/7/25 93 pages Kindle

Second in the Arrowood Trilogy. Avery left Arrowood when he was 18 when his lover and best friend Danny wouldn’t commit to coming out. After a messy divorce, Avery is back with his daughter and Danny is right in his face from day one. He’s everywhere, and once Avery realizes that Danny’s serious about rekindling their romance and coming out, things settle down. With Arrowood, though, we have knowing parents, snarky brothers/partners, and a town full of folks wanting them to get their HEA. Which they do, of course. Caveat emptor re sex.

Scapegoat by JR Gray 10/7/25 10/7/25 232 pages Noah and Callum Kindle

Noah and Callum were secret high school friends and lovers. Callum wasn’t willing to come out because his father’s the homophobic chief of police. Noah flees and Callum immediately realizes his error. He’s appalled that Noah’s joined the Army and Noah’s brother breaks their friendship off because of how Callum’s hurt Noah. Noah joins the FBI’s K-9 unit after the military, then returns when a child is reported missing. It turns out to be Callum’s daughter. Emotions run high, Callum realizes he’s tired of hiding this side of himself. Callum’s daughter is found and Noah and Callum keep meeting in secret for 6 months, Noah flying back and forth. Eventually they come out in the town and get their HEA. Particularly cute is Noah’s dog’s name – Snoop Dog – and how Callum’s daughter immediately bonds with Snoop. Caveat emptor re sex.

No Pucks by JR Gray 10/7/25 10/8/25 272 pages Kindle

Logan hooks up with Anthony, who’s just experimenting with his bisexuality. Fast forward 4 months, when hockey player Logan discovers that his new head coach is Anthony. They’re appalled yet secretly meet up again and again. Logan’s father wrecked Anthony’s career early on and puts so much pressure on Logan that he’s sick of hockey. However, family money for Logan and coaching success for Anthony give them their HEA and well-earned vengeance again Logan’s father. Caveat emptor re sex.

Pucking Hostile by J Love 10/8/25 10/9/25 227 pages Kindle

A great premise, with Kay an omega who’s made a success as goalie for a major hockey team even though he’s an omega. Ryker is one of his most outspoken critics, yet when they end up in an isolated league PR gimmick, realize they are fated mates. The problems with this book seem to be that that the author started off writing a strong, tight, emotionally satisfying book and then put it in a blender. In addition to the disjointedness, we hear over and over again about their scents and etc. Just ugh. Why I finished it I’ll never know. I guess I didn’t have another book queued up. Caveat emptor re sex.

Off Limits by Leo River 10/9/25 10/9/25 91 pages Kindle

Novella has Asher returning to his father’s property after his father’s death. He’s never been allowed into a shed on the property, goes there one night, and peeking in the curtain, sees his father’s best friend and his secret crush Gabriel in a Very Private Moment With Himself. Gabriel is a wolf shifter and senses Asher outside. Asher tries to flee but Gabriel is too quick for him and they have sex. Asher feels guilty for forcing Gabriel to have sex while Gabriel’s under the influence of his wolf, and Gabriel feels guilty for forcing Asher by his sheer strength. Turns out they’re both wrong, of course, and they get their HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

Wolf on Ice 10/9/25 10/25 79 pages Kindle

Sweet romance as Zane, heir to an omegaverse hocky dynasty, transfers to a small school to avoid familial expectations. He meets Wesley, a journalism major, who has to take a sport to graduate. Zane starts tutoring Wesley and is worried when Wesley doesn’t show up for practice for several days. He goes over to Wesley’s apartment. Wesley has gone into heat, and they realize they’re fated mates and do the dirty. Wesley turns up pregnant. They are overjoyed. The families are overjoyed. Zane’s roommates and teammates are overjoyed. There is no tension, and it was a welcome change from what I’ve been reading lately. They have their son and Zane gets a NHL-for-shifters contract. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned Their Bounty by KA Merikan ** 53 pages

KA Merikan is dark on the sunniest day imaginable, with morally gray and black heroes. In this entry, petty thief Clover, an albino whose supposedly best friend sells him to traffickers. He’s at the hideout when 4 mercenaries, hired to kill the trafficker, do so but find Clover chained in an upstairs room. They torch the house and take Clover with them. Noncon, BDSM, and ugh. It just didn’t work for me at all. Caveat emptor re sex and violence.

**abandoned Step in the Zone by Blane Bellamy** 151 pages

I love stepbrother romances because of the family tensions and taboo nature of the relationship. However, this one just didn’t work for me because Rafael is forced to live with his father and stepmother and new stepbrother Cody. He starts destabilizing the house by seducing Cody but realizes that he really cares about Cody. And vice-versa. Ugh. Too quick a turnaround in Rafael’s deep-seated hatred of his father and stepmother.Caveat emptor re sex.

** abandoned Crossed Hearts by JR Gray ** 33 pages

Third in the Arrowood Trilogy. Barkeeper has to fend his best friend’s little brother off. Not quite in the mood, although I love most books by JR Gray.

Ben by Cora Rose 10/10/25 10/10/25 291 pages Kindle

Ben is the son of Dean, who owns an auto repair shop. Dean’s best friends Ford and Cash work for him. Ben has had crushes on Ford and Cash since he realized he was gay as a pre-teen. Ford is bisexual. Cash is straight. The book starts with Ben secretly hooking up with both Ford and Cash and working 2 jobs and going to college. He’s burning the candle at 5 ends and trying desperately to keep his hookups with his dad’s best friends from him. That’s why they can’t go public. Cash and Ford are more than best friends, just not in a romantic/sexual relationship. Ford discovers Ben with Cash, and they turn two hookups into a throuple. Ford and Cash are determined to take care of Ben. They don’t think Ben’s father will fall apart if he discovers them with Ben, but Ben does everything in his power to prevent his father knowing. Dean discovers the three-way relationship. He’s fine with it. They get their HEA. In addition to the relentless and off the charts sex, I enjoyed how the author wrote about Ford’s and Cash’s love for and caring of Ben emotionally and physically. Ford and Cash turn their friendship into a romantic/sexual one, too. Caveat emptor re sex.

His Problem Alpha by Ansley Ellis 10/10/25 10/12/25 192 pages Kindle

Devon answered an ad for a roommate placed by Alex. They are wildly incompatible, barely civil to one another, getting on each other’s every last nerve. Devon’s suppressants fail – he’s an omega – and Alex takes care of him. They both only want things to be physical and create rules, which are almost immediately broken. Alex is still devastated by a personal tragedy 6 years ago, but is just coming to realize what Devon is to him when his friend Finn visits and triggers another downward spiral. Alex refutes Devon in a cruel way. Devon, of course, turns up pregnant, Alex finds out, they reconcile, and get their HEA. Gay soap opera. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned Owned by the Kingpin by Bella Bennet and Riley Sloane ** 137 pages

Elian works 2 jobs to help pay for his grandmother’s medications and occasionally takes serving jobs. One night after he finishes, he witnesses crime boss Dante assassinating one of own men. Elian tries to run, is unsuccessful. Dante says you can either forfeit your life right now, or come to me as my property. Elian choses the later. Dante immediately realizes that Elian is his fated mate. What made me abandon it is how all of a sudden Elian’s wise about all things mob-related. He goes into heat and Dante takes care of him, yet he ‘escapes’ his gilded prison to meet up with his just-discovered twin even though he knows the head of another crime family is after him AND he’s pregnant. Nope. Just… nope.

**abandoned The Don's Omega Assassin by Quinn Michaels ** 117 pages

Leo’s father was assassinated and Leo sets a trap for the assassin, Dimitri. He captures him and is stunned that he’s so attracted to Dimitri. He makes excuses to not kill him on the spot, takes him to his house. Dimitri starts coming out of his 18-year mental and physical abuse as an assassin. Another hard pass because of too many coincidences and too many inconsistencies in Leo’s personality and behavior toward Dimitri.

Puck Struck by Brooklyn Cate 10/11/25 10/12/25 349 pages Kindle

Logan’s facing the end of his NHL career while Cam’s just getting started. Their dislike has started affecting the team, so the Coach assigns Logan as mentor to Cam and has them share a room on the road. You can probably imagine where this goes. Throw in Logan’s sister/nephew, and various and sundry, too. They get their HEA after lots of angst. Caveat emptor re sex.

Barnburner by Jodi Oliver 10/12/25 10/12/25 260 pages Kindle

This is a wonderful book about a Canadian cowboy and an NHL player who’s distraught over losing the Stanley Cup in the finals. Brayden packs camping gear to head off to brood during off season but his car craps out in the middle of nowhere. Jesse, the cowboy, sees him by the side of the road, hauls his car and him to the family ranch. Although the family are serious NHL fans, they do not recognize Brayden because they didn’t watch hockey the previous year. Brayden likes this. He starts to heal, he and Jesse are attracted to each other and act on it. I liked how they resolved what seemed to be insurmountable odds and got their HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned Echoes of a Gilded Cage by Elias Night ** 62 pages

Enemies to lovers, a former cop who helped put away a young man who sacrificed for his sister. They start working together, albeit reluctantly, to take down the corrupt official who is threatening them both. I just wasn’t in the mood for it, and some of the wildly improbable plot twists made me roll my eyes.

Trade Deadline by Jodi Oliver 10/13/25 10/13/25 260 pages Kindle

NHL hockey star Blaine parties hard one time too many, and the photos get posted on line. Management immediately gets them taken down, but the damage is done. Blaine has to stay out of the tabloids. Alex’s brother owns a bakery and Alex works there with him. They are drowning in debt. Alex’s best friend Nate buys tickets near the penalty box, and Blaine sees him and is smitten. Alex is, too, of course. Blaine starts courting Alex, with endearing and often hilarious results. Alex doesn’t want to just be a notch on Blaine’s bedpost, not realizing that Blaine already knows he wants more. They get their HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

My Freshman Mate by Lexie Slater 10/13/25 10/14/25 110 pages Kindle

College freshman Braiden, an omega, literally crashes into Wes, senior football quarterback and alpha, on the first day of classes. Wes instantly recognizes his fated mate. His parents were fated mates, and Wes has been waiting his entire life to find his. He literally drags Braiden to his apartment, where he goes all caveman and claims him. Braiden, logical, pre-med, trying to deny his omega nature thinking it's a burden not the strength that it is, knows that he’s met his alpha. Wes is not what Braiden thinks of as a typical alpha and only wants Braiden to add him to Braiden’s goals and life plans, not dominate or chain him down to a traditional life as an omega. Wes has an enemy on campus, who threatens Braiden. Wes attacks him and his enemy’s father, on the college board tries to get Wes expelled. Braiden applies his logic to making Wes’s case to the disciplinary committee, and they win. I particularly liked this novella because it is vivid, spare, and gives them the HEA Wes was hoping for in his life and Braiden never knew he wanted/needed. Caveat emptor re sex.

Virgin Flyer by Lucy Lennox 10/14/25 10/14/25 254 pages Kindle

I thought I’d read this book before, and when it showed up in LT’s recommendations, I remembered it so fondly that I decided to read it again. It turns out that this is the third time I’ve read it, and it is as satisfying as the first two times. Here’s what I wrote about the re-read:

Unintentional re-read – once I started it and remember that I’d read it, I was happy to continue. Here’s what I originally wrote:

Teo has been in love and waited for Chris forever. Chris won’t commit. Teo meets Jack on a hookup to lose his pesky V card, and because Teo wants things kept anonymous they don’t know how to get in touch with each other when they’re really attracted to each other. They meet months later when Teo has to fly with Chris’s grandfather on a business trip and Jack’s one of the pilots. The flight has problems, Grandpa has a heart attack, and etc. Neither Teo nor Jack want a relationship with each other – Teo because of Chris, Jack not at all, but True Love wins out. I liked their dynamic and Jack’s caring. Caveat emptor re sex.
Teo’s and Jack’s story is even better as a re-read.

Third time’s a charm.

**abandoned Make Mine a Lion by Harper B. Cole and Colbie Dunbar** 78 pages

A latent omega wolf and a lion find each other, but I was so irritated at how they met that I couldn’t continue. Too many coincidences and the matchmaker was ridiculous.

**abandoned Off Season by Jodi Oliver** 150 pages

Jacob is Alex of Trade Deadline’s brother. The premise might have worked since it built off of some of the plot, but all of a sudden Jacob’s the cutest thing since sliced bread, wears makeup (not opposed, but it’s never mentioned in the first book), and the fake boyfriend to the wedding just doesn’t work for me. Caveat emptor re sex.

The Year of Us January - July by Kate Hawthorne and EM Denning 10/14/25 10/15/25 346 pages Kindle

I can’t begin to describe this series as well as the Amazon blurb:

Cory Callahan and Reese Rollins are total opposites.
Cory wears a Rolex and makes six figures a year.
Reese is a bartender with a busted screen on his cellphone.
Cory lives in New York.
Reese lives in LA.
One delayed flight and a chance meeting at a bar later, the two strangers find they have one indisputable thing in common…
The attraction between them is incendiary.
But after a shared night at an airport hotel they learn there’s one other trait they share.
They’re both dominant and not interested in being told no.
The Year of Us is a twelve novelette series from Kate Hawthorne and EM Denning, exploring what happens when two men with nothing in common find out there might be something between them after all.

I honestly couldn’t see where August – December would make me much more enlightened and appreciative of the trope and dynamic, so have ended it here. Caveat emptor re sex.

Will & Patrick 1-7 by Leta Blake and Alice Griffiths 10/16/25 10/18/25 961 pages Kindle Will and Patrick 2015-2017

I read the first 6 novellas in September of 2023 but didn’t realize there was a 7th. Here’s what I wrote about each of the first 6:

Will & Patrick Wake Up Married by Leta Blake and Alice Griffiths 9/17/23 9/18/23 128 pages Kindle

Frequently used trope of two men waking up in Las Vegas married after a drunken night of wild sex. Will is the grandson of a Mafia don whose money is tied to him being married, Patrick is a world-class neurosurgeon whose life is his work. Will’s money is being used for a world-class hospital in his hometown, surprise, surprise. They both want to annul/divorce, but the terms of the will are fun and lots of obstacles are present. In the meantime, they both start caring for each other and there’s lots of snark and emotions and this first bit of the series is a joy to read.

Will & Patrick Meet the Family 9/18/23 9/18/23 122 pages Kindle

Will and Patrick hook up in Las Vegas, both in town. They have a night of wild passion and … you guessed it… wake up married. Will is in a bind because of a will that leaves his money conditional upon a successful marriage. No divorce. And, oh, by the way, his father is in the mob. Will talks Patrick, a brilliant neurosurgeon who is indiscreet in talking with his boss about the situation and gets fired, to come to Will’s home town to figure things out. Patrick is on the spectrum, has no real ties to Georgia, so closes his apartment and moves in with Will at the fancy hotel in Caveat emptor re sex.

Will & Patrick Do the Holidays by Leta Blake and Alice Griffiths 9/18/23 9/19/23 Kindle

Will and Patrick continue their story in trying to figure out how to successfully end their marriage. Will happens to have a charity that he’s funneled his inheritance into and is in the process of building a world-class neurosurgery unit – surprise!. He talks Patrick into working there and helping to make it world class. They spend the holidays with Will’s family, dealing with Will’s family’s over-protectiveness, Will’s ex and his current boyfriend, and Will’s father, comes to town. Caveat emptor re sex.

Will & Patrick Fight Their Feelings by Leta Blake and Alice Griffiths 9/19/23 9/20/23 Kindle

Patrick becomes friends with a young mother in town, is joyously operating on people and spending the charity’s money to build a world-class neurosurgery unit at the local hospital, all the while pretending to be wildly in love with Will. Will keeps running into the ex who dumped him just prior to the Los Vegas trip, who flaunts his new boyfriend. Will’s family keeps trying to manipulate both of them. Each is falling in love with the other, but realizes that if they don’t get the divorce, things will change, and not for the better, job-wise and finances wise.

Will & Patrick Meet the Mob by Leta Blake and Alice Griffiths 9/20/23 9/20/23 Kindle

Installment 4 has Will’s father, who’s never been a real father to Will, interfering, threatening Patrick, and generally causing havoc and upset. Feelings continue to grow, living in the fancy hotel works for Will and Patrick, as does the wild sex without commitment, all the while pretending to be in love. Town politics, family politics, family interference. Caveat emptor re sex.

Will & Patrick's Happy Ending by Leta Blake and Alice Griffiths 9/20/23 9/21/23 Kindle

And finally, Patrick flees to his former foster parents in Georgia. He has loved them forever, has helped them financially as soon as he was able, and needs their comfort as he thinks the relationship is over. Will realizes as soon as he leaves that he wants and loves and needs Patrick, so follows him to Georgia. Lots of great scenes with Patrick and his foster parents, their house full of foster kids, and Will’s visit, which, of course, culminates in their reunion, commitment, and return to Will’s home town to start their lives together. Marriage, and etc. Caveat emptor re sex.

This series really worked for me, because each came to a shockingly abrupt, drunken marriage with baggage, needs, and attraction into a valid, strong marriage, against the wishes of almost every person of Will’s family. Patrick’s being on the spectrum is treated wonderfully, positively, and with a wealth of information. Their attraction and care for each other is apparent from the beginning.

Will & Patrick’s Endless Honeymoon by Leta Blake and Alice Griffiths 10/15/25 10/15/25 136 pages Kindle

Will and Patrick have been ecstatically happy since the events of the 6th book and two years later Patrick has planned a honeymoon for them. The destination is kept a secret from Will and everybody in town except for one friend, who mentions it to her boyfriend, who gets overheard… and you get it. The supposedly social-media and family-free honeymoon gets invaded by Will’s mother and his sociopathic mobster father Tony and his new wife. Patrick once again gets offered a place in Tony’s business, which he once again refuses. Will once again has to stand up to his mother. They flee the planned second venue and hide away at a final Hawaiian venue. Caveat emptor re sex. This series is extremely satisfying. There’s the drunk married in Vegas trope, mobster and eccentric family tropes, on the spectrum and type I Diabetes issues, and all the love in the world.

This Might Hurt by Riley Nash 10/17/25 10/18/25 432 pages Kindle

Blurb: A dark contemporary M/M romance featuring bratty soulmates, an unhinged grumpy/sunshine couple looking for revenge, found family, and breaking cycles of generational trauma. Jude is a petty criminal, kicked out from his bio family because his parents feel he caused his sister’s devastating accident, leading to her being in a wheel chair. Lila, the sister, does not share this feeling. He pretends to be getting grants to help her with things the parents can’t provide. Andrew has run away from his billionaire family’s pressuring him into an arranged marriage so that they can continue to control him, and is intending to commit suicide. He and Jude meet after Jude’s robbed a gas station, and after a series of really improbable situations, end up sort of saving each other. Andrew returns to his family, but escapes before his wedding and proposes to Jude. Jude accepts and they get married in a small county in Wyoming. Jude’s adoptive grandmother, sweet and accepting sister, and Jude and Andrew’s insta love/sweet and spicy relationship are really well done. At 432 pages it’s substantial without being repetitive or preachy. Caveat emptor re sex. If I could give it 4.25 stars, I would.

**abandoned Reckless by Kate Hawthorne ** 64 pages

High squick factor, with Luke’s son Eddie’s best friend Cameron coming on to Luke and Luke, divorced and unhappy Dom, caving in to his and Cameron’s desires. The plan is for them to secretly hook up ‘til Cameron and Eddie go off to college in the fall. Cameron is 18, just barely legal. I don’t have a problem with age gap and best friend’s son tropes, but this particular entry is just … well. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned An Alpha for Rylan by AW Scott ** 53 pages

Some novellas can pack the right characters, motivations, and plot pieces seamlessly, but this one doesn’t. Too many short cuts about feelings, a really poor handling of Zeke’s father’s dementia, and I just couldn’t be bothered to continue.

**abandoned Only Skin Deep by Kelex ** 126 pages

Interesting premise – Luca is a witch who can tattoo any spell away, but specializes in healing tattoos. This is an intriguing plot device, but I eventually had to bail. His mate and familiar, Ash, is a Detective. Ash brings in Colby, a human who’s been cursed. Luca and Ash know he’s their third and work desperately to save his life. The problem with this is too many characters with too many specialties, too many portals, demons, and etc. Caveat emptor re sex.

Castaway Heat by Kelex 10/19/25 10/19/25 107 pages Kindle

Omega Shiloh has had a crush on Alpha Ronin since he was 14. Ronin knows Shiloh is his fated mate, but waits until Shiloh is an adult and he feels the time is right. He doesn’t know that Shiloh and friends are on the same cruise ship as Ronin, who’s there to evaluate it and the cruise ship company to buy for his family. A cyclone washes Ronin and Shiloh up on a deserted island. They survive for 7 months, Shiloh ends up pregnant, they get rescued, happily ever after. I like how they named their child after the cyclone. It could have been stronger, deeper, more complex and been the better for it. Caveat emptor re sex.

The Step Don't by Devon McCormack and Riley Hart 10/20/25 10/20/25 332 pages Kindle

Best friends and stepbrothers Ash and Colin have lists of Step Do’s and Step Don’ts, and Step Don’ts include never lying. Colin discovers Ash camming sex stuff and figures that he’s interested in watching. Watching turns into trying, turns into romantic involvement. They’re afraid the parents won’t approve, and etc. There’s a sweet dynamic that the authors make seem effortless. Caveat emptor re sex.

Mr. Big Shot by Arden Steele 10/20/25 10/20/25 194 pages Kindle

Nicholas works for +One, escorting interesting people to charity events and galas. One of the women he escorts learns about his unused marketing degree and desire to work in his field. She gets him an interview with her brother Rhys, who owns the firm Nicholas wants to work at. Rhys hires him but has a rule of never mixing business and pleasure. He wants Nicholas, though, and between their work synergies and personal chemistry, they get their HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

One Good Thing by Arden Steele 10/20/25 10/21/25 166 pages Kindle

Greyson needs someone to help him navigate the humiliation and embarrassment of having to attend his ex-fiance’s wedding to his cousin. The fake boyfriend Jace is smitten, Greyson is attracted, and things go on happily from there. The ex-fiance gets his comeuppance, Greyson gets Jace and vice-versa. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned Parker's Forbidden Mate by Blake R. Wolfe ** 38 pages

Ugh. Quaffed instead of coiffed, extremely unfortunate phrasing (f***ing like pigs) Poor writing, ridiculous plot.

Never Too Late by HL Day 10/21/25 10/21/25 235 pages Kindle

Finn is PA to Cillian and loves Cillian, but thinks he is just another in a long line of long-term hookups. Finn quits his job and leaves, and moves to Paris to get over the heartbreak. Cillian realizes that his feelings for Finn are serious and comes to Paris to win Finn back. They finally communicate and Cillian starts over, wooing Finn. It’s sweet and spicy and the characters are vivid. Throw in a stray cat who gets named Quasimodo and Cillian making the ultimate gesture, and they get their HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

The Jumblies by Edward Lear 10/21/25 10/21/25 40 pages hardcover

I’ve never particularly liked Lear’s poetry but couldn’t resist an old hardcover with “Drawings by Edward Gorey”. The drawings are the best of it. The poetry is repetitive and, frankly quite boring. Gorey doesn’t disappoint, however, and it will stay on my shelves.

Bittersweet Revenge by Riley Hart 10/21/25 10/22/25 304 pages Kindle

Dean’s father works for the local mob but Dean doesn’t understand this. When he’s four, his father is assassinated for trying to leave the job/life. Dean and his mother escape and stay hidden and on the run. Dean’s mother dies of cancer when Dean’s 18, and Dean seeks revenge by getting to the father through the son, Tiernan. He goes to the same college, is befriended by Tiernan’s sister Aislin, and comes to the attention of Tiernan. Tiernan wants him, Dean starts the relationship that he needs to get revenge. Eventually he tells Tiernan why he’s there, Tiernan kicks him out. They can’t stay away from each other, though, and things are going well until Tiernan’s father discovers who Dean is. Things come to a head, there are heroics and injuries, and the only logical resolution. The characters are morally gray but we don’t expect any different. They get their crime family HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

Rushing In by Alice Winters 10/22/25 10/22/25 148 pages Kindle

From the Amazon blurb:

I finally have a chance to team up with Bradley, the hot fellow police officer that I’ve been longing to get closer to. Somehow, I haven’t scared him off, even with my awkward flirting and my father telling him that I mimed giving birth to a cat as a child. When we get a call about a missing college student, I’m eager for the chance to work a case with Bradley, especially when we realize that there might be something more going on. But Bradley and I are determined to figure it out together, even if it means that I have to walk through an adult shop with him by my side. It’s not my fault that the store owners think he’s a stripper with his tight uniform. Okay, maybe that’s just what I was hoping for. A man can dream, right? Spending time with Bradley is better than I ever imagined. He’s sweet, funny, and goes along with just about anything I say or do. It doesn’t help that I have a problem of rushing into situations without thinking them through, like the death ride on his motorcycle. But when we go to Ace’s Wild to see if we can find out more about the missing person, I learn something new about Bradley that could help me get closer to him. And the book I buy might give me some insight if I would actually read it instead of just looking at the pictures. When he asks me out, I realize that maybe I’m not the only one who wants more. Here’s hoping I don’t scare him off with the location of our second date!

Alice Winters never disappoints, and I howled with laughter at the outrageous dialog and plot twists. Caveat emptor re sex.

Purrfect Harmony by Arden Steele Kindle

I almost abandoned this one at 68% because although I liked the human Kol who works at an Otherling hotel complex, the writing seemed frenetic and scattered. However, I persevered. Remi is a world-famous rock star and a panther shifter and invited as the headliner at the Heritage Festival. Kol’s dragon shifter boss has precognition and sets up a situation where Kol is in Remi’s suite. Remi can’t scent Kol because of roses and can’t scent Kol in the lobby later on. However, he eventually catches Kol’s scent and immediately says “Mine.” Kol recognizes that they’re fated mates and because he's worked with Otherlings for years, accepts the relationship, accepts his fated mate. There are a couple of scenes where Kol is threatened and Remi comes roaring to the rescue, to speak. They get their HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned The Pretenders of Copper County by May Archer ** 146 pages

Disgraced Witness Protection agent Reed has to protect Chris, who is totally oblivious that his family is a mob family. Reed whisks him away and they both do very stupid things instead of actually talking about what’s going on.

**abandoned The Bargain by Jocelynn Drake ** 167 pages

Sebastian is a billionaire with Byron as his assistant. He wants Byron, Byron wants him too, but Sebastian is his boss. And etc. Sometimes the trope works for me, sometimes it doesn’t. I forget, but I think this is Caveat Emptor re sex.

With One Kiss by HL Day 10/24/25 10/24/25 271 pages Kindle

Second in Paris Tales, the first being Never Too Late. Laurent is Finn’s friend, Cormac is Cillian’s brother. Cormac shows up out of the blue, needing a place to stay to hide from his crazy female ex. Cillian takes him in, of course. He and Laurent meet, and Laurent agrees to be his boyfriend to foil the machinations of the awful girlfriend. Straight Cormac isn’t as straight as it may seem and eventually they get their HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned Sweet Vengeance by Riley Hart ** 236 pages

Second in the Sins of the Father series has another Cillian – popular name on my dance card this month – getting intrigued by Ollie. Ollie’s friends with Dean from Bittersweet Revenge and Cillian is Tiernan’s second in command. All of a sudden Cillian is bi-curious. It was just too improbable and became rather boring. Caveat emptor re sex.

Bad Boy by Sammi Cee 10/26/25 10/26/25 70 pages Kindle

Trickster is an omega, happy with his life as a welder and pole dancer. I kid you not. Colby is an omega shifter and once he scents Trickster, he says “Mine”, and Trickster becomes his. Not half bad, but not stunning, either. The name of the place Trickster works as a pole dancer is Carousal Lounge, a clever name that I enjoyed figuring out. Caveat emptor re sex.

Heart Strain by Michele Notaro and Sammi Cee 10/26/25 10/26/25 230 pages Kindle

Holden’s twin brother Hendrix has been shot in the line of duty and is in a medically-induced coma. He rushes home, devastated that his only living relative is so close to death. Jameson is Hendrix’s partner and feels guilty that Drix got shot, although it wasn’t his fault. He and Holden are both at the hospital all the time, and each starts having romantic feelings toward the other. It’s sweet and steamy. Holden comes home to live to be near his brother and moves in with Jameson. There is a three-legged dog (ugh) and two sweet kittens (yay). The thing I really liked best? There’s no miracle cure for Hendrix after he comes out of the coma. His story is in the second book in the series. Caveat emptor re sex.

Operation:OMEGA by Wolf Specter 10/26/25 10/26/25 42 pages Kindle

Kyle has been kidnapped and put on an auction block for alphas to bid on. Clay is part of a pack that works to find kidnapped omegas and free them. Kyle is freed, Clay has to hide with him. Fireworks, fated mate, HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

Playing By the Book by Sasha Silsbury 10/26/25 10/27/25 224 pages Kindle Luke and Cal

Cal has been imprisoned by the Alpha of a rogue wolf shifter pack for years. He escapes and ends up in Ayleswood, where he gets part time work in Luke’s book store. He’s tracked down by the alpha he escaped from and hides with Luke in a pack cabin in the mountains. Things happen the way they will, and Cal turns up pregnant. The alpha finds him and takes him back. Luke and his family rescue him and they get their HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

Under the Dragon's Spell by Ann-Katrin Byrde 10/26/25 10/27/25 Kindle

Tyrel, a dragon shifter, places an ad for a human male to bear his child. Adrian, fresh off a broken relationship, applies and gets an interview. Tyrel is intrigued with him, Adrian is nothing but honest that he wants a mate and children. Lust wins out, Adrian turns up pregnant. Having a dragon shifter’s baby is dangerous for humans, and it turns out that Adrian is carrying twins. He’s in danger of losing his life, and Tyrel reaches out to his estranged human father to find out more about bonded mates. Bonding will give Adrian some of Tyrel’s strength and magic. They bond, the babies are born, they get their HEA and reconciliation with Tyrel’s father and brother. Caveat emptor re sex.

Omega Trapped by Beau Brown 10/27/25 10/28/25 304 pages Kindle

I kept reading, even though I had a hard time with Nico being a heroin addict allowing him to be used by alphas as long as he can get enough money for his next fix. One night with a particularly violent alpha, the condom breaks, and the alpha gives him another baggie of heroin and watches him overdose. He leaves but Nico is rescued. He is pregnant, of course. In the meantime, Mafia heir Valentino is pressured into marrying in order to take over the family business. He sees Nico and is intrigued and talks Nico into coming back with him to marry. He doesn’t know Nico is pregnant. Marriage, surprise as to whose baby Nico’s is, and lots of over-the-top action and stereotypes. Caveat emptor re sex and violence.

Loren by Crea Reitan 10/28/25 10/29/25 384 pages Kindle

Oakley lives with his 4 best friends in a house near their campus. Loren and his family have tracked a serial killer to the town and have bought a house across the street from Oakley & Co. Loren is a diagnosed sociopath. He has no empathy, no understanding of social and body language cues. He is part of the Van Doren family, a rich family with their fingers in everything legal and … morally gray. Loren’s being a sociopath is acknowledged, managed, controlled, and even embraced. He is immediately smitten with Oakley, and because of his stalkerish tendencies saves Oakley from becoming the serial killer’s next victim. Loren and his family kill and bury the serial killer in the desert. Oakley is as smitten as Loren and as he comes to understand Loren, is completely accepting of the sociopathy and the family’s killing of bad people. Oakley moves in with the Van Dorens and lives with Loren. Oakley attracts another stalker and Loren rescues him again. Their romance progresses and gets to where they hardly want to be apart. They get their HEA. I particularly liked the explanation of Loren’s mental illness and the alpha males of the Van Doren family. Caveat emptor re sex.

** abandoned Imry by Crea Reitan ** 62 pages

Imry is a Van Doren. Haze is one of Oakley’s friends. They are attracted to one another, have a hookup, then Imry ghosts Haze. Too much preachiness and I honestly don’t know where this story was going to go. Hence, my abandoning it. Caveat emptor re sex.

** abandoned His Biggest Secret by Xander Collins ** 139 pages

In an omegaverse where everybody is alpha, beta, or omega, omegas are scarce. Biology being what it is, some betas become omegas. Mark is a beta cop, Landon is his alpha cop partner. After a particular brutal day, Mark gets drunk and doesn’t remember becoming an omega while alone with Landon. Landon’s loved Mark since he met him, and there’s serious noncon where Mark doesn’t remember anything about Landon taking him. Mark ends up an omega AND pregnant. Mark and Landon realize they belong together, have a baby. I gave up where they were planning a barbeque wedding. It became too … heteronormative … for me. Yes, gay alphas and omegas can have a white picket fence and barbeques, but I stopped being interested. Caveat emptor re sex.

Shiver by Crea Reitan 10/29/25 10/30/25 321 pages Kindle

Egon is a college hockey player on scholarship. He’s very good at hockey, less good at hard science subjects, which is the rest of his schedule. His coach recommends his own nephew to tutor Egon. Egon’s grades start coming up. Rakesh, however, has a game he plays where he seduces straight men and plans on ghosting Egon after his grades are up and the season ends. He starts having feelings for Egon, though, and abandons him well before the season ends. Egon falls apart and only after a month does Rakesh realize how Egon needs him emotionally, physically, and to help him retain his scholarship. There is obsession on both sides. Egon’s suffering while being ghosted was believably well written . Rakesh comes back into Egon’s life, and they get their HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

Broken Bond by JL Cross 10/30/25 10/31/25 126 pages Kindle

Another omegaverse where everybody’s an alpha, beta, or omega. Julian is rejected on his wedding day at the alter and is shunned by his family and everybody in his social circle. He ends up in Enzo’s hands, where he agrees to stay with Enzo and turns up pregnant. Enzo’s crime family wants to reject Julian, but Enzo is strong enough to keep Julian, destroy Julian’s enemies, and claim him and their baby. Julian goes from being weak to being a strong partner for Enzo and a strong parent to their son. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned Promised to the Mafia Prince by Bella Bennet and Riley Sloane ** 98 pages

Eli, an omega, offers himself to Luca DeRossi, mafia family boss, in order to spare his brother. Luca says yes. I didn’t like the writing and didn’t like the characters. Caveat emptor re sex.

** abandoned Science & Jockstraps by Christina Lee ** 49 pages

Isaiah and Liam are college roommates, best friends. One day Liam says he wants to find a hookup, and Isaiah does not like the idea of anybody but himself touching Liam. *eye roll*

402 books read

1 Masterpiece
79 Stunning
187 Excellent
72 Very Good
47 Good
12 Average
4 Bad
0 Very Bad
0 Don't Bother
0 Anathema

Best Fiction
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt Review
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain Review
Damaged Like Us by Krista Ritchie and Becca Ritchie Kindle January Lightning Round
Endless Stretch of Blue by Riley Hart Kindle April Lightning Round
The Muse's Undoing by August Jones Kindle September Lightning Round

Best Nonfiction
The House of Being by Natasha Tretheway Review
The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin by Gordon S Wood Review
Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle by the Countess of Carnarvon Review
Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder by Salman Rushdie Review
Johan Amos Comenius 1592-1670 by František Kožík Review

Top five overall for the LT Top Five Books of 2024 List
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt Review
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain Review
Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder by Salman Rushdie Review
The House of Being by Natasha Tretheway Review
Damaged Like Us by Krista Ritchie and Becca Ritchie 1/29/24 1/29/24 Kindle January Lightning Round

…...

Welcome one and all. The next message is yours.

>10 karenmarie: Monday orisons, sweetiedarling, and a happy new thread! *smooch*

Welcome RDear! Thank you.

>12 karenmarie: Ooooh! I got a laurel wreath! *smooch again*

You deserve it. *smooch*

I forgot to post my entry for today. I posted on my last thread, but I'll just start with Wordle.

Wordle 1,619 4/6* trope, owing, cough, dough

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I got the guest bedroom completely inhabitable for when J&H swoop down on us for Thanksgiving-on-Friday. I also did a bit more in her closet.

Arsenal beat Tottenham Hotspurs 4-1. I love it when they score early and score often. Eze scored a hat trick, first time in the North London Derby Gunners/Spurs rivalry since 1978. The rivalry itself, having just duckduckgo'd it, has been a fixture since 1921.

Dinner was baked potatoes, fresh green beans, and hamburger patties. Two more episodes of Cold Case, and I chatted with Jenna.

...
To repeat what I wrote the other day - Trevor's coming today to work on the back porch - not the repainting project, but power washing the Hardi-Plank siding and porch furniture, getting rid of all the cobwebs and etc. prior to Thanksgiving. We always get this done except when we don't, and this year it really needs it.

I should go to the bank where we pay our Spectrum account, since mailing it at this point will make it late. I will also go to Lowe's Grocery Store for a bit of grocery shopping.

I'm going to do a bit of food prep - cutting up the loaf of sourdough bread into cubes and putting it in the refrigerator in the garage, ditto the broccoli crowns.

Reading, of course, puttering of course, too. Maybe update my spreadsheets and Lightning Round. The list is endless! Neverending! I might also fill the bird feeders.

I've been out of touch! I scanned your last thread starting Oct.31, so now I'm as caught up as I'll ever be. You have been a very busy bee.

The picture of Jenna and Hwan on your last thread is wonderful!

Happy new thread, Karen!
Have a great Thanksgiving with Jenna and Hwan!

Happy New Thread, Karen. I replied to your post over on my thread and will share it here too. The Bears are now 8-3. They beat the Steelers 31-28. Sorry for the confusion. Did you get to those feeders? I topped mine off. 😜

Happy new thread, Karen!

I'm finally getting caught up again. That was such a nice picture of Jenna and Hwan on your previous thread. I see the family resemblance in that one. Happy anniversary wishes to them!

Happy new one, Karen. Congratulations on passing 5x75 whilst I was looking the other way!

Happy new thread!!

Happy new thread!! Enjoy your company for Thanksgiving. : )

Morning, Karen. I only have one kid to deal with this AM, due to the holiday week and then I will meet a buddy for Trail Watch. Winter weather is on the way. Starting tomorrow, it will be only in the 30s the rest of the week, with possible snow by the weekend. Oh, joy!!

>16 ffortsa: Hi Judy! For some reason I seem to be very busy these days. I want things to settle back down. I had a way too busy ‘medical’ year and Trevor’s doing a lot of good work for us AND it’s stressful when he’s here and I have to assign, approve, and pay. I'm not complaining though. It's good stress because things are getting done, and he’s a treasure. Thanks re the pic of Jenna and Hwan.

>17 quondame: Hello Susan, and thank you. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, too.

>18 msf59: Hi Mark, and thank you. Ah, got it re the Bears. Silly me. Glad they won, glad they have such a good record. I did get to my feeders AND the bird bath. I have 3 male Cardinals over here at the wild bird seed feeder on the front porch.

>19 atozgrl: Thank you, Irene! They’re so happy AND I get to see them for Thanksgiving.

>20 PaulCranswick: Hello Paul and thank you re 5x75. I was looking the other way, too, frankly…

>21 figsfromthistle: Thank you, Anita.

>22 Berly: Kim! Hi. Thank you.

>23 msf59: ‘Morning, Mark, and happy Tuesday to you. I’m glad your kid run will be quick so that you can have fun with your buddy for Trail Watch. Wow. Snow. We’re going to get colder weather starting on Thanksgiving Day, but no precipitation.

Wordle 1,620 2/6* trope, plead. Channeling the Wordle Gods...

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Trevor got here about 10:30 and worked on blowing leaves and power washing the back wall, porch, and part of the deck. I dropped off the Spectrum payment at the bank since mailing it would make it late. I then went grocery shopping. When I got back he was still working. I read, puttered, and etc.

...
Book sort, Virlie's. The last bit of grocery shopping before I head home. Trevor's coming over today to bring out the Christmas Tree. We won't decorate it 'til J&H get here for Christmas, but it will be nice to have it up. I also have a bit of trash for him to get downstairs, a heavy box of pictures to take up to the media room landing closet, and an unused microwave to put in the Media RoomUpstairs Storage Room.

Good news! Jenna interviewed for and got a receptionist job at Meadows Cat Hospital in Issaquah WA. Cats only, no urgent care, no boarding. There are 5 vets and she's excited. She starts on Monday.

Congrats on Wordle in 2, Karen. But even more importantly, congratulations to Jenna! That job sounds perfect for her, lots of kitties all day long.

Good job Jenna! That sounds nice.

>24 karenmarie: Have fun book fondling. I know it's the season, but I'm deeply conflicted about the Xmas tree going up before St. Nick on the 6th. It's a hangover from fresh-tree days. They get so dry! I switched to fake but the habit was deeply ingrained to do it ON THE 6th not a day before or after.

Hooray for cat employment! *smooch*

Horrible! Have you seen Dylan's latest short? He does it with his brother! They're adorable together!

Happy New Thread! 🧵

Here's the Thanksgiving readathon: https://www.librarything.com/topic/375632

Hey! Where's Weird_O? I kinda miss him.

Oh well.

Darting through, but saluting you for your new thread, Wordle in 2, and 2 daughters coming SOON!!!!!!!

(((((((KAREN)))))))

>31 weird_O: ...who...?
...
...
...
...oh yeah, that guy, whatever happened to him?

Morning, Karen. Well, our Aunt passed yesterday afternoon and Sue was able to be with her at the end. Sue had been sitting with her for nearly 2 hours- got up to use the bathroom, came back and she was gone. Maybe the aunt waited? Sue has mixed feelings. She took off today and will visit the funeral home, to finalize everything. It has been a long road.

Very nice time on Trail Watch yesterday, despite the heavy cloud cover and we saw 15 species. Yah!

Checking in on the new thread, Karen, before I lose you again!

I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday.

>25 lauralkeet: Hi Laura, and thank you twice. She’s really getting excited about it – she starts Monday. Their kitty, of course, gets discount rates. 😊 December 1st sounded so far off, but since T-Day is so late this year, here we are. And, this cracked me up. She sent this picture the day of her interview and told me that if she couldn’t wear it to a Cat Hospital interview, where could she wear it? I’m pretty sure Hwan made it for her. I just noticed 'Meadows Cat' to the right, so in the parking lot.



She said that every person who worked there said they loved her shirt.

>26 The_Hibernator: Hi Rachel, and thank you!

>27 richardderus: Hiya, RD, and thank you. I fondled many, didn’t find any to bring home. As a kid, we always had our tree up before we went on Christmas break, so before the 18th of December for sure. We always took it down on New Year’s Day. Nobody on either side of our family ever put up a tree that late, although I’m pretty sure Peggy and her DH do.

I had Trevor put it up yesterday, keeping it a surprise from Jenna and Hwan, so that they see it when they get in the house tomorrow morning. We’ll save decorating it until they get here, so the 23rd or 24th. A tad late, but beggars can’t be choosers and I’m so excited that they’re also coming for Christmas. Normally we’d have our tree up about a month before Christmas.

And, thank you re you-know-what employment. You’re mellowing in your old age, to actually use the C word. *smooch*

>28 richardderus: OMG. They look like each other!!! Double the craziness. Elastic cottage cheese indeed. I cannot abide by the stuff except for using it in Lasagna instead of Ricotta. Looks like they might have been in Brother’s kitchen?

>29 SilverWolf28: Hi Silver, and thank you. Happy Thanksgiving.

>31 weird_O: I know – he’s MIA, at least over here. To be fair, I’m MIA on his thread, too. Bad both of us.

>32 LizzieD: Hi Peggy the Darter! The 2s are wonderful, aren’t they?

>33 richardderus: Sigh. I guess I’ll go over and check his thread out. Checked, and he’s been mentioning books that I own and have read. I always love that.

Medicare Advantage plans being dropped is scary, but ours still seems to be in place.

>34 msf59: Ah, Mark, I’m so sorry about Sue’s Aunt. And of course as soon as she steps away, Aunt passes. You guys did so much for her. Yay for TW.

>35 alcottacre: Hi Stasia! Nice to see you here. Today is the tomorrow you thought about yesterday, right? I hope your Wednesday is wonderful, too.

Wordle 1,621 3/6* trope, women, hovel

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Book sort but no Virlie's. They were beyond busy AND, the room where we always sit because they have large round tables, was taken over by some large group who'd reserved it. Every table, every seat. They'd finished eating and were all down to beverages but not making any get-up-and-leave moves. John left, then Sarah left, so we were down to 6, but I gave up, too, since there weren't any other tables for 6 right then. Off to the grocery store for the FINAL shopping run. I got everything on my list.

Trevor came and put up the Christmas Tree, moved a few things upstairs, and brought down a laundry basket filled with trash that I could have brought down but why even try when I knew he'd be here? He also took a large picture in the breakfast room down and put up a wreath I'd forgotten that Louise had given to me before she moved to FL. It's not anything I'd ever have bought, but I like it there.



Cleaning ladies came, cleaned, and left, too, so a very busy afternoon. All the regular stuff for the rest of the night.

...
I'll be doing some T-Day-On-Friday prep. Arsenal play Bayern Munchen at 3, so I'll be watching that with Bill.

Reading, too, of course, and etc.

>36 karenmarie: That's a fantastic shirt! Definitely the right place to wear it.

I always think that its too early for Christmas decorations until I look at the calendar and realize it's only 4 weeks away. Yikes!!

Anyhow, happy rest of the week!

>36 karenmarie: I like the wreath in that spot! It sounds like you're All set, you efficient planner you.

I'm mid-flow on posting madness for the holiday. Lots of details to track. I'm not always efficient at doing that so there's now a list in my docs, wonder why that took so long...?

*smooch*

Happy new one, Karen!

Love the cat shirt and the wreath and that you get to celebrate with Jenna and Hwan!! Decorating with them will be fun. : )

I'm a great believer that Jenna would have gotten that job in a plain white shirt, but the cat one is GREAT!!!! Congratulate her!

And ENJOY THEM!!!!! Sounds like everything is very, very, very good at your house and about to be more, more, more than excellent!

I have finished my share of the cooking, and my DH is cussing the dishes after insisting that HE would wash them. Bless him.

Very Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Happy new thread, Karen. Congrats to Jenna on the new job. Love her shirt! That would be a clincher for that job. What an amazing price for that 1911 Civil War set. The pictures in it must be amazing.

>36 karenmarie: Jenna's shirt is amazing, I love it to bits. Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy your time with J&H.

Morning, Karen. Happy Thanksgiving. Did the girls get there okay? I am sure they did. Have a wonderful visit with them. Cherish every moment. ❤️🦃

... back later... J&H arrived safe and sound. Hwan is napping, Jenna is chatting with her dad. I'm going to do a few things in the kitchen. Four hours of sleep! Yay!

Wordle 1,622 5/6* trope, entry, steer, refit, remit

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>45 karenmarie: No surprise to be sleep deprived when such an exciting event's coming up. Enjoy it All! *smooch*

HAPPIEST OF HAPPY THANKSGIVINGS to you ((((((((KAREN)))))))) and Bill and Jenna and Hwan! I'm thrilled that the daughters are here. Give them hugs for me (if Jenna will accept an almost obligatory one from the honorary aunt; otherwise, a warm handshake or lingering fist bump will be just fine!) ENJOY! ENJOY! ENJOY!

Happy Thanksgiving! I recently finished a book you might enjoy if you haven't read it. A MM romance by Sierra Simone Saint It's a part of a series but can be read as a standalone. (The first two are MF romances.)

Happy Thanksgiving, Karen! I know you must really be enjoying it, since Jenna and Hwan are there.

>24 karenmarie: Congratulations to Jenna on the new job! It sounds like a perfect fit for her.

>36 karenmarie: That shirt is fantastic! I love it. Also, the wreath looks absolutely perfect in that location. It goes so well with the wallpaper and frame colors.

Wishing you a wonderful T-Day-On-Friday!

Morning, Karen. Happy Turkey Friday! Have a wonderful day with the family. I am sure there will be a lot of smiles and laughs.

Enjoy your Turkey Day celebrations today!

I'll be back after we get a few more things under control.

I appreciate all the messages and appreciate you all!

Wordle 1,623 4/6* trope, bison, comic, colic

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>37 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita. I know – that shirt. It was a definite hit. Trevor put up the tree and the wreath because both needed his strength – wrestling and assembling the tree and taking down a heavy picture where we wanted the wreath to go. When Jenna used to live here we always put up the tree/decorations the first week of December. Happy rest of the week to you, too.

Yikes. It’s now only 22 days away.

>38 richardderus: Thanks RD. I’m mostly set, although things are falling into place nicely. Yay for your posting madness for the holiday. I hope you got it all done. *smooch*

>39 drneutron: Hi Jim, and thank you. Thank you for all the work you do for our group, too!

>41 LizzieD: (((((Peggy))))) I’m sure she’d have gotten it, too, but it was a great ice breaker. I’ll congratulate her for you. We’re definitely enjoying them. Things are good, things are organized and going well. Your DH is a marvel. I hope your Thanksgiving was good – ours is coming up.

>42 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg and thank you twice. I’m still gloating over The Photographic Historic History of the Civil War. Bill looked at one of the volumes – I forget which one, and really spent time on it and was impressed with it. If I can remember, I’ll try to get a pic or two over here this coming week.

>43 lauralkeet: Thank you Laura! I hope your Thanksgiving was marvelous. We’re definitely enjoying time with our daughters.

>44 msf59: ‘Morning a day late, Mark, and Happy Thanksgiving to you, too. They arrived safe and sound at 5:15 a.m. yesterday, and I pulled into Baggage Claim 4 about 5:18. After a bathroom break, they came out and we got home safely by 6:30. Thanks re our visit – so far it’s going fantastically.

>46 richardderus: Naps and sleep tomorrow night are on the agenda, RDear. *smooch*

>47 LizzieD: Thank you, Peggy. I’ll give them both hugs from you.

>48 elorin: Hi Robyn, and thank you. It looks good. I just have to decide to spend money on it because it’s not Kindle Unlimited, but I’ll probably get it tomorrow. I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful.

>49 atozgrl: Thank you, Irene. I hope your Thanksgiving was perfect for you and your husband. Thanks re the shirt and wreath. I know – it really is perfect for that wall.

>50 msf59: ‘Morning, Mark, and thank you re Turkey Friday!! Love it.

>51 richardderus: Thanks, RD! *smooch*

...
Yesterday was joy with J&H. I made the Sweet Potato Souffle sans topping and put it in the garage refrigerator. We'll make the topping today. Jenna and I made 4 pies. I'll post a pic sometime... We had tacos for dinner, chatted some more, and then Jenna & Hwan and I headed upstairs to 'get horizontal', as we put it.

...
Jenna and I both got up at 8 and started more prep around 9. Dressing, and cutting up Broccoli for dinner and carrots, celery, green pepper, cauliflower, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes for the vegetable platter. We're taking a brief break, and will start prepping the turkey to put it in the oven at 11:15. I bake it at 450F, buttered, S&Pd, and wrapped in heavy duty foil. Last 15 minutes pull the foil back. I want it out of the oven about 2:30.

I'm washing the tablecloth & napkins. We need to start clearing off counters and setting the table and etc.

Three things for the wall oven - dressing, Sweet Potato Souffle, and the Green Bean Casserole that Diane's bringing. After we get the turkey out of the island oven, we'll time it to put in Sister Schubert's Parkerhouse Rolls.

I only need two ovens at Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, but when I need them, I need them!

Off I go...

>53 karenmarie: All in hand, and progress being made, means a peaceful, pleasant celebration on the way.

Yay for the success of planning over chaos! xo

I'm very late, but happy Thanksgiving to you and your lovely family! And congratulations to Jenna on her new job. Her shirt is amazing! I'll have to dig out a picture of my cat dress - I'm not a dress person, but make an exception for this. Hang on a bit...

Edited to add: here it is!
https://www.popsyclothing.co.uk/collections/cat-print-dresses/products/callie-ca...

First off, for Meg - here's a sample of the first volume of the 10-volume set:


Rather than try to flatten the spine to get the perfect photos, please forgive the tilt.

>54 richardderus: Hiya, RD! Thank you. Chaos averted, plans came to successful fruition. More below... *smooch*

>55 Jackie_K: Hello Jackie! Thank you. Thanks re Jenna and her new job, too. I love the cat dress. So cute and whimsical.

Wordle 1,624 5/6* trope, crash, druid, wrung, gruff

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It will not surprise anybody who reads my threads that I made a Thanksgiving Day On Friday Timing spreadsheet. The plan was to sit down at 3:30 and, by George, we did!

Turkey, dressing, sweet potato souffle, sourdough dressing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, gravy, deviled eggs, broccoli, rolls/butter, cranberry sauce.

Pumpkin, chocolate cream, pecan, and coconut cream pies got made on Thursday with Jenna's help.



Jenna was a champ in all aspects of meal prep, Hwan took on the (tedious to me) duty of picking the meat off the turkey neck for the gravy.

Geoff and Diane got here about 12:30. We snacked on cheese ball/crackers and vegetable platter/dip. Once the 17.5 lb turkey came out of the oven about 2:30, it was a happy flurry of making gravy, carving the turkey, getting all the casseroles out of the oven, broccoli cooked, rolls baked, and etc. and on the kitchen counter.



They left about 7:30. Jenna and Hwan were upstairs right after, I followed in about 30 minutes. Lights off for me about 11.

...
The darned alarm woke me at 3:50. We left for the airport at 4:20, Jenna driving. Said our goodbyes at Terminal 1, I got home, got into my jammies and tried, unsuccessfully, to go back to sleep. I am drinking coffee and have already had a piece of coconut cream pie.

After a bit more on LT, I'm going to go back upstairs to either read or nap.

Morning, Karen. Happy Saturday. Your holiday dinner with the girls sounds and looks fantastic. I am sure you loved every moment of it. I'm so glad they came in for this. ❤️

Our snowstorm is under way- less than 2 " right now but this will continue all day and through the night. Ugh.

Oh yeah- Go Bears!

>56 karenmarie: Terrific day of feasting, but oh the price! I'm sure coconut cream pie's no real solace for having them gone, but at least it's some comfort.

Enjoy the decompression weekend. *smooch*

What a spread!!!! Also what Richard said, I echo.

Feeding cats next to last time today!

>56 karenmarie: It sounds like you had a fabulous time with friends and family! I'm glad everything went so well, but sad for you that your time with Jenna and Hwan was so short.

As both a book lover and history lover, I am so envious of your Civil War set. That is a true treasure, and at such a bargain price. The library's loss, your gain.

I hope you are getting lots of rest today!

>57 msf59: ‘Morning, Mark! Thanks re yesterday, and the dinner. I did love every moment of it. There wasn’t one stressful minute. I didn’t realize how much I needed to see them. Looks like your first real storm of the season’s been significant. One map I just looked at showed 6” with snow continuing to fall. My Uncle and Aunt in Cedar Rapids AND the farm family in Ely got around 1.3-1.5”. Go Bears! 9-3.

>58 richardderus: Hiya, RD! I was so whupped that I didn’t realize much of the central part of the country was getting Polar Vortex-ed. I’m just glad J&H didn’t get caught up in cancelled flights and made it home safely.

I’m continuing to decompress. I only put up some silverware yesterday, will do more today. I was too lazy to prepare leftover turkey dinner last night, so we’ll have it tonight.

>59 LizzieD: Hi Peggy. Yes, we love our standard T-Day meal. But, they’re gone. Your cat feeding schedule reflects the devotion you and your DH have for your seven kitties.

>60 atozgrl: Hello Irene! Yes, we had a fabulous time with J&H and our friends. The time was short but sweet. The Civil War set just dropped into my lap, and it now has a place of honor in my Sunroom.



I deliberately left this image oversized so that those so inclined can look at other titles. It's something I like to do when looking at shelves or stacks of books. Also, note the 45 calibre cartridges, beanie babies, and etc. on my Shelf of Sentimental things. Cartridges aren't sentimental, of course, but somehow that's where that box landed.

Wordle 1,625 5/6* trope, claim, musky, muddy, muggy

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As reported above, after a pre-dawn journey to drop J&H off at the airport, I made it safely back home, tried to go back to sleep, failed, read, and napped most of the rest of the day. We watched two episodes of Cold Case. i got 7 hours of sleep.

...
Reading, napping, putting away clean dishes and getting the kitchen back under control. No official puttering. *smile*

Arsenal play Chelsea at 11:30.

Leftover turkey dinner planned for tonight.

" I didn’t realize how much I needed to see them." I can only imagine, my friend. I hope I never have to deal with that. 🤞🤞

Morning, Karen. Happy Sunday. We got 6-7" of snow and it has been snowing again this AM. My snowblower is out of action, so it looks like Marky will be shoveling. Oh, joy! I love your book shelves.

>61 karenmarie: I ate the last of the turkey, with no-salt-added potato chips, for my lunch sammy. I'm glad I had it...I didn't need to spend money on delivery this weekend! Of course I bought the chips but I had a 40% off coupon so it didn't make my eyes water to buy the good chips.

*smooch*

>62 msf59: 'Afternoon, Mark! Happy Sunday to you, too. So much snow! Shovel responsibly! Thanks re my bookshelves.

My Mom and Dad dealt with me moving to Connecticut, on my own, when I was 24. Came home when I was 27, left again when I was 37, this time to NC. Jenna's just doing what her mom did. I don't think my mom and dad liked it, and I don't like it either.

>63 richardderus: Yum for a turkey sammich with potato chips. Turkey, dressing, and sweet potato souffle are in the refrigerator in the garage. I'll bring them in later, make plates for us with the mashed potatoes and green bean casserole in the house refrigerator. Much gravy, too. Cranberry sauce for moi. After that, I'll just keep enough of everything for one more dinner and a sandwich or two plus keep the rest of the turkey and the carcass for Turkey Pot Pie and/or turkey soup.

I've been slowly getting a few things put up. Next is the good china. Need the step ladder for that.

>64 karenmarie: I was a little hesitant to indulge in the chips until I saw the good brand had no-salt-added ones. The v-fib that likely caused the strokes means I should limit salt intake. Easy for me because I never add salt to foods. I use salted butter, that's enough salt-tasting add-ons to stuff considering All prepared foods have plenty already.

Navigate the china storage well.

Morning, Karen. A bit stiff from yesterday's shoveling. I am hoping to work that out with some PB play. Cold week ahead. Ugh. I hope you get a good start to your week.

>65 richardderus: Hi RD! I'll eat no-salt tortilla chips, but indulge in light salt potato chips occasionally. Most processed food and most canned vegetables have a lot of salt, along with several surprising things. I have been surprised recently that my blood pressure is low in the morning if I eat most of my salt intake with dinner or even a late snack. Case in point - last night I had some left over vegetables/dip late and my bp is 107/79 and heart rate is 74.

>66 msf59: 'Morning, Mark! I can imagine being stiff from shoveling. 🤞 that PB works that out. Snow today and tonight and vicious cold in Chicagoland for sure. Stay safe and warm.

Wordle 1,626 5/6* trope, shied, beech, welch, leach

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China storage didn't occur, but getting the huge roasting pan/rack up on a shelf in the Utility Room did.

Arsenal tied with Chelsea, not their best performance since Chelsea were a man down after the first half.

We had left over turkey dinner last night and it was soooo good!

...
I need to leave in 25 minutes for blood work for my Thursday annual exam, then I'll stay in town for a chiropractic appointment, prescription pickup, and medium-ish grocery store run.

And, of course, I'll start working on YTD statistics and November's Lightning Round.

>67 karenmarie: Happy busy Monday, sweetiedarling. I'll be here pounding my keyboard....

*smooch*

Morning, Karen. Tending to the "kids" this AM and then I get to hang out with Jack until I take him to school. Looking forward to it. I saw a red-breasted nuthatch at the feeder yesterday. First time I have seen one at the feeders in a couple of years. Of course, there were a lot of juncos, doves, chickadees and downys visiting as well.

>Hi RDear, and thank you. I was just busy enough. I hope your keyboard pounding was productive *smooch*

>69 msf59: 'Morning, Mark. Happy Tuesday. I hope you enjoy your Jack time. Red-Breasted Nuthatches are here during non-breeding season, but I haven't seen one to know it. Thanks for the bird report. I've got finches and a male Cardinal and a White-Breasted Nuthatch.

Wordle 1,627 4/6* trope, stunk, latch, cacti

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I finally got all the good china put up. I also had bloodwork done in anticipation of my annual exam on Thursday. They're amazing - blood drawn about 10:35 and results posted on mychart at 12:19. Everything is within normal ranges - I love seeing the results in the green band. I went grocery shopping too. Otherwise, reading and napping, watching Cold Case.

Jenna called on her way home from her first day of work and loved it. Compared with the clinic she worked at here in NC, it was heaven. And, only kitties, too!
...
Book sort and Virlie's. I need to continue working on our Christmas letter and start writing/addressing/stamping cards. Each year is fewer and fewer as people drop off our radar (and we drop off theirs!) and, of course, people pass away.

Stats and Lightning Round, too.

Fun stuff.

>70 karenmarie: It sounds like another satisfyingly busy, not rushed or pressured, day...and it's excellent that Jenna feels at home with the new job already. We need to know our belovèds are happy to relax and enjoy life.

Life's prunings are interesting to observe, aren't they. People I was sure I'd love always I couldn't pick out in a police lineup today. Sometimes that makes me sad, other times I'm content to be grateful for what the now-gone connection gave me and hope I gave them something worthwhile in return.

Enjoy it all, sweetiedarling.

Hiya, RD! Definitely not rushed or pressured, so there's that. We need to know our belovèds are happy to relax and enjoy life. Oh, more now than ever.

Some relationships are time sensitive, and realizing that is one of the most profound life lessons I've learned. *smooch*

YTD Statistics through November

391 books read
360.5 ebooks, 23 audio books, 7.5 paper books
91855 pages in completed books
213.5 hours in completed audio books
164 books abandoned, 18372 pages abandoned, 26.5 hours abandoned

110227 total pages read

Avg pages read per day, incl books abandoned: YTD = 330
Avg pages read per book, only those completed: YTD = 235

Book(s) of the Month: The Hallmarked Man by Robert Galbraith
Tilt by Emma Pattee
Dance of Defiance by Jagger Cole

Books by Month
January: 26 books read - 18 ebooks, 4 audio books, 5 paper books
February: 24 books read - 21 ebooks, 4 audio books, 0 paper books
March: 36 books read - 34 e-books, 1 audio book, 1 paper book
April: 37 books read - 35 e-books, 2 audio books, 0 paper books
May: 43 books read - 41 e-books, 2 audio books, 1 paper book
June: 37 books read - 35 e-books, 2 audio books, 0 paper books
July: 39 books read - 37 e-books, 2 audio books, 0 paper books
August: 42 books read - 37 e-books, 5 audio books, 0 paper books
September: 30 books read - 30 e-books, 0 audio books, 0 paper books
October: 43 e-books read, 0 audio books, 2 paper books
November: 28 e-books read, 3 audio books, 1 paper book

Author
Male 11%
Female 71%
Undeclared * 16%
Non-Binary 2%
* - can't find info anywhere

Living 99%
Dead 1%

US Born 32%
Foreign Born 14%
Undeclared * 54%
* - can't find info anywhere

Medium
Audio Book 6%
e-Book 92%
Paper Book 2%

Source
My Library 11%
Library 0%
Kindle Unlimited 89%
Borrowed 0%

Misc
Galley Proof 0%
Re-read 3%
Series 78%

Fiction 99%
NonFiction 1%

Author Birth Country
Australia 3%
Britain 1%
Canada 3%
Czechoslovakia 1%
England 2%
Finland 1%
Germany 1%
Grenada 1%
Netherlands 1%
New Zealand 1%
Nigeria 1%
Puerto Rico 1%
Scotland 1%
UK 2%
Undeclared * 49%
US 30%
Wales 1%
* - can't find info anywhere

Original Decade Published
1870-1879 1%
1940-1949 1%
1990-1999 1%
2010-2019 16%
2020-2025 81%

Genre
Contemporary Fiction 1%
Crime Fiction 1%
Historical Fiction 1%
History 1%
Humor 1%
Informational Nonfiction 1%
Memoir 1%
MM/MMM/MMMM Romance 93%

Average Rating
0.5 3
2.0 - Bad 10
2.5 - Average 21
3.0 - Good 38
3.5 - Very Good 105
4.0 - Excellent 176
4.5 - Outstanding 37
5 - Masterpiece 1

Average Rating 3.66
Books acquired YTD (last year 306) 328
Books culled YTD (last year 219) 178

5895 books cataloged on 12/31/24

November Lightning Round

Any in bold are NOT MM romances, few and far between as they are.

Quite a few of the smut books have warnings about triggers that I don’t mention here. Caveat emptor re triggers if you want to dip your toes in.

His Secret Omega by Chani Lynn Feener 10/31/25 11/1/25 342 pages Kindle

Another by Feener, this time an omegaverse standalone, disappoints me. Alpha Kian has wanted Sky since he was 14, way too early to do anything about it. Sky does not know this and has been obsessed with Kian since then. Once Sky is of age, he hasn’t presented his Alpha/Omega/Beta status. Kian forces it, but Sky doesn’t understand this since it’s an anonymous masked alpha who does this. Later, Kian stalks Sky. Weird politics in the same series as her Devils of Vitality series. Power trips, politics, Kian claiming Sky, etc. This one was so formulaic that I could hardly get interested. Ho hum. They get their HEA. Ho hum. Caveat emptor re sex. Ho hum.

Filthy Little Fix by Quinn Orin 11/1/25 11/2/25 368 pages Kindle

Leo works in the IT department, colorless, depressed, unable to care about anybody or anything except is fern. At home, however, he is Nyx, a computer genius who has disrupted two of the mafia families. Dante, head of the Volkov family, discovers who he is and kidnaps him. Punishing Nyx doesn’t work because Nyx relishes pain and humiliation. Nyx becomes valuable to the Volkov family and he and Dante have a smoldering power and sexual relationship. Nyx is kidnapped, again, this time by the Malakov family in retaliation to what Nyx and the Volkovs are doing. Dante goes ballistic and pretty much wipes the Malakovs off the face of the earth after he rescues Nyx. They get their HEA, as strange as it would be to anybody who’s not a masochist or submissive. *shrug* Caveat emptor re violence and sex.

My Defiant Mate by Lexie Slater 11/2/25 11/3/25 101 pages Kindle

Omega Toby is the RA in the college dorm. There have been complaints against Alpha Jionni who lives above Toby. Toby goes down to tell him to cut it out, again, but as soon as they see each other they realize they’re fated mates. Toby is on scholarship and needs his RA position in order to keep it. However, the Alpha in charge of the RAs realizes that Toby and Jionni have a relationship and has removed Toby from his RA position. Jionni’s friends were in the same position, and the rules of fraternization are null and void if it is a fated mate situation. Toby is reinstated but has to be RA for a different building, but they get their HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

Bet You by Neve Wilder 11/3/25 11/4/25 213 pages Kindle

Spencer is a scholarship student, working two jobs and living in student housing. His parking space is constantly taken by the frat boys living door, and one day he’s had it when he sees one of them leaving his Jeep. He confronts him. Cory is attracted to Spencer even though Spencer loathes him on sight and accepts a frat challenge to seduce him. He starts sitting next to him in a class they share, pays attention at the bar Spencer works at and the frat guys go to. Over time, and with some between-building open blinds sexy stuff, they become close and start having a romantic fling. More than a hookup, less than boyfriends. It’s all going well and they agree to be exclusive and boyfriends when Spencer finds out about the bet, which Cory had completely forgotten about. After a bit of heartache on both sides, they reconcile and become official boyfriends. Cory isn’t a mindless frat boy and Spencer isn’t as tied to books and working as it appears, and they get their HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned Festive Fugitive by KA Merikan ** 121 pages

Eli kills the town mayor and barely escapes. Cesar, the mayor’s bodyguard sees a chance to escape his bondage, rescues Eli, and they run. They hide at a cabin Cesar owns, give in to their attraction to one another, and start playing house. When Eli starts making paper chains for Christmas, I gave up. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned The Dragon Boss by Anna Wineheart ** 90 pages

Absolutely ridiculous. Mpreg, with a dragon shifter unintentionally impregnating a wolf shifter who thinks he’s human. Gag.

**abandoned The Duke's Cowboy by Andrew Grey ** 78 pages

George, a duke, is on a 6-month sabbatical from family responsibilities when he ends up stranded in a blizzard in Wyoming. He’s rescued and is given shelter at the ranch that Alan, his mother, and younger brother run. The blizzard lasts longer than anticipated, George admits he’s a duke, they don’t see how their attraction can be anything more than a fling… you get the idea.

Kiss My Axe by May Archer 11/4/25 11/5/25 356 pages Kindle

Griffin’s marketing career is torpedoed by an intern’s mistake not owned up to. Griffin flees to a property he’s inherited from his ‘uncle’ – a family friend he remembers from his childhood. It turns out to be treehouse. His neighbor, Beckett, and he disagree about property lines. Conflict turns to interest turns to hooking up. Beckett’s family is large and gregarious and vested in Grifin and Beckett getting together. They do, and they get their HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned Shared by His Alphas by Madeleine Grey ** 22 pages

Nope. It’s not worth writing more than that for only 22 pages ‘credit’.

**abandoned Extra Credit by SoulDesire ** 73 pages

Theo and Jace, polar opposites, are assigned to be project partners in the college class they share. Jace is chaotic and prone to lateness and a slapdash approach to his project responsibilities, but over several weeks he starts contributing, being on time, and etc. Theo starts relaxing and we know things will work out. The problem is the repetitiveness and the single-sentence paragraphs.

Hand Picked by May Archer 11/5/25 11/6/25 324 pages Kindle

Luke is a first grade teacher who wins a contest. It’s supposedly a mansion with acreage. When he shows up, it’s a decrepit death trap, so he elects to live in a less-decrepit travel trailer on the property. He teaches, and earns the wrath of Webb when Webb’s son Aiden is released to his mother when the principal assures Luke that it’s okay. Webb doesn’t speak to him for months. Luke’s shy and doesn’t engage with the town people much, either. One night they’re both drinking at the local bar, getting drunker and drunker and drinking together. They agree to be friends, and Webb forgets that the town bugle is for hand-fasting. They both blow it because … friendship … but the town goes nuts trying to get them to fulfill the 10 Rules to change the handfast into a marriage. I enjoyed it. I also enjoyed Webb’s bi-awakening and his and Luke’s growing feelings for one another. Webb’s family is marvelous. Lots of hijinks, lots of emotions well handled by the author. The thing that kept it down to 3.5 stars instead of 4 stars is how the town decides to turn the decrepit mansion into a safe and gorgeous mansion in 3 weeks before Luke’s mother and aunt descend on him. All that donated time and money… maybe I’m a cynic, but it didn’t feel real. They get their HEA, of course. Caveat emptor re sex.

Mr. Romance by Louisa Masters 11/6/25 11/7/25 288 pages Kindle

Charlie is a generous friend. He takes walks along the beach, provides meals and clothing and etc., to his friends. Unfortunately many see this as him dating them, and the three people who each think he’s dating them and go at each other in the cafeteria makes him realize he needs help with figuring out what behaviors make people think he’s dating them. Liam has a side hustle of providing romantic dates, weddings, proposals, and general advice. Charlie hires Liam as a full-time consultant, available at all hours, to help him figure out if his behavior comes across as date-y or romantic when he’s only being friendly. Eventually they start having feelings for one another and get their HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

Sold to the Alpha Enforcer by Bella Bennet and Riley Sloan 11/7/25 11/7/25 177 pages Kindle

Finn sells himself to Ronan as payment for his father’s $80K debt. Ronan is happy to take him. Finn goes into heat, gets pregnant, and they have feelings for one another. They get their crime family HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned Omega for Sale by Beau Brown ** 182 pages

Atlas is at the end of his rope. His father’s in jail for statutory rape and he’s been kicked out of his college, tutoring jobs, and apartment. He is one meal away from selling himself on the street when he gets accepted at The Auction, where rich alphas can bid on omegas. Alpha Dante is still grieving the death of his omega, 10 years later, and isn’t interested in an omega. However, there’s a particularly unsavory alpha who’s bribed his way back into the auction as a buyer and rather than have him get Atlas, he doubles the bid and gets himself an omega. He doesn’t know what to do with him since he doesn’t want him as his mate or to have children by. There are a lot of fireworks since Atlas isn’t quiet or demure. However, it got just too … in your face … with plot lines and over-the-top characters. Caveat emptor re sex.

Gilded Cage by Quinn Seaver 11/7/25 11/8/25 227 pages Kindle

Ethan has been kidnapped and is being staged, along with many others, to be sold overseas. Crime family boss Vittorio is incensed that there are people using his warehouses, and even more incensed when he learns they are traffickers. All of them are rescued without seeing who rescues them except for Ethan. Rather than kill Ethan outright, Vittorio takes him to his penthouse. Ethan is a graduate psychology student studying Stockholm Syndrome and other forms of behaviors of victims. It takes him forever to accept that he’s never leaving the penthouse. Vittorio is fascinated with im, and they begin a relationship of sorts. Both talk like psychology 101 textbooks. Power, consent, and, of course Stockholm Syndrome. Can I have $1 for every time it gets mentioned? I’d have quite a lot of money to spend on books. They eventually start having a sexual relationship. Ethan is resigned to his fate. Another crime family comes after Ethan, and Vittorio and his family declare war on them. Ethan joins the family as Vittorio’s partner and as someone who can profile criminals, victims, and family members. Sort of ugh, but the very beginning, where we learn about Ethan and how he adapts to his gilded cage are well done. Caveat emptor re sex.

Cowboys Can't Kiss by RM Neill 11/8/25 11/8/25 272 pages Kindle

Jackson has had a rough day and is relaxing, on his back in a grassy spot, behind a picnic bench in the park. Riley, a romance/wedding consultant, is eatin lunch on the bench, and they talk although Riley does not see Jackson. They try to have ‘dates’ in the park again, but both are busy. Jackson hires the town’s new consultant and they’re surprised that their park date is each other. Jackson gets tongue-tied around men he wants to ask out. He asks Riley out, but Riley’s been devastated by a bad breakup with a cowboy. Jackson is a cowboy. Friend dates that frustrate Jackson but that Riley needs. I love this story – Jackson is a steer wrestler on the rodeo circuit, 40 years old, and starting to consider retirement. He woos Riley but always as friends, until Riley understands his feelings better and they become a couple. Add in Riley’s aunt and out-of-town lawyer best friend and Jackson’s partner and other folks on the rodeo circuit, and it’s a sweet and spicy romance. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned Claimed by the Underboss by Bella Bennet ** 50 pages

Another crime family capturing a witness, this time a journalist. It’s shallow and the characters are caricatures.

**abandoned His Biggest Secret by Xander Collins **

Mark and his cop partner Landon work well together. One night after a particularly stressful call out, they get drunk, as they have in the past. However, in this version of the omegaverse, betas can spontaneously become omegas. This happens to Mark, and he’s desperate to hide it because of the stereotypes of what omega roles are. They don’t include being a tough cop. He and Landon start a secret relationship. Mark becomes pregnant, the cop shop accepts him, he has a baby, and I gave up where there’s a barbequeue to introduce the babo to their families and coworkers. It just became too domestic for me in a traditional way that I was irritated at. Caveat emptor re sex. Good subjects, interesting trope, just … sweeter … ? than I wanted.

**abandoned The Alpha's Human by DJ Heart ** 200 pages

Silly, improbable in a genre that is, almost by definition, wildly improbable. Caveat emptor re sex.

Something Unavoidable by Rory Maxwell 11/09/25 11/11/25 282 pages Kindle

Keegan is a vet, settled in his ways, Izzy is a wildly promiscuous cowboy. They are forced to work together, but this is an enemies to lovers trope and once Keegan figures out that he wants Izzy, he needs to figure out how to reach past Izzy’s skittishness and emotional wounds. They get their HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

Swipe Right on the Alpha by Lance Roddick 11/11/25 11/11/25 119 pages Kindle

This one was cute – Aiden is a human influencer who reports on his epic bad dates. Dylan is a werewolf who decides he nees to find someone. Both sign up for a matchmaking app called LunaLove, Dylan knowing it’s for supernaturals and Aiden thinking the questions are weird but never suspecting that supernaturals exists, much less that there’s an app to match them up. They have an instant 99.8% match and meet up. Their first date is a comedy of errors—Aiden thinks Dylan is a weird wilderness survivalist, Dylan thinks Aiden is the world’s most oblivious human—but sparks fly fast. As Aiden realizes what he’s getting into and they become close, they have to deal with pack politics and other problems any couple face. They get their HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

Feeding the Grump by Jax Calder 11/11/25 11/11/25 68 pages Kindle

David and Benji have small-ish cattle stations in New Zealand. They seem to be total opposites and instant enemies, but Benji brings over meals for David and David takes care of some of the fencing and other tasks on Benji’s property. As time goes on, each realizes that the other might be his guy. David takes the first step, showing Benji a hidden part near the river on his property. There are immediate sparks, and once they realize that all the snarking and baiting and irritation are only foreplay, they get their HEA. I love short stories and novellas by this author, because she packs so much into such a potentially unforgiving form. Rich, vivid, never leaving anything out but spare and concise, she gets to the heart of the matter. Caveat emptor re sex.

Bull Riders Don't Swoon 11/8/25 11/12/25 292 pages Kindle

Jamieson is the bull rider, Griff is a bull fighter. Griff fell in love with Jamieson the first time they were in the ring together, and ten years later they are best friends. Jamieson has a cowboy at every rodeo, not realizing that Griff has romantic feelings towards him. One night Griff finally puts it out there by giving Jamieson a more-than-friends kiss, and Jamieson realizes that he has more than friends feelings towards Griff, too. Much of the book revolves around Jamieson feeling guilty over not realizing what Griff was feeling and working hard to give Griff everything he wants and needs. Griff continues to protect Jamieson in the ring. They live together on the road and eventually get their HEA. What I particularly liked about this one was that Griff has some hard limits sexually that Jamieson is perfectly willing to respect. Their sex life is more than satisfying to both of them. Caveat emptor re sex.

Cowboy Haven by BA Tortuga 11/11/25 11/12/25 256 pages Kindle

Heath is hoodwinked into giving up his savings in order to rent a fancy ranch in New Mexico so that he and his 3-month old triplets can start a new life away from his ex. The ranch turns out to be a rundown and abandoned farmhouse. Winter has arrived, Heath is at the end of his rope. Kolt is a semi-retired bull rider, still recovering from a recent major injury in the ring. He has earned enough to have a gorgeous house on a large ranch. He has family nearby and thinks his life is fine as it is. He sees smoke coming out of what he knows to be an abandoned farmhouse, and rides over to see who is squatting. He is shocked at how Heath and his babies are barely surviving, and takes them home. He calls on his family to help. They arrive with all the baby supplies needed to help the babies. They help Heath and Kolt and start loving the babies and Heath. So does Kolt. However, there’s stalker after Heath, and they think it’s Heath’s ex. The stalking escalates from dead animals on Heath’s SUV to photos of Heath and Kolt and them in town with the babies. They turn to friends and family to find out who the stalker is, and after a particularly harrowing incident, the stalker is captured. Kolt knows that Heath and his babies are it for him, and Heath is more than in love with Kolt, too. This one was sweet and made me envious of Kolt’s large, noisy, and in-your-face family. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon ** 102 pages

Excellent book that I was not in the mood for. A midwife/healer in 1789 Massachusetts is called on to identify a body. Her findings and opinions are scoffed at because she’s a woman. She has a loving husband and 6 children. I’m sad to say that once I realized that I wouldn’t be able to go to book club, I abandoned it.

Fakers by Lucy Lennox and May Archer 11/12/25 11/13/25 324 pages Kindle

Brooks is a marketing exec in NYC, from Lickin’ Thicket TN. Mal is a welding artist who takes junkyard objects and turns them into stunning art. Mal agrees to come back to Licking Thicket with his best friend Ava as her fake boyfriend. She was abandoned by her boyfriend Brooks at the annual festival in a very public and humiliating way. Brooks left for NYC, where he’s become very successful. He returns to the Thicket in order to be in charge of the festival because his dad is recovering from a heart attack. He brings one of his project executives with him as his fake boyfriend. There’s so much humor and laugh-out-loud moments. In addition, there are the budding romances between Mal and Brooks and Paul and Ava, which have to be kept under wraps. Add in the festival, Brooks’ mother denying he’s gay, Paul pretending to be gay, and it’s a combination of serious/emotional and riotous word plays on cows and Licking Thicket. Caveat emptor re sex.

ILY by Cora Rose and EM Lindsey 11/13/25 11/15/25 308 pages Kindle

Leaf is deaf, a retired interpreter, living on the property he’s inherited from his aunt. He’s being tormented by Michael the groundhog and goes onto the dark web to buy dynamite. Thorne is a partially-but-soon-becoming-completely-deaf FBI agent, stuck to a desk because of his deafness. However, he wants one last hurrah and wants to capture Leaf. He comes to the property. There is sparkage. Eventually Thorne discovers that Michael is not a human but a groundhog. While poking around the property in search of Michael the human, Thorne discovers evidence of murder and when he and Leaf discover a human tooth, things become more complicated. It’s a riot, over the top in a good way, and has a wonderful love story. Caveat emptor re sex.

Faking Ever After by Hayden Hall 11/14/25 11/15/25 226 pages Kindle

Fake boyfriend trope has Finn, best friends with billionaire Percy’s PA, going to Greece for Percy’s parents’ 35th wedding anniversary party. I enjoyed it but can hardly remember a thing about it beyond way too many over-the-top characters. Caveat emptor re sex.

Tender by EM Lindsey 11/14/25 11/16/25 248 pages Kindle

Every once in a while, a MMM romance intrigues me. I usually abandon it. This one, however, grabbed me from the beginning. Miles is a PhD student, living with Selene, the most over-the-top spoiled little rich girl in the world. He’s beaten down and basically used as a house husband without privileges. They’re both def and use cochlear implants. Miles’ are ancient and barely functional, Selene’s are top of the line, as is everything in her life. For some reason, they meet up with her dads for lunch. The lunch is a disaster. Emmett and Cosmo are surprised to see Miles instead of the gym rat she’s also dating. She storms off in a huff, Miles leaves. Emmett follows him out and gives him their phone numbers, telling him to call if he needs them. They’re attracted to him and realize he’s at the end of his rope. She kicks him out, he literally has nowhere to go, and calls Emmett, who comes and gets him. He persuades Miles to stay in their pool house. Eventually, after a terrible storm, they persuade him to come into the house. And it goes from there, them attracted to Miles, Miles attracted to them. He doesn’t realize that they’re looking for a third, and he’s perfect for them. They just have to persuade him that they’re serious, want to take care of him and love him. They test out their relationship. It works, Selene comes unhinged but none of them care. I liked the explanations for the type of deafness each of them has, with discussions of ASL and other forms of communicating. Caveat emptor re sex.

Snow Storm by EM Lindsey 11/16/25 11/17/25 246 pages Kindle

Claude is an author and forced into an uncomfortable situation in public during a book signing. It’s all over the internet, he feels like it’s all his fault, and his brother books him a suite at a resort. The next day he has a massage, not knowing that the masseur is out sick and the owner of the resort gives him a massage. The owner, Harley, is crippled from a fall that permanently damaged his spine. It's Christmas, most guests are gone, and Claude and Harley are attracted to each other. Their romance plays out against isolation and being able to do what they want without interference. They get their HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

Seeds and Sunshine by Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga 11/17/25 11/17/25 204 pages Kindle

After you get over the illogical way that Shiloh, devastated widower, and Tate, town sweetie and hard worker, get together, it moves in sweet and predictable ways. Shiloh goes from surly, unapproachable, and sad to smiling, engaged, happy. Almost too sweet, but it works for 204 pages, but just barely. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned His Moody Mechanic by Shiloh Smith ** 53 pages

Ugh. 20-year old secretly gay controlled by his mayor father. Harley is a surly 40-year openly gay mechanic. Ken is stranded. Harley takes him and his car back to his shop. Ken’s fascinated, persuades Harley to do the deed with him. Doubly ugh. Caveat emptor re ridiculous sex.

**abandoned Mad For Madison by Hayden Hall ** 125 pages

Porn star Madison lives near Bradley. Bradley has a daughter. Nobody knows Madison is a porn star, but somehow or another Bradley has figured it out. They start an affair, there’s angst, and I’m not interested in the outcome. Caveat emptor re sex.

Temptation Ranch by Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga 11/19/25 11/19/25 169 pages Kindle

Tad is a player who enjoys a bit of BDSM and being in a Dom/Submissive situation. He’s at a bar hanging out with friends when he sees Strait, a billionaire rancher having a drink after attending the funeral of his friend Dave. They’re attracted, Tad goes home with him, and basically never leaves. Tad wants Strait to satisfy his kinks. Strait wants Tad to understand his life of private jets and boats, security details, and down-to-earth enjoyment of life. It’s a sweet romance with very steamy sex. Caveat emptor re, of course.

Overeager by Grae Bryan 11 /19/25 11/19/25 247 pages Kindle

Omegaverse book has Eli, an omega college professor, renting a cabin for a relaxing weekend. Noah, an Alpha college student, is doing the same and both are in their respective hot tubs when Noah says hi to Eli. Eli decides to be a little reckless because he’s recently divorced and knows he’s in a rut. They end up spending the night together. Noah knows Eli is it for him, Eli is a bit more cautious. Noah leaves his phone number but Eli doesn’t call. However, it turns out that Noah is taking Eli’s Omega Studies course. Potential conflicts of interest, Eli’s ex butting in, and they hide their relationship until they can’t. Sweet, sexy, omegaverse without mpreg. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned Saddles and Snowstorms by Atreus Rosewood ** 139 pages

Grumpy rancher, and I mean seriously grumpy, has to use the new vet in town first for one of his cows and then for his dog. While getting to the ranch to tend to the dog, there is a fierce snowstorm and the vet first rescues the rancher who’s fallen and is almost dead, then the dog, and then they’re snowed in together. The rancher becomes cute and coy and completely changes, which didn’t appeal. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned Pick Up Man by Jodi Payne ** 151 pages

Jack’s a bull rider and Hudson’s a lawyer. They hook up every year in Anaheim. However, Hudson has a plan because he’s in love with Jack. It became tedious. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned For the Love of the Broken Man by Sam E Kraemer ** 30 pages

I didn’t like the writing, and rather than give the story a chance, abandoned it right away. My bad.

**abandoned My Boss's Boss by R. Cayden ** 147 pages

MMM has the intern terrorized by the office manager, who’s in a romantic long-term relationship with the CEO, his boss. Intern kisses office manager, office manager and CEO like the intern and bring him into their relationship. It didn’t appeal. Caveat emptor re the sex, as poorly written as it is.

**abandoned His Little Secret by Daniel Davis ** 45 pages

Journalist Zahir goes undercover to a gathering of mafia families. He’s claimed as one of the most powerful men there as his fiancé even though he’s dressed as one of the wait staff. Really? Ugh. Inconsistent descriptions and etc. I didn’t even bother trying to get to the juicy parts.

Elevator Pitch by AM Johnson and Christina Lee 11/21/25 11/21/25 42 pages Kindle

Graham is his best friend’s best man but has forgotten the rings. He dashes back up to the room to get them and grabs an elevator with a large and very sexy man. The power goes out. It’s Las Vegas in the summertime. Graham doesn’t recognize one of the NHL’s best goalies, but Caleb recognizes the food blogger he’s been watching for 6 months. Graham’s out and proud, Caleb is so deeply closeted that he hasn’t even had a hookup for ten years or more. In the dark, only using their cell phone flashlights occasionally, they share secrets and some kisses and a bit more. They agree that they might hook up later but Caleb’s fearful. There’s a hopeful text at the end of this sweet short story. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned Bound by Blood and Choice by Marian Black ** 100 pages

Lorenzo is a powerful mafia heir. Nico is an omega. They have a one night stand and Nico runs away and hides. Lorenzo has been looking for him, but another Mafia family noticed that they had left the meeting together and tracked him. They realize he might become a pawn to take down Lorenzo. In the meantime, Nico has turned up pregnant. By the time he’s 8 months pregnant, Lorenzo has tracked him down but the other mafia family has kidnapped him. Baby born during the stress of Lorenzo rescuing him, baby stuff, more sex, blah blah. Caveat emptor re sex.

Dance of Defiance by Jagger Cole 11/21/25 11/23/25 583 pages Kindle

Mafia family heir Roman’s sister Evie is best friends with other Mafia family’s boss’s brother Val. Val and Roman start tangling. Roman is so in the closet he doesn’t even realize himself that he’s gay, but Val does. He starts seducing and wooing Roman. They start a secret relationship. There’s Mafia violence, Roman’s father’s and family’s homophobia. Eventually Roman embraces being gay. He and Val fall in love. Val’s sociopathic brother is in the mix, but only as a foil for Val’s innate goodness. However, he comes through when Val really needs him. Val & Roman get their HEA. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned Played: Manhattan Ruthless by Sadie Kincaid ** 265 pages

Teenagers in love Mason and King plan their lives together. King’s father, a dangerous homophobe, discovers them together, takes his son home and forces him to renounce Mason. Mason goes to the house, looking for King, but runs up against the father, who sexually abuses him. Eighteen years later King is hired by Mason’s family to find an intellectual property thief in their billion-dollar organization. They dance round each other, finally cave to their never-truly-ended-romance/feelings. There’s intrigue with King’s parents wanting King’s inheritance from his grandfather and danger on the horizon with the intellectual property thief. The dialog between Mason and King started sounding like a therapy session, and I usually roll my eyes at that and abandon the book. And so that’s what I did here. Caveat emptor re sex.

Lessons from Cats for Surviving Fascism by Stewart "Brittlestar" Reynolds 9/7/25 11/24/25 55 pages hardcover

Clever, timely, and important in its own way; a reminder that standing up to fascists can use Cat Tactics. Here are the chapter headings:

1. Stay Nimble and Unpredictable
2. Never Lose Your Nap Time
3. Knock Things over Strategically
4. Refuse to Wear Collars
5. Perfect the Art of Vanishing
6. Demand Food with Assertiveness
7. Use Cuteness to Your Advantage
8. Take Over Spaces That Aren’t Yours
9. Keep Your Claws Sharp
10. Remember You’re Always the Boss
11. Look After Your Pride

A tad repetitive, but gems in each of the chapters. Thank you Peggy for my early Christmas present!

Taken Off Camera by Sophie O'Dare and Lyn Forester 11/23/25 11/25/25 462 pages Kindle

Omega cam boy Micah does quite well with his live feeds. He’s started spending private cam time with GentlemanX. While talking privately, GentlemanX realizes that Micah is sick. He’s figured out who Micah really is, and comes to his apartment to take care of him, which weirds Micah out. However, they start spending real time together and GentlemanX – now known as Sebastian – has to help Micah stay sfe from a true stalker bent on harming Micah. Enjoyable, although GentlemanX being part of a huge billionaire family that can use its resources to protect Micah seems a bit much. However, their relationship is reasonable, their sexy times well written. Caveat emptor re sex.

Fight or Flight by Willow Dixon 11/25/25 11/26/25 401 pages Kindle

Three years of being enemies changes when all of a sudden Jace wants Shane. Jace is a self-proclaimed psychopath, so that’s always an interesting character type. Shane and he have to work together to prevent compromising files from getting out. Shane doesn’t want to want Jace, but is drawn like a moth to a flame anyway, so enemies to lovers. Predictable, but the dynamic between the two characters is powerful and goes back and forth. Caveat emptor re sex.

Second Song by Con Riley 11/28/25 11/29/25 310 pages Kindle

Rowan was humiliated and traumatized while on a music contest show and has retreated into himself. Liam has returned from war traumatized in a different way. Rowan is heading off to an interview to work as a music teacher apprenticeship when he ends up on the side of the road, halfway down dangerous cliffs, holding a lamb. It’s deadly serious yet funny. The writing about this first meeting between Rowan and Liam is fantastic. Liam sees Rowan while surfing, and rescues him and the lamb, with the help of his best friend. Liam makes sure Rowan gets to his interview on time. Liam is at the school working on demolition, Rowan is learning how to teach music and inspire children. There’s sweet and steamy sexy times, romantic times, and all in all this is a wonderful book. Caveat emptor re sex.

The Most Unusual Haunting of Edgar Lovejoy by Roan Parrish 11/29/25 11/30/25 366 pages Kindle

From the blurb: Jamie Wendon-Dale (transmasc they/them) creates haunted houses for a living. Haunting is their life—but nobody working New Orleans' spooky circuit actually believes in ghosts.
Edgar Lovejoy (cis he/him) is 100% haunted. No, really. Ghosts have tormented him since childhood and he's organized his life around attempts to avoid them.
Opposites? Get ready to attract. But while Jamie's biggest concern is that Edgar sometimes seems a bit distracted, Edgar's fears are much greater. Not only is he scared of encountering the dearly departed whenever he leaves the house, but he's terrified of making himself vulnerable to Jamie. After all, how do you tell someone who believes ghosts only exist as smoke and mirrors that you see them everywhere you go? And how can you trust in a happy future when you can't even believe in yourself?

Edgar’s fears and Jamie’s trans/masc journey meet and collide. Jamie is dominant, Edgar wants to be dominated. Their relationship grows and they work out the things keeping them apart. In addition, Edgar’s sister is having a baby, his brother has returned because of the baby but plans on leaving. Jamie’s mother keeps insisting that Jamie is a girl, leading to familial tensions for Jamie. All in all a good read, funny at times, sad and serious at others. Once Edgar figures out how to really handle his experiences with ghosts, he’s happier, and once he and Jamie declare their love and start taking care of one another, things get sweet yet steamy. Caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned Hot Seat by Eli Easton and Tara Lain ** 100 pages

Firefighter Mike and civilian Shane meet while a fire is threatening Shane’s grandfather and dozens of other people. Shane helps Mike save them. They kiss. They exchange numbers, but Mike ghosts Shane because … so far he's stayed so deep in the closet, they're going to crown him king of Narnia. However, at an awards ceremony Mike’s mother invites Shane and his grandfather to dinner. Shane accepts, Mike is stressed, Mike’s father and brothers, homophobes all, are … well. Mike’s still attracted to Shane, wants to have an in-the-closet relationship. Shane wants to be more, but is willing to help Mike figure out his sexuality. Sheesh. Predictable to the nth degree, with Mike’s large and boisterous Italian-American family, his bossy mother, and etc. Kisses only, so no caveat emptor re sex.

**abandoned The Meaning of You by by Jay Hogan ** 82 pages

Nick’s husband Davis dies after seeing something he shouldn’t have. Nick is devastated, and even 18 months later is barely surviving. He meets Madigan, they figure out there is something shady about Davis’s death, which was declared an accident. Not interesting or compelling enough to continue.

**abandoned Desperate to Marry by Sophie O'Dare and Lyn Forester ** 102 pages

Zac ghosts his best friend Grant when he has to go into hiding into the Omega Outreach Program. Yup, Omegaverse. Once he’s discovered by relatives bent on getting his fortune, Zac asks Grant to marry him. Been there and done that, only in much more interesting ways.

>70 karenmarie: Wonderful news! You had a good medical report, and Jenna loves her job. I'm so glad to hear this.

>69 msf59: The cold weather is definitely here, as we've seen juncos in our backyard. I wasn't looking for them yet.

Hooray for Jenna and the kitties! Hooray for results in the green band!!! General hooray for getting on with it.
I'm tickled that the book continued to please. I may give it to another friend too.

(We see juncos only with snow.)

I can't remember if I asked whether you ever tried those Wal-Mart red grapes? They're the best of any color around here right now. The black ones are good, but black ones are usually good to me.
That's it! Sleep well!!!

Morning, Karen. As expected, I had a good time with Jack yesterday. We will be leaving for Cancun on Sunday for a week, so we will skip a week seeing him but it will be worth it to bask in 82F temps. We are getting hit hard this early winter. Topped off the feeders yesterday.

>76 atozgrl: Hi Irene! Thanks re all the good things. I think I saw a Junco this week… I also think I saw a small corral (or herd) of cowbirds under the feeders yesterday. I only saw them out of the corner of my eye, and when I looked again with intent, they were gone.

>77 LizzieD: Hello Peggy, and thank you. I have not gotten over to WalMart. I should – I recently found an unused $25 gift card and could get PB and grapes.

>78 msf59: ‘Morning, Mark, and happy Wednesday to you. Yay for good the good time with Jack AND starting to prep for your trip to Cancun. The birds appreciate your efforts, I’m sure.

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Book sort was short and sweet - Thanksgiving always cuts back on donations. We were finished at 9:30. Virlie's was good. There were 8 of us.

I did more on the kitchen control front, read, and puttered. We watched a racially charged episode of Cold Case last night and had our usual disagreements about some aspects of slavery, and racism in the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. Sigh. I finally said we needed to stop talking about it and just move on to the next episode.

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I need to bring the heavy stuff back into the kitchen in today - stand mixer and food processor. I might eventually rearrange the pantry to put them in there, but not quite yet.

No errands in town today, a few in the house and replenishing the bird feeders. Arsenal in the afternoon. A good day ahead. Leftover pie, too…

edited to add: I just received the reminder about the Holiday Card Exchange and signed up for 3. I've only done it once before and it was fun.

>56 karenmarie: A short but sweet visit!

Looks like you had a good amount of food as well….and a lot of pie!

Morning, Karen. Sweet Thursday. Currently single digits out there. High16F. Ugh. Tending to the kids and then getting a little late PB in. Swamped with house sparrows yesterday. They probably cleared out all the feeders.

>80 figsfromthistle: Hello Anita! Just getting to hug them both made the whole thing worth it, much less cooking and baking with them.

Last "Thanksgiving Dinner" last night. We even had enough gravy, which, of course, is its own food group. Tomorrow I plan on making turkey soup.

There's still chocolate cream pie and pumpkin pie.

>81 msf59: 'Morning, Mark, and sweet Thursday to you! Brrrr. Looks like you're not going to see 32F anytime soon. We've actually got a chance of a dusting of snow tomorrow/tomorrow night.

Boo hiss to the House Sparrows. I've got 4 Cardinals visiting - two males, two females.

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All appliances are back on the Kitchen counter, much reading was done. Laundry got folded, and bird feeders filled.

Arsenal beat Brentford 2-0. One of my favorite players, Ben White, started after not playing for a while, and made the assist to Merino for the first goal.

We watched two episodes of Cold Case, and I chatted with Jenna on her way home from work. Third day was good. There was a cat named Jörmungandr. I've never heard of Jörmungandr but of course Jenna had...

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My annual exam is at 1:20. Otherwise, reading, puttering, working on Jenna's closet, and etc.

>82 karenmarie: Happy exam day, sweetiedarling, and I hope you pass.

It's cold. It's winter, so it should be; but I did not check the "add gale warning" box yet I got the damn thing anyway. *grrr*

Lucy Worsley made a series about Agatha Christie that puts her in a very interesting light. Plus, Lucy Worsley. *smooch*

I will now say Good Afternoon, Karen! I guess you're getting ready for your annual exam, and I trust you'll amaze your doc with your self-care!

I immediately had to look for Jörmungandr, of course. I'm not up on Norse mythology. I was reminded though, that I once owned a pb copy of The Worm Ouroboros that I traded for something more trivial, I'm sure, when I didn't have much $. I'm happy to have it on my Kindle now and for 29¢. Thanks to you and Jenna for the reminder.

Add me to the Devoted Fan of Lucy Worsley list.

"Give me a hand with my nut-milk bag"

You-know-who's got a new one!

What a flying visit that was for Thanksgiving but it sounded wonderful nonetheless. >56 karenmarie: Wonderful Civil War find there, Karen. I'm glad to see you gave it pride of place and it looks to be in easy reach too!

>83 richardderus: Too add to Richard's post about Lucy Worsley's series about Agatha Christie, I recently read Worsley's book Agatha Christie: A Very Elusive Woman. It's well worth seeking out.

Here's the next readathon: https://www.librarything.com/topic/375863

Morning, Karen. We are having a small memorial service for our Aunt this AM. It will be held at her beloved Lutheran church. Thankfully, she was cremated so we don't have to go through the open casket thing. We will have lunch and then head to the cemetery where she had a plot. It will be mostly immediate family, which is fairly small. A few friends might show up too.

The house sparrows were bombarding the feeders again yesterday. Sighs...

Checking in on you again, Karen. Glad to hear that the visit with Jenna is going well!

>83 richardderus: Hiya, RDear. Things went well. More below. It is cold. Windy, too, eh? It’s 38F here, only going to a high of 39F. Still a chance of rain or wintry mix.

I love Lucy Worsley and didn’t know about this one. 3 episodes, 2022, I don’t have BBC Select and don’t want to get it, so I can buy all 3 episodes for $4.99 + tax. Or, $6.99 + tax for HD. I think I’ll do that… *smooch*

>84 LizzieD: And I will now say Good Morning, Peggy! I am not sure I amazed him exactly, but he said all the good things, see below.

I’m glad I inspired you to get The Worm Ouroboros, but I’m not even tempted. Not even for 29¢.

>85 richardderus: Almond milk?

>89 alcottacre: Hi Meg! You’re closer to J&H than I am – you’re ‘only’ 5 hours away. The visit tired all of us but was necessary, of course. Thanks re the Civil War find. All I have to do is roll my desk chair 6 feet over. Being a very serious Dame Agatha Christie fan, I bought Worsley’s book in September of 2022 but haven’t read it yet.

>87 SilverWolf28: Hi Silver, and thank you!

>88 msf59: ‘Morning, Mark. Happy (?) Friday to you. I’m glad you’re having a memorial service for her. Brrrr!!! For the cemetery portion.

I have never had a House Sparrow ‘infestation’. Darn them.

I’ve got Mourning Dove, Tufted Titmice, Carolina Chickadees, and Cardinals. A House Finch or two, too.

>89 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. Thank you for visiting. Jenna and Hwan came, saw, and conquered on Nov 27-29. They’ll be back for Christmas. The 23rd - 26th, I think. Still not long, but now Jenna's working and built that time in when she accepted the job.

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Annual exam went well. My blood work is good. We discussed all the things he wanted to discuss and that I wanted to discuss. Followup appointment with the Siler City Hospital for regular mammogram, CT scan in February to monitor an 'incidental finding' from Sept. 2024's debacles.

I stopped off at the Library to check donations and to see Rita. Rita was there but I didn't see her, but got two books.

Crime Wave: Reportage and Fiction from the Underside of L.A. by James Ellroy
Jane Austen: An Intimate Biography by Valerie Grosvenor Myer

All the regular things, slept 7 hours. Jenna had her first day off - she works 10-hour days and for the first 3 weeks her schedule is M,T,W,F, with Thursday and the weekend off. Eventually she'll have to work one Saturday a month.

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No outside errands. Trevor's coming over in about an hour or so. Reading, updating spreadsheets and December's Lightning Round. And etc.

(((((Karen)))))

Delighted that the annual checkup was as good as expected.
That is some schedule for Jenna! Stay in stay warm, READ! That's what I hope to do.

>90 karenmarie: Good medical news! Yay!

I'm running around in the cold getting stuff that needs doing done. All sorts of computer fun...phone transfer, blog screwup that I can't figure out; just stuff, really, but all needs done now. As a result I missed getting money for the weekend because the Jewish woman who is the one and only one who can hand out cash has to be home before sundown.

Religion. Making the world worse since...who knows?

>90 karenmarie: Hurray for the good news at your annual exam! I'm also glad to hear that you had a good night's sleep.

Add me as a Lucy Worsley fan as well. I saw her Agatha Christie series on PBS, and I agree that it was good. Do you have access to PBS Passport? If so, it's available there. https://www.pbs.org/show/agatha-christie-lucy-worsley-on-the-mystery-queen/

>91 LizzieD: ‘Morning, Peggy! Good word for it – delighted. Jenna worked yesterday but is off the weekend. I read. A lot. I stayed warm, too, thank goodness.

>92 richardderus: Hiya, RD! Ugh to computer stuff. I need to call Dell to see if my specific laptop model works with Windows 11. When I tried to move my old laptop from 8.1 to 10, it crashed and burned. Dell chided me that I needed to check with them to see if the upgrade would work. Thank goodness I was on a maintenance plan, otherwise it would have been $300. Twice, because the first time didn’t really fix it. Good luck!

Much has been done that’s good in religion, more not. I’m talking about practical, physical things to help people, not the emotional comfort of religion. *smooch*

>93 atozgrl: Hi Irene, and thank you. I do not watch PBS at all these days. No Passport, alas.

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Trevor came over and did a few little things for us, including putting 3 boxes of children's books in the Guest Bedroom. I'll put them on the shelving in the closet. The big thing he did was wash my car and clean the interior. I'm chuffed.

Otherwise, I read and boiled the turkey carcass. It's in the refrigerator. I'll make turkey vegetable soup with barley sometime this weekend. Watched two episodes of Cold Case.

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Cold, icky day. We'll stay in. Arsenal plays in 3 minutes, so off I go!

Morning, Karen. Happy Saturday. I just replied to your post over on my thread. The memorial went exceptionally well. The church did a very good job and kudos to Sue for putting so much of this together. Thankfully the graveside service was brief. I think we were back in our cars in twenty minutes.

Chores, packing and a couple quick errands is all that is on the books for today. Tomorrow at this time, we will be at the airport. Obviously, I won't be around much next week but that is to be expected. Hold down the fort.

>94 karenmarie: I keep wondering how the hell I ended up on the James Patterson spam list. I've unsubscribed multiple times but back the spam recrudesces like a growth in an unpleasant place.

Anyway, Saturday orisons, and much power and fleetness to your Arsenal lads. *smooch*

>95 msf59: 'Morning, Mark! Happy Sunday, although you won't see this as you wing your way to Cancun. Enjoy the relaxation and warmth.

>96 richardderus: Hiya, RD. Ugh. It happens to me, too, getting off lists, then getting back on them when I don't want to be. Persevere!!! Arsenal report below.

Wordle 1,632 6/6* trope, caste, white, butte, haute, flute. Whew. Saved my streak.

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Alas, Arsenal lost in the last minute of stoppage time, 1-2.

I wrote and mailed the 3 holiday cards for LTers. This is the first time I've signed up in quite a while, and it felt good to 'meet' new members. One in MN, one in SC, and one in SoCal.

I also mailed an international Christmas card. It won't get there in time, but it's the thought that counts.

Turkey soup prep continued with deboning the turkey and getting it and the broth back into the refrigerator.

We watched 2 episodes of Cold Case, I read, puttered, and etc.

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It's cold and overcast. I may put out fresh suet cakes, but otherwise don't need to leave the house.

I'll make the turkey soup today. It's the perfect day for it, weather-wise. Otherwise, reading, spreadsheets, December Lightning Round, putting up freshly folded laundry, and doing a bit of work upstairs. There are 3 boxes of books that need to go into the Guest Bedroom Closet, 2 boxes of Breyer Horses that need to go into Jenna's Closet, and etc.

I've really gotten into Yellowface. At this point, 56% in, it is living up to its hype - White lies. Dark humor. Deadly consequences… Bestselling sensation Juniper Song is not who she says she is, she didn’t write the book she claims she wrote, and she is most certainly not Asian American—in this chilling and hilariously cutting novel from R.F. Kuang...

>97 karenmarie: I'm really gladdened that Yellowface is proving to be such a good read. She's had lots of praise for each of her books.

Enjoy the soup making process! It's such a meditative thing to do, and there's soup at the end of it.

I'm sure you won't like anything I'm reviewing today, so see ya tomorrow after your cursory sweep. *smooch*

>98 richardderus: 'Morning, RD! Happy Monday to you. *emerging from the rabbit hole of RF Kuang and Lladro Christmas Bells* None of Kuang's other books appeal to me offhand. Speculative fiction is not my go-to genre, of course.

I'll be heading on over to your thread, loins girded, shield up, to avoid BBs. *smooch*

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I read, I puttered, I put up laundry, I put out fresh suet cakes. I also made Turkey Soup, and we enjoyed it. I kept it simple - barley, frozen corn, frozen lima beans. Two episodes of Cold Case, more reading.

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I have a 1 pm appointment to get steroid injections into L3-L5 on my left side. This will be the third round. For those of you who don't know how this plays out, the soonest I can get these injections is every 3 months. It's definitely time, and I'll appreciate the reduced pain by tomorrow at the latest.

Other than that, a stop at the grocery store, and etc. Trevor won't be here 'til Wednesday this week.

>99 karenmarie: Blessèd be for the steroids we have available nowadays! Think about this being your lot fifty years ago!

Enjoy the results. I'm off to keep trying to do the formatting for everything I'm posting...so many ways to make a mistake it's incredible. *smooch*

May the steroid work quickly this time around, Karen! I hope you made enough soup for another couple of days anyway. It's cold enough for soup to be especially wonderful!

I should do a grocery run. Likely won't. Oh well.

Oooo. I can get Yellowface from my friend, and I'll give it a try next year.

>100 richardderus: Hmmm, RD. Crippled would be the right word. Knees, debilitating arthritis in back. Steroids report below.

Good luck with the editing. *smooch*

>101 LizzieD: Hi Peggy, and thank you. We have enough soup for tonight and tomorrow night, although I might make hamburgers and french fries tonight to switch it up. It's always amazing what shows up in the pantry/refrigerator/freezer when you run out of the usual things. Grocery shopping can wait.

Wow. Already adding things to your next year's reads. The only ones I'm obliged to read are for my RL book club, see >1 karenmarie: agove.

Wordle 1,634 4/6* trope, segue, salve, snide

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Threats of bad weather were north of where I live, so I boldly headed south to get the steroid injections in the left side of L3-L5. Everything went without a hitch, and I feel so much better this morning. Night and day from yesterday morning.

Speaking of grocery shopping, I stopped at the grocery store, the pharmacy to pick up some prescriptions, and the bank to get cash for the ladies and cash what Bill calls his retirement check from Wells Fargo. $1.35, I think. Talk about abusing trust, starting in the 1960s. It affected both Bill and his mama.

Reading and napping until I heated up turkey soup for dinner. We watched 2 episodes of Cold Case. Truly excellent. More reading, doomscrolling. I got about 3 hours of sleep.

When I was working, I'd panic if I didn't get my usual 8. I knew I'd feel terrible without the potential of a nap. Now I can look forward to napping this afternoon.

...
Book sort has been moved to 10 a.m. because the Library is on a delayed opening because of ice. I'll go, because - books, friends, Virlie's. My cleaning ladies are coming today, too.

>102 karenmarie: ICE or ice?

Either way, stay safe. Virlie's will be a lovely treat on a freezyfrosty cold day. *smooch*

>103 richardderus: 'Morning the next day, RDear! Ice, meaning frozen precipitation. However, I did not see any at all. Virlie's was fun, handing books was fun. *smooch*

Wordle 1,635 3/6* trope, urine, erase

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Donations were heavy, and we got through everything except the last TEN boxes of cookbooks. Honestly, we do sell a lot of cookbooks, but we're raising the bar on what we keep.

I brought home a pamphlet from 1956 called The Italian Cookbook published by the Culinary Arts Institute. I also brought home a trade paperback of The Los Angeles Times Cookbook. I have the hardcover in the kitchen and don't know if it has The Pantry's Coleslaw recipe, but this one does. I also have a very ratty xerox copy of the recipe from Culinary SOS published in the LA Times in the early 1980s. I'll take the LA Times Cookbook back since I just confirmed that my hardcover copy also has the recipe.

The other book I brought home is Chocolate The Consuming Passion by Sandra Boynton, published in 1982. Couldn't resist. I'll have to pay for it, of course, $4. Worth it.

Lunch was fun. There were eight of us.

The cleaning ladies came, cleaned, and left. The rest of the day was the usual reading, puttering, Cold Case. Chatted with both Karen and Jenna. Amazingly, I got about 7.5 hours of sleep.

...
Today's a busy one. Trevor is arriving shortly, with a couple of projects to work on. We're keeping the kitty door locked because Zoe has a vet appointment at 4:10 this afternoon. Arsenal plays in the Champions League at 3. AND, the generator people are coming out for the 3rd time because the red light is on. It's not the battery this time, for sure. Grrrr.

I'm going to start Christmas cards this morning. I've got the final piece of the puzzle - a photo of J&H's cat Tsunami. Jenna really wants him included, so we shall include him.

Reading, and etc.

You seem to be December busy, Karen, and then I realize that most of it is your daily life no matter what the season!

I'm happy to read about your 7½ hours of sleep! Also happy to think that I will receive (likely unrequited; I'm sorry) a pic of Tsunami of J&H fame with your Christmas card. I'll try to do better. You are amazingly generous with snail mail, and I yield to my right thumb and hardly ever write anybody anything anymore.

I hope that Zoe does well with the vet. I can't remember whether you tranquilize her.... My DH puts up with many growls and yowls and hisses when he takes certain of our cats for their annuals.
Also hope that the generator people find a very small problem, fix it, and then are no longer needed for at least a year.

I am about to walk and feed said menagerie on return and then grocery shop. The list lengthens abominably.

You're absolutely right, although I really wish I was less busy. Truly, I do.

I just texted pics of Tsunami and one of Zoe. She's keeping me company.

I used to tranq her, but don't think I'll do so today. If she goes off the rails, I'll know to do it next time.

Darned generator.

Feed your menagerie, grocery shop. I hope you can then read and relax.

>104 karenmarie: Chocolate The Consuming Passion is my kind of book!

>104 karenmarie: It feels like a lot, even from here. I'm always impressed by your considerable energy compared to my frequent lack of same.

Red lights are never reassuring on technology, are they.

Ten boxes of cookbooks, eh? Rest in peace, ma'am, and thank you for all that good shopping! I'm glad you got some for your own collection.

How did Arsenal fare?

I'm off to do more fiddly-diddly posting. *smooch*

>107 quondame: Hi Susan! I have 4 cookbooks that are specifically for chocolate. I particularly like the credits on this one because they include Caloric Support.

>108 richardderus: Hiya, RD! For my entire working career, I was a Type A personality. If something needed to be done, give it to Karen. I thrived on having specific tasks or projects to work on.

Now, not so much, so that when things come up that aren't in my usual activities, they tend to stress me. I've also become much more of a procrastinator, but eventually get my act together and ... well... act.

The cookbooks are for next week's sorting. We finished up all the non-cooking book donations and decided to leave it 'til next week. I'll have you know that I did NOT get another copy of the 1975 hardcover edition of Joy of Cooking. I do, after all, have 3 copies of this edition on my shelves, and three other editions.

Arsenal beat Club Brugge 3-0. I missed most of it because of taking Zoe to the vet, but watched highlights.

I hopeyour fiddly-diddly posting went well. *smooch*

Wordle 1,636 4/6* trope, elfin, cagey, guess

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Trevor was here and started working on the ceiling in the Retreat. He put down plastic sheeting in order to protect the furniture AND my books from dry wall dust, sweet man.

It turns out that I should have tranq'd Zoe. It took me three tries to get her into the carrier. She yowled most of the way, but finally settled down. She weights exactly the same as last year - 8.3 lbs - and all vitals and etc. look good. No vaccines needed 'til next year.

I told Dr. Cindy that Missy consumed part of a bunny the other day, so that when she was feeling Zoe's stomach/gut/etc., she only said "I feel something hard in her intestines. Must be bunny bones."

And, finally, it also took the vet AND her assistant three tries to get the cat back into the carrier. I cracked up. The drive home was uneventful.

Cold Case. Finalized our Christmas letter, but I still want to work on the photos.

...
Trevor will be here today. I have a massage at 1 p.m., after which I'm going to Walgreens because of their photo department, if I get my Christmas letter finalized. I need 40 copies.

Otherwise, all the usual things. Reading, puttering, and etc.

I have already chatted with my sister. I texted her at 6 a.m., expecting her to answer noonish my time, but she was up at 3 a.m. her time. We had a good long talk, 1 1/2 hours.

>109 karenmarie: I'll be fiddly-diddlying until Sunday, when I'm shifting to the more-dangerous self-gifting novels to reward the gift shopper for her efforts to make others happy.

A huge drop in blog views yesterday was a blip...this morning I'd already got to 85 of yesterday's full-day total. I'm not making money, no affiliate links or ads, but I track it like I was. I guess it's the need not to get bored. Or ruminate on shit I can't control, the awfulness of being appalled hourly by powerful "leaders" and the rise of the Murderbot universe in real time...y'know, stuff.

Here's the next readathon: https://www.librarything.com/topic/376093

>110 richardderus: Oh, oh, RD! Shifting to the dangerous self-gifting novels on Sunday. I look forward to your efforts to beguile me into spending money on myself.

I tend to ruminate on shit I cannot control on occasion. One thing I'm pretty good about is NOT reading or listening or watching the news. 95% of the time recently.

Although I did see that Time's Man of the Year is The Architects of AI. So scary, so pervasive, so making people more like commodities, more able to NOT do things the way that is better for them and the world. Sigh.

Glad Wednesday's # of blog views was a blip.

*smooch*

>111 SilverWolf28: Hi Silver, and thank you.

Wordle 1,637 3/6* trope, track, truck

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Trevor couldn't make it yesterday, which was inconvenient because I wanted him to take a pic of Bill & me for our Christmas letter. I can get him to do it today. My massage was wonderful. I needed quite a bit of 'work' on my middle and upper back since right now, temporarily, my lower back is behaving. And my new massage therapist, Michelle, takes a sports medicine approach rather than a relaxation approach. It turns out that I really appreciate and like it when Michelle talks about muscle groups, tendons and ligaments, and etc.

I recharged my old laptop. I'm on a mission to find a particular photo. It may not be there, but sometime this weekend I'll make the effort. And I found Jenna's old laptop. She and I are going to work on getting me in since any security codes or whatevers will go to her email not mine. AND, also, perhaps work on getting the Amazon Fire converted over to me, too. She's not interested in either.

I do not need 3 PCs, but perhaps I can donate the laptop.

We watched 2 episodes of Cold Case last night. Bill texted me later that he was watching S38 E18 of 48 Hours, which turns out to be about a young girl, Danni Houchins, who was murdered about 12 miles from where Karen lives in Belgrade. It took 26 years to solve because they finally brought in a hotshot detective from El Lay. Karen had heard of it, of course.

It was Jenna's day off so I didn't hear from her last night.

...
Another busy one, business and pleasure. The business bit is a mammogram at 9:20 a.m., and meeting Jan for lunch at Taziki's at noon is the other.

>112 karenmarie: I hope all goes well today with the mammogram and you have a great time with your friend Jan!

>112 karenmarie: Morning, sweetiedarling. I hope Trevor can get that photo for you today.

I'm mid-major project on top of the review blast. Let's hope I don't explode....

*smooch*

>94 karenmarie: Ah, the dreaded Windows 11 upgrade. I did it myself, but then got into all sorts of trouble because it did things I didn't want it to do. The thing I hated most was that it automatically saves everything to OneDrive preferentially. And OneDrive, of course, is cloud-based, and I don't particularly want my stuff on the cloud. The purported advantage is that you can see your files from multiple devices, but that's not of particular interest to me. And since I keep financial info on my local machine, thanks, but I'd rather not. There are ways to prevent that from happening, and you can look for advice on YouTube, but after I did that I made mistakes and ended up calling in a (young) techie who fixed things for me. Of course, there are changes in the UI, but I've adapted to those. Good luck!

>115 ffortsa: I absolutely LOATHE the way every upgrade assumes that the user is dumber and dumber and needs more and more done automatically for him.
I don't belong in this particular part of the world.

Hi, Karen! I hope your mammogram went smoothly and that lunch with Jan was a treat for both of you. It is now time for me to have lunch after doing my morning computer stuff this afternoon since we had no Internet this morning. Weird day!

>113 alcottacre: Hi Stasia! Thank you. The UNC Hospital at Siler City is fantastic for a variety of reasons, not the least of which are the ease of parking, ease of checking in, and the care and concern provided by the mammogram technician. Plus, the results are already on MyChart. No problems detected, thank goodness.

>114 richardderus: Hiya, RD! Trevor did get a couple of decent photos. I think I’m going to go back to the old way of Christmas cards – letter, separate photo. Here 'tis – me/Bill, J&H, Zoe/Wash, and Kitty Overlord Tsunami.



I rearranged the images and replaced it here, so if you saw it yesterday and are looking at it today, don't think you're crazy.

I do hope you didn’t explode – I need you around to gloat about not taking BBs! *smooch*

>115 ffortsa: Hi Judy! I really need to get serious about determining whether I can upgrade or not. It will take a call to Dell because last time I trusted Microsoft when I kept getting messages to upgrade from 8.1 to 10. This was on my old laptop, and it took two separate tries to get it back to 8.1 when 10 was not compatible with my particular model/configuration. Thank goodness I had a service contract with Dell! I was chastised by one of the techs – I should have checked with them before attempting to upgrade. Now I know.

They’re always forcing us into taking things we don’t want but that will benefit them, their partners, or the new AI overlords. I don’t want to see my files from multiple devices, either. Thanks.

>116 LizzieD: Hi Peggy! The dumbing down of everything here in the US is disheartening, isn’t it? It didn't start recently, of course, but it sure has accelerated since the idiot in chief/chaos demon/mentally ill you-know-what started playing politics.

The mammogram procedure went well – it wasn’t painful at all. I’ve had this tech before, and love her.

While looking up mammogram/refrigerator jokes, I found this:

just a thought for all you women out there: MENtal illness, MENstrual cramps, MENtal breakdown, MENopause.
Ever notice how all of women's problems start with men?
And when we have real problems, it's HISterectomy!
Send this to all the women you know, and brighten their day!
P. S. Don't forget the "GUY'necologist!

I’m sorry you didn’t have internet. Thanks re lunch with Jan.

Wordle 1,638 5/6* trope, queer, flier, diver, miser

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Way too busy - mammogram at 10:20, back home to finish writing Jan's Christmas Card and find the perfect Christmas bag to put the Aloe Vera plant in, check in with Trevor, then head out to have lunch. We talked for almost 2 hours this time. Got home around 2:30 or so. I filled bird feeders and cleaned/replenished the bird bath. Trevor left around 4. The generator guy came. The red light was on yesterday, but the green light is on at this time. There still seems to be a ghost in the machine. We'll see when the next system check occurs Wednesday at 10 a.m. Guy left. I continued working on various and sundry. Cold Case, and etc. Talked with both Karen and Jenna.

...
I may leave the house today to see if I can get Walgreens to make 35 prints of the above pic. I'm going to finalize the letter and print it here at home, all 35 copies.

Arsenal play the Wolves at 3 p.m.

I might make cookies, start non-letter/pic Christmas cards. And etc.

Reading, and puttering, too, of course. I will actually be able to finish Yellowface before tomorrow's meeting - only 82 pages to go, 76% completed.

Oorah.

>117 karenmarie: That sounds like a lot indeed, Horrible.

Why would I explode? Are there heinous pictures under those great blobs? Beheadings, explosions, or something? Or...waitaminnint waitaminnit you posted...THEM...didn't you? *sigh* how lucky I've got a perceptual filters from years of y'all weirdos postin' images of Limbs of Satan.

Yay for finishing Yellowface!

*smooch*

'Morning, RD!

It's all good, I really only ever do things I committed to or want to do or that have reached critical mass. So lots of things I say I will do but can be blown off with out stress.

You said I'm mid-major project on top of the review blast. Let's hope I don't explode..... I hope you don't explode, too.

...
I recently found Jenna's old Fire 7. We got it for her, well, actually Bill got it for her, in 2018. She never used it. It's in really good condition, so I found an old-style AC charger for it, charged it, and after Jenna said she didn't want it, I worked with Amazon this morning to reset it to factory default settings and set it up with my account.

So now I can read books and listen to Audible. I've just ordered a cover for it. Simple electronic pleasures.

>119 karenmarie: Maybe not-so-simple, but really excellent pleasures…how fun to get the Fire working, and put it to good use! Quite a bit of reuse/recycle there.

Wordle took me five tries today, too. Lots of possibilities.

Have a great weekend!

Karen O

Hi Karen! Sometimes I'm very good with technology, other times not so good. This was a satisfying win.

...
Arsenal beat the Wolves. It was not pretty. 2-1 Arsenal, however the Wolves were charged with 2 own goals and then scored one of their own. So, they scored all three goals.

Wordle in 5 is still satisfying because it's not a skunk, right?

Thanks and I hope you have a good rest-of-the-weekend.

>117 karenmarie: What beautiful pictures! You're all so cute! I love how Jenna and Hwan look so so happy.

Hi Jackie, and thank you!

Wordle 1,639 3/6* trope, blind, swing

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Yesterday's efforts:

1. Laundry and actually folding and putting it up.
2. Reading, including finishing Yellowface for today's bookclub meeting.
3. Puttering.
4. Tweaking my Christmas letter and finalizing the pic - see changed version above.
5. Tossing or putting up paperwork in Sunroom.
6. Watching Arsenal beat the Wolves 2-1. This match was memorable because the Wolves scored all three goals - one of their own and two own goals for Arsenal. We'll take it.

...
I'm going to make dairy-free Gingersnaps for today's book club, and possibly even go into Walgreens to get pics printed. Then book club. I need to print The Letter, too, here at the house.

In a very strange way I'm glad that Christmas has gotten simplified. J&H can't make it. I don't like it but I understand it.

I'm not going to decorate the artificial/pre-lit tree or put out my Christmas bells. I've already put the tree topper on and put out the Christmas ornament I bought for this year. I'm still going to make Breakfast Pizza and Prime Rib Dinner on Christmas Day. We might even watch one or two of our favorite movies - the George C. Scott Christmas Carol and/or the Jim Carrey How the Grinch Stole Christmas although I must say that unfortunately I've been seeing Walmart Whoville ads. Yuck and creepy.

A high-school friend of Bill's will visit this coming weekend or the weekend after Christmas, perhaps even staying overnight. He hasn't done that in ... decades ... and it would be good for Bill to have a lot of good time with Frayser.

>119 karenmarie: Excellent result for rediscovered Fire! I'm possessed of a little Fire that I'm guilty of forgetting I own. (I've got three Kindles, two no longer internettable...I ought to do something with them, oughtn't I?)

I'm under a snow blanket...it looked pretty this morning, but now...slush. Ah, life...sullies everything, no? *smooch*

I still love the Christmas pics! I'm sorry that J&H aren't coming. I do understand the joy of simple Christmas. Mine is even simpler. No cards, no baking (at least none planned), and minimal decorating. We feed cats and walk and do the least maintenance possible and still have little time left for our own pursuits - reading in my case; genealogical research for my DH. My music and his woodcarving have pretty much disappeared, more's the pity.

Congrats on your Wordle in 3! 5 for me puts us back on the see-saw!

(I pulled our Christmas movies yesterday: *Christmas Vacation*, *White Christmas*, *The Christmas Story*, and *A Child's Christmas in Wales* for the day itself.)

Excellent news about the Fire!

It's the first night of Hannukah tonight, and I hope to be home in time to light the first candles. I'm tempted this year to put the menorah in the window, as some people do, to declare my status. Not that many people would see it from the 15th floor. Still, the news from Australia is very disturbing.

>123 karenmarie: Sorry about J&H's change of plans. I know the relief of not having to gear up for "all that", but still all that is generally worth it, and worth regretting.

Morning, Karen. We are back and I am heading out shortly. I need to work off some of this food and drink. Yep, we indulged and it was wonderful. I also loved Yellowface. I know it didn't work for everyone.

>117 karenmarie: I LOVE these photos! Such a good looking family.

>124 richardderus: Hiya, RD, and yes. Recycle them responsibly. I’m pleased. I’m laughing at your two unusable Kindles. My second Kindle was not repairable – the charging port was hosed. It’s been (responsibly) thrown away. My first Kindle, a “Touch” is from 2012 and is around here somewhere.

Snow. Sigh. I’d like some, although I need to go out two days for sure this week – today and tomorrow.

*smooch*

>125 LizzieD: Hello Peggy, and thank you. Your Christmas Day sounds restful. Movies and no special maintenance or baking.

I’m on the Wordle sea-saw today. It took me 5. However, and I’m probably jinxing it, but I’ve now past my streak of 143 days without a skunk.

>126 ffortsa: Simple pleasures, right? I’ve got a case coming today for it. Blue, although I usually get small electronics cases in black. I’m being so bold.

OMG. Being on a self-imposed 95% news blackout, I only saw the word Bondi in a few headlines, didn’t realize there was a terrorist attack in Australia.

I’m not sure I’d display a menorah since there are drones.

>127 quondame: Hello Susan. The gearing up would have been exhausting but totally worth it. There are now different logistics involved in Christmas.

>128 msf59: 'Morning, Mark! Welcome back. You sure came back to brutal temps. Stay warm. I'm assuming indoor PB to work off the indulgences? Thanks re the pics. And, once I got past realizing that Juniper Song Hayward was a completely unlikable character except for her rape and Athena's subsequent appropriating and writing about her experience, I enjoyed Kuang's craftwork, which allowed me to experience so.much.schadenfreude in one place.

Wordle 1,640 5/6* trope, snowy, loamy, bobby, dodgy

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I made the Gingersnaps and they're quite tasty. I went to book club where there was a lively discussion about Yellowface.

Nobody liked Juniper Song Hayward, few liked Athena Liu. They weren't meant to be likeable, and several of us, myself included, appreciated the author's ability to write dislikeable/morally black characters. The only characters remotely likeable were Athena's mother and her ex-boyfriend, although he was still disliked more than liked. Lots of discussion about the publishing world. We have a member who's worked at Indie bookstores since I've known her, so 33 years. She expanded on some of the unfortunate things/decisions that are taken for or against authors.

Walgreens was a bust. I didn't realize that the Pittsboro Christmas Parade was yesterday, so got a little bit caught up in the traffic. Walgreens only has very limited photo printing services at a small kiosk, not the full-service photography section that I remember.

Nancy at book club told me that the Walmart at the county line still processes photographs.

Cold Case. I spoke with both Jenna and Karen.

...
Even though it's only 14F here now and will only get to a high of 37F, I'll head out to Walmart later this morning. I usually boycott them, but needs must. I need pics.

Cards, letters, pics. I might even listen to a bit of Christmas music.

Zoe Rose has been a pill. We aren't letting the kitties outside until it gets warmer, and she actually nipped at my pajama-covered calf a while ago to let me know she was seriously displeased. She's pouting.

>129 karenmarie: Morning, Horrible! I hope the pics are forthcoming celeritously.

I ran across this in my early coddiwomples around and about the interwebs:
Arsenal beware – Man City are emerging like a monster in the night by Paul Hayward

Brace yourself, because the “top at Christmas” conversations are brewing. While not an exact science, it’s a cliche that sets the tone for the rest of the season. Unfortunately for Arsenal, who have been first in the table for much of the season so far, Manchester City are showing signs of being back to their best. Paul Hayward’s report from their clinical victory against Crystal Palace yesterday shows exactly what Arsenal have to fear, drawing closer in the rear-view mirror.
The rest is here:
https://observer.co.uk/news/sport/article/city-is-just-two-points-behind-and-com...

It'll keep you off the Bondi horror.

I'm back to organizing January. I'm actually...don't faint...kind of grateful to felonious yam and the scum that's risen to form his kakistocracy. I'm so utterly consumed with the rage and hatred I feel for them I have OODLES of energy to use up *still* after a year!

One good thing in their column. Possibly the only one. *smooch*

>129 karenmarie: I always get bright cases, otherwise I can't find the Kindle or tablet amid the rubble. My tablet case is completely worn, and so is the tablet. Time for a new one, but I can't decide which to get. I'm even looking at Apple reconditioned ones. Maybe after Christmas.

It's really cold here too. According to the weather folks, it feels like 17F. I bundled up to head to Target across the little park, and survived quite nicely. Stay warm!

>129 karenmarie: I need to get cases that will show up! Orange, bright orange works. My iPad is lavender with a lavender keyboard/case that somehow disappears against my beige sheets. But lavender!

>131 ffortsa: I’m loving my iPad mini - I have Kindle and Libby access without changing devices and a browser too. It is heavier than a straight/reader, but is well designed for holding.

>130 richardderus: Good morning, RDear! Pic story below.

Man City is definitely on the heels of Arsenal. Arsenal have 36 points, Man City 34. So, they’re less than one goal behind. Arsenal have a goal differential of 20, Man City 22. Yeesh. Aston Villa have 33 points but a goal differential of only 8.

Organizing January… I’m trying to organize today. More power to you. Channeling rage and hatred can certainly be productive and cathartic. One good thing? *smooch*

>131 ffortsa: Hi Judy. I’m boldly departing from black to get dark blue. I can’t imagine a bright color, but at least non-black will show up. Somewhat? Perhaps? Have fun looking for a new tablet after Christmas.

I was out and about yesterday. It barely got above freezing all day. It’s 17F here. I have the scarf my mother knitted for me ~1969. It’s 8’ long, is 64 stitches wide. 8 is my lucky number. I’ve got it in the SUV.

>132 quondame: Hello Susan. Lavender disappearing against beige sheets. I would not have expected that. Bright cases it is!

I’m an android girl. We do not have any Apple things. Jenna has an iPhone, still on our plan.

Wordle 1,641 4/6* trope, salve, singe, segue

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What a CF. At least the Walmart closer to home had a Photo department, however when the nice lady and I tried to get everything to fit in their standard sizes, which does not include 3" x 5" anymore, I changed to wallets. However, they look tacky because they come two per page, without a white border between them. I bought them because they were really cheap, but decided to not use them. So, back to printing the photo on the back of the letter. The print shop in town said come on down, in effect, so after schlepping 11 miles one way then home, I schlepped 9 miles the other way. The photos are not as good as I'd like, but until I can figure out how to do this right before next Christmas I'll have to deal.

Dinner was almost the last of the turkey soup from Thanksgiving's turkey. Mmm, mmm, good. I made some of the Best Garlic Toast. There's enough left for one person.

I started Christmas cards, got 3/4 of the way through the first page. They're sorted in descending zip code so the ones furthest away from home are done first. I got to 33954, Port Charlotte, FL.

Two more episodes of Cold Case, chatted with Jenna on her way home from work and then Karen.

...
Book sort and Virlie's. Pharmacy to pick up a prescription.

Then Christmas cards and etc.

Morning, Karen. It sounds like Yellowface is an ideal book club choice. PB was fun yesterday. Got right back into the groove. I will tend to the kids today and then run out to hang with Jack until I take him to school. I will also pick up Juno. We have missed her. Speaking of Jack, I finished his calendar for the New Year, last night. We should get them next week, before Christmas.

38F today! Yah!

>133 karenmarie: Good lawsy me, that shows you what the world under AI decision-making will be. "It must fit *these* parameters no exceptions" is a ghastly way to live.

I'm hopeful your squad will prevail, not theirs. Fondle the books happily! IIRC it's the day you do the ten boxes of cookbooks...that should be a hoot! *smooch*

Hope you've had a happy morning with book fun and people fun so that you can address your cards with Karen purpose.

We're 4 sisters today, and I'm going to walk since it's warming up quickly. Yay!

Meanwhile, all you planners, you may call me Ms. Random.

I *think* my Christmas cards are done but am sure today's mail will include someone I forgot. Best wishes as you work through the list.

>134 msf59: ‘Morning, Mark, and happy Wednesday to you. It sounds like all good things are happening with you. A heat wave! 38F!

I have 4 male Cardinals on the bird feeder pole feeders, a Mourning, Dove underneath. I also have a Mourning Dove in the Crepe Myrtle on the other side of my viewing area (*smile*) with another male Cardinal.

>136 LizzieD: Hello, Ms. Random! Yesterday seems so far away because I did so much. Yay for 4 Sisters yesterday. I got it in 4 today, too. I hope your walk was enjoyable.

I mostly plan how things go, and I visualize how things will go, which is especially helpful if I need to do something to make it happen or gird my loins to push through it.

I addressed cards with Karen purpose. Between Monday and Tuesday I prepared and mailed 44 cards. Two included checks.

>137 witchyrichy: Hi Karen! I always decide to not send cards to people who are mostly out of our lives and then see if they send a card. Historically, I’ve been known to mail cards as late as the 22nd and with the mail service less efficient in some ways than it has been in the past, cards after Christmas are not unusual. Thank you re the list. I have 18 cards that are hand-delivered. 14 are to the neighbors in our little cul-de-sac HOA. 3 are for my cleaning ladies (with checks), and one is for Trevor, also with a check.

Wordle 1,642 4/6* trope, fraud, wrack, grass

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Book sort yielded one book for Karen - A Treasury of Jewish Folklore, published in 1949. It was going to to the Thrift Shop, so I snagged it.

We finished up in plenty of time for breakfast. There were 8 of us at Virlie's. I picked up a prescription, talked with Bill's Step Aunt Ann, then came home and continued working on Christmas cards 'til they were finished. I drove back to town to mail them at the PO.

The rest of the evening was normal - Cold Case and talking with both Jenna and Karen.

...
Today will be making Pecan Puffs, finishing the cards, and etc. I need to replenish bird feeders and wrap a small present for Bill. I need to create a small box for J&H that will have Pecan Puffs, their two Christmas Ornaments, and a piece of mail. I really need to get the Sunroom under control AGAIN, too.

>132 quondame: My interest in an iPad would to read a page of music on the music stand instead of paper, so the mini wouldn't do. Otherwise, I might get a new Samsung or something else. My current tablet is really old and very frustrating, even though I upped the storage last year.

Regarding printed photos, I've used Shutterfly to print 8x10s. They came out very nice. If you have an electronic image (i.e. not film), you can send it to them to order a print mailed back.

>138 karenmarie: PECAN PUFFS

*distant stirrings heard from Psittacosaurusland*

Morning, Karen. Sweet Thursday. It is currently 44F. Say What? Rain coming in later- it may melt most of the snow we still have on the ground.

I am off to play PB soon. I have been tending to the feeders but all I see are those pesty sparrows. Sighs...

>139 ffortsa: Hey Judy. Your reading music off of a music stand reminds me that we still have Jenna’s here. Some things are worth acquiring, and a new tablet in order to help you pursue playing the fiddle is probably more than justified.

I’ve already made a note to use Shutterfly next year, thank you.

>140 richardderus: Raawwwr! Better packed this year, I hope. Off to the PO this morning. *smooch*

>141 msf59: ‘Morning, Mark, and sweet warm Thursday to you, too. Enjoy PB, and the birds will appreciate you.

I only have 2 male Cardinals right now, and need to replenish several feeders.

Wordle 1,643 2/6* trope, rugby.

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I made a triple batch of Pecan Puffs. I have 3 calm recipients, and one frenzied recipient, see >140 richardderus: above.



Two of the box on the right and the other two boxes each contain a dozen I-surely-do-hope-WELL-wrapped Pecan Puffs. The boxes originally contained Peter Pauper Press Xmas holiday cards.

I made an executive decision to only give cards to 3 of 14 neighbors. If one of the neighbors who isn't getting a card gives us one, I'll give them one.

I actually surprised myself by being able to do all the baking, packaging, and cleaning up without needing to sit down. More progress!

The last of the Turkey Soup got consumed. Once again, I love our refrigerator. I made it Monday the first, Bill and I had 3 meals of it, and the rest made a satisfyingly-full bowl.

Talked with Jenna. She and Hwan are doing well, regardless of levee breaches, flooding, and more rain than anybody wants. There's more traffic on the roads she travels because part of SR167 is shut down. She and Hwan are having friends over tonight for Hot Pot. The electric hot pot is our Christmas gift to them.

...
Everything's boxed up except Karen's Christmas present, a book, and a few other books to fit into the rather large box the book came in last night. If I get it wrapped before I go in a while, that will be the last of the mailed items.

After that, it's reading, puttering, spreadsheets, and grocery store list prep.

Joy. The cat is throwing up, and the rule is whoever finds it cleans it.

>142 karenmarie: Pretty boxes! I'm not wildly impatient, I'm just trigger-happy after I got none last year due to time-traveling predation by dinosaurs. *sob*

The atmospheric river over Washington is unnerving. We're in gale conditions again and I'll take those every day over that biblical deluge. I'm glad JenWan are safe. I'm off to see the dermatologist so will return sore. It'll be temporary, though.

>142 karenmarie: Nice boxes. I am sure the recipients will be quite happy. Baking is a lot of work but so worth it.

Here's the next readathon: https://www.librarything.com/topic/376375

Morning, Karen. Happy Friday. I will be tending to 2 of the kids this AM and then PB. Three days in a row is pushing it but I will rest up on the weekend. Sue will be going out to enjoy her Jackson Day. She is overdue.

I a still only seeing house sparrows. Very odd.

>143 richardderus: I can assure you, RDear, that the dinosaurs have moved to Washington D.C. and are scheduled to wreak havoc on things and people that need havoc wreaked upon them. *smooch*

>144 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita! I love boxes, regardless of the material they’re made of. I’ve used these particular boxes for perhaps 10 years or so after I discovered Peter Pauper Press Holiday Cards.

I am an … exuberant … baker. In the middle of things, it can get quite messy, but I do try to clean as I go and put pantry items up after using them.

I was going to say that I don’t see myself baking anything else for the holidays, but I still haven’t made kolaches and have all the ingredients for them.

>145 SilverWolf28: Hello Silver, and thank you!

>146 msf59: ‘Morning, Mark! Happy Friday to you, too. Such a healthy addiction to have…*smile*

I’m glad Sue gets her Jackson Day. Give her my regards.

I’ve got Carolina Chickadees, one Mourning Dove, and several Cardinals. My feeders need attention today, and I'm going to put out the new tray feeder with the found-in-the-garage large bird feeder cover.

Wordle 1,644 4/6* trope, friar, curry, myrrh

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I wrapped boxes and taped boxes and took all four of them to the PO. I got there at lunch time, expecting to wait in line, but I literally got inside and the only clerk on duty called me over. My transactions took a bit of time, and when I left there were 10 people in line.

I visited Rita at the Library. I took her a bottle of Pinot Noir, her favorite red. There are many Pinot Noirs, of course, but she'll definitely appreciate this one.

While there, I found two Louise Pennys for Karen's cousin: All The Devils Are Here and The Grey Wolf.

I found one for me: The Templars: The Dramatic History of the Knights Templar, The Most Powerful Military Order of the Crusades by Piers Paul Read.

I read some, puttered some. Two Cold Case episodes, more reading, and I didn't chat with either Karen or Jenna. Jenna and Hwan had company for dinner, so she was busy all day.

We got a significant amount of rain overnight, and the squall line brought wind gusts of 60 mph or more.

...
Trevor's coming over around 10. I need to wrap a small present for Bill. His big present is a new weather station, which is on the breakfast table. He will have fun working on it and getting it just the way he wants over the next week or so. Trevor will move the old weather station/pole up to the house, dispose of the old weather station, and he and Bill will start discussing where to put the new one.

A mostly relaxing day is planned.

>147 karenmarie: The pleasantly busy kind of holiday prep is almost done, and you skated out of the nastiest one when the PO trip was accomplished with astounding celerity.

I'm stewing; it's too warm for my taste and having the window open a crack is merely adding humidity to my space. *sigh* I should be storing memories in the "good" file because one day soon this 50° rain will be a cold day.

*smooch*

>148 richardderus: Happy Saturday to you, RD! Except for wrapping Bill's small present, the prep work's done. 🤗

Sorry your weather was so humid. Looks like possibly a bit of snow for you on Tuesday. *smooch*

Wordle 1,645 3/6* trope, stave, white

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I washed the bird feeder rain guard off. Trevor helped me put it and the tray feeder out. We put sunflower seed, wild bird seed, and nyjer seed in it. It was popular right away. Here's a pic from this a.m.



I had Trevor empty one of two dormers in the Guest Bedroom so I can make decisions to keep/donate/trash. I might even start today.

Here's the damage:



Arsenal play at 3 p.m.

Morning, Karen. Happy Saturday. Enjoying a more leisurely AM. I am usually out of the house by 7. I worked on my bird pics from my recent trip. I posted them over on my thread. After a very chilly day yesterday, we are back to a more comfortable 40F.

I love the tray feeder. It is my favorite feeder. I also add peanuts in the shell, which is popular.

'Morning, Mark, and happy Saturday to you, too.

I just saw your bird pics, and thank you for sharing. They're gorgeous.

It was 25F here when I got up about an hour and a half ago, probably 30F or so now.

I just looked up peanuts in the shell on Amazon. I might check the feed store in town to either get them cheaper or get a smaller package. I'm not quite sure I need 25 pounds. *smile*

We're having the same weather, today at least...sunny and unusually cold. The weather's more January 20th not December 20th for me, but waaay weirder for y'all to have.

I'm doing my gay day today, so wander by tomorrow to see my ideas. *smooch*

Morning, Karen. Happy Sunday. Not much planned for the day- just a few chores and book time. I will also have a football game on in the background. Bree will drop Jack off later this afternoon for a sleepover. He hasn't spent the night here in quite a while.

I checked the feeders a little while ago and there wasn't a single bird out there. I NEED to spice things up out there.

>152 richardderus: 'Morning, RDear! Brrr. It's 27F here right now. Oooh, gay day. After I finish up here, I'll trundle on over. *smooch*

>153 msf59: ‘Morning, Mark! Happy Sunday to you. Books, chores, football, and Jackson. Sounds like a good day. No birds, eh? My feeders are hopping right now. This is the first time I’ve seen a Cardinal eating seed from the tray feeder. It’s hugely popular.

Wordle 1,646 4/6* trope, shalt, guilt, quilt

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I wrapped Bill's small present, two beef sticks, and put them under the tree. There are 3 blocks of cheese in the refrigerator, well hidden, to bring out on Xmas Day.

We watched Arsenal beat Everton 1-0. It was sloppy and lucky - the goal was from a penalty scored by Gyökeres.

Two episodes of Cold Case. And etc.

...
There is absolutely nothing I have to do today. Except read, of course. There are a few things I can do.

Bill's friend Frayser was supposed to come for a visit, but he woke up yesterday with a fever and not feeling well. He's rescheduled for the 27th.

>154 karenmarie: Happy lazy Sunday! Makes a nice change, that. I think you're due...revel in it.

Yep, gay days have arrived. I've got squads and fleets of 'em and Pride's ages away. I don't think too many will appeal to you more than moderately. I try to come tell you about things I think you'd really like. Still, the net was cast wide, as almost all of these are gifts I got.

*smooch*

>155 richardderus: Back here after getting wounded with a BB on your thread, Somebody Killed His Editor. The problem with Lanyon is that nothing is Kindle Unlimited, so I spent actual real money.

*smooch*

>156 karenmarie: heh

"real money"

*self-congratulatory smirk*

Morning, Karen. As usual, good times with Jack yesterday. I played with him a couple of hours and then Sue took a turn. Also got to watch some quality football and got some pages read too. A good day.

After an eerily quiet AM at the feeders, the birds flocked in, in the early afternoon. All the regulars showed up, even the flicker which doesn't appear often in the winter. Sweet.

>157 richardderus: Go ahead and gloat, RD. We've decided to get some regular income every month from our assets @ Morgan Stanley, and I don't have to be quite as frugal. I've bought 15 books, paper, Kindle, or Audible, since the influx of money mid-November. *smooch*

>158 msf59: 'Morning, Mark! Yay for the good times with Jack, for both you and Sue. Football and reading are also good. Of course, for me, football now has an entirely different meaning. I got football and Reading on Saturday.

Birds are not predictable, are they? Glad your regulars showed up, and I'm envious about the Flicker. I did have a Downy yesterday chowing down on the suet feeder and a Red-Bellied inhaling wild bird seed.

I've got 6 or 7 Cardinals, a Mourning Dove, and a Carolina Chickadee.

Wordle 1,647 4/6* trope, mound, nobly, conch

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I continued working on the stuff from the dormer in the Guest Bedroom. I'll have Trevor figure out how to get it all into my SUV to take to the recycling at the dump. Maybe a very large plastic bag or two. I'd have to dump the stuff out because they don't accept plastic bags in the recycling.

Read, napped, puttered. I brought down 13 mass market paperbacks and one hardcover to deaccession. Will add a book I picked up at book sort on Tuesday. I debated on adding it or not, then as I paged through it, I decided I must have it. Skywriting By Word of Mouth, it's in Like New Condition and even has the original sales receipt from Goering's Book Center, 1988. So, 13 out, 1 in.

...
The deaccessioning will occur today. - done Also reading, puttering, starting a grocery list that will include regular things and the last things needed for Christmas dinner. I probably need to go today.

Trevor will be here to help Bill with his new weather station IF the new pole arrives. If not, then I'll just have him help clean out the trash/boxes from the Guest Bedroom AND bring out the stuff from the other dormer. I want him to move the suet feeder and sunflower seed feeders around.

I also want to put the Very Large Wooden Desk Organizer away, in the Media Room, so I can use my desk differently.

And read. And other puttering.

Woo hoo!! Loading the biblio-Gatling gun with temptations...no reason to hold back now!!

*gleeful hand-rubs*

Have a peaceful rest period before I challenge your flexibility artful dodger!

I'm happy to see your Wordle 4, Karen, and wish I had been there too.

You are very busy. I'm not, and I should make one last trip to Aldi today, but likely I won't. I might get the cheese and onions ready for my casserole today, but I probably won't do that either. Let's READ!

>159 karenmarie: Sounds like you are keeping busy with good things. Congratulations on your Wordle in 4. I struggled today and it took me 5.

We're heading out of town tomorrow to visit my DH's relatives. We'll be gone over a week, and I will probably be offline for most of the duration. I'll go ahead and wish you and all your family very happy holidays. Have a wonderful time! I'll "see" you when we get back.

>160 richardderus: Hey, RD. BBs from you and Amazon. I’ll try to show restraint in both areas, but It just may not happen. *smooch*

>161 LizzieD: ‘Morning, Peggy! Unless you got skunked, it’s all good. I’m only busy with non-Christmas things except for a bit of grocery shopping and, of course, Christmas Day.

I hope your Aldi trip occurred, the onions and cheese prepped. Even if they didn’t, you’re accomplishing the best thing – reading.

>162 atozgrl: Hi Irene! Four always beats a skunk, of course. I have been busy, but there’s really not much to do until I bake and cook for Christmas day. It’s almost unnerving. I’m usually behind the Eight Ball in one area or another, but not this time.

Best wishes for a wonderful time with your DH’s family. Safe travels, going and returning next week.

Wordle 1,648 2/6* trope, glint. I thought of flint. It's been used, but glint wasn't. Channeling the Wordle Gods for sure.

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Trevor came over. He took all the boxes out to the garage to be recycled. He also brought everything out from the other dormer and then tacked up the insulation where it had come down - just a small patch - and vacuumed it with his shop vac.

Many cool things found, especially two bags of soft animals, mostly teeny Beany Babies. I have a whole stack of framed things to go through and 2 boxes of papers/cards.

Trevor also helped Bill do some wifi signal stuff outside with the new weather station.

Cold Case, reading, and for some reason, mostly associated with being tempted by YouTube Shorts, I spent $5 and downloaded and watched The Proposal. It was fun.

...
Book sort and Virlie's. I need to get cash and pick up a prescription, in addition to grocery shopping.That will have to occur after the cleaning ladies leave. Bill has 2 medical appointments today and has to leave at 1. They come at 12, so I'll be here 'til they leave, probably around 1:30 - 2. THEN back out to grocery shop.

Morning, Karen. We had a fun day yesterday with family. Today, I will do Trail Watch with my TW buddy. It will be about 40F when we start, so not bad. I hope to do a bit better at volunteering next year. Darn that pickleball. 😜

>163 karenmarie: Enjoy the pleasant round of familiar tasks today, Horrible. I'm hoping the rain will stop...I'd like to go to CVS for some non-essentials but a big loud "no thanks" when it's mizzling down at 40°.

*smooch*

PS the Psittacosaurus only got one puff because I was hungrier.

Whew! You're still whirling around. Trevor the Treasure! I know that you would eventually have done everything that he has been working on, but 'eventually' can be a long, long time!

Congrats again on your Wordle 2!

You may want to check out my thread again for my current book, #74, Jeoffry: The Poet's Cat! I thought I might send it to you and Lu and Roni and Stasia and my 2 Sues on Kindle if I'm as charmed when I finish as I am with the first 20%. Then I saw the price. Sorry. It is KU, I think.

Overcats here, but we will walk. Enjoy your day!

Here's the Christmas readathon: https://www.librarything.com/topic/376543

Your seasonal reminder as you start to celebrate:

*smooch*

Morning, Karen. Happy Christmas Eve! Leaving shortly for PB. Unfortunately Sue works but will be off at 2. We will be at Bree's for 4. Sue has been busting butt to help with the sides. A good Mom. Have a great day, my friend.

>164 msf59: Happy Christmas Eve, Mark! I hope TW was fun. 40F sounds like dedication to me. Ah. New Year Resolutions. I need to think about mine. Balancing PB and volunteering can be tough. *smile*

>165 richardderus: The familiar tasks were comforting and productive and tiring. I do hope you were able to get to CVS. Ugh. Mizzle at 40F. Well. Color me happy – the Pecan Puffs arrived on the day they were supposed to! Holding the Psittacosaurus to one is impressive. *smooch*

>166 LizzieD: Hi Peggy! I hope you got your walk in. And then, of course, your tiny furry overlords require feeding! Require it frequently!

Yes, I was still whirling around yesterday. Once again, I’ll say that I’m so grateful for Trevor! He took out all the to-be-recycled-because-they-got-smushed-in-the-dormer boxes. He helped Bill work on the WiFi signal on the new weather station. I told him we’ll see him next week.

Some of the things he’s been doing for us are pretty much past what I can do – crawling around in a dormer to get everything out and then vacuuming it. Carrying things upstairs that I’d have to drag in a sheet or something. And etc.

Thanks re my Wordle in 2. Took me 3 today because I guessed and it was the Other Word.

I have downloaded Jeoffry: The Poet’s Cat with KU. Thank you for putting me on to it.

>167 SilverWolf28: Hi Silver, and thank you. Merry Christmas to you.

>168 richardderus: Thank you for the Christmas blessing, RD! *smooch*

>169 msf59: ‘Morning, Mark, and Happy Christmas Eve to you for this morning’s message. Sorry that Sue works ‘til 2, glad that you are going to see Bree, Sean, and The Grandson. Today’s good for me because I have absolutely nothing I have to do.

Wordle 1,649 3/6* trope, spook, spool

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There were surprisingly quite a few books to go through at book sort. There were ten of us and it took 1.5 hours. We got to Virlie's in time to order breakfast. It was mobbed but Steph and Kent were able to grab one of the big round tables that we like. There were 7 of us.

After that I picked up 2 prescriptions and stopped at the bank to get cash for the ladies and some thank you cash for their cards.

Color me surprised - the Calcitonin prescription has always been for one month at a time, but the new prescription is for 3 months at a time. It has to be refrigerated until first use, so it's sharing the shelf with my bottled water and BodyArmor drinks.

I brought lunch for Bill and dinner for me from Virlie's. Bill left soon thereafter to go to two medical appointments, and after the cleaning ladies left I went back into town and spent way too much money at the grocery store. Mostly regular food shopping, but baking potatoes to make fresh hashed browns for the breakfast pizza casserole tomorrow morning and for twice-baked potatoes with dinner.

After that, I went upstairs and got horizontal for 2 hours, resting and reading. Dinner, Cold Case, reading, and etc.

We had a minor crisis yesterday - whoever cleaned in the living room knocked the tail off our Classic Kit Kat Clock and broke the plastic bit that the tail latches on to. However, Bill was able to order the replacement piece. Aunt Ann got him for us and we love him.

...
Nothing to do except exist! Read, putter, straighten things if I want, work on the things from the dormers in the Guest Bedroom or not.

Spreadsheets, Lightning Round if I want, but I only have 3 books to add.

I'm using the mug that Bill got for me last Christmas.

>170 karenmarie: ...and Inara in spirit, of course.

*smooch*

Happy Christmas Eve!

>171 richardderus: I'm teary-eyed that you remembered Inara even though she's a You-Know-What.

>172 witchyrichy: Hi Karen, and thank you. Wishing you the best this season, too.

>173 karenmarie: *smooch*

A whole bunch of old cookbooks and pamphlets from the Friends book donations, total $4.

The Boston Cooking School Cook Book by Fannie Merritt Farmer
Pies from Amish and Mennonite kitchens edited by Phyllis Pellman Good and Rachel Thomas Pellan
The Silent Hostess Treasure Book by the Electric Refrigeration Department General Electric Company
Learn to Bake by General Foods Corp.
Dormeyer Electric Mix Treasures by Dormeyer Mixer
Good Housekeeping's Cake Book by the editors of Good Housekeeping Magazine
Recipes of All Nations by Countess Morphy

IIRC the GH Cake book has the best apple cake in it...I'm almost sure that's the one Mama used. In any case that's a cool haul, and for $4...!!

LOVE the mug!!!!!

Happy that you can have a relaxed 24th for a change.

KEEP the Fannie Farmer for sure if you don't have one. I have and have used (and would again if I were really cooking) my MiL's copy.

Wishing you and yours the happiest Christmas, Karen!

Merry Christmas, Karen!

How Society got lumbered with...them...is now better explained:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntNDScbMq-I

Merry Christmas! 🎄

>176 richardderus: ‘Morning, RDear and Merry Christmas! I briefly looked through the GH Cake Book and didn’t see an apple cake recipe. I need to go back and look thoroughly. And yes. I only paid for one book, the Recipes of All Nations because I could have put it in the cookbook shelf. It’s hardcover, so I will pay $4 for it at the spring sale. The Boston Cooking School Cook Book is in poor condition although the cover and spine are intact. How can I resist a cookbook that needs a home and has a recipe for Salmon Wiggle, p 212? Or Lincoln Croquettes, p 477? Or Gooseberry Catsup, p 755? *smooch*

>177 LizzieD: Hello Peggy! Merry Christmas to you and your DH although I know you celebrate in January. I love the mug, too. The kitty overlords insisted I bring it out, and if they command, I obey. The Fannie Farmer is in my catalog. *smile*

>178 Jackie_K: Hi Jackie, and thank you! I wish the happiest Christmas to you and yours, too.

>179 quondame: Hello Susan, and thank you! Merry Christmas to you, too.

>180 richardderus: Ah, of course. *smooch*

>181 SilverWolf28: Hello Silver, and thank you. Merry Christmas to you, too!

Wordle 1,650 3/6* trope, prawn, prism

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Lots of happy-making doing of nothing yesterday. I read and puttered. I made leftover spaghetti w/sauce and made a fresh batch of Garlic Toast. We watched 2 episodes of Cold Case. I've had a total of 4 hours of sleep. Ugh. Possibly a nap while the potatoes for twice-baked potatoes are baking this afternoon.

Spoke with Jenna and Karen and my sister.

...
Once again, ugh. 4 hours of sleep. A nap is definitely in my future today. We'll start the 'festivities' after Bill wakes up with presents then I'll make Breakfast Pizza.

Puttering, relaxing, then talking with Jenna/Hwan, dinner prep/consumption, dessert consumption. Perhaps an episode or two of Cold Case, but I'm already tired thinking of it.

I just had the last two Pecan Puffs with coffee...

I had to skip reading your thread, Karen, I’m too for behind. But I still love your intro posts. And I wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas. (In spite of just four hours sleep, ugh).

>182 karenmarie: I just ate the last pecan puff as my Yule gift to my tastebuds. *yum*

I remember eating turkey happily once upon a time...a turkey/brie/sweet brined Bosc pear sammy on ciabatta at the deli around the corner from my old office on Tin Pan Alley. At least once a week I'd have one, and a slice of cinnamon chocolate coffee cake.

Hm. I wonder what cookbook, deffo from the 1950s, I'm remembering. It could be a different edition from Good Housekeeping? Maybe one of Mama's old comb-bound ladies' club ones? No matter. It'll float to the top of my mind one day.

Enjoy nappage! *smooch*

Morning, Karen. Merry Christmas, my friend. Sorry about your lack of sleep. I hope you get a nice nap in. Enjoy your AM with Bill. We had a very nice Christmas Eve. Bree did a good job hosting and Jack was adorable as ever. I got him a new pair of binoculars, which are a nice upgrade from his kiddie ones. Sue is making up a brunch for later and Matt and Hannah will come by. We will watch a movie or play a game.

I am really enjoying Who is Conrad Hirst. Glad you have access to it.

>183 EllaTim: Hi Ella! I just might skip my thread too, when I get particularly verbose! Merry Christmas a day late to you.

>184 richardderus: Hiya, RDear! Happy Boxing Day to you. I’m glad you enjoyed the Pecan Puffs.

The turkey and ciabatta sound wonderful, the brie, pear bits not so much. If we were on a desert island together, you could have all the brie. Camembert and blue cheese and its other moldy cheese versions, too. Nappage, not so much, but a fine day anyway. *smooch*

>185 msf59: Merry Christmas to you, too, Mark! I’m glad you had a good time on Christmas Eve. Wow, the boy’s graduated to a new pair of binoculars. I hope your time with Matt and Hannah was particularly fine. Movies and games sound wonderful.

Wordle 1,651 4/6* trope, apnea, spied, speed

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There were happy surprises when we opened Christmas presents yesterday. See's Candy, a foot massager, Look Bars, Heath Bars, summer sausage/cheese for Bill, and my annual Lladró Christmas Bell. The Ambient Weather Station had arrived a week or so ago and Bill had a wonderful time setting it up, calibrating it, and getting as far as he could with it without getting it mounted on the new pole in the front yard. The biggest surprise was that Bill got me a display of my own for the new weather station. It's hanging out here in the Sunroom already. I need to set the date and time, otherwise it's got all the data coming in from the weather station.

The new weather station pole arrived Christmas Eve and was in the Sunroom. I noticed it yesterday. Trevor will come by on Monday to help Bill get it set up and the weather station safely attached. Bill actually went out onto the front porch yesterday, hanging out in a rocking chair, while he contemplated where the station should go.

I made Breakfast Pizza, then buzzed around working on dinner 'til we sat down around 5:45. Prime Rib, twice baked potatoes, corn for Bill, sauteed mushrooms for me. I even had a glass of red wine. The Marie Calender Razzleberry Pie was baked, but I was too full and Bill didn't want a piece if I wasn't having one. We watched one episode of Cold Case .

Jenna, Hwan, Bill, and I had a video call on KakaoTalk. They're so cute together.

In addition to the high finance of netting the cost of their contribution to the weather station and my rice cooker, and our contribution to their Hot Pot, that took care of presents except for the Cutco Pearl White Trimmer that I got for them and that arrived on Christmas Eve.

I hadn't realized it came, but Jenna loves it, being it's her favorite Cutco knife, and Hwan actually had a come to Jesus moment after using it when she agreed that good/sharp knives work better than ratty/dull ones. *smile*

Reading, doom scrolling, and etc.

...
Today is my maternal Aunt Joyce's 90th birthday.

We have nothing planned except to relax. I want to get the living room back under control with presents put up and etc. We'll have Breakfast Pizza after Bill gets up. We'll most likely have left over Prime Rib Dinner and a piece of pie, too.

I want to get my spreadsheets and December Lightning Round updated, read and putter.

>186 karenmarie: Happy puttering today from freezyfrosty Long Beach! I'm not going outside, not ever raising the blinds as it's too windy to risk leaking heat into the 22° chill. All my gang reviews are needing posting to my thread so I'll be occupied with that as I cruise through the data looking for 2026 goals.

*smooch*

Happy day, Karen! I enjoyed the sound of your Christmas. Niece Lizzie gave us a kitchen towel with her mother's nut ball recipe printed on it. I wonder whether it's the same as your pecan puffs... It's short and sweet, but I'll print it for you some other time. For reasons unguessed, I sudenly have 5 books to mail for PBS, so I need to start packing them! Yay!

>186 karenmarie: Sounds like you had a good Christmas, and I love Bill's surprise present for you (that's exactly the sort of thing I'd nerd out over too. And the sort of thoughtful gift Pete would think of). Glad you got to chat with Jenna and Hwan. I had a similar 'come to Jesus' moment about knives after I started going out with Pete, and he almost begged me to get proper knives. I was very reluctant, but was a definite convert once I started using them.

By the way, there's a new place to hang out! Come join me... https://www.librarything.com/ngroups/25017/75-Books-Challenge-for-2026

Morning, Karen. Happy Saturday. Our rec center is open for play today. Normally it is unavailable on the weekends due to youth basketball. So I will be heading over there shortly. A late one last night, along with a few beers so I will see how I do. 😜

The rest of the day will be a lazy one with the books. Enjoy your day.

>187 richardderus: ‘Morning, RDear! Brr is right. It’s much milder here. 39F now, 71F high. Not winter weather at all. Gang reviews away! 2026 Goal cruising aye! *smooch*

>188 LizzieD: How nice to get a family recipe on a kitchen towel. I had never thought of that.

Pecan Puffs
from Joy of Cooking

“Rich and devastating.”
Preheat oven to 300F.

Beat until soft:
½ cup butter

Add and blend until creamy:
2 T sugar (yes, only two tablespoons)

Add:
1 t vanilla

Measure, then grind in a nut grinder:
1 cup pecan meats

Sift before measuring:
A cup cake flour

Stir the pecans and the flour into the butter mixture. Roll the dough into small balls. Place balls on a greased cookie sheet and bake about 30 minutes. Roll while hot in:

Confectioners’ sugar

To glaze, put the sheet back into the oven for a minute. Cool and serve.

What I do differently:

I use non-stick cookie sheets, don’t need to grease. I use all purpose-unbleached flour, don’t sift before measuring. Roll the balls in confectioners’ sugar while still hot, but leave on counter to cool. When cool, roll again in confectioners’ sugar.

PBS – paperback swap?

>189 Jackie_K: Hello Jackie. We did have a good Christmas. Quiet – reminds me of our Covid Christmases without Jenna except without the stress of the pandemic. Yay for Ambient Weather Station consoles! I’m amused over Pete’s needing to convince you to use proper knives. I got my first Cutco knives in 1974.

>190 drneutron: Hi Jim! Oooh, next year’s challenge set up. Thank you.

>191 msf59: 'Morning, Mark! Happy Saturday to you, too. Weekend indoor PB. Enjoy it and your books.

The usual suspects - Cardinals, Mourning Doves, Tufted Titmice.

Wordle 1,652 3/6* trope, aunty, batch

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Lazy day, with reading, puttering, and doing some straightening/cleaning after Christmas Day celebrations.

I packed up the new Oxo coffee mill to be sent back - it catches in the middle of a grind every 3rd or 4th time. Bill arranged for UPS to come pick it up. I cleaned our old one, and it worked this morning after a bit of coaxing. We'll need a different new one, but I don't know what to get.

I chatted with sister Laura, Karen, and Jenna. A box o' books was scheduled to arrive Monday from Karen, which included 2 wrapped presents and books, magazines, and cartoons. I checked tracking last night and was surprised to learn that it had been delivered to our side porch in the late afternoon. I brought it in, and here's the haul:

Just because:

The Woman in Cabin 10 - a 3* read, donated my copy to Friends, will donate this one, too
Lincoln: A Life of Purpose and Power by Richard Carwardine
Songbirds & Stray Dogs by Meagan Lucas - a North Carolina author
Courting India by Nandini Das

Christmas presents:
Egypt and the Ancient Near East by The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Wet Pussies: Hilarious Snaps of Damp Cats by Charlie Ellis
Big Cocks: Hilarious Snaps of Prominent Poultry by Charlie Ellis - no touchstone

The last two are for the titles alone, although they have very cute photos and captions - Karen has a very weird sense of humor

Cold Case and etc.

...
Bill's friend Frayser is driving over from Charlotte for a visit. He'll pick up lunch for us at Elizabeth's. He should get here by 11 a.m.

Arsenal play at 10.

Weird day.

>192 karenmarie: Enjoy Arsenal's inevitable crushing victory today.

I clearly need to acquaint myself with Charlie Ellis! We have the same épater-les-bourgeois sense of humor! I'm looking out at a light snow, nice to have because it means it's warmer...no wind, so much less freezyfrosty effect. Freeport, nearby here, got a solid 4in-plus. The housekeeper lives there and showed me her photos.

Enjoy your lunch with Frayser! *smooch*

>170 karenmarie: Love the mug, Karen. Nice to see that you had a good, if quiet Christmas.

Morning, Karen. Happy Sunday. After a lazy day yesterday afternoon, I decided to have another one today. It looks like it will rain all day anyway. Glad it isn't snow. Back to cold temps tomorrow.

Some good bird activity yesterday and also briefly spotted a red-breasted nuthatch. Always a nice winter bird.

>193 richardderus: 'Morning, RDear! It wasn't crushing, but it was the 3 points needed to stay on top of the table. They won 2-1.

It was really nice to see Frayser again. His last visit was in February to meet Hwan and see Jenna again. *smooch*

>194 Familyhistorian: Hello Meg! Bill frequently gets clever gifts for me. Christmas Day had its moments.

>195 msf59: 'Morning, Mark, and happy Sunday to you, too. Yay for lazy Saturday afternoons, and another lazy one for you today.

I'm envious of the Red-Breasted Nuthatch, although they hang out here in NC during non-breeding season. They aren't feeder birds from what I can read, but a girl can hope, right?

I've got a few Mourning Dove and a male Downy Woodpecker visiting right now.

Wordle 1,653 5/6* trope, outgo, hoist, allot, abbot

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Frayser visited from about 11:15 to 4:30. Bill had placed an order in a restaurant in Siler City so all Frayser had to do was pick it up. They had pizza and I had half a grilled chicken salad. The rest will be for today's lunch.

We had a great time talking about this and that. He brought a poinsettia. We haven't had one in years, and it adds a festive note.

His big news is that he's retiring in January after 47 years at Duke Energy. I'm not quite sure what he's going to do with himself. I don't think he is either, but it will be a new adventure for him.

He also mentioned his mother's books. She died about 8 years ago. Frayser hasn't shut down her house for a variety of reasons, but has basically offered her books to me. There are lots of them, especially gardening books, that I don't want, but I seem to recall a few I lusted over the times I visited. We'll see how that goes - I might meet him there early spring of 2026 just in general - he seems overwhelmed by the idea of shutting her house down.

He was also envious of Trevor. Pretty much everybody is who I mention him to.

Arsenal won, 2-1, over Brighton. We only saw the first half, and then Frayser arrived. I looked at the highlights. *smile*

Bill and I watched 3 episodes of Cold Case. I chatted with Jenna, and got 7 hours of sleep.

...
Jenna and Hwan are going to give me a Cuckoo brand Rice Cooker 101 lesson sometime later today. Cuckoo is a Korean brand of rice cooker. We'll video call using KakaoTalk. I'm also going to ask Jenna to spend 5 minutes helping me to reset the password on her old laptop. I'm not sure I will use it at all, but there might be photos or something else Jenna would like to keep that she's not remembering right now.

Other than that, puttering, reading, thinking about my new first thread for 2026. I might continue to work on the things Trevor and I pulled out of the dormers in the Guest Bedroom. I need to decide on keeping, tossing, donating.

>196 karenmarie: Keeping, tossing, donating: it's my mantra for the new year. I have a basket of things to donate, but I want to offer them on BuyNothing first, and as it is a vacation week, I'll wait until after the New Year to post them. I think I need someone to help me be ruthless.

>196 karenmarie: Those are some interesting rice cookers! I hope your lesson enables you to get fluent in ricecookerese.

Cold again, icy outside because melted stuff refreezing is ice per Mother Nature, so another day entirely withindoors. Huzzah! More reading time.

*smooch* for a happy Arsenal-lady.

>197 ffortsa: Hi Judy! My mantra, too, especially since I have Trevor to help me. Stuff out of the attic, out of dormers, out from behind the guest bedroom closet, out of the storage room in the Retreat, out of the dormer on the Media Room stairs, out of the storage behind the Media Room, out of the closet outside the Media Room... Oh. Out of the corner cabinet in the kitchen. More, I'm sure. Fun times.

I've never heard of BuyNothing but I'll check it out. I have thrift stores, Habitat stores, Swap Rooms at the dump, and friends who might need/want things.

>198 richardderus: I've opened mine up, taken out the spoon, measuring cup, and inner pot and washed them. Just waiting for J&H to call.

...
While waiting, it's off to the Guest Bedroom to keep/donate/trash things.

edited to add:

I found another bag of Beanie Babies. I also found some gorgeous drapes that Bill's Mama had in one of her guest bedrooms. They are completely fine, no damage, no damp. I also found two types of sheers, both with weighted bottoms. And valances for the drapes.

Jenna and Hwan called and my rice cooker is now cooking 1 cup of Mogami 8 Blended Whole Grain Rice and 1 cup of short grain white sushi rice. Rinsed three times, of course. *smile*

...
Time to go finish my latest book, then make us leftover prime rib and twice baked potatoes.

I hope you had a lovely Christmas, Karen and a Happy New Year!

Morning, Karen. A serious cold front blew in last night. Dropping the temps into the teens, along with a bit of snow. Winter is back. Ugh.

Red-breasted nuthatches visit feeders. That is where I have seen them in my yard. Of course, I also see them in the wild. So you have a chance, my friend.

>200 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah! Thank you. Happy New Year to you!

>201 msf59: 'Morning, Mark. Brrr indeed. I see you're going to get to a high of 22F with wind chill as low as 1F.

Yay for a chance at a Red-Breasted Nuthatch! I completely missed this first sentence on allboutbirds.org:

An intense bundle of energy at your feeder, Red-breasted Nuthatches are tiny, active birds of north woods and western mountains. These long-billed, short-tailed songbirds travel through tree canopies with chickadees, kinglets, and woodpeckers but stick to tree trunks and branches, where they search bark furrows for hidden insects. Their excitable yank-yank calls sound like tiny tin horns being honked in the treetops.

Housefinches and Cardinals are visiting right now, although I also see 3 Mourning Dove in the Crepe Myrtle.

Wordle 1,654 3/6* trope, grunt, fruit

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With Hwan's and Jenna's video call help, I made multigrain rice in the rice cooker. It came out wonderfully, although I'll probably not make it 'sticky' next time. It's yummy and flavorful.

While waiting for the daughters to call, I tackled more things in the Guest Bedroom. I have a box of frames that I don't want any more, found another bag of Beanie Babies, which are now out and on a card table in the Retreat. I also found my 20-year gift from Marelli - a framed original artwork. i might bring it downstairs and replace some framed needlework in the hall with it.

I also read and etc. Chatted with Karen. It got to a high of 12F at her house yesterday.

...
Trevor's coming over in an hour or so. There are a couple of things I want him him to do. First is to take the Christmas tree down and put it in its storage bag and back in the storage room in the garage. I also need for him to put all the Christmas decoration boxes back in the closet and etc.

There's some trash upstairs, and quite a few baskets I don't want any more. Boxes and a bag of trash to the garage, too.

Reading, puttering, and etc. are on the agenda for today besides working with Trevor.

>202 karenmarie: Tree down before Epiphany? You radical you. Multigrain rice? What is this thing to being in consensus reality?

Monday well. I'm off to the dermo at 10.30. Hope it can finally get accomplished. xo

>202 karenmarie: Hiya, RD! Trevor's here, the tree was up a month. It's down, the boxes of ornaments/stuff all put up.

I frequently eat brown rice. Got bored with and never really appreciated wild rice. The multigrain rice I recently bought in anticipation of the rice cooker is

8 blended whole grain rice

I am not as far behind as appearances show. I've just had to leave every time I got here. My DH is gone to an annual check-up, so I WILL finish this short note!!!

I am lusting after Karen's gift to you, Courting India. I have an Ammy GC, and it will soon be on its way to me. If you like it, you should also read William Dalrymple's White Mughals that focuses on the career and love life of James Kilpatrick (? - or is it Kirkpatrick?) of the East India Company in the 18th century. Dalrymple has also written The Last Mughal, that I don't own yet about Delhi in the mid-19th century. Good stuff!!!!!

The rice cooker sounds interesting. Glad you have it! I'm off to eat and read.

>204 karenmarie: Interesting! Never heard of it before.

I've eaten but not read much. I don't know how I can fritter away so much time!

I meant to say that your pecan puffs are definitely my DH's family's nut balls. They even roll them twice in confectioners' sugar as you do and don't use cake flour. Their balls are smaller than your puffs look in your pic. I missed them this year. I didn't miss my SiL's fruit cake, but I'm sure my DH did.
Anyway, the nieces will be interested, as I was, to know that Becky used a Joy of Cooking recipe!

>205 LizzieD: Hi Peggy! Karen gave me Courting India because she unintentionally bought two copies. It was in my Christmas box o’ books but not an official present. My official presents were The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Egypt and the Ancient Near East and the two Charlie Ellis books.

I have White Mughals on my shelves. I bought it from Amazon in July of 2022.

>206 richardderus: The rice blend is Korean. I’d be surprised if you heard of it before, actually. *smooch*

>207 LizzieD: You need to say putter instead of fritter. It reduces the guilt. *smile*

Wordle 1,655 2/6* trope, decor

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Yesterday was productive. Tree/decorations down and put up. Some trash downstairs and in the garage from the Guest Bedroom. Trevor also worked on a leaky faucet in the upstairs bath and has to get the correct internal ... thingie ... from Lowes. He and I also discussed the gorgeous drapes from Bill's Mama's house that were in one of the dormers. I want them put up in the Guest Bedroom. Trevor will be back on Wednesday.

I ordered a different brand conical burr coffee grinder since the new Oxo was defective.

Leftover salad for dinner, two episodes of Cold Case. Reading, chatted with both Jenna and Karen.

...
Book sort and Virlie's. 50-lb bag of black oil sunflower seeds and small grocery store run.

I should write thank yous today too.

>208 karenmarie: Merry fondling day! I hope y'all got some cool new-to-you books.

*smooch*

Morning, Karen. You have some chilly temps there. We are currently 11F. Glad you read a bit more about red-breasted nuthatches. They are cuties and I love that yank-yank call.

I am taking Sue's Crosstrek in for it's first oil change, so that will take a nice chunk of my morning. Books in the PM. Enjoy your day.

Well Karen, you've inspired me to buy a new rice cooker. Mine is a cheap model that gets the job done, but the lines inside the pot which tell you how much water to add have worn down and are hard to see. Why am I putting up with this? I don't think I'll go full cuckoo but am eyeing one of their less expensive models. Thanks for the nudge!

Hi Karen. Thanks for visiting my thread. I have just skimmed yours, just now. You mentioned the red-breasted nuthatches, and how you had read that they aren't feeder birds. Well, maybe it's different up here but they are among my most regular birds at my feeder. Daily. In fact, I have only seen a white-breasted once or twice, but the reds, every day, year-round. Maybe it's a climate thing.

Wishing you all the best for the new year. See you on the other side!

Are you home yet? Not that it matters as far as reading this is concerned.... We aren't great rice eaters; my DH is a greater fan of plain old white rice than I am, and I prefer brown rice now that I know how to make it come out fluffy. I think I've said somewhere around here that my paternal granddaddy, good old SC boy that he was, had whatever was left in the rice bowl in a glass of milk after every meal I ever saw him eat. I still feel a sense of wonder.

I don't think I've ever seen a red-breasted nuthatch here, not to know anyway. One year we think we had 2 kinds, but we don't remember that cinnamon color.

CONGRATS on your Wordle 2! Enjoy the rest of your day. Karen ...... putter!

Here's the New Year's readathon: https://www.librarything.com/topic/377057

Morning, Karen. Happy New Years Eve! We will be going to Bree's late this afternoon, for a sleepover. This way we can bring Juno. A nice way to bring in the New Year.

Your See's-eating is taking longer than usual, I see....

*smooch*

>209 richardderus: Pity me, RD! Alas, no books for me or Karen. We went, we fondled, we finished at 9:40! We got to Virlie’s, ate, and were out at 11. *smooch*

>210 msf59: ‘Morning, Mark! Definitely cold for us. It got down to 24F last night and is only 34F now. Chicagoland is much colder, obviously. I hope Sue’s Crosstrek is now happy. Weren’t there books in the AM while you waited for the oil change?

>211 lauralkeet: Hi Laura! I’m glad to be the inspiration for a new rice cooker. Full Cuckoo *smile* is $600ish, although they have one model with only one offer for $985. The one I got is the CR-0675F series in gray. We aim to nudge!

>212 jessibud2: Hi Shelley, and you’re welcome. Mark corrected me about the Red-Breasted Nuthatches – I had misread the description of them and missed the feeder bit. Happy New Year to you, and yes, I’ll see you on the other side tomorrow.

>213 LizzieD: I was home by the time you posted here, Peggy. I like plain Basmati, plain brown, and plain Arborio rice. Plain sushi rice now that I have some, too, no doubt. And the multigrain rice I made the other day. We'll have some of that tonight with orange roughy. I’ve never heard of anyone putting rice in milk, although I personally love the sweetened version – rice pudding.

Thanks re the Wordle in 2. Took me 3 today.

I puttered. I read. And etc., see below.

>215 msf59: ‘Morning, Mark, and thank you! The same to you. Enjoy your sleepover, sounds like a lot of fun.

>216 richardderus: Alas, sister Laura got us a generic selection and there were only 3 that I liked. Bill gets the rest. *smooch*

Wordle 1,656 3/6* trope, raven, siren

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Few donations, early brekkie. I bought 50 lbs of black oil sunflower seed and some things at the grocery store in anticipation of friends coming over later today. However, Diane texted at 8 p.m. to let us know Geoff has been sick since they got back from Costa Rica although he went to the doctor and didn't have Covid or the flu. We cancelled, because even if he's not contagious, ugh to congestion and coughing. I wish she'd mentioned this the day before or even before I went to the grocery store. Harrumph. Although Mint chocolate and lemon white chocolate Milanos aren't a bad thing.

Books, reading, puttering, chatting with Jenna and Karen. I got about 7 hours of sleep.

...
Trevor will be here soon to help Bill get the weather station on the new pole in a good place on the fence line. Trevor has to cut a tree or two on the fence line down. They really need to be cut down anyway.

I hope he can finish fixing the leak in the hot water side of one of the two upstairs sinks. He's at Lowe's now getting the replacement bits.

My day shall be much reading and puttering and a few things with Trevor.

Bill and I don't stay up for midnight any more, although now that both of us stay up late and have weird sleep patterns, I'll probably be awake upstairs and listen to rifles and shotguns and pistols going off at midnight.

I'm also going to work on my first thread of 2026. I haven't even started one yet, so have that fun stuff to look forward to.

>217 karenmarie: Generic selections are disappointing gifts, but probably for the best...chocolate is not a health food as prepared for US candy-making.

HNY sweetiedarling, here's to a better book-fondling result next time.

Ah well. Sees in any form is good to me although some faraway day, I am going to order myself a pound of my two faves. (As friend Gretchen of sam-widge fame said, "I can afford to gain five pounds, so I'm going to eat every piece of this five pound box of candy myself.)

Sorry your friends aren't coming after all. I'm also glad though, and I have no doubt that you will dispose of the food wisely! I need to go finish Wordle, having rebooted after an unexplained power outage.

Average Wordle for me - 4.

Hi Peggy!

I'm definitely done with the See's, but there are gummi bears, Hershey's miniatures, and Milano cookies to temp me.

Wordle in 4 is not half bad. We're definitely Wordle Sisters this year and will be Wordle Sisters in 2026!

Our friends would just be showing up about now, and frankly, I'm glad to be here in jammies finishing off posting to 2025 threads, choosing best of 2025, and etc.

Hi Karen, wishing you, Bill, Wash, Zoe, Jenna and Hwan a Very Happy New Year my dear.

Thank you, John!

Happy New Year!

Good gravy, madam! You are a bit behindhand today, it would seem! No December wrap-up? No 2026 thread? It's going to dinnertime before you know it, with no Horrible-ing! Not how I like spending my New Year's Day!

*smooch*

I created my thread earlier today and it's official - Jim has said hi!