#JIAM Audiobook Tag #LoveAudiobooks

Sophia Rose @Hot Listens found this audiobook-themed tag on the Books and Things YouTube Channel and it looked like fun so I thought I'd consider myself tagged. If you're so inclined, consider yourself tagged too. :)

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1. Have you always listened to audiobooks or when did you begin?
   
   I haven't always listened to audiobooks and when I first tried about 5 years ago, I admit I found it challenging. I'm not one of those people who can listen to audiobooks while doing things like blogging, answering emails, etc., so I was only listening when I was driving (and didn't have kids in the car) or cleaning. So it took me a long time to listen to a book and I'd forget details in between listens. But with practice, and some fantastic narrators (thank you, Andi Arndt!), I've made audiobooks a regular part of my reading diet. :D
   
   
2. What is your favorite audiobook?
   
   Oh geez! Why don't you ask me which is my favorite child! There's no way I can pick just one so I'll go with narrators and the series they narrated which really made me fall in love with audiobooks:
   
   *Andi Arndt - Stage Dive series by Kylie Scott
   *Robert Petkoff - Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole
   *Nicole Poole - Seven series by Dannika Dark
   
   
3. What is my least favorite thing about audiobooks?
   
   Um, I honestly feel like I remember details about audiobooks less vividly. But that's just how my brain works. And it's the little details that are fuzzy in audio whereas in print I can "see" them.
   
   
4. What do you think is the difference in experience between physically reading a book and listening to it?
   
   Like I said above, I can remember details better when I read them rather than hear them - I'm a visual person. I also like holding a book or an ebook. And that means I'm sitting somewhere comfortable, typically with a cup of coffee or tea, and quite possibly with a cat in my lap. When I'm listening, I'm typically driving, running (yes, I listen while I exercise), or cleaning. Oh, I listen sometimes while I grocery shop as well. :) So reading a physical book is a more relaxing experience overall for me BUT I wouldn't give up my audiobooks for anything. And my hubs likes that I clean more often. ;)
   
   
5. How and when do you listen?
   
   Um, I guess I got ahead of myself as I kinda answered this in the previous question. At least the when part. As for how...I listen via earbuds and my phone. I know my Kindle Fire can handle audiobooks but since I'm always active while listening, I need the smaller device.
   
   
6. What style/genre do you prefer?
   
   I don't really have a preference in my reading - I'm a genre omnivore as my blogging wife, Lexxie, likes to say. I do tend to listen to paranormal romance, contemporary romance, and historical romance quite a bit though.
   
   
7. What are some audiobook/narrator recommendations?
   
   Again, I got ahead of myself and gave a few of these in my answer to question #2. But I have a few more to recommend:
   
   *Beverley A. Crick - The Sinful Suitors series by Sabrina Jeffries (and I have Berls to thank for recommending this one!)
   *Christian Fox - Sugar Bowl series by Sawyer Bennett
   *Andi Arndt/Zachary Webber - Show Me the Way by A.L. Jackson
   *Mindy Kennedy - Songs of Corruption series by C.D. Reiss
   

Travel by the Book ~ Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances/Ocean Beach

Welcome to Travel by the Book. I know for most of us, reading is an escape. One of the things I love about reading it getting to travel. And I'm sure I'm not the only reader who has wished to take a trip inspired by a place I read about in a book. I've been fortunate in that my Hubs is kind enough to indulge me and take me to said places. This is where I share those vacations that were inspired by a book.

***UPDATE***

So, I know you haven't seen a Travel by the Book post in quite a long while. This is mostly because I wasn't thinking ahead when I started doing these posts and after ONE year, I'd run out of places I'd traveled to because of a book! LOL But I got to thinking about how to resurrect this feature and I decided to continue sharing these posts - quarterly? - and switch it up a tiny bit when necessary. 

I hope you'll enjoy these posts!

***The Book***

You may have recently read my review of Michelle Mankin's Oceanside. I've been reading Ms. Mankin since 2012 and there's a lot to love about her stories. Her characters are always well drawn, the romance is always compelling and swoon-worthy, her stories always deal with a relevant social issue, and she does an incredible job at conveying the look and feel of her setting. From the gritty streets of Seattle (yes, they do exist) to the honky-tonk feel of Billy Bob's in Ft. Worth to the eccentric town of Ocean Beach, she's continually made me feel as though I've been there. So when I got the opportunity to travel to Ocean Beach to tour the locations and establishments that inspired Ms. Mankin's Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances series there was no way I was going to pass it up! 

This series revolves around a group of guys who grew up in Ocean Beach, love surfing, and also happened to be the band known as The Dirt Dogs. I loved the Ms. Mankin gave each of the couples a unique backstory, compelling stories with tragedies and triumphs, and romances I believed in. This group of characters is so well developed and feel so genuine - and part of the genuineness is due to Ms. Mankin making their environment so realistic.

***The Travel***

My friend, Denise, who frequently travels to book event locales with me, was my traveling companion for this trip. We stayed at the Ocean Beach Motel and y'all, the beach was right across the street! We got to see the beach, surfers and surf shops, restaurants, buildings, and houses that served as inspiration as well as the murals that are all over the town on the sides of buildings and in alley-ways. Here are a few photos:

This is the bar that inspired The Deck Bar featured in all the books.

This is the house that served as inspiration for Ramon's house in Riptide.

There were tons of surfers out on this day. The Ocean Beach pier is in the background.

I took lots of pictures of the various murals around town but decided to feature this one because of the surfers. =)

This is the sub-pump structure where Fanny and her sister Hollie were living in Oceanside.

The building you see here is the building where Ash makes his home as well as the Dirt Dogs' recording company, Outside.

A gorgeous sunset from the pier. Just WOW!

Because I adore this series and because I love y'all, I'm giving one lucky reader an ebook set of the trilogy on Kindle. (the trilogy is currently only available on Kindle. Sorry!) To enter, leave a comment letting me know if you've ever traveled to somewhere because you read about it and if so, where.

Oooh! And as a PSA, Oceanside, Ms. Mankin's latest release is currently only 99 pennies on Kindle! You're welcome!! *smooches*

Brandee's Bookish Babble #36 ~ Combo Review/Share Time

Welcome to Brandee's Bookish Babble. There are many, many similar posts to this one - but basically I wanted a place to discuss bookish and/or blogging stuff and I needed a title. :) 

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I debated with myself quite a bit over how to or even whether or not to post this but in the end, it's about me and about a book so I figured what the heck! 

You know how sometimes a book just speaks to you? Resonates with you? Touches you? Inspires you? I think with non-fiction in particular - more along the lines of a memoir or self-help - you have to read it at that perfect time. It happened for me with The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin - it's the reason I started blogging. And last year, it happened with Big Girls Do It Running by Jasinda Wilder. The name of the book has changed now - she's calling it You Can Do It - but y'all, her story impacted me and as a result, I lost 25 pounds last year. I wanted to share a few of the highlights from the book and the take-aways for me:

• Just Friends Chatting...
  Wilder writes in an informal and humorous way, like you're friends and you're hanging out talking over coffee. The way she explained her childhood food/weight issues, all the fads, diets, exercise routines, everything that she'd tried in order to lose weight and get healthy, as well as how she felt about herself after failing over and over again...it was real and genuine, and funny! I empathized with her. 
• Inspirational
  Y'all, at one time Wilder weighed over 400 pounds. To see how her "way" made a difference, not only for herself but also for her family was very inspiring.
  
• The Message
  What I took away from reading Wilder's story was that yes, my body was made for moving, and that food is fuel. When I first started, with the help of my fitbit, I made sure I moved every hour - typically walking my one flight of stairs ten times - and I got all my steps in daily. I started running again as well as doing toning exercises 5-6 days a week. And I starting looking at food a little differently. I knew I needed food to make my body move and to nourish it and my brain. But looking at it this way made me stop and think before putting something in my mouth.
  Today, I'm still running and doing different toning exercises 5-6 days a week and I have a healthier relationship with food. I have tried to limit my sugar intake (Wilder has removed sugar from her diet) but I haven't removed it entirely. I was more strict with myself in the beginning but now I occasionally have treats. I had a delicious birthday pie last week! And I like my beer! =) But I eat mostly fruits and vegetables as well as having protein in the morning and in the evening. And I've been able to maintain my weight loss. 

Wilder talks about how her healthy lifestyle has impacted her family, even making a difference in her son's autism. She shares exercises and recipes. And as I said, it's all done in a way that seems like you're friends sharing advice and support. I know I read this book at that perfect time and it made a difference for me. And so, I just wanted to share.

Are there any books you've read that inspired you in some way? I'd love to hear about them.

Brandee's Bookish Babble #35 ~ Question for Audiobook Fans...

Welcome to Brandee's Bookish Babble. There are many, many similar posts to this one - but basically I wanted a place to discuss bookish and/or blogging stuff and I needed a title. :) 

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I still consider myself to be an audiobook newb even though I've listened to quite a few over the last few years but I have a question for those of you audiobook listeners/lovers... How do you figure out if a narrator you like or dislike goes by different names??

I've had it happen that I've listened to several audiobooks in a row that were narrated by So-n-So. And it's not that I don't enjoy So-n-So's narration but I wanted to listen to a different voice, you know? So I pick a new audiobook with a narrator I've never heard of and I'm excited because this So-n-So might be a new favorite narrator. I'm giddy with anticipation as I queue up the audiobook and then it begins....aaaand this new So-n-So is actually the So-n-So that I was wanting a break from. *sigh*

When I Googled whether these two people were the same? Nothing. When I click on the narrator's name in Audible or Goodreads, the only books listed are those published under that particular name. Maybe I'm just not looking in the right place? Maybe I'm just clueless?? 

So all you audiobook fans, is there a way to figure it out ahead of time?

Favorites of 2017 ~ Couples

I enjoyed doing a "look back at the year" in 2016 so I figured it'd once again be fun to bring 2017 to a close by listing some of favorites. I hope you enjoy reading about some of my favorites and I'd be happy to hear about any of yours!

*~*Couples*~*

• Eva and Gideon - watching them fall for one another and learn to be strong enough in themselves to build a relationship strong enough to last was a wonder.
• Silver and Logan - I've so enjoyed watching as Logan courts Silver. They're each growing so much even while enduring so much. It's been a challenge but it's great to see them together.
• Greer, Embry, and Ash - okay, I realize it's a trio rather than a couple but still...they were a pleasure to get to know and to watch change, mature, and fall in love.
• Nora and Soren - this couple is making the list two years in a row! Their's is an unconventional relationship if ever there was one and yet I still adore them
• Charles and Anna - their bond keeps getting stronger and stronger 
• Will and Layken - I really enjoyed reliving all their best and worst memories along with them. These two are just meant to be together!
• Tate and Logan - their love is swoon-worthy, y'all!
• Lily and Lo - these two broke my heart and put it back together again. They're each so broken and yet still perfect together. No, they don't fix each other - their love just makes them want to be better for the other. *sigh*
• Violet and Jennings - this couple made me laugh out loud all the while rooting for them to end up together!
• Jamie and Claire - I felt so much for these two! They're amazing individuals and as a couple? I'm not sure I've ever rooted for an historical couple more.
• Tabby and Shy, Lanie and Hopper, Joker and Carissa, High and Millie, Brock and Tessa, Hawk and Gwen, Tack and Tyra, and Mara and Mitch (I know it's cheating, right?)

Can you guess which books these couples starred in?

Favorites of 2017 ~ New-to-Me Authors

I enjoyed doing a "look back at the year" in 2016 so I figured it'd once again be fun to bring 2017 to a close by listing some of favorites. I hope you enjoy reading about some of my favorites and I'd be happy to hear about any of yours!

*~*New-to-Me Authors*~*

• Sierra Simone - I blew through her New Camelot trilogy - in both audio and ebook. I'm a fan and am eager to read more from her!
• Juliette Cross - I'm so happy I agreed to review The White Lily as Cross made a new fan in me with her fairytale mixed with vampires tale.
• Kari Lynn Dell - I can't say enough about how much I love her writing as well as her ability to make life in West Texas as well as rodeo so vivid and authentic! (thanks, Anna!)
• Lexi Blake - meeting Zoey and company from Blake's Thieves series was a highlight for me in 2017! (thanks, Kristen!)
• Heather Demetrios - she delivered a YA so gripping and emotionally moving...a treat despite the difficult subject matter. (thanks, Tanya!)
• Kiersten White - OMG! I still can't believe I put off reading this one - a female incarnation of Vlad the Impaler...need I say more?!? If y'all haven't read And I Darken, make it so!
• Helena Hunting - I binged on her Clipped Wings series back in June for a challenge...the lady can write!
• Georgia Cates - another author I can't believe I put off reading for so long. I'll be finishing her Beauty series in 2017.
• T. Torrest - Remember When dazzled me with it's 90's nostalgia and characters I fell for...hard. I'm looking forward to the spinoff series coming in 2018. 
• Diana Gabaldon - 'nuff said, am I right?
• Pierce Brown - I couldn't imagine how blown away I'd be by Red Rising despite how much my friends gushed about it. I have the next two books already laid out. *wink*
• Lenora Bell - I picked up How the Duke Was Won because the narrator is one I adore. However, I ended up a fan of Bell who delivered a tightly woven story with a feisty heroine and a hero to fall for.

Favorites of 2017 ~ Narrators

I enjoyed doing a "look back at the year" in 2016 so I figured it'd once again be fun to bring 2017 to a close by listing some of favorites. I hope you enjoy reading about some of my favorites and I'd be happy to hear about any of yours!

*~*Narrators*~*

• Beverley A. Crick - she's become a favorite of mine for historical romance because she creates an aural dramatic presentation with her delivery and accents!
• Andi Arndt - I became a huge fan when I first listened to Kylie Scott's Stage Dive series - which Andi narrates. This year she made an impression in Playboy Pilot
• Johanna Parker - even though she struggled a bit in the third book in a series I've been enjoying, she's still done a tremendous job giving life to a range of characters as well as life in West Texas and the rodeo
• Shaun Grindell - I first listened to him last year and wasn't sold on his narration. But after listening to him again this year in books such as Smut and The Summer Games: Settling the Score, I'm a fan
• Heather Wilds - I've only listened to her twice but I quite enjoy her delivery and she brought the characters in Until Harry to life
• Dave Gillies - I was certain I'd enjoy an historical narrated by a man but he made me a believer in Highland Spy.
• Sebastian York - I'm pretty sure if I listen to him, he's gonna make this list! *wink*
• Roger Wayne - he impressed me in both a contemporary and a paranormal

My TBR List Review ~ April #1 ~ Paradise Road ~ C.J. Duggan

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

My review of Paradise Road is below but my review of Changing Tides is going to be late. Sorry y'all!! I've had a lot going on and haven't quite finished it. But the review's coming, I promise!

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Paradise Road by C.J. Duggan
Paradise #2
Release Date: November 22, 2015
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
The Road to Paradise is never easy

After a year on the coast, Lexie Atkinson can't settle back into country life. She's missing the glitzy, gritty nightlife of the big city and the group of misfit friends she'd loved to hate. She knows to move forward she has to go back - back to face the guy who stole her heart.

But when Lexie arrives in Paradise City to work out if her future includes bad-boy surfer, Luke Ballantine, he is nowhere to be found.

With no home, no money and no Luke, Lexie gets a job slinging drinks at the wild Wipe Out Bar. Soon her heartache is eased when broody bar owner, Dean Saville, starts taking an interest and stirs more than just her drinks. But nothing is ever as it seems in Paradise City and when Luke barrels back into town, Lexie has a choice to make. But who will end up with the broken heart: Luke, Dean... or Lexie?

It's been almost two years exactly since I first visited Paradise City and I was as eager to return to Paradise as Lexie. And like Lexie, my return had its ups-and-downs, but in the end I wanted to stay.

What Worked:

• Lexie's determination and tenacity to earn her way, to be responsible for achieving her goals and dreams.
• Dean *sigh* I'm not gonna lie. I was a Dean fangirl from the get-go. His mysterious air, his maturity...oh, and his dark looks and tattoos...it all appealed to me much more than Ballantine's (Luke) surfer-boy charm.
• Wipe Out Bar - I enjoyed spending my time here with Lexie and friends rather than at school. It helped give this a more mature "new adult" feel.

What Could Have Worked Better:

• For all Lexie's maturity, she had her moments of immature behavior and decisions. Of course, she's only just 18 so I give her some leniency here but while this was realistic, I would have liked a little more consistency. However, this was consistent with Lexie's character and luckily for her, a certain someone found it endearing even if it made steam come out of his ears at times. *wink*

I really like Duggan's writing style. She creates entertaining stories with engaging characters and I'm excited to start a new series from her.

Brandee's Bookish Babble #34 ~ Are We More Forgiving with Favorite Authors?

Welcome to Brandee's Bookish Babble. There are many, many similar posts to this one - but basically I wanted a place to discuss bookish and/or blogging stuff and I needed a title. :) 

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Before I start, I just want to preface this with the qualification that with this post, I'm referring to indie authors. 

I recently read a book by an author that was recommended by a friend. In fact, it's a favorite author of this friend. While I was reading, I kept finding editing errors. This is just something that I'm particularly sensitive to - I don't even read the newspaper anymore because I can't handle the editing mistakes. Now I know none of us are perfect - I find editing issues in my own writing as well - but finding these mistakes got me to wondering. Are we more forgiving of such things with our favorite authors?

I'm leaning towards YES in my case. Several of my favorite authors are indie and while I know they use an editor - I've even met one's editor - I still find editing errors. But I don't mind too much even if I'm temporarily removed from the flow of the story - because the story is so good! It's compelling and emotional so I'm easily pulled right back in. The book that started my pondering...it was a good story as well but I think that since it was an author I was unfamiliar with I was a little less forgiving. It took me a little longer to re-engage because I don't yet have that trust built with the author. But I could see myself getting there with this one. ;)

Anyway, what about y'all? Are you more forgiving of editing issues when it's a favorite author?

Brandee's Bookish Babble #32 ~ Goodreads & Friends

Welcome to Brandee's Bookish Babble. There are many, many similar posts to this one - but basically I wanted a place to discuss bookish and/or blogging stuff and I needed a title. :) 

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I have a question for y'all. How do y'all decide whose friendship to accept on Goodreads? Do you accept everyone who sends a friend request? Do you compare books before deciding? I know some of you use the "ask a question" function - do you always accept if the person answers? 

I'm asking because I used to accept anyone who asked. But in the last year or so, I've gotten friend requests from people with weird pseudonyms, people with 5000 friends and 3 books on their shelves, people with whom I only have 2 books in common... essentially a lot of people that I'm not understanding their motivation behind requesting my friendship. So I got to wondering how y'all handle it. I have accepted requests from folks who are authors if they write in a genre I'm interested in. I've accepted if we have books in common on our shelves. It's just that I feel the need to be pickier at this point - I want to understand why the request was sent because if we don't read the same things, are we really going to connect? If not, it's just adding clutter to my feed.

How do y'all feel? Am I being ridiculous? Am I even making sense?!?

Brandee's Bookish Babble #31 ~ Goodreads & Comments

Welcome to Brandee's Bookish Babble. There are many, many similar posts to this one - but basically I wanted a place to discuss bookish and/or blogging stuff and I needed a title. :) 

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I have a rather embarrassing confession. For as much as I love and use Goodreads, I'm not very social on it. And - this is the confession part - I was recently trying to "clean up" and discovered I had lots of messages. Unread messages! Some of which were over 3 years old! Gah! And while most were about things it didn't matter I'd missed, there were a few personal ones. Eep! A few were from people who'd started following me because they found my blog (one through Berls)...one was from a neighbor friend. Needless to say, I was mortified. And so very embarrassed. Embarrassed by the lack of attention I gave to this functionality on Goodreads. And even more embarrassed by the perception I'd probably given - that of my indifference. Neither was intentional. I've been on Goodreads for years but no one really interacted with me until I began blogging. So it wasn't that I didn't care - it was simply that it hadn't become a habit to pay attention to these notifications.

I have learned a valuable lesson though. I will be more attuned to people reaching out to me - in all the various way available. I feel terribly that I may have lost a follower or two - maybe even someone who would have been a great book friend - because of this oversight but if you were one that messaged me way back then, please know I wasn't intentionally ignoring you. Each and every one of you is important to me! And I promise I'm paying attention now. :D

What about y'all? Any faux pas perpetrated via Goodreads or other social media outlet? Any valuable lessons you've learned you'd like to share?

Beyond the Books ~ Ten Things You Always Wanted to Know About Me...

Welcome to Bookworm Brandee Beyond the Books. This post was inspired by Lexxie @Unconventional Bookviews' Up Close and (Un)conventional, who was inspired by Cuddlebuggery. It's meant to be a way for y'all to get to know me better on a personal level ~ Beyond the Books. ;)

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...and were too afraid to ask. ;)

• I have a degree in English Literature...and in Economics. I'd planned on going to law school but changed my mind. 
• I'm an accomplished procrastinator. I come from a long line of procrastinators and I've ensured my legacy having progeny who also procrastinate exceedingly well.
• I'm particular about my pens. Since I hand write my reviews as well as discussion posts, it's of special importance I have my favorite pens on hand. My favorite brand? Uniball Signo. I have them in every color.
• Before I got married, I'd never:
• owned a CD
• owned a computer
• traveled much outside the state of Texas
• I became a coffee addict at the ripe old age of 40! I started drinking coffee in my hot chocolate, then moved to flavored creamer. Now I drink it black.
• I'm originally from Texas (I've lived in Colorado for 18 years). I grew up with grandparents who farmed and spent a great deal of time around mud, animals, gardens, and snakes. And yet, I'd never owned a pair of cowboy boots until two years ago.
• My grandma, mom, and I are all spaced 20 years apart, meaning my grandma is 86, my mom is 66, and I'll be 46 next month. I, however, broke the streak!
• In my family, I've managed to get the 1/4 genetic possibilities (using simple Punnet squares)
• green eyes - everyone else has blue or brown
• poor eyesight - I was legally blind before I had Lasik
• low blood pressure - they worry because it's so low
• O Negative blood type
• although not genetic, I'm the oddball liberal in a family full of conservatives
• I talk to my cats...and myself. A lot. Especially myself. My kids laugh at me but, as I've told them repeatedly, sometimes I'm the only one who listens to me!
• At one time I kept my hardback books pristine, never wanting to crease the spine, damage the dust jacket, fold a page... Now I've decided that having sticky tabs, notes in the margins, and *gasp* dog-eared pages is my way of showing my love for the book.

There you have it! Ten things you've always wanted to know...okay, maybe you didn't really know you wanted to know these things about me. But now you do. Thanks for listening reading!

Brandee's Bookish Babble #30 ~ Kindle vs Nook

Welcome to Brandee's Bookish Babble. There are many, many similar posts to this one - but basically I wanted a place to discuss bookish and/or blogging stuff and I needed a title. :) 

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While writing my post on Kindle vs Nook pricing, I got to thinking maybe those of you with only one or the other might like a comparison of the two. Now, I'm not doing a sales pitch for either - there won't be any technical specs here. This is more of an illustration of the differences in ease of use - in my opinion. If you have questions, please feel free to ask. I just thought this would be a fun thing to do.

My ereading journey began with a First Generation Nook. Sadly, the last working model in my household recently died. :( Anyway, don't laugh but I own 2 Nook Simple Touches (one with Glowlight, one without), a Kindle Paperwhite, and a Kindle Fire. But here I'm comparing my Kindle Paperwhite and my Nook Glowlight.

In my opinion, the Nook's design is more comfortable to hold. I don't use a cover so this is strictly about how the device feels in my hand. The Nook has some curves and indentations (well, it did - the new design does not) which makes it easier to grip.

The Lookup function on the Kindle is easier to use. All I have to do is touch the word (hold for a second or so) and the definition pops up. On the Nook it works similarly but it pops up a menu asking me what I want to do instead of just giving me the definition.

The Highlight function is world's better on the Kindle. I simply touch the screen where I want the highlight to start, drag my finger to where I want it to end, and then tap Highlight. I can even add notes. Nook has this functionality but it's much clumsier.

Nook makes organizing books easy with its Create Shelves feature. I have shelves for Netgalley, COYER, ARCs, etc. I love this feature. It is a little cumbersome having to go through the list of books in your library but worth it. Kindle allows you create Collections but the whole process is cumbersome. I have to go through my entire library and can only add one book at a time. And y'all, I have A LOT of books. Like A LOT!! ;)

Kindle makes reviewing ARCs easier in that I can send .doc files to my Kindle and then read. Nook can't convert. I can read PDF files on Nook but it's just an easier process on Kindle.

Kindle also wins when it comes to archiving or removing a book from your device. All I have to do it touch the cover and a menu pops up with the option to remove (or delete) the file from my device. The file stays in the cloud - it's just not hogging memory on my device. And yeah, I need the memory because I have A LOT of books. ;) With Nook, archiving is done through the website, so it's more work.

I've found the Search option within books to be better on Nook. They work similarly on both devices but Nook's result system seems to work better. On some Kindle books (in review copies I forgive this) I get a message that the file isn't set up for searching - not indexes. What?!?

I've found navigating within books similar on both devices.

Overall, it seems Kindle is easier to use but I really enjoy reading on both. And I adore having my digital library so handy!


What about y'all? What are your favorite features in your ereader? Which do you own?

Brandee's Bookish Babble #29 ~ Dilemma

Welcome to Brandee's Bookish Babble. There are many, many similar posts to this one - but basically I wanted a place to discuss bookish and/or blogging stuff and I needed a title. :) 

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I was recently in a used bookstore and happened upon an ARC for sale on the shelf. I know it was an ARC because it clearly states so on the cover and it's one I happened to procure while at BEA. I was torn over what to do though. This is a new business in town - they've only been open for a year. Do I tell the owner that it's illegal to be selling the ARC? Do I keep my mouth shut? How will I feel if they *are* aware and put it on the shelf anyway?

Has this happened to any of y'all? What did you do?

Brandee's Bookish Babble #28 ~ Cliffhangers & Ratings

Welcome to Brandee's Bookish Babble. There are many, many similar posts to this one - but basically I wanted a place to discuss bookish and/or blogging stuff and I needed a title. :) 

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I've noticed something recently and wondered what y'all might think about it... that would be a startling number of 1-Star reviews being left for books because they have cliffhangers. Now, I know some readers have very strong feelings when it comes to cliffies, but... Would you really rate a perfectly well-written book a 1-Star simply because the author left you hanging at the end? I've been comments like, "just another ploy to get more money" and "not a complete book." Um, I kinda think a 200-300 page book is complete. And a 200-300 page book for $2.99 or less? That's a bargain! There may just be more to the story. And a lot of the time, that's not something I'm going to complain about.

Okay so, I'm in the camp that doesn't mind a cliffhanger. But again, I'd not give a low rating for one - or for something that I have a personal bias against. My low ratings are about substance and I try to give constructive criticism in my reviews if there's something I don't like about a book. That's just me though...

What about y'all? How do y'all feel about it?

Favorites of 2016 ~ Books & Audiobooks

I decided it'd be fun to bring 2016 to a close by listing some of favorites from the year. I hope you enjoy reading about some of my favorites and I'd be happy to hear about any of your favorites!

*~*Books & Audiobooks*~*

• Colorado Mountain Series - yep, the entire series from Kristen Ashley
• I'll Give You the Sun - a powerful read from Jandy Nelson
• The Rest Falls Away - part of the Gardella Vampire Hunters series by Colleen Gleason
• Bossman - still best first meeting EVER in a book by Vi Keeland and narrated by Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell
• First Grave on the Right - a book I put off for far too long by Darynda Jones
• Him - maybe one of the best finds of 2016 by Sarina Bowen
• My Heart's in the Highlands - a great story by Angeline Fortin and a great listen narrated by Kirsten Potter!
• Sugar Bowl Trilogy - this story was a nail biter but it allowed me to explore Sawyer Bennett's writing more AND meet Christian Fox *sigh*
• The Siren - such a unique story and so very well conveyed

Favorites of 2016 ~ Couples

I decided it'd be fun to bring 2016 to a close by listing some of favorites from the year. I hope you enjoy reading about some of my favorites and I'd be happy to hear about any of your favorites!

*~*Couples*~*

• Bowen and Mariketa - their banter is so fun since Bowen is "old" and Mari is so young...it made for a lot of playfulness between them
• Auburn and Owen - fate plays a huge role in this couple's romance and it strengthened my belief that things happen for a reason 
• Blue and Wilson - student/teacher to friends to lovers, these two brought all the feels
• Nora and Soren - their's is an unconventional relationship if ever there was one and yet I still adore them
• Adam and Mercy - their bond keeps getting stronger and stronger
• Hero and Ian - their love was so powerful it spanned time - sooo romantic!
• Rachel and Trent - their relationship started on very rocky ground but over the course of the series (The Hollows) they've developed mutual respect and, well, love *sigh*
• Charlie and Cain - I love relationships that defy the couples' desire to maintain distance
• Boyd and Chelsea - another unconventional start to a romance but it worked and it made me smile
• Jamie and Wes - I couldn't make a list without including this couple - watching these two guys falling made me swoon
• Max and Nina, Tate and Lauren, Ty and Lexie, Chase and Faye, Colt and Feb, Ham and Zara, and Jacob and Emme - in other words, all the couples from the Colorado Mountain series and one from The 'Burg. *wink*

Can you guess which books these couples starred in?

Favorites of 2016 ~ Worlds/Settings

I decided it'd be fun to bring 2016 to a close by listing some of favorites from the year. I hope you enjoy reading about some of my favorites and I'd be happy to hear about any of your favorites!

*~*Worlds/Settings*~*

• The Hollows - there's nothing I don't enjoy about The Hollows!
• Gnaw Bone/Chantelle/Carnal, Colorado - these mountain towns that make up the setting for Kristen Ashley's Colorado Mountain series are where I LIVE! Gnaw Bone really is based on the town where I live but these mountain towns really come to life in the stories...
• Regency Era London - this is where the Gardella Vampire Hunters series is set and it's perfect! From spending time with the Ton to skulking about in dark alleyways, it suits the story well.
• Austin, Texas - I've spent quite a bit of time in Austin, where Dannika Dark's Seven series is set. Dark does an impressive job of setting the scene in this Texas town. From the heat and humidity (or the disabling snow!) and the barbecue, it makes me miss my home state!
• Arlington, Virginia - since I was a teen, I was fascinated with this area - Quantico in particular - because that's where the action is. ;) I like this setting as shown in Trisha Wolfe's With Ties that Bind series.
• The Realms of the Eternal Mates - I've enjoyed spending time in the different realms where Felicity Heaton's characters dwell. With portals between realms, I've visited many but my favorite so far is probably the Elf Kingdom. :)
• Britain - I've spent some quality time in Britain this year, between My Heart's in the Highlands, Stormswept, and The Spymaster's Lady...and a few in between, my love of Britain has only grown!
• Laguna Beach - Tara Lain has made this particular area of California interesting. I love the beach, the restaurants, and, of course, the men who aren't afraid to love their men! 
• Denver, Colorado - I know, I know...but there are so many authors who live here and/or set their books in this great state where I live! Kristen Ashley, Jay Crownover, and JA Huss just to name a few... it just adds to the pleasure of reading when I know the places described OR they're places I can easily travel to. :)

Favorites of 2016 ~ New-to-Me Authors

I decided it'd be fun to bring 2016 to a close by listing some of favorites from the year. I hope you enjoy reading about some of my favorites and I'd be happy to hear about any of your favorites!

*~*New-to-Me Authors*~*

• Vi Keeland - I listened to two from Keeland and am eager for more. Her stories have it all - complex characters, compelling story, and all the feels!
• Sarina Bowen - I continue to collect Bowen's books after the greatness that was her combined effort with Elle Kennedy, Him.
• Jandy Nelson - I was so impressed with I'll Give You the Sun...the complexity of the story and characters and the brilliant delivery, I'm excited to read more from her.
• Colleen Gleason - meeting Victoria Gardella from Gleason's Gardella Vampire Hunters series was a highlight for me in 2016!
• Darynda Jones - I know! Better late than never! Charlie and Reyes and Cookie and Bob...need I say more?
• Scarlett Cole - She delivered a riveting story and managed to incorporate Dante...loved it!
• Heidi Cullinan - She writes M/M beautifully and realistically. I've procured quite a collection of hers so be on the lookout for reviews in 2017.
• Joanna Bourne - I listened to Bourne's The Spymaster's Lady and then proceeded to add more of her to my library. She delivered a wonderful story with fantastic characters.
• Amy Harmon - A Different Blue dazzled me early in 2016 with it's complexity and characters I came to love. 
• Tiffany Reisz - Again, I know! I can't believe I put off reading Reisz for so long but I'll be reading her more and more...

Favorites of 2016 ~ Narrators

I decided it'd be fun to bring 2016 to a close by listing some of favorites from the year. I hope you enjoy reading about some of my favorites and I'd be happy to hear about any of your favorites!

*~*Narrators*~*

• Kirsten Potter - she can rock an accent making her a favorite for historicals
• Christian Fox - his delivery is so natural, and entertaining, I'd pay him to read my grocery list
• Robert Petkoff - his range of voices and delivery keep me chomping at the bit to listen to Immortals After Dark
• Mindy Kennedy - she *is* Teresa Drazen and her voice for Antonio Spinelli rocks as well
• Joe Arden - he does a great job at conveying the emotions of the heroes and makes a great duo with Maxine Mitchell
• Maxine Mitchell - she does well with conveying emotions as well and she and Joe Arden are one of my favorite narrating duos
• Sebastian York - his growly voice, well, it does nice things to me so listening to him is an absolute pleasure
• Nicole Poole - she amazes me! I'm always impressed with her ability to keep character voices distinct over a number of books, especially a series like Dannika Dark's Seven series where there is a large cast.
• Mason Lloyd - his delivery of the crusty men of According to Hoyle was so spot on it made the story even more enjoyable