Have a safe New Year's Eve and a healthy 2026!!!
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2025 - results
For 2025, I set my goal to 225. I surpassed that with 235. This is a mix of ebooks, audiobooks, and paperbacks (yes, I still like to hold a physical book). Following are the stats that Goodreads provided.
First book of the year - Sweet on the Alpha by Celia Kyle
Last book of the year - Zaan and Lexi by Kat Mizera
Shortest book - Not That Orange by Bailey Adams
Longest book - Love's Perilous Road by a collection of authors
Average length of a book - 217
My average rating - 4.6
April, May, and October were my busiest months.
I am a Legendary Reviewer!
Top genres - 1st Romance, 2nd Mystery and Thriller, 3rd Contemporary Fiction
#GoodreadsYearInBooks
Audiobook Reading Challenge 2025 - results
I am not good about posting my progress in any of my reading challenges. This post is everything that I listened to through 2025. I had picked the 30+ My Precious level, and I succeeded with 35. I still have so many audiobooks waiting to be listened to.
Long Paw of the Law 4 by Laurie Anne Marie
https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2025/01/audiobook-review-long-paw-of-law-4.html
Highland Warlord by Amy Jarecki
Death of a Crafter Knitter by Angela Pepper
Highland Raider by Amy Jarecki
Death of a Batty Genius by Angela Pepper
Pretend We Are Us by Claudia Burgoa
The Sound of Forever by Claudia Burgoa
Riordan's Revenge by Jolie Vines
Claimed by the Viking by Anna Quinn and Felicity Brandon
Under the Same Sky by Claudia Burgoa
My Favorite Bad Decision by Elizabeth O'Roark
When Love Found Us by Claudia Burgoa
Loving Lo by Winter Travers
Mine by Amanda McKinney
Almost Strangers by Claudia Burgoa
Strangers in Love by Claudia Burgoa
Midnight Between Us by Claudia Burgoa
Seduced by the Viking by Anna Quinn and Felicity Brandon
Long Paw of the Law 5 by Laurie Anne Marie
https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2025/08/audiobook-review-long-paw-of-law-5.htmlLong Paw of the Law 6 by Laurie Anne Marie
Sick as a Dog by Tracy Carter
The Last Call Home by Claudia Burgoa
Sweet Little Spies by Lexi Blake
Trailridge by Kevin Wolf
Slap Shot Scandal by Kara Kendrick
Mastered by the Viking by Anna Quinn and Felicity Brandon
The Lady's Guide to Being Snowbound with a Scottish Laird by Emmanuelle de Maupassant
Harvest Season in Kentbury by Claudia Burgoa
Before We Break Again by Claudia Burgoa
Miss Morton and the Deadly Inheritance by Catherine Lloyd
Fake it 'Til Christmas by Claudia Burgoa
Death of a Modern King by Angela Pepper
Brook's Bliss by Lexi Blake/Sophie Oak
Death of a Double Dipper by Angela Pepper
(Not So) Simple Lyrics by Claudia Burgoa
What an Animal Reading Challenge 2025 Results
I have problems remembering to post my progress so here is my post for the year. I chose Level 3 which was 13-20 books. I achieved 18 books. Here is the list:
Jabba's Journey by Darlene Tallman (ebook)
Sweet on the Alpha by Celia Kyle (ebook)
Hell Rider by Nikki Landis (ebook)
Golden Blood by Tim Vee (ebook)
Sinfully Mine by Nikki Landis (ebook)
Dane's War by E.C. Land (ebook)
Heron's Flame by Nikki Landis (ebook)
Total Carnage by Quinn Slater (ebook)
Rocky Top by Morgan Jane Mitchell (ebook)
Brick's Redemption by Nikki Landis (ebook)
Cuckoo by Nikki Landis (ebook)
White Wolf Mate by Anastasia Wilde (ebook)
Property of Scythe by Nikki Landis (ebook)
Reaping Havoc by Nikki Landis (ebook)
Gonzalez the Street Cat by Kitty May Gruchelska (ebook)
Survival of the Wolves by Ophelia Black (ebook)
Bitten by the Wind by D. Lieber (ebook)
Reaper's Ride by Nikki Landis (ebook)
Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge 2025 Results
I suck at remembering to post monthly on my achievements. This post will show all my readings for the year for this challenge. I had selected Amateur 5-15 books with a total of 20.
Long Paw of the Law 4 by Laurie Anne Marie (audio)
Death of a Crafty Knitter by Angela Pepper (audio)
Little Blue by Jay Lang (ebook)
Shadows of the Past by ML Rose (ebook)
Death of a Batty Genius by Angela Pepper (audio)
A Murderer Among Us by Marilyn Levinson (ebook)
French Cruises Can Kill You by Constance Meccarello-Gerson (ebook)
By Hook or By Book by Misty Simon (ebook)
The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant by Liza Tully (ebook)
The Long Paw of the Law 5 by Laurie Anne Marie (audio)
The Long Paw of the Law 6 by Laurie Anne Marie (audio)
Sick as a Dog by Tracy Carter (audio)
The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer by Ragnar Jonasson (ebook)
Miss Morton and the Missing Heir by Catherine Lloyd (ebook)
The Retirees by Leah Orr (ebook)
Miss Morton and the Deadly Inheritance by Catherine Lloyd (audio)
Early Snow by Kevin Wolf (ebook)
Death of a Modern King by Angela Pepper (audio)
Echoes of Fortune: Shadows of Cozumel by David R. Leng (ebook)
Death of a Double Dipper by Angela Pepper (audio)
Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2025 Results
I can never remember to post about my achievements monthly so I have created posts for each of my challenges. For this one, I chose Medieval level which was 15 books. I achieved 32. Yay me!!! Following is the list:
Highland Warlord by Amy Jarecki (audio)
On This Christmas I Thee Wed by Virginia Barlow (ebook)
How to Seduce a Wife by Kate Pearce (ebook)
The Captain's Valentine by Jane Charles (ebook)
The Unexpected Duke by Julia Justiss (ebook)
Highland Raider by Amy Jarecki (audio)
Shadows of the Past by ML Rose (ebook)
Earl of Hearts by Meara Platt (paperback)
The Duke's Indecent Scandal by Golden Angel (ebook)
Claimed by the Viking by Felicity Brandon/Anna Quinn (audio)
The Guardian Duke by Jane Charles (ebook)
The Spinster's Secret Stake by Collette Cameron (ebook)
Tempting Taffy by Meara Platt (ebook)
Ravens Hill by Garth Pettersen (book)
The Laird's Magical Lass by Julie Johnstone (ebook)
The Lady's Guide to Being Snowbound with a Scottish Laird by Emmanuelle de Maupassant (ebook)
Magic in the Music by Jane Charles (ebook)
Lady Cordelia's Scarred Soldier by Jennifer Monroe (ebook)
The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin (ebook)
Love's Perilous Road Anthology (ebook)
The Bride Chooses a Highlander by Adrienne Basso (paperback)
Rake in Disguise by Jane Charles (ebook)
The Highlander's Enchanted Healer by Julie Johnstone (ebook)
Mastered by the Viking by Felicity Brandon/Anna Quinn (audio)
Miss Morton and the Missing Heir by Catherine Lloyd (ebook)
The Duke's Indecent Match by Golden Angel (ebook)
Only Rakes Need Apply by Kate Pearce (ebook)
Miss Morton and the Deadly Inheritance by Catherine Lloyd (audio)
The Lady's Guide to Egyptian Curses by Emmanuelle de Maupassant (ebook)
Kissing with My Duke by Anna St. Claire (ebook)
Quest of Honor by Ellie St. Claird (ebook)
Yule be Home for Christmas by Katherine Bone (ebook)
The Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge 2025 - titles
I tend not to remember to post monthly, even quarterly, my reading progress. This post will show my reading achievements for 2025. The list is as follows:
A - Almost Strangers by Claudia Burgoa (audio)
B - Bringing Home the Biker by Winter Travers (ebook)
C- Chocolate Cowboy by Kirsten Lynn (ebook)
D - Decoding Morse by Harley Stone (ebook)
E - Earl of Hearts by Meara Platt (paperback)
F - Finding His Wyoming Sweetheart by Virginia McCullough (ebook)
G - Glitch by D. Williams (ebook)
H - Hard as a Rock, Cowboy by Lexi Post (ebook)
I - Ice, Love and Other Penalties by Claudia Burgoa (audio)
J - Jabba's Journey by Darlene Tallman (ebook)
K - Kill Pocahontas by Ray Anthony Morris (ebook)
L - Lourdes's Sentinel by D.M. Earl (ebook)
M - Mensa's Match by Karen Renee (ebook)
N - New Year in Kentbury by Claudia Burgoa (audio)
O - Only Rakes Need Apply by Kate Pearce (ebook)
P - Pretend We are Us by Claudia Burgoa (audio)
Q - Quest of Honor by Ellie St. Claire (ebook)
R - The Riskiest Move by Jacob Chance (ebook)
S - Sweet on the Alpha by Celia Kyle (ebook)
T - Total Carnage by Quinn Slater (ebook)
U - The Unexpected Duke by Julia Justiss (ebook)
V - Victorious Part 1 by K.E. Osborn (ebook)
W - When Love Found Us by Claudia Burgoa (audio)
X - Xquisite by Ruby Laska (ebook)
Y - Yule be Home for Christmas by Katherine Bone (ebook)
Z - Zaan and Lexi by Kat Mizera (ebook)
Netgalley and Edelweiss Reading Challenge 2025 - results
At the beginning of 2025, I planned on catching up with my Netgalley TBR. I chose Silver (25 books), but I did not make it, only read 8. Here is my list:
A Swing for Samara - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2025/04/book-review-swing-for-samara-by-nancy.html
Love, the Duke - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2025/04/book-review-love-duke-say-i-do-3-by.html
The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant -https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2025/07/book-review-worlds-greatest-detective.html
Heart Marks the Spot - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2025/08/book-review-heart-marks-spot-by-libby.html
Road Trip With a Rogue - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2025/08/book-review-heart-marks-spot-by-libby.html
The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer -https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2025/09/book-review-mysterious-case-of-missing.html
Miss Morton and the Missing Heir - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2025/10/book-review-miss-morton-and-missing.html
Only Rakes Need Apply - https://ironcanuckreviews.blogspot.com/2025/10/book-review-only-rakes-need-apply-rakes.html
Audiobook Review: (Not So) Simple Lyrics (Heartbreak Mixtapes #1) by Claudia Burgoa
He was my first love.
My first heartbreak.
The boy who made the one mistake I’ll never forgive.
Roderick Wilder and I grew up side by side—two kids tangled up in music, mixtapes, and lyrics that felt like they belonged only to us. Then he destroyed everything we had and disappeared, chasing a future without me.
Twelve years later, he’s back.
Not the rising star I remember, but a man who’s broken, scarred, and desperate to rewrite his story.
The problem? I’ve already started falling for someone else—an anonymous stranger I trade late-night messages with, sharing lyrics and reliving the bands that shaped us.
He feels safe.
He feels new.
He feels like everything Roderick isn’t.
But soon I might need to choose between the stranger who makes me believe again . . .
and the boy who once destroyed me.
From USA Today bestselling author Claudia Burgoa comes a nostalgic second-chance romance of mixtapes, dial-up confessions, and the one boy who broke her heart before the world ever knew his name.
(Not So) Simple Lyrics is an emotional, nostalgic second chance which features your favorite tropes:
🎸Slowburn
🎸Rockstar
🎸Bad boy
🎸First love, childhood crush, it’s always been you
🎸Wounded /Damaged / Tortured Hero
🎸Epistolary novel
🎸Redemption
Audible: (Not So) Simple Lyrics Audiobook by Claudia Burgoa
Bookbub: (Not So) Simple Lyrics (Heartbreak Mixtapes Book 1) by Claudia Burgoa - BookBub
Goodreads: (Not So) Simple Lyrics: Heartbreak Mixtapes, Book 1 by Claudia Burgoa | Goodreads
My Review - 4 of 5 stars -
I loved the anonymous interactions between Kit and Roderick. They did not know that they were from each other's past. Roderick had worked hard to clean up his own situation, helping me fall in love with him as well. Kit herself was working on being stronger. When they came into physical contact, it was entertaining to see that the attraction was still there, but the past was holding them back. So many songs were mentioned through, and there were quite a few that I was not familiar with, but it was definitely a different way to reconnect.
The narration by Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke added to the enjoyment of this story. They brought out the emotions of both characters, giving them a little more dimension.
This is my unsolicited review.
Book Review: Yule be Home for Christmas (Christmas for Ransome #2) by Katherine Bone
From the workhouse to the British army, then captivity courtesy of Napoleon’s men, Lieutenant Daniel Barrett has never known the warmth or safety of a real home. But now, his training as a physician and loyalty to his captain, Sir Christmas Astley-Milne, have found him a temporary resting place. Having helped the wounded Chris escape to England, Daniel is sequestered at Milne Manor, caring for other soldiers who’ve returned across the Channel.
But it’s not the place he can call home, where he can settle with the wife and children he longs for. For what can he offer a good woman such as Ivy Martin, the daughter of Milne Manor’s stableman and his able medical assistant, for whom he’s formed a secret affection, when he has no money and few prospects? Once again, it’s time to move on.
However, just before Christmas, Ivy’s father is badly hurt, and Daniel finds himself comforting her—and kissing her under the mistletoe. This changes everything. Or does it, when he’s preparing to leave Milne Manor for London come the New Year?
B&N: Yule be Home for Christmas (Christmas for Ransome, #2) by Katherine Bone | eBook | Barnes & Noble®
Kobo: Yule be Home for Christmas eBook by Katherine Bone - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States
Google: Yule be Home for Christmas by Katherine Bone - Books on Google Play
Bookbub: Yule Be Home for Christmas by Katherine Bone - BookBub
Goodreads: Yule be Home for Christmas by Katherine Bone | Goodreads
My Review - 5 of 5 stars -
I enjoyed the setting of this story. British prisoners rescued and taken back to England. Daniel's past led to training as a physician which he tried to stay informed as he healed returning soldiers. Ivy absorbed all the information he gave her. I loved how these two worked side by side through gruesome surgeries without acknowledging their feelings for each other, feeling inadequate for each other. Ivy was a lot stronger and determined than some gave her credit for as she stayed by her father's side when his health started to go, causing some tears. Daniel's hosts and friends pointed out his true feelings for Ivy which gave me a few giggles. I really enjoyed this story.
This is my unsolicited review.
Book Review: Quest of Honor (Searching Hearts #1) by Ellie St. Claire
He's chasing an elusive pirate, but when he catches Eleanor Adams, he gets far more than he bargained for…
Thomas Harrington, second son of the Duke of Ware, joined the Royal Navy to escape from his life in society and find the freedom his soul had been searching for. Instead, he has spent three years attempting to bring the elusive pirate Captain Adams to justice.
Eleanor has only known life on the high seas with her gentleman pirate captain of her father, evading the naval captain who refuses to give up his relentless pursuit – unless he can discover a way to capture him instead.
The beautiful blonde woman Thomas meets in a tavern haunts his dreams, until he finds her in the unlikeliest of circumstances. The freedom his soul has been searching for and the honor he so upholds clash within him as Thomas and Eleanor fight their desire for one another. As they question everything they’ve ever believed, can they find a way forward together?
This Regency pirate romance contains some steamy scenes.
Revised and updated as of February 2023.
Bookbub: Quest of Honor by Ellie St. Clair - BookBub
Goodreads: Quest of Honor (Searching Hearts, #1) by Ellie St. Clair | Goodreads
My Review - 5 of 5 stars -
I had a tough time putting this story down. I loved Eleanor as a woman and as a pirate. She was a bit reckless but very caring and loyal to her father and the crew. Thomas had left his wealthy life behind in order to see the world. As a captain in the Royal Navy, his assignment was to captured the pirate Captain Adams, and his frustration fed his dissatisfaction with his job. My heart felt for him as his hunt kept missing until a one-night stand with Eleanor gave him something else to think about. Their chemistry was instant and hot, and I thought they made a great couple. I really enjoyed this story.
This is my unsolicited review.
Book Review: Zaan and Lexi (Sidewinders: Generations) by Kat Mizera
Zaan:
Lexi and I never thought we’d get pregnant. After battling breast cancer in her teens, we didn’t know if she could carry a baby, much less that it could happen naturally.
Now, she’s about to leave on a world tour with her band, and I’m having a hard time letting her go.
The Sidewinders are in the playoffs and that’s all I should be focused on, but how do you choose between your career and the woman who owns your heart?
Lexi:
There’s nothing like an unplanned pregnancy to throw your career—and marriage—into a tailspin.
As the lead singer for the platinum selling rock band Nobody’s Fool, I don’t have time to take a year off for pregnancy and childbirth. No matter how much we want this baby.
I’m being pulled in a lot of directions and the person I usually count on for everything, my husband, is only adding to the chaos of my life.
Something has to give, and I really don’t want it to be me.
Goodreads: Zaan & Lexi (Sidewinders: Generations) by Kat Mizera | Goodreads
My Review - 4 of 5 stars -
A quick freebie read, unpublished it seems. Zaan and Lexi now had to face a big surprise that would affect their current lives and future lives. Each had their idea as to what should be happening. I felt for Lexi and her anxiety regarding her present and future, and I loved how she got to experience what Zaan could be going through. This helped her to understand his point of view, ending the argument about their circumstances. They had such a strong relationship, even when disagreeing, full of love and companionship. I enjoyed how his teammates and her band mates supported the two of them through it all.
Teaser: Settle for Us (Begin Again #2) by Campbell Linden
Settle For Us by Campbell Linden releases on January 22nd!
Small-Town Return (she thought she’d left it behind)
Unexpected Inheritance (the reason she comes back)
Old Flames / Second Chance Romance (rekindling with the one she left)
Rivalries Reignited (old conflicts surfacing again)
Fresh Sparks (chemistry that never really faded)
Small-Town Return (she thought she’d left it behind)
Unexpected Inheritance (the reason she comes back)
Old Flames / Second Chance Romance (rekindling with the one she left)
Rivalries Reignited (old conflicts surfacing again)
Fresh Sparks (chemistry that never really faded)
Read With Kindle Unlimited
Release Boost: Santa's Hitlist (25 Days of Christmas: Bikers & Mobsters) by E.C. Land
And perfect for fans of arranged marriage mafia romance...
Santa's Hitlist by E.C. Land is available now!
Santa’s got a list and it’s not the one for naughty or nice.
Calder
I work for a dangerous man with a very short fuse. And my next job is to deliver eternal damnation to a list of his most deserving enemies.
I'm about to seal my orders in gunpowder and lead when a new proposition falls at my feet. Marrying the daughter of my boss's fiercest rival is easy enough.
But bringing Emrie to heel is much harder than I anticipated. Then she learns who I am and what I really do and the chase is on.
I should be issuing death warrants like Santa hands out gifts. Instead I'm hunting my bride like she's nothing more than prey. By Christmas day, she’s going to know just where she belongs.
About E.C. Land
E.C. Land grew up in the country and has it deep in her bones. As she grew up, if she wasn’t out on the ball field or playing in the woods, she had her nose stuck in a book. Now she writes romantic suspense stories, specializing in MC (motorcycle club) romance. She plans to broaden her writing horizons in the near future and move into other forms of romantic suspense. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her husband, three kids, and fur babies.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4eH1XdW
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/e-c-land
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/E.C.LandAuthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/eclandauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landauthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@e.c.land
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/e-c-land
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/E.C.LandAuthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/eclandauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landauthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@e.c.land
Website: https://eclandauthorbooks.com
Release: Artemis (MorningStar MC: New Orleans Chapter #8) by D. Williams
Series: MorningStar MC New Orleans Chapter, Book Eight
by D. Williams
Release: December 31, 2025
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4jhmn16
Genre/Tropes:
MC Romance
MC Legacies
Wrong Place/Wrong Time
Black Cat/Golden Retriever
OTT Protective
Forced Proximity
Blurb:
Prodigy and Legacy are two massive words to live up to. Growing up in the club was never as simple for me as it was for the other kids. They all knew that they’d one day have a role to play. They would always belong.
I was special.
The surprise child my parents never thought they could have—my father’s little miracle. I inherited my parents’ gifts and then some. I can hit a perfect C7 note and a target from over three hundred meters with an arrow.
With a rifle? I’m even deadlier.
For all the talent and achievements in my short life, the only thing I haven’t been able to target is love. It keeps slipping through my fingers, which is ironic when the only man I want has never fumbled a football in his life.
When we both end up on the Summer Olympic circuit, where our opponents are being picked off, our paths cross by necessity. But the feelings we’ve both been hiding seem to take center stage as we work to keep our teams breathing.
Buy Links (Kindle Unlimited):
Amazon Universal: https://mybook.to/Artemis_DWilliams
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQV1BLR8
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FQV1BLR8
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FQV1BLR8
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FQV1BLR8
In the Series (Kindle Unlimited):
Seer - available now
Nova - available now
Mayhem - available now
Skull - available now
Jester - available now
Whip - available now
Blaze - available now
Amazon Universal: https://mybook.to/Morningstar_NewOrleans
Author Bio:
I'm a retired 45-year-old Puerto Rican wife and mother of 3 plus 1 bonus daughter. Originally from NYC, now living a quiet life in the south suburbs of Chicago. I enjoy reading and writing romance and erotic fiction. I'm addicted to coffee, sci-fi, and all things Marvel and Harry Potter.
I was a teen mom with a whole world of statistics against me. Every time I was told I couldn't do something, I did it, took pictures, and smiled with my son on my hip for everyone who ever doubted me.
Now, after finding the love of my life in my thirties, we married in the great 2020 pandemic, which shall not be named. We have a house full of teenagers who don't need mommy anymore, and the hubs is a traveling ER nurse, SO I have found myself with a lot of downtime.
After years of having this story taking space in my head, I decided to share it with the world. Gotta say, this writing gig is HARD. But with some time and grace, I'll get it right.
Social Media Links:
Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/a8u2z0
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/D.WilliamsAuthor.2021
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d.williamsauthor2021/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dwilliamsauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21620774.D_Williams
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/D-Williams/e/B09B5N13LT
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorDWilliams
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Ebook Review: Tinkle Tinkle Little One by DeCarol Blocker Jovanovic
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