Books I Plan to Read October 11-17 and last week's results

 

Selam (Hello in Turkish),

I hope everyone is well and that your week went the way you wanted. If you were/are in the path of  Hurricane Isaias, please be safe. We are expecting rain sometime tomorrow or Monday as the storm moves into our area. It has gotten cooler, mostly 60's here, though today was in the low 70's which I enjoyed. My packing is getting closer to being complete. I do have to tackle the garage and need a nice day as I need to pull stuff out. We will see.

Last week's reading was completed as planned with no additional books. It was a so-so week rating wise. Here we go:

Ebooks: 

Dominion's Collar by Delta James - 5 stars

Eternal Surrender by Vanessa Fewings - 4 1/2 stars

A Very Grumpy Navy SEAL by Shaw Hart - 4 stars

Audiobooks: 

Love for a Deaf Rebel by Derrick King - 4 stars

Ransom by Laramie Brisco - 4 1/2 stars

Planned for October 11-17

Ebooks: 

Audiobook: 

There you have it. I am trying to mix up genres and get through some of the books on my giant TBR pile. I am also trying to complete my reading challenges for the year. Do any of you attempt reading challenges for the year? I don't get upset if I don't complete them. It just makes me strive for more in the following year. Take the time to enjoy life in whatever way you do.

Hosca Kalin (Stay Well in Turkish),

Ebook Review: Branko Smokejumper Extraordinaire by Alexandra Arneri

Blurb:

Little Branko lives in Zmajograd, the dragon city above the human town of Dragonville. Unlike other dragons, and defying the Dragons' Code, Branko wants to put out fires and befriend humans. Banished from his community for daring to question its rules and shunned by humans when he tries to be a firefighter, Branko never gives up. When a ferocious wildfire threatens their shared forest, Branko's courage and kindness spark cooperation between humans and dragons, fostering a new, shared sense of community.

Amazon: Amazon.com: Branko: Smokejumper Extraordinaire eBook : Arneri, Alexandra: Kindle Store

B&N: Branko: Smokejumper Extraordinaire | Barnes & Noble®

Goodreads: Branko: Smokejumper Extraordinaire by Alexandria Arneri | Goodreads

My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

This was an interesting story. I enjoyed the topic of friendship, getting along with those that are different, making sure to know the facts, and showing that adults are just as susceptible to biased views. Branko was brave and willing to go against the "rules" to find answers. The illustrations were added to the narrative. Loved the dialogue bubbles. The information at the end about fires, fire prevention, and firefighters was informative, but I felt it bordered on a personal opinion.

I received a copy through RABT, and this is my unsolicited review.

Blitz: Branko: Smoke Jumper Extraordinaire by Alexandra Arneri, illustrated by Alexandra Arneri

Branko: Smoke Jumper Extraordinaire

by Alexandra Arneri

Children's Book

Date Published: March 30, 2026

Publisher: Trela Mela Press

A brave little dragon. A forest in danger. A powerful story about friendship, courage, and protecting the world we share.

Little Branko lives high above Dragonville in Zmajograd, a city of dragons controlled by rules - the Dragons’ Code. Under this code, dragons cannot put out fires and dragons cannot be friends with humans. But Branko has never understood why. Unlike the other dragons, he does not want to start fires—he wants to put them out.

When Branko questions the Dragons’ Code in school, he is told to “learn” and not “think”. When he persists, he is banished from his community. Determined to follow his heart, he travels to the human town below and dreams of becoming a firefighter. But the humans are afraid of him, too. Caught between two worlds that refuse to accept him, Branko must decide whether to give up—or keep believing that kindness can change everything.

When a dangerous wildfire threatens the forest shared by humans and dragons, Branko finally gets his chance to prove that courage is not about following old rules. It is about doing what is right.

Branko: Smokejumper Extraordinaire is a heartwarming children’s picture book about friendship, bravery, community, environmental responsibility, and the importance of questioning division. With themes of inclusion, cooperation, wildfire awareness, and respect for firefighters, this inspiring story encourages young readers to look beyond fear, challenge unfair rules, and discover the extraordinary power of helping others.

Perfect for children who love stories about dragons, firefighters, friendship, nature, and unlikely heroes, this meaningful book is ideal for family reading, classrooms, libraries, and conversations about courage, compassion, and caring for our planet.

Great for readers interested in:

• Dragon picture books

• Firefighter books for kids

• Children’s books about friendship and acceptance

• Stories about courage, kindness, and standing up for what is right

• Environmental books for children

• Climate books for children

• Wildfire awareness and forest protection

• Social-emotional learning and community-building stories

A beautifully imaginative tale for young readers who believe even the smallest voice can spark big change.

 

About the Author

Alexandra Arneri is an author, attorney, producer, and human rights advocate whose stories explore courage, connection, and the power of questioning the rules that keep people apart.

Born in Belgrade, raised in Belgrade and Sydney, and shaped by formative years in New York City, Alexandra brings a global perspective to her work. Her writing often features unlikely characters—from mushrooms and fax machines to thunder, lightning, flowers, Beeps, Honks, and dragons—who discover that difference does not have to mean division.

Her debut children’s book, Branko: Smokejumper Extraordinaire, introduces young readers to a brave little dragon who challenges tradition, reaches across fear, and helps unite humans and dragons in the face of an unprecedented and fierce wildfire. Inspired by themes of friendship, environmental responsibility, community, and courage, the story reflects Alexandra’s belief in the importance of compassion, cooperation, and protecting the world we share.

Beyond children’s literature, Alexandra’s creative work spans genres and platforms, including Gravity FM, a deep dive podcast exploring planetary health and human rights, the satirical Degenerate Carrot cartoons, and impactful storytelling through Apocryphal Pictures. She is also a practicing attorney at Cittone Demers & Arneri LLP, where she maintains a robust human rights practice, and serves as President of the Global Witness Foundation.

Alexandra lives in San Francisco with her family. When she is not writing, practicing law, producing stories, or advocating for human rights, she enjoys painting, yoga, and creating imaginative tales about the courage it takes to reach across what divides us.

Contact Links

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Purchase Links

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Books I Plan to Read May 17-23 and last week's results

 

Hello to everyone,

Not quite the week I planned. I did not make it through all the reading I was hoping to. It was an unhappy week with the loss of a friend and all that goes with that. He will be missed greatly. I have had some larger books than usual in my reading which also did not help. I hope you have found some good books to read. Remember, help out the authors by writing a review, even a quick one. They will thank you.

Last week's results:

Ebooks: 

Truth or Dragon by Julia Mills - 4 1/2 stars

The House of Whispers by Tom Carter - 5 stars

(started) Off Season by Clive Fleury

Audiobooks: 

(finished) Kade's Dark Embrace by Kym Grosso - 5 stars

Cross by Lena Bourne - 5 stars

May 17-23

Ebooks:

(finish) Off Season by Clive Fleury

Audiobooks: 

I hope to be able to settle in to read every day, less interruptions from life. I retired for a reason, to relax and enjoy each day. Stay safe, all, and pick up a good book to help relax.

Till next week,

Ebook Review: Truth or Dragon (The Dragon Guard #55) by Julia Mills

 

Blurb: 

Return to the world of the Dragon Guard, where loyalty is eternal, magic is deadly, and Fate always collects its due.

Carrick has exactly three priorities:
Rescue the brother he thought was dead.
Destroy the ancient Elven Sorceress holding him captive.
Protect the Golden Fire Clan at all costs.

Then Fate just added a fourth.
Virginia “Ginnie” Heatherton.

The last Heatherton Necromancer standing, Ginnie spends her days helping the grieving connect with the other side—not battling Hellmouths or Demon Lords. But when her psyche is snatched, and she sees a vision that her niece is in danger, she knows the end isn’t coming quietly.

Then the Dragon arrives.
Power calls to power.
Fire answers magic.
Mate.

Their timing couldn’t be worse. The factions of evil are coming together, and Carrick’s brother is still imprisoned. Saving their family— and the world— will require more than ancient fire and necromancy.
It will take trust.
Sacrifice.
And a mating bond strong enough to shake Heaven and Hell.
Fate set everything into motion, and She refuses to be denied.

One Dragon. One Necromancer. One bond that will change everything.

*Perfect for fans of Fated Mates, powerful heroines, possessive Alpha Dragons, found family, and high-stakes paranormal romance.

Amazon: Amazon.com: Truth or Dragon (The Dragon Guard Book 55) eBook : Mills, Julia, Edits, Em: Kindle Store

B&N: Truth or Dragon by Julia Mills | eBook | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: Truth or Dragon eBook by Julia MIlls - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: Truth or Dragon by Julia Mills - Books on Google Play

Bookbub: Truth or Dragon (The Dragon Guard Book 55) by Julia Mills - BookBub

Goodreads: Truth or Dragon (The Dragon Guard Book 55) by Julia Mills | Goodreads

My Review - 4 1/2 of 5 stars - 

4 1/2 stars. I found this story intriguing. I loved the worldbuilding and that there was a fated mate for everyone. Acceptance of that connection was accepted. Plenty of tricks, danger, secrets, and even witty dialogue throughout. Ginnie knew what she needed to do and was quite sassy internally and externally. She was strong, intelligent, and loyal to friends and family. Carrick carried a lot of guilt for what had been happening around him but felt stronger with Ginnie and family by his side. A fun read with plenty to keep me reading.

This is my unsolicited review.

Books I Plan on Reading May 10-16 and last week results

 

Hello and Happy Mother's Day,

Another week with unplanned events to keep me from reading, but I did manage to read the books I wanted, just did not finish an audiobook, close but not quite. The weather here is all over the place. Temperatures have been mostly 50's and 60's, though one day actually made it into the 80's then dropped back down. How is it near you?

Results from last week:

Ebooks: 

Twinkle of Doubt by Patricia Leavy - 4 1/2 stars

Fair Game by Ruth Stilling - 4 stars

Maverick by Kate Bonham - 5 stars

Audiobook:

Cross to Bear by Janine Infante Bosco - 4 stars

Planned for May 10-16

Ebooks: 

Audiobooks: 

and finish: 

Well, that's it for this week. With hockey Stanley Cup playoffs in the second round, I spend plenty of time in front of the television but still make time for reading. Again, Happy Mother's Day to all moms, step-moms, and those filling in for moms (grandmothers and fathers). Keep up the good work.

Till next week,

Audiobook Release: Firebond (The Dragonborn Queen #1) by Lina Ravenhill, narrators Elizabeth Russell and Lee Samuels

Firebond by Lina Ravenhill is now live in audio! Narrated by: Elizabeth Russell & Lee Samuels They say mated dragonborns can hear each other. I never believed it. Not until I was trapped in an abandoned building, surrounded by flesh-eating monsters, terrified and alone. My body was failing, but my mind reached into the void, begging for someone to hear me. Then the door burst open. The man who came for me was the last person I ever expected—my enemy. Strong, fearless, and endlessly captivating, Tynan works for the people who imprisoned me, and I hate him even more because I can’t stop staring whenever he shapeshifts. His dragon is black as night, with eyes that pierce my soul. He stopped beside me, and I already know I’ll fight him till my last breath. In Talman, war rages between dragon clans. The last Queen struggles to hold her throne while a deadly disease spreads across the realm, turning her subjects into bloodthirsty beasts. Everyone says she’s too old to rule. Clans plot. Alliances break. And the hunt for a new Queen has begun… Listen today! Audible: https://bit.ly/413Apvf Amazon: https://bit.ly/3PpcPX2 Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4lGtFws

 

Release: Property of Pyro (Kings of Anarchy MC: Virginia #2) by E.C. Land with my review

THE KINGS ARE BACK BABY!

Property of Pyro 

by E.C. Land 

Now live!!

https://geni.us/KoAPyro

When you play with fire, you're bound to get burned.

Pyro

I can't resist the allure of the flames. Fire is in my blood. The heat and the smoke raised me. Now
I wield them for my club. You want to get between me and my brothers? Mess with my club?
Think again.
Rumor has it she carries the mark of the mate, but trouble is right on her heels.
I don't care who or what she's running from. My club comes first. Always.
There's just one problem: my true nature won't let me reject the one who is meant to be mine.
So I can try to resist the fiery passion growing between us, but in the end we'll both be consumed in the blaze.

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 

Website: https://eclandauthorbooks.com 

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

I was swept up from the beginning. Carina had to come home for family. I did admire her for wanting to keep her past to herself, but it did make her into a runner. Back with family, you could see how much she actually missed it but still wanted to do her job and keep her secrets. Her first glimpse of Pyro spurred her on to run sooner, knowing that something was there. Pyro did not believe that he could find his mate, But I loved how he went with saving her life without too much hesitance. He took care of her in more ways than one. The danger coming for Carina also came for Pyro, and I enjoyed how the entire Brotherhood and family came together to work it out. Well worth the read.

Ebook Review: Property of Pyro (Kings of Anarchy MC: Virginia #2) by E.C. Land

 

Blurb: 

When you play with fire, you’re bound to get burned.
Pyro
I can’t resist the allure of the flames. Fire is in my blood. The heat and the smoke raised me. Now, I wield them for my club. You want to get between me and my brothers? Mess with my club? Think again.
Rumor has it she carries the mark of the mate, but trouble is right on her heels.
I don’t care who or what she’s running from. My club comes first. Always.
There’s just one problem: my true nature won’t let me reject the one who is meant to be mine.
So I can try to resist the fiery passion growing between us, but in the end, we’ll both be consumed in the blaze.

Amazon: Property Of Pyro (Kings of Anarchy MC: Virginia Book 2) - Kindle edition by Land , E.C. . Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: Property of Pyro (Kings of Anarchy MC: Virginia, #2) by E.C. Land | eBook | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: Property of Pyro eBook by E.C. Land - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Goodreads: Property Of Pyro (Kings of Anarchy MC: Virginia Book 2) by E.C. Land | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

I was swept up from the beginning. Carina had to come home for family. I did admire her for wanting to keep her past to herself, but it did make her into a runner. Back with family, you could see how much she actually missed it but still wanted to do her job and keep her secrets. Her first glimpse of Pyro spurred her on to run sooner, knowing that something was there. Pyro did not believe that he could find his mate, But I loved how he went with saving her life without too much hesitance. He took care of her in more ways than one. The danger coming for Carina also came for Pyro, and I enjoyed how the entire Brotherhood and family came together to work it out. Well worth the read.

I received an ARC through 1852Media, and this is my unsolicited review.

Blitz: Lumilore by Sabine Ruh House, illustrated by Wendy Stefanie

 

The Original Story of the Dragon who Glowed

 

Children's Book

Date Published: August 3, 2024

 

 

Discover a magical journey with Lumilore, the enchanting dragon whose fur glows with the light of a thousand stars!

 

A heartfelt adventure awaits in a lush, mystical forest where dreams dance in the breeze. Meet Lumilore, a brave and wondrous creature with a heart as radiant as its fur. When the forest's beloved Sparkling Stream loses its shine, Lumilore sets off on a courageous quest under the moon's watchful eye to restore its magical glow.

Join Lumilore as it encounters wise otters, playful fireflies, and mysterious birds, all while avoiding the feared Grouchylo. With each step, Lumilore learns about bravery, friendship, and the power of believing in oneself.

This beautifully illustrated tale is perfect for readers of all ages and will captivate your imagination and warm your heart. Children will be enchanted by the whimsical story and stunning artwork, while parents will appreciate the timeless messages of courage and self-discovery.

 

Why you'll love Lumilore:

   * Engaging Story: A heartwarming tale of adventure and bravery that will keep children and adults alike turning the pages.

   * Beautiful Illustrations: Vivid, full-color artwork brings the magical forest and its inhabitants to life.

   * Timeless Themes: Explore important life lessons about self-belief, friendship, and overcoming fears.

 

Join Lumilore on its magical journey and let the light of this glowing dragon illuminate your heart.

 

About the Author

 Sabine Ruh House is the author behind best-selling titles like Uncle Jay Has a Boo-Boo and Playing with Phosphenes. An alumna of the University of Chicago, SRH seamlessly combines her roles as a poet, medical researcher, and lifelong learner. Her work draws on her profound passion for medicine, gardening, animals, and advocacy.

  

Purchase Link

Amazon

Teaser: Waking the Dragon (Dragons of Stock Creek #1) by Lia Davis and Lainie Anderson

His touch is an inferno that threatens to consume them both...

Waking the Dragon is bringing all the paranormal and small town romance heat!

Preorder your copy of the next new release from Lia Davis & Lainie Anderson today.

Universal: https://geni.us/WakingtheDragon

Blurb:

My life was a series of calculated risks and narrow escapes—until I stumbled upon Stock Creek, a picturesque town that promised solace from my haunted past. I'm Erin Montgomery, once just another face in the bustling streets of Chicago, now the wary owner of a cozy bed-and-breakfast. I believed I could start anew here, surrounded by the warm embrace of nature and the quirky charm of small-town living.

But Stock Creek is more than it seems, and so am I. My heart still races at night, not just from the memories of the cold steel pressed against my temple or the scent of gunpowder, but from the piercing green eyes of Ashton—a man shrouded in as much mystery as the town itself. A dragon-shifter with scales as dark as the secrets he keeps, his presence ignites a fire within me that I cannot quell.

Ashton's whispers are like a balm to my scarred soul, but his touch? It's an inferno that promises to consume us both. They say fate brought us together, two beings caught in the relentless storm of our intertwined destinies. He's the protector I never knew I needed; the missing piece that makes sense of my fragmented world. But even as we grow closer, danger lurks in the shadows, a reminder that my past is never too far behind.

***

I never believed in destiny. As a dragon-shifter living among humans, I've always been a master of my own fate—until Erin Montgomery crashed into my life like a tempest with eyes the color of a wild forest and hair like autumn's most daring flame.

She doesn't know it yet, but Erin is my fated mate. She sees me as the mysterious stranger who strolled into her B&B and saved her life. But our connection runs deeper than she can imagine. I can feel the pulse of her blood like the beat of a drum, calling to the very core of my being.

Erin's in danger and doesn't even know it. The shadows that chased her from the city streets of Chicago to the deceptive calm of Stock Creek are closing in. And I'll burn the world to ash before I let them touch her.

#teaser #teasershare #bookteaser #comingsoon #preorder #bookpreorder #books #reading #readers #booklovers #shifterromance #dragonshifterromance #paranormalromance #pnr #supernaturalromance #fantasyromance #smalltown #smalltownromance #bookish #booknews #bookbuzz #booksbooksbooks 

About Lia

USA Today bestselling author Lia Davis spends most of her time writing racy romance and witty women's fiction, the majority of which takes place in fantasy worlds full of magic and mayhem. She prides herself on her ability to craft strong and sassy heroines, emotionally intelligent alpha heroes, and rich, expansive universes that readers want to visit again and again. She is the mastermind behind the bestselling Ashwood Falls Series and the co-author of the beloved Witching After Forty Series. She currently resides in Florida where she's working on her very own happily-ever-after with her supportive husband and spends her free time doting on a pack of feisty felines and her loving family.  

About Lainie

Lainie lives in East Tennessee with her husband, three children, and an ever growing number of cats. She loves reading, watching TV, and procrastinating by browsing Facebook. Her passions include vampires, food, and listening to heavy metal music. She once won a Harry Potter trivia contest based on the books and lost one based on the movies. She has two bands on her bucket list that she still hasn’t seen: AC/DC and Alice Cooper. Feel free to send tickets.

Get Social With The Authors! 
BookBub - Lia: http://bit.ly/2N3X2dS
BookBub - Lainie: http://bit.ly/2Z2VA24
Facebook - Lia: http://bit.ly/2H7mhbL
Facebook - Lainie: http://bit.ly/2ORBhk6
Website - Lia: https://authorliadavis.com

Website - Lainie: https://laboruff.com