Sheep Reviewer Bianca Greenwood's Top 5 reading discoveries of 2019 + giveaway

My Top 5 Reading Discoveries of 2019 

Sheep Bio

2019 was a year of personal game-changing discovery. I’ve embraced a fitness tracker, menstrual cup, and facial serum, all the while sharing my discoveries with an evangelical fervor. This year has also been one of my favourites in books. I was captivated by several series and compelled to read like a fiend, completing over 51 books this year. I’m so excited by some of this year’s reads, I wanted to share my top picks with I Smell Sheep community. So while not all these book/series were released in 2019, they were new to me this year. 

#5 Touch of Smoke, Karissa Laurel

Bianca's review

Released in February this year, Touch of Smoke is a standalone novel that had me enthralled from start to finish. It’s part paranormal romance, part mystery. The characters in this book are superbly developed and the storyline is imaginative. Laurel is a first-rate storyteller. I’ve always enjoyed Laurel’s strong female characters. The author’s Norse Chronicles is another great series to check out.

#4 The Girl in Red, Christina Henry

Bianca's Review

This book is part of Henry’s anthology series, wherein she re-writes classic fairy tales or folklore. It can be read as a standalone. Each entry in this series has been a fabulous read and Girl in Red is no exception. It’s a post-apocalyptic rewrite of Little Red Riding Hood. It’s suspenseful, dark, heartbreaking and heartwarming. While the post-apocalyptic trope is not my fave, Henry won me over with her complex, non-linear storytelling, and formidable main character, Red.

#3 Dark Court Rising series, by Bec McMaster

Bianca's Review

McMaster’s brand-new series premiered with book one, Promise of Darkness, released this year. This was perhaps the most entertaining book I read all year with memorable characters and a complex storyline. It’s a fantasy story loaded with fae court intrigue. It’s also sexy as hell and features my favourite new book boyfriend. I am impatiently waiting for the rest of this series to roll out. 

#2 Dark Maji series, by Kel Carpenter and Lucinda Dark

amazon

I discovered this dark fantasy series last July and was most pleased the entire series was included with my Kindle Unlimited subscription. There are currently three books released in this series, with the fourth due in early 2020. I adore the relationship dynamics in this series. The plot and setting are immensely creative and unique. The action is riveting. The series is quite dark at times, particularly book three. For me, however, it’s just the right amount of dark. I’m eagerly anticipating book four. 

#1 Gaslamp Gothic series, by Kat Ross

Bianca's Review

Gaslamp Gothic is another series, while not new in 2019, I discovered this past summer. It’s a smart, imaginative Victorian-era collection. There are five books in the series. I’m currently reading the most recent installment, Dead Ringer. Gaslamp Gothic is a masterclass in genre-blending; combining horror, mystery, crime, comedy, fantasy, history, and romance in a wonderfully addictive read. I ran the gambit of emotion while reading this series and was wholly riveted the entire time. There is something within Gaslamp Gothic for every reader. This is fresh historical fiction with contemporary relevance. For its entertainment value, complexity, and intelligence, it’s my top pick for 2019.

GIVEAWAY

One winner will get an ecopy of their choice from Bianca's top five list.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Recap: Once Upon a Book, Happily Ever After Ball & Author Signing Frankenmuth, MI August 12-13, 2016

I Smell Sheep's very own Bianca Greenwood attended Once Upon a Book, Happily Ever After Ball & Author Signing in Frankenmuth, MI August 12-13, 2016 put together by author Stacey Rourke. She shares her experience!

This past weekend marked the first ever Once Upon a Book event. Held at picturesque Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Inn, the story-book themed event was a way for readers, authors, and publishers to connect over their mutual love of fiction.

The festivities began Friday evening with a storybook themed ball. Guests were asked to dress in formal or costumed attire, and they were only too happy to oblige. A brief awards ceremony followed the cocktail hour where award winners Mary Ting, Delphina Miyares, Whitney DeBoe/Alicia Michaels, and Ethan Rice received the honors. Dinner, consisting of traditional comfort foods, was followed by dancing. Throughout the evening, guests were also invited to the complimentary photo booth and OUAB selfie mirror; a 

hand-decorated mirror reminiscent of that belonging to Snow White’s evil queen. Much fun and frivolity ensued.

Angela Gibbons and author Alex Tuttle

Angela Gibbons and Nathan Weller, cover model to Mary Ting and aspiring author

OUAB Selfie Mirror

 

The night life in Frankenmuth seems to wind down early, however, that didn’t stop my group from making the sojourn over the river via covered bridge following the festivities. The covered bridge was all too appropriate given the storybook theme of the event. Added to that was the coincidental fact that I was reading event organizer Stacey Rourke’s, Crane (read Bianca's review of Crane), a re-imagining of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow wherein a covered bridge features prominently. But I digress.

Saturday morning came quickly. VIP access to the author signing commenced at 9 AM. Dozens of authors were in place to distribute materials, meet their fans, and make new connections. I was able to meet some I Smell Sheep familiars such as Bridget Blackwood, as well as meet some new and upcoming talents in the world of speculative fiction. A wide array of genres was represented at the event, however, paranormal romance, fantasy, and science fiction were dominant.

Author Bridget Blackwood

Angela Gibbons, again. She bought about 6 books and is a super reader averaging about 200 books a year!

Below is my swag haul. I even won a hand written page by author Amy Richie.

Co-writing team N.D. Taylor and A. Payne

 

Overall, the event was well-organized. Stacy Rourke and her organizational team did a great job planning an fun-filled event. Attendees were well informed in the time leading up to the event, and judging by the light, fun atmosphere a pleasant time was had by all. OUAB was a family-friendly affair with activities organized for children during the ball and the signing, which wrapped up at 3 PM.

Be sure to check out next year's event

http://www.onceuponabookauthorsigning.com/

Meet Sheep Reviewer: Bianca "Hangin' Tough" Greenwood

Over the next week we are going to officially introduce ewe to four of our most recent survivors reviewers*:

Denise, Jeanie, Bianca, Tammy

They might appear mild-mannered, but they are far from it...

*I Smell Sheep denies subjecting potential staff members to "Hunger Game"-like interview process. That would be baaaad.

Name: Bianca Greenwood
Fav thing to read: Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance; most happy when the two are combined.

Watch: I have yet to find something I adore as much as True Blood
Eat: Salt. All the salt.

A power you wish you had: Psychokinesis. For sure. I'm can be soooo lazy!

Something you would do IF you could get away with it: Steal everything from my local Sephora

Dream date: I'm not picky. If it involves whisky and food, I'm happy.

If you could own a boat what would you name it and why: "The Drunken Scullery Maid" Judging by the amount of drinking and cleaning (sometimes drunken cleaning) I do, I swear I was one in a former life.

First boy band you rocked out to: New Kids on the Block. At twelve I was convinced I was destined to be the future Mrs. Jonathan Rashleigh Knight! Boy, did I get that wrong.