It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? - 10 February 2020

#IMWAYR is a weekly meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at The Book Date.

Hey Bookdragons! So I finished the first draft of my latest novel and I finally have some reading time! (Yay!) 

What I Read Last Week/What I’m Currently Reading:

I managed to snag an ARC of this through a trade with another blogger and I am so excited to be reading one of my most anticipated reads of 2020. It’s so good so far...

Based on the sheer length of it and also editing the first draft of the previously mentioned newly finished novel this is my read for last week, this week, and probably into next week unless I have a ton of time to read this week.

What are you reading this week? Do you plan to read SJM’s adult debut?

"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #75

It is my goal to finish ACOWAR by Friday night, Saturday morning at the latest but there are no guarantees when competing with my writing schedule. So since I'm still reading ACOWAR, this "WIR"-Wednesday I'm giving you a preview of my next read, an awesome looking e-ARC I just got from Entangled Teen...

Secrets of Skin and Stone by Wendy Laine

Blurb:

Something is wrong in Hidden Creek. The sleepy Alabama town is more haunted than any place fiend hunter Grisham Caso has ever seen. Unearthed graves, curse bags, and spilled blood all point to an evil that could destroy his gargoyle birthright. The town isn’t safe for anyone, and everyone says fiery Piper Devon knows why.

Piper wants to leave Hidden Creek behind. She’s had enough of secrets—they hide in the shadows of her room and tell her terrible things are coming. Too-charming city boy Grisham might be her only chance to save herself.

To survive, Piper and Grisham have to shed their secrets and depend only on each other. But what lurks in Hidden Creek still might take everything away from them, including each other.

Why I Requested This Book:

I'll confess, part of it was because of the awesome cover but the blurb really sounds interesting. I've only read two other books with gargoyle characters but both of those were great and I'd like to see this take on them since they're not something you see a lot of in paranormal or fantasy fiction. 

"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #74

This "WIR"-WEDNESDAY I'm not doing too much pleasure reading. That's not true, I'm enjoying what I'm reading but in truth I'm doing a final proofing of Through the Fog now that my editor has finished with it...

Through the Fog (Eternals Trilogy #3) by Taylor Fenner (me)

Blurb:

Two Souls

After Thierry traps Luke in a coma-like slumber with the help of a powerful Voodoo priestess, Lizette, Sam, Keiran, Finn, and Wes must leave New Orleans and journey through the fog to the mythical Garden of Eden.

One Unbreakable Binding

There Claudette tells them they must harvest the blood of a rare animal native only to the Garden of Eden which contains the only antidote to Luke’s curse. They’ll have to hurry back to deliver the antidote before the binding that merges Luke and Lizette’s powers kills Lizette from being so far away from Luke.

If One Dies, So Does the Other

Where is the Garden of Eden? How can they be so sure that it even exists? Lizette will need the help of all of her friends as they travel through war-torn countries and battle mythical creatures that guard the Garden of Eden and the mysteries trapped within to save the life of the man she loves.

It’s More Than a Hunt for the Antidote; It is a Fight for Survival.

Will they get the antidote to Luke in time? Or have they come across the one curse strong enough to destroy an Eternal? Find out in the stunning conclusion to the Eternals Trilogy.

Bonus: Included Exclusive Eternals Trilogy Novelette "Eternal Fire"

Two years before Out of Darkness, eighteen-year-old Finn Madigan is your average teenage guy. He has friends, cuts an obscene amount of class, and has hooked up with nearly every girl in the senior class. But Finn has a secret - he's an Elemental, a person capable of creating bursts of fire and spouts of water from thin air.

Finn just wants to bide his time in his hometown, Ishpeming, Michigan, until he graduates and can put as much distance between himself and the town, his parents, and his perfect brother as possible.

Then he meets a green-haired beauty named Arianthe and everything changes. Finally, Finn has someone who understands what he's going through and before he knows it he's falling in love.

But like William Shakespeare said, the course of true love never did run smooth. Can Finn hang on to Arianthe? Or will his brother Keiran steal her away?

How the proofing is going:

So far I'm just dealing with a few formatting issues which I will correct upon finishing reading but this is one of my favorite of my novels. This is actually the first time I've read it all the way through at once and if I as the writer am hooked, I know you will be too!

I'm also still reading...

A Court of Wings and Ruin (ACOTAR Series #3) by Sarah J. Mass

Blurb:

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places. 

In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.

What I Think So Far:

***Spoiler Free***

I was seriously excited for this book but so far it's not exactly what I was expecting. I can't even say why but it's kind of dragging for me. You know how sometimes you see a preview for a movie and think it sounds good but then they start really pushing it marketingwise then you see it and it isn't as good as you hoped? That's kind of ACOWAR for me. 

"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #73

Today's "WIR"-Wednesday is completely dependent on today's mail. I finished reading When It's Real by Erin Watt yesterday (more on that review later this month) and I don't want to start a new book because by tonight I am fully planning to dive into...

A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3) by Sarah J. Maas

Blurb:

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places. 

In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.

Why I Chose This As My Next Read:

Um, do I really need to explain this? It is my most anticipated read of the spring, possibly the year, and I've been dying to get my hands on it since I finished reading ACOMAF last May. This is a long time coming and I can't wait to dive in. I even put off reading The Great Pursuit by Wendy Higgins because I didn't want to be in the middle of a long book when I got ACOWAR. Will it live up to the hype? I hope so! Please - nobody spoil anything for me! 

"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #72

This week working on my current work-in-progress is occupying my nights, but during my freetime during the day I'm squeezing in time to read...

Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Blurb:

Dying sucks--and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.

Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he's a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she's more than interested. There's just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. However, she's willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't?

But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not've been an accident at all, she's not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time.

Why I Chose This Book | What I Think So Far:

I first saw this book on Amazon about a year ago and it sounded good. I waited for the ApollyCon virtual signing to start and ordered a copy and since I'm waiting for ACOWAR to come out next week I just wanted a short read to get me through until I get my copies of ACOWAR. So far I'm on the fence about this book. Compared to other books I've read by Jennifer L. Armentrout, its kind of a different read. I'm thinking it might be picking up but we'll have to see. :/

"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #71

Call me a glutton for punishment. Seriously. As if my schedule isn't busy enough I am currently reading not one, but two books. I felt like I was on fantasy overload so to take a break from the world of The Great Pursuit, which I am still reading, I also began reading a contemporary YA novel which was recently made into a Netflix show I became obsessed with. This "WIR"-Wednesday I'm reading...

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Blurb:

You can’t stop the future. 

You can’t rewind the past.

The only way to learn the secret . . . is to press play.

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker—his classmate and crush—who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah's voice tells him that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out why. 

Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a firsthand witness to Hannah's pain, and as he follows Hannah’s recorded words throughout his town, what he discovers changes his life forever.

Why I Chose This Book:

I watched the Netflix show not having read the book before. After one episode I was hooked. I know how the story is going to end, now I want to see what's different between the book and the show. Does everything happen in the order it happened on the show? Were certain characters played up or downplayed when it went from page to screen? I know they say that you should always read the book first and that the movie/show version is never as good... but I think I'll be the judge of that! ;)

Have you watched the show and read the book? Which did you like better? 

"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #70

You know how sometimes life can get busy and get in the way of you reading a really good book? That's what happened to me last week and unfortunately I didn't finish reading Cora Carmack's Roar until just last night. Which means I am just now beginning The Great Pursuit. So this "WIR"-Wednesday, I will briefly remind you of both what The Great Pursuit is about and the book it followed, The Great Hunt and do a little bit of a "Waiting On Wednesday" to make this post a little more interesting. 

The Great Pursuit (Eurona Duology #2) by Wendy Higgins

Blurb:

One hunt has ended, but the pursuit for love and justice continues.

The kingdom of Lochlanach has traded the great beast that once terrorized the realm of Eurona for something far more dangerous: the ire of powerful Lashed woman Rosaria Rocato. Rosaria demands that Eurona overturn the laws prohibiting magic, or an innocent will be killed each day.

Despite the king’s resistance, Princess Aerity believes they must make peace with the Lashed, and though she’s accepted a betrothal to the man who took down the beast, she cannot help thinking about Paxton, the Lashed man who stole her heart and disappeared.

Aerity soon discovers that Paxton has joined Rosaria’s army in the war against her family. Though her feelings for him are still strong, her duty to her kingdom and her family is stronger—especially when her parents are kidnapped and she has to step up to the throne and once again put aside what’s best for her in order to do what’s best for her people. Paxton and Princess Aerity must fight to see what is more powerful: their love or the impending war between the magical Lashed and the non-magic humans.

Current Progress:

Page 12 of 496 (2%)

The Great Hunt (Eurona Duology #1) by Wendy Higgins

Blurb:

When a monstrous beast attacks in Eurona, desperate measures must be taken. The king sends a proclamation to the best and bravest hunters: whoever kills the creature will win the hand of his daughter Princess Aerity as a reward. The princess recognizes her duty but cannot bear the idea of marrying a stranger—she was meant to marry for love—until a brooding local hunter, Paxton Seabolt, catches her attention. And while there’s no denying the fiery chemistry between them, Princess Aerity feels that Paxton’s mysteriousness is foreboding, maybe even dangerous.

Paxton is not the marrying type. Nor does he care much for spoiled royals and their arcane laws. He is determined to keep his focus on the task at hand—ridding the kingdom of the beast—but the princess continues to surprise him, and the secrets he’s buried begin to surface against his wishes.

What I Loved About This Book:

The Great Hunt was the first High Fantasy novel that I've read (unless you count Suzanne Selfor's The Sweetest Spell) and I fell instantly in love with the genre. Wendy Higgins wrote an amazing novel, based on the Brothers Grimm fairytale The Singing Bone, that is filled with romance, action, adventure, and danger. I've read so many fantasy novels since this one and yet The Great Hunt still shines as one of my favorites. I'm hoping that The Great Pursuit will live up to my love for book one and bring me the satisfying conclusion I'm looking for. 

You can order signed, personalized copies of The Great Hunt, The Great Pursuit, and Wendy's other books until April 17th, on Good Choice Reading's Virtual Signing! Learn more here.

This Wednesday, I'm also waiting on an e-ARC of my friend, Leanne Rathbone's upcoming novel, DIVINE. Scroll down for my WAITING ON WEDNESDAY...

Divine (The Revelations Series #2) by Leanne Rathbone

Blurb:

What do you do when you discover that your entire life has been a lie, that you were living solely to serve the purpose of another?

Seventeen year old Grace Ayre is heartbroken. She's still reeling from the devastating loss of two people whom she loved and the realisation that her life has never really been her own.

Lies and deceptions are all she's ever known but now the truth is out. The world she thought she knew is only half the story, and the more she hears from the other side, the more she realises she is nothing more than a clueless little girl. She must reach her eighteenth birthday in order to fulfil a prophecy and end a war that has raged since the dawn of time. There's just one problem...the Guardians are standing in her way. As a band of despicable assassins without conscience, they will stop at nothing to end Grace's life and prevent the prophecy from being realised.

If she thought falling hard for a demon was her biggest problem then she was sadly mistaken.

Turning eighteen has never been so important. Join Grace as she continues her journey of discovery in Divine: Book Two of The Revelations Series.

Why I'm Waiting:

Leanne is an amazing author. I devoured Grace (Revelations Series #1) in a day because I really couldn't put it down! When she asked if I would be interested in reading and reviewing Divine I jumped at the chance because I'm excited to see what's going to happen next. This is truly a series and an author to look out for!

Preorder Divine here | Grab a copy of Grace here

"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #69

Oooh, the 69th week of my "WIR"-Wednesday posts! That makes me think of Zoey Derrick's 69 Bottles series, but alas - that's not what I'm reading this week. This is partially a "What I'm *Still* Reading" Wednesday and a "What I Will Be Reading" Wednesday because I fully intend to finish reading the book I'm currently on by tomorrow morning at the latest and start with the next book on my list by tomorrow night...

Roar (Stormling #1) by Cora Carmack

Blurb:

In a land ruled and shaped by violent magical storms, power lies with those who control them.

Aurora Pavan comes from one of the oldest Stormling families in existence. Long ago, the ungifted pledged fealty and service to her family in exchange for safe haven, and a kingdom was carved out from the wildlands and sustained by magic capable of repelling the world’s deadliest foes. As the sole heir of Pavan, Aurora's been groomed to be the perfect queen. She’s intelligent and brave and honorable. But she’s yet to show any trace of the magic she’ll need to protect her people.

To keep her secret and save her crown, Aurora’s mother arranges for her to marry a dark and brooding Stormling prince from another kingdom. At first, the prince seems like the perfect solution to all her problems. He’ll guarantee her spot as the next queen and be the champion her people need to remain safe. But the more secrets Aurora uncovers about him, the more a future with him frightens her. When she dons a disguise and sneaks out of the palace one night to spy on him, she stumbles upon a black market dealing in the very thing she lacks—storm magic. And the people selling it? They’re not Stormlings. They’re storm hunters.

Legend says that her ancestors first gained their magic by facing a storm and stealing part of its essence. And when a handsome young storm hunter reveals he was born without magic, but possesses it now, Aurora realizes there’s a third option for her future besides ruin or marriage. 

She might not have magic now, but she can steal it if she’s brave enough.

Challenge a tempest. Survive it. And you become its master.

Current Progress:

Page 205 of 378 (54%)

Here's What I Will Be Reading Next...

The Great Pursuit by Wendy Higgins

Blurb:

One hunt has ended, but the pursuit for love and justice continues.

The kingdom of Lochlanach has traded the great beast that once terrorized the realm of Eurona for something far more dangerous: the ire of powerful Lashed woman Rosaria Rocato. Rosaria demands that Eurona overturn the laws prohibiting magic, or an innocent will be killed each day.

Despite the king’s resistance, Princess Aerity believes they must make peace with the Lashed, and though she’s accepted a betrothal to the man who took down the beast, she cannot help thinking about Paxton, the Lashed man who stole her heart and disappeared.

Aerity soon discovers that Paxton has joined Rosaria’s army in the war against her family. Though her feelings for him are still strong, her duty to her kingdom and her family is stronger—especially when her parents are kidnapped and she has to step up to the throne and once again put aside what’s best for her in order to do what’s best for her people. Paxton and Princess Aerity must fight to see what is more powerful: their love or the impending war between the magical Lashed and the non-magic humans.

Why I Chose This Book To Read Next | What I'm Hoping Will Happen:

I've been waiting to read this book for so long and it's at the top of my TBR list now that I've received my ApollyCon Virtual Signing Order. I've been puzzling and puzzling over what would happen in this book since I finished The Great Hunt and this is what I hope will happen:

1) Paxton and Aerity will end up together

2) The lashed will find equality with the non-lashed

3) Aerity's cousin and her current betrothed will end up together... maybe?

4) Paxton's brother will end up with someone... maybe? 

Will any of my hopes come true? I'll let you know after I read The Great Pursuit... or will I? *cue evil cackling*

"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #68

Surprise! Its not Wednesday! This week's regularly scheduled "What I'm Reading Wednesday" post had to be rescheduled to my open slot today because of a surprise announcement post I'll be doing Wednesday. This week I'm reading & loving...

Roar (Stormling #1) by Cora Carmack

Blurb:

In a land ruled and shaped by violent magical storms, power lies with those who control them.

Aurora Pavan comes from one of the oldest Stormling families in existence. Long ago, the ungifted pledged fealty and service to her family in exchange for safe haven, and a kingdom was carved out from the wildlands and sustained by magic capable of repelling the world’s deadliest foes. As the sole heir of Pavan, Aurora's been groomed to be the perfect queen. She’s intelligent and brave and honorable. But she’s yet to show any trace of the magic she’ll need to protect her people.

To keep her secret and save her crown, Aurora’s mother arranges for her to marry a dark and brooding Stormling prince from another kingdom. At first, the prince seems like the perfect solution to all her problems. He’ll guarantee her spot as the next queen and be the champion her people need to remain safe. But the more secrets Aurora uncovers about him, the more a future with him frightens her. When she dons a disguise and sneaks out of the palace one night to spy on him, she stumbles upon a black market dealing in the very thing she lacks―storm magic. And the people selling it? They’re not Stormlings. They’re stormhunters.

Legend says that her ancestors first gained their magic by facing a storm and stealing part of its essence. And when a handsome young storm hunter reveals he was born without magic, but possesses it now, Aurora realizes there’s a third option for her future besides ruin or marriage. 

She might not have magic now, but she can steal it if she’s brave enough.

Challenge a tempest. Survive it. And you become its master.

Why I Chose This Book | What I Think So Far:
Roar has been one of my most anticipated books of 2017 since I first laid eyes on the cover last fall. I was lucky enough to get an ARC and after meeting all my current spring ARC requests, I was eager to dive into this book. I am loving it so far!!! I haven't had a lot of reading time this weekend and I am actually feeling withdrawl. I can't wait to dive back between the pages and see what's going to happen next. 

This is definitely a book you'll want to check out this June! 

"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #67

The month of Advance Reader Copy reading continues and this week I'm reading the second book in a New Adult Rock Star Romance series which releases next week...

Just An Illusion - the B Side by D. Kelly

Blurb:

Three life-altering months …

That’s how long it’s been since Amelia Greyson joined the Just an Illusion Tour with Bastards and Dangerous. She’s made new friends, embraced her past, and even found love. 

Back on the road …

Following a tragic situation, Amelia is determined to hit the road, put her life in order, and finish the book she was hired to write. Mel’s not the only one affected by what happened; the men of BAD are all trying to move forward, not wanting the past to ruin the remainder of their farewell tour.

Brother vs Brother …

Tensions are high on the Weston brothers’ bus. As each brother settles into their role in Amelia’s life, secrets threaten to rip their relationship to shreds. Can Noah and Sawyer find a way to save the brotherly bond they share? Or will the woman of their dreams end up tearing them apart for good?  

Why I Chose This Book / What I Think So Far:

I've been dying to read this book since I finished reading the first book last November and I was so excited that I was chosen to read an eARC. I'm just starting Just An Illusion - the B Side and it's already holding my attention better than the book I finished reading last night. 

"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #65

I am so in love with the book I'm reading this "WIR"-Wednesday. It's an engrossing YA Fantasy with bits of history woven in that's coming out later this month. I'm reading...

Blood Rose Rebellion by Rosalyn Eves

Blurb:

Sixteen-year-old Anna Arden is barred from society by a defect of blood. Though her family is part of the Luminate, powerful users of magic, she is Barren, unable to perform the simplest spells. Anna would do anything to belong. But her fate takes another course when, after inadvertently breaking her sister’s debutante spell—an important chance for a highborn young woman to show her prowess with magic—Anna finds herself exiled to her family’s once powerful but now crumbling native Hungary. 

Her life might well be over.

In Hungary, Anna discovers that nothing is quite as it seems. Not the people around her, from her aloof cousin Noémi to the fierce and handsome Romani Gábor. Not the society she’s known all her life, for discontent with the Luminate is sweeping the land. And not her lack of magic. Isolated from the only world she cares about, Anna still can’t seem to stop herself from breaking spells.

As rebellion spreads across the region, Anna’s unique ability becomes the catalyst everyone is seeking. In the company of nobles, revolutionaries, and Romani, Anna must choose: deny her unique power and cling to the life she’s always wanted, or embrace her ability and change that world forever.

Why I Chose This Book | What I Think So Far: 

I read an excerpt of the first chapter of Blood Rose Rebellion on the publisher's website and was instantly hooked so I was so excited when I received an ARC. This book is highly addictive and I don't want to put it down! I really like Anna as a main character and I'm eager to see how the book ends. 

"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #64

March is sure to be a month of review request commitments for me and this week is no exception. This "WIR"-Wednesday I'm reading an ARC of...

Garden of Thorns by Amber Mitchell

Blurb:

After seven grueling years of captivity in the Garden—a burlesque troupe of slave girls—sixteen-year-old Rose finds an opportunity to escape during a performance for the emperor. But the hostage she randomly chose from the crowd to aid her isn't one of the emperor's men—not anymore. He's the former heir to the throne, who is now leading a rebellion against it.

Rayce is a wanted man and dangerously charismatic, the worst person for Rose to get involved with, no matter what his smile promises. But he assumes Rose's attempt to take him hostage is part of a plot to crush the rebellion, so he takes her ashis hostage. Now Rose must prove where her loyalties lie, and she offers Rayce a deal—if he helps her rescue the other girls, she'll tell him all the Garden's secrets.

Except the one secret she's kept for seven years that she'll to take to her grave if she must.

Why I Chose This Book / What I Think So Far: 

I'm always on the hunt for new Fantasy novels to fall in love with so when I saw this book in an email about Entangled Teen's spring upcoming releases I decided to go for it. I was a little unsure when I first started reading whether I would like this book or not but now that I'm a couple chapters in I'm getting into the story. Since this is an ARC, I'll give you my full review on the release date, next Tuesday! 

"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #59

I came so close this week to actually being in the middle of a book for "WIR"-Wednesday but Rebel of the Sands was hard to put down and I ended up finishing it before dinnertime yesterday. Does anyone else feel that they read books quicker at the beginning of the year than at the end of the year? Really, just last month I think I barely read three or four books, yet January still has six more days and I've already read 8 books. It's insane. This "WIR"-Wednesday I'm burrowing back into Kristen Middleton's Night Roamers Series with...

Vengeance (Night Roamers Series #3) by Kristen Middleton

Blurb:

Nikki arrives in Vegas, with Ethan and Duncan, to search for her family. She soon finds out that not everything is as it seems...and isn't sure of who she can trust anymore, as things begin to unfold.

Meanwhile, Celeste takes advantage of the nightlife in Sin City, while joining forces with a new group of immortals, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on Nikki.

Why I Chose This Book / What I Think So Far:

I chose Vengeance because I love Kristen Middleton's Night Roamers Series. I mean I blew through Blur (book 1) in one night and read book 2 just as quickly. It really is one of my favorite YA Vampire Series out there. It's sexy, suspenseful and addicting.

 I grabbed a copy of Vengeance last summer but thanks to my huge TBR shelf of physical books I haven't been able to get to this book on my kindle yet. Lucky for me I've been trying to get through some of my unread Kindle books while I wait for some book orders to arrive and a couple books I have on hold from the library. I'm eager to dive back into this series and see what happens next (and of course lust after bad boy, Ethan. Not really shipping Nikki with Duncan here...)