Romance Club Reading Challenge 2009

Since I am a member of the Romance Club I thought it only appropriate that I join in the Romance Club Reading Challenge. It has nothing to do with being addicted to challenges - LOL!!

The rules of the challenge are to choose a book for each of the following scenarios:

1. Read a romance whose author last name begins with the letter "G"
2. Read a romance whose subgenre is one you don't usually read: Contemporary, Historical, etc.
3. Read a romance containing a titled name in the title: Duke, Viscount, Prince, etc.
4. Read a romance published in 2009.

Here is my list of books:

1. Diana Gabaldon - Outlander 01/19/09; Review
2. Probably Regency
3. Never Deceive a Duke by Liz Carlyle
4. Daring the Moon - Sherrill Quinn 2/2/09; Review
   

Buy One Book and Read It 2009

This is a challenge near and dear to my heart - buying and reading books. The Buy One Book and Read It Challenge is just that - you are challenged to buy one book in 2009 and read it. "There are many Americans who don't even read a single book in the span of a year... This challenge is designed to encourage you to rediscover the joy of reading, while supporting the authors who bring us books."

Amy at My Friend Amy is hosting this challenge - but for all you book lovers out there who already buy and read - she has a second option. Buy one book each month in the year 2009 and read it. That is the option I am choosing.

I will post my books each month as I purchase and read them.

1. Four Harlequin Presents - January - Reviews
2. Virgin River - Robyn Carr - February - Review
3. The Vampire Shrink - Lynda Hilburn - March - Review
4. Simple Wishes - Lisa Dale - April - Review
5. The Inn at Eagle Point - Sherryl Woods - May - Review
6. 
   

On The Porch Swing 2009

I joined this challenge last year and came up one book short. However, I had so much fun finding books to meet the categories that I decided to join again. The On The Porch Swing challenge is intended for those who belong to the Yahoo Group, but really anyone can participate. Although I do recommend joining the group because there are a great bunch of people over there.

Here are the categories for the challenge:

1. Pick a title with the word "marriage" in it.
2. Pick a title with word "friends" in it.
3. Pick a title with the word "summer" or "winter" in it.
4. Pick a title with a flower name in it.

Doesn't seem too hard does it? So come on and join the fun!!

1. Bought: One Night, One Marriage - Natalie Anderson 1/11/09; Review
   

Year of Reading Dangerously 2009

I didn't think there were anymore challenges that I would join, but this one looks like it would be a good one to expand my reading. My Year of Reading Dangerously challenges the participant to read 12 books that they deem "dangerous" to them. The hosts say, "They may be banned or challenged books, new-to-you genres, books that seem to inhabit a permanent space on your stacks, or authors you're afraid of. The possibilities are endless! If it's dangerous to you, it's challenge-worthy."

There are a few genres that I haven't dipped into yet, authors I haven't tried, and banned books I haven't read. So, 2009 seems the perfect year to get started.

I will choose my books as the year progresses:

Themed Reading 2009

Wendy of Caribousmom is hosting the 2009 Themed Reading Challenge. There are 3 ways to play.

1. Read at least 4 books that share a single theme.
2. Read at least 5 books that share two themes.
3. Read at least 6 books that share more than two themes.

The books must be chosen from your TBR stack (actual physical stack or virtual stack). The goal is to read 4 to 6 books linked by a theme. Themes can be anything of your choosing - be creative. Wendy has suggestions on her post, but really the creativity is up to you.

The Challenge runs from 2/1/09 to 7/31/09 and sign-ups close on March 30th.

I am choosing to read 5 books that share two themes - women authors and vampires. I love the paranormal genre and read a number of women authors that share that same passion.

Here is my tentative list:

1. Charlaine Harris - Sookie Stackhouse book

2. Sherrilyn Kenyon - Dark Hunters

3. Dead Sexy - Amanda Ashley 2/12/09; Review

4. A Hunger Like No Other - Kresley Cole 6/17/09; Review

5. The Vampire Shrink - Lynda Hilburn 3/22/09; Review

6. Night's Touch - Amanda Ashley 3/17/09; Review

18th Challenge Completed

I really enjoyed the Naming Conventions Challenge - it had a different twist to it. You could choose three different ways to complete the challenge. Take your name and read:

1). Authors whose last name begins with the letters of your name
2). Authors whose first name begins with the letters of your name
3). Books that begin with the letters of your name.

I had a fun time choosing authors whose last name begins with the letters of my name.

K - Kurland, Lynn
A - Anderson, Catherine
R - Rice, Luanne
A - Anderson, Susan

Thanks Maria for hosting this challenge. I would like to continue with it and choose authors whose first name begins with the letters of my name. So, I will challenge myself again!! I will run it from 1/1/09 til 4/30/09.

To see the list of books I read and their links to my reviews - here is my original post.

17th Challenge Completed

This was a fun and easy challenge, and I am participating in it again next year. The challenge behind the Harlequin/Silhouette Challenge was to read 5 books between 6/1/08 and 12/31/08. I love these series - the only trouble I had with this challenge was the picking of the books!! I have so many on my TBR moutain that I didn't know which one to start with - LOL.

I managed to read both older books and some new ones that were released in 2008. Thanks Yvonne for hosting this challenge!!

To see a list of books that I read with links to their reviews - head on over to my original post.

Outlander Challenge 2009

The Outlander Challenge is just that - read the Outlander books in 2009. I really want to read this series. I started Outlander in 2008 but got sidetracked and never got back to it. I will start from the beginning in 2009 - just want to recapture the essence of the book instead of starting where I had left off.

The only problem I see with this challenge is they want you to complete the challenge prior to the new book, An Echo in the Bone, which is due to be released in September. Wow, that's a lot of reading to do in 9 months. I am up for the challenge...just don't know how realistic it will be for me to complete it by September. I might change the rules for myself to be to read all the books, including the new one, by December. I'll see how I progress.

Here is the list of books:

1. Outlander 01/19/09; Review
2. Dragonfly in Amber
3. Voyager
4. Drums of Autumn
5. The Fiery Cross
6. A Breath of Snow and Ashes
7. An Echo in the Bone (due out in September 2009)

This challenge is being hosted by Michele at A Readers Respite and Amy at Passages to the Past.

16th Challenge Completed

I finished this one at the end of November. The 2nds Challenge objective was to read a second book of a "new to you" author. Since it was only a September to December challenge, the commitment was 4 books.

The 4 books I read were:

1. Night's Kiss by Amanda Ashley
2. Summer's Child by Luanne Rice
3. Only By Your Touch by Catherine Anderson
4. My Lord's Desire by Margaret Moore

For the most part, the second books were just as good as the first. I was more impressed with the first book I read of Luanne Rice than I was with Summer's Child. I absolutely loved the first book...Light of the Moon. I will definitely continue reading these authors and look forward to more great stories.

Thanks Joy, at Thoughts of Joy, for this fun challenge. Unfortunately, she will not be hosting the 2nds Challenge next year. However, J.Kaye is picking up the reigns and will be conducting this challenge at her blog.

For the links to all my reviews on these books...take a peek at my original post.

15th Challenge Completed

I completed another challenge!! The Romance Reading Challenge was a perfect one for me because that is my favorite genre to read!! I definitely read more than the required 5 for the year. Most of the books I read have a romantic background in them.

Thank you Naida over at The Bookworm for hosting this challenge!!! She is hosting it again in 2009 and you can sign up here.

Head on over to my original post to see all the books I've read for this challenge and their reviews.

999 Challenge

I've thought and thought about the 999 Challenge trying to decide what to do. I did okay on the 888 challenge (only missing 8 books) hosted by 3m, but was unable to complete it. However, I am dedicating 2009 to be the year of challenges. So, I think I'll be able to participate in this challenge due to the fact I am involved in so many challenges that I have enough categories to use in the 999 Challenge.

To make the challenge harder - they suggested that you try to read them before 09/09/09. That is too unrealistic for me, so I am going to challenge myself to read them from 01/01/09 to 12/31/09. I am also going to try not to have any overlaps between categories (although overlaps with other challenges are okay).

This challenge is being sponsored by Library Thing, but they also have a blog dedicated to it too. I am not an active member in Library Thing - I enjoy Shelfari because of the ease of use (besides I started in Shelfari first - LOL). However, I am going to join them in this challenge.

Thanks J.Kaye for the use of this great button!! I love buttons with my challenges - helps me keep track of them.

So here are my categories...of course, they are always subject to change.

Library Books
1. Dead Sexy - Amanda Ashley 2/12/09; Review
2. Divorced, Desperate, and Dating - Christie Craig 3/6/09; Review
3. Seaview Inn - Sherryl Woods 3/9/09; Review
4. Night's Touch - Amanda Ashley 3/17/09; Review
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New To Me Authors
1. Robyn Carr - Virgin River 2/17/09; Review
2. Kristin Hannah - On Mystic Lake 2/20/09; Review
3. Lisa Dale - Simple Wishes 4/1/09; Review
4. Linda Lael Miller - Montana Creeds: Logan 4/1/09; Review
5. Beth Kery - Wicked Burn 5/18/09; Review
6.
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8.
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Re-Reads
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8.
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From My TBR Stack
1. Dark Dream - Christine Feehan 1/26/09; Review
2. Sizzle and Burn - Jayne Ann Krentz 2/3/09; Review
3. If You Dare - Kresley Cole 2/18/09; Review
4. Passing Through Paradise - Susan Wiggs 4/7/09; Review
5. The Secret Hour - Luanne Rice 4/25/09; Review
6. Sanctuary - Nora Roberts 6/8/09; Review
7.
8.
9.

Romance Reading
1. Just Try Me - Jill Shalvis 1/21/09; Review
2. Tallchief - Dinah McCall (Sharon Sala) 2/8/09; Review
3. Tribute - Nora Roberts 2/11/09; Review
4. Morning Light - Catherine Anderson 3/3/09; Review
5. Highland Captive - Hannah Howell 3/15/09; Review
6. Home Fires - Luanne Rice 3/22/09; Review
7.
8.
9.

1st in a Series
1. The Vampire Shrink - Lynda Hilburn 3/22/09; Review
2. Mackenzie's Mountain - Linda Howard 6/15/09; Review
3. A Hunger Like No Other - Kresley Cole 6/17/09; Review
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Published in 2009
1. Daring the Moon - Sherrill Quinn 2/2/09; Review
2. The Italian's Ruthless Marriage Command - Helen Bianchin 2/25/09; Review
3. Hot Flash - Kathy Carmichael 4/30/09; Review
4. The Inn at Eagle Point - Sherryl Woods 5/7/09; Review
5. Love at First Flight - Marie Force 6/9/09; Review
6. While My Sister Sleeps - Barbara Delinsky 6/12/09; Review
7.
8.
9.

eBooks
1. Outlander - Diana Gabaldon 1/19/09; Review
2. The Kissing Game - Suzanne Brockmann 5/20/09; Review
3. Heart of the Winter Wolf - Dani Harper 5/29/09; Review
4.
5.
6.
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8.
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Harlequin/Silhouette
1. Once a Cowboy - Linda Warren 4/21/09; Review
2. Dancing in the Moonlight - Raeanne Thayne 4/22/09; Review
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8.
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Good Luck to all the participants!!

14th Challenge Completed

I completed the Fall Into Reading Challenge!! It was fun and easy to do. Thank you Katrina for hosting this fantastic challenge.

In our wrap up post she has given us some questions to answer.

Did you finish reading all the books on your fall reading list? If not, why not?

No, not the ones that I had originally posted. My tastes changed throughout the Fall and even though I want to read those books still - I didn't have the interest at the time.

Did you stick to your original goals or did you change your list as you went along?

I changed the list as I went along, however I did read the same number of books that I had originally planned.

What was your favorite book that you read this fall? Least favorite? Why?

My favorite book was Summer Light by Luanne Rice. She is one of my favorite authors and she didn't disappoint with this book!! It was a romance where the wedding was at the beginning and the story was about their trials and tribulations throughout their marriage. It was beautifully written and had me reaching for the tissues on numerous occasions!! Here is a link to my review.

My least favorite book was Out of the Mist by Joann Ross. It was a romance too, but it just didn't cut it for me. The heroine was too accepting of the hero's lies. He accused her of being a thief throughout the book - but in the end she didn't mind. It did, however, have some good parts too.

Did you learn something new because of the Fall Into Reading challenge?—something about reading, or yourself, or a topic you read about?

I learned that I tend to stay in the romance genre - whether it is historical, paranormal, mystery, suspense, intrigue, etc. I can't help it...I like a happy ever after - LOL. I do venture into other areas and enjoy them - but I am a true romantic at heart.

What was your favorite thing about the Fall Into Reading challenge?

I enjoyed challenging myself to read a certain number of books in a certain amount of time. I also liked looking at all the blogs and seeing what other people were reading. My TBR list has grown by leaps and bounds.

To see the original post where I have listed all my books and their reviews, you can go here.

13th Challenge Completed

I am so excited that I completed the Pub Challenge. I read so many good books that were published in 2008. 3m hosted this challenge and will hosting one in 2009.

The rules of the challenge were to read 8 books that were first published in 2008 with 4 of them having to be fiction.

Here is the link to my choices and their reviews.

Thanks 3m for hosting this challenge, and I look forward to participating next year.

TBR Challenge 2009

I didn't do to well in 2008 with this challenge. I only read 2 books off of my original list and 3 off of my alternate list. So, I am going to attempt this challenge again in 2009. I really want to get some books off of my shelves (to make room for new ones - LOL). This challenge is once again being hosted by MizB.

The TBR (to be read) Challenge has some basic rules. You need to choose your 12 books before January 1st, 2009 and after the start of the challenge - the books cannot be changed. However, you can create a list 0f 12 alternates and you can substitute from that list. Audio and eBooks are allowed but re-reads are not. You can overlap with other challenges.

So, without further ado...here are my 2 lists:

Original List

1. Dark Lover by J.R. Ward
2. Seize the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon
3. Dark Seduction by Brenda Joyce
4. Highland Honor by Hannah Howell
5. Marley & Me by John Grogan
6. Sandcastles by Luanne Rice
7. Shadow Prey by John Sandford
8. Baby Love by Catherine Anderson
9. Naked in Death by J.D. Robb
10. Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks
11. Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts
12. Merle's Door by Ted Kerasote

Alternate List

1. Night's Kiss by Amanda Ashley
2. Happy Hour at Casa Dracula by Marta Acosta
3. Grave Surprise by Charlaine Harris
4. Real Murders by Charlaine Harris
5. If You Dare by Kresley Cole 2/18/09; Review
   
6. A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole
7. The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz
8. Laird of the Mist by Paula Quinn
9. The Nightwalkers: Gideon by Jacquelyn Frank
10. Riding Lessons by Sara Gruen
11. Surrender to the Highlander by Terri Brisbin
12. Last Kiss by Luanne Rice
    

12th Challenge Completed

I completed this challenge on 12/7/08 and had a great time this year starting 12 new series. I am a series addict and even have a blog devoted to all the series that I am currently working on.

Thank you Joy for hosting this challenge. You can go to my original post to see all the books that I read and links to their reviews.

9 Books for 2009 Challenge

Another day, another challenge. I really need to stop joining challenges and start reading again - and posting my completed challenges for 2008 - LOL. However, I have found this little gem of a challenge being hosted by Books and Other Stuff. The 9 books for 2009 challenge is to help the reader diminish that ever growing TBR stack. So, all books must be in your book stack or storage area.

Here are some more of the rules:

1. Only 3 books can be used in other challenges.
2. Books can be from any Genre (as long as they fit the categories listed below).
3. The challenge starts 12/27/08 and goes to 12/27/09. (she hates starting anything on January 1st).
4. There will be rewards throughout the challenge.

Here are the 9 categories:

1. A Long Book (a book longer than what you normally read)
2. A Free Book
3. A Dusty Book (a book that has been in your TBR stack for 3 years or more)
4. A Used Book (one that was owned by someone else and you paid for it)
5. A Letter Book (choose a letter in your name and find it anywhere in title of book)
6. A Strange Book (read outside your comfort area)
7. A Distance Book (calculate the distance from you to author's birthplace or setting)
8. Alive or Not Book (a book nominated or won a literary award or a dead author)
9. A Cover Book (either a beautiful cover or an ugly cover)

There are certain pieces of information about the book that she wants posted in the comment section. So, in order to get all the rules - please see the blog created for this challenge.

I will post a list of my books as I choose and read them.

1. Long - Outlander by Diana Gabaldon 1/19/09; Review
2. Free - Daring to Dream by Sherrill Quinn 2/2/09; Review
   
3. Dusty - Home Fires by Luanne Rice 3/22/09; Review
   
4. Used - Sizzle and Burn by Jayne Ann Krentz 2/3/09; Review
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7. Distance - The Italian's Ruthless Marriage Command by Helen Bianchin 2/25/09; Review
   
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9. Cover - Just Try Me by Jill Shalvis 1/21/09; Review
   

Re-read Challenge 2009

This is another challenge that I really want to join...I have a "keeper" shelf and love to revisit some of my favorite reads!! Books, Books, and More Books is hosting the Re-read Challenge and the rules are simple.

1. You must have read the book at least once - and it should be on your "keeper" shelf.
2. Review must be posted on the last day of the month.
3. Read 12 books (one a month).

Here are her suggestions for the reviews...

a) indicate clearly in the title post that it's your entry of the Re-Read Challenge. Could be Re-Read Day, Re-Read Review, January's Re-Read...
b) link back to the official post for the Re-Read Challenge with participants list (that I will put up in January)
c) try to remember your first impressions: why is the book a keeper, why did you like it so much...
d) if you have reviewed it previously, please include the link
e) what are your feelings upon re-reading the book... Do you still like it as much? Or your taste has changed and the book doesn't grab you as it did the first time, etc.

The Challenge runs from 01/01/09 to 12/31/09.

My list will be updated as I read them.

eBook Reading Challenge 2009

This challenge is for those who love eBooks or who want to try eBooks. J.Kaye is hosting the eBook Challenge in 2009. Read 10 eBooks in 2009; overlaps with other challenges are okay, just as long as you don't start reading them until 1/1/09. Another great thing is that you don't have to list your books ahead of time (I love challenges like this - gives me so much freedom to impulse read).

To join, just post about this challenge on your blog, and then go sign up with Mr. Linky at J. Kaye's.

I will be posting my list as I go...

1. Outlander - Diana Gabaldon 1/19/09; Review
2. Virgin River - Robyn Carr 2/17/09; Review
   
3. The Italian's Ruthless Marriage Command - Helen Bianchin 2/25/09; Review
   
4. Wicked Burn - Beth Kery 5/18/09; Review
   
5. The Kissing Game - Suzanne Brockmann 5/20/09; Review
   
6. Heart of the Winter Wolf - Dani Harper 5/29/09; Review
   
7. Mackenzie's Mountain - Linda Howard 6/15/09; Review
   
8. A Hunger Like No Other - Kresley Cole 6/17/09; Review
   
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10. 
    

Erotica Challenge 2009

Acckkkk!! J. Kaye is hosting two more challenges that I simply must join!! One is the Erotica Challenge and the rules are pretty basic.

1. Please don't start reading your books until 2009.
2. Read 10 erotica books in 2009.
3. Overlaps with other challenges are fine.
4. You must be 18 years or older to join.

Soooo, if this challenge interests you...go sign up on Mr. Linky at J.Kaye's (you don't have to make your list up ahead of time.

I am going to make my list as I go.

1. Daring the Moon - Sherrill Quinn 2/2/09; Review
   
2. Wicked Burn - Beth Kery 5/18/09; Review
   
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Thirty Nights with a Highland Husband - Melissa Mayhue

Title: Thirty Nights with a Highland Husband
Author: Melissa Mayhue
Publisher: Pocket
Published: 2007
Pages: 356
Genre: Romance/Medieval

Melissa Mayhue has written a fantastic tale of magic, romance, passion, time travel, suspense, sexy highlanders, and wrapped it up with a whole lot of fun!! What more could a girl ask for - LOL.

Scotland, 1272. Connor MacKiernan is a to die for warrior who has vowed never to marry. But that is exactly what he must do in order to save his sister.

Denver, 2007. Caitlyn Coryell is trying to get over the fact that she has just witnessed her fiance with another woman. After putting on some sexy lingerie and donning an ancient pendant she had just purchased - Connor appears in her room begging for her help. Her task, if she decides to accept, is to travel back in time with Connor, marry him, and then return home. Simple, right? Not so for Caitlyn.

This was a quick, fun read. I enjoyed the two main characters immensely, and the secondary characters added a spark to the story. While it was a story about Connor helping his sister, it also contained a suspense element in regards to who wanted to kill Caitlyn. Find out how it is all resolved by reading this fantastic book.

You can read my full review here.

Rating: 3.75/5
Pages: 356
Completed: 12/7/08

My Lord's Desire - Margaret Moore

Title: My Lord's Desire
Author: Margaret Moore
Published: 2007
Publisher: HQN
Pages: 376
Genre: Historical/Medieval
Series: King John #1

This was a great historical, true to the times, and filled with passion and intrigue. Armand was an awesome hero - valiant knight, passionate, honored his word, yet he wasn't flawless. He had a habit of acting before thinking which endeared him to me.

Lady Adelaide, who has vowed to avoid marriage, finds herself entangled in a plot to pretend a betrothal to Armand. He needs to find a wealthy wife in order to ransom his captive brother. "Dangerous intrigues forced them into a match as inescapable as the burgeoning passion that grew between them..."

You can read my full review here.

Rating: 3.75
Pages: 376
Completed: 11/30/08

11th Challenge Completed

I completed the I Heard It Through the Grapevine challenge. This was a fun challenge as it gave me the opportunity to read books that others had recommended and give credit to those people for their wonderful suggestions. The rules of the challenge were to read 3 books that were recommended to you.

Thank you Lynne for hosting this challenge.

To see the books I've read, who recommended them to me, and links to my reviews, please see my original post on this challenge.

Series Season 3 Challenge

I joined Series Season 2 this year, but I wasn't able to complete it - had so many other books to read - my series reading was pushed aside. So, I am joining Series Season 3 Challenge for next year and am definitely going to get back to my series.

This challenge is being hosted by Kathrin and the rules are easy. Pick a couple of series that you have started and want to complete (meaning you'll be up to date with the series at the end of this challenge). You need to read at least 4 books. And then post a comment with either your review or a link to your review.

The challenge runs from 12/1/08 to 11/30/09.

Here is a list of the series I would like to get caught up:

1). Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris
2). Harper Connelly Series by Charlaine Harris
3). The Arcane Society Series by Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick

By no means is this a list of all the series I am reading - these are the only series that I think I am close enough to finishing within a year.

To see a list of all the series I am reading - I have created a blog listing them - Life is a Series.

I will post a list of the books below:

1. Arcane Society - Sizzle and Burn - Jayne Ann Krentz 2/3/09; Review
2. Night Series - Night's Touch - Amanda Ashley 3/17/09; Review
3. Kismet Knight - The Vampire Shrink - Lynda Hilburn 3/22/09; Review
4.