2010 Reading Resolutions Challenge

This sounds like a fun challenge...to make some New Year's resolutions in regards to reading. "They can be anything you would like to accomplish in the coming year in the realm of reading, book blogging, or perhaps personal growth." The 2010 Reading Resolutions Challenge is being hosted by Jenny over at Jenny Loves to Read. It will be interesting to see how well I do...

Here are my resolutions:

1. Read 50 books from the library. I want to utilize the library more.
2. Read 25 "New to me" Authors.
3. Read 25 of my own books.
4. Finish the Sookie Stackhouse Series.
5. Start 6 new series.
6. Review every book I read in 2010...(this is for a challenge that I am in).

Six seems like a good number to stop at...LOL. I want to keep it simple so that I can meet my goals.

What are your resolutions for the new year??

To Be Read Challenge 2010

I have failed miserably with the challenge the last two years...but persistence is the key. I think my problem has been that I have been listing books I want to make myself read instead of books I think I will be reading. So, I am joining the TBR Challenge again in 2010 and am determined to complete it. This challenge is being hosted by MizB and she now has a sign-up post.

In order to participate in this challenge...you have to make up a list of twelve books you are going to read next year. This list cannot be changed after January 1, 2010!! However, you can make an alternate list of 12 books that can be substituted for a book on the original list. You can either read one book a month, or read them as fast or as slow as you want. You have to have the list posted somewhere so others can read it...whether it be in the comment section (for those that don't have a blog), or posted on your blog. Please see her sign-up post for further rules.

Here is my Original List with links to my reviews:

1. All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris
2. Grave Secret by Charlaine Harris
3. Dark Harvest by Lynda Hilburn
4. Hard to Hold by Stephanie Tyler - 1/28/10
   
5. "D" is for Deadbeat by Sue Grafton - 4/10/10
6. Shadow Prey by John Sandford - 2/5/10
   
7. The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks
8. The Ocean Between Us by Susan Wiggs
9. Night's Master by Amanda Ashley - 2/13/10
10. 311 Pelican Court by Debbie Macomber
11. Under Fire by Jo Davis
12. Naked in Death by J.D. Robb - 1/3/10
    

Here is my Alternate List with links to my reviews:

1. Dead in the Water by Stuart Woods - 1/23/10
   
2. Orchid Beach by Stuart Woods
3. Dark Legend by Christine Feehan
4. Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning
5. Shelter Mountain by Robin Carr
6. Vision in White by Nora Roberts - 2/26/10
7. Trust Me by Brenda Novak
8. One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
9. Forget Me Not by Marliss Melton
10. Dark Lover by J.R. Ward
11. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
12. If He's Wicked by Hannah Howell - 1/16/10
    

Trial by Fire - Jo Davis

Title: Trial by Fire
Author: Jo Davis
Publisher: Signet
Published: 2008
Pages: 352
Genre: Romance; Suspense
Series: Firefighters of Station Five - Book #1

Jo Davis is a "new to me" author, and she has already made it to my "auto buy" list!! I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series...Under Fire.

Trial by Fire is packed full of sizzling passion, sharp wit, painful memories, page-turning suspense, and intrigue. Can you tell I loved this book? LOL.

Howard "Six-Pack" Paxton is our tortured hero, traumatized by an abusive childhood and targeted by a sadistic killer. Kat is our strong heroine, with the ability to take on Howard, help him overcome tragedy, light up his life by bringing joy and understanding, and match him scorching passion for scorching passion.

I loved their story. Jo Davis has a way of weaving together romance and intrigue without one overshadowing the other. Her characters are crafted in such a way that they stay with you long after the story is over. Her secondary storyline that includes all the members of Station Five makes you want to come back for more!! I can't wait to read their stories and see how Ms. Davis brings them all together.

You can read my full review here.



Rating: 4.5/5
Pages: 352
Completed: 12/27/09

Books to Read Before I Die 2010

This sounds like a fun challenge. Books to Read Before I Die Challenge is being hosted by Diane over at Bibliophile By The Sea.

She has posted the guidelines as follows:

1. Between now and December 31, 2009, make a list of between 10 and 20 Books to Read Before You Die. (depending on interest, this may be an annual event challenge).
2. The books on your list can come from your stacks or the library, and be in print or audio format.
3. Overlaps with other challenges is fine with me.
   
4. Once you've created your post with tentative titles, THEN sign up using Mr. Linky, by pasting the link to your post, along with your name/blog name. This is how you will be registered. Finalize your list by 12/31/09 (no changes to the list after 12/31/09).
5. NOTE: If you don't have a blog, you can still sign up and join in the fun.
6. All bloggers who complete the challenge will be entered in giveaway to win an Amazon Gift Card.
   
7. Questions/comments, please feel free to comment or email me.

I am going for 12 books...here is my list with links to my reviews:

1. One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
2. Naked In Death by J.D. Robb - 1/3/10
   
3. All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris
4. Vision in White by Nora Roberts - 2/26/10
5. Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning
6. Grave Secret by Charlaine Harris
7. Under Fire by Jo Davis
8. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
9. Hard to Hold by Stephanie Tyler - 1/28/10
   
10. Dark Harvest by Lynda Kilburn
11. Dark Lover by J.R. Ward
12. Trust Me by Brenda Novak

In Death Reading Challenge 2010

I have been wanting to read this series and now is a great way to get started. The In Death Reading Challenge is being hosted by Christine over at The Happily Ever After.

The rules of the challenge are to read at least one In Death book a month and then post a review at the end of each month.

Since I haven't read this series yet...I will be starting with the first book...Naked In Death.

Here is my book list with links to my reviews:

1. 
   

Children's Classics Mystery Challenge 2010

Since I am already involved in the Nancy Drew Challenge, I thought this would be a great one to join too. The Children's Classics Mystery Challenge is being hosted by 5 Minutes for Books and it only runs from January 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010.

Here's what Carrie says:

Really, you are welcome to participate as much or as little as you like. The plan is to Make-Your-Own plan. Would you like to reread those Nancy Drew books you've had lying around? Trixie? Or mix and match! The choice is yours. All that we ask is that you write up an initial post saying that you and/or your children are going to be participating in this challenge and link back to this introductory post.

Then, on the second Tuesday of each month we will have a post wherein you can link up any and all reviews you have written in the previous month. For example, on January 12 you can link up your introductory post or any reviews you've completed, so feel free to start reading now. Books, movies, audio, and even video game (oh yes!) reviews may be included and are most welcome.

Which series qualifies as a classic? Anything that came into being before 1980.

Sounds like fun doesn't it?? I loved Nancy Drew as a child, and Carolyn Keene and Laura Ingalls Wilder gave me my love of books.

I am not sure how many books I can complete by June...however, if I am to complete the Nancy Drew Challenge as well...I should be on my way to 25 by June.

Here is my book list:

1. 
   

DIK Reading Challenge 2010

The DIK ladies are hosting a challenge in 2010...the DIK Reading Challenge. Each month you will pick one of the 188 books that the DIK Ladies have brought to the island, read it, review it on your blog and then show them the link.

If you complete all 12 months...your name will be thrown into a drawing for a $50 gift card from Amazon/Borders/Barnes or Noble/Books A Million (you choose).

Swim on over to the Island and read all the rules so you can be sure to get your name in the drawing.

Here is my tentative book list with links to my reviews:

1. Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning
2. Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts - 4/10/10 - Amanda's DIK Pick
3. Dark Lover by J.R. Ward
   
4. The Darkest Knight by Gena Showalter
5. Hard to Hold by Stephanie Tyler - 1/28/10 - Lea's DIK Pick
   
6. One Summer by Karen Robards (??)
7. 
   

Books Won Reading Challenge 2010

Books Won Reading Challenge 2010

I am not very lucky at winning books...but I recently won one over at There's No Such Thing as Too Many Books from Blanche. It was Sweet Persuasion by Maya Banks. So, I will hold off reading it until the new year so that I can participate in this challenge.

The Books Won Reading Challenge is just that...reading books that you have won from other book bloggers. This challenge is being hosted by Teddy over at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time.

There are 4 levels of participation:

Honorable Mention: Read 1-3 book you won.

Bronze: Read 4-6 books you won.

Silver: Read 7-9 Books you won.

Gold: Read 10 or more books you won.

However, once you pick a level - you can't go down a level, but you can go up during the course of the challenge.

One of the rules is that you must review each of the books that you have read...if you don't have a blog, then review them at Amazon, Powell's, etc.

Hop on over to Teddy's and read the rest of the rules and join in on the fun!!!

I am going with the Honorable Mention level due to the fact of my unlucky streak with winning books...however, if my luck changes I will increase to a higher level.

Here is my book list:

1. Sweet Persuasion by Maya Banks (Won from Blanche)
2. Coming Undone by Lauren Dane (Won from The Good, The Bad, and The Unread) 2/15/10
3. Release by Beth Kery (Won from Seductive Musings) 2/21/10
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Curl up with a Book...and a Nook!!!

Click HERE to enter Curl Up With a Book...and a Nook!!

Definitely Dead - Charlaine Harris

Title: Definitely Dead
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publisher: Berkley
Published: 2006
Pages: 324
Genre: Paranormal - Vampire, Shape Shifter, Psychic
Series: Sookie Stackhouse #6

I really think that Sookie Stackhouse enthusiasts will enjoy this book. A few loose ends are cleared up, new information is revealed, and there may be a new love interest in Sookie's life - but I'm not telling - LOL.

Sookie goes to New Orleans to clean out the apartment of her dead cousin and close the estate. Little does she know that she will discover something gruesome in the closet, become involved in the Queen of Louisiana's politics, and get herself kidnapped. All in all, another great adventure for Sookie.

You can read my full review here.



Rating: 4/5
Pages: 324
Completed: 12/19/09

Dear John - Nicholas Sparks

Title: Dear John
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Publisher: Hatchette
Published: 2006
Pages: 276
Genre: Romance

What can I say...I just love Nicholas Sparks. He has a way of creating a story that takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions!! Always an author that moves me to tears...Dear John lived up to that reputation.

Told from the man's perspective...a love story that shows us what unconditional love is...tugs at the heartstrings...is touching and at times riveting. This one definitely goes on my keeper shelf.

John Tyree meets the girl of his dreams, and the attraction is mutual. But neither can foresee that 9/11 will change all that forcing John to choose between love and country. But Dear John is so much more than just a military love story...it deals with unconditional love...not only between two people, but family members too.

You can read my full review here.



Rating: 5/5
Pages: 276
Completed: 12/19/09

Buy One Book and Read It 2010

Seriously, who can actually pass up a challenge that encourages you to buy books!! Buy One Book and Read It challenges you to do just that...buy one book and read it. It is being hosted by My Friend Amy and there are three levels of participation:

Level One!
Buy one book and read it before December 31st, 2010.

Level Two!
Buy six books and read them before December 31st, 2010.

Level Three
Buy 12 books and read them before December 31st, 2010.

There is also a new twist this year...after you choose your level...then you need to choose an option:

Indie Option--Make sure the book or books you buy are purchased at an independent bookstore.
Book Blogger Option--Buy only books you learn about on book blogs.

I am shooting for Level 3 - buying and reading 12 books. However, I have to choose the Book Blogger option as there aren't any independent bookstores in my area.

Here is my list of books and who recommended them:

1. Hard to Hold by Stephanie Tyler - 1/28/10 - bought from Amazon - learned about it from Pearl's World of Romance.
2. Vision in White by Nora Roberts - 2/26/10 - bought from Rhapsody - learned about it from Dear Author.
3. Wild, Wicked & Wanton by Jaci Burton - 3/7/10 - bought from Amazon - learned about it from Closetwriter 
4. Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts - 5/4/10 - bought from Rhapsody - learned about it from Book Binge.
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Time Travel Challenge 2010

I am really hoping that the Time Travel Reading Challenge will help me continue on my journey through the Outlander series. I have read the first one and absolutely loved it!! I need to delve into the second book. Also, I want to continue both Karen Marie Moning's and Janet Chapman's Highlander series.

This challenge is being hosted by Alyce over at At Home With Books. It is a "no pressure" challenge where you decide how many books you want to read, and the time frame runs till the end of 2010. I am not sure when it starts...I am assuming January.

Here is my book list:

1. Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon
   
2. Highlander series by Janet Chapman
3. Highlander series by Karen Marie Moning
4. Somewhere in Time by Richard Matheson (loved the movie, but never read the book)
   

Romance Reading Challenge

Isn't this a gorgeous button?? You know I just had to join this challenge, don't you?? LOL.

Naida at The Bookworm is once again hosting The Romance Reading Challenge in 2010. Your challenge, if you choose to accept it, is to read 5 romance novels in the year 2010. Now, don't think this is just Harlequin books...there are many different types of romances out there...contemporary, paranormal, suspense...as long as there is romantic love between the two main characters. However, it can be unrequited love too.

Even though Naida only wants us to choose 5 books - I am raising my challenge to 12 - since I read romance almost exclusively. Although in 2010 - I am going to try to broaden my reading and branch out to other genres.

Here is my book list with links to my reviews:

1. The Warrior by Sharon Sala - 1/6/10
2. Before Sunrise by Diana Palmer - 1/8/10
3. If He's Wicked by Hannah Howell - 1/16/10
4. Born in Fire by Nora Roberts - 1/21/10
5. Satisfaction Guaranteed by Lucy Monroe - 1/29/10
6. Night's Master by Amanda Ashley - 2/13/10
7. Coming Undone by Lauren Dane - 2/15/10
8. The Carpenter's Lady by Barbara Delinsky - 2/19/10
9. Release by Beth Kery - 2/21/10
10. Vision in White by Nora Roberts - 2/26/10
11. Hard to Handle by Lori Foster - 3/1/10
12. Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis - 3/27/10
13. Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts - 4/10/10
14. Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts - 5/4/10
15. 
    

Support Your Local Authors Challenge

My first perpetual challenge, but one I couldn't pass up. One of my favorite authors is a local author - Lori Foster. So, naturally I have to join the Support Your Local Authors! Challenge.

I have conducted a Google search and came up with a few other names...mostly Columbus area...but what I would consider local even though I live in Cincinnati.

There is no time limit to this challenge, you can join anytime. No rules except for having fun promoting your favorite local authors. This challenge is being hosted by Suey over at It's All About Books.

It will be interesting to see what other areas and authors are going to be represented.

Here is my book list:

1. Hard to Handle by Lori Foster (Cincinnati, Ohio) 3/1/10
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Vampire Series 2010

My favorite paranormal books have their own challenge. Yeah!! The Vampire Series Challenge is being hosted by MizB over at MizB's Reading Challenges.

There are four levels of participation:

Vampire Newbie: Read Book #1 of 3 different vampire series.

Vampire Addict: Reread 2 vampire series books you’ve already read; OR Read 2 more books from a vampire series that you’ve already started reading.

Vampire Enthusiast: Read 6 books from any series featuring vampires as key/main characters.

Vampire Lover: Read 3 full series featuring vampires as key/main characters.

Hop on over to her blog post to read more detailed rules and examples of each level.

Even though I am a vampire lover...3 full series is a bit much for me to accomplish next year with all my other challenges. Sooo, Vampire Enthusiast is what I am going for...reading 6 books from any series featuring vampires as key/main characters.

Here is my book list:

1. Night's Master by Amanda Ashley - 2/13/10 - Night Series Book #3
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Mixology 2010

This challenge is designed to help us set our reading goals for the year 2010. The 2010 Mixology Challenge is being hosted by Babbette over at Babbette's Book Blog.

The rules are simple:

1. List how many books total you want to read in 2010.

2. List no less than 4 categories for these books and determine how many you'll read in each category. Examples of categories:
by class: fiction / non-fiction / contemporary / classic / newly published / award winning (Booker, Pulitzer)
by genre: historical fiction, religious fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian literature, memoir, biography, personal or professional growth
by class of author: female / male / Asian / Middle Eastern
other: TBR / review (ARC) books

3. These books can overlap with other challenges AND even fit more than one category within this challenge.

4. Audio books do count; re-reads do not.


Here are my Mixology goals:

1. Read 100 books.
2. 25 New Authors
3. 12 Thriller/Suspense
4. 25 TBR
5. 25 Romance
6. 25 Young Adult
   

Chunkster Challenge 2010

I love this challenge...2010 Chunkster Challenge has been passed along to Wendy and has its own dedicated blog. This challenge is for anyone who loves to read those big chunky books...I'm talking about the ones that are over 450 pages. However, it is ADULT literature (so Twilight doesn't count).

Here are the Rules posted on the blog:

• No Audio books in the chunkster. It just doesn't seem right. Words on paper for this one folks.
• No e-Books allowed - we are reading traditional, fat books for this challenge.
  
• Short Stories and Essay collections will not be counted.
• Books may crossover with other challenges
• Anyone may join. If you don't have a blog, just leave me a comment on this post with your progress (and to let me know you are playing)
• You don't need to list your books ahead of time.
  
• Once you pick a level, that's it...you're committed to that level!

There are three levels of participation:

1. The Chubby Chunkster - this option is for the reader who has a couple of large tomes on their TBR list, but really doesn't want to commit to much more than that. 3 books is all you need to finish this challenge.
2. Do These Books Make my Butt Look Big? - this option is for the slightly heavier reader who wants to commit to 4 Chunksters over the next twelve months.
3. Mor-book-ly Obese - This is for the truly out of control chunkster. For this level of challenge you must commit to 6 or more chunksters OR three tomes of 750 pages or more. You know you want to.....go on and give in to your cravings.

Since I am not sure what chunksters I have sitting around waiting to be read...I am going to go for the Chubby Chunkster level and read 3 books.

Here is my book list:

1. 
   

Take Another Chance Challenge 2010

Even though it seems like I have joined over 100 challenges (not really but it feels like that - LOL), I really want to participate in this one too. The Take Another Chance Challenge is "all about taking chances with your reading by finding books to read in unusual or random ways." Jenners at Find Your Next Book Here is hosting this challenge again...with a few changes...she is offering different levels of participation and a longer time frame. The challenge runs from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010.

The three levels of particpation are:

A Small Gamble: Complete any 3 of the 12 challenges described below.
A Moderate Gamble: Complete any 6 of the 12 challenges described below.
Gambling It All: Complete all 12 of the challenges described below.

I will direct you to her post...where it describes each challenge in detail...I will only list the title of the challenges here.

Me, I am going for GAMBLING IT ALL and try to complete all 12 challenges.

Here is my book list:

1. Read your Doppelganger...

2. Blogroll Roulette...

3. 100 Best Books...

4. Prize Winner Book...

5. Title Word Count...

6. Genre Switch-Up...

7. Break a Prejudice...

8. Real and Inspired...

9. Same Word, Different Book...

10. Become a Character...

11. All in the Family...

12. Author Anthology Pick...

There will be a prize at the end of the challenge...a book of the winner's choice from Amazon (up to $25).

So go on over to Find Your Next Book and sign up for what sounds like a fantastic challenge.

Rainbow Connection Challenge 2010

Isn't that a beautiful graphic?? I am joining the Rainbow Connection Challenge because it will work nicely with my A~Z Challenge. Sue is hosting this challenge, and it has its own dedicated blog.

The rules are simple...there are two levels to choose from:

Single Rainbow (reading 7 books) by either Author (first or last name) or Title starting with R, O, Y, G, B, I and V (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet) books.


Double Rainbow (reading 14 books) by Author (first or last name) and Title starting with R, O, Y, G, B, I and V (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet) books.

HOWEVER...the challenge only runs from January 1, 2010 to June 30, 2010. I think I am only going to try for the Single Rainbow...but if things work out...Double Rainbow here I come.

Here is my book list with links to my reviews:

R - Release by Beth Kery 2/21/10
O -
Y -
G -
B - Before Sunrise by Diana Palmer 1/8/10
I - If He's Wicked by Hannah Howell 1/16/10
V - Vision in White by Nora Roberts 2/26/10

R - Robb, J.D. - Naked in Death 1/3/10
O -
Y -
G - Grafton, Sue - "D" is for Deadbeat 4/10/10
B - Burton, Jaci - Wild, Wicked, & Wanton 3/7/10
I -
V -