RYOB 2010

I did this challenge last year and was successful in reducing my ever growing TBR pile. So, I will join the bandwagon again next year and commit to reading 25 of my own books.

This challenge is being hosted by MizB and here is the post with the rules. She doesn't have a sign-up post yet - but I will create a link when she gets it up on her blog.

Here is my book list with links to my reviews:

1. Naked in Death by J.D. Robb - 1/3/10
2. The Warrior by Sharon Sala - 1/6/10
3. If He's Wicked by Hannah Howell - 1/16/10
4. Born in Fire by Nora Roberts - 1/21/10
5. Hard to Hold by Stephaine Tyler - 1/28/10
6. Satisfaction Guaranteed by Lucy Monroe - 1/29/10
7. Shadow Prey by John Sandford - 2/5/10
8. Night's Master by Amanda Ashley - 2/13/10
9. Coming Undone by Lauren Dane - 2/15/10
10. The Carpenter's Lady by Barbara Delinsky - 2/19/10
11. Release by Beth Kery - 2/21/10
12. Vision in White by Nora Roberts - 2/26/10
13. Zack: Armed and Dangerous by Cheyenne McCray - 3/1/10
14. Hard to Handle by Lori Foster - 3/1/10
15. Wild, Wicked, & Wanton by Jaci Burton - 3/7/10
16. Rewriting Monday by Jodi Thomas - 3/8/10
17. Bound, Branded, & Brazen by Jaci Burton - 3/13/10
18. Sarah's Child by Linda Howard - 3/15/10
19. Fragile by Shiloh Walker - 3/21/10
20. Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis - 3/27/10
21. Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts - 4/10/10
22. Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts - 5/4/10
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Thriller and Suspense 2010

I didn't do this challenge last year, but after reading the sub-genre list, I realized that I had read more Thriller and Suspense books than I imagined. So, I am going to join this challenge next year.

It is being hosted by Book Chick City, and here is the sign-up post. You only have to read 12 books and the list of sub-genres is extensive. She gives a detailed description of each genre at this post. So, go on a "thrill" ride in 2010 and sign-up today!!

Here is my book list:

1. Futuristic Thriller - Naked in Death by J.D. Robb - 1/3/10
   
2. Legal Thriller - Dead in the Water by Stuart Woods - 1/23/10
3. Police Procedural - Shadow Prey by John Sandford - 2/5/10
4. 
   

Library Challenge

I love going to our local library and checking out books. The kids and I go about once every two weeks and browse, play games on the computer, and check out books and movies. So I just have to join the Support Your Local Library Challenge!! In these tough times, I don't know what I would do without the ability to read my favorite books - and the library gives me that opportunity.

There are different levels to this challenge:

--The Mini – Check out and read 25 library books.

--Just My Size – Check out and read 50 library books.

--Stepping It Up – Check out and read 75 library books.

--Super Size Me – Check out and read 100 library books.

This one is also being hosted by our esteemed J-Kaye and here is the sign-up post. Once again, you don't need to post reviews or even need a blog. Anyone can participate.

I am going for the "Just My Size" which is 50 books. That way I can still grab some from my TBR pile at home.

Here is my book list with links to my reviews:

1. Before Sunrise by Diana Palmer - 1/8/10
2. Dead in the Water by Stuart Woods - 1/23/10
3. The House on Tradd Street by Karen White - 1/19/10
4. Dead in the Water by Stuart Woods - 1/23/10
5. "D" is for Deadbeat by Sue Grafton - 4/10/10
6. 
   

100+ Book Challenge 2010

Once again I am going to try and read 100 books for the year 2010. J-Kaye has graciously decided to host this challenge again next year, and I am really looking forward to participating and reaching my goal.

The rules are simple...read 100 or more books in the year 2010. You don't have to review them, you don't even need a blog. Anyone can join. Audio, eBooks, YA, Young Reader, Nonfiction, Fiction, etc. all count. Crossovers with other challenges are fine. And the best part, you don't have to list your books in advance!!!! Here is the sign-up post.

I think I am going to try and stay away from challenges that require you to make a list of books prior to starting the challenge. This locks me in to reading certain books, and I am a reader that "flys by the seat of my pants" and chooses books by what ever mood I am in at the time.

Here is my list of books.

1. Naked in Death by J.D. Robb - 1/3/10
2. The Warrior by Sharon Sala - 1/6/10
3. Before Sunrise by Diana Palmer - 1/8/10
4. If He's Wicked by Hannah Howell - 1/16/10
5. The Playboy Sheikh's...by Sharon Kendrick - 1/18/10
6. The House on Tradd Street by Karen White - 1/19/10
7. Born in Fire by Nora Roberts - 1/21/10
8. Dead in the Water by Stuart Woods - 1/23/10
9. Hard to Hold by Stephanie Tyler - 1/28/10
10. Satisfaction Guaranteed by Lucy Monroe - 1/29/10
11. Shadow Prey by John Sandford - 2/5/10
12. Night's Master by Amanda Ashley - 2/13/10
13. Coming Undone by Lauren Dane - 2/15/10
14. The Carpenter's Lady by Barbara Delinsky - 2/19/10
15. Release by Beth Kery - 2/21/10
16. Vision in White by Nora Roberts - 2/26/10
17. Zack: Armed and Dangerous by Cheyenne McCray - 3/1/10
18. Hard to Handle by Lori Foster - 3/1/10
19. Wild, Wicked & Wanton by Jaci Burton - 3/7/10
20. Rewriting Monday by Jodi Thomas - 3/8/10
21. Bound, Branded, & Brazen by Jaci Burton - 3/13/10
22. Sarah's Child by Linda Howard - 3/15/10
23. Fragile by Shiloh Walker - 3/21/10
24. Bride, Bought and Paid For by Helen Bianchin - 3/22/10
25. Laid Bare by Lauren Dane - 3/25/10
26. Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis - 3/27/10
27. Broken by Shiloh Walker - 4/8/10
28. "D" is for Deadbeat by Sue Grafton - 4/10/10 
29. Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts - 4/10/10
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36. Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts - 5/4/10
37. Something About You by Julie James - 5/7/10
38. Love in Bloom by Sheila Roberts - 5/11/10
39. The Girl on Legare Street by Karen White - 5/17/10
40. Naked Edge by Pamela Clare - 5/19/10

I'm Back

After months of being over-committed with family issues, health issues, and a HUGE reading slump, I am finally back in the swing of things!!! My reading has picked up, I'm feeling better, and family life has settled down a bit.

I am giving up on the challenges this year...just concentrating on enjoying my reading without having to meet any deadlines. But that isn't stopping me from gearing up for next year's challenges. I am going to start posting about the upcoming events and sign up for them. I don't think I am going to join as many as I did last year, but you never know - LOL!!!

Thank you so much for remaining followers through my madness!! I promise that reviews will start back again soon!!!

Love at First Flight - Marie Force

Title: Love at First Flight
Author: Marie Force
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Published: 2009
Pages: 383
Genre: Romance

Wow...I am so behind in my reviews. I just can't seem to get motivated this month. I think it might have something to do with joining Weight Watchers and reading their message boards and exercising. It has taken a lot of my time here lately. But I am determined to get caught up this week.

On to the book review. I just have to say that I absolutely love Marie Force. Her first book, Line of Scrimmage, was a huge success with me. And Love at First Flight didn't disappoint either. This is a great romance with some suspense added to the mix.

Juliana is on her way to meet her significant other of ten years. He has been in Florida on a job assignment and they are reconnecting for the weekend. Michael is on his way to meet his fiance who is in Florida planning their elaborate wedding with her parents. Juliana and Michael meet at the airport and strike up a conversation. By the end of the flight, they agree to meet on their flight home and compare notes. Needless to say, neither one of their meetings went well.

This is the beginning of their relationship together. Through a roller-coaster ride of emotions, suspense, and intrigue, we get to experience what two strong characters will do to protect their love for one another. I was really surprised at the decision that Juliana made and was on pins and needles until the end of the story.

You can read my full review here.



Rating: 5/5
Pages: 383
Completed: 6/9/09

Summer Reading Challenge

Since I didn't do so well on the Spring Thing Reading Challenge, I thought I would try a Summer Reading Challenge...LOL. This challenge is being hosted by Susan at A Southern Daydreamer.

The challenge runs from June 21, 2009 to September 21, 2009. All you need to do is make a list of the books you want to read and link back to her post. Then, in September, you do a follow-up post to let everyone know how you did.

Here is my list:

1. Ocean Between Us by Susan Wiggs
2. Shelter Mountain by Robin Carr
3. The Winter Lodge by Susan Wiggs
4. Stealing Home by Sherryl Woods
5. Montana Creeds: Dylan by Linda Lael Miller
   

I will also read some Harlequins and some Library Books - so I will definitely be adding to this list once I find out what interests me at the library.

As you can tell, I will be reading a lot of "comfort" "beach" reads this summer. Just sittin back, takin it easy kind of reads.

Fear Itself Challenge

The Fear Itself Challenge is being hosted by Donna at Bites - Chomping on Books and Spitting Out Reviews. I really want to work on expanding my reading into areas I don't normally read and this challenge is a great way to do it!!

Between July 1st and December 31st the challenge is to read 3 (yes, just 3) books that under normal circumstances you wouldn't give a second look to. (Doesn't necessarily have to be horror unless that is the type of book you avoid).

There is a catch - you cannot not finish the book and it MUST be reviewed. This will get you to really think about why you liked the book or solidify why you stay away from that particular genre.

To read the full post on the challenge and to sign up - visit the challenge post at Donna's Blog.

There are two genres that I really avoid like the plaque - futuristic and horror - so I guess that is where I am going to start. I need to investigate what books I am going to choose so I will edit this post later and list my reads.

Here is my list:

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Sookie Stackhouse Challenge

Beth and Beth Fish Reads has decided to host a Sookie Stackhouse Challenge, and I couldn't be more excited. I love Charlaine Harris' books. Between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010 catch up with Sookie and all her friends.

I am on book #5 - Dead as a Doornail and would love a chance to finish the series.

Here is my list...

5). Dead as a Doornail - 12/4/09
6). Definitely Dead - 12/19/09
7). All Together Dead
8). From Dead Till Worse
9). Dead and Gone

If you love Sookie Stackhouse - get on over to Beth's and join the fun!!

A Hunger Like No Other - Kresley Cole

Title: A Hunger Like No Other
Author: Kresley Cole
Publisher: Pocket Star
Published: 2006
Pages: 384
Genre: Paranormal Romance (Vampires, Werewolves, Valkyries)
Series: Immortals After Dark - Book #1

The TBR Challenge this month was to read about a tortured hero or heroine. Kresley Cole is a new author to me, and I really enjoyed Book #1 of the Immortals After Dark series.

Lachlain is definitely a tortured hero...he is a Lykae and was tortured for over a century by the Vampires only escaping when he scents his true mate. However, he discovers that all may not be Happily Ever After when he discovers that she is half Vampire! Will they get past their prejudices and reach for the happiness that eludes them?

This book was filled with sexual tension, witty dialogue between Emma's family members, and an exciting ending. The only problem I had with this read was that there were so many characters. I had to actually write them down in order to keep them all straight. Could be my aging mind though - LOL. It was a good read and I can't wait until I get the next in the series.



Rating: 3.5/5
Pages: 384
Completed: 6/17/09

While My Sister Sleeps - Barbara Delinsky

Title: While My Sister Sleeps
Author: Barbara Delinsky
Publisher: Doubleday
Published: 2009
Pages: 319
Genre: Women's Fiction

Wow...this book made me take a look at my own family relationships and try to see them in a different light. It made me realize that sometimes we think we know those close to us - but maybe deep down there are things kept hidden. Do you reveal all to your family members...or are there things and feelings you keep private?

As her sister lies in a coma, Molly becomes the stronghold for her family - helping them to look deep into themselves and see what really is important - helping them heal their relationships with other family members - and realizing she is stronger and more important than she has always thought.

Here is a quote from the book:

"Letting go wasnt' a betrayal, but rather a pure form of love. But letting go entailed acceptance of reality..."

This book is full of quotes like that - ones that make you sit down and think. I wish I had marked more that meant something to me, but I was so engrossed in the story and my thoughts that I didn't stop to bookmark them.

You can read my full review here.



Rating: 4.5/5
Pages: 319
Completed: 6/12/09

Sanctuary - Nora Roberts

Title: Sanctuary
Author: Nora Roberts
Publisher: Putnam
Published: 1997
Pages: 438
Genre: Romance/Suspense

I really enjoyed the suspense in this story. Even though I sort of guessed who the stalker was - I still liked the build-up and revelation. Jo Ellen has a stalker, and they keep sending her photographs of herself - showing her that they are watching her every move. After a breakdown, she goes home to Sanctuary Inn to reunite with her dysfunctional family and try to come to terms with what happened to her.

Nathan returns to the vacation spot of his childhood - Sanctuary Inn. He harbors a terrible secret that will tear Jo Ellen's family apart - but does he dare reveal it after love starts to bloom?

The only thing I didn't like in this book were the rape scenes. I wasn't expecting them. I think if I was better prepared to know that the book would have them right in the middle of steamy, romanctic, love scenes - it wouldn't have bothered me so much.

You can read my full review here.



Rating: 2.75/5
Pages: 438
Completed: 6/8/09