Showing posts with label 2011 Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2011 Challenge. Show all posts

Saturday, February 19, 2011

What an Animal Reading Challenge IV



The What an Animal Reading Challenge III ends next week on February 28th. Our new challenge will begin on March 1, 2011 and end on February 29, 2012. The rules are really simple...


1. Read at least 6 books that have any of the following requirements:


a. there is an animal in the title of the book

b. there is an animal on the cover of the book

c. an animal plays a major role in the book

d. a main character is (or turns into) an animal (define that however you'd like).

2. The animal can be any type of animal (real or fictitious)--dog, cat, monkey, wolf, snake, insect, hedgehog, aardvark...dragon, mermaid, centaur, vampire, werewolf...you get the idea...


3. Challenge runs from March 1, 2011 to February 28, 2012. That’s a full year to read at least 6 books (you can read more if you’d like). You can still sign up after March 1st as long as you can get 6 books read by February 29, 2012).


4. Books can be fiction or nonfiction.


5. You may make a list of books at the beginning of the challenge or you can just list them as you find them.


6. Book titles may be swapped out at anytime (assuming you made a list to begin with).


7. Crossovers with other challenges are permitted and encouraged.


8. You don't have to have a blog or write a review, but you can if you want to.
 If you don't have a blog, just post in the comment section that you'd like to join. You can post your books in there.

9. Books can be in any format of your choice (print, audio, ebooks)

If you'd like to sign up, please use Mr. Linky below!

I will list my six books here, as well as listing them on Mr. Linky.

1. Curiosity Thrilled the Cat by Sofie Kelly Click for review
2. The Cat, The Professor and The Poison by Leann Sweeney Click for review
3. Tempest in the Tea Leaves by Kari Lee Townsend Click for review
4. A Dog Named Slugger by Leigh Brill Click for review
5. Dog On It by Spencer Quinn Click for review
6. Thereby Hangs A Tail by Spencer Quinn Click for review



Please post the url that links directly to your blog post about this challenge - not to your blog home page.



Please use the Mr. Linky below for your completed reviews. Please Use this format:

Name: Your Name (Title of book)
URL: The direct link to the post about the specific book you read.



Please use the Mr. Linky below for your wrap up posts once you complete the challenge.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Dewey Nines Lives: The Legacy of the Small-Town Cat Who Inspired Millions by Vicki Myron




Genre: Non-Fiction
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Release Date: October 2010
Format: EBook

Last year I heard all about Dewey the Library Cat and everyone said I had to read the book about this amazing cat. Being the cat lover that I am, I did read it and loved the book, although it had a sad ending. Now, Vicki Myron is back with the sequel Dewey’s Nine Lives. I hadn’t read up what the book was about. I just thought it was a sequel with more Dewey antics. I was wrong. Although are some moments that refer to Dewey throughout the book, this is a collection of stories of nine cats and the humans they owned. The humans have all been touched by Dewey’s story, but they each have their own story to tell.

Each story is heartwarming and grabs your emotions. Readers will be laughing and crying throughout the entire book. I know I was. Each story is carefully crafted so reders can truly feel what each cat and their person went through. Anyone who is a cat lover has crazy cat stories to share, some more entertaining than others. Some happier than others.

It’s extremely hard for me to read anything sad as far as animals go. Since animals don’t have the long lifespan that humans have, each story ended sadly. It tore me to pieces to read them. I know they were inspirational stories, but for me I kept thinking of my own fur babies. I just wanted to hug each of my three babies and read something happy.

This is a great book and very well written. It just depressed me too much. I think I could identify too much with the cat parents.



For Reading Challenges:

A to Z Reading Challenge
What an animal reading challenge
E-Book Challenge
What's in a Name Reading Challenge

Reading Challenge Addict

Reading Challenge Addict


Okay, this seems like the perfect thing for me to be part of...

Some of us have a bit of a problem.
Some of us have a huge problem.
Cheryl from CMash Loves to Read and Gina from Hott Books are two such people and created this group and challenge, Reading Challenge Addict.

They'll be giving away quarterly prizes and recognizing those who are meeting their own expectations by completing the challenges they've entered.

How addicted are you?

* Easy as Pie: 1-5 Challenges (Entered & Completed)
* On the Roof: 6-10 Challenges (Entered & Completed)
* In Flight: 11-15 Challenges (Entered & Completed)
* Out of This World: 16+ Challenges (Entered & Completed)

Rules:
It's not a difficult challenge, actually, it's going to be very simple!

1. This challenge will begin on January 1, 2011 and end on December 31, 2011.
2. Write a starting post joining the challenge and outlining your challenges.
3. Track all of your challenge accomplishments - good & bad.
4. Stop by to join us in the mini-challenges, updates & extra giveaways throughout the year./li>

If you'd like to join in the fun, check out their website Reading Challenge Addict.

I guess I'm in the "Out of This World level. I joined 13 challenges and I'm hosting 6. So, that's a total of 19 and I can't say that I won't join any others :)

Bloated Goat by Manley Peterson




Genre: Children
Publisher: Manley Peterson
Release Date: September 2010
Format: EBook

When Granny Hammy discovers Bloated Goat has died, her grandson Cocky Doodle is devastated. Bloated Goat was his best friend. He insists they give him the proper send off. So Granny and Cocky set off on an adventure their friend would have appreciated.

Along the way they run into all kinds of zany characters from a skunk who is anxious to get married to mobsters and some very hungry animals willing to fulfill their hunger by eating each other. I don’t want to give anything away, but suffice it to say, there are many crazy side stories and secondary characters to keep both children and adults interested.

I never review children’s books and haven’t read any since…well, since I was a child… but this was cute. It even makes adults smile. Anything that gives you laughs for a few hours can’t be a bad thing. Manley Peterson’s sense of humor flows through this book in an entertaining and sometimes even a silly way. If you’re a fan of the Shrek movies, I think you’ll enjoy this book. It’s written in the same vein as the movies.






For reading challenge:

ARC Reading challenge
EBook Reading Challenge
A to Z Reading Challenge
What an animal reading challenge

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Sookie Stackhouse Reading Challenge




Last year this reading challenge was hosted by BethF at Beth Fish Reads. I joined, but didn't get very far. Since then I've become a huge True Blood fan and after season 3 ended, I became interested again in catching up with this series. So, I'm starting a reading challenge to help me focus on completing the series. If you'd like to join me, here are the guidelines.

1) Grab the button on top and put it on your blog and link to this challenge.

2) Sign up with the link below. Please make sure the url you use goes directly to your blog post about this challenge.

3) If you don't have a blog, that's okay. Just comment below that you want to join. Then come back to let us know which books you've read. For those with a blog and posting reviews, I will have a link for completed reviews.

4) Make a list of which books in the series you still have to read. Whether you are just beginning or up to #2, 3, 4, etc...that's how many books you have to read.

5) Books can be in any format (print, ebook, audio) and you can crossover to other challenges.

6) The challenge goes from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011.

Please use the linky below to sign up. Please use the url that goes directly to your blog post (not to your homepage).



Please use the linky below to post your completed reviews. Please use the url that goes directly to your review of the book.




Here is the complete list of Sookie books...

1. Dead Until Dark
2. Living Dead in Dallas
3. Club Dead
4. Dead to the World
5. Dead as a Doornail
6. Definitely Dead
7. All Together Dead
8. From Dead to Worse
9. Dead and Gone
10. Dead in the Family
11. Dead Reckoning (comes out in May 2011)

The ones I still need to read...

4. Dead to the World Click for review
5. Dead as a Doornail Click for review
6. Definitely Dead Click for review
7. All Together Dead Click for review
8. From Dead to Worse Click for review
9. Dead and Gone Click for review
10. A Touch of Dead click for Review
11. Dead in the Family Click for Review
12. Dead Reckoning Click for Review

Monday, December 27, 2010

A - Z Mystery Challenge 2011



Okay, this is it...this is the last one I'm joining (famous last words!). I love mysteries so I couldn't resist this one. It's being hosted by Red Headed Book Child.

RULES:

  • Challenge runs from January 1 - December 31, 2011. Sign up ends February 1, 2011.
  • Read A-I, J-P or Q-Z. You choose. The letter group you choose must be the last name of the author. (i.e= S for John Sandford).
  • Mystery genre can include Cozy, Suspense, Thriller, or Noir. All Adult novels please.
  • Leave a comment if you would like to sign up. I am getting rid of Mr. Linky.
  • Write a post about this challenge and which group/s you pick. You can list the authors you choose or do it as you go.
  • When you post your reviews, mention this challenge and link back to this sign up post.
  • Sign up for my Giveaway below! You must be a follower, reside in the U.S and post about this challenge. I would appreciate it if you would sign up but it is not a requirement. I would like the help in spreading the word.
  • Winner will be announced January 11, 2011.

I'm going to choose the J-P group. I'll be listing my books here...

J - Hour of the Hunter by J.A. Jance
K - Capable of Murder by Brian Kavanagh Click for review
L - Mai Tai One On by Jill Marie Landis Click for review
M - Code Blue by Richard Mabry
N - White Heat by Brenda Novak
O - Watch them Die by Kevin O'Brien
P - Night Tides by Alex Prentiss


To sign up, go to Red Headed Book Child.

Romance Reading Challenge 2011


I've been waiting for this one. I love my romances! This one is hosted by Naida at The Bookworm. If you'd like to join, go over to her blog and sign up. Here are the details...

1. "Romance" isn't limited to steamy Harlequin novels. There is a huge selection of books in this category such as contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense and paranormal romance to name a few. As long as the story has romantic love between the two main characters your selection will fit this challenge. The novels do not need to have a happy ending either, there can also be unrequited love.

Here are a few suggestions:
-anything written by Jane Austen: classics/regency romance
-Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell: historical romance
-Nicholas Sparks books: contemporary romance *have box of tissues handy*
-Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding: contemporary romance/humor
-Gena Showalter's books: contemporary romance/paranormal
-The Twilight series By Stephenie Meyer: YA Romance/paranormal
-Benny & Shrimp by Katarina Mazetti: contemporary romance
-The Princess Bride by William Goldman: fantasy/romance/humor
-Frederica by Georgette Heyer: regency romance
-Outlander by Diana Gabaldon: time travel romance
-The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss: historical romance
-Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë: gothic romance/classics

Need more suggestions? Visit Best Romance Novels Today, Best Romance Stories and Romance Novels on Wikipedia.

2. Choose at least 5 novels to read. You can change your choices at any time. Crossovers between other challenges are fine.

3. Read them at your own pace in 2011 then post the link to your review(s).

I haven't chosen my 5 books yet, but I'll be listing them here...

1. Fatal Embrace by Aris Whittier Click for review
2. Stir Until Thoroughly Confused by Heather Wardell Click for review
3. The Wishing Hour by Jewel Adams Click for review
4. How Sweet It Is by Sophie Gunn Click for Review
5. Soul Sacrifice by Leanore Elliot Click for review

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Arc Reading Challenge 2011



This is a great one for me because I end up reading more ARCs for reviews than anything else. This one is hosted by Teddy Rose at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time.

Here's the info...

Note: I use the term "ARC" loosely,any book a publisher or author gives you with the expectation that you review it, counts for this challenge.

The Levels

Level Bronze: .a. All of us who have or will have less than 12 ARCS must read all of the ARCS we have. Note, that if you have 11 ARC's and then receive a 12th one you will be bumped up to catagory b.

b. All of us who have or will have 12 or more than 12 ARCS must read and review at least 12.

Level Silver: Read 24 ARCS

Level Gold: Read 25 ARCS

Level Platinum: Read 30 or more ARCS


Rules:

* To sign up, leave a direct link to your blog post about this challenge. Please leave a comment as well.

* You don't have to make a list of which ARC's you plan to read, but you can if you want.

* If you choose a lower level, you can always change it to a higher level if you like. However, you cannot go from a higher level back down to a lower level.

* Crossovers with other challenges are allowed and Audio-books and ebooks are allowed as long as they are ARC's.

* Read the books and review them on your blog. If you don't have a blog, you can post your review on sites like Powells, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.

* Please subscribe to my blog, as I will be doing a monthly post with MR Linky. Please add your reviews for each month in MR Linky in the monthly post. For your Name, please use this format Name: (Your Name, Book Title and Author's Name) for example: (Teddy, Obsessive Reading by Helen Reader). Please be sure to use the direct link to your review, not just to your blog. Then please leave a comment.

* HAVE FUN!

I'm going for the Bronze Level and will list my books here...

1. Bloated Goat by Manley Peterson Click for review
2. How Sweet it Is by Sophie Gunn Click for review
3. Indefensible by Pamela Callow Click for review
4. Soul Sacrifice by Leonore Elliot Click for review
5. The Innocent by Vincent Zandri Click for review
6. The Wishing Hour by Jewel Adams Click for review
7. Stir Until Thoroughly Confused by Heather Wardell Click for review
8. Vestal Virgin by Suzanne Tyrpak Click for review
9. Capable of Murder by Brian Kavanaugh Click for review
10. Embroidered Corpse by Brian Kavanaugh Click for review
11. Anasazi Intrigue by Linda Weaver Clarke Click for review
12. Fatal Embrace by Aris Whittier Click for review

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge 2011



I couldn't resist this one as I love my romance reading :)

This one is hosted by Romance Book Maven

Details –

1. By contemporary romance I mean straight contemporary, so without paranormal, fantasy or time-travel elements. Sexy, steamy contemporaries are eligible and so are category romances. (i.e. Harlequin Blaze, Harlequin Presents, Harlequin Super Romances, Silhoutte Desires, etc.)

2. Read at least 10 contemporaries between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011

3. You don’t have to pre-select your books, you can just add them as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed. Nothing is set in stone! Also, the books you choose can crossover into or from other challenges you are participating in.

4. Feel free to grab the button below for the sidebar of your blog. It would be great if you would link it back to this post so others can find their way back to this post and join the challenge.

5. If you decide to join this challenge be sure to create a post telling others and feel free to add a link back to this post so others can join in the fun.

I'll be listing my books here...

1. A Red Hot Mess by Kimberly Van Meter Click for review
2. Stir Until Thoroughly Confused by Heather Wardell Click for review
3. How Sweet It Is by Sophie Gunn Click for review
4. Driftwood Cottage by Sherryl Woods Click for review
5. Fatal Embrace by Aris Whittier Click for review
6. Ecstacy by Bella Andre Click for review
7. Touchdowns & Potions by Markee Anderson Click for review
8. Belleporte Summer by Laura Abbot Click for review
9. Secrets of Bella Terra by Christina Dodd Click for review
10. The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson Click for review

Friday, December 24, 2010

Time Travel Reading Challenge 2011



I joined this one last year, but I didn't get anywhere with it. However, I'll give it another try since I have always loved time travels. This challenge is hosted by Alyce at At Home With Books


The Rules:

Decide how many time travel books you want to read and then read them before the end of 2011 - that's it! (The challenge goes from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011.)

Please leave a link to your challenge post in Mister Linky below.

Time Travel Books:

Don't know which books to choose? I've been keeping a list of time travel themed books for over a year now. If you know of a title or author that's not on the list feel free to leave a comment with the information and I'll add it to the list.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
A Handful of Time by Kit Pearson
A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux (and others)
A Shortcut in Time by Charles Dickinson
A Swiftly Tilting Planet by Madeleine L'Engle
A Time to Remember by Stanley Shapiro
A Traveller in Time by Alison Uttley
A Wind in the Door by Madeleine L'Engle
A Wish in Time by Laurel Bradley
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
Angel Time by Anne Rice
Beauty by Sheri S. Tepper
Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning (and others in the Highlander series)
Blue Bells of Scotland by Laura Vosika (part of the Blue Bells Trilogy)
Charming the Highlander by Janet Chapman (and others of the Highlander Trilogy)
Doomsday Book by Connie Willis
Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey
From Time to Time by Jack Finney
Green Darkness by Anya Seton
Gunpowder Empire by Harry Turtledove
Heatherfield by M. Jean Pike
If I Never Get Back by Darryl Brock
Kindred by Octavia Butler
Kingdom of Shadows by Barbara Erskine
Lady of Hay by Barbara Erskine
Making History by Stephen Fry
Many Waters by Madeleine L'Engle
Mr. Was by Pete Hautman
My Dirty Little Book of Stolen Time by Liz Jensen
Once Upon a Rose by Judith O'Brien
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (and all of the other books in the Outlander series)
Pirates by Linda Lael Miller
Replay by Ken Grimwood
Return of the Highlander by Sara Mackenzie
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Somewhere in Time by Richard Matheson
The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers
The Accidental Time Machine by Joe Halderman
The Box of Delights by John Masefield
The Cross Time Engineer by Leo A. Frankowski (and others in the Adventures of Conrad Stargard series)
The Death of Sleep by Anne McCaffrey (not exactly time travel, but the character goes into cold sleep and wakes up after an unusual amount of time)
The Door Into Summer by Robert A. Heinlein
The Forgery of Venus by Michael Gruber
The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley (time travel as a minor part of the plot)
The House on the Strand by Daphne du Maurier
The Kingdom of Ohio by Matthew Flaming
The Legend MacKinnon by Donna Kauffman
The Mirror by Marlys Millhiser
The Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling
The Reluctant Time Traveler by Lynda Eymann
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Douglas Adams (book 2 in a series)
The Shroud of the Thwacker by Chris Elliott
The Time Machine by H. G. Wells
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
The Time Travelers (The Gideon Trilogy) by Linda Buckley-Archer
The Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde (book 3 in a series)
Three Days to Never by Tim Powers
Time and Again by Jack Finney
Time Cat by Lloyd Alexander
Time Traveler's Never Die by Jack McDevitt
Time's Arrow by Martin Amis
Timeline by Michael Crichton
To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis
Trapped in Time by Ruth Chew
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead


Authors with multiple time travel books:

Linda Buckley-Archer
Janet Chapman
Jude Deveraux
Leo A. Frankowski
Diana Gabaldon
Lynn Kurland
Madeleine L'Engle
Anne McCaffrey (some of the Pern books)
Karen Marie Moning
E. Nesbit
Harry Turtledove
Hollie Van Horne
Laura Vosika
Connie Willis

I'm going to try to read five books. I'll list them here...

1. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
2. Time Zone by Tom Lichtenberg
3.
4.
5.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge 2011


This looks like another fun challenge. I read 100 books in 2009, but in 2010 I know I'm not going to reach 100. I'm hoping to reach 100 in 2011.

Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge
hosted by The Book Vixen

Details:

* Runs January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011 (books read prior to 1/1/11 do not count towards the challenge). You can join at anytime. You can sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
* The goal is to outdo yourself by reading more books in 2011 than you did in 2010. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. Nothing is set in stone; you can change levels at any time during the challenge.
* Books can be any format (bound, eBook, audio).
* Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are fine.
* You can list your books in advance or list them as you read them. It is not required that you review the books you read for this challenge but feel free to do so.
* Post this reading challenge on your blog so you can keep a list of the books you’ve read for this challenge. Please include a link back to this post so readers can join the challenge too.
* You do not have to be a book blogger to participate. You can keep tabs on books you’ve read for this challenge on Goodreads or LibraryThing if you’d like (maybe make a shelf for “Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge”). If you are not on either of those sites then you can list the books you read for this challenge in the comments on my wrap-up post, which will be up at the end of 2011.

Levels:

Getting my heart rate up – Read 1–5 more books
Out of breath – Read 6–10 more books
Breaking a sweat – Read 11–15 more books
I’m on fire! – Read 16+ more books

I'm going with the "Out of breath" level and I'll list my books here...

1.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

2011 TBR Lite Challenge



Okay, so I tried to cut back and tried to resist, but I guess I'm a reading challenge junkie at heart. I figure there are worse things to be addicted to then reading and challenges. LOL

This challenge I've joined the past two years. I haven't completed it yet, but I'll give it another try. It's hosted by MizB and you can sign up here.

CHALLENGE STARTS: January 1st, of the current year
CHALLENGE ENDS: December 31st, of the current year

For those who love the Original TBR Challenge, but need a little less “pressure” on their reading, the TBR Challenge *LITE* offers you that option!

You have your choice of ONE of the 3 options:

OPTION A: read 6 books in 12 months ~ your list of books CANNOT be changed, but you are allowed to have an “Alternates” list to choose from (like in the Original TBR Challenge).

OPTION B: read 6 books in 12 months ~ you CAN change your reading list throughout the year

OPTION C: make up a list of however many books you think you could get read in 12 months, as long as they are from your TBR stack/list, and then read them between January 1st and December 31st. You must have at least 3 books on your list.

Some Other General Guidelines:
- You are allowed to overlap with other challenges
- Audiobooks are allowed
- e-Books are allowed, but must still be books that you’ve wanted to read for at least 3, or more, months
- You should still have a list of books posted somewhere for others to see
- You don’t have to read your books in the order you put them on your list

I'm going with Option B. I need to be able to change books throughout the year :)

I'll list them here...

1. From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris Click for review
2. All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris Click for review
3. Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris Click for review
4. Kiss the Girls by James Patterson Click for review
5. Dead As a Doornail by Charlaine Harris Click for review
6. Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris Click for review

2011 Audio Book Challenge



I couldn't resist this one since I'm back to listening to audios on my way to and from work. This is hosted by Teresa at Teresa's Reading Corner

The 2011 Audio Book Challenge will run from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011.

There are 4 levels to choose from:

Curious: 3 Audio Books
Fascinated: 6 Audio Books
Addicted: 12 Audio Books
Obsessed: 20 Audio Books

I'm going with "Fascinated: 6 Audio Books"

I will list them here...

1. Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris Click for review
2. Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris Click for review
3. Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris Click for review
4. All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris Click for review
5. From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris Click for review
6. Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris Click for review

Saturday, December 11, 2010

A to Z Reading Challenge




I've been waiting for the 2011 announcement of this challenge to be posted. I've joined it for the past two years. Although I haven't completed it yet, I want to try again in 2011. If you want to join in, sign up at A to Z Challenge.

Here's the info...

How does this reading challenge work? Choose the option that works best for you...

Authors -- Read alphabetically by author. Commit to 26 books.
Titles -- Read alphabetically by title. Commit to 26 books.
Authors & Titles -- Commit to reading 52 books


How strict is the 26 or 52? I know it isn't always easy to find those difficult letters. The thought of finding the X's (for example) might scare folks away. It shouldn't! I'm a merciful host! (Ask anyone!)

If you want to give the X's a go... For authors, try to find an X in the first name, middle name, or last name. For titles, it doesn't have to be the starting word. Try to find an X somewhere in a title, and it'd count in my book.

Still can't find a book for the letter you need? I'll take your word for it. I've been there. I know. If your library doesn't see the need to order books just because it starts with an X, then I don't blame you for not wanting to special order a book that you may or may not enjoy. You gave it your best, don't feel bad. You can still make this challenge work for you.

For ideas on what to read, check out these former challenge sites: year one,year two, year three.


I like the alphabetical titles choice. I'll list my books here...

A. Anasazi Intriuge by Linda Weaver Clarke Click for review
B. Bloated Goat by Manley Peterson Click for review
C. Capable of Murder by Brian Kavanagh Click for review
D. Dewey Nine Lives by Vicki Myron Click for review
E. The Embroidered Corpse by Brian Kavanagh Click for review
F. Fatal Embrace by Aris Whittier Click for review
G. The Gingerbread Bump-off by Livia J. Washburn click for review
H. How Sweet It Is by Sophie Gunn Click for review
I. The Innocent by Vincent Zandri Click for review
J.
K. Kiss the Girls by James Patterson Click for review
L. The Last Darling by Cloud Buchholz Click for review
M. Mayan Intrigue by Linda Weaver Clarke Click for review
N.
O. Opal Fire by Barbra Annino Click for review
P.
Q.
R. The Road by Cormac McCarthy Click for review
S. Soul Sacrifice by Leanore Elliot Click for review
T. Touchdowns & Potions by Markee Anderson Click for review
U. The Undertaker by William F. Brown Click for review
V. Vestal Virgin by Suzanne Tyrpak Click for review
W. The Wishing Hour by Jewel Adams Click for review
X.
Y. You Can Be Happy No Matter What by Richard Carlson Click for review
Z.

Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2011



I know I wasn't going to host another reading challenge, but I couldn't help myself :) I love cozy mysteries and I want to read more of them this year. To find out exactly what a cozy mystery is, check out Cozy-Mystery.com. This site is dedicated to cozy mysteries and does a great job of defining them as well as giving a list of cozy mysteries. This challenge is NOT restricted to what is on their list, it's just to be used as a guideline in case you need some hints on what to read.

So, here are the rules...

1. Choose the level you wish to participate:

Level 1 - Snoop - Read 1-6 books
Level 2 - Investigator - Reading 7-12 books
Level 3 - Super Sleuth - Read 13 or more books

2. The challenge runs from January 1, 2011 and ends December 31, 2011.

3. You don't have to choose your books in advance. If you do, you can change your list at any time during the year. Books can overlap with other challenges.

4. Books can be in any format - paper, audio, ebooks...it all counts!

5. You don't have to post a review, but I'm sure others would love to know about the books you are reading and may even want to add it to their reading lists.

NOTE: If you don't have a blog and want to participate, that's fine. You don't have to have a blog, just post in the comments section as you finish books.


6. Take the button above, put it on your blog and post about the challenge. Then add your name to Mr. Linky below...Please use the link of challenge post, not the link to your home page.

Have fun!



Please use Mr. Linky below to post completed reviews. Post it like this: In the "Your Box" type: Your Name (Title of book read), in the url box: The link to your review post.




I'm going to go for the 2nd level - Investigator and read 7-10 books. I'll list them here:

1. Capable of Murder by Brian Kavanagh Click for review
2. The Embroidered Corpse by Brian Kavanagh Click for review
3. Bloody Ham by Brian Kavanagh Click for review
4. Haunting Jordan by P.J. Alderman Click for review
5. Executive Sick Days by Maria E. Schneider Click for review
6. Opal Fire by Barbra Annino Click for review
7. Curiosity Thrilled the Cat by Sofie Kelly Click for review

Monday, December 6, 2010

2011 Show Me The Free Reading Challenge



This is the perfect challenge for me! I love this! Since I got my Nook in March, I can't tell you how many freebies from Barnes & Noble, as well as other Ebook sites, I downloaded. Almost everyday I'm downloading three or four free books. I have over 700 books on my Nook and most of them were free. This is the perfect way for me to start reading them. If you'd like to join in the fun, click the button above to sign up.

Here is how it works:

* Should you choose to participate in this challenge, your goal is to read at least twelve (12) legally obtained e-books which you got for FREE for your e-reading device. While twelve is the minimum there is no maximum limit.

* Anyone can join. You don't have to be a blogger, and you don't have to live in the United States.

* Any E-Reader will work for this challenge, including: iPad, Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Sony Reader, enTourage.

* Please Note: If you don't have an e-reading device, you can still join in with Amazon's Free Kindle Reading Apps which you can download for your iPhone, iPad, Mac, PC, Blackberry and more.

* The challenge runs from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011. You can join at anytime.

* e-books in ANY genre count for this challenge as long as it was FREE at the time that you downloaded it.

* Every month in 2011, I will make a post for the Show Me The Free Reading Challenge so you can link your reviews.

* Those that link their reviews will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a different prize each month, such as an Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Card, a bookmark, or a GelaSkins for your E-Reader. Winners will be announced at the end of each month.

Challenge Guidelines:

* If you blog, create a post announcing your participation in the challenge. Please include a link back to this post.

* Non blogger must publish reviews on some type of public domain such as Goodreads, Shelfari, LibraryThing, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble to enter the monthly giveaway.

* When you post your book review, you MUST say how you obtained the free read. Please make your source clear.

* You can list your books in advance or list them as you read them.

* Crossovers to other reading challenges is acceptable, but galley e-books DO NOT count. Again, this is a Reading Challenge to read as many of the FREE e-books legally offered for your e-reader. To get started, check out the Top 100 Free books on Amazon, or the Free e-books on Barnes & Noble.

* Any linked reviews that do not meet the guidelines will not be entered into the monthly drawing for the prize of the month.

Levels:

Coupon Clipper: 12 Books
Penny Pincher: 24 Books
Super Saver: 30+ Books

I'm going to do the Coupon Clipper level for 12 books.

I'll list my books here...

1. The Shop on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber (from B&N)
3. What Would Jane Austen Do? by Laurie Brown (from B&N)
2. Time Zone by Tom Lichtenberg (from B&N)
3. Hour of the Hunter by J.A. Jance (from B&N)
4. Code Blue by Richard Mabry (from B&N)
5. Cowboy Trouble by Joanne Kennedy (from B&N)
6. Romeo, Romeo by Robin Kay (from B&N)
7. Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife by Linda Berdoll (from B&N)
8. A Dog Named Slugger by Leigh Brill (from Kobo) Click for review
9. Touchdowns & Potions by Markee Anderson (from Kobo) Click for review
10. Cruise Ship Chronicles: Cozumel Cool by James Vaughn (from Kobo) Click for review
11. Eternity Embraced by Larissa Ione (from Kobo) Click for review
12. Ecstasy by Bella Andre (from Kobo) Click for review

Thursday, December 2, 2010

2011 E-Book Challenge



Since I got my Nook in March, I'm hooked on ebooks, so when I saw this challenge, I had to join. It's hosted by La Coccinelle at The Ladybug Reads.

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

--Non-bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:

-- Curious – Read 3 e-books.

-- Fascinated – Read 6 e-books.

-- Addicted – Read 12 e-books.

-- Obsessed – Read 20 e-books.

3. Any genre counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap-up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1, 2011 and lasts until December 31, 2011.

I'm going with the Addicted level - 12 ebooks. I will eventually list my book choices here:

1. Bloated Goat by Manley Peterson Click for review
2. Dewey Nine Lives by Vicki Myron Click for review
3. Soul Sacrifice by Leanore Elliot Click for review
4. The Innocent by Vincent Zandri Click for review
5. Kiss the Girls by James Patterson Click for review
6. The Wishing Hour by Jewel Adams Click for review
7. Stir Until Thoroughly Confused by Heather Wardell Click for review
8. Capable of Murder by Brian Kavanagh Click for review
9. Vestal Virgin by Suzanne TyrpakClick for review
10. Fatal Embrace by Aris Whittier Click for review
11. The Embroidered Corpse by Brian Kavanagh Click for review
12. Anasazi Intrigue by Linda Weaver Clarke Click for review

Friday, November 26, 2010

Nicholas Sparks reading Challenge 2011



I had to join this one - I love Nicholas Sparks' books and I nearly started a challenge of my own for his books last year. So, I was excited to see that someone started one this year. Thank you Book Vixen! If you'd like to join up, click the button above.

Details:

* Runs January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011(books read prior to 1/1/11 do not count towards the challenge). You can join at anytime – Sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
* The goal is to read or re-read as many Nicholas Sparks novels as you’d like. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. Nothing is set in stone; you can change levels at any time during the challenge.
* Books can be any format (bound, eBook, audio).
* Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are fine.
* You can list your books in advance or list them as you read them. It is not required that you review the books you read for this challenge but feel free to do so.
* Post this reading challenge on your blog so you can keep a list of the books you’ve read for this challenge. Please include a link back to this post so readers can join the challenge too.
* You do not have to be a book blogger to participate. You can keep tabs on books you’ve read for this challenge on Goodreads or LibraryThing if you’d like (maybe make a shelf for “Nicholas Sparks Reading Challenge”). If you are not on either of those sites then you can list the books you read for this challenge in the comments on my wrap-up post, which will be up at the end of 2011.



Levels:

First Date – Read 1–4 Nicholas Sparks novels
Going Steady – Read 5–8 Nicholas Sparks novels
Engaged – Read 9–12 Nicholas Sparks novels
Married – Read 13–16 Nicholas Sparks novels


List of Nicholas Sparks novels:

The Notebook
Message in a Bottle
A Walk to Remember
The Rescue
A Bend in the Road
Nights in Rodanthe
The Wedding
The Guardian
Three Weeks With My Brother
True Believer (read this first, before At First Sight)
At First Sight (read this after True Believer)
The Choice
Dear John
The Lucky One
The Last Song
Safe Haven


I'm going to sign up for First Date - Read 1-4 books. These are the books I plan to read...

1. Dear John
2. The Lucky One
3. The Last Song
4. The Rescue

What's in a Name 4



Beth F is hosting this challenge. I joined for the last two years and haven't completed it yet, but I'm determined to give it another try. If you'd like to sign up, click the button above.

Here's How It Works

Between January 1 and December 31, 2011, read one book in each of the following categories:

1. A book with a number in the title: First to Die, Seven Up, Thirteen Reasons Why
2. A book with jewelry or a gem in the title: Diamond Ruby, Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Opal Deception
3. A book with a size in the title: Wide Sargasso Sea, Small Wars, Little Bee
4. A book with travel or movement in the title: Dead Witch Walking, Crawling with Zombies, Time Traveler's Wife
5. A book with evil in the title: Bad Marie, Fallen, Wicked Lovely
6. A book with a life stage in the title: No Country for Old Men, Brideshead Revisited, Bog Child


Here are my choices, which could change later in the year...

1. Dewey Nine Lives by Vicki Myron (A book with a number in the title) Click for review
2. Opal Fire by Barbra Annino (A Book with jewelry or a gem in the title) Click for review
3. A Little Consequence by Amy Knupp (A book with a size in the title)
4. Dancing in the Moonlight by RaeAnne Thayne (A book with travel or movement in the title)
5. The Bad Widow by Barbara Elsborg (A book with evil in the title)
6. Baby Bonanza by Maureen Child (A book with a life stage in the title)

The Harlequin/Silhouette 2011 Reading Challenge



It's that time of year again when we end one year's challenge and begin the next. Traditionally, I go crazy and join a million of them but I don't think I'll be going overboard this year. I did awful this year with my challenges, but hopefully next year will be a better one for me. I'm going to be a bit more choosy about which ones I join.

My first one is the Harlequin/Silhouette Reading Challenge. Of course I have to join this one since I host it. LOL You can join by clicking on the button above.

Here's the info:

Rules:

1) Challenge is from Jan 1, 2011 to Dec 31, 2011.

2) All of the books must be from the Harlequin family of imprints (includes Mira books as well)

3) Read one book for each of these requirements:

1. A relationship in the title (mother, father, brother, sister, etc.)
2. A weather condition in the title (rain, snow, storm, etc.)
3. An occupation in the title (cop, nurse, doctor, etc.)
4. A book with the author's first or last name beginning with "C"
5. A name in the title (Mary, Sam, etc.)

Here are my choices:

1. Firefighter Daddy by Lee McKenzie (A relationship in the title)
2. The Snow-Kissed Bride by Linda Goodnight (A weather condition in the title)
3. What the Librarian Did by Karina Bliss (An occupation in the title)
4. Private Sessions by Tori Carrington (A book with the author's first or last name beginning with "C")
5. With Victoria's Blessing by Mary Nichols (A name in the title) Click for review