End of Year Survey - 2011

So I saw this great survey on Alternate Readality and decided to fill it out for myself.  If you would like to join you can head over to 

1. Best Book You Read In 2011?
Gosh thats a hard pick, I loved books from each of the genres so I think I might cheat and pick a couple of different books and honestly how can I narrow the list down after reading so many books this year?!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins & Divergent by Veronica Roth were definitely towards the top of my list, both sucked me right in.
If I Stay by Gayle Forman was probably one of the most beautiful books, I loved the writing style.
Broken Chords Barbara Snow Gilbert was a great YA book this year
Aurelia by Anne Osterlund was a great twist on traditional princess stories, loved it.
Of course Fire by Kristin Cashore will always top my list every year I read it.
Dusty Britches by Marcia Lynn McClure was a great western romance.
Stone Cold Seduction by Jess Macallan was by far my favorite paranormal romance this year!

2. Most Disappointing Book/Book You Wish You Loved More Than You Did?

I hate to say it but Catching Fire and Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins were real disappointing after reading Hunger Games.  I felt they were rushed and just thrown together without much development or thought.

3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2011?

 I generally don't read books unless I know I will enjoy it but I think I have to say the book that I ended up loving far more than I expected was Divergent or Christmas Jars by Jason Wright.

4. Book you recommended to people most in 2011?

Oh goodness, another list I have to narrow down! If I Stay was definitely on that list and I of course push for Fire every chance I get!

5. Best series you discovered in 2011?

I have to say the Gray Court series by Dana Marie Bell has totally sucked me in, I love the fantasy of it all (not to mention the adult romance bits)

6. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2011?

This year was such a big year, I was introduced to a number of authors that have become my favorites! Gayle Forman, Larissa Ione, Barbara Samuel, Robin McKinley, Kailin Gow, and  Jess Macallan just to name a few.

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

 I generally don't like SciFi but when it was suggested to read Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, I gave it a shot.  It was surprisingly good, and didn't talk over my head with the time loops.

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2011?

 I really could not put down Divergent! Thankfully I read it on a day when the boss was out of town so I could read it straight through to the end :D

9. Book you most anticipated in 2011?

 I have to say Hit List by Laurell K. Hamilton, I am a huge Anita Blake fan (and Merry Gentry for that matter) and couldn't wait for this next book. It definitely wasn't a disappointment either!

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2011?

 

11. Most memorable character in 2011? 

Probably Katniss from Hunger Games or Four from Divergent

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2011?

Definitely If I Stay and Where She Went, something about the pacing and rhythm.

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2011? 
Again, probably If I Stay or Christmas Jars, both were emotional books in different ways.

14. Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2011 to finally read? 

Hunger Games and The Notebook, why oh why did I wait so long?!

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2011?

I generally don't note quotes but one that made me laugh hysterically was from Blood of a Maple by Dana Marie Bell -  "Your giving me the choice? I thought macho men made all the safety decisions when it came to the womenfolk. You know, grunt, grunt. Get in house Wo-man. Followed by the inevitable beating of hairy chests."

16. Book That You Read In 2011 That Would Be Most Likely To Reread In 2012? 

I swear I re-read Fire every year. I will probably also re-read some of Dana Marie Bell's series as the new books come out, and Bitter Frost by Kailin Gow to get ready for the rest of the series.

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!

Again probably Divergent & Hunger Games, they were just that type of book.

 Book Blogging/Reading Life in 2011

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2011? 

They are all new to me this year but some of my favorite stops are Alternate Readality, Badass Book Reviews, Quill Cafe, Sunny Reads, The Write Obsession, and Thoughts at One in the Morning.


2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2010? 

Probably the Hunger Games trilogy review, I was kind of without words and didn't really stick to a review structure, but just rambled.
 
3. Best discussion you had on your blog? 

I don't really have too many discussions on my blog, mostly just reviews.

4. Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else's blog?


I have to say my favorite post has to be from Thoughts at One in the Morning and the author guest post by Liz Reinhardt What My Little Ponies Taught Me About Life.

5. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

I didn't get out much this year, didn't even make it to the Boston Book Festival but I did start up a Book Club, hasn't been super successful but I have high hopes for 2012.

6. Best moment of book blogging in 2011?

 Um probably winning two giveaways by Badass Book Reviews for Stone Cold Seduction by Jess Macallan and Dangerous Desires by Diane Escalera, I got introduced to two new great authors that I can't wait to read more books.  Isn't that the whole reason for book blogging, to find new books and authors?!

 7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

 Oddly enough the most popular (viewed) post by far with 71 views was the Bedtime Story featuring The Giving Tree, guess we are all just little kids inside :P

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

 I'm not sure, I just want everyone to enjoy the reviews and join in my love for these books.

9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

 Finding out that some of my close friends who I have known for years actually love books! And finding new friends through books.

10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

I didn't complete my 2011 Challenge (I blame it on all you book bloggers and bringing new books to my attention HAHAHA), but I did meet my goodreads challenge of 100 books by reading 136!

Looking Ahead...

1. One Book You Didn't Get To In 2011 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2012?

Gosh so many, I am really looking forward to reading the 3rd book in the Gray Court series, Artistic Vision by Dana Marie Bell, Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay, and Immortal Rider by Larissa Ione


2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2012?

 Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore!!! Been waiting for a few years for this one and already have mine on pre-order!!


3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2012?

 I would like to meet all of my challenges this year and knock down that giant TBR pile of mine.  I also want to lessen the amount of books I actually purchase by reading the ones I already have waiting.

On my blog, I want to restart my Bedtime Stories and be more consistent with my posting of it. I also want to improve my review posts (I also need to get pictures for my rating system).  Small goals but ones I would like to achieve.

I wanted to add a little bit of my top books and biggest disappointments to this list so here you have it.

My Top Books for  2011

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Stone Cold Seduction by Jess Macallan

Fire by Kristin Cashore

Aurelia by Anne Osterlund

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

If I Stay & Where She Went by Gayle Forman

Broken Chords by Barbara Snow Gilbert

Pegasus by Robin McKinley

Dare to Believe & Noble Blood by Dana Marie Bell

My Biggest Disappointment Books of 2011

Knight Moves by Jamaica Layne

Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

The A Circuit by Catherine Hapka

Ascendant by Diana Peterfreund

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Wildwing by Emily Whitman

A Knight's Enchantment by Lindsay Townsend

So that's 2011, onward to 2012!

2011 Wrap Up & 2012 Outlook

 I know its a few days early but I really really doubt I will get anymore reading done this year.  So here are all the books I read this year with a link to the review if I posted one ;)  I will add this to a page along with the 2010 books and put them in alphabetical order (at some point).

Dare to Believe by Dana Marie Bell

Bear Necessities by Dana Marie Bell

Eye of the Beholder by Dana Marie Bell

Very Much Alive by Dana Marie Bell

Pack Challenge by Shelly Laurenston

Go Fetch by Shelly Laurenston

Here Kitty Kitty by Shelly Laurenston

When He Was Bad by Shelly Laurenston

Tempestuous by Lesley Livingston

Dark Lover by JR Ward

Eternal Lover by JR Ward

Lover Awakened by JR Ward

Lover Revealed by JR Ward

Lover Unbound by JR Ward

Lover Enshrined by JR Ward

Black Dagger Brotherhood Insiders Edition by JR Ward

Lover Avenged by JR Ward

Lover Mine by JR Ward

The Border Vixen by Bertrice Small

Noble Blood by Dana Marie Bell

Highlander Master by Amanda Scott

Shadow Wolf by Dana Marie Bell

Rosamund by Bertrice Small

No One Noticed the Cat by Anne McCaffrey

Until You by Bertrice Small

Philippa by Bertrice Small

The Last Heiress by Bertrice Small

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

Morrigan's Cross by Nora Roberts

Dance of the Gods by Nora Roberts

Valley of Silence by Nora Roberts

A Game of Thrones by George RR Martin

Blood of the Maple by Dana Marie Bell

Strange Candy by Laurell K. Hamilton

Lover Unleashed by JR Ward

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

Pegasus by Robin McKinley

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff

Knight Moves by Jamaica Layne

Broken Chords by Barbara Snow Gilbert

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett

Overprotected by Jennifer Laurens

Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Its Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han

We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Curious George by H.A. Rey

Warprize by Elizabeth Vaughan

Warsworn by Elizabeth Vaughan

Warlord by Elizabeth Vaughan

Warcry by Elizabeth Vaughan

Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

The A Circuit by Catherine Hapka

Corduroy by Don Freeman

A Tailor Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer
Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Hit List by Laurell K. Hamilton

Kade by Cheyenne McCray

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

Huntress by Malinda Lo
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson

Rampant by Diana Peterfreund

Wyoming Brides by Debbie Macomber
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

Belle A Retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Cameron Dokey

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

Aurelia by Anne Osterlund

Ascendant by Diana Peterfreund
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Errant by Diana Peterfreund
Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Golden Healer Dark Enchantress by Christine E. Schulze
Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Leo the Lop by Stephen Cosgrove

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle

Bitter Frost by Kailin Gow
Leo the Lop, Tail Two by Stephen Cosgrove

Fire by Kristin Cashore

From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris
Flutterby by Stephen Cosgrove

Exile by Anne Osterlund

Tears of A Vampire Prince by Christine E. Schulze

Borrowed Light by Carla Kelly

Avalon High by Meg Cabot

Nobody's Princess by Esther M. Friesner

Nobody's Prize by Esther M. Friesner

Wyoming Wildfire by Elizabeth Lane
Little Mouse on the Prairie by Stephen Cosgrove
Grampa-Lop by Stephen Cosgrove

Night of Fire by Barbara Samuel

Wild Hearts by Susan Mallery

Virgin Slave, Barbarian King by Louise Allen

Hearts Aflame by Johanna Lindsey

Dusty Britches by Marcia Lynn McClure

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Dangerous Desire by Diane Escalera

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

Blood Maiden by Christine E. Schulze

Heart of A Knight by Barbara Samuel

Wildwing by Emily Whitman

Stone Cold Seduction by Jess Macallan

Falke's Peak by Madison Layle

Shattered Dreams by Laura Landon

The Mane Event by Shelly Laurenston

The Beast in Him by Shelly Laurenston

Dragon Actually by G.A. Aiken

About a Dragon by G.A. Aiken

What A Dragon Should Know by G.A. Aiken

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Last Dragon Standing by G.A. Aiken

The Dragon Who Loved Me by G. A. Aiken

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Taste Me by Tamara Hogan

Obernewtyn by Isobelle Carmody

Fallen by Lauren Kate

Christmas Jars by Jason Wright

A Kiss of Shadows by Laurell K. Hamilton

A Knight's Enchantment by Lindsay Townsend

Were She Belongs by Dixie Lynn Dwyer

A Caress of Twilight by Laurell K. Hamilton

The Last Cowboy by Lindsay McKenna

I am sure I even missed a few of the books from this year, but I nearly doubled the number of books from 2010 :)

Here is a little break down:

Historical & Other Romance - 22

Paranormal & Fantasy Romance - 47

Fantasy - 5

Young Adult - 36

Children's & Middle Readers - 22
Other - 1

Phew! What a 2011?!  So what's in store for 2012 you ask?  Well . . . a few Challenges . . .

Mount TBR Challenge - Goal of 50 books (already have them pulled out and set aside)
Classics Challenge - Goal of 5 books (and maybe a few re-reads)
Arthurian Legends Challenge - Goal of 15 books

For a total of 65 already planned.  I am setting a lighter goal for 2012 of 75 total books since looking at plans and schedules for the year its going to be a crazy crazy year!


So how did you do this year? Plans for next year?

 

Christmas Haul!!

So I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas surrounded by friends and family (and got a few books from your wishlist)!

So I thought I would share the books I got for Christmas with all of you . . .

Yup I got Inheritance so I can use it for my Mount TBR Challenge!

I am so excited, this one has been on my wishlist for years!! (Hubby's comment was, I don't know what you are going to do with that thing, its huge! LOL)

And then of course I got a bunch of Barnes and Noble Giftcards to get more books on my Nook! (I also received one other undisclosed book)

For my non-reader Hubby I  Valerie got him

Valerie decided she is too grown up for toys and opted to watch tv instead



And Niko was so excited for all his toys that he would stare at them all and whimper not knowing which to play with, but finally settled on Bully Dog as his favorite

Very Merry Christmas!

Just wanted to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas this weekend

and may you find lots of pages under your trees ;)

From Our Family to Yours <3

Review of The Last Cowboy by Lindsay McKenna

Synopsis: "City girl. It was written all over her like a sign warning him to keep off. Sure, Slade McPherson would train her horse…With his ranch one bad day away from foreclosure, he can't afford to turn away a paying customer. But no way is this cowboy getting involved with a woman like Jordana Lawton—no matter how pretty she looks in a saddle.
Yet everything can change in an instant. A terrifying run-in with an angry bull tilts Slade's world off its axis, leaving him wounded and unable to compete in a race that could change his future, for good. With Jordana by his side, he just might stand a chance. But what happens when this old-school cowboy finds himself falling for a modern city girl?"

My Review: This was a wonderful book to take me back home. I heart Cowboys, even with their tough exteriors and forbidding personalities. I really enjoyed Slade's personality, though jaded and plagued with hardships he still manages to have a softer side. I also loved Jordana, she has such a positive outlook on everything even after being knocked down a time or two that should could break down any one's barriers. There really didn't seem to be any pointless characters, even the horses seemed essential and had fully developed personality. The ending is a little bitter sweet, since not all the conflict throughout the book is resolved but I think it made things a little more real since there really aren't any perfect happy endings in the world. It was really a very enjoyable, light western romance.        

My Rating: It was a good book, maybe not a great book but still a very good one that I enjoyed entirely.  So I give it a rating of Three Paws.

After Dark Review of A Caress of Twilight by Laurell K. Hamilton

I have added After Dark Reviews to my blog as a way of notifying you of a review of a book with Adult themes and scenes. From now on I will keep my reviews of all books I read that have explicit scenes in them for late night posts for those of you who prefer to avoid them or easy to find for those of you who seek them out ;)

 



 

Synopsis: "After eluding relentless assassination attempts by Prince Cel, her cousin and rival for the Faerie crown, Meredith Gentry, Los Angeles private eye, has a whole new set of problems. To become queen, she must bear a child before Cel can father one of his own. But havoc lies on the horizon: people are dying in mysterious, frightening ways, and suddenly the very existence of the place known as Faerie is at grave risk. So now, while she enjoys the greatest pleasures of her life attempting to conceive a baby with the warriors of her royal guard, she must fend off an ancient evil that could destroy the very fabric of reality. And that’s just her day job. . . ."

My Review: Another exciting adventure in the life of Merry Gentry and her guys! This book started out a little slow but picked up steam and moved like a train coming down a mountain. I loved getting to know each of they guys a little more, I have to say I am totally in love with Doyle and Kitto is just plain adorable and awesome. I liked the slow entry of some new characters, there wasn't a ton of information dumped on you and you had the time to get to know them before someone else entered the story. I am not sure I enjoy the ending of the book, it reads like those notes at the end of a movie based on a real story (ie. fred went on to work in the big city, tom and cindy got married and had a little family, etc.), it seems like kind of a cheap way to throw an ending together after spending so much energy and time in the rest of the story.

My Rating: I really enjoy Merry and all her men, though some of them have personalities that drive me nuts, they all just work.  I was able to put this one down but only for short periods of time, so I give it a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag.

Wednesday Writing

So Wednesday is my official writing update day. I have so many story projects going on and I need a push to get some done. So I will be trying to post each Wednesday about how my writing adventures are going (and I may need a swift kick in the pants by you guys sometimes).

Current Active Project:

Princess Bs - 32,131 words

A story about a woman, recently divorced and returned to her home town to figure out what is next. She encounters an old friend and spends a weekend with him and his daughters. Feelings that are long since buried are rising up again, but are her recent loss and his current life going to stand in the way of their happily ever after?

Other Works in Progress:

The New Old Home - 17,193 words

Everyone dreams of winning the lottery, but what would you do with that money? That is the question presented to Natalie, when she is at the lowest point in her life, she is presented with an opportunity to make any normal person's dreams come true, but all those winnings can't give her what she wants most.

Tamlyn Marie's Grace - 12,072 words

Think Cinderella only with a matchmaker ;)

The Last Mountains - 15,352

A equine shapeshifting family is being hunted to near extinction and the young new leader must go against all her lessons and approach the elite council for aide. Will they help her? How will she keep her family's traditions and values alive, let alone her herd?

Night Rider - 17,229

Alice is a recent high school graduate who is a very accomplished competitive rider in Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, and Western/Rodeo. Her parents had arranged for her to attend a private college on the east coast geared specifically to equine professions. However, Alice wants to focus on her studies in English Literature. When she arrives at the college she hides her riding abilities, but can she keep her talent and love of horses hidden?

Other Ideas Plotting:

Bloodsoar's Story

A pegasus struggles through life, ejected from the herd, near capture by humans.

The Assassin's Assassin

A student learns what the school is really teaching and sets out to destroy those who support the program.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

I really should be crowned the queen of procrastination!! I know exactly what I want to write on the Princess Bs story and where I want it to go but I keep doing other things! 

 

I think I am going to attempt to set a goal to finish the last 18,000ish words by then end of the year, that gives me 10 days.  Now I just got to make sure my finger heals (I managed to slice my pointer finger open really good cutting bagel- gosh I am a clutz) so my fingers can fly instead of having to hit delete and backspace constantly!

Preparing for Christmas

Hehe sorry just had to share this, I love Simon's Cat!

Anywho I promised yesterday that I would share some of what I have been working on that has taken me away from reading and writing so much.

I know this all completely non book related but I thought some of you may enjoy it ;)

So first we have a few of the Christmas custom my little ponies I have been working on (only 2 more to go)

Baby Ginger (her hair smells like cinnamon)

Gaia - a gift for a close friend

Morning Light

(was suppose to be a trade but I am making a different one for them since I am soo in love with her!)

Now for some bookmarks 

A quick Scherenschnitte Hot Rod bookmark for my FIL

Mistletoe Kisses

Glory and the Christmas Star

And some jewelry

Necklace/bracelet for SIL (can be used either way)

Turquoise Necklace for MIL

Some Wine Charm Sets

Girly Girl 4 piece set





Shooting Sports 4 Piece Set

Fishing 6 Piece Set for my parents







Doberman 6 Piece set #1 - 3

(all of these were donated to the rescue we got Niko from to auction off as a fund raiser)

and last Scherenschnitte Christmas Cards

See I really have been super busy this month! I have a few more Wine charm sets, some Scherenschnitte cards and bookmarks, and a custom ponies in the works too :)

I hope you are all ready for Christmas and that you get to spend time surrounded by those you love!











Monday Reading List

Its Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Share what books you have finished in the last week, are currently reading and what might be coming up next!

What I Read Last Week:

Links will take you to my review

Were She Belongs by Dixie Lynn Dwyer (adult paranormal romance)

Currently Reading:

Sabriel by Garth Nix - PB - on page 231 of 496

The Last Cowboy by Lindsay McKenna - PB - on page 132 of 348

A Caress of Twilight by Laurell K. Hamilton - PB - on page 246 of 348

Torment by Lauren Kate - PB - on page 132 of 452

Next Books to be Read:

Catundra by Stephen Cosgrove - Childrens/Bedtime stories

Holes by Lewis Sachar - Middle Reader/ 2011 Challenge

The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis - Middle Reader/ 2011 Challenge/Jan. Book Club

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

Well not too much reading this week, the problem is that they are all paperbacks so I can't be reading them while the boss is in the office (where as I can sneak books on the nook since I have it downloaded on the computer).  But the hope is that this week I will get to leave a little early on a few days. 

 

I only have one more handmade gift to work on (which is not going to get done before Christmas but oh well) and then a few batches of chex mix to make, other than that I am finally caught up and done with Christmas projects!  I will have a post here in a day or so to show you what I have been working so hard on instead of reading and writing. 

 

Speaking of writing, more story ideas are flooding in, eerrg why does that happen when all you want to do is finish one of the many WIPs you have going?!

 

Hope you all have a great week!!

Follow Friday - Guilty as Charged

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3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. LINKY TOOLS IS BACK! I paid for the subscription - finally so now you can add the links to your own post!!! To add the code to your own post click on GET THE CODE here under the list of names.
4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments
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This week's Question:

 When you’ve read a book, what do you do with it? (Keep it, give it away, donate it, sell it, swap it..?)

Talk about a question being directed at me LOL! I am so horrible at hoarding books! I keep pretty much every single book I read, even the ones I don't like! The couple of times I tried to donate books I ended up going out and buying them again. I do the same thing with Library books, if I read it and return it I just end up going out and buying a copy for my own library, I know bad isn't it?! I have tons of books at my house, boxes of books at my in laws and boxes and shelves at my parents house (I think hubby would have a heart attack if he knew just how many books I have). 

I don't know why it is that I can't seem to get rid of books, I know I love the satisfaction of finishing a book and placing it on the shelf (books don't go on the shelves until they have been read).  I also like going back and re-organizing the shelves and remembering each of the books.  I don't have time to re-read a lot but sometimes I will just sit in my library and pick up a book and remember the experience of reading it.

Even worse is when I do swaps, trades or RAK, I can't send on of my books out so I go out and buy a new one to send instead (and I have learned to only send books I have already read otherwise I have to buy two of them lol).

So how about you? Are you a major hoarder like myself, or do you not mind trading your books for new ones?

After Dark Review of Were She Belongs by Dixie Lynn Dwyer

Synopsis: "After being abducted, Lexi is unable to escape and about to be murdered. Growls…bodies flying…the next thing she knows, she’s staring into the eyes of some sexy wolf she met at the club.

Her old friend Sierra helped save her, along with three very sexy and intimidating Alpha males. Although they are triplets, Lexi soon finds out that they are just as powerful individually as they are together. But she’s never really belonged, and all she can give them is danger and pain.

Paul, Saber and Andre have found their mate, and they’re ready to claim her body and soul. The one problem…Lexi trusts no one. She’s lived on the streets, survived on her own, and she’s not about to be pampered. They know she’s in danger and that she’s safest with them.

It’s going to take some sneaky, dominant sexual tactics to convince Lexi she’s where she belongs."

My Review: Well that was a fun read! I loved the characters, Lexi is awesome and tough and I love the push and pull relationship she has with the triplets (especially Saber). Unfortunately I felt like I didn't get to know Paul as well as the other two brothers. I enjoyed the twists and turns that take place in the plot line and the resolution is great. Just a forewarning though if you aren't into explicit scenes or Menage then I suggest searching for a different book.        

My Rating: I enjoyed the characters and the fact that it wasn't entirely about sex but I wanted more.  I give it a rating of Three Paws.

Book Club Review: Christmas Jars by Jason Wright

Synopsis: "Where had it come from? Whose money was it? Was I to spend it? Save it? Pass it on to someone more needy? Above all else, why was I chosen? Certainly there were others, countless others, more needy than me...

Her reporter's intuition insisted that a remarkable story was on the verge of the front page.

Newspaper reporter Hope Jensen uncovers the remarkable secret behind the "Christmas Jars", glass jars filled with coins and bills anonymously left for people in need. But along the way, Hope discovers much more than the origin of the jars. When some unexpected news sets off a chain reaction of kindness, Hope's greatest Christmas Eve wish comes true."

My Review: Wow, what an emotional book! It had me bawling the entire way through it! It may not have been the best written book but it hits where it counts. The characters are what really counts, you instantly love each one of them. Even though it is a fictional tale it still gives you hope that there is good people out there and that the spirit of Christmas hasn't been completely lost. It shows that one kind act leads to another and another, it makes me hope that each time I smile at someone or say please and thank you or hold a door open for someone that maybe that small kindness is turned around and given to someone else. A great Christmas story and lesson that we should all read to bring us back home.

My Rating: This was a great book, even if I wasn't in a rush to read it for book club I still don't think I could have put it down.  I give it a rating of Four Paws.

Rhodie Reader Thoughts: Well due to the insanely busy holiday month no one was able to come to book club, but I did discuss it online with a few of the readers, and we agreed it was a fantastic tear jerker!  I think this will be a must read for every Christmas!

Monday Reading List

Its Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Share what books you have finished in the last week, are currently reading and what might be coming up next!

What I Read Last Week:

Links will take you to my review

A Kiss of Shadows  by Laurell K. Hamilton

A Knight's Enchantment by Lindsay Townsend

Christmas Jars by Jason Wright (book club review coming tomorrow)

Currently Reading:

Sabriel by Garth Nix - PB - on page 231 of 496

A Caress of Twilight by Laurell K. Hamilton - PB - on page 166 of 348

Torment by Lauren Kate - PB - on page 132 of 452

Next Books to be Read:

Catundra by Stephen Cosgrove - Childrens/Bedtime stories

Holes by Lewis Sachar - Middle Reader/ 2011 Challenge

The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis - Middle Reader/ 2011 Challenge/Jan. Book Club

 

 

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So I got a couple of books read this week, and even read what I have written on Princess Bs to get back in that mind frame.  Still finishing a couple of Christmas projects but even those are quickly dwindling.

 

I have read 117 books so far this year, I am determined to make it all the way to 125, only 8 more to go!!

Arthurian Legends 2012 Challenge - My list

So of course I am signing up for my own challenge! I love books that deal with knights, kings, princesses, battles and some magic and above all I love the Legends of King Arthur!

Rules:

1. This challenge runs from January 1st, 2012 through December 31st, 2012. You can join at any time but the books must have been read in this time frame.

2. Any books read for this challenge can be applied towards other challenges

3. You can read any books, new or re-reads, as long as they have to do with some form of the Legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

4. If you have a blog, please create a sign up post and bring the link here so I can come and cheer you on. 

5. I will have monthly updates and encourage you to join me, but it is not required.

6. Pick a level from the below listed, you can always go up a level if you are reading extra books.

7. Have Fun!!


The Levels:

1-5 Books ~ Guinevere

6-10 Books ~ Round Table

11 -15 Books ~ Camelot

16-20 Books ~ Merlin

20-30 Books ~ King Arthur

30+ Books ~ Excalibur

So I have boat loads of these books both on my shelves and in my TBR pile, so I need to pick the ones I want to read.

I think I am going to go with the Camelot level and possibly obtain Merlin!

My Reading List (in no particular order):

1. Under Camelot's Banner by Sarah Zettel

2. In Camelot's Shadow by Sarah Zettel

3. For Camelot's Honor by Sarah Zettel

4. Camelot's Blood by Sarah Zettel

5. Knights of the Round Table: Lancelot by Gwen Rowley

6. Knights of the Round Table: Gawain by Gwen Rowley

7. Knights of the Round Table: Geraint by Gwen Rowley

8. Black Horses for the King by Anne McCaffrey

9. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

10. Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell

11. The Book of Mordred by Vivian Vande Velde

12. The Kingmaking by Helen Hollick

13. Shadow of the King by Helen Hollick

14. Pendragon's Banner by Helen Hollick

15. The Mists of Avalon (crosses fingers I get this one for Christmas)

So do you want to come join me?!  Sign up HERE

Arthurian Legends 2012 Challenge - Join the Battle

So how can anyone resist the Legends that surround King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table, Merlin and the scandal between Sir Lancelot and Queen Guinevere? These legends have influenced authors and stories for generations and continue to do so.  There are always new takes on the myths and legends surrounding King Arthur.  So how about we spend a little time this next year and read a few of our favorite versions of the legend and maybe try some new ones out?!

Rules:

1. This challenge runs from January 1st,  2012 through December 31st, 2012.  You can join at any time but the books must have been read in this time frame.

2. Any books read for this challenge can be applied towards other challenges.

3. You can read any books, new or re-reads, as long as they have to do with some form of the Legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

4. If you have a blog, please create a sign up post and bring the link here so I can come and cheer you on.

 

5. I will have monthly updates and encourage you to join me, but it is not required.

6. Pick a level from the below listed, you can always go up a level if you are reading extra books.

7. Have Fun!!

Levels:

1-5 Books ~ Guinevere

6-10 Books ~ Round Table

11 -15 Books ~ Camelot

16-20 Books ~ Merlin

20-30 Books ~ King Arthur

30+ Books ~ Excalibur

Having trouble coming up with a list of books to read? Check out this awesome list on Goodreads Arthurian Legends List

Review of A Knight's Enchantment by Lindsay Townsend

Synopsis: "Desperate to liberate her father who is being held prisoner by the corrupt Bishop Thomas, Joanna of Glastonbury must use her skills as an alchemist to produce an elixir for eternal life. Gold is a key ingredient, and while panning for its rare gleam, Joanna struggles to rescue a boy who is drowning - until a knight comes to her aid. When Joanna lays eyes on the handsome man, a scorching desire is sparked deep within her. Hugh Manhill is captivated by Joanna's stunning beauty. Whe...moreSynopsis from Amazon: "Desperate to liberate her father who is being held prisoner by the corrupt Bishop Thomas, Joanna of Glastonbury must use her skills as an alchemist to produce an elixir for eternal life. Gold is a key ingredient, and while panning for its rare gleam, Joanna struggles to rescue a boy who is drowning - until a knight comes to her aid. When Joanna lays eyes on the handsome man, a scorching desire is sparked deep within her. Hugh Manhill is captivated by Joanna's stunning beauty. When he and Joanna discover they share a mutual hatred of the Bishop, they devise a daring plan to save their imprisoned family members. Their common mission strengthens their undeniable bond. Soon, neither can resist their all-consuming passion as they risk all for love." My Review: This one took me forever to get through. The pacing was rather slow and there were almost too much going on at once. Add together the fact that Joanna is an alchemist, her father is imprisoned, she a mistress to the Bishop, and of Jewish heritage, etc etc. It really is too much. I didn't really connect with the main characters at all and there was really only one scene that really sparked my interest and felt real and that was the bee keeper scene. There just seemed to be too many stops on Joanna & Hugh's road to saving their family members. I think if a lot of the extras were cut out it would have been a better and more exciting book. My Rating: Unfortunately there is just too much stacked against this one and I have to give it a rating of One Paw and a Stump Wag.

Book Club Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

I just realized I never posted the Book Club review from last month since I was just starting to get sick at that time, so here it is a few days before our next book club meeting :P

Synopsis: "Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place in mortal danger. Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances."

My Review: WOW! What a fantastic book! I literally could not put this one down, thank goodness the boss was gone so I could read all day. I loved the intensity of the book and the characters. Tris is like an ultimate heroine, love her determination and toughness. I also loved Four, it was great to see some chinks of that strength he has. This was quite the emotional roller coaster, it gets your heart racing. I loved seeing the fears, it brings a little bit of reality to the characters, making them not so perfect, and I really enjoyed seeing Tris face her fears. I know I should be reading more into the society and how no matter how hard you try the negative human personalities will always arise, but I flat out just enjoyed the book.

My Rating:  How could I give this one anything other than Four Paws and a Stump Wag?!

Rhodie Reader Thoughts: There were only two of us this month but we both loved this book and felt it was one of the top books we have read so far this year.  Might I also add that we agreed that Four is quite possibly the hottest guy MC we have read in a while?! We agreed that this one was better than the Twilight series but hesitated to make comparisons to the Hunger Games until we read the next book, since we were both disappointed with the 2nd & 3rd books of that trilogy.

Wednesday Writing

So Wednesday is my official writing update day. I have so many story projects going on and I need a push to get some done. So I will be trying to post each Wednesday about how my writing adventures are going (and I may need a swift kick in the pants by you guys sometimes).

Current Active Project:

Princess Bs - 32,131 words

A story about a woman, recently divorced and returned to her home town to figure out what is next. She encounters an old friend and spends a weekend with him and his daughters. Feelings that are long since buried are rising up again, but are her recent loss and his current life going to stand in the way of their happily ever after?

Other Works in Progress:

The New Old Home - 17,193 words

Everyone dreams of winning the lottery, but what would you do with that money? That is the question presented to Natalie, when she is at the lowest point in her life, she is presented with an opportunity to make any normal person's dreams come true, but all those winnings can't give her what she wants most.

Tamlyn Marie's Grace - 12,072 words

Think Cinderella only with a matchmaker ;)

The Last Mountains - 15,352

A equine shapeshifting family is being hunted to near extinction and the young new leader must go against all her lessons and approach the elite council for aide. Will they help her? How will she keep her family's traditions and values alive, let alone her herd?

Night Rider - 17,229

Alice is a recent high school graduate who is a very accomplished competitive rider in Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, and Western/Rodeo. Her parents had arranged for her to attend a private college on the east coast geared specifically to equine professions. However, Alice wants to focus on her studies in English Literature. When she arrives at the college she hides her riding abilities, but can she keep her talent and love of horses hidden?

Other Ideas Plotting:

Bloodsoar's Story

A pegasus struggles through life, ejected from the herd, near capture by humans.

The Assassin's Assassin

A student learns what the school is really teaching and sets out to destroy those who support the program.

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Well I haven't gotten any more writing done as of yet due to the still crazy holiday season, but the office is starting to slow down and I will have some time between files to start working on Princess Bs again!

After Dark Review of A Kiss of Shadows by Laurell K. Hamilton

I have added After Dark Reviews to my blog as a way of notifying you of a review of a book with Adult themes and scenes. From now on I will keep my reviews of all books I read that have explicit scenes in them for late night posts for those of you who prefer to avoid them or easy to find for those of you who seek them out ;)

 

Synopsis from Goodreads: "My name is Meredith Gentry, but of course it’s not my real name. I dare not even whisper my true name after dark for fear that one hushed word will travel over the night winds to the soft ear of my aunt, the Queen of the Air and Darkness. She wants me dead. I don’t even know why."

Meredith Gentry, Princess of the high court of Faerie, is posing as a human in Los Angeles, living as a P.I. specializing in supernatural crime. But now the Queen’s assassin has been dispatched to fetch her back–whether she likes it or not. Suddenly Meredith finds herself a pawn in her dreaded aunt’s plans. The job that awaits her: enjoy the constant company of the most beautiful immortal men in the world. The reward: the crown–and the opportunity to continue to live. The penalty for failure: death."

My Review: Well that was just as good the second time around (I think I saw 3:00am and still had to get up for work)! I have been kind of missing Merry and all the guys, even Frost and all his emotional baggage. So I decided to re-read the entire series. I have to say, even though I know what is going to happen, I still felt the build up and suspense throughout the book! I normally don't appreciate super detailed description because I feel they take away from the book but the descriptions Laurell Hamilton gives us of each of the characters seems to add so much to it (and makes me want to make ponies of each of them). Be forewarned this book is full of blood, guts, sex, and danger. Also lots of eye candy for your imagination and court intrigue. Love this book! Can't wait to start the next one asap (maybe I will have to just call out of work for a few days like I did last time)!

My Rating: It is rare to find a book or a series of books that you can visit and revisit over and over again and still enjoy them.  I can't help but give Kiss of Shadows a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag it really sets the stage for the whole series and drags you into it.

 

The Classics 2012 Challenge Signup

Yup I am signing up for my second challenge next year and it will be the Classics Reading Challenge hosted by my friend, Jessica, over at Thoughts at One in the Morning.  I think you should all join us as well, with so many fantastic classics out there, even if you think you have read the big ones I can guarantee there are more out there for you!

Some Rules for you (quoted from the signup post from Jessica)

1. This challenge starts January 1st 2012 and ends December 31st 2012.
2. All books read for this challenge can be counted toward all other reading challenges.
3. All books chosen for this challenge must be books you have NEVER read or NEVER finished that were written prior to 1980.
4. Choose a level or number of books you would like to read.
5. Create a sign up post for your blog including the Classics Reading Challenge picture above and the books you would like to read (you can change your mind at any time).
6. Sign up for the challenge with the link to that post in the linky list

The Levels

Level One: 1-3
Level Two: 4-6
Level Three: 7-9
Level Four: 10-12
Level Five: 13-15

So I am only signing up for Level Two for now, with 5 books.  I am taking a low challenge on this one due to the fact that there can't be any re-reads and I hope to read some of my favorites again this year.  That and the fact that some classics seem to take longer to read (ie Jane Austen is slow for me).

So what books to I plan to read you ask?

well . . .

1. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen (I attempted to read this one and didn't even make it halfway through)

2. The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper (loved the movie and have had the book downloaded for a while to read)

3. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes (from the part of my 2011 Challenge I didn't get to)

4. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (again from the part of my 2011 Challenge I didn't get to)

5. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov (again from the part of my 2011 Challenge I didn't get to)

And some of my favorites that I plan to re-read, but are not part of the challenge . . .

The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Beowulf

The Iliad by Homer

I hope you will all join us in reading some new to you classics!!