18 & Over Book Blogger Follow

18 & Over Book Blogger Follow is a weekly feature that begins on Fridays and runs through the weekend, hosted by Crystal from Reading Between the Wines and Kelly at Secrets of a Book Lover.

This is a Friday blog hop with the objective to find and visit other book blogs that share the same interest as you, namely books geared towards the 18 & over crowd, and make new friends!

Question of the Week: Do you read multiple books at a time or stick to one?

Generally I read more than one book at a time. Usually I've got at least one going on my Kindle, one in paperback, and one on audio. That being said, if a book totally captivates me, I'll drop everything else to read that.

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Waiting on Wednesday: Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights eagerly anticipated upcoming releases!

I'm a HUGE Lisa Kleypas fan. Generally I prefer her historicals over her contemps, but I adored her first Friday Harbor book, Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor, and I can't wait to read the second book, Rainshadow Road :)

Title: Rainshadow Road
Series: Friday Harbor, Book 2
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: February 28, 2012

Book Description (from Amazon):

Lucy Marinn is a glass artist living in mystical, beautiful, Friday Harbor, Washington. She is stunned and blindsided by the most bitter kind of betrayal: her fiancé Kevin has left her. His new lover is Lucy’s own sister. Lucy's bitterness over being dumped is multiplied by the fact that she has constantly made the wrong choices in her romantic life. Facing the severe disapproval of Lucy's parents, Kevin asks his friend Sam Nolan, a local vineyard owner on San Juan Island, to "romance" Lucy and hopefully loosen her up and get her over her anger. Complications ensue when Sam and Lucy begin to fall in love, Kevin has second thoughts, and Lucy discovers that the new relationship in her life began under false pretenses. Questions about love, loyalty, old patterns, mistakes, and new beginnings are explored as Lucy learns that some things in life—even after being broken—can be made into something new and beautiful.

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Review: Pride and Passion by Charlotte Featherstone

Pride & Passion by Charlotte Featherstone
Series: The Brethren Guardians, Book 2
Publisher: HQN
Genre: Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0373776177
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

Lady Lucy Ashton has given into the spiritualism craze that has swept through Victorian London. But Lucy is no bored society lady dabbling in the occult; she wishes to make contact with her lover, Thomas, who perished in a fire. What Lucy does not wish is to believe the arrogant Duke of Sussex’s claim that Thomas is very much alive – and a killer in league with a man who goes by the name Orpheus. Sussex and his fellow Brethren Guardians are determined to protect mysterious Templar treasures and are working to bring down Orpheus and anyone associated with him, including Thomas. If that wasn’t enough to make Sussex Lucy’s enemy, the fact that her father is determined to marry her off to the priggish duke would do it. Lucy wants passion in her life and Sussex can never give her that… Or can he?

Pride & Passion is a bit of a problematic book to review. There are a number of things I love about it, such as the sensuality, charm, and overall appeal of Sussex, interesting secondary characters, and the all-too-brief glimpses of Templar treasure intrigue and the occult craze in Victorian England. That being said, my reading experience was tainted by the fact that the negative points of Pride & Passion overwhelmed the positive ones.

Let us start with the good: Adrian, the duke of Sussex. He’s a delicious hero with a scandalous secret. I loved the depth of caring he showed to Lucy and his sister, Elizabeth, and I couldn’t help but hope he found happiness with Lucy (even though I didn’t understand why he was in love with her). The only thing I didn’t understand was his propensity for seducing Lucy in odd places. I don’t think this was as much a character flaw as a blatant attempt by the author to further the story through sex scenes that happened at inopportune times in locations you’d think Adrian would be smart enough not to try to have sex at. As for Adrian’s sister, she too was a charming character and I’m looking forward to her book, Temptation & Twilight. Lizzy is clever, delightful, and doesn’t let her blindness keep her from living as independent a life as possible for a handicapped Victorian era lady. Lizzy is quite clearly in love with Adrian’s fellow Brethren Guardian, the Marquis of Alynwick and a fair amount of Pride & Passion builds up to their future romance in Temptation & Twilight. Normally, this might be something that bothers me (I prefer my romances to focus on the central couple), but since I liked Lizzy a lot more than Lucy, I didn’t mind the focus on her.

Now to address the unfortunate elements of Pride & Passion: the heroine, the plotlines, and the mysteries. Pride & Passion is flavored with Pride and Prejudice references, but Lucy is no Elizabeth Bennet. Quite frankly, Lucy is insufferable for a good portion of the book. Ms. Featherstone tries to explain the reasoning behind Lucy’s behavior, but to be honest, the logic didn’t hold much weight. To put it plainly, Lucy is a self-centered brat and often a poor judge of character. She’s blind to Adrian’s virtues and focuses on his faults, some of which are imagined. She does idiotic things and by the time her character comes around and develops a modicum of common sense, it’s far too late in the story for me to like her.

The storylines of Pride & Passion are numerous and underdeveloped. Perhaps the Brethren Guardian series is best read as one large three-part book rather than three separate books. Though I didn’t feel that I missed anything by not reading the first book, Seduction & Scandal, the fact that there were so many plotlines that were only partially developed was disturbing. If I had read Pride & Passion as a bridge book in the series this may have bothered me less. As a standalone, I was annoyed that Ms. Featherstone dragged out the beginning (which focused primarily on character introductions, Lucy’s whining, and the romance), then shoved a bunch of action-packed subplots into the very last – very mishmash – chapter.

Not to make this review overly-itemized, but the final issue I had with Pride & Passion had to do with the “mysteries.” Namely, they weren’t so mysterious. Ms. Featherstone alludes to Adrian’s secret throughout the book and it doesn’t take a genius to figure out very early on what happened and why, but that isn’t what bothered me. The fact that the “big reveal” was dragged out for over three-quarters of the book is what got on my nerves. Second, there’s Orpheus. I suppose the quasi-reveal Ms. Featherstone gives at the end of Pride & Passion concerning Orpheus’s identity is supposed to be a surprise. It isn’t. I don’t expect hard-to-deduct mysteries in my historical romances – if I wanted a mystery I’d read a mystery novel – but when an author builds the story up to give a great “twist” at the end, then I should not be able to figure out what is going to happen near the beginning of the book.

While the negative outweighed the positive for me, I don’t think Pride & Passion is a bad book. It’s dragged down by an annoying heroine, predictable twists, and poor pacing, but Ms. Featherstone did create some wonderful characters that I did like, Adrian topping the list. I don’t think I’ll be reading Seduction & Scandal, as Isabella and Black didn’t intrigue me enough to read their story, but I’m definitely going to read Temptation & Twilight - I can’t wait to see what Ms. Featherstone has in store for Alynwick and Elizabeth!

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Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I received an arc of Manda Collins's debut novel, How to Dance with a Duke for review. I just started it, so I can't really comment on whether or not it's any good quite yet.

"The first lady he'd encountered since his return to London with more than a passing acquaintance with her own brain, and she turned out to be just like every other woman he'd met since coming into the dukedom.

Title hungry." - How to Dance With a Duke by Manda Collins, 2% on Kindle

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Books I've Read in 2012

For the past two years I've track of the number of books I read and it was fun to look back at the end of the year and see what I read. So I'm doing it again :)

This list is only of books and novellas I've read and finished (though if I read an entire anthology, I list only the anthology title). The books are listed in the order I read them.

There are sure to be many wonderful books on the list, but the ones with a ** by them are ones I highly recommend.


1. What Happens in London (Bevelstoke, Book 2) by Julia Quinn (re-read)
2. Prior Sins by DJ Gross (re-read) **
3. Pride & Passion (The Brethren Guardians, Book 2) by Charlotte Featherstone
4. Jane and the Damned (Immortal Jane Austen, Book 1) by Janet Mullany
5. How to Dance With a Duke (Ugly Ducklings, Book 1) by Manda Collins
6. Thirty-six Valentines by Julia Quinn (re-read)
7. I Want Candy by Susan Donovan
8. Beck and Call by Nicole Morgan
9. Spellbound by Nora Roberts (re-read)
10. Alien Sex 101 by Allie Ritch
11. Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor (Friday Harbor, Book 1) by Lisa Kleypas (re-read)
12. Rainshadow Road (Friday Harbor, Book 2) by Lisa Kleypas
13. A Lady Never Surrenders (Hellions of Halstead Hall, Book 5) by Sabrina Jeffries
14. The Black Cat by Edgar Allen Poe
15. The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allen Poe
16. A Rogue By Any Other Name (The Rules of Scoundrels, Book 1) by Sarah MacLean
17. Head Over Heels (Lucky Harbor, Book 3) by Jill Shalvis (re-read)
18. Girl Next Door by Lyra Marlowe
19. White Knight (Scoundrels, Book 2) by Mari Carr
20. The Sure Thing by Claire Matthews
21. A Little Wild by Kate St. James
22. Dear Miss Darcy by Laura Briggs and Sarah Burgess
23. Yes! by Kim Dare (re-read)
24. Time Out by Jill Shalvis
25. One Night Stand by Cassandra Gold (re-read)
26. Victorian Valentine by Riley Shane **
27. The Next Always (Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy, Book 1) by Nora Roberts (re-read) **
28. Captain Fenna's Dirigible Valentine (Steampunk Smugglers, Book 2) by Heather Hiestand
29. A Questionable Client (Kate Daniels, Book 0.5) by Ilona Andrews (re-read)
30. Hunting for Clay (Toowoomba Boys, Book 2) by N.J. Nielsen
31. Kiss Me, I’m Irish by Roxanne St. Clair, Jill Shalvis, and Maureen Child
32. The Fat Cat Shat!: For Anyone with a Cat and a Litterbox by Julia Busch
33. Undone by the Undead by Isabelle Drake
34. Erotique by Nicole Austen
35. Maui Heat by Ari Thatcher
36. Zeven Ways to Kill Your Lover (Division 8, Book 1) by L. Shannon (re-read)
37. Blame It on Bath (The Truth About the Duke, Book 2) by Caroline Linden
38. When a Scot Loves a Lady (Falcon Club, Book 1) by Katharine Ashe
39. Naked in Death (In Death, Book 1) by J.D. Robb (re-read) **
40. Glory in Death (In Death, Book 1) by J.D. Robb (re-read) **
41. In the Penalty Box (Seattle Marauders, Book 2) by Riley Shane **
42. Boris and Bella by Carolyn Crimi **
43. Monster Museum by Marilyn Singer
44. Soulless: The Manga (The Parasol Protectorate Manga, Book 1) by Gail Carriger
45. Immortal In Death (In Death, Book 3) by J.D. Robb (re-read) **
46. Dearly, Departed (Gone With the Respiration, Book 1) by Lia Habel
47. The Duke’s Perfect Wife (Highland Pleasures, Book 4) by Jennifer Ashley
48. The Saint (Highland Guard, Book 5) by Monica McCarty
49. The Dangerous Alphabet by Neil Gaiman
50. Bound Hearts (Portland Tide, Book 2) by C.C. Galloway **
51. The Fireman Who Loved Me (The Bachelor Firemen of San Gabriel, Book 1) by Jennifer Bernard
52. Lover Reborn (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 10) by J.R. Ward
53. A Night Like This (Smythe-Smith Quartet, Book 2) by Julia Quinn
54. Bachelor Number Four by Megan Hart
55. Sinful Wager by Alice Gaines
56. Skies of Fire (The Ether Chronicles, Book 1) by Zoë Archer
57. Nell Gwynne’s Scarlet Spy by Kage Baker
58. Collision Course (8th Wing, Book 1) by Zoë Archer
59. Destiny (Serendipity, Book 2) by Carly Phillips
60. “Ritual in Death” (In Death, Book 27.5) by J.D. Robb (re-read)
61. Vengeance in Death (In Death, Book 6) by J.D. Robb (re-read) **
62. Demon’s Bride (Hellraisers, Book 2) by Zoë Archer
63. Karma (Serendipity, Book 3) by Carly Phillips
64. Judgment in Death (In Death, Book 11) by J.D. Robb (re-read) **
65. Holiday in Death (In Death, Book 7) by J.D. Robb (re-read) **
66. Midnight Rescue (Killer Instincts, Book 1) by Elle Kennedy
67. If the Slipper Fits (Cinderella Sisterhood, Book 1) by Olivia Drake
68. Running SUCKS! How to Run For Fast Weight Loss – For Busy Women Who HATE Running by Jennifer Jolan
69. Hot for Fireman (The Bachelor Firemen of San Gabriel, Book 2) by Jennifer Bernard
70. Too Hot to Touch (Rising Star Chef, Book 1) by Louisa Edwards
71. Just One Kiss (Friends With Benefits, Book 1) by Isabel Sharpe
72. 10 Ways to Steal Your Lover (Love by Numbers, Book 1) by Dee Tenorio **
73. Lucky in Love (Lucky Harbor, Book 4) by Jill Shalvis
74. Unlimited: How to Build an Exceptional Life by Jillian Michaels
75. Chain Reaction (8th Wing, Book 2) by Zoë Archer
76. Tangle of Need (Psy-Changeling, Book 11) by Nalini Singh
77. The Last Boyfriend (Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy, Book 2) by Nora Roberts
78. Apocalypse: The Lords of Deliverance Compendium by Larissa Ione
79. Born to Be Wild (Welcome to Paradise, Book 3) by Elle Kennedy **
80. Magic Gifts (Kate Daniels, Book 5.4) by Ilona Andrews **
81. Lethal Rider (Lords of Deliverance, Book 3) by Larissa Ione
82. Sort of Stranger Than Fiction (Petit Morts, Book 7) by Josh Lanyon
83. Second Chance at the Sugar Shack (Sugar Shack, Book 1) by Candis Terry
84. The Taming of a Scottish Princess (Hurst Amulet, Book 4) by Karen Hawkins
85. Any Given Christmas (Sugar Shack, Book 2) by Candis Terry
86. The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allen Poe
87. Masque of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death, Book 1) by Bethany Griffin
88. Somebody Like You (Sugar Shack, Book 3) by Candis Terry
89. 10 Ways to Steal Your Lover (Love by Numbers, Book 1) by Dee Tenorio (re-read) **
90. Carrie’s Answer (Corporate Affairs, Book 1) by Sierra & VJ Summers
91. How to Be a Proper Lady (Falcon Club, Book 2) by Katharine Ashe
92. At Last (Lucky Harbor, Book 5) by Jill Shalvis
93. Burn for Me (Rancho del Cielo, Book 3) by Dee Tenorio (re-read)
94. Rules Are Meant to Be Broken (The Lines of Marsden, Book 1) by N.J. Nielsen **
95. The Virgin’s Revenge (Rancho del Cielo, Book 4) by Dee Tenorio
96. Forever and a Day (Lucky Harbor, Book 6) by Jill Shalvis **
97. Temptation & Twilight (The Brethren Guardians, Book 3) by Charlotte Featherstone
98. Thief of Shadows (Maiden Lane, Book 4) by Elizabeth Hoyt
99. Don’t Mess With Texas (Hotter In Texas, Book 1) by Christie Craig (re-read)
100. Blame It On Texas (Hotter In Texas, Book 2) by Christie Craig
101. The Way to a Duke’s Heart (The Truth About the Duke, Book 3) by Caroline Linden
102. When Souls Collide (Lancaster’s Way, Book 1) by N.J. Nielsen
103. Family Is Forever by Anna Lee **
104. The Card by George Seaton **
105. The Good Life by Diana DeRicci **
106. Family by Lynley Wayne **
107. The Guardian (Dark Hunters, Book 31) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
108. Wicked Appetite (Lizzy & Diesel, Book 1) by Janet Evanovich
109. How a Lady Weds a Rogue (Falcon Club, Book 3) by Katharine Ashe
110. Beautiful Obsession by Juniper Bell
111. A Perfect Storm Rising (Raven Island, Book 1) by Cameron Dane
112. Too Hot to Touch (Rising Star Chef, Book 1) by Louisa Edwards (re-read)
113. Some Like It Hot (Rising Star Chef, Book 2) by Louisa Edwards
114. Hot Under Pressure (Rising Star Chef, Book 3) by Louisa Edwards
115. Night of Fire (The Ether Chronicles, Book 2) by Nico Rosso
116. Delusion in Death (In Death, Book 35) by J.D. Robb
117. Oz Bites (Biting Love, Book 4.5) by Mary Hughes
118. Firelight (Darkest London, Book 1) by Kristen Callihan
119. Ember (Darkest London, Book 0.5) by Kristen Callihan
120. Wicked Business (Lizzy & Diesel, Book 2) by Janet Evanovich
121. Forever and a Day (Lucky Harbor, Book 6) by Jill Shalvis (re-read) **
122. Unmasked (Venice Falls, Book 1) by J.J. Wynn
123. Screw Santa (Who Needs Christmas?, Book 1) by Joyee Flynn
124. Private Acts (Hot Latin Men, Book 3) by Delaney Diamond
125. Moonglow (Darkest London, Book 2) by Kristen Callihan
126. The Ugly Duchess by Eloisa James
127. The Sure Thing by Claire Matthews (re-read)
128. Biting Oz (Biting Love, Book 5) by Mary Hughes
129. The Abs Diet for Women The Six-Week Plan to Flatten Your Belly and Firm Up Your Body for Life by David Zinczenko
130. Aflame in Camelot by Maria-Claire Payne
131. The Last Boyfriend (Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy, Book 2) by Nora Roberts (re-read)
132. Sweet Talk by Julie Garwood
133. Feeling Hot (Out of Uniform, Book 7) by Elle Kennedy
134. The Next Always (Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy, Book 1) by Nora Roberts (re-read) **
135. How to Capture a Countess (The Duchess Diaries, Book 1) by Karen Hawkins
136. The Sweetest Tattoo (Cabin Fever, Book 1) by Cameron Dane (re-read) **
137. Lyon’s Bride (The Chattan Curse, Book 1) by Cathy Maxwell
138. Roughing It With Ryan (South Village Singles, Book 1) by Jill Shalvis
139. Born In Fire (Born In Trilogy, Book 1) by Nora Roberts (re-read) **
140. Born In Ice (Born In Trilogy, Book 2) by Nora Roberts (re-read) **
141. Born in Shame (Born In Trilogy, Book 3) by Nora Roberts (re-read)
142. Jewels of the Sun (Gallaghers of Ardmore, Book 1) by Nora Roberts (re-read)
143. Heart of Steel (The Iron Seas, Book 2) by Meljean Brook
144. Riveted (The Iron Seas, Book 3) by Meljean Brook
145. Seven Nights in a Rogue’s Bed (Sons of Sin, Book 1) by Anna Campbell
146. Intimate Beings (The Being Trilogy, Book 2) by Jessica Inclán
147. Touch Me and Tango (Dance ‘n’ Love Series, Book 2) by Alicia Street and Roy Street
148. Scars by Lynley Wayne **
149. The Curse (Belador, Book 3) by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love
150. Baby It’s Cold Outside (Alaskan Nights, Book 1) by Addison Fox (re-read)
151. Conspiracy in Death (In Death, Book 8) by J.D. Robb (re-read) **
152. The Scottish Witch (The Chattan Curse, Book 2) by Cathy Maxwell
153. Meredith’s Awakening (Corporate Affairs, Book 2) by Sierra & VJ Summers
154. The Lady Most Likely…:A Novel in Three Parts by Julia Quinn, Connie Brockway, and Eloisa James (re-read)
155. The Lady Most Willing…:A Novel in Three Parts by Julia Quinn, Connie Brockway, and Eloisa James
156. Seduced by a Pirate by Eloisa James
157. Three Schemes and a Scandal (Writing Girls, Book 3.5) by Maya Rodale **
158. Come Fly With Me (Alaskan Nights, Book 2) by Addison Fox
159. ‘Twas the Night After Christmas (Hellions of Halstead Hall, Book 6) by Sabrina Jeffries
160. Loving Him by Diana DeRicci **
161. Rogue Rider (Lords of Deliverance, Book 4) by Larissa Ione **
162. Three Schemes and a Scandal (Writing Girls, Book 3.5) by Maya Rodale (re-read) **
163. Seducing Mr. Knightly (Writing Girls, Book 4) by Maya Rodale
164. Getting Hotter (Out of Uniform, Book 8) by Elle Kennedy
165. The Lady Most Willing…:A Novel in Three Parts by Julia Quinn, Connie Brockway, and Eloisa James (re-read)
166. Captain Gravenor’s Airship Equinox (Steampunk Smugglers, Book 3) by Heather Hiestand
167. The Next Always (Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy, Book 1) by Nora Roberts (re-read) **
168. The Prince of Galerir (The Galerir Saga, Book 1) by Anna Lee **
169. A Christmas Ball by Emily Bryan, Jennifer Ashley, and Alissa Johnson
170. Charmed (Sugar Maple, Book 3.5) by Barbara Bretton
171. Jynxed by Melinda Barron
172. Haunted Spouse by Heather MacAllister
173. Zane’s Tale (Succubus Diaries, Book 2.5) by Jill Myles
174. Trouble in Texas (Deep in the Heart of Texas, Book 4) by Katie Lane
175. Betrayal In Death (In Death, Book 12) by J.D. Robb (re-read)
176. Witness in Death (In Death, Book 10) by J.D. Robb (re-read)
177. Lust in the Library by Amelia Fayer
178. The Perfect Hope (Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy, Book 3) by Nora Roberts
179. The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook, Updated and Revised: The Ultimate Guide to the Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet by Pamela Compart and Dana Laake
180. Visions in Death (In Death, Book 19) by J.D. Robb (re-read)
181. Under the Mistletoe (Lucky Harbor, Book 6.5) by Jill Shalvis
182. Bed, Breakfast, and Bondage (Emerald Valley) by Riley Shane **
183. Vision in White (The Bride Quartet, Book 1) by Nora Roberts (re-read)
184. How to Ravish a Rake (How To Series, Book 3) by Vicky Dreiling
185. The Skinny Rules: The Simple, Nonnegotiable Principles for Getting to Thin by Bob Harper and Greg Critser
186. Bed of Roses (The Bride Quartet, Book 2) by Nora Roberts (re-read)
187. Savor the Moment (The Bride Quartet, Book 3) by Nora Roberts (re-read)
188. The Gravedigger’s Brawl by Abigail Roux **
189. Unleashing the Receptionist (…the Receptionist, Book 3) by Juniper Bell
190. Under the Mistletoe (Lucky Harbor, Book 6.5) by Jill Shalvis (re-read)
191. If You Give a Girl a Viscount (Impossible Bachelors, Book 4) by Kieran Kramer
192. Hunk for the Holidays by Katie Lane
193. Simply Carnal (House of Pleasure, Book 7) by Kate Pearce
194. The Reluctant Amazon (Alliance of the Amazons, Book 1) by Sandy James
195. Simply Voracious (House of Pleasure, Book 8) by Kate Pearce
196. Simply Scandalous (House of Pleasure, Book 9) by Kate Pearce
197. What I See In You by Diana DeRicci **
198. Secret Light by Z.A. Maxfield
199. Lord of Darkness (Maiden Lane, Book 5) by Elizabeth Hoyt
200. Purity In Death (In Death, Book 15) by J.D. Robb (re-read) **
201. Reunion In Death (In Death, Book 14) by J.D. Robb (re-read) **
202. Christmastime at Papa Lee’s by N.J. Nielsen **
203. Witch Weigh by Caroline Mickelson
204. Saving Skylar Hand by George Seaton
205. Mackenzie Family Christmas: The Perfect Gift (Highland Pleasures, Book 4.5) by Jennifer Ashley **
206. Christmas Hopes by Anna Lee **
207. Legacy (The League of Illusion, Book 1) by Vivi Anna
208. One Good Earl Deserves a Lover (Rules of Scoundrels, Book 2) by Sarah MacLean
209. Crazy Thing Called Love (Crooked Creek Ranch, Book 3) Molly O’Keefe
210. Perfect Fit (Serendipity’s Finest, Book 1) by Carly Phillips
211. How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You by The Oatmeal
212. Fated (Serendipity, Book 1.75) by Carly Phillips
213. Alien Sex 102 by Allie Ritch
214. By Mutual Desire by Dalton Diaz
215. Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving (Illustrated by Gris Grimly)
216. Skinny Bitch: A No-Nonsense, Tough-Love Guide for Savvy Girls Who Want to Stop Eating Crap and Start Looking Fabulous! by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin

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2012 A to Z Reading Challenge

I've had a lot of fun doing this the past two years, so I couldn't resist doing it again this year :)

Challenge details:
- Duration: January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012
- Read 26 books which titles begin with the letters of the alphabet.
- You may ignore articles like A, An and The at the beginning of the title.
- For the letter X, any book title with the letter X in it is acceptable if you can't find on that begins with X.
- You can sign up anytime.
- Please only list books you have read. You can read them in any order.
- A book only counts once, so you can include a re-read the first time you read it.

Challenge Completed: February 22, 2012

My list:
Alien Sex 101 by Allie Ritch – 1/16/12
Beck and Call by Nicole Morgan – 1/15/12
Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas – 1/18/12
Dear Miss Darcy by Laura Briggs and Sarah Burgess – 2/3/12
Erotique by Nicole Austin – 2/20/12
Fall of the House of Usher, The by Edgar Allen Poe – 1/22/12
Girl Next Door by Lyra Marlowe – 1/26/12
How to Dance With a Duke by Manda Collins – 1/9/12
I Want Candy by Susan Donovan – 1/14/12
Jane and the Damned by Janet Mullany - 1/7/12
Kiss Me, I'm Irish by Roxanne St. Clair, Jill Shalvis, and Maureen Child - 2/20/12
Lady Never Surrenders, A by Sabrina Jeffries – 1/21/12
Maui Heat by Ari Thatcher - 2/21/12
Next Always, The by Nora Roberts – 2/13/12
One Night Stand by Cassandra Gold – 2/5/12
Prior Sins by DJ Gross - 1/1/12
Questionable Client, A by Ilona Andrews – 2/16/12
Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas – 1/19/12
Spellbound by Nora Roberts – 1/16/12
Time Out by Jill Shalvis – 2/5/12
Undone by the Undead by Isabelle Drake – 2/20/12
Victorian Valentine by Riley Shane - 2/12/12
What Happens in London by Julia Quinn - 1/1/12
Thirty-siX Valentines by Julia Quinn – 1/12/12
Yes! by Kim Dare – 2/4/12
Zeven Ways to Kill Your Lover by L. Shannon – 2/22/12

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2012 New (to me) Author Challenge

I've done this challenge for the past two years and discovered some great new-to-me authors along the way (not hard to believe since I've read 233 new (to me) authors from 2010 to 2011). My favorite authors I "discovered" over the past two years are C.C. Galloway, DJ Gross, Larissa Ione, Riley Shane, Nicole Sheldon, Cherise Sinclair, and Dee Tenorio.


The Challenge: Read 20 or more books this year by authors you’ve never read before.
Dates: January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012


My list:
1. Author: Charlotte Featherstone
Title: Pride & Passion (The Brethren Guardians, Book 2)

2. Author: Manda Collins
Title: How to Dance With a Duke (Ugly Ducklings, Book 1)

3. Author: Nicole Morgan
Title: Beck and Call

4. Author: Allie Ritch
Title: Alien Sex 101

5. Author: Claire Matthews
Title: The Sure Thing

6. Author: Kate St. James
Title: A Little Wild

7. Author: Laura Briggs
Title: Dear Miss Darcy

8. Author: Sarah Burgess
Title: Dear Miss Darcy

9. Author: Heather Hiestand
Title: Captain Fenna's Dirigible Valentine (Steampunk Smugglers, Book 2)

10. Author: N.J. Nielsen
Title: Hunting for Clay (Toowoomba Boys, Book 2)

11. Author: Laura Briggs
Title: Dear Miss Darcy

12. Author: Sarah Burgess
Title: Dear Miss Darcy

13. Author: Heather Hiestand
Title: Captain Fenna's Dirigible Valentine (Steampunk Smugglers, Book 2)

14. Author: Roxanne St. Claire
Title: The Sins of His Past

15. Author: Julia Busch
Title: The Fat Cat Shat!: For Anyone with a Cat and a Litterbox

16. Author: Isabelle Drake
Title: Undone by the Undead

17. Author: Nicole Austen
Title: Erotique

18. Author: Carolyn Crimi
Title: Boris and Bella

19. Author: Marilyn Singer
Title: Monster Museum

20. Author: Lia Habel
Title: Dearly, Departed (Gone With the Respiration, Book 1)

21. Author: Neil Gaiman
Title: The Dangerous Alphabet

22. Author: Jennifer Bernard
Title: The Fireman Who Loved Me (The Bachelor Firemen of San Gabriel, Book 1)

23. Author: Alice Gaines
Title: Sinful Wager

24. Author: Kage Baker
Title: Nell Gwynne’s Scarlet Spy

25. Author: Olivia Drake
Title: If the Slipper Fits (Cinderella Sisterhood, Book 1)

26. Author: Jennifer Jolan
Title: Running SUCKS! How to Run For Fast Weight Loss – For Busy Women Who HATE Running

27. Author: Louisa Edwards
Title: Too Hot to Touch (Rising Star Chef, Book 1)

28. Author: Isabel Sharpe
Title: Just One Kiss (Friends With Benefits, Book 1)

29. Author: Candis Terry
Title: Second Chance at the Sugar Shack (Sugar Shack, Book 1)

30. Author: Bethany Griffin
Title: Masque of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death, Book 1)

31. Author: Lynley Wayne
Title: Family

32. Author: Juniper Bell
Title: Beautiful Obsession

33. Author: Nico Rosso
Title: Night of Fire (The Ether Chronicles, Book 2)

34. Author: Kristen Callihan
Title: Firelight (Darkest London, Book 1)

35. Author: J.J. Wynn
Title: Unmasked (Venice Falls, Book 1)

36. Author: Joyee Flynn
Title: Screw Santa (Who Needs Christmas?, Book 1)

37. Author: Delaney Diamond
Title: Private Acts (Hot Latin Men, Book 3)

38. Author: David Zinczenko
Title: The Abs Diet for Women The Six-Week Plan to Flatten Your Belly and Firm Up Your Body for Life

39. Author: Maria-Claire Payne
Title: Aflame in Camelot

40. Author: Jessica Inclán
Title: Intimate Beings (The Being Trilogy, Book 2)

41. Author: Alicia Street
Title: Touch Me and Tango (Dance ‘n’ Love Series, Book 2)

42. Author: Roy Street
Title: Touch Me and Tango (Dance ‘n’ Love Series, Book 2)

43. Author: Emily Bryan
Title: "My Lady Below Stairs" (in the A Christmas Ball anthology)

44. Author: Heather MacAllister
Title: Haunted Spouse

45. Author: Katie Lane
Title: Trouble in Texas (Deep in the Heart of Texas, Book 4)

46. Author: Amelia Fayer
Title: Lust in the Library

47. Author: Pamela Compart
Title: The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook, Updated and Revised: The Ultimate Guide to the Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet

48. Author: Dana Laake
Title: The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook, Updated and Revised: The Ultimate Guide to the Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet

49. Author: Bob Harper
Title: The Skinny Rules: The Simple, Nonnegotiable Principles for Getting to Thin

50. Author: Greg Critser
Title: The Skinny Rules: The Simple, Nonnegotiable Principles for Getting to Thin

51. Author: Abigail Roux
Title: The Gravedigger's Brawl

52. Author: Kieran Kramer
Title: If You Give a Girl a Viscount (Impossible Bachelors, Book 4)

53. Author: Sandy James
Title: The Reluctant Amazon (Alliance of the Amazons, Book 1)

54. Author: Caroline Mickelson
Title: Witch Weigh

55. Author: Molly O’Keefe
Title: Crazy Thing Called Love (Crooked Creek Ranch, Book 3)

56. Author: The Oatmeal
Title: How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You

57. Author: Dalton Diaz
Title: By Mutual Desire

58. Author: Rory Freedman
Title: Skinny Bitch: A No-Nonsense, Tough-Love Guide for Savvy Girls Who Want to Stop Eating Crap and Start Looking Fabulous!

59. Author: Kim Barnouin
Title: Skinny Bitch: A No-Nonsense, Tough-Love Guide for Savvy Girls Who Want to Stop Eating Crap and Start Looking Fabulous!

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