In Sheep's Clothing by Mary Monroe

In Sheep's Clothing by Mary Monroe

3stars

Trade paperback pgs. 324

01/29/2011

from back of book:

A restless young woman thinks she’s found a free ride to happiness and adventure. But it’s a trip that may land her in prison-or worse…

When twenty-eight-year-old Trudy Bell lands a secretarial position at a travel agency, she feels like a new woman. And her warm, friendly personality soon wins her the adoration of her colleagues-with one exception. Ann Oliver, the only other African American employee, is a high-level manager who despises the low-income black experience Trudy represents. But no one is going to ruin Trudy’s new life. In fact, she’s found a way to make it even better. As the secretary who processes the agency’s bill, Trudy has easy access to company credit cards. Including Ann’s.

At first, Trudy’s deception involves a few high-priced lunches, but it soon expands to include weekend “business trips: to exotic locations. Before long she’s leading a double-life-Ann’s life-complete with a secret apartment where she entertains the men she meets at upscale bars. But their worlds collide the night Trudy brings home the wrong man-one who has an angry score to settle. With Ann. Now, unless Trudy can convince him she’s not the woman he’s after, she may pay the highest price of all…

My Review:

Where do I start? Let's start with the main character Trudy (Gertrude) Bell. The intent was that we as readers are suppose to feel empathy for Trudy and the tradgies she went through. Ummm, no! She knew from the start what she was doing and that it was wrong. She made excuse and tried to pass the buck every step of the way. Trudy was a self abosorb cry-baby with no back bone, low self-esteem, and an envious heart.

She fell in to the trap of the grass is greener. Many people have fallen into this trap but to steal someone identity to life the life you wish you had is patheic. I have no empathy for this character. In the end, she got what she deserves. The moral of the book, don't wish to be someone else because you don't know what type of life that person has. Trudy definitely leans the lesson the hard way.

Challenges:

Clue Board Game Challenge

2011 Where Are You Reading?

Round the World Passage 2011

Ruthless Game by Christine Feehan

Ruthless Game by Christine Feehan
GhostWalker series book 9

01/28/2011
11cds 13.5hrs
3.5stars

From back of book:
When there are no rules, there are no limits.

A woman on the run, with more to live for than she imagined, collides with a danger more lethal than she feared in the all-new GhostWalker scorcher by #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan…

GhostWalker Kane Cannon is pure male-animalistic, sexual, protective, instinctive-and his past missions have prepared him for anything. But his newest assignment, to rescue hostages in Mexico, plunges him into a hot zone he never anticipated: the hiding place of Rose Patterson-a fugitive, an ex-lover, a fellow GhostWalker pregnant with his child.
Rose is in flight from the insidious experiments that still haunt her dreams, and from the madman who’d do anything to take her child. Of all the GhostWalkers enlisted to hunt her down, Kane is the only one she can trust. But as their passion reignites, the stakes are raised. Because Kane is now a wanted man as well. And together they’re about to face the most desperate challenge of all: saying together and staying alive.

My Review:
The GhostWalkers are an elite group of military soldiers who have been psychically enhanced. This book focuses on the relationship between Kane and Rose. Kane came into the program as an adult. Rose had been in the program since she was a child. Treated horribly she was trained and experimented on. Then she was put into the breeding program design to make a super solider. She rejected all the men sent her way until Kane. She has chosen him.
The novel is fast paced. It get bogged down sometimes at the descriptive romance scenes once you realize that you have heard these words before. Still, it’s a good story to get lost in. On your tbr list placed this at #3

Challenges:

Chick Porn

2011 Sexy Reading Challenge

Mini-Challenge

Black Hills by Nora Roberts

Black Hills by Nora Roberts
14cd 17hrs 2mins
1/25/2011
5 stars

from back of book:
A summer at his grandparents' South Dakota ranch is not eleven-year old Cooper Sullivan's idea of a good time. But things are a bit more bearable now that he's discovered the neighbor girl, Lil Chance, and her homemade batting cage. Each year, with coop's annual summer visit, their friendship deepens from innocent games to stolen kisses, but there is one shared experience that will forever haunt them: the terrifying discovery of a hiker's body.
As the seasons change and the years roll by, Lil remains steadfast to her aspiration of becoming a wildlife biologist and protecting her family land, while Coop struggles with his father's demand that he attend law school and join the family firm. Twelve years after they last walked togehter hand, fate has brought them back to the Black Hills when the people and things they hold dear need them most.
When small pranks and acts of destruction escalate into the heartless killing of Lil's beloved cougar, memories of an unsolved murder in these very hills have Coop springing to action to keep Lil safe.
Lil and Coop know the natural dangers that lurk in the wild landscape of the Black Hills. Now they must work together to unearth a killer of twisted and unnatural instincts who has singled them out as prey.

My Reviews:

Great book. It didn't start that way for me. I did not like the narrators voice at all. It struck me as annoying and not at all the type of voice I had heard on other audiobooks. I think it was because the character, young Cooper Sullivan, was being a huge spoiled brat. He just whined for the first few tracks. Soon, with the deal he made with his grandmother, he started to enjoy his time in South Dakota.

The story then jumps to when both are grown and have lived life separately and as differently as they did when they were children. Lil had made her dream of an wildlife rescue refuge a reality. Coop was able to prove himself to himself in New York. He moved back to South Dakota to stay will Lil was away. When she came back they both had to deal with the hearbreak of the past. Cougars are the thread that hold the characters together. Even the serial killer who make a small mark in the beginning of the book and gain presence as the story goes along. The killer decides to stalk and hunt Lil.

The story is suspenseful with a romance theme throughout. I gave it a 5 star rating because it held me attention after the first few tracks. I had to know how it ended. I had to know how the relationship unfolded. The story pulled me in and that deserves a 5 star rating. On your tbr list but this as #1 (#2 if you don't like romances, the romance is not the typical cheesy variety).

Challenges:

Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge 2011
2011 Where Are You Reading?
Mini-Challenge

Fifth Born by Zelda Lockhart

Fifth Born by Zelda Lockhart

hardcover pgs210

1/22/2011

rated: 4stars

from back of book:

When Odessa Blackburn is three years old, she sees her grandmother for the last time, and so begins her story as the fifth born of eight children in a troubled family. Molested by her father, Odessa is also the sole witness to a murder he commits. Her mother guards both secrets and joins her husband in ostracizing their fifth born from the rest of her siblings.

As Odessa grows, so do her troubles. She ultimately separates herself from her parents and siblings into a new reality that prompts memory and revelation. her choices for survival provoke an outcome that will forever alter the carefully maintained lies of her childhood.

My Review:

The novel was written beautifully. It is somewhat fast paced in that I ead it in two days. The subject matter is sad and distrubing. The way the adult characters chose to treat children is just appalling. Odessa is subject to constant physical, mential, and emotionally abused from all sides. A drunken father who does not hestitate to show just how much he hates her. A mother who ignores the truth in an effort to stand by her man.

However, I did not and could not feel completely sympathy for her. As a child of three she was indeed a cry-baby, I could understand that though being that she was only three. But as she got older and continued to make excuses for the way people treated her angered me. Her constant neediness for her mother love disguised me. And her inability to fight back turned her into a punk in my mind. Everyone survives tragedies in their own way and this is how Lockhart chose to have Odessa survive her but it just could not respect this kid. Her plight was a harsh one to bear but I just could not get behind her 100%. It was this feeling about the character that prevented me from giving this book 5 stars. On your tbr list of five this should be #2

Challenges:

Off the Shelf Reading Challenge

Mini-Challenge

What's in a Name 4

Mystery & Suspense Reading Challenge 2011

Mystery & Suspense Reading Challenge 2011

I participated in this challenge last year and did horribly. I think most because I was not organized and got off track. I have a plan this year for all my challenges so I'm going to try this again.

Sign Up
To sign up you MUST make a post on your blog about participating in the challenge - you then use the URL of the post to sign up to the challenge by adding it to Mr Linky below. DO NOT just add your blog URL - this will be deleted. Also please be aware that unless you show you are joining the challenge with a participation post your ARC will not be sent.
You must add the button to your sidebar - make sure that it links back to this post so others can join the challenge if they wish. Easiest way to do this is to copy and paste the code displayed above!

My Lists:

Fearless Fourteen 02/04/2011

Angel Falls 02/22/2011

Ice Cold 05/13/2011

2011 Chick Lit Challenge

Read at least 8 books of the chick lit variety. What qualifies for chick lit? Books like Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series, Red Ink Press books, authors like Jane Green or Whitney Lyles, etc. These are the mostly fluff, fun-to-read, brain candy type of books. This challenge runs from January 1 thru December 31, 2011. You can make your list ahead of time of the books you want to read or just list them as you go along. To sign up click here.

My books:

Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts

Spontaneous by Brenda Jackson

Fired Up by Jayne Anne Krentz

Fired Up by Jayne Ann Krentz

An Arcane Society Novel (Book 7)

Dreamlight Trilogy (Book 1)

Audiobook: 9cds 10hours

rated: 3 stars

From back of book:

More than three centuries ago, Nicholas Winters irrevocably altered his genetic makeup in an obsessionfueled competition with alchemist and Arcane Society founder Sylvester Jones. Driven to control their psychic abilities, each man's decision has reverberated throughout the family line, rewarding some with powers beyond their wildest dreams, and cursing others to a life filled with madness and hallucinations.

Jack Winters, descendant of Nicholas, has been experiencing nightmares and blackouts - just the beginning, he believes - of the manifestation of the Winters family curse. The legend says that he must find the Burning Lamp or risk turning into a monster. But he can't do it alone; he needs the help of a woman with the gift to read the lamp's dreamlight.

Jack is convinced that private investigator Chloe Harper is that woman. Her talents for finding objects and accessing dream energy are what will save him, but their sudden and powerful sexual pull threatens to overwhelm them both. Danger surrounds them, and it doesn't take long for Chloe to pick up the trail of the missing lamp. And as they draw closer to the lamp, the raw power that dwells within it threatens to sweep them into a hurricane of psychic force.

My Review:

The first cd moved very slow. I am not a person to easily give up on a book especially an audiobook since I listen to them at work. By the end of the second cd the story started to pick up and by the middle of the book the action and storyline really comes together. I ended up liking the book and will got back to the first novel to get caught up (this is the first book I've read from the Arcane Society series). For me I had never heard about the Arcane Society and what it's about. Also the Winters curse and all of these other family legends and/or mythns were new to me. It is those things that has me wanting to start from the beginning. If you are a fan of Krentz work or a paranormal romance reader I think you should give this book a try. On a tbr list of five put it around #3

Challenges:

Mini-Challenge

-Something Borrowed (got it from a friend who got it from the library)

Olympic Challenge London 2012

2011 Sexy Reading Challenge

Mini-Callenge

Mini-Challenge hosted by Lazy Girl Reads
This challenge goes from Jan. 1st 2011- Apr. 1st 2011

Rules: Choose 4 books according to the following guidelines:
*Something old
-Fifth Born by Zelda Lockhart
*Something new
Ruthless Game by Christine Feehan
*Something borrowed
-Fired Up by Jayne Ann Krentz
*Something blue
Black Hills by Nora Roberts
You don't have to pick the books ahead of time! Be creative! While the other categories are self explanatory, 'Something blue' can mean a book with a blue cover, a book with the word 'blue' in the title, a book that takes place at sea...anything you want!

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Rated 4.5 stars

I love the movie The Color Purple. Heck, purple is my favorite color. I have read this book once before but so fast that I didn't retain much. This time around I paid attention. There are so many difference between the book and the movie. I won't get into the differences because well...you need to read them for yourself. I will say this, the movie added things or changed things for dramatic effect. There were also other events that were more mild than in the book.

The relationship between Celie and Shug has more detail. In fact, all the relationships are deeper than those protrayed in the movie. Any opinions you may have formed about the character may just change as you get an expand view of them. The book is written in journal/letter form. If you remember the movie, Celie always said Dear God and then tell you about what's gonna on. Later when she finds Nettie letters Dear God turns to Dear Celie. This is how the entire books is written. There are no chapter just letter format. It is a fast read however, Celie's Dear God entries are written they way she speaks so words are not spelled correctly. This may slow you up a bit but not too much I think. This should go on you to be read list.

Challenges:

Heroines Bookshelf Reading Challenge

2011 Where Are You Reading?

Round The World Passage 2011

2011 Sexy Reading Challenge

2011 Sexy Reading Challenge

Okay, we Broads have decided to offer a reading challenge for the next year-the 2011 Sexy Reading Challenge! Any book with sexy romance or erotica qualifies, so that means regency, Steampunk, paranormal (vamps, weres, shapeshifters), even sci-fi, if it's sexy. The goal is to read 12 books in 2011 that qualify.

The Sexy Reading Challenge will run from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011.

So what do you have to do? First, sign up with Mr. Linky. Then, read your books. When you post a review, use the 2011 Sexy Reading Challenge button and let us know so we can go read it. Each time we see a review, you'll be entered to win a prize that we'll randomly select at the end of the year from everyone who read all 12 books. It's that easy!

My List:

A Long Hot Christmas 01/13/2011

Fired Up 01/20/2011

Ruthless Game 01/28/2011

Dark Challenge 02/14/2011

Spontaneous 05/08/2011

A Long Hot Christmas by Barbara Daly

A Long Hot Christmas by Barbara Daly

3 stars

from back of book:

SHE'D DO IT FOR HIM, IF HE'D DO IT FOR HER

Marketer Hope Sumner was forever dodging matchmakers, especially during the holiday season. This time, it was her own sisters trying to set her up. Their Prince Charming was apparently a drop-dead gorgeous workaholic who needed arm candy. Well, so did she.

Lawyer Sam Sharkey wanted the sort of date he could take to the boss's Christmas party and not have to propose to afterward. Hope was perfect - radiant and rational. This could work out...very well.

AND, BOY, DID THEY DO IT FOR EACH OTHER!

No one even suspected their lusty romance wasn't real, not after their lingering touches and hot glances started straying from the arm candy script...

My Review:

This is a fast paced romance. I like the characters though at times the shallowness of the two were more than a bit annoying. the story focus a bit more on Hope so you really get to see how she values status and credentials. Yes, when you are paying someone or expecting to pay a hefty sum of money for a service, you expect the person to know what he or she is doing.

However, when Hope heard that her interior decorator got her degree through a mail correspondence course she worried the woman would steal her belongings. Rich people or people who seem rich are just as likely to steal as she finds out later in the story.

I enjoyed the romance between Hope and Sam. Often in romance novels like this the two characters take too long to act on their feelings. I never got to the point where I was like "oh get on with it already." If you are a fan of romance novels put this book on your list.

2011 Public Domain E-book Challenge

2011 Public Domain E-book Challenge

January 1, 2011-December 31, 2011

(This is the first challenge she has ever hosted so please bear with her if she make any errors-any help/suggestions appreciated)

I received a Nook about 6 months ago and I love it. My favorite thing is discovering new (to me) book offerings under the various sites that promote their organization's scanning and saving of these otherwise vanishing books once they hit the "public domain". All of these books are FREE-a bonus to a thrifty reader.

A few sites with public domain books (there is lots of overlap between the sites):

Google Books-

to find the public domain books, search for a book under any subject, after the items come up, click "full view" on the left hand side of the page (these are the free books).

The Internet Archive -
Search under "Texts" header.

Manybooks.net-
Very "newbie" ereader friendly.
Note: after so many downloads they do have a non offensive "if you'd like to help please donate" pop up-that is up to you. (I'm in no way affiliated with this site.)

Project Gutenberg-
the site that started it all.

Project Gutenberg Australia

www.classicreader.com-

this site has almost 4000 public domain books that you can read on site-no downloading or ereader required:) (thanks Mommy Wants to Read)


The one problem I saw was that many or even most of these books-there is little to no information of what they are about, or even reviews to let others know what they are about. But, that's part of the fun!

I feel it behooves us as the reading community to help these volunteers "save" these books-simply by giving them "press". Read them, review them, and by doing so, get the word out to other readers about these undiscovered gems.

The Rules:


1-Pick a level of participation for the year:


"newbie"level-read and review 3 public domain books (non bloggers will just post reviews in the reviews comments page)


"advanced" level-read and review 6 public domain books (non bloggers will just post reviews in the reviews comments page)


That's about it-easy peasey:) You pick the book, genre, length, etc. Readers who don't own a e-reader are welcome as well (e-reader apps on phones, etc or just read on your PC). You can cross this over with other challenges as well.

I'm going to start at the "newbie" level - 3books

Readers of Romance Book Challenges

Readers of Romance Book Challenges
is a Shelfari group that has quarterly challenges

It's that time again! Here is your list for the Winter ‘11 (December, January and February) Reading Challenge! (December 1-February 28)
RULES:
1. Select ANY number of books to read that fit the category.
2. Post your list on the discussion board and blog (Name’s Winter 11 Challenge List)
3. If you need title suggestions please use the Discussion titled WINTER TITLE SUGGESTIONS if you don't see it please search (to try and minimize number of discussions)
4. Once you have read a book please find the corresponding discussion by searching you can search by 11 Winter # and use the number that corresponds with the list. (one will be created for each number on December 1, again, to try and minimize number of discussions) and post the book and title you read and rating, and review.
5. It is not required, but if you could post your review on the blog that would be great.
6. Reviews on the blog please include labels list the rating, author, and # of challenge only.
7. Audio books are okay
8. Rereads are okay
9. You can change your list at anytime

THE CHALLENGE:
1. Reader’s Choice
2. Reader’s Choice
3. Reader’s Choice
4. Read a book by an author you’ve been wanting to try, but haven’t yet
5. Choose a cover with a headless model
6. Read an Enemy story http://likesbooks.com/enemy.html
7. Read a book by Jill Shalvis or Nancy Warren
8. For MLK Day: Read a Title with 'Dream' in it
9. A book where one of the main characters has a weird/uncommon name.
10. Read a Christmas themed book OR an author that first or last name begins with C http://likesbooks.com/christmas.html
11. Read a book that has 2 words in the title
12. Read a book by picking one off your Shelfari’s friends shelf (and list who you got it from to make it fun!)
13. Read an American Indian themed book http://likesbooks.com/native.html
14. Read a book that has been on your shelf for a while (Out with the Old!)
15. Read a book that was published in 2011 -or Dec of 2010 (In with the New!)

My books
1. A Very Cougar Christmas (ebook)
10. A Christma Hookup (ebook)
14. A Long Hot Christmas
11. Dark Challenge (audio book)

Mini Challenges

Mini Challenges

This is the last Hogwarts Challenge for me as such it will be more involved and hopefully more fun. Here are the Mini Challenges with dates and info. I am not announcing any prizes other than the $15 gift card to a random winner for participating in the main challenge with the 5 book minimum met. However, there will be a drawing for a prize for all those who are able to accumulate 450 plus points and well as participate in all the mini challenges as well as read 7 books from one series (in honor of the 7 HP books). This final challenge (all the mini challenges, the points, and the 7 books) is called the Triwizard Tournament. All prizes will be given out any time after the mini challenge or right around the same time as the main challenge but if you win you will get your prize.

*Prizes are Harry Potter related
**A series is when the main character is the same in all subsequent books. Ex: Eve Dallas in the Death in…, James Patterson Alex Cross books. When in doubt, ask me. Have fun and Happy Reading

Perfect Mini Challenge
Time frame is Jan 14th to Feb 13th
So what do you have to do?
*First way: read at least 3 books with the word Perfect in the title.
or
*Second way: read at least 3 books that you give a perfect rating to. You do not have to blog the books but you do have to tell me why you gave it a perfect rating.
Points - 10 points (max 30 points) an additional 25 points for completing the challenge. Meaning you read all 3 will receive 30 points plus 25 bonus points for a total of 55 points. 15 points for each additional book (for every 3rd book you get an extra entry in the Triwizard Tournament Drawing)
***Yes, you can do any combination of the two options. Ex: read 2 books with perfect in the title and 1 book that you have given a perfect rating to.
Have Fun and Happy Reading!!!

Winner of Perfect Mini Challenge Melissa of Hufflepuff used Random.org

the Prize: choice of House Pin

Book in the Day Mini Challenge
Time frame is Feb 14th to March 13th
Throughout the series the characters are constantly delving into the past so in this challenge we will too. You task is to read 3 books that were published in 1999 or earlier.
Points - 10 points (max 30 points) an additional 25 points for completing the challenge. Meaning you read all 3 will receive 30 points plus 25 bonus points for a total of 55 points. 15 points for each additional book (for every 3rd book you get an extra entry in the Triwizard Tournament Drawing)
*Yes, books set in the past count but it still have to be set in a time period on or before 1999.
Have Fun and Happy Reading!!!

Winner of Book in the Day Mini Challenge is Tenia F (shelfari I Love Reading Challenge member) of Slytherin used Random.org

Prize: Time Turner Keychain

Hide and Seek Mini Challenge
Time frame March 14th and April 30th
There are times when one must hide while seeking out the next move to make. Harry and friends had to this on many occasions like when they can to sneak and learn Defence against the Dark Arts on their own. For this challenge, you must read 3 books that are related to hide and seek. These books can be mysteries, detective stories, crime, have the words hide or seek in the title. When in doubt ask me.
Points - 10 points (max 30 points) an additional 25 points for completing the challenge. Meaning you read all 3 will receive 30 points plus 25 bonus points for a total of 55 points. 15 points for each additional book (for every 3rd book you get an extra entry in the Triwizard Tournament Drawing)
Have Fun and Happy Reading!!!

Winner of ide and Seek Mini Challenge Kari of Gryfffindor used Random.org

Prize: Marauder's Map

Flight or Fight Mini Challenge
Time frame May1st to June 30th
We all know that at the end of the series Harry Potter must either fight Voldemont or forever run in hiding. For this challenge read 3 books that have to do with fighting, boxing, military, or aviation. Books with the words flight or fight will count as will. Books with the word bird or a type of flying bird will count. So books about an ostrich will not count, they do not fly. When in doubt ask me.
Points - 10 points (max 30 points) an additional 25 points for completing the challenge. Meaning you read all 3 will receive 30 points plus 25 bonus points for a total of 55 points. 15 points for each additional book (for every 3rd book you get an extra entry in the Triwizard Tournament Drawing)
Have Fun and Happy Reading!!!

Winner of Flight or Fight Mini Challenge Andrea of Ravenclaw used Random.org
Prize: choice of Dumbledore's Knife or Bellatrix Dagger


Winner of Triwizard Tournament Tenia F of Slytherin used Random.org
Prize: choice of wand &

Chick Porn Reading Challenge

Chick Porn Reading Challenge 2011
Another I Love Reading Challenges group exclusive

With a name like that, you know this may not be a challenge for everybody! Now that you've been warned on with the challenge...

Chick porn is chick lit, romance and/or erotica. In this challenge you will be required to read 2 books for each rating. This may be the steamiest reading challenge you'll be all year!
Okay! Time frame Jan 11 to Dec 11overlapping with other challenges as always is fine

Ratings
G - very light on kissing scenes if it has any. This is young love or even just a crush.
PG - kissing, mild "love" scenes maybe only a couple of love scenes in whole book
PG-13 - kissing, mild "love" scenes 2 to more love scenes
R- kissing, "love" scenes, more nudity 3 or more love scenes
X- you would not recommend this book to anyone under 18. In fact you feel a little naughty for reading it yourself!

The ratings are just a guide. Use you judgment as to which rating your book goes under.
Happy Reading

My Books:
G:
PG:
PG-13:
R: A Long Hot Christmas 01/13/2011
Dark Challenge 02/14/2011
X: Ruthless Game 01/28/2011

A to Z Around The World Challenge

A to Z Around The World Challenge 1Jan11-31Dec11 *Fill in Countries A to Z. There are countries for every letter except X.*The letter X is an exception to this challenge. Try to include at least one country for each letter of the alphabet during your reading journey! The book must take place in said place HAVE FUN PS. for an extra layer of fun make it 80 BOOKS AROUND THE WORLD!! My List A: B: C: D: England - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling 02/02/2011 F: G: H: I: J: K: L: M: N: O: Panama - Wild Fire by Christine Feehan 04/14/2011 Q: R: S: T: United States of America - A Long Hot Christmas 01/13/2011 V: W: X: Y: Z:

Freedom Fighters Reading Challenge 2011

Freedom Fighters Reading Challenge 2011

I Love Reading Challenge group exclusive! (2nd year for this challenge)


Nearly every country at some point has had people who were bold and brave enough to stand up and fight for their freedom as well as the freedom of others.

The challenge is to read at least 4 books about 4 different Freedom Fighters.
Challenge runs Jan 1 11 to Dec 31 11

overlapping with other challenges is ok

*this year fictional freedom fighter will count as well - just indicate next to the title that it is fictional

Round the World Passage 2011

Round the World Passage 2011

This challenge is the brain child of member Tien H
*only two changes have been made from the original...I up the max mileage by 10k and there is a set time frame

Round the World Passage
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2011

This idea is a combination of the 7 continents / Olympic challenges and Round the World Tickets (real tickets you can purchase to travel round the world).

Read a book (or more if you’d like to) that is located in certain city / country or by an author of that city / country. You decide which city / country you’d like to ‘visit’ however the following conditions (similar to the RTW tickets) apply:

1. Maximum Mileage: 50,000 miles* (Unlimited stops – see how generous I am) with a minimum of 20,000 miles (5 stops)
2. The start and end of the journey have to be located in the same country
3. Choose a direction you’d like to take (East or West only) mainly when jumping continents, you can go north & south when you're within a continent
4. One crossing each of the Atlantic and Pacific must be included in the itinerary (but only one crossing allowed over each)
5. Do not to backtrack within a continent - the idea is to keep that forward motion

*To help you in calculating your mileage, the below site may be useful:
http://www.daftlogic.com/projects-google-maps-distance-calculator.htm

My trip:
starting in New York: Possession in Death by J.D. Robb 1/3/2011 miles traveled 0
Georgia: The Color Purple by Alice Walker 1/19/11 miles traveled 737
California: In Sheep's Clothing by Mary Monroe 01/29/11 miles traveled 3015

Reading Challenge Addict Challenge

Here are the rules and criteria:
ABOUT:
Some of us have a bit of a problem. Some of us have a huge problem.Cheryl from CMash Loves to Read, Gina from Hott Books,and Kate from Midnight Book Girl are three such people. We each can stand proudly and say,I am a Reading Challenge Addict.

So they are challenging each of you who can also say that you also are a Reading Challenge Addict. They'll be giving away quarterly prizes and recognizing those who are meeting their own expectations by completing the challenges entered.

How addicted are you? How many Challenges have you signed up for?

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:They're not making this a difficult challenge, actually, it's going to be very simple!This challenge will begin on January 1, 2011 and end on December 31, 2011. Write a starting post joining the challenge and outlining your challenges. Track all of your challenge accomplishments - good & bad. Stop by here to join in the mini-challenges, updates & extra giveaways throughout the year. Easy, right? Who wants to be in on the fun? What else will they be doing? They'll have giveaways for their participants to enter and unannounced special drawings for commenters on the site so be sure to leave your email address with your comment! Are you ready?

I am doing Out of This World: 16+ Challenges (Entered & Completed)
go to here for list of all the challenges I am in
one challenged completed

Hogwarts Reading Challenge 2011 - The Houses

House Cup goes to
SLYTHERIN
picture is from here


Gryffindor - 1126


Student List

• Robin - 2
  


• Kari - 803 (PMC+1) (BMC) (HMC+3) (FFC+5)Triwizard Tournament status: 803/450pts, 7/7books in series, 4/4 mini challenges


• Lah - 251 (PMC+1) (BMC) (HMC) Triwizard Tournament status: 251/450 pts, 5/7 books in series, 3/4 mini challenges
  


• Celeste - 30


• Barmybex - 6


• Jen - 34 (OHP)

Ravenclaw - 887


Student List

• Andrea - 274 (PMC) (BMC) (HMC) (FFC) Triwizard Tournament status: 274/450pts, 7/7 books in series, 4/4 mini challenges


• Kate - 90 (3HP)


• Roof Beam -35


• Christine T - 267 (HMC+1) (FFC) (2HP)


• Tiff - 62 (PMC)


• April - 11


• Aylssa - 40 (HP) (OHP)


• KateBydie - 25 (HP)


• Joi W (I Love Reading Challenge Member) - 83 (3HP)

Hufflepuff - 887

Student List

• Melissa - 522 (2HP) (2OHP) (PMC) (BMC) (HMC) (FFC+1) Triwizard Tournament status: 522/450 pts, 7/7 books in series, 4/4 mini challenges


• Anja Kasap - 354 (7HP) (3OHP) (FFC)Triwizard Tournament status: 354/450 pts, 7/7 books in series, 1/4 mini challenges


• Faith B - 5


• Night Owl - 6

Slytherin - 1561


Student List

• Tenia (I Love Reading Challenge Member) - 1135 (PMC+2) (BMC+4) (HMC+7) (FFC+4)Triwizard Tournament status: 1135/450 pts, 7/7 books in series, 4/4 mini challenges


• fakesteph - 426 (PMC) (BMC) (HMC) (FFC) Triwizard Tournament status: 426/450 pts, 7/7 books in series, 4/4 mini challenges

*** mini challenge points will be added after the mini challenge end date

Howarts Reading Challenge 2011

Hogwarts Reading Challenge 2011
January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2011

winner is Anja Kasap of Hufflepuff

In the Hogwarts Reading Challenge you are a student of the school. You will be sorted into houses. Each book you read must fit in to the subject of one the classes. You do not have to read books that fit all the subjects. Each book equals one point (toward the house cup).

You must read at least 5 books (audio books counts) before you are enter in to the drawing. At the end of the Challenge one person will win a $15 Amazon Gift Card and one house will win the House Cup (purely a pride thing).

I will post all of the Mini Challenges in the next few days so that everyone can plan out their books in advance.

To be eligible to win prizes you must have a blog and sign up using Mr. Linky. Then start a Hogwarts Reading Challenge post and link it back to this post.
****Update you can be eligible for prize if you become a member of I Love Reading Challenges on Shelfari and keep the list of the books you read for this challenge under the Hogwarts Challenge post there. You can also become a fan of the I Love Reading Challenges Facebook fan page and keep you list there as well.

Click here to go to the Sorting Hat. Please be honest. If there are too many in one particular house you may be place into another. So if the Sorting Hat places you in Sytherin you are Sytherin for duration of this challenge.

Click here to check your individual points and your house points.


Reading one of the 7 Harry Potter books earns you 25 house points. You can only read this books once during the challenge. 15 points for any other Harry Potter related book such as Tales of Beedle the Bard or A Parent's Guide to Harry Potter, again these books and only be read once during the challenge.

Have any questions leave them in a comment and I will get back to you. Have fun, good luck and Happy Reading!

****you can also find this challenge at my group I Love Reading Challenge on Shelfari

The Houses
Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin
If you were a part of this challenge before you can stay in the house you were in or go to any house of your choosing just leave a comment letting me know what house you are in.



The Classes

Transfiguration - read any book that has trans or figure in its title, is about shape shifting, has a shape shifter in it, or is about anything having to do with changing one thing into another
Defence Against the Dark Arts - read any book that has defence(defense), dark and/or art(s) in its title, read any book that is about self defense, war, history of war/marital arts, murder mysteries

Charms - read any book that has charm in its title, any book that deals with gives something or someone a new aspect (for example the nerdy guy become a handsome doctor)

Potions - read any book that has potion in its title, cookbooks count but you must cook at least one recipe out of the book

Astronomy - read any book that has astronomy in its title, books about planets, stars, etc, sci-fi

History of Magic - read any book that has history or magic in its title, books about magic, witches, etc

Herbology - read any book that has herb in its title, again cookbooks count and again you must cook at least one recipe out of the book

Arithmancy - read any book that has arithmancy in its title, any book with a number in its title, any book that deal with numbers or math

Ancient Runes - read any book that has ancient or runes in its title, books about historical places like the pyramids, Stonehenge, great wall of china, or any book about symbols
Divination - read any book that has divine in its title, any book about psychics or psychic abilities, tarot reading etc

Care of Magical Creatures - read any book that has magical or creatures in its title, about supernatural beings

Muggle Studies - nearly any book works here, what better way to understand Muggles than to read what they read

How to list your books and keep track of points:
When you copy this post onto your blog just list the book you read for the challenge under the subject to which it fits. Please list books using numbered bullet points. This makes keeping track of points easier for me.
EX:
History of Magic - read any book that has history or magic in its title, books about magic, witches, etc
1. Tears of the Moon by Nora Roberts 3/12/2010
You can be a part of this challenge on Shelfari I Love Reading Challenges group if you do not have a blog.

Possession In Death by J. D, Robb

Possession In Death by J. D, Robb
01/03/2011 3cds 3hrs 14min
3.5 stars

From back of book:
“The devil killed my body. I cannot fight, I cannot find. I cannot free her. You must. You are the one. We speak to the dead.”
Immediately after hearing these words, uttered to her by an old Romanian woman bleeding to death in the street, detective Eve Dallas begins to notice that her latest case has come with a number of interesting side-effects: visions of the deceased, instant familiarity with rooms she’s never seen before, and fluency in Russian. Likewise, there appears to be a force inside of her, a spirit other than her own, that won’t let her rest until she’s found Beata, the old woman’s great-granddaughter, whose disappearance two months prior remains a mystery. Desperate to be free of her new “gifts”, Eve pursues the facts until she discovers a link between Beata’s disappearance and the disappearance of eight other young women, all of whom attended the same dance classes, none of whom were ever heard from again.

My Review:
This is a very quick 3 hour audio book. It is part of The Other Side anthology. Very quick read. Eve is throwing a BBQ at her house (manison) when a guest needs a ride home. While on the way to drop the priest (the guest) of at church she sees a bloody and very stabbed up old woman. The old woman knows she is dying and is only concerned with Eve agreeing to find the woman's great-granddaughter. Unknowing Eve makes a blood pact with a gyspy woman. Now Eve must find Beata before she loses herself.
I love the Eve Dallas series and this book is no exception. Set in the future there may be a bit of lingo you may have to get adjusted too (not as much as if you were reading the full length novels) but other than that it is a fast pace one-nighter or as mentioned above, a 3 hour listen.

You've Been Warned by James Patterson &

You've Been Warned

by James Patterson & Howard Roughan

6cds 6hr 56mins

finished 12/23/2010

2stars

From back of book:

You've been nice, very nice.
Kristin Burns has lived her life by the philosophy "Don't think, just shoot" – pictures, that is. Struggling to make ends meet, she works full-time as the nanny for the fabulously wealthy Turnbull family, looking after their two wonderful children and waiting for her glamorous life as a New York photographer to begin. When her photographs are considered by an elite Manhattan art gallery, it seems she might finally get the chance that will start her career.
You've been naughty, very naughty.
But Kristin has a major distraction: forbidden love. The man of her dreams is almost hers for keeps. Breathless with an inexhaustible passion and the excitement of being within reach of her goals, Kristen ignores all signs of catastrophe brewing.
Now you've been warned.
Fear exists for a reason. And Kristin can only dismiss the warnings for so long. Searching desperately for the truth through the lens of her camera, she can only hope that it's not too late.

My Review:

Hmmmm...let's say this was not the best Patterson book. I listened to the audiobook. It was very slow paced. The first cd was very boring. Honestly I had lost interest in the book halfway through the 1st cd. At the end of the 2nd one, I thought I had a good idea of what was going on with the character of Kristen. My desire to know whether or not my hunch was right was my motivation for sticking with this story. Turns out a couple of things I was right about and one thing that I wasn't.

The end is the book's saving grace (if you decide to read this you'll know why I used that phrase). I understood what Patterson and co-author Howard Roughan were trying to do and appreciate the effort. And towards the end the book grew on me. However, if you are a person who can abandon a book with ease then this is not the book for you. The book is described as a thriller; it is not. If you just have to read everything that Patterson as written put this at the bottom of the list.