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Showing posts with label 2015 Challenges. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2015 Challenges. Show all posts

Friday, January 1, 2016

MBS 2015 Audiobook Challenge Wrap-Up - Completed Successfully

2015 Audiobook Challenge

Hot Listens/2015 Audiobook Challenge
Sign up and rules are found HERE.

The goal is to find a new love for audios or to outdo yourself by listening to more audios in 2015 than you did in 2014. I listened to 63 audios in 2014 so my goal will be:
  • Marathoner (Look Ma No Hands) 50+
****MBS 2015 AUDIOBOOK CHALLENGE UPDATE Through September 30, 2015. I met the Marathoner level but had not yet passed my 2014 total although I have passed 63 as of the date of preparing this posting 10/28. Update 10/31 - all links have been fixed and one duplicate removed.
Final - Goal completed.

JANUARY
  1. Audible Book Review: 25 Perfect Days by Mark Tullius; Sci Fi, Dystopian; my rating 3.75. (This one might be better in text.)
  2. Audible Book Review: FREE: The Jester (A Riyria Chronicles Tale) Written by Michael J. Sullivan; Fantasy;  my rating 4.5.
  3. Audio Book Review: The Eighth Day by Michael O'Neal; Thriller, Action Adventure, YA; my rating 4.0. 
  4. AudioBook Review: Time and Again: Book 1 in the History Mystery Series by Deborah Heal; Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Time Travel; my rating 4.0.
  5. Book Review: Immortality by Kevin Bohacz; Sci Fi, Apocalyptic; my rating 4.25.
  6. Audio Book Review: Enchanted by Alethea Kontis; Fantasy, Highlander; my rating 4.25.
  7. FEBRUARY
  8. Audio Book Review: Betrayal in Death: In Death, Book 12 by J. D. Robb Crime Thriller; my rating 4.75.
  9. Audio Book Review: Heart of Stone: Irish Angel Series by Jill Marie Landis; Historical Romance, Christian; my rating 4.0.
  10. AudioBook Review: Cleansed by Fire: A Father Frank Mystery by James R. Callan; Mystery, Christian; my rating 4.0.
  11. Audible Book Review: Contingency: Sage Hannigan Time Warper, Book 1 by Peggy MartinezFantasy; my rating 3.75. 
  12. Audible Book Review: Dead Reckoning: Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Mystery #11 by Charlaine Harris; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.0.
  13. Audible Book Review: The Beast Master by Andre Norton; Sci Fi, Fantasy; my rating 4.0.
  14. MARCH
  15. Audible Book Review: Finding Mr. Right by Emily Carmichael ; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.0.
  16. Audio Book Review: The Keeper's Calling: The Keeper's Saga, Book 1 by Kelly Nelson; Time Travel, YA Romance; my rating 4.0.
  17. Audible Book Review: Legendarium by Kevin G. Summers, Michael Bunker; Fantasy, Humor; my rating 4.0.
  18. Audio Book Review: Quitter by Jon Acuff; Nonfiction; my rating 4.0.
  19. APRIL
  20. Audible Book Review: The Maze Runner: Maze Runner, Book 1 by James Dashner; Teens, Thriller; my rating 4.0.
  21. Audio Book Review: All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terril; Teen, Sci Fi Thriller; my rating 4.0.
  22. Audible Book Review: Dog Tags by David Rosenfelt; legal Mystery, dogs; my rating 4.5.
  23. Audio Book Review: Blood for Ink: The Scarlet Plumiere Series, Book 1 by L. L. Muir; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.
  24. Audible Book Review: Trident's First Gleaming: A Special Operations Group Thriller by Stephen Templin; Military Thriller, my rating 4.0.
  25. Audible Book Review: The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen; Fairy Tale Thriller, my rating 3.5.
  26. Audible Book Review: StarFire: Vince Lombard, Book 1 by Mike Lee; Sci Fi Contemporary, Military; my rating 4.75.
  27. Audible Book Review: Gabriel: Zero Point: The FREE Prequel Novella: Evan Gabriel Trilogy by Steve Umstead; Sci Fi, Military ; my rating 4.25.
  28. MAY
  29. Audible Book Review: Mail Order Brides of the West: Trudy by Debra Holland; Historical Romance; my rating 4.75.
  30. Audio Book Review: When Death Loved an Angel by Cheree L Alsop; Fantasy, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.
  31. Audible Book Review: Gabriel's Redemption: Evan Gabriel Trilogy, Book 1 by Steve Umstead; Sci Fi, Military; my rating 4.0.
  32. Audible Book Review: Virgin River by Robyn Carr; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.0.
  33. Audible Book Review: The Tempting of Thomas Carrick: The Cynster Novels, Book 21 by Stephanie Laurens; Historical Romance; my rating 4.0.
  34. JUNE
  35. Audio Book Review and Giveaway: Dawn of Destiny (Epic Book 1) by Lee Stephen;Military Sci FI; my rating 4.75. Rafflecopter Giveaway ends 7/4/2015.
  36. Audio Book Review: Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things: The Wedding Planner Mysteries, Book 1, by Rachelle J. Christensen; Cozy Mystery; my rating 4.25.
  37. Audible Book Review: Eighth Grave After Dark by Darynda Jones ; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.25.
  38. Audible Book Review: Extremes: A Retrieval Artist Novel by Kristine Kathryn Rusch; Sci Fi Mystery; my rating 4.75.
  39. Audible Book Review: Top Dog: The Story of Marine Hero Lucca by Maria Goodavage; Personal Memoir; my rating 4.5.
    JULY
  40. Audio Book Review: The Lost Starship by Vaughn Heppner; Sci Fi Adventure; my rating 4.5.
  41. Audible Book Review: The Martian by Andy Weir; Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.
  42. Audible Book Review: Seduction in Death: In Death, Book 13 by J. D. Robb; Crime Thriller; my rating 4.25.
  43. Audible Book Review: Sector 64: Ambush by Dean M. Cole; Sci Fi Suspense; my rating 4.0.
  44. Audible Book Review: Double Whammy: A Davis Way Crime Caper, Book 1 by Gretchen Archer; Modern Detective; my rating 4.25.
  45. Audible Book Review: Double Dip: A Davis Way Crime Caper, Book 2 by Gretchen Archer; Modern Detective; my rating 4.0.
  46. AUGUST
  47. Audible Book Review: Double Strike: A Davis Way Crime Caper, Book 3 by Gretchen Archer; Modern Detective; my rating 4.5.
  48. Audible Review: Steelheart: Reckoners, Book 1 by Brandon Sanderson; Sci Fi, Fantasy, Action; my rating 4.5.
  49. Audible Review: 14 by Peter Clines; Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.
  50. Audible Review: Petticoat Detective by Margaret Brownley; Historical Romance; my rating 4.0.
  51. Audible Review: The Remaining by D. J. Molles; Sci Fi, Fantasy; my rating 4.25.
  52. Audible Review: The Witch with No Name: The Hollows, Book 13 by Kim Harrison; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.5.
  53. Audible Review: Resurrecting Home: A Novel by A. American; Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.0.
  54. Audible Review: Waking the Bear: Broken Chains, Book 1 by Kerry Adrienne; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.25.
  55. SEPTEMBER
  56. Audible Review: The Empire's Corps by Christopher G. Nuttall; Sci Fi, Futuristic; my rating 4.25.
  57. Audible Review: Come Home to Me: Second Chances Time Travel Romance Series, Book 1 by Peggy L. Henderson; Historical Romance, Time Travel; my rating 4.25.
  58. Audible Review: The Remaining: Aftermath by D. J. Molles; Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.25.
  59. Audible Review: The Remaining: Refugees, Book 3 by D. J. Molles; Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.5.
  60. Audible Review: The Remaining: Fractured, Book 4 by D. J. Molles; Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.5.
  61. Audio Review: The Sniper and the Wolf: A Sniper Elite Novel by Scott McEwen, Thomas Koloniar; Military Thriller; my rating 4.0.
  62. Audible Review: Deadlocked, Book 12 by Charlaine Harris; Paranormal; my rating 4.0.
  63. Audible Review: The Remaining: Allegiance by D. J. Molles; Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.25.
  64. Audible Review: The Remaining: Extinction by D. J. Molles; Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.5.
  65. OCTOBER
  66. Audible Review: Annihilation: Love Conquers All by Saxon Andrew; Sci Fi, my rating 4.25.
  67. Audible Review: Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour by Lynne Olson; History, WWII; my rating 5.0.
  68. Audible Review: The Clay Lion by Amalie Jahn; Sci Fi, Fantasy, YA; my rating 5.0.
  69. Audio Book Review: Clear by Fire: A Search and Destroy Thriller by Joshua Hood; Military Thriller; my rating 4.0.
  70. Audible Review: The New World: Prequel to the Chaos Walking Trilogy by Patrick Ness; Sci Fi, Fantasy, YA; my rating 4.0.
  71. Audible Review: Monster Hunter Alpha by Larry Correia; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.75.
  72. NOVEMBER
  73. Audio Book Tour Review with Giveaway: Murder on Safari: A Thriller by Peter Riva; Mystery, Thriller; my rating 4.5.
  74. Audible Review: Just One Da**ed Thing After Another: The Chronicles of St Mary's, Book 1 by Jodi Taylor; Urban Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.25.
  75. Audible Review: Day by Day Armageddon: Beyond Exile by J. L. Bourne; Thriller, Sci Fi, zombies; my rating 4.0.
  76. Audio Review: Special Talents: Goon Squad, Vol. 1 by Jonathan L. Howard; Sci Fi, fantasy; my rating 4.5.
  77. Audible Review: Omega Rising: Omega Force, Book 1 by Joshua Dalzelle; Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.
  78. Audible Book Review: Silent Night, Holy Night: A Colleen Coble Christmas Collection by Colleen Coble; Romance Novellas; my rating 3.75.
  79. DECEMBER
  80. Audible Book Review: Suspect by Robert Crais; Police Procedure; my rating 4.75.
  81. Audible Book Review: The Genuine Particle by Stephen Punt; Comedy, Radio Broadcast; my rating 4.24. 
  82. Audible Book Review: Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld; Steampunk, Fantasy Adventure; my rating 4.5.
  83. Audio Book Review: Goon Squad, Vol. 2: Without Sin by Jonathan L. Howard; Sci Fi, Comic Storytelling; my rating 4.0.
  84. Audible Book Review: Jingles All the Way: A Christmas Tail by Barbara Morgenroth; Kids, Dogs; my rating 4.25

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

The Official 2015 TBR Pile Challenge - Completed Successfully

The Official 2015 TBR Pile Challenge- COMPLETED
hosted by Roof Beam Reader


WRAP UP POST AT Roof Beam Reader.com

Goal: Specify and read 12 books that must have been on your bookshelf or “To Be Read” list for AT LEAST one full year. (All published prior to 1/1/2014.)
I made a few adjustments but finalized my list by 1/10/15.
(The links go to my review of the book as I post them.)

1. Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Mahaney Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, Janelle Bradshaw September 4,2009
2. Homespun Bride Jillian Hart May 4,2009
3. Kiss of Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel (The Midnight Breed.. Lara Adrian May 4,2009
4. Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour by Lynne Olson Audible Nov 2011
5. Awaken His Eyes: The Awakened Book One Jason Tesar May 2011
6. The New World (FREE short story) (Chaos Walking) Patrick Ness Nov 2010
7. On the Run (The Elijah Project) Bill Myers, James Riordan Nov 2010
8. The Lord Is My Shepherd: The Psalm 23 Mysteries #1 Debbie Viguie Oct 2010
Dead Reckoning Ronie Kendig Sept 2010
9. Sheltering Hearts (Virgin River) Robyn Carr Sept 2010
10. Fatal Judgment (Guardians of Justice Book #1): A Novel Irene Hannon April 2012
Spying in High Heels (High Heels Mysteries #1) Gemma Halliday Sept 2011

Alternates:
11. Frozen Past (A Jaxon Jennings' Detective Mystery Thriller Series, Book 1) Richard C Hale July 2012
12. Extremes: A Retrieval Artist Novel by Kristine Kathryn Rusch Audible Oct 12

Monday, December 28, 2015

2015 Alphabet Soup Challenge Completed Successfully

2015 Alphabet Soup Challenge -- COMPLETION POST

[Check rules and sign up HERE and look for info to sign up for 2016 Challenge.]

It’s an alphabet challenge!!! The challenge is to read one book that has a title starting with every letter of the alphabet.
You can drop the A’s and The’s from the book titles as shown below. For those pesky Q, X AND Z titles the word with the challenge letter can be anywhere in the title.


 COMPLETION NOTES: I worked hard to actually find titles with the right beginning letters so I didn't have to drop the A's and The's this year. That may not work for 2016. I do plan to do this again as it was fun and helped me pull a dozen titles from my TBR shelves.

A      Accept This Dandelion by Brooke Williams
B      Betrayal in Death In Death, Book 12 by J. D. Robb (Audible TBR)
C      Cleansed by Fire by James R. Callan
D      Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris (Audible TBR)
E      Exodus 2022 by Kenneth G. Bennett
F      Finding Mr. Right by Emily Carmichael (Audible TBR)
G      Gabriel: Zero Point by Steve Umstead (Audible TBR)
H      Hawk by Ronie Keding
I       Immortality by Kevin Bohacz
J       Just In Time For a Highlander by Gwen Cready
K      Kiss of Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel (The Midnight Breed Series Book 1) by Lara Adrian (TBR)
L     Legendarium by Kevin G. Summers, Michael Bunker (Audible TBR)
M    Monday's Lie by Jamie Mason
N     Nirvana (Nirvana Series Book 1) by J.R. Stewart
O     Only Enchanting  by Mary Balogh
P      Passionately Yours by Cara Elliott
Q     Quitter by Jon Acuff (Audio TBR)
R      Resurrecting Home by A. American
S      Shopping for Time by Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Mahaney Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, Janelle Bradshaw (TBR)
T     Time and Again: Book 1 in the History Mystery Series by Deborah Heal
U    Unclutter Your Life! How to Tame Your Mess, Calm Your Mind, Lighten your Load by Jen Williams (TBR)
V    Virgin River by Robin Carr (Audible TBR)
W   What a Devilish Duke Desires by Vicky Dreiling
X     Xenonauts: Crimson Dagger by Lee Stephen
Y   You're Never to Old to Laugh by Ed Fischer (TBR)
Z    Zion's Road: A Love Story about Faith and Redemption by Imani Wisdom (TBR)

Saturday, December 19, 2015

2015 Netgalley Reading Challenge - COMPLETED Successfully

2015 Netgalley Reading Challenge
hosted by Ariel at Fictively.com  

2015netgalleychallenge
Rules and sign up can be found HERE.

Goal: You can continue to request galleys, or you can read the ones you already have. The point is to get your feedback ratio closer to the recommended 80%.
I actually stay close to 79-80% most of the time but this will help me stay on track and keep me reading some good review books.
UPDATE: December 2015 - I got my ratio up to 88% at one point but as of this post it is at 86% as I requested quite a few titles (a dozen) to prepare for 2016!
I read 37 books from NetGalley in 2014 so the Challenge Level I chose for 2015 is 31-40 books or “Difficult”:
UPDATE: December 2015 - I completed my goal by reading 44 NetGalley titles.
I didn't do quarterly updates this year so I will try to do better at that in 2016.


MBS 2015 NetGalley Challenge- Completed

    JANUARY
  1. Book Review: Only Enchanting, A Survivors' Club Novel by Mary Balogh; Historical Romance; my rating 4.75.
  2. Book Review: Exodus 2022 by Kenneth G. Bennett; Sci Fi Thriller;  my rating 4.25.
  3. Book Review: 'Tis The Season: Under the Christmas Tree\Midnight Confessions\Backward Glance by Robyn Carr; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating 4.5. 
  4. Book Review: Just in Time for a Highlander (Sirens of the Scottish Borderlands) by Gwyn Cready; Time Travel, Highlander; my rating 4.0. 
  5. Book Review: Hawk (The Quiet Professionals, Book 2) by Ronie Kendig; Military Romance, Christian; my rating 4.25.
  6. FEBRUARY
  7. Book Review and Giveaways: What a Devilish Duke Desires by Vicky DreilingHistoric Romance; my rating 3.75. 
  8. Book Review: Snow Angel Cove by RaeAnne Thayne; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.5.
  9. MARCH
  10. Book Review: The Last Heiress by Mary Ellis; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.
  11. Book Review: Monday’s Lie by Jamie Mason; Mystery; my rating 4.5.
  12. Book Review: Echoes (A Harp Security Novel) by Laura K. Curtis; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5.
  13. Book Review and Giveaways: A Kiss to Build a Dream On (A White Pine Novel) by Kim Amos; Contemporary Romance, Small town; my rating 3.5. 
  14. Book Review and Giveaways: Scandalously Yours by Cara Elliott; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5. 
  15. APRIL
  16. Book Review: A Hope Remembered by Stacy Henrie; Historical Romance, WWI; my rating 4.25
  17. Book Review: Shadow Study (Soulfinders) by Maria V. Snyder; Fantasy; my rating 4.5.
  18. Book Review: The Fire Sermon by Francesca Haig; Fantasy, Dystopian, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.0.
  19. Book Review and Giveaways: Fringe Benefits (The Ladies Who Lunch) by Sandy James; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating 3.75.
  20. Book Review and Giveaways: Sinfully Yours (The Hellions of High Street) by Cara Elliott; Historical Romance; my rating 4.25. 
  21. MAY
  22. Book Review: The Shadow Cartel (The Dominic Grey Series) by Layton Green; Mystery Suspense, Thriller, my rating 4.25.
  23. Book Review: Letters to the Lost by Iona Grey; Historic Romance, Romance; my rating 4.5.
  24. Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Once Upon a SEAL (Lucky Thirteen Book 5) by S.M. Butler; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.0.
  25. Book Review: Grey (The Romany Outcasts Series, Book 1) by Christi J. Whitney; Paranormal, YA; my rating 4.25.
  26. Book Review and Giveaways: Passionately Yours (The Hellions of High Street) by Cara Elliott; Historical Romance; my rating 4.0.
  27. JUNE
  28. Book Review: Judas the Apostle by Van Mayhall Jr.; Biblical thriller; my rating 4.0.
  29. Book Review and Giveaway: A New Hope (Thunder Point series) by Robyn Carr; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating 4.5.
  30. JULY
  31. Book Review and Blitz Giveaway: A Promise of Forever (A Tallgrass Novel Book 1) by Marilyn Pappano; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating 4.5. US and Canada; Ends 7/11/2015.
  32. Book Review: SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Fox by Don Mann, Ralph Pezzullo; Military Thriller; my rating 4.25.
  33. Book Review: A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris; Fantasy, Steampunk, Fairy Tale; my rating 4.5.
  34. Book Review: Footsteps in the Sky by Greg Keyes; Science Fiction; my rating 4.25.
  35. AUGUST
  36. Book Review: Plantation Shudders: A Cajun Country Mystery (A Cajun Country Mystery) by Ellen Byron; Cozy Mystery; my rating 4.25.
  37. Book Review: Dark Horse by Michelle Diener; Sci Fi, Space Opera; my rating 5.0.
  38. Book Review: A City Called Smoke: The Territory 2 by Justin Woolley; Science Fiction, Action Adventure; my rating 4.25.
  39. Book Review: To Honor You Call Us (Man of War Book 1) by H. Paul Honsinger; Sci Fi Military, Space Opera; my rating 5.0.
  40. Book Review: Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm (Once in a Lifetime) by Rebecca Raisin; Small Town, Contemporary Romance; my rating 3.75.
  41. SEPTEMBER
  42. Book Review: The Banished of Muirwood (Covenant of Muirwood Book 1) by Jeff Wheeler; Fantasy; my rating 4.25.
  43. Book Review: Death of the Blue Flower by Roxann Hill; Mystery, Crime Thriller; my rating 4.5.
  44. Book Review (Plus Giveaway Link): The Last Chance Christmas Ball - Collection of Eight Wonderful Authors; Historical Romance, Holiday; my rating 4.5.
  45. Book Review: Harriet Wolf's Seventh Book of Wonders: A Novel by Julianna Baggott Women's Fiction; my rating 4.5.
  46. Book Review: Children of the Comet by Donald Moffitt; Sci Fi, Fantasy; my rating 4.25.
  47. OCTOBER
  48. Book Review: Love in the Details: A November Wedding Story (A Year of Weddings Novella) by Becky Wade; Contemporary Romance, Novella; my rating 4.5.
  49. Book Review: Whispers in the Reading Room (The Chicago World's Fair Mystery Series Book 3) by Shelley Gray; Historical Romance, Inspirational, Mystery; my rating 5.0.
  50. NOVEMBER
  51. Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Steal Me (NYPD's Finest) by Lauren Layne ; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5.
  52. Book Review: Nirvana (Nirvana Series Book 1) by J.R. Stewart; Sci Fi, Fantasy, Dystopian; my rating 4.0.
  53. Book Review: Joy to the Worlds: Mysterious Speculative Fiction for the Holidays by Four Authors; Speculative Fiction; my rating 4.25.
  54. DECEMBER
  55. Book Review: The 12 Brides of Christmas Collection by 12 authors; Christian & Historical Romance; my rating 4.25+.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

2015 Audiobook Challenge -- Third Quarter Update

2015 Audiobook Challenge

Hot Listens/2015 Audiobook Challenge
Sign up and rules are found HERE.

The goal is to find a new love for audios or to outdo yourself by listening to more audios in 2015 than you did in 2014. I listened to 63 audios in 2014 so my goal will be:
  • Marathoner (Look Ma No Hands) 50+

****MBS 2015 AUDIOBOOK CHALLENGE UPDATE Through September 30, 2015. I met the Marathoner level but had not yet passed my 2014 total althoug I have passed 63 as of the date of preparing this posting 10/28. 
Update 10/31 - all links have been fixed and one duplicate removed. I am not sure what happened on the links because my working WORD document has them correctly but for some reason the first half went to a search format that resulted in 404 errors. Odd. 

JANUARY
  1. Audible Book Review: 25 Perfect Days by Mark Tullius; Sci Fi, Dystopian; my rating 3.75. (This one might be better in text.)
  2. Audible Book Review: FREE: The Jester (A Riyria Chronicles Tale) Written by Michael J. Sullivan; Fantasy;  my rating 4.5.
  3. Audio Book Review: The Eighth Day by Michael O'Neal; Thriller, Action Adventure, YA; my rating 4.0. 
  4. AudioBook Review: Time and Again: Book 1 in the History Mystery Series by Deborah Heal; Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Time Travel; my rating 4.0.
  5. Book Review: Immortality by Kevin Bohacz; Sci Fi, Apocalyptic; my rating 4.25.
  6. Audio Book Review: Enchanted by Alethea Kontis; Fantasy, Highlander; my rating 4.25.
  7. FEBRUARY
  8. Audio Book Review: Betrayal in Death: In Death, Book 12 by J. D. Robb Crime Thriller; my rating 4.75.
  9. Audio Book Review: Heart of Stone: Irish Angel Series by Jill Marie Landis; Historical Romance, Christian; my rating 4.0.
  10. AudioBook Review: Cleansed by Fire: A Father Frank Mystery by James R. Callan; Mystery, Christian; my rating 4.0.
  11. Audible Book Review: Contingency: Sage Hannigan Time Warper, Book 1 by Peggy MartinezFantasy; my rating 3.75. 
  12. Audible Book Review: Dead Reckoning: Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Mystery #11 by Charlaine Harris; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.0.
  13. Audible Book Review: The Beast Master by Andre Norton; Sci Fi, Fantasy; my rating 4.0.
  14. MARCH
  15. Audible Book Review: Finding Mr. Right by Emily Carmichael ; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.0.
  16. Audio Book Review: The Keeper's Calling: The Keeper's Saga, Book 1 by Kelly Nelson; Time Travel, YA Romance; my rating 4.0.
  17. Audible Book Review: Legendarium by Kevin G. Summers, Michael Bunker; Fantasy, Humor; my rating 4.0.
  18. Audio Book Review: Quitter by Jon Acuff; Nonfiction; my rating 4.0.
  19. APRIL
  20. Audible Book Review: The Maze Runner: Maze Runner, Book 1 by James Dashner; Teens, Thriller; my rating 4.0.
  21. Audio Book Review: All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terril; Teen, Sci Fi Thriller; my rating 4.0.
  22. Audible Book Review: Dog Tags by David Rosenfelt; legal Mystery, dogs; my rating 4.5.
  23. Audio Book Review: Blood for Ink: The Scarlet Plumiere Series, Book 1 by L. L. Muir; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.
  24. Audible Book Review: Trident's First Gleaming: A Special Operations Group Thriller by Stephen Templin; Military Thriller, my rating 4.0.
  25. Audible Book Review: The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen; Fairy Tale Thriller, my rating 3.5.
  26. Audible Book Review: StarFire: Vince Lombard, Book 1 by Mike Lee; Sci Fi Contemporary, Military; my rating 4.75.
  27. Audible Book Review: Gabriel: Zero Point: The FREE Prequel Novella: Evan Gabriel Trilogy by Steve Umstead; Sci Fi, Military ; my rating 4.25.
  28. MAY
  29. Audible Book Review: Mail Order Brides of the West: Trudy by Debra Holland; Historical Romance; my rating 4.75.
  30. Audio Book Review: When Death Loved an Angel by Cheree L Alsop; Fantasy, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.
  31. Audible Book Review: Gabriel's Redemption: Evan Gabriel Trilogy, Book 1 by Steve Umstead; Sci Fi, Military; my rating 4.0.
  32. Audible Book Review: Virgin River by Robyn Carr; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.0.
  33. Audible Book Review: The Tempting of Thomas Carrick: The Cynster Novels, Book 21 by Stephanie Laurens; Historical Romance; my rating 4.0.
  34. JUNE
  35. Audio Book Review and Giveaway: Dawn of Destiny (Epic Book 1) by Lee Stephen;Military Sci FI; my rating 4.75. Rafflecopter Giveaway ends 7/4/2015.
  36. Audio Book Review: Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things: The Wedding Planner Mysteries, Book 1, by Rachelle J. Christensen; Cozy Mystery; my rating 4.25.
  37. Audible Book Review: Eighth Grave After Dark by Darynda Jones ; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.25.
  38. Audible Book Review: Extremes: A Retrieval Artist Novel by Kristine Kathryn Rusch; Sci Fi Mystery; my rating 4.75.
  39. Audible Book Review: Top Dog: The Story of Marine Hero Lucca by Maria Goodavage; Personal Memoir; my rating 4.5.
    JULY
  40. Audio Book Review: The Lost Starship by Vaughn Heppner; Sci Fi Adventure; my rating 4.5.
  41. Audible Book Review: The Martian by Andy Weir; Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.
  42. Audible Book Review: Seduction in Death: In Death, Book 13 by J. D. Robb; Crime Thriller; my rating 4.25.
  43. Audible Book Review: Sector 64: Ambush by Dean M. Cole; Sci Fi Suspense; my rating 4.0.
  44. Audible Book Review: Double Whammy: A Davis Way Crime Caper, Book 1 by Gretchen Archer; Modern Detective; my rating 4.25.
  45. Audible Book Review: Double Dip: A Davis Way Crime Caper, Book 2 by Gretchen Archer; Modern Detective; my rating 4.0.
  46. AUGUST
  47. Audible Book Review: Double Strike: A Davis Way Crime Caper, Book 3 by Gretchen Archer; Modern Detective; my rating 4.5.
  48. Audible Review: Steelheart: Reckoners, Book 1 by Brandon Sanderson; Sci Fi, Fantasy, Action; my rating 4.5.
  49. Audible Review: 14 by Peter Clines; Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.
  50. Audible Review: Petticoat Detective by Margaret Brownley; Historical Romance; my rating 4.0.
  51. Audible Review: The Remaining by D. J. Molles; Sci Fi, Fantasy; my rating 4.25.
  52. Audible Review: The Witch with No Name: The Hollows, Book 13 by Kim Harrison; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.5.
  53. Audible Review: Resurrecting Home: A Novel by A. American; Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.0.
  54. Audible Review: Waking the Bear: Broken Chains, Book 1 by Kerry Adrienne; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.25.
  55. SEPTEMBER
  56. Audible Review: The Empire's Corps by Christopher G. Nuttall; Sci Fi, Futuristic; my rating 4.25.
  57. Audible Review: Come Home to Me: Second Chances Time Travel Romance Series, Book 1 by Peggy L. Henderson; Historical Romance, Time Travel; my rating 4.25.
  58. Audible Review: The Remaining: Aftermath by D. J. Molles; Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.25.
  59. Audible Review: The Remaining: Refugees, Book 3 by D. J. Molles; Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.5.
  60. Audible Review: The Remaining: Fractured, Book 4 by D. J. Molles; Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.5.
  61. Audio Review: The Sniper and the Wolf: A Sniper Elite Novel by Scott McEwen, Thomas Koloniar; Military Thriller; my rating 4.0.
  62. Audible Review: Deadlocked, Book 12 by Charlaine Harris; Paranormal; my rating 4.0.
  63. Audible Review: The Remaining: Allegiance by D. J. Molles; Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.25.
  64. Audible Review: The Remaining: Extinction by D. J. Molles; Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.5.
  65. OCTOBER




Thursday, January 1, 2015

2015 Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge

2015 Alphabet Soup Challenge

Check rules and sign up HERE.

It’s an alphabet challenge!!! The challenge is to read one book that has a title starting with every letter of the alphabet.
You can drop the A’s and The’s from the book titles as shown below. For those pesky Q, X AND Z titles the word with the challenge letter can be anywhere in the title.
I have inserted a couple of titles that I might use or not -- we'll see as the year progresses.

A      Accept This Dandelion by Brooke Williams
B      Betrayal in Death In Death, Book 12 by J. D. Robb
C      Cleansed by Fire by James R. Callan
D      Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris
E      Exodus 2022 by Kenneth G. Bennett
F      Finding Mr. Right by Emily Carmichael
G      Gabriel: Zero Point by Steve Umstead
H      Hawk by Ronie Keding
I       Immortality by Kevin Bohacz
J       Just In Time For a Highlander by Gwen Cready
K      Kiss of Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel (The Midnight Breed Series Book 1) Lara Adrian
L     Legendarium by Kevin G. Summers, Michael Bunker
M    Monday's Lie by Jamie Mason
N     Nirvana (Nirvana Series Book 1) by J.R. Stewart
O     Only Enchanting  by Mary Balogh
P      Passionately Yours by Cara Elliott
Q     Quitter by Jon Acuff
R      Resurrecting Home by A. American
S      Shopping for Time by Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Mahaney Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, Janelle Bradshaw
T     Time and Again: Book 1 in the History Mystery Series by Deborah Heal
U    Unclutter Your Life! How to Tame Your Mess, Calm Your Mind, Lighten your Load by Jen Williams
V    Virgin River by Robin Carr
W   What a Devilish Duke Desires by Vicky Dreiling
X     Xenonauts: Crimson Dagger by Lee Stephen
Y   You're Never to Old to Laugh by Ed Fischer
Z    Zion's Road: A Love Story about Faith and Redemption by Imani Wisdom

2015 Netgalley Reading Challenge

2015 Netgalley Reading Challenge
hosted by Ariel at Fictively.com  

2015netgalleychallenge
Rules and sign up can be found HERE.

Goal: You can continue to request galleys, or you can read the ones you already have. The point is to get your feedback ratio closer to the recommended 80%.
I actually stay close to 79-80% most of the time but this will help me stay on track and keep me reading some good review books.

I read 37 books from NetGalley in 2014 so the Challenge Level I chose for 2015 is 31-40 books or “Difficult”:


MBS 2015 NetGalley Challenge

    JANUARY
  1. Book Review: Only Enchanting, A Survivors' Club Novel by Mary Balogh; Historical Romance; my rating 4.75.
  2. Book Review: Exodus 2022 by Kenneth G. Bennett; Sci Fi Thriller;  my rating 4.25.
  3. Book Review: 'Tis The Season: Under the Christmas Tree\Midnight Confessions\Backward Glance by Robyn Carr; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating 4.5. 
  4. Book Review: Just in Time for a Highlander (Sirens of the Scottish Borderlands) by Gwyn Cready; Time Travel, Highlander; my rating 4.0. 
  5. Book Review: Hawk (The Quiet Professionals, Book 2) by Ronie Kendig; Military Romance, Christian; my rating 4.25.
  6. FEBRUARY
  7. Book Review and Giveaways: What a Devilish Duke Desires by Vicky DreilingHistoric Romance; my rating 3.75. 
  8. Book Review: Snow Angel Cove by RaeAnne Thayne; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.5.
  9. MARCH
  10. Book Review: The Last Heiress by Mary Ellis; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.
  11. Book Review: Monday’s Lie by Jamie Mason; Mystery; my rating 4.5.
  12. Book Review: Echoes (A Harp Security Novel) by Laura K. Curtis; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5.
  13. Book Review and Giveaways: A Kiss to Build a Dream On (A White Pine Novel) by Kim Amos; Contemporary Romance, Small town; my rating 3.5. 
  14. Book Review and Giveaways: Scandalously Yours by Cara Elliott; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5. 
  15. APRIL
  16. Book Review: A Hope Remembered by Stacy Henrie; Historical Romance, WWI; my rating 4.25
  17. Book Review: Shadow Study (Soulfinders) by Maria V. Snyder; Fantasy; my rating 4.5.
  18. Book Review: The Fire Sermon by Francesca Haig; Fantasy, Dystopian, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.0.
  19. Book Review and Giveaways: Fringe Benefits (The Ladies Who Lunch) by Sandy James; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating 3.75.
  20. Book Review and Giveaways: Sinfully Yours (The Hellions of High Street) by Cara Elliott; Historical Romance; my rating 4.25. 
  21. MAY
  22. Book Review: The Shadow Cartel (The Dominic Grey Series) by Layton Green; Mystery Suspense, Thriller, my rating 4.25.
  23. Book Review: Letters to the Lost by Iona Grey; Historic Romance, Romance; my rating 4.5.
  24. Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Once Upon a SEAL (Lucky Thirteen Book 5) by S.M. Butler; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.0.
  25. Book Review: Grey (The Romany Outcasts Series, Book 1) by Christi J. Whitney; Paranormal, YA; my rating 4.25.
  26. Book Review and Giveaways: Passionately Yours (The Hellions of High Street) by Cara Elliott; Historical Romance; my rating 4.0.
  27. JUNE
  28. Book Review: Judas the Apostle by Van Mayhall Jr.; Biblical thriller; my rating 4.0.
  29. Book Review and Giveaway: A New Hope (Thunder Point series) by Robyn Carr; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating 4.5.
  30. JULY
  31. Book Review and Blitz Giveaway: A Promise of Forever (A Tallgrass Novel Book 1) by Marilyn Pappano; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating 4.5. US and Canada; Ends 7/11/2015.
  32. Book Review: SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Fox by Don Mann, Ralph Pezzullo; Military Thriller; my rating 4.25.
  33. Book Review: A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris; Fantasy, Steampunk, Fairy Tale; my rating 4.5.
  34. Book Review: Footsteps in the Sky by Greg Keyes; Science Fiction; my rating 4.25.
  35. AUGUST
  36. Book Review: Plantation Shudders: A Cajun Country Mystery (A Cajun Country Mystery) by Ellen Byron; Cozy Mystery; my rating 4.25.
  37. Book Review: Dark Horse by Michelle Diener; Sci Fi, Space Opera; my rating 5.0.
  38. Book Review: A City Called Smoke: The Territory 2 by Justin Woolley; Science Fiction, Action Adventure; my rating 4.25.
  39. Book Review: To Honor You Call Us (Man of War Book 1) by H. Paul Honsinger; Sci Fi Military, Space Opera; my rating 5.0.
  40. Book Review: Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm (Once in a Lifetime) by Rebecca Raisin; Small Town, Contemporary Romance; my rating 3.75.
  41. SEPTEMBER
  42. Book Review: The Banished of Muirwood (Covenant of Muirwood Book 1) by Jeff Wheeler; Fantasy; my rating 4.25.
  43. Book Review: Death of the Blue Flower by Roxann Hill; Mystery, Crime Thriller; my rating 4.5.
  44. Book Review (Plus Giveaway Link): The Last Chance Christmas Ball - Collection of Eight Wonderful Authors; Historical Romance, Holiday; my rating 4.5.
  45. Book Review: Harriet Wolf's Seventh Book of Wonders: A Novel by Julianna Baggott Women's Fiction; my rating 4.5.
  46. Book Review: Children of the Comet by Donald Moffitt; Sci Fi, Fantasy; my rating 4.25.
  47. OCTOBER
  48. Book Review: Love in the Details: A November Wedding Story (A Year of Weddings Novella) by Becky Wade; Contemporary Romance, Novella; my rating 4.5.
  49. Book Review: Whispers in the Reading Room (The Chicago World's Fair Mystery Series Book 3) by Shelley Gray; Historical Romance, Inspirational, Mystery; my rating 5.0.
  50. NOVEMBER
  51. Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Steal Me (NYPD's Finest) by Lauren Layne ; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5.
  52. Book Review: Nirvana (Nirvana Series Book 1) by J.R. Stewart; Sci Fi, Fantasy, Dystopian; my rating 4.0.
  53. Book Review: Joy to the Worlds: Mysterious Speculative Fiction for the Holidays by Four Authors; Speculative Fiction; my rating 4.25.
  54. DECEMBER
  55. Book Review: The 12 Brides of Christmas Collection by 12 authors; Christian & Historical Romance; my rating 4.25+.

FULL HOUSE READING CHALLENGE 2015

FULL HOUSE READING CHALLENGE 2015
Hosted by Book Date

See rules and sign up post HERE.

Challenge = Complete the card below. You can do it in any order you wish. You are allowed "one free exchange", if there is something on the square you really dislike you may change it to something of your choice. Once you have played this free choice that is it. Mention the exchange in the final summary post.

This looks like fun and should overlap well with my TBR challenges. :-)

BY THE WAY - HERE IS A SHOUT OF "THANKS" to Kathryn at Book Date. I saw most (if not all) of the challenges I have chosen this year at her blog.

2015 Audiobook Challenge

2015 Audiobook Challenge
Hot Listens/2015 Audiobook Challenge
Sign up and rules are found HERE.

The goal is to find a new love for audios or to outdo yourself by listening to more audios in 2015 than you did in 2014. I listened to 63 audios in 2014 so my goal will be:
  • Marathoner (Look Ma No Hands) 50+



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