Reviews By Martha's Bookshelf: Challenges

Showing posts with label Challenges. Show all posts

Monday, June 27, 2016

2016 Alphabet Soup Challenge Update Midyear

I am working this 2016 Alphabet Soup Challenge in expanded mode. I am trying to fill the Alphabet with TBR books, ebook and audio if possible, as well as new books.
(A for audio; E for ebook; P for print; TE for Tour; AE for author ebook).
Books 1 and 2 are will be TBRs: 1 = print or ebook and 2 = audio/Audible.
Books 3 and 4 will be new books: 1 = NG (NetGalley), TE (tour ebook) or AE (author ebook);
4 = new audio/Audible titles.
(A ABB = Audiobook Boom; A ABJ = Audiobook Jukebox)
[Brackets indicate a planned book.]

Title (author to be added if not in yet), date acquired; linked to review when read.
A1. (P/E TBR) Arena by Karen Hancock (fall 2015)
A2. (A TBR) Agenda 21: Into the Shadows by Glenn Beck (Audible credit 1/16)
A3. (NG) Admiral (An Evagardian Novel) by Sean Danker
A4.
B1. (NG TBR) Brilliance (The Brilliance Trilogy Book 1) by Marcus Sakey (Selected Dec 2015);
B2. (A ABJ) Buster the Military Dog by Will Barrow (Rec'd Dec 2015 through ABJ)
B3. (TE) Breaking the Story (Scottie's Adventures Book 2) by Ashley Farley
B4. (A-Narrator) Bad Deeds
C1. (E TBR) [Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles Book 1) by Marissa Meyer; Kindle pick up 2/14]
C2. (A TBR) Classic Love Poems (Free Audible 2/15)
C3. (TE) City of Gold by Carolyn Arnold (Rec'd Jan 2016 for Great Escapes Book Tour)
C3. (NG TBR) Chakana: Encounter In The Sacred Valley by W.E. Lawrence (Rec'd Dec 2015)
C4.
D1.
D2. (A TBR) Daemon by Daniel Suarez Audible 2012
D3. (NG) Dear Emma by Katie Heaney (Rec'd Jan 2016 through Hachette at NG)
D4. (A ABB) Defects: The Reverians by Sara Noffke (Rec'd Jan 2016 through ABB)
E1.
E2. (A TBR) [Eye of the Needle 2012]
E3. (NG) Extreme Honor by Piper J. Drake (Rec'd Dec 2015)
E3. (TE) Emmy Nation Undercover Suffragette (Rec'd Dec 2015 for iRead BookTour)
E4. (A new) Enforcing Home
F1.
F2. (A TBR) For Honor We Stand: Man of War, Book 2 by H. Paul Honsinger (Audible 12/15)
F3. (E) First Fruits by Brad Duncan
F4.
G1.
G2. (A-TBR) Grave Surprise
G3. (E) Guardian of Paradise by W. E. Lawrence
G4. (A) Good Morning... Processes Must Be Improved by Ray Jay Perreault
H1. (E TBR) [His Lady Mistress 2009]
H2. (A TBR) Heroes Are My Weakness by Susan Elizabeth Phillips Audible 8/14
H3. (NG) Hold Your Breath (Search and Rescue) by Katie Ruggle
H4.
I1.
I2. (A TBR) [Into the Black 2015 (NOV Sci Fi) Importance Earnest]
I3. (T) Immurement: The Undergrounders Series Book One by Norma Hinkens (Rec'd Feb 2016 for Expresso Book Tour)
I4. (A) In the Mist of Killarney: An Irish Faery Tale by Robert McCallum
J1.
J2. (A TBR) (The) Jewel of Dantenos: The FREE Lee Starfinder Adventure by Brian D. Anderson
J3. (NG) Jessica’s Christmas Kiss by Alison May (Rec'd in Dec 2015)
J3. (TE) Jamie Quinn Mystery Collection: Box Set Books 1-3 by Barbara Venkataraman
J4.
K1.
K2. (A TBR) Kiss an Angel
K3.
K4.
L1.
L2. (A TBR) Lost in a Good Book Audible 3/12
L3. (NG) Laos File (The Shake Davis Series) by Dale Dye
L4.
M1. (P TBR) Mistletoe Memories: Four Generations Transform a House Into a Home for Christmas (LBC purchased in Nov 2015)
M2. (A TBR) [Monster Hunter Audible 11/15]
M3. (NG) Much Ado About Highlanders (The Scottish Relic Trilogy) by May McGoldrick
M4. (A ABB) Making Amends by Melinda Clayton
N1. (NG TBR) Night Study by Maria J. Snyder(Rec'd Nov 2015)
N2. (A TBR) [Nation 2012] [No Easy Hope 2015]
N3. (TE) Nobody But You (Cedar Ridge) by Jill Shalvis
N4. (A ABB) Northern Lights: A Scorched Earth Novel by Boyd Craven III
O1.
O2. (A TBR) Old Man's War by John Scalzi (Audible 2/13)
P1.
P2. (A TBR) Professional Integrity (A Riyria Chronicles Tale) by Michael J. Sullivan (Audible free book 2015)
P3.(NG TBR) (The) Path of the Bullet by MC Jacques (Rec'd Dec 2015)
P4. (A ABJ) Pack: A Paranormal Romance Novelette by Jeaniene Frost
Q1. (E TBR) Quiet As They Come by Angie Chau (Free 2010)
Q3. (E) Quirky Essays
R1.
R2. (A-TBR) Reunion in Death by J.D. Robb (Audible credit 12/15)
R3. (TE) Rarity from the Hollow by Robert Eggleton
R4. (A ABB) Redfall: Fight for Survival: American Prepper Series, Book 1, by Jay J. Falconer
S1. (E TBR) [Snowbound 2009]
S2. (A TBR) Straits of Hell by Taylor Anderson (Audible credit 11/2015)
S3. (NG TBR) Steamborn by Eric R. Asher (Received in Dec 2015)
S4. (A ABJ) Singular by David F. Porteous (ABJ Jan 2016)
T1. (P TBR) Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul (LBC Print purchased Nov 2015)
T2. (A TBR) To Live Forever (Audible credit or purchase August 2015)
T3. (TE) Those Who Walk in Darkness by Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene
T4.(A TBR) Time Heist: Firstborn Saga Volume 1 by Anthony Vicino (Rec'd from author Dec 2015)
U1.
U2. (A TBR) Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (Audible 2/15)
U3. (NG T) Ultimate Courage by Piper J. Drake
U4. (A Narrator) Unseemly Pursuits
V1.
V2. (A TBR) Variant by Robison Wells (Audible 2012)
V3. (E PBL) Violets in February by Clare Revell
V4.
W1.
W2. (A TBR) What Happens in London Audible 2012
W3. (NG TBR) What We Find by Robyn Carr
W4.
X1.
X2. (A) X Minus One: Protective Mimicry (October 3, 1956) by Algis Budrys, Ernest Kinoy – adaptation (Audible purchase 12/31)
Y.
Z.

MBS 2016 Audiobook Challenge Midyear Update

2016 Audiobook Challenge

hosted by Hot Listens and The Book Nympho

(TBR) Audible Book Reviews: Three X Minus One #VintageSciFi Stories; Vintage Sci Fi; my ratings 4.5, 4.25 and 4.25.
(TBR) Audible Book Review and #Giveaway: Time Heist: Firstborn Saga Volume 1 by #Anthony Vicino; Sci Fi, Mystery; my rating 4.5.
(TBR) Audio Book Review: Buster: The Military Dog Who Saved a Thousand Lives by Will Barrow, Isabel George; Personal Memoir; my rating 4.25.
(TBR) Audible Book Review: The Very First D**ned Thing: An Author-Read Audio Exclusive by Jodi Taylor; Fantasy; my rating 4.5.
(TBR) Audible Book Review: To Live Forever by Jack Vance; Vintage Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.
(TBR) The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein; Sci Fi, Vintage; my rating 5.0.
(ABJ) Audible Book Review: Singular by David F. Porteous; Sci Fi, Thriller; my rating 4.25.

(ABB) Audible Book Review: Star Crusader: Hero of the Alliance by Michael G. Thomas; Sci Fi, Space Adventure; my rating 4.25.
(TBR) Audible Book Review: Classic Love Poems by William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Elizabeth, Barrett Browning and others; Poetry; my rating 5.0.
(ABJ) Audible Book Review: The Last Drop: The Last Drop, Book 1 by Andrea Perno; Fantasy, Young Adult; my rating 4.0.
(TBR) Audible Book Review: Reunion in Death: In Death, Book 14, by J.D. Robb; Mystery Thriller, Modern Detective; my rating 4.5.
(ABB) Audio Book Review: Defects: The Reverians, Volume 1 by Sarah Noffke; YA, Dystopian; my rating 4.0.
(TBR) Audible Book Review: Agenda 21: Into the Shadows by Glenn Beck ; Christian, Sci Fi, Dystopian; my rating 4.25.
(TBR) Audible Book Review: Straits of Hell: Destroyermen, Book 10 by Taylor Anderson; Sci Fi, Alternate History; my rating 5.0.
(ABB) Audible Review: Good Morning... Processes Must Be Improved by Ray Jay Perreault; Sci Fi, Short Story; my rating 4.0.
(New) Audible Book Review: Good Fences: A Scorched Earth Novel by Boyd Craven III; Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.5.
(ABB) Audio Book Review: Northern Lights: A Scorched Earth Novel by Boyd Craven III; Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.5.
(ABJ) Audible Book Review: Derelict by LJ Cohen; Sci Fi, YA; my rating 4.0.
(New) Audible Book Review: Fire Touched: Mercy Thompson Series, Book 9, by Patricia Briggs; Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating 4.25.
(ABJ) Audible Book Review: Dream Kisses: Romance on the Ranch Series Book 1 by Verna Clay; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.25.
(ABB) Audible Book Review: Redfall: Fight for Survival: American Prepper Series, Book 1, by Jay J. Falconer; Sci Fi, Dystopian; my rating 4.25.
(TBR) Audible Book Review: Variant by Robison Wells; Sci Fi, Teens; my rating 3.75.
(Author) Audio Book Review: Bad Deeds by Robert Bidinotto; Thriller, Espionage; my rating 4.5.
(Narrator) Audio Book Review: Dark Sanity by Paul L. Centeno; Sci Fi, Steampunk; my rating 4.5.

(TBR)--Audible Book Review: Professional Integrity (A Riyria Chronicles Tale) by Michael J. Sullivan; Sci Fi, Fantasy; my rating 5.0.

(Narrator) Audio Book Review: In the Mist of Killarney: An Irish Faery Tale by Robert McCallum ; Fantasy; my rating 4.0.
(ABJ) Audio Book Review: Pack: A Paranormal Romance Novelette by Jeaniene Frost; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.0.
(TBR) Audible Book Review: The Jewel of Dantenos: The FREE Lee Starfinder Adventure by Brian D. Anderson ; Fantasy, Adventure; my rating 4.25.
(Author) Audio Book Review: Redfall: Freedom Fighters: American Prepper Series, Book 2 by Jay J. Falconer; Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.
(ABB) Audio Book Review: Making Amends by Melinda Clayton; Suspense, Drama; my rating 4.25.
(TBR) Audible Book Review: Old Man's War by John Scalzi; Sci Fi, Military Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.
(TBR) Audible Book Review: Enforcing Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 6 by A. American; Post Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.
(ABB) Audio Book Review: The Arrival: The Evaran Chronicles Prequel by Adair Hart; Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.
(Author) Audible Book Review: Burning Bright: Ivy Granger Book 3 by E.J. Stevens; Detective, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating 4.0.
(Author) Audible Book Review: Birthright: Ivy Granger, Psychic Detective, Book 4 by E.J. Stevens Detective, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating 4.25.
(ABB) Audible Book Review: Dangerous and Unseemly: A Concordia Wells Mystery, Book 1 by K.B. Owen; Historical, Mystery, Amateur Woman Sleuth; my rating 4.25.
(ABJ) Audible Book Review: Beware the Little White Rabbit Anthology; Sci Fi, Fantasy, Steampunk; my rating 4.5.
Audible Book Review: The Pit Stop: This Stop Could Be Life or Death by Carmen DeSousa; Mystery, Paranormal; my rating 4.25.
Audio Book Review: Desolation by M.L. Banner; Post Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.
Audio Book Review: The Christmas Kitten: A Polly Parrett Pet-Sitter Cozy Murder Mystery, Book 2 by Liz Dodwell; Cozy Mystery; my rating 4.25.

Through June.
My goal is MARATHONER which is over 50 so I am well on the way for that. My personal goal is 75 and I think I am good to get close.

Friday, January 1, 2016

2016 Audiobook Challenge

2016 Audiobook Challenge

hosted by Hot Listens and The Book Nympho

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 2016 than you did in 2015.
I listened to 63 audios in 2014 and 74 in 2015 so my goal will continue to be:

Marathoner (Look Ma No Hands) 50+

MBS 2015 Audiobook Challenge Wrap-Up - Completed Successfully

2015 Audiobook Challenge

hosted by Hot Listens and The Book Nympho

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

Audible Book Review: 25 Perfect Days by Mark Tullius; Sci Fi, Dystopian; my rating 3.75. (This one might be better in text.)
Audible Book Review: FREE: The Jester (A Riyria Chronicles Tale) Written by Michael J. Sullivan; Fantasy; my rating 4.5.
Audio Book Review: The Eighth Day by Michael O'Neal; Thriller, Action Adventure, YA; my rating 4.0.
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.
Book Review: Immortality by Kevin Bohacz; Sci Fi, Apocalyptic; my rating 4.25.
Audio Book Review: Enchanted by Alethea Kontis; Fantasy, Highlander; my rating 4.25.

FEBRUARY

Audio Book Review: Betrayal in Death: In Death, Book 12 by J. D. Robb Crime Thriller; my rating 4.75.
Audio Book Review: Heart of Stone: Irish Angel Series by Jill Marie Landis; Historical Romance, Christian; my rating 4.0.
AudioBook Review: Cleansed by Fire: A Father Frank Mystery by James R. Callan; Mystery, Christian; my rating 4.0.
Audible Book Review: Contingency: Sage Hannigan Time Warper, Book 1 by Peggy Martinez; Fantasy; my rating 3.75.
Audible Book Review: Dead Reckoning: Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Mystery #11 by Charlaine Harris; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.0.
Audible Book Review: The Beast Master by Andre Norton; Sci Fi, Fantasy; my rating 4.0.

MARCH

Audible Book Review: Finding Mr. Right by Emily Carmichael ; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.0.
Audio Book Review: The Keeper's Calling: The Keeper's Saga, Book 1 by Kelly Nelson; Time Travel, YA Romance; my rating 4.0.
Audible Book Review: Legendarium by Kevin G. Summers, Michael Bunker; Fantasy, Humor; my rating 4.0.
Audio Book Review: Quitter by Jon Acuff; Nonfiction; my rating 4.0.

APRIL

Audible Book Review: The Maze Runner: Maze Runner, Book 1 by James Dashner; Teens, Thriller; my rating 4.0.
Audio Book Review: All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terril; Teen, Sci Fi Thriller; my rating 4.0.
Audible Book Review: Dog Tags by David Rosenfelt; legal Mystery, dogs; my rating 4.5.
Audio Book Review: Blood for Ink: The Scarlet Plumiere Series, Book 1 by L. L. Muir; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.
Audible Book Review: Trident's First Gleaming: A Special Operations Group Thriller by Stephen Templin; Military Thriller, my rating 4.0.
Audible Book Review: The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen; Fairy Tale Thriller, my rating 3.5.
Audible Book Review: StarFire: Vince Lombard, Book 1 by Mike Lee; Sci Fi Contemporary, Military; my rating 4.75.
Audible Book Review: Gabriel: Zero Point: The FREE Prequel Novella: Evan Gabriel Trilogy by Steve Umstead; Sci Fi, Military ; my rating 4.25.

MAY

Audible Book Review: Mail Order Brides of the West: Trudy by Debra Holland; Historical Romance; my rating 4.75.
Audio Book Review: When Death Loved an Angel by Cheree L Alsop; Fantasy, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.
Audible Book Review: Gabriel's Redemption: Evan Gabriel Trilogy, Book 1 by Steve Umstead; Sci Fi, Military; my rating 4.0.
Audible Book Review: Virgin River by Robyn Carr; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.0.
Audible Book Review: The Tempting of Thomas Carrick: The Cynster Novels, Book 21 by Stephanie Laurens; Historical Romance; my rating 4.0.

JUNE

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.
Audio Book Review: Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things: The Wedding Planner Mysteries, Book 1, by Rachelle J. Christensen; Cozy Mystery; my rating 4.25.
Audible Book Review: Eighth Grave After Dark by Darynda Jones ; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.25.
Audible Book Review: Extremes: A Retrieval Artist Novel by Kristine Kathryn Rusch; Sci Fi Mystery; my rating 4.75.
Audible Book Review: Top Dog: The Story of Marine Hero Lucca by Maria Goodavage; Personal Memoir; my rating 4.5.
JULY
Audio Book Review: The Lost Starship by Vaughn Heppner; Sci Fi Adventure; my rating 4.5.
Audible Book Review: The Martian by Andy Weir; Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.
Audible Book Review: Seduction in Death: In Death, Book 13 by J. D. Robb; Crime Thriller; my rating 4.25.
Audible Book Review: Sector 64: Ambush by Dean M. Cole; Sci Fi Suspense; my rating 4.0.
Audible Book Review: Double Whammy: A Davis Way Crime Caper, Book 1 by Gretchen Archer; Modern Detective; my rating 4.25.
Audible Book Review: Double Dip: A Davis Way Crime Caper, Book 2 by Gretchen Archer; Modern Detective; my rating 4.0.

AUGUST

Audible Book Review: Double Strike: A Davis Way Crime Caper, Book 3 by Gretchen Archer; Modern Detective; my rating 4.5.
Audible Review: Steelheart: Reckoners, Book 1 by Brandon Sanderson; Sci Fi, Fantasy, Action; my rating 4.5.
Audible Review: 14 by Peter Clines; Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.
Audible Review: Petticoat Detective by Margaret Brownley; Historical Romance; my rating 4.0.
Audible Review: The Remaining by D. J. Molles; Sci Fi, Fantasy; my rating 4.25.
Audible Review: The Witch with No Name: The Hollows, Book 13 by Kim Harrison; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.5.
Audible Review: Resurrecting Home: A Novel by A. American; Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.0.
Audible Review: Waking the Bear: Broken Chains, Book 1 by Kerry Adrienne; Paranormal Romance; my rating 4.25.

SEPTEMBER

Audible Review: The Empire's Corps by Christopher G. Nuttall; Sci Fi, Futuristic; my rating 4.25.
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.
Audible Review: The Remaining: Aftermath by D. J. Molles; Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.25.
Audible Review: The Remaining: Refugees, Book 3 by D. J. Molles; Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.5.
Audible Review: The Remaining: Fractured, Book 4 by D. J. Molles; Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.5.
Audio Review: The Sniper and the Wolf: A Sniper Elite Novel by Scott McEwen, Thomas Koloniar; Military Thriller; my rating 4.0.
Audible Review: Deadlocked, Book 12 by Charlaine Harris; Paranormal; my rating 4.0.
Audible Review: The Remaining: Allegiance by D. J. Molles; Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.25.
Audible Review: The Remaining: Extinction by D. J. Molles; Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.5.

OCTOBER

Audible Review: Annihilation: Love Conquers All by Saxon Andrew; Sci Fi, my rating 4.25.
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.
Audible Review: The Clay Lion by Amalie Jahn; Sci Fi, Fantasy, YA; my rating 5.0.
Audio Book Review: Clear by Fire: A Search and Destroy Thriller by Joshua Hood; Military Thriller; my rating 4.0.
Audible Review: The New World: Prequel to the Chaos Walking Trilogy by Patrick Ness; Sci Fi, Fantasy, YA; my rating 4.0.
Audible Review: Monster Hunter Alpha by Larry Correia; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.75.

NOVEMBER

Audio Book Tour Review with Giveaway: Murder on Safari: A Thriller by Peter Riva; Mystery, Thriller; my rating 4.5.
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.
Audible Review: Day by Day Armageddon: Beyond Exile by J. L. Bourne; Thriller, Sci Fi, zombies; my rating 4.0.
Audio Review: Special Talents: Goon Squad, Vol. 1 by Jonathan L. Howard; Sci Fi, fantasy; my rating 4.5.
Audible Review: Omega Rising: Omega Force, Book 1 by Joshua Dalzelle; Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.
Audible Book Review: Silent Night, Holy Night: A Colleen Coble Christmas Collection by Colleen Coble; Romance Novellas; my rating 3.75.

DECEMBER

Audible Book Review: Suspect by Robert Crais; Police Procedure; my rating 4.75.
Audible Book Review: The Genuine Particle by Stephen Punt; Comedy, Radio Broadcast; my rating 4.24.
Audible Book Review: Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld; Steampunk, Fantasy Adventure; my rating 4.5.
Audio Book Review: Goon Squad, Vol. 2: Without Sin by Jonathan L. Howard; Sci Fi, Comic Storytelling; my rating 4.0.
Audible Book Review: Jingles All the Way: A Christmas Tail by Barbara Morgenroth; Kids, Dogs; my rating 4.25

2016 Netgalley Reading Challenge

2016 Netgalley Reading Challenge

hosted by Ariel at Fictively.com;

Rules and sign up can be found HERE.

I read 37 books from NetGalley in 2014 so the Challenge Level I chose for 2015 was 31-40 books or “Difficult”: 31-40 Books.
I managed 44 books from NetGalley in 2015 so I am choosing the Hardcore level this year:

MBS 2016 NetGalley Challenge

JANUARY 2016 – ready to go!

TBR Triple Dog Dare 2016

The TBR Double Dog Dare

Hosted by James Reads Books

Full rules can be found HERE.

James says that The TBR Double Dog Dare is not really a reading challenge but a dare.
All you have to do to win the TBR Double Dog Dare is to read only from your TBR pile between January 1 and April 1.
I manage this one with the "exceptions.". The rules, or non-rules, are flexible and you can exempt review books, arcs and book club books. With those exceptions I certainly have enough books to meet this dare. I even realized I have many Audible titles on my TBR that I can read during the first three months. I managed to pick up a few extra titles in 2015 so that I could count them in the first three months as I won't be purchasing any for three months. I do expect overlap with other TBR and Audio challenges. :-)

I was happy with last year's results. I completed 26 books from my TBR shelf out of 39 titles read before April 1. 10 of these were NetGalley or audio review titles picked up in 2014 but that still left 16 TBR books in the first three months so I am pleased with that. It exceeded the 13 new titles (all reviews and none purchased). :-)
I hope to improve on last year.

2016 Alphabet Soup Challenge

2016 Alphabet Soup Challenge

Hosted by Escape with Dollycas Into A Good Book

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 like to try to get the exact first letter and I was successful with that last year. We'll see how it goes this year.
I am also going to keep two lists this year. The primary one will be the main list - mostly TBRs I hope. The second list will be review titles, NetGalley and audios to see if I can complete the alphabet with those books too. :-)

Title (author to be added if not in yet), date acquired
A A Curious Beginning Audible 9/15
B
C Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles Book 1) by Marissa Meyer 2/14
D Destroyermen Audible 11/15
E
F For Honor We Stand Audible 12/15
G
H His Lady Mistress 2009; Heroes Are My Weakness by Susan Elizabeth Phillips Audible 8/14
Heir of Novron: Riyria Revelations, Volume 3 by Michael J. Sullivan Audible 4/13
I
J
K
L Lost in a Good Book Audible 3/12
M Monster Hunter Audible 11/15
N
O Old Man's War by John Scalzi Audible 2/13
P Predator One 4/15
Q
R Reunion in Death Audible 12/15, Red Rising Audible 1/15
S Snowbound 2009
T Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball: A Novella by Donita K. Paul; Romance, Fantasy, Inspirational; my rating 4.5.

U Unbroken Audible 2/15
V
W
X X Minus One #VintageSciFi Stories; Vintage Sci Fi; my ratings 4.5, 4.25 and 4.25.

Y
Z

NetGalley and Review Titles:
A
B Brilliance (NG)
C Chakana (NG), City Of Gold (review tour 2/23)
D
E Emmy Nation Undercover Suffragette (review tour 2/18)
F
G
H
I Immurement by Norma Hinkens (review before 2/20)
J Jessica's Christmas Kiss: (Christmas Kisses Book 3) by Alison May; Romance, Holiday; my rating 4.5.
K
L
M
N Night Study (Study Series) by Maria V. Snyder; Paranormal, Fantasy; my rating 5.0.
O
P Path of the Bullet (NG) Q R S Steamborn (NG)
T Time Heist: Firstborn Saga Volume 1 by #Anthony Vicino; Sci Fi, Mystery; my rating 4.5.

U
V
W
X
Y
Z

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

Hosted by Escape with Dollycas Into A Good Book

[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

MBS 2016 NetGalley Challenge

2016 Netgalley Reading Challenge

hosted by Ariel at Fictively.com;

Rules and sign up can be found HERE.

I read 37 books from NetGalley in 2014 so the Challenge Level I chose for 2015 was 31-40 books or “Difficult”.
I managed 44 books from NetGalley in 2015 so I am choosing the "Hardcore" level this year:

This will equal to about 3.5 books per month, not quite one per week.
MBS 2016 NetGalley Challenge

JANUARY 2016 – ready to go!

2015 Netgalley Reading Challenge - COMPLETED Successfully

2015 Netgalley Reading Challenge

hosted by Ariel at Fictively.com

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

Book Review: Only Enchanting, A Survivors' Club Novel by Mary Balogh; Historical Romance; my rating 4.75.

Book Review: Exodus 2022 by Kenneth G. Bennett; Sci Fi Thriller; my rating 4.25.

Book Review: 'Tis The Season: Under the Christmas Tree\Midnight Confessions\Backward Glance by Robyn Carr; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating 4.5.

Book Review: Just in Time for a Highlander (Sirens of the Scottish Borderlands) by Gwyn Cready; Time Travel, Highlander; my rating 4.0.

Book Review: Hawk (The Quiet Professionals, Book 2) by Ronie Kendig; Military Romance, Christian; my rating 4.25.

FEBRUARY

Book Review and Giveaways: What a Devilish Duke Desires by Vicky Dreiling; Historic Romance; my rating 3.75.

Book Review: Snow Angel Cove by RaeAnne Thayne; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.5.

MARCH

Book Review: The Last Heiress by Mary Ellis; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.

Book Review: Monday’s Lie by Jamie Mason; Mystery; my rating 4.5.

Book Review: Echoes (A Harp Security Novel) by Laura K. Curtis; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5.

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.

Book Review and Giveaways: Scandalously Yours by Cara Elliott; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.

APRIL

Book Review: A Hope Remembered by Stacy Henrie; Historical Romance, WWI; my rating 4.25

Book Review: Shadow Study (Soulfinders) by Maria V. Snyder; Fantasy; my rating 4.5.

Book Review: The Fire Sermon by Francesca Haig; Fantasy, Dystopian, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.0.

Book Review and Giveaways: Fringe Benefits (The Ladies Who Lunch) by Sandy James; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating 3.75.

Book Review and Giveaways: Sinfully Yours (The Hellions of High Street) by Cara Elliott; Historical Romance; my rating 4.25.

MAY

Book Review: The Shadow Cartel (The Dominic Grey Series) by Layton Green; Mystery Suspense, Thriller, my rating 4.25.

Book Review: Letters to the Lost by Iona Grey; Historic Romance, Romance; my rating 4.5.

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Once Upon a SEAL (Lucky Thirteen Book 5) by S.M. Butler; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.0.

Book Review: Grey (The Romany Outcasts Series, Book 1) by Christi J. Whitney; Paranormal, YA; my rating 4.25.

Book Review and Giveaways: Passionately Yours (The Hellions of High Street) by Cara Elliott; Historical Romance; my rating 4.0.

JUNE

Book Review: Judas the Apostle by Van Mayhall Jr.; Biblical thriller; my rating 4.0.

Book Review and Giveaway: A New Hope (Thunder Point series) by Robyn Carr; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating 4.5.

JULY

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.

Book Review: SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Fox by Don Mann, Ralph Pezzullo; Military Thriller; my rating 4.25.

Book Review: A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris; Fantasy, Steampunk, Fairy Tale; my rating 4.5.

Book Review: Footsteps in the Sky by Greg Keyes; Science Fiction; my rating 4.25.

AUGUST

Book Review: Plantation Shudders: A Cajun Country Mystery (A Cajun Country Mystery) by Ellen Byron; Cozy Mystery; my rating 4.25.

Book Review: Dark Horse by Michelle Diener; Sci Fi, Space Opera; my rating 5.0.

Book Review: A City Called Smoke: The Territory 2 by Justin Woolley; Science Fiction, Action Adventure; my rating 4.25.

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.

Book Review: Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm (Once in a Lifetime) by Rebecca Raisin; Small Town, Contemporary Romance; my rating 3.75.

SEPTEMBER

Book Review: The Banished of Muirwood (Covenant of Muirwood Book 1) by Jeff Wheeler; Fantasy; my rating 4.25.

Book Review: Death of the Blue Flower by Roxann Hill; Mystery, Crime Thriller; my rating 4.5.

Book Review (Plus Giveaway Link): The Last Chance Christmas Ball - Collection of Eight Wonderful Authors; Historical Romance, Holiday; my rating 4.5.

Book Review: Harriet Wolf's Seventh Book of Wonders: A Novel by Julianna Baggott Women's Fiction; my rating 4.5.

Book Review: Children of the Comet by Donald Moffitt; Sci Fi, Fantasy; my rating 4.25.

OCTOBER

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.

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.

NOVEMBER

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Steal Me (NYPD's Finest) by Lauren Layne ; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5.

Book Review: Nirvana (Nirvana Series Book 1) by J.R. Stewart; Sci Fi, Fantasy, Dystopian; my rating 4.0.

Book Review: Joy to the Worlds: Mysterious Speculative Fiction for the Holidays by Four Authors; Speculative Fiction; my rating 4.25.

DECEMBER

Book Review: The 12 Brides of Christmas Collection by 12 authors; Christian & Historical Romance; my rating 4.25+.

Thursday, January 1, 2015

2015 Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge

2015 Alphabet Soup Challenge

Hosted by Escape with Dollycas Into A Good Book

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

Rules and sign up can be found HERE.

MBS 2015 NetGalley Challenge

JANUARY

Book Review: Only Enchanting, A Survivors' Club Novel by Mary Balogh; Historical Romance; my rating 4.75.

Book Review: Exodus 2022 by Kenneth G. Bennett; Sci Fi Thriller; my rating 4.25.

Book Review: 'Tis The Season: Under the Christmas Tree\Midnight Confessions\Backward Glance by Robyn Carr; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating 4.5.

Book Review: Just in Time for a Highlander (Sirens of the Scottish Borderlands) by Gwyn Cready; Time Travel, Highlander; my rating 4.0.

Book Review: Hawk (The Quiet Professionals, Book 2) by Ronie Kendig; Military Romance, Christian; my rating 4.25.

FEBRUARY

Book Review and Giveaways: What a Devilish Duke Desires by Vicky Dreiling; Historic Romance; my rating 3.75.

Book Review: Snow Angel Cove by RaeAnne Thayne; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.5.

MARCH

Book Review: The Last Heiress by Mary Ellis; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.

Book Review: Monday’s Lie by Jamie Mason; Mystery; my rating 4.5.

Book Review: Echoes (A Harp Security Novel) by Laura K. Curtis; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5.

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.

Book Review and Giveaways: Scandalously Yours by Cara Elliott; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.

APRIL

Book Review: A Hope Remembered by Stacy Henrie; Historical Romance, WWI; my rating 4.25

Book Review: Shadow Study (Soulfinders) by Maria V. Snyder; Fantasy; my rating 4.5.

Book Review: The Fire Sermon by Francesca Haig; Fantasy, Dystopian, Post Apocalyptic; my rating 4.0.

Book Review and Giveaways: Fringe Benefits (The Ladies Who Lunch) by Sandy James; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating 3.75.

Book Review and Giveaways: Sinfully Yours (The Hellions of High Street) by Cara Elliott; Historical Romance; my rating 4.25.

MAY

Book Review: The Shadow Cartel (The Dominic Grey Series) by Layton Green; Mystery Suspense, Thriller, my rating 4.25.

Book Review: Letters to the Lost by Iona Grey; Historic Romance, Romance; my rating 4.5.

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Once Upon a SEAL (Lucky Thirteen Book 5) by S.M. Butler; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.0.

Book Review: Grey (The Romany Outcasts Series, Book 1) by Christi J. Whitney; Paranormal, YA; my rating 4.25.

Book Review and Giveaways: Passionately Yours (The Hellions of High Street) by Cara Elliott; Historical Romance; my rating 4.0.

JUNE

Book Review: Judas the Apostle by Van Mayhall Jr.; Biblical thriller; my rating 4.0.

Book Review and Giveaway: A New Hope (Thunder Point series) by Robyn Carr; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating 4.5.

JULY

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.

Book Review: SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Fox by Don Mann, Ralph Pezzullo; Military Thriller; my rating 4.25.

Book Review: A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris; Fantasy, Steampunk, Fairy Tale; my rating 4.5.

Book Review: Footsteps in the Sky by Greg Keyes; Science Fiction; my rating 4.25.

AUGUST

Book Review: Plantation Shudders: A Cajun Country Mystery (A Cajun Country Mystery) by Ellen Byron; Cozy Mystery; my rating 4.25.

Book Review: Dark Horse by Michelle Diener; Sci Fi, Space Opera; my rating 5.0.

Book Review: A City Called Smoke: The Territory 2 by Justin Woolley; Science Fiction, Action Adventure; my rating 4.25.

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.

Book Review: Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm (Once in a Lifetime) by Rebecca Raisin; Small Town, Contemporary Romance; my rating 3.75.

SEPTEMBER

Book Review: The Banished of Muirwood (Covenant of Muirwood Book 1) by Jeff Wheeler; Fantasy; my rating 4.25.

Book Review: Death of the Blue Flower by Roxann Hill; Mystery, Crime Thriller; my rating 4.5.

Book Review (Plus Giveaway Link): The Last Chance Christmas Ball - Collection of Eight Wonderful Authors; Historical Romance, Holiday; my rating 4.5.

Book Review: Harriet Wolf's Seventh Book of Wonders: A Novel by Julianna Baggott Women's Fiction; my rating 4.5.

Book Review: Children of the Comet by Donald Moffitt; Sci Fi, Fantasy; my rating 4.25.

OCTOBER

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.

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.

NOVEMBER

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Steal Me (NYPD's Finest) by Lauren Layne ; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5.

Book Review: Nirvana (Nirvana Series Book 1) by J.R. Stewart; Sci Fi, Fantasy, Dystopian; my rating 4.0.

Book Review: Joy to the Worlds: Mysterious Speculative Fiction for the Holidays by Four Authors; Speculative Fiction; my rating 4.25.

DECEMBER

Book Review: The 12 Brides of Christmas Collection by 12 authors; Christian & Historical Romance; my rating 4.25+.