2013 Romantic Suspense Reading Challenge

I love this time of year, yes I love Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it's also Reading Challenge sign up time!  So here's my first one.  Romantic Suspense is one of my favorite genres so when I saw this one I knew I would sign up. It's easy, see the details below if you are interested.  I'll keep track of my books for the challenge here once the new year starts.

Reading Challenge Details:

• Runs January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013 (books read prior to 1/1/2013 do not count towards the challenge). You can join at anytime. Sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
• The goal is to read 13 romantic suspense novels in ‘13.
• Books can be any format (bound, ebook, audio).
• Novellas that are at least 100 pages in length, as well as full-length novels, will count for this reading challenge.
• Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.
• Grab the reading challenge button and post this reading challenge on your blog to track your progress. Please include a link back to this sign-up post so others can join the reading challenge too. You do not have to be a book blogger to participate; you can track your progress on Goodreads or LibraryThing.

1. Imitation in Death by J.D. Robb
2. Vanished by Irene Hannon
3. Divided in Death by J.D. Robb
4. The Seventh Victim by Mary Burton
5. Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts
6. SEAL of Honor by Tonya Burrows

Week in Review

In an effort to recommit to my book blog I thought I would do a week-in-review type post.  I know I enjoy reading what others have done with their weeks, but I'm just that type.  So I thought you might like to see what I read, what I received and what I did :)  And I love comments so feel free to tell me something you read, something crazy that happened or anything in general that is going on in your life.  Hey if you have a prayer request, I will even add those to my prayer list!

What went on in my life:
Work, work, work, then I had a flare-up.  Flare-ups really frustrate me now that I'm gluten-free and feel well for the most part.  So when I feel bad, it really gets to me.  This flare up caused me to miss work on Friday, I felt better yesterday (a little) and then woke up feeling horrible again this morning.  Our weather is probably the cause, it's blowing a gale, raining and just can't seem to make up it's mind whether it wants to be 60 or 45 here and my body doesn't do well with that.  But I've been able to read so that is good.
My oldest got his first academic award this week! The school he went to before didn't even do honor roll or principal's list so this was great, they had an award's ceremony that my Mom went to for me and Logan received an award for Honor Roll (2 points away in one class from Principal's List) and an Accelerated Reader award (wonder where he gets that from).  Yay for him!  Jacob also tells me he is way ahead of his class in his individual reading.  I'm proud of both of my boys!

What I read (since last Saturday, links take you to my reviews or to Goodreads page):
Double Time by Olivia Cunning (Sinners on Tour #5), Whew, that is one hot book!
The Christmas Pony by Melody Carlson, such a sweet Christmas story
Love, Anthony by Lisa Genova, I finished this up on audio and I can't even begin to gush enough about this one, my review will come this week.
Confessions of a Murder Suspect by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro - looks to be a good start to another series by James Patterson, review to come
Across the Universe by Beth Revis, major gushing to come!
The Racketeer by John Grisham - wow, the master is definitely back in this one, review to come

It was an excellent reading week, lots of reading time and lots of great books to read. I honestly wasn't sure I would like Across the Universe, but it hooked me, I can't wait to read the next one, hope it comes in from the library on Tuesday!  And The Christmas Pony was so delightful.  The Racketeer kept me reading all day on Saturday, a definite could not put down.

What I received (links take you to Goodreads page):
The Emperor's Conspiracy by Michelle Diener - tour date December 3
Crimson Frost by Jennifer Estep - tour date December 21
Political Suicide by Michael Palmer - review date December 12
Haven of Obedience by Maria Anderson - review in December
Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens - review December 5
Effortless by S.C. Stephens - review December 7
Hysteria by Megan Miranda - review January 29, 2013
Release Me by J. Kenner - review January 1, 2013
Also Known As by Robin Benway - review February 26, 2013 (my birthday!!!)

What I'm Reading Now:
Invisible Boy by Cornelia Reed - I read The Crazy School which is Madeline Dare #2 and loved it so I checked this one out from the library. So far it's great.
Crossed by Ally Condie (on my Kindle Fire) - I loved Matched and I bought this when it came out.  And now I have Reached coming from the library so I figured it's time to read it!
Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent (my audio book) - I love her YA series, and now I love this series as well, can't wait to see what happens next.  Love Liv and Cam!

What are you reading?

Snapshot Saturday 11/17/12

It's a windy cool Saturday here on the coast of NC and I'm in my favorite chair with my electric blanket throw reading happily.  I thought I would share what I was reading at the moment from the library, on my Kindle and as my audiobook, just as a snapshot of my reading week.  Feel free to comment and let me know what you are reading and what your weather is like as well, I love hearing what everyone is reading and doing.

Here's the view from my front porch:

Here's my library book and main book I'm reading at the moment, I'm on Chapter 10, page 79 and it's getting really good.  More like a classic Grisham to me.

Given the importance of what they do, and the controversies that often surround them, and the violent people they sometimes confront, it is remarkable that in the history of this country only four active federal judges have been murdered.

Judge Raymond Fawcett has just become number five.

Who is the Racketeer? And what does he have to do with the judge’s untimely demise? His name, for the moment, is Malcolm Bannister. Job status? Former attorney. Current residence? The Federal Prison Camp near Frostburg, Maryland.

On paper, Malcolm’s situation isn’t looking too good these days, but he’s got an ace up his sleeve. He knows who killed Judge Fawcett, and he knows why. The judge’s body was found in his remote lakeside cabin. There was no forced entry, no struggle, just two dead bodies: Judge Fawcett and his young secretary. And one large, state-of-the-art, extremely secure safe, opened and emptied.

What was in the safe? The FBI would love to know. And Malcolm Bannister would love to tell them. But everything has a price—especially information as explosive as the sequence of events that led to Judge Fawcett’s death. And the Racketeer wasn’t born yesterday . . .

Nothing is as it seems and everything’s fair game in this wickedly clever new novel from John Grisham, the undisputed master of the legal thriller.

On my Kindle I'm reading, I just started this, I loved Matched and have Reached on the way from the library.  I actually bought this for my Kindle when it came out last year and I'm just getting around to reading it!

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky — taken by the Society to his certain death — only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia’s quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander — who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia’s heart — change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.



And my audiobook for cooking and listening to in the car after I drop the kids off is Blood Bound which is wonderful.  I was hooked on Rachel Vincent's YA books, the Soul Screamers series, but now know she does adult just as well!  I'm getting close to halfway through this one, the audio is great and I know I will be eager for the second in this series as soon as I finish this one.

By blood, by word, by magic…

Most can't touch the power. But Liv Warren is special— a paranormal tracker who follows the scent of blood.

Liv makes her own rules, and the most important one is trust no one.

But when her friend's daughter goes missing, Liv has no choice but to find the girl. Thanks to a childhood oath, Liv can't rest until the child is home safe. But that means trusting Cam Caballero, the former lover forbidden to her.

Bound by oath and lost in desire for a man she cannot have, Liv is racing to save the child from a dark criminal underworld where secrets, lies, trauma and danger lurk around every corner…every touch…every kiss.

And more blood will be spilled before it's over…

And the fun of all three of these titles, none are for review!  Next week I have no scheduled reviews, but lots of reviews to write, so right now it's time for reading for fun!

 What are you reading on this Saturday before Thanksgiving in the US?

Win a Custom Manicure Set and a $20 Ulta Gift Card

Sara Daniel, author of Construction Beauty Queen, which I reviewed and gave away a few weeks ago is having a great giveaway to continue promote her book. Below is Sara's Rafflecopter and all you have to do is enter :)  It's a great prize, I love the beautiful custom manicure set (I really need one) and a $20 Ulta Gift Card (who couldn't use that?)  Good Luck and make sure you check out Construction Beauty Queen - it's a perfect weekend read!


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Note: this is a giveaway hosted by Sara Daniel not by My Reading Room.

Cover Reveal: Forever My Girl by Heidi McLaughlin

Release: December 27th

Blurb:

I was never supposed to be a rock star. I had my life all planned out for me. Play football in college. Go to the NFL. Marry my high school sweetheart and live happily ever after.

I broke both our hearts that day when I told her I was leaving. I was young. I made the right decision for me, but the wrong decision for us. I’ve poured my soul into my music, but I’ve never forgotten her. Her smell, her smile.

And now I’m going back.

After ten years.

I hope I can explain that after all this time.

I still want her to be my forever girl.

My grandma once told me that I can do anything I want, so I am.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, I now live in picturesque Vermont, with my husband and two daughters. Also renting space in our home is an overhyper Beagle/Jack Russell and two Parakeets.

During the day you'll find me behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, I'm writing one of the many stories I plan to release or sitting courtside during either daughter's basketball games.

I'm also an active reviewer on The Readiacs - a site I own with my best friend and uber special beta, Yvette.

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GIVEAWAY
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This giveaway is open INTERNATIONAL.

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Book Review: The Christmas Pony by Melody Carlson

The Christmas Pony by Melody Carlson
Publisher: Revell
Publish Date: September 1, 2012
Hardcover, 169 pages
ISBN: 9780800719272 



My Review:
I have come to think of reading Ms. Carlson's Christmas books as a tradition and while I have to read them a little early for me in the season, they never fail to bring me good cheer and warm feelings when I read one of them. The Christmas Pony is no exception, in fact I think it's one of her best of the last three years that I have been reading.

The story focuses around a young girl who's family is making it for their small town after the great depression in 1937. All Lucy really wants for Christmas is the pony that is down the road that is for sale of trade, but she knows she probably won't get it. But that doesn't stop her for praying for it. Lucy lives with her Grandmother and widowed Mother and they take in boarders to make extra money so Lucy thinks it's magical when she happens to run into a beautiful woman and a well-dressed man in town that need a place to stay. And that's where the story and the magic start. Getting to know Lucy, George, Miriam and even annoying Veronica make the magic of this book. I adored George and his quiet wisdom and sweet ways with Lucy and Miriam.

Once you start reading this you won't want to put it down, and it's easy to read in an hour or so since it's under 200 pages. The magic of the Christmas season in the book will enthrall you and even though life isn't perfect for this little family you will learn to enjoy the little things right along with them. When I finished the book, I wanted to hug my little family, tell them I love them and carry the magic of The Christmas Pony with us right through Thanksgiving and into Advent and the Christmas season. Ms. Carlson captures the magic of the simple life, love and the spirit of giving so perfectly that you can't help closing this book with a smile on your face even if you are facing troubles in your life.

So I encourage you to grab this book, it's a quick read. It's uplifting, it's romantic, it's sweet. It's nice to see life through the eyes of a child and appreciate things that way. The Christmas Pony is a lovely book that I may just have to read again before Christmas.

My rating: 5.0/5.0

Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About the Book:
Eight-year-old Lucy Turnbull knew better than to wish for a pony that Christmas in 1937. Her mother had assured her in no uncertain terms that asking for a pony was the same as asking for the moon. Besides, the only extra mouths they needed at their boarding house were the paying kind. But when an interesting pair of strangers comes to town, Lucy starts to believe her Christmas wishes might just come true after all. 

The queen of the Christmas novel, Melody Carlson pens another magical tale of expectation and excitement as one little girl dreams big and the impossible becomes possible.

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than five million. She is the author of several Christmas books from Revell, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, and Christmas at Harrington’s, which is being considered for a TV movie. She is also the author of many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, Double Take, and the Diary of a Teenage Girl series. Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books in 2010 and 2011. She and her husband live in central Oregon. 

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***I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***

Book Review: Double Time by Olivia Cunning

Double Time by Olivia Cunning
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Pub Date: November 6, 2012
Paperback, 384 pages
ISBN: 9781402271519 
Romance, Erotica 
Sinners on Tour



My Review:
This is one of those books you are dying to finish and don't want to finish at the same time. You want to know what happens, but you don't want it to be over. It was my first Sinners on Tour book, I had great plans to read the first two books in the series before reading this one, but as usual, I didn't get to it before the deadline loomed for the review of Double Time. So I dove into this book which I later found out is supposed to be the last book in the series, but is being released third for some reason that I don't know and don't really care because I was able to read about Trey now.

Another confession, I had not read m/m/f before, was not even sure I would like it, but had heard such wonderful things about the series that I knew I had to try it. I knew I wouldn't judge the overall book on whether the sex scenes were for me or not. Well they were for me. I think Ms. Cunning does a wonderful job with them. But I'll get to that in a moment, I just needed to get my confessions out of the way.

The characters, anyone who reads my blog, knows I'm big on characters, and since this is a romance, it needs to have great characters. I did not know Trey or any of the band members of The Sinners or Exodus End before Double Time, but that's okay. I think Ms. Cunning does a great job getting you up-to-speed on the characters. And even the happily-ever-afters of the two books between Rock Hard and Double Time are a given and nothing essential was given away to spoil them in my opinion. So back to Trey, Reagan and Ethan. Oh my gosh, they are amazing. Reagan was so cool, love the tomboy, rock goddess image, love that she still squeals at seeing the members of Exodus End and The Sinners and doesn't take her position for granted. Love that she also seems to know what she's getting into and knows she'll probably get hurt, but still allows herself to fall for Trey. Her feelings are amazing and I love how they are shown in the book. Trey is tortured by his love for Brian and wants to get over it with Reagan, and the crazy thing is he finds he really has feelings for her. I loved watching that develop. He is such a teddy bear while still being incredibly sexy. And the banter between the two of them, just amazing, he truly has met his match in Reagan. Then add Ethan in and wow, do the three of them soar off the charts! Not as much is known about Ethan, the constraints of the book limited that I believe, but I felt like I knew him enough I was comfortable with his place in the relationship and how he grew into it. I liked Trey and Reagan the best, but probably because I was able to get to know them the best.

The plot was mainly moved along by the relationship and Trey's secret for the first half of the book and then their experimentation for the next quarter of the book. Then the suspense plot that was in the background through about half of the book ramped up for the last quarter and made things even more interesting. And it finishes out with more relationship happenings. I felt the plot moved very well, never dragged and kept me turning pages. I easily read the first 250 pages in one sitting and would have read more had my family not demanded supper. Of course I could not wait to get back to it.

One of my favorite things as I finished up Double Time was that the characters and plot will stay with me for some time. Yes the sex was hot and I enjoyed it, but there was deeper relationship meaning in the book as most of us women expect. It's erotica done the way it should be, a healthy dose of steamy sex with a great story and a happy ending. Just know it has m/m and m/m/f along with m/f sex in it, so if you know it's not your thing, then don't read it. If you haven't tried reading it and aren't sure, I can heartily recommend trying this one. :)

My rating: 5.0/5.0

About the Book:
Olivia Cunning delivers the perfect blend of steamy sex, heartwarming romance, and a wicked sense of humor in this menage story featuring the hottest guy in the Sinners band.

Trey Mills, the notoriously sexy Sinners rhythm guitarist, gives up his bisexual lifestyle and is swept into a hot, heady romance with Reagan Elliot, a female rock star sensation. But when Trey encounters Reagan's sexy bisexual roommate, Ethan Conner, he can no longer deny who he is or what he wants. Reagan heartily agrees to a solution that opens up a hot new world of sexual experience--and love--with the two men she wants the most.


About the Author (from Goodreads.com):
Combining her love for romantic fiction and rock ‘n roll, Olivia Cunning writes erotic romance centered around rock musicians. Raised on hard rock music from the cradle, she attended her first Styx concert at age six and fell instantly in love with live music. She's been known to travel over a thousand miles just to see a favorite band in concert. As a teen, she discovered her second love, romantic fiction -- first, voraciously reading steamy romance novels and then penning her own. Growing up as the daughter of a career soldier, she's lived all over the country and overseas. She recently moved to Galveston, Texas.

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***I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***