Reading Challenges 2012

I am really really bad at following reading challenges, I figured it out just a few days ago when I FINALLY realized that I was suppose to link up my review on the host blog. lr sigh. BUT that does not stop me from signing up in all the NEW reading challenges for 2012!

So this time I am going to keep all my reading challenges in one post and also try and remember to link up my reviews on the host blog *~* 

Debut Author Challenge 2012
Hosted by The Story Siren

 Goal: Read YA books from 2012 Debut Author

2012 TBR pile Reading challenge
Hosted by 

Evie from Bookish - @SeoEvie 

Nicole from All I Ever Read - @Nicoleabouttown  

Bonnie from Hands and Home -  @HandsHomeBlog  

Donna from Book Passion For Life - @BookPforLife  

Caitlin from WatchYA Reading - @caitlingss  

Rie from Mission To Read - @missiontoread 

Vicky from Books, Biscuits & Tea - @alouetteuette Christa from Hooked On Books - @ChristasBooks 

Jenna from Fans Of Fiction -  @fansoffiction 

Angel from Mermaids Vision -  @mermaidvisions

Levels

1-10 - A Firm Handshake
11-20 - A Friendly Hug
21-30 - A Sweet Kiss
31-40 - Love At First Sight
41-50 - Married With Children

My goal: I will stick to A Firm Handshake for now :)

Zombie Reading Challenge
Hosted by Book Chick City

Levels
One Chomp: Read 6 Zombie books in 2012
Two Chomps: Read 12 Zombie books in 2012
Three Chomps: Read 18 Zombie books in 2012
Four Chomps: Read 24 Zombie books in 2012

My Goal: One chomp for now. 6 zombie books sounds like a good dent in this genre.

Why Buy The Cow Reading Challenge

Hosted by The Unread Reader and Reading The Paranormal 

Levels:
Coupon Clipper: 12 Books
Penny Pincher: 24 Books
Super Saver: 30+ Books

My Goal: Coupon Clipper for now. 12 books sounds like a doable challenge for me :)

Audio Book Challenge
Hosted by Teresa's Reading Corner

 Levels:
 Flirting-Listen to 6 Audio Books
Going Steady- Listen to 12 Audio Books
Lover- Listen to 25 Audio Books
Married-Listen to +++  Audio Books

My Goal: is to flirt

Tea & Books Reading Challenge
Hosted by The Book Garden

Level
2 Books - Chamomile Lover
4 Books - Berry Tea Devotee
6 Books - Earl Grey Aficionado
8 or more Books - Sencha Connoisseur

My Goal: Is to be Chamomile Lover

2012 Debut Author Challenge

2012 Debut Author Challenge is hosted by The Story Siren. For More information click here.

Check out the books from debut authors of 2012 here.

Bout Of Books Read-a-Thon Startline

I have been away for a looooooooong time, and I think I have forgotten what to write in my post. I feel like the girl in the picture right now. lol. 

I came across this event a few days ago when I was looking for read-a-thon myself. Lucky for me Amanda at On Book A Book Bender, was hosting one and I immediately signed up.

My goals for this read-a-thon 

Make a dent on the huge pile of books that I have.... I know it can not be done, but hey a reader can always dream. Right?

Books I really really want to read during this event

I am trying to catch up on lost times so I might pick up some recent releases from this year, however I am not so picky.

Feed by Mira Grant

Dark Mirror by M.J. Putney

The Girl In The Steel Corset by Kady Cross

I am just aiming for three but if I can finish them I'll add some more, cause trust me adding books is not a problem ;)

How Much Time I Intend to Read

I am free this week, except the errands I have to run which includes going to the mall, but I have my trusty kindle so I am covered for the roads. So I'll be doing this hardcore, lets just hope I finish what I am taking on at least ;D

Also I would probably be posting the reviews as I go.

Updates

The following is NOT my own format.Thank you Amanda for letting us borrow this :)

8/22

Number of books I’ve read today: 0
Total number of books I’ve read: 0
Today #insixwords: Good start with Girl in steel corset.

8/23

Number of books I’ve read today: 1
Total number of books I’ve read: 1
Today #insixwords: I finished a book. At last!!

8/24

Number of books I’ve read today: 1
Total number of books I’ve read: 1
Today #insixwords: I am working on the second one.

8/25

Number of books I’ve read today:
Total number of books I’ve read:
Today #insixwords:

8/26

Number of books I’ve read today:
Total number of books I’ve read:
Today #insixwords:

8/27

Number of books I’ve read today:
Total number of books I’ve read:
Today #insixwords:

8/28 —  “wrap-up”

M/M Romance Challenge 2011

TIMELINE: January 1st to December 31st 2011
RULES: Read five(5) or more m/m romances in 2011

Hosted by I Heart Paperbacks

DETAILS:

This challenge is for those who enjoy reading gay romances (also known as m/m or male/male romances) or those who are interested in starting. If you aren’t familiar with this genre, it consists of novels and stories where the main focus is the romantic relationship between the male protagonists.

• You don’t have to select your books ahead of time. Even if you do, you can change your books as you go. Your books can crossover with other challenges.

• You don’t need a blog to participate. You can comment on this post if you’d like to share a book list or reading pool.

• You can join at any time between now and the latter part of 2011. Just give yourself enough time to read your chosen amount of books.

• eBooks, hardbacks, paperbacks, audio books, and re-reads are welcome. Comics and manga count as well.

• You can post the links to your reviews, if you write any, on the Review Post (coming soon).

There are 5 reading levels to choose from:

- Read 5 M/M Romances
- Read 10 M/M Romances
- Read 15 M/M Romances
- Read 20 M/M Romances
- Read 20+ M/M Romances

If you’d like to make your challenge a little more challenging, try any or all of these OPTIONAL add-ons:

- Read 3 or more books in the same series
- Read 3 or more books with the same theme (Firefighters, Pirates, Friends-to-Lovers, etc)
- Read 1 book that isn’t your usual type of read (Cheating Hero, BDSM, Menage, etc)
- If you’re not new to reading m/m romances, go back and re-read the first title you ever read. Do you feel differently about the book now than you did when you first read it?

I love reading M/M genre books. So now I am going to stick with 5 romance novels and work my way up.

M/M ROMANCE READING LIST 

1.  Catch Me If You Can by L.B. Gregg
   
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2011 Erotic Reading Challenge

I just realized, while I had signed up for almost all the reading challenges I liked, I haven't signed up for the MOST IMPORTANT one!! 

Erotic reading Challenge.

I save a weakness for smexy books, what? I do! 

So when I found The Forbidden Shelf were holding Erotic Reading challenge, I had to sign up. ; )

Challenge Rules:

• Pick your ‘heat’ challenge!

• Books can be novella's, novels, or a combination of the two. They can also be print and/or ebook format. 

• Challenge runs from January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2011

• You can start the challenge anytime during the year.

• Link yourself

• At the end of the year, we will put all blogs who linked to their completed challenge into a magical little hat (i.e. random.org) to be entered into a $20 electronic gift card to a book store!! 

• Don't have a blog? That's okay!! Just email us your challenge level, book list, and a paragraph telling us what you liked/disliked about each book (So we know you read them).

The Flicker Challenge:

Read five forbidden books in the sub-genre’s of erotica, erotica romance, and/or BDSM.

The Smolder Challenge:

Read ten forbidden books in the sub-genre’s of erotica, erotica romance, and/or BDSM.

The Burn Challenge:

Read fifteen forbidden books in the sub-genre’s of erotica, erotica romance, and/or BDSM.

The Scorch Challenge:

Read twenty forbidden books in the sub-genre’s of erotica, erotica romance, and/or BDSM.

I am sticking to The Burn Challenge for now, will see if I can climb my way through The Scorch Challenge.

Happy readings!

MY BURN LIST FOR 2011

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Once Upon a Time Reading Challenge 2011

Timeline: January 1, 2011- December 31, 2011

Once Upon a Time Reading Challenge 2011 hosted by Crazy Book Slut.

Levels:

* 1-3 books: Born into Royalty
*4-6 books: Princess in Training
*7-9 books: Awaiting Prince Charming
* 10+ books: Queen Bee

I am going with "Born into Royalty" and smaybe slowly climb up in the Throne of Queen Bee!! 

BORN INTO ROYALTY READING LIST

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100+ Reading Challenge 2011

100+ Reading Challenge is hosted by My Over Stuffed Bookshelf.

DETAILS:

1. The goal is to read 100 or more books. 

2. Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Manga, Graphic Novels, Library books, Novellas, Young Reader, Nonfiction – as long as the book has an ISBN or equivalent or can be purchased as such, the book counts.

What doesn't count: Individual short stories or individual books in the Bible.

3. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

4. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2011. Books started before the 1st do not count. You can join at anytime.

6. When you sign up here

100+ lets see how far I can go. ; )

100+ READING LIST

1. Unleash the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon
2. The Dream-Hunter by Sherrilyn Kenyon
3. Happy Hour at Casa Dracula by Marta Acosta
4. Midnight Brunch - Marta Acosta
5.  The Bride - Marta Acosta
6.  Haunted Honeymoon - Marta Acosta
7. Mind Games by Carolyn Crane
8. Double Cross by Carolyn Crane
9. Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning
10. Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning
11. Faefever by Karen Marie Moning
12. Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning
13. Shadowfever by Karen Marie Morning
14. The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher 
15. Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble by H.P. Mallory 
16. Toil and Trouble by H.P. Mallory 
17. Life, Love and a Polar Bear Tattoo by Heather Wardell

Vampire Challenge 2011

Vampire Challenge 2011 hosted by Parajunkee's View.

THE RULES:

1. Post about this challenge on your blog stating that you are participating.
2. Grab the button and display it in the post
3. Challenge goes from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011
4. The challenge is to read 20 books that have a vampire as a main character, either protag or antagonist
5. There will be a post that goes up for January 1 where you add each book as you read them and discuss books read in the comments

Read 20 Vampire books! 

Me: Pfft.All I read is Vampire books. 

No biggie. *giggles* 

Happy Reading.

MY VAMP BOOK LIST FOR 2011

1. Happy Hour at Casa Dracula by Marta Acosta 
2. A Hidden Fire by Elizabeth Hunter
3.  Sins of the Heart by Eve Silver
4.  Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris
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2011 E-Book Reading Challenge

2011 E-Book Reading Challenge is hosted by La Coccinelle at The Ladybug Reads. (was previously hosted by Alaine at Queen of Happy Endings).

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

2. There are four levels:

• Curious – Read 3 e-books. 

• Fascinated – Read 6 e-books. 

• Addicted – Read 12 e-books. 

• Obsessed – Read 20 e-books.

3. Any genre counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap-up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1, 2011 and lasts until December 31, 2011.

6. Visit The Ladybug Reads’ blog to sign up.

I'll go with Obsessed. I mostly read e-books, as getting paperbacks shipped here are so pricey! RAWR!  
So crossing Obsessed won't be that hard..... I think!

MY E-BOOKS LIST FOR THIS CHALLENGE 

1. Happy Hour at Casa Dracula by Marta Acosta
2. Midnight Brunch - Marta Acosta
3.  The Bride - Marta Acosta
4.  Haunted Honeymoon - Marta Acosta
5. Mind Games by Carolyn Crane
6. Double Cross by Carolyn Crane
7. Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning
8. Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning
9. Faefever by Karen Marie Moning
10. Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning
11. Shadowfever by Karen Marie Morning
12. The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher 
13. Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble by H.P. Mallory 
14. Toil and Trouble by H.P. Mallory 
15. Life, Love and a Polar Bear Tattoo by Heather Wardell
16. Across The Universe by Beth Revis 
17. Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris
18.  The Girl In The Steel Corset by Kady Cross
19. To Kill a Warlock by H.P. Mallory 
20. A Tale Of Two Goblins by H.P. Mallory

2011 Reading Challenge: Men in Uniform

2011 reading challenge Men in Uniform hosted by The Book Vixen.

Men in Uniform Reading Challenge
hosted by The Book Vixen

Details:

• Runs January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011(books read prior to 1/1/11 do not count towards the challenge). You can join at anytime – Sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
• The goal is to read as many novels that involve men in inform as you’d like. It can be a policeman, firefighter, paramedic, Army, Navy, Marine Corp., etc. – As long as the leading man wears some sort of uniform, it counts. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. Nothing is set in stone; you can change levels at any time during the challenge.
• Books can be any format (bound, eBook, audio).
• Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are fine.
• You can list your books in advance or list them as you read them. It is not required that you review the books you read for this challenge but feel free to do so.
• Post this reading challenge on your blog so you can keep a list of the books you’ve read for this challenge. Please include a link back to this post so readers can join the challenge too.
• You do not have to be a book blogger to participate. You can keep tabs on books you’ve read for this challenge on Goodreads or LibraryThing if you’d like (maybe make a shelf for “Men in Uniform Reading Challenge”). If you are not on either of those sites then you can list the books you read for this challenge in the comments on my wrap-up post, which will be up at the end of 2011.

Levels:

     Sergeant – Read 1–5 men in uniform novels
     Lieutenant – Read 6–10 men in uniform novels
     Captain – Read 11–15 men in uniform novels
     Chief – Read 16+ men in uniform novels 

I will be sticking with a Sergeant for now!! There are some great books in the goodread listopia. I happen to come across one. I Love A Man In Uniform It looks pretty good.

I will probably lurk around to other blogs for good reads. If any one has any book suggestions for this challenge lemme know = )

Happy reading.

MY SERGEANT LIST FOR 2011

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2011 Reading Challenge: Outdo Yourself

2011 Reading Challenge: Outdo Yourself hosted by The Book Vixen.

I didn't have any reading goal in 2010. I had college books and that was the main concentration for me. Now for the past couple of months I got into reading again as I just finished my classes. And I have read like 30 books so far since September.

So I just need to out so this. I think I can top that in 2011.

Here are the rules.

Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge
hosted by The Book Vixen

Details:

• Runs January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011 (books read prior to 1/1/11 do not count towards the challenge). You can join at anytime. You can sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
• The goal is to outdo yourself by reading more books in 2011 than you did in 2010. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. Nothing is set in stone; you can change levels at any time during the challenge.
• Books can be any format (bound, eBook, audio).
• Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are fine.
• You can list your books in advance or list them as you read them. It is not required that you review the books you read for this challenge but feel free to do so.
• Post this reading challenge on your blog so you can keep a list of the books you’ve read for this challenge. Please include a link back to this post so readers can join the challenge too.
• You do not have to be a book blogger to participate. You can keep tabs on books you’ve read for this challenge on Goodreads or LibraryThing if you’d like (maybe make a shelf for “Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge”). If you are not on either of those sites then you can list the books you read for this challenge in the comments on my wrap-up post, which will be up at the end of 2011.

Levels:

     
Getting my heart rate up – Read 1–5 more books     Out of breath – Read 6–10 more books     
Breaking a sweat – Read 11–15 more books
I’m on fire! – Read 16+ more books

I will try the getting my heart rate up for now. Maybe I'll be in fire by the end of 2011!! *fingers crossed* 

GETTING MY HEART RATE UP LIST

1. Unleash the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon
2. The Dream-Hunter by Sherrilyn Kenyon
3. Happy Hour at Casa Dracula by Marta Acosta
4. Midnight Brunch - Marta Acosta
5.  The Bride - Marta Acosta
6.  Haunted Honeymoon - Marta Acosta
7. Mind Games by Carolyn Crane
8. Double Cross by Carolyn Crane
9. Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning
10. Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning
11. Faefever by Karen Marie Moning
12. Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning
13. Shadowfever by Karen Marie Morning 
14. The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher 
15. Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble by H.P. Mallory 
16. Toil and Trouble by H.P. Mallory 
17. Life, Love and a Polar Bear Tattoo by Heather Wardell 
18. Across The Universe by Beth Revis 
19. Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris
20.  The Sheik's Kidnapped Bride by Susan Mallery
21. The Sheik's Arranged Marriage by Susan Mallery
22. The Sheik's Secret Bride by Susan Mallery
23. The Sheik and the Runaway Princess by Susan Mallery
24. The Sheik and the Virgin Princess by Susan Mallery 
25. The Girl In The Steel Corset by Kady Cross 
26. Feed by Mira Grant
27.  To Kill a Warlock by H.P. Mallory 
28. A Tale Of Two Goblins by H.P. Mallory
29.  No Rest for the Wicca by Toni LoTempio 
30. Sins of the Heart by Eve Silver 
31. Pride and Prejudice: Hidden Lusts by Mitzi Szereto
32.  That's What Friends Are For by Josee Renard 
33. A Hidden Fire by Elizabeth Hunter
34.  A Life That Fits by Heather Wardell 
35. Released by Megan Duncan
36.  A Spy In The House by Y.S. Lee 
37. Heart Of Steel by Meljean Brook 
38. The Body at the Tower by Y.S. Lee
39. Grace Under Pressure by Melissa Schroeder
40. Foreplay: A Succubus Diaries Prequel by Jill Myles

Historical Romance Challenge 2011

Historical Romance Challenge 2011 hosted by Danielle over at Romance Book Junkies. 

This challenge is to read 12 historical romance books from January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2011. 

Hmmm 12 historical romance books!! Sounds like fun. I am all for that. Lets hope I get to finish 12.

There are some books that I really want to read. And goodreads have some great Historical Romance books listed under listopia's. It's worth checking out.

MY HISTORICAL ROMANCE BOOK LIST FOR 2011 

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Review: Icing on the Cake by Shayla Kersten

Icing on the Cake by Shayla Kersten

Genre: M/M, Erotica

Publisher:  Ellora's Cave Publishing

ebook, 74 pages

Purchased from Jasmine Jade

Book Synopsis- (Goodreads) 

Jeff Morgan’s life is all about career. Relationships aren’t on his radar. His friendships are limited to a very few and his sex life consists of wham-bam-thank-you-man sexual encounters. He doesn’t do long term. He doesn’t even do breakfast.

Then the fate of a cake brings Ollie Cranford into his life. Shaved head, tats and piercings, the baker is far from Jeff’s type, but Ollie is as luscious as the treats he whips up in his bakery.

Now if only Jeff can relax long enough to enjoy the icing on the beefcake.

My Review *HAS SPOILERS*

Jeff is carrier driven stressful and controlling before he meets Ollie. Ollie likes to have control in the bedroom and his tats leather clads piercing and handcuffs in bed sure screams like it.

As we start up our story Jeff starts to loss some of his uprightiness to the baker.

50 something pages. Hawt steamy scenes without a serious plot bunny, I wouldn’t mind reading something like that at 4 in the morning. *I hope I am not the only one who read at 4 a.m*

I loved the part that author didn’t make her characters declare their undying love for each other by the end of the book. They were practical about the situation and wanting a relationship with each other.

I had hard time connecting with the Jeff. He seemed too upright for his own good, but I guess that was needed for the story to grow and to get Ollie into Jeff’s pants.

Ollie - don’t judge a book by its cover, and I mean it one hundred percent when its Ollie. Bald tats pierce, never seen any baker looking like that. And yet he was the one pursuing their relation.

It was mostly fluffy nothing extreme.

So I’ll recommend this before bed when you want to get your freak on.

My rating for this book

Halloween Read-A-Thon Day - 1

Holloween Read-A-Thon hosted by Lesley over at Young Adult Book Reviewed. This is my first in a Read-A-Thon. I was very excited had all the books piled up even added a audio book in my pile.

But as usual I was a bit late to sign up. RAWR!! However, Lesley was very awesome as she overlooked my lackyness and signed me up. THANK YOU!

I had a complete list of what I want to finish in the three days that we have. 

I don't know how much I'll be able to finish but fingers are crossed for at least four books.

First up 

NH 2 - One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Happy reading everyone.

Reading Challenge : Heaven & Hell theme

Goodreads is the best place to find some great reading challenge.

So I signed up for my second/first reading challenge of the year on BDB thread.

The theme is Angel & Demon or Heaven & Hell.

The challenge is, to read books that spell out A N G E L & D E M O N or H E A V E N & H E L L

I picked Heaven & Hell. *beams*

Here is my reading list. 

  

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

  

   Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost

 A Strong Hand by Catt Ford

  Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber

  Evernight by Claudia Gray

 Hostage to Pleasure by Nalini Singh

 

  Covet by J.R. Ward

   Dance With The Devil by Sherrilyn Kenyon

  Evermore by Alyson Noel

 Dirty Deeds by Lorelei James

 Corralled: A Blacktop Cowboys Novel by Lorelei James

So 11 smexy books. And I have till the end of this year to finish this challenge. hmmmmm. 

At least I can give it a try, right?:D