Contents of blog copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2023
I've been gone a while. I started reading fanfiction to escape and I got sucked in an abyss.

I have no idea if someone else is hosting similar challenges. I just grabbed some of what I have hosted before.

Here's to a happy year of great reading
Jan2023: Not much has changed. Writing a fanfiction now O_o as well as reading but I bought 7 new books in December and hope to get those read soon. Crossing fingers about adding challenges (late!)

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Banned Books Week

Some links you may find interesting...

Banned and/or Challenged Books from the Radcliffe Publishing Course Top 100 Novels of the 20th Century and the reasons why

ALA's free downloads of banners, lists and Facebook Cover Art

About Banned and Challenged Books, faq

Censorship in Canada

A discussion on censorship through the Pelham Public Library, Fonthill, Ontario, blog: Fahrenheit 451

Wikipedia's list of books banned by governments, here, needs help so so your own research

16 Books Challenged for their Gay Content, slideshow at Huffington Post





Don't forget to stop by on Wednesday, October 3. I'll be reviewing The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian as well as giving it away along with a homemade bookmark.
sorry, US only



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Monday, September 24, 2012

Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week is coming up! The place you might want to start is Book Journey. Sheila is hosting a party and it's not too late to link up!

I was going to have a different post each day but realized it would be a broken record kind of week so I added a link list to the right of Banned/Challenged posts I've already written.

On Wednesday, October 3, I'll be reviewing The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian as well as giving it away along with a homemade bookmark. Stay tuned!
sorry, US only



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Happy Monday

Weekly report of last week's activities, reading and new books in the house....

Last week:
Monday - trip to the library (return two, pick up two) and two trips to the gym. Cardio in the afternoon and then weights with a new trainer in the evening....thinking I'm going to "hate" her ;-)

Lucked out on the car insurance, it didn't increase as much as I had feared. Great idea Nise' too bad I won't be the main driver, I would so do the same!

Couldn't get to sleep...finished Act of Treason

Tuesday was not as good a day for reading, only on page 185 of Extreme Measures, but I did make it to the Chiropractor plus lunch and the gym with daughter. Getting to the "hate"...arms are very stiff and sore.

Wednesday was just looking up to be a oh hum of a day but this weather? I shouldn't be able to work on my tan in September! In other news, I did finish Extreme Measures (and posted about it). A trip to the library (return two, pick up four with five more "in transit") and volleyball! Those were the exciting parts, I don't want to talk about the bathrooms and laundry ;-)

Thursday was another session with the trainer. Spent some time getting ready for Fall into Reading. Oh man, the year is almost over and I have a huge amount of challenges left to complete! Finished Pursuit of Honor.

M stayed home from work on Friday. Date night. Didn't turn out quite like we expected....had a couple of doc appointments and the service was horrible at the second one, throwing our date night plans out the window. :( We still did something but nothing special. Library trip was weird. Email said I had two books ready for pick up but one on them was no where to be found. Can someone else check it out? Finished The Runner's Rule Book by Mark Remy

Saturday was a church thing, picnic and a movie (Roman Holiday). We were part of the staff - set up, clean up and help with whats needed during.Went back to the library, after I called to see if the book was on the shelf, picked up two but didn't return any. Roman Holiday ended well but she was unlikeable to me at the beginning.

Sunday was a nap day. Got home after Midnight on Saturday and was wired so stayed up another hour. Missed my alarm then took a nap later. Pork roast in the slow cooker for dinner


This week?
Trainer Monday, workout with daughter Tuesday, Volleyball Wednesday. Library trip and a dinner out somewhere in there...hey, that's what last week looked like! Oh, didn't donate blood last week and am hoping to walk in this week.

Hope everyone has a great week planned!

Mailbox Monday is a place to share all the wonderful books that have come to live in your home; print, electronic and audio. Started by Marcia of The Printed Page, the mailbox is currently on tour. Check it out so you know where to go next month.

September's host is Kristen at BookNAround



Received for Review:



Giveaway/Contest/Gift:



from Author:



Purchased/delivered:
No Need for Speed by John "The Penguin" Bingham


added to my ereader: (kindle app, html, etc.)

...went shopping through the free section, added a bunch then clicked Pin It
(still not finished pinning all of them)




What are you Reading?


A weekly Monday meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Post what you read last week and what you're planning to read this week then link to Shelia's post. Then visit, visit,visit! She has a comment contest going on each week tied to the meme.


Finished:
Act of Treason by Vince Flynn
Extreme Measures by Vince Flynn
Pursuit of Honor by Vince Flynn
Personal Leave by Sean Michael
The Runner's Rule Book by Mark Remy
Born to Run by Christopher McDougall


Books stacked by my reading chair (some most not actively reading but I haven't given up on them, yet):
Code Blood by Kurt Kamm
Noah by Jacquelyn Frank ~ ebook
Seduced by the Wolf by Terry Spear ~ ebook 
Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Cut, Crop and Die by Joanna Campbell Slan ~ ebook
The Bro-Magnet by Lauren Baratz-Logsted ~ ebook
Circle of Seven by Bryan Davis
Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T. Michelle ~ ebook
Big Kitty by Claire Donally
When the Cookie Crumbles by Virginia Lowell
A Killer Read by Erika Chase
The Last Patriot by Brad Thor
Power Down by Ben Coes
Double the Heat, anthology
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Born to Run by Christopher DcDougall



Next up:
got to finish up my still reading list!
all of my library check-outs

Reviewed:


Did Not Finish, may try again later:




copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Musing Mondays

Question Meme hosted at Should Be Reading.

This week's question.....
Do you have any hobbies outside of reading?
Or do you collect anything?


my answer: I do have several hobbies that I've tried over the years, some I may get back to and some that were a complete failure.

That said, I enjoy crochet, baking, and beading. I hope to get back to Counted Cross Stitch, scrapbooking, sewing, quilting and Kumihimo.

I like to collect dragons, cats, rabbits and figurines that are reading. Do race t-shirts count? Yes, I don't have many but do hope to add to the collection.


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Fall into Reading

Fall into Reading
September 22 - December 21


hosted by Katrina at Callapidder Days

Sign ups go live on the 22nd. You can read about the challenge here, or here, but "Essentially, Fall Into Reading 2012 is a fun, low-pressure reading challenge open to anyone and everyone. It will take place September 22nd-December 21st (which, as you may have guessed, lines up with the fall of 2012)." The only requirement is a list of book you'd like to read this fall.



I have a stack of print books and a list of ebooks that have been on my Monday post for what seems like for months. I'd like to get those finished and crossed off the list or officially marked DNF and crossed off the list!

~Books to Choose From~
~Books Still Reading...
Code Blood by Kurt Kamm
Noah by Jacquelyn Frank ~ ebook
Seduced by the Wolf by Terry Spear ~ ebook 
Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck ~ returned unfinished
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Cut, Crop and Die by Joanna Campbell Slan ~ ebook
The Bro-Magnet by Lauren Baratz-Logsted ~ ebook
Circle of Seven by Bryan Davis
Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T. Michelle ~ ebook
Big Kitty by Claire Donally
When the Cookie Crumbles by Virginia Lowell
A Killer Read by Erika Chase
The Last Patriot by Brad Thor
Power Down by Ben Coes
Double the Heat, anthology
~Review Books... (all started, some finished, all need reviews)
52 Small Changes
Before I Fall
Billy Boy
Bridge to Happiness
But Then Again I Could Be Wrong
Drawn to the Land
The Gathering Storm
Gone
He Stopped Loving Her Today Lake
The Masonic Truth
Only in New York Darling!
A Place to Die
The Priest and the Peaches
You Never Know
Benny & Shrimp
A Circle of Souls
Kekula
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much
A Modern Witch
The Right Side of the Tracks
Second Chance
Spin the Plate
True North
Whiskey Gulf
~Library Books checked out...
There and Back Again by Sean Astin
Christmas at the Mysterious Bookshop, anthology
Any Way You Want It by Kathy Love
The Hole at the Bottom of the Sea by Joel Achenbach
Pursuit of Honor by Vince Flynn oops, already finished
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Barefoot Running
The Runner's Rules by Mark Remy oops, already finished
~New Purchases...
The Gift of Running: a book for runners and future runners by P. Mark Taylor
The Missing Monarch by Rachelle McCalla  
No Need for Speed by John "The Penguin" Bingham



~Fall into Reading Goals~
read two from each section
Library? check!
New Purchase? check!
Review Books? one down check!
Still Reading? one down check!

AND finish a couple of challenges/RaT, see list here
1. ALA's Top Ten Banned/Challenged Books 2011. completed Oct 1
2. Fraterfest Read-a-Thon: completed Oct 7
3. Frightfall: completed Oct 7
4. R.I.P. VII ~ all parts completed Oct 11
5. Immortal ~ completed Oct 12

~Books Read/Finished~
unlisted Library book: Born to Run by Christopher McDougall (Sep 23, 287 pages)
Library book: Any Way You Want It by Kathy Love (Sep 24, 271 pages)
unlisted Library book: Nightingale Way by Emily March (Sep 25, 310 pages)
unlisted New Purchase: Get Organized! by Colette Leigh (Sep 26, 69 pages)
unlisted New Purchase: Run Your Butt Off! by Sarah Lorge Butler with Leslie Bonci and Budd Coates (Sep 27, 209 pages)
unlisted Library book: 50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days-and How You Too Can Achieve Super Endurance! by Dean Karnazes with Matt Fitzgerald (Sep 30, 279 pages)
unlisted Library book: The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes
Still Reading: A Killer Read by Erika Chase
Banned Book/Challenge: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
unlisted Review Book: 'Twas the Night After Christmas by Sabrina Jeffries (Oct 3, 368 pages)
unlisted Library Book: Heartache Falls by Emily March (Oct 6, 352 pages)
unlisted Library Book: Run! by Dean Karnazes (Oct 7, 260 pages)
unlisted Review Book: Alex Van Helsing Voice of the Undead by Jason Henderson (Oct 7, 297 pages)
unlisted New Purchase: Barefoot Running Step by Step by Barefoot Ken Bob Saxton (Oct 9, 239 pages)
unlisted New Purchase: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (Oct 11, 313 pages)
Immortal Challenge: Blood Faerie by India Drummond (Oct 12, 262 pages)
unlisted New Purchase: Office Hours by Sean Michael (Oct 13, 80 pages)
unlisted Library Book: The Barefoot Running Book by Jason Robillard (Oct 14, 185 pages)
unlisted New Purchase: A Book by Mordicai Gerstein (Oct 14, 40 pages)
unlisted Library Book: Angel's Rest by Emily March  (Oct 17, 314 pages)
unlisted Library Book: Hummingbird Lake by Emily March  (Oct 19, 309 pages) 
Still Reading: Seduced by the Wolf by Terry Spear (Nov 10, 416 pages)

~Challenge Complete~
November 10

re-read: Anchor by Jorrie Spencer (Nov 11, 208 pages)


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

it has been noted that I can get a little too involved...

in my stories. Remember Grandma/Mom and her soaps? Did she think the characters were actually friends of hers? So you know what I'm talking about.

I'm not quite that bad and I am trying to improve but I've been known to stay up all night to deal with the adrenaline rush, the puzzle, the romance. Needing to get to the end of the book before I get on with my life. Which leads me to, "We have a situation. I need to speak to the president."

I've been reading Vince Flynn. His Mitch Raap character is an unofficial employee of the C.I.A. He's also an assassin. And a Hero. Mitch Raap was arrested while doing he job because a Captain has a stick up.....about rules. The Captain was also worried about his own upward mobility. Never mind that he has already been passed up for Major because he's so hard to work with. He graduated from The Academy and feels the rest are just jealous. When his superior officer (Base Commander) wants to sweep it all under the rug, the Captain calls a Senator.

You know what hits the fan and Mitch Raap is called before the Judiciary Committee. For once, he doesn't lie under oath and really puts it on the line as to why he was in the situation to be arrested in the first place. Two terrorist cells were captured heading to the US. A third cell is believed to be on their way. The prisoner he was arrested for hitting had confirmed the third cell but Rapp was removed before any other info could be revealed.

I'm reading about the arrest and the fan splatters and the next chapter is the third cell's training (Vince Flynn is great this way). The fan splatters are getting deeper and the third cell is traveling. Just as there is hope for Raap, an undercover man is discovered. Actually, the body of a man they believe to be an undercover agent is discovered in the trunk of a burned car, he's missing three toes. They were not removed by a surgeon.

Now, back to "We have a situation. I need to speak to the president." I'M ON PAGE 359!

Where the ....have our guys been who are supposed to be tracking this? Oh, thats right. A Senator is so stuck on the "we are a nation of laws" that they have forgotten that sometimes you have to get dirty. Sometimes things get worse before they get better. Someone has to get down in the trenches so the rest of us can sleep at night.

Now, I know that this is fiction. I may love that I live in the United States but I do not pretend that we are perfect. Nor do I know the ins and outs of the government anywhere near as well as I should. I know that Vince Flynn researches, has a great imagination and certainly more knowledge than I do. However, I firmly believe that someone has to get down in the trenches so the rest of us can sleep at night.

off my soapbox, back to my fictional world.

Extreme Measures
Vince Flynn
Pocket Books; Reprint edition 
August 25, 2009
978-1416505044
544 pages

from amazon: The CIA has detected two terrorist cells, but a third is feared to be on the loose. Led by a dangerous mastermind obsessed with becoming the leader of al-Qaeda, this determined and terrifying group is about to descend on America. Rapp needs the best on this assignment, and former marine officer Nash is his choice. Together, they have made careers out of meeting violence with extreme violence and have never wavered in the fight against the jihadists and their culture of death. But the one thing he never saw coming was that his own government was about to turn on him.


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Terrific Tuesday

What a Demon Wants for both

Hosted at Bibliophile by the Sea
Every Tuesday, she'll be posting the opening paragraph (maybe two) of her current read. Why don't you join us?

"Why would a demon need a bodyguard?" Ellina Kostova pushed her relentlessly unruly hair out of her face and attempted to give her brother her most formidable look.

Maksim ignored her and continued to thumb through the papers he held, pulling out one and tossing it on her desk.

"You need a bodyguard, and I have a man coming here today to meet with us," he said.
um, demon with a stalker? And a pushy brother, most be her older brother. :-)
What a Demon Wants
Kathy Love





Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme,
hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
1. Grab your current read Open to a random page
2. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page ~BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!~ make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!
3. Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This one is a little longer than usual...


Being trapped in a cat was something she'd rather not repeat, but it hardly warranted a bodyguard. Okay, all the things he mentioned put together did perhaps necessitate something to keep her safer. An alarm system. A dog maybe. But a bodyguard?
What a Demon Wants
Kathy Love


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Monday, September 17, 2012

Happy Monday

Last week:
Lunch with my parents, great company, lousy food. I truly hope they don't take me there again.

Weights with the trainer on Tuesday was interesting. We were doing a new twisty movement and lunch decided to come say hi. Well, the tuna didn't actually make an appearance but dang, it was close. Lower weight solved the problem after a rest.

Library trip: returned three, picked up two. Still waiting for the ones I requested. Two books waiting for me to pick up and about seven "in transit".

Totally flaked on Volleyball - forgot it was Wednesday!

Lunch and shopping with D was great. Craft fair and just walking around the mall. We were still full after the craft fair and walking around the mall so we skipped the gym. Made plans to meet at the gym on Tuesday.

Maybe car shopping???? Why yes, we did! Came home with a 2012 Chevy Equinox. It was a prior rental so we got a great deal. The only problem I can see (beside the increase in insurance) is we now have a silver car after having a green car for so long. I'll never find it in the parking lot!

Trainer Monday, workout with daughter Tuesday, Volleyball Wednesday. Library trip and a dinner out somewhere in there...will be hard to top last week.

Hope everyone has a great week planned!

Mailbox Monday is a place to share all the wonderful books that have come to live in your home; print, electronic and audio. Started by Marcia of The Printed Page, the mailbox is currently on tour. Check it out so you know where to go next month.

September's host is Kristen at BookNAround



Received for Review:



Giveaway/Contest/Gift:



from Author:



Purchased/delivered:
(went to B&N and didn't buy anything!)


added to my ereader: (kindle app, html, etc.)
 The Gift of Running: a book for runners and future runners by P. Mark Taylor
The Missing Monarch by Rachelle McCalla

...went shopping through the free section, added a bunch then clicked Pin It
(still not finished pinning all of them)




What are you Reading?


A weekly Monday meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Post what you read last week and what you're planning to read this week then link to Shelia's post. Then visit, visit,visit! She has a comment contest going on each week tied to the meme.


Finished:
Pie and Prejudice by Ellery Adams
Running on Empty by Marshall Ulrich
What a Demon Wants by Kathy Love
Lover's Leap by Emily March
Chihuahua of the Baskervilles by Esri Allbritten
Dear Sir by Kim Dare
Digging for Gold by Sean Michael
Don't Ask, Don't Tell by Sean Michael


Books stacked by my reading chair (some most not actively reading but I haven't given up on them, yet):
Code Blood by Kurt Kamm
Noah by Jacquelyn Frank ~ ebook
Seduced by the Wolf by Terry Spear ~ ebook 
Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Cut, Crop and Die by Joanna Campbell Slan ~ ebook
The Bro-Magnet by Lauren Baratz-Logsted ~ ebook
Magical Housekeeping by Tess Whitehurst ~ ebook
Circle of Seven by Bryan Davis
Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T. Michelle ~ ebook
Big Kitty by Claire Donally
Chihuahua of the Baskervilles by Esri Allbritten
When the Cookie Crumbles by Virginia Lowell
A Killer Read by Erika Chase
Pie and Prejudice by Ellery Adams
The Last Patriot by Brad Thor
Power Down by Ben Coes
Double the Heat, anthology



Next up:
got to finish up my still reading list!


Reviewed:


Did Not Finish, may try again later:
Magical Housekeeping by Tess Whitehurst ~ really is a spell/magic book. Fascinating but not my cup of tea
A Turn in the Road by Debbie Macomber ~ couldn't get past the selfish & inconsiderate granddaughter



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Saturday Snapshot & Quote

Saturday Snapshot
hosted by Alyce at At Home with Books

To participate in the Saturday Snapshot meme, post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.

M and I went to our county fair. There was a table decoration display/contest (girl scouts?) and one of the categories was "Bring on the Books". I saw tables decorated based on Hawaii, The Secret Garden, Twenty Leagues Under the Sea, Gone with the Wind, and Fahrenheit 451. I loved Hawaii, three others were nice but Fahrenheit 451 was disturbingly good.


 I saw my first book related table on one side and when I came around to this side, it was obvious which book this was by the background.

It's the details really. The fire boots salt and pepper shaker, the extinguisher and the, gasp, burned books! I think there were several banned books in the pile in back but it wouldn't surprise me if they were from the book, other stories that people were living.

Check out the table legs!




Oh, each table also has a menu to go along with the theme. This menu was grilled this and flame-broiled that...can you read it?





dang, wish I could remember what her score was!



Duly Quoted
Hosted at Today's Adventure
Does anyone know what happened to Today's Adventure?







copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Thursday, September 13, 2012

October is Season of the Witch

One more reading event for October! This one is all about the witch :D


Season of the Witch
October

hosted at Castle Macabre

sign-up and more info, here

Guest posts, mini-challenge, giveaways...something scary every day in October

Our twitter hashtag is???

Requirements:
Read as many witch related books as you can during October.





I've got a couple of witch books on my tbr pile. Does Paranormalcy count?




copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

BBAW - Interview!

Book Blogger 
Appreciation Week
Day 2

The BBAW Interview Swap is always one of the most popular events because it gives us a chance to get to know each other in depth. If you didn't sign up, there are questions to use as an self-interview!
Big welcome to Shu of Lit Snob


1. How long have you been blogging and why did you start?
I started blogging about 8 months ago. myfriendamy got me started because we spent so much time talking about what we read that she suggested I start a book blog.


2. What do you hope to get out of book blogging?
Mostly, I love meeting other people who love books as much as I do. To me book blogging is an avenue to share my passion for books without driving my family crazy.


3. Do you have an all time favorite book? Top Ten?
There are so many great books out there. I really love Jane Eyre and On the Road by Jack Kerouac, but my all time favorite would have to be Visions of Cody by Jack Kerouac. The language in that book is so beautiful. Reading it is an experience in and of itself.


4. What are your favorite genres?
I don't have a favorite genre. I like general and young adult fiction.


5. What genre would you never read?
I don't like erotica even though I had the misfortune of reading 50 shades of grey. I also am not a huge fan of mystery, but I generally never say never


6. Tell us about your family and what you do when your not reading?
I'm in my second year of grad school and I'm a mother of 3. So when I'm not reading I'm taking care of my family and working on my research project. I was an English Teacher for 10 years before I went back to get my MA.

Busy Lady!

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Monday, September 10, 2012

BBAW - Appreciation

Book Blogger 
Appreciation Week
Day 1

Appreciation! There are no awards this year, but it can still be hard to navigate the huge universe of book blogging. Share with your readers some of the blogs you enjoy reading daily and why.


My far right column has three widgets for blog links. I don't show all of them anymore because of the huge number so when I'm online, I check through the ones that were updated most recently.

I love reading The Betty and Boo Chronicles. Melissa doesn't update everyday and not everything is about books but she is a joy and I love reading about her children.

I enjoy ebooks almost as much as print, Pixel of Ink is my go to place for free kindle books.

Sheila at Book Journey does the It's Monday, What are you Reading? meme. She's also active with a f2f book club, bike riding and charities.

Another favorite is Pasadena Daily Photo. Petrea is a photographer, among other things, and posts a daily photo. Most are in and around Pasadena, California. She has also published a short story and is working on a novel.

I also read The Hungry Runner Girl. Janae is a runner and new Mom. She's super fun to read. She and her husband recently moved so Billy could attend Law school.







copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Happy Monday



Hope everyone has a great week planned!

Mailbox Monday is a place to share all the wonderful books that have come to live in your home; print, electronic and audio. Started by Marcia of The Printed Page, the mailbox is currently on tour. Check it out so you know where to go next month.

Thanks to July's host: Mrs. Q: Book Addict


Received for Review:



Giveaway/Contest/Gift:



from Author:



Purchased/delivered:
The Extra Mile by Pam Reed (Ultrarunning)
The Quotable Horse Lover edited by Steven D. Price
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
The Quotable Book Lover edited by Ben Jacobs and Helena Hjalmarsson


added to my ereader: (kindle app, html, etc.)
Hacienda Moon by KaSonndra Leigh
Alaskan Fire by Sara King
The Reckoning by Robert J. Thomas
...went shopping through the free section, added a bunch then clicked Pin It
(still not finished pinning all of them)




What are you Reading?


A weekly Monday meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Post what you read last week and what you're planning to read this week then link to Shelia's post. Then visit, visit,visit! She has a comment contest going on each week tied to the meme.


Finished:
Beautiful Sacrifice by Elizabeth Lowell
Double the Pleasure, anthology
Separation of Power by Vince Flynn
Executive Power by Vince Flynn
Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis
Courting Carolina by Janet Chapman
Transfer of Power by Vince Flynn


Books stacked by my reading chair (some most not actively reading but I haven't given up on them, yet):
Code Blood by Kurt Kamm
Noah by Jacquelyn Frank ~ ebook
Seduced by the Wolf by Terry Spear ~ ebook 
Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Cut, Crop and Die by Joanna Campbell Slan ~ ebook
The Bro-Magnet by Lauren Baratz-Logsted ~ ebook
Magical Housekeeping by Tess Whitehurst ~ ebook
Circle of Seven by Bryan Davis
Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T. Michelle ~ ebook
Big Kitty by Claire Donally
Chihuahua of the Baskervilles by Esri Allbritten
When the Cookie Crumbles by Virginia Lowell
A Killer Read by Erika Chase
Pie and Prejudice by Ellery Adams
The Last Patriot by Brad Thor
Power Down by Ben Coes
Double the Heat, anthology
Separation of Power by Vince Flynn
Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis


Next up:
got to finish up my still reading list!
Sexy by Joyce Carol Oates (library book due back 9-14) returned unfinished
Finding Their Stride by Sally Pont (library book due back 9-14) returned unfinished

Reviewed:


Did Not Finish, may try again later:




copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Saturday Snapshot & Quote

Saturday Snapshot
hosted by Alyce at At Home with Books

To participate in the Saturday Snapshot meme, post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.



What? No picture?! Wow, my week must have busy, busy, busy! Oh, or I was napping and forgot ;-)












Duly Quoted
Hosted at Today's Adventure

Today's quote is a photo found on FB's Ragnar page....
Good advice for all of us


edit: the Today's Adventure is going to a casino site. Help!

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Purr-sday and then some!

Thursday is a busy place! Purr-sday and Cat Thursday are self-explanatory and so is Third Sentence Thursday but Thursday Three? It's a love/hate thing ;)




a place to share the cute/funny/weird pictures I find while surfing....when I should be doing a whole range of things ;)










Someone has an actual meme for "Cat Thursday" so head over to The True Book Addict and see who else is sharing.








Hosted at Proud Book Nerd
1. Take the book you are currently reading and post the third sentence.
2. Share your thoughts on the sentence.
3. Post a link to your blog post in the link list. If you don’t have a blog, just leave it in the comments here.
4. Visit one or two of the other blogs to check out their third sentence.

By the age of ten, I'd already figured out that when my older brother and I got in trouble, whomever Dad caught first was going to get it the worst.

Running on Empty
Marshall Ulrich

Thoughts: This is a lousy sentence to use for this! The book is about a man running across the United Stated. True, he learned to run faster than his brother to avoid punishments but that really doesn't due justice to the book.




Hosted at Book Obsessed
Take your current read, or book you previously finished, and tell me the following 3 things about it.
1. Character from the book you LOVE (This can be a character you want as your BFF or someone you want to take home to meet the parents)
2. Character from the book you HATE (This character does not have to be the villian, just someone you disliked)
3. Your overall LOVE/HATE of the book. (If you haven't decided your feelings for the book yet, or if you prefer, just provide a snippet from the book containing either the word "LOVE" or "HATE")
and, where the story is located for those of us doing the 50 States challenge. ;)

sorry, I don't have anything for this week.





~*~*~*~
Now, on to the pictures......



 as a new runner, I'm hoping for the speed of one and the playfulness of the other.

which may be why I need to run ;-)


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Thoughts on ... Mile Markers

This is a running book that's not really about running. Kristin Armstrong is a runner and uses running as a metaphor for life. The determination, dedication, strength and endurance needed in running has parallels in life. These are blog posts from Running World, turned into a book, arranged into chapters/mile markers in our life; Friendship, Play, Motherhood, Balance, Race Day.

This is a deeply personal glimpse into her life, her faith and love of family, friends, and running comes through loud and clear. I read it straight though and enjoyed the book. Each chapter has had something call to me and I found myself reaching for a highlighter. I'm thinking I'll need my own copy so I can highlight and write in the margins.

Here's just one example where Kristen writes of roadblocks and detours. The kind you find while out and about on a run, the kind you find while driving around, the kind you hit in life.
...Roadblocks always have something to teach us. Maybe it's a lesson in patience or perseverance. Maybe it's an opportunity to rethink the direction we chose in the first place. maybe it's an essential tutorial about life. Maybe it's a profound examination of self.
Whatever we learn, we can be almost certain that we would not have learned it any other way. And that is the most direct route from frustration to gratitude, no matter where the detour takes us.
I remember someone saying "isn't a 5k just 3 miles?" No. no it's not. It is 3.1 miles. That .1 makes a big difference. Kristen says the .2 is about having what it takes. Where ever life takes us, I hope you always have strength left for your .2

Disclaimer: This was a library book. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of publisher




Mile Markers
The 26.2 Most Important Reasons Why Women Run
by Kristin Armstrong

Rodale Press
March 2011
978-1609611064
Hardcover
12 + (personal feelings)
Running, Life Lessons, Biography
288 pages
Grade: A


Product Description:
Built on the success of her popular blog on RunnersWorld.com, Kristin Armstrong’s new book is an intensely personal look at how running creates a special sense of community for the women who participate, and how it has helped her and many others mark the milestones of their lives. Each of the 26 chapters (the .2 is the epilogue) is dedicated to a specific theme, such as Friendship, Gratitude, Healing, Balance, and Motherhood. The specific experience of running is knitted into each chapter.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Terrific Tuesday

Summer Nights and Beautiful Sacrifice

Hosted at Bibliophile by the Sea
Every Tuesday, she'll be posting the opening paragraph (maybe two) of her current read. Why don't you join us?

Shane Stryker was determined enough to never walk away from a fight and smart enough to know when he'd been beat. The beautiful redhead dancing on the bar might be everything he wanted, but pursuing her would be the worst decision he could make.
Her eyes were closed, her long, wavy hair swayed in rhythm with her body. The sensual beat of the music hit Shane square in the gut. He shook his head. Okay, it hit him lower than that, but he ignored it and the draw he felt. Women who dance on bars were trouble. Exciting, tempting, but not for him. Not anymore.

ah, but all is not as it first appears, I loved this one!
Summer Nights
A Fool's Gold Romance
Susan Mallery





Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme,
hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
1. Grab your current read Open to a random page
2. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page ~BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!~ make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!
3. Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This one is a little longer than usual...


"But the alter hadn't been there long enough for the blood running down those table legs to reach the floor."

"Maybe they wore the old one out." Jase shrugged. "Kill in the name of cartel profits. Kill in the name of an unknown god. Same results. Dead."

Hunter clenched his teeth and wished that Lina's job was curating Teddy Bears Through the Ages. But it wasn't. No matter how much he hated it, Lina was on the trail of death.
Beautiful Sacrifice
by Elizabeth Lowell


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Monday, September 3, 2012

Two More Scary Read-a-Thons for October

Michelle at The True Book Addict is hosting Frightfall at Seasons of Reading and Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer is hosting Fraterfest (which seems scarier). I've also signed up for R.I.P and books will overlap all three.


Frightfall
Read-a-Thon

October 1 - 7

hosted at Seasons of Reading

sign-up and more info, here

No mini-challenges because "focusing on the reading rocks".

Our twitter hashtag is #FrightFall.

Requirements:
"one horror/scary book.  For the faint-hearted among you, it can be a spooky mystery, a scary thriller, or something classically gothic." Michelle is also allowing children's books (5 to 1) for those that read with their children.

~Challenge Complete~
October 7





Fraterfest Read-a-Thon

October 5 - 8

There will be mini-challenges, prizes and a Twitter Party (Twitter hashtag: #Fraterfest) so be sure to get out the sign up post for more information, here
Requirements:  a Rhiannon Frater novel or a bump in the night book or a mystery for the faint of heart

~Challenge Complete~
October 7





So I need to read a scary book sometime on October 5, 6 or 7. Shouldn't be a problem, we'll see. I'm all signed up, just need to remember to read during the time frame!



~Books Read~
1. Vampires, weird creatures, boarding school, high school. Scary enough for you?
Alex Van Helsing Voice of the Undead Jason Henderson 


That was horrible! Not the RaT. No, it was my performance that was horrible. One book?! Grrr, I have a STACK! sigh. Maybe next year.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Happy Monday - Catch up post

Happy Labor Day!

I don't have too much to say here, I did a what-I-did-on-my-summer-vacation post last Saturday. :D

I really should have continued my Monday posts, just to make the lists smaller! I spent a lot of time this summer reading and shopping. I'm hoping to get back in the swing of a semi-regular schedule. I've added volleyball, run/walk club, gym workouts and a personal training session to my usual shopping, lunch and reading week.

Hope everyone has a great week planned!

Mailbox Monday is a place to share all the wonderful books that have come to live in your home; print, electronic and audio. Started by Marcia of The Printed Page, the mailbox is currently on tour. Check it out so you know where to go next month.

Thanks to July's host: Mrs. Q: Book Addict


Received for Review:
The Dark Side of Hope by Karen Krett, LCSW


Giveaway/Contest/Gift:
Stitch by Samantha Durante


from Author:



Purchased/delivered:
It Sucked and Then I Cries by Heather B Armstrong
Beautiful Sacrifice by Elizabeth Lowell
Her Surprise Sister by Marta Perry
Theodore Boone: The Abduction by John Grisham
Edge of Forever by Sherryl Woods
A Killer Read by Erika Chase
The Big Kitty by Claire Donally
Chihuahua of the Baskervilles by Esri Allbritten
The Long Stitch Good Night by Amanda Lee
Pies and Prejudice by Ellery Adams (Charmed Pie Shoppe Mystery)
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Late, Late at Night by Rick Springfield
61 Hours by Lee Child
Tempting Fortune by Jo Beverley ~ returned (duplicate)
Running: How to Get Started by Elizabeth Hufton
The Long Program by Peggy Fleming
Natural Running by Danny Abshire with Brian Metzler
A Perfect Storm by Lori Foster
When the Cookie Crumbles by Virginia Lowell (Cookie Cutter Mystery)
All Summer Long by Susan Mallery (Fools Gold series)
Let it Go: A True Story of Tragedy and Forgiveness by Chris Williams
Dream Lake by Lisa Kleypas (Friday Harbor series)
Almost Perfect by Susan Mallery (Fools Gold series)
Finding Perfect by Susan Mallery (Fools Gold series)
Summer Nights by Susan Mallery (Fools Gold series)
Summer Days by Susan Mallery (Fools Gold series)
Almost Home, anthology
The Unfinished Gift by Dan Walsh
Only His by Susan Mallery (Fools Gold series)
Only Yours by Susan Mallery (Fools Gold series)
Double the Pleasure, anthology
Double the Heat, anthology
A Visit from Dr. Katz by Ursula K. Le Guin
An Accidental Athlete by John "The Penguin" Bingham
Heart of my Heart by Kristin Armstrong
Running on Empty by Marshall Ulrich
I Run, Therefore I Am - Nuts! by Bob Schwartz
The Floating Island by Elizabeth Haydon


added to my ereader: (kindle app, html, etc.)
A Measure of Disorder by Alan Tucker
Home in Carolina by Sherryl Woods
Prince Incognito by Rachelle McCalla
Sweet Tea at Sunrise by Sherryl Woods
Knives and Feathers by Sage Marlowe
Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T. Michelle
A Quick Bite by Lynsay Sands
...went shopping through the free section, added a bunch then clicked Pin It
(still not finished pinning all of them)




What are you Reading?


A weekly Monday meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Post what you read last week and what you're planning to read this week then link to Shelia's post. Then visit, visit,visit! She has a comment contest going on each week tied to the meme.


Finished:
Home in Carolina by Sherryl Woods
Memorial Day by Vince Flynn
Morning Report by Sue Brown
Complete Faith by Sue Brown
The Long Stitch Good Night by Amanda Lee
Hot Money by Dick Francis
Prince Incognito by Rachelle McCalla
Isaiah by Bailey Bradford
Ramping Up by Sean Michael
Competition by J. Rocci
Sweet Tea at Sunrise by Sherryl Woods
Knives and Feathers by Sage Marlowe
Natural Running by Danny Abshire with Brian Metzler
Opening Moves by Sean Michael
Middle Game by Sean Michael
Bend by Bailey Bradford
Robert's Rancher by Amber Kell
Straight Cowboy by Jan Irving
Shifter Cowboy by Jan Irving
Christmas in Lucky Harbor by Jill Shalvis (Simply Irresistible and The Sweetest Thing)
Almost Perfect by Susan Mallery
Finding Perfect by Susan Mallery
Edge of Forever by Sherryl Woods (with bonus book: A Natural Father by Sarah Mayberry)
Only Mine by Susan Mallery
Gilbert by Bailey Bradford 
Rescued by Bailey Bradford
Dream Lake by Lisa Kleypas
Summer Days by Susan Mallery
Summer Nights by Susan Mallery
Only Yours by Susan Mallery
Only His by Susan Mallery
Only Us by Susan Mallery
Mile Markers by Kristin Armstrong
Kill Shot by Vince Flynn
The Third Option by Vince Flynn
American Assassin by Vince Flynn
Dirty Kisses by Sean Michael
Losing and Gaining by Heidi Champa
An Accidental Athlete by John "The Penguin" Bingham
A Soldier's Choice by D.L. Warner (with bonus story)
Anything You Can Do by Christiane France
Duck and Bunny Rescue by Pepper Espinoza
A Soldier's Fate by D.L. Warner


Books stacked by my reading chair (some most not actively reading but I haven't given up on them, yet): 
Memorial Day by Vince Flynn ~ finished

Code Blood by Kurt Kamm
Noah by Jacquelyn Frank ~ ebook
Seduced by the Wolf by Terry Spear ~ ebook 
Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Shelf Discovery by Lizzie Skurnick ~ DNF

Cut, Crop and Die by Joanna Campbell Slan ~ ebook
The Bro-Magnet by Lauren Baratz-Logsted ~ ebook
Magical Housekeeping by Tess Whitehurst ~ ebook
Circle of Seven by Bryan Davis
Fear Nothing by Dean Koontz ~ had to leave at vacation house :-( 
Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T. Michelle ~ ebook
Big Kitty by Claire Donally
Chihuahua of the Baskervilles by Esri Allbritten
When the Cookie Crumbles by Virginia Lowell
A Killer Read by Erika Chase
Pie and Prejudice by Ellery Adams
The Last Patriot by Brad Thor
Power Down by Ben Coes



Next up:
got to finish up my still reading list!
Sexy by Joyce Carol Oates (library book due back 9-14)
Finding Their Stride by Sally Pont (library book due back 9-14)

Reviewed:
Raising Dragons by Bryan Davis
Devil's Food Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke


Did Not Finish, may try again later:
Shelf Discovery by Lizzie Skurnick
It Sucked and Then I Cried by Heather B Armstrong
Running: How to Get Started by Elizabeth Hufton (should have checked the pub date!)



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Sunday, September 2, 2012

R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril VII starts now!

well, actually the official date is was September 1 and Carl had us start when he posted on Aug 28. I've had a reminder about RIP on my challenge page all year but it was Melissa's post that reminded me...Thanks Melissa!



R.eaders 
I.mbibing 
P.eril
VII

September & October



Hosted by Carl at Stainless Steel Droppings

sign ups & more info here.

Links for reviews

There are levels and an explanations of just what "Peril" means for this. And TWO group reads! The main thing . . . There are two simple goals for R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril VII

1. Have fun reading.
2. Share that fun with others.

Okay, I can do that!

Now, levels...

Peril the First:
Read four books, any length, that you feel fit (the very broad definitions) of R.I.P. literature.

~ reading four books in two months is not a problem. Reading four that fit the definition might be... I'm going for it anyways!


I've got a couple of Dean Koontz and several paranormals, Code Blood fits this and I think Divergent does too. There are others on my "review this" shelf so I've got lots to choose from.


October's group read is The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. The book is on order :-) here

1. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman ~ completed 10-11

I'm disappointed I forgot to add this! I've had the movie almost a week, after waiting for it from Netflix....

1. Something Wicked This Way Comes (watched 9-26)


Here's a short list of ... (edited to add picture)

Possible Book Choices


Whispers by Dean Koontz
Dark Rivers of the Heart by Dean Koontz
Alex van Helsing: Voice of the Undead by Jason Henderson
A Circle of Souls by Preetham Grandhi
Unwelcome by Michael Griffo
Asgand Park by Ronald Simonar
The Survivor by Sean Slater
Code Blood by Kurt Kamm (on page 67)
Divergent by Veronica Roth (on page 99)




Let the reading/watching begin!

1. Beautiful Sacrifice by Elizabeth Lowell (so glad we started on the 28th)
I wouldn't think a Romantic Suspense novel counts but the lead female is a Maya expert and the lead male asks for help in finding Maya artifacts being used in blood sacrifice...human blood. She is also smart, beautiful and Maya royalty.
2. What a Demon Wants by Kathy Love
Half demon-half human author has had several break-ins and spent six months as a cat. Now her brother has hired a bodyguard for her protection. Only, the bodyguard is way too appealing for her peace of mind!

New to me author discovered while staring mindlessly at the library shelves ;-) Will read more in the series!
3. Any Way You Want It by Kathy Love
Maggie is headed to New Orleans on vacation with two girlfriends, instead of going on her honeymoon. By day she researches Classical music composers, by night....truthfully, she doesn't have a "life". Her ex-finance really did a number on her confidence. Her friends are trying to improve the odds by helping her make a wish on Marie Laveau's final resting place. 

A barely heard song tempts her to change plans for the night. A song so much like one she just received at work...

1st movie: Something Wicked This Way Comes (watched 9-26)

4. Alex Van Helsing Voice of the Undead Jason Henderson ~ review
Vampires (that don't sparkle), strange creatures, boarding school, High School. What could be scarier?

It's tough enough struggling social fun and homework but add vampire hunter to that? It's almost impossible!

~Challenges Complete~
October 11



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Books Read in 2012 . . .




September Recap


171. A Soldier's Fate by D.L. Warner
150+, One Million Pages, 52 in 52

172. Beautiful Sacrifice by Elizabeth Lowell
150+, One Million Pages, RIP VII 

173. Brotherly Love by DC Juris
150+, One Million Pages 

174. Double the Pleasure anthology
150+, One Million Pages 

175. Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis

176. Courting Carolina by Janet Chapman

177. Transfer of Power by Vince Flynn

178. Pies and Prejudice by Ellery Adams

179. Running on Empty by Marshall Ulrich

180. What a Demon Wants by Kathy Love

181. Lover's Leap by Emily March

182. Chihuahua of the Baskervilles by Esri Allbritten

183. Dear Sir by Kim Dare

184. Digging for Gold by Sean Michael

185. Don't Ask, Don't Tell by Sean Michael

186. Act of Treason by Vince Flynn

187. Extreme Measures by Vince Flynn

188. Pursuit of Honor by Vince Flynn 
 
189. Personal Leave by Sean Michael

190. The Runner's Rule Book by Mark Remy

191. Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

192. Any Way You Want It by Kathy Love

193. Nightingale Way by Emily March

194. Get Organized! by Colette Leigh

195. Run Your Butt Off! by Sarah Lorge Butler with Leslie Bonci and Budd Coates

196. 50/50 by by Dean Karnazes with Matt Fitzgerald
(50 Marathons, 50 Days, 50 States!)

197. The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

198. A Killer Read by Erika Chase






copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012
Disclaimer

In accordance to the FTC guidelines, I must state that I make no monetary gains from my reviews or endorsements here on Book Dragon's Lair. All books I review are either borrowed, purchased by me, given as a gift, won in some kind of contest, or received in exchange for an honest review.