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!)

Monday, November 24, 2014

Happy Monday



Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

Don't forget to link up your list




~ here are the newest books in my house ~


The Bachelor's Brighton Valley Bride  by Judy Duarte
Return to Brighton Valley, 2014, mass market paperback

When the gorgeous, blue-eyed corporate honcho bursts into her office, Megan Adams fears it's more than just her job at stake. The instant chemistry between them makes the once-burned single mother long to risk her heart again. But it isn't just the balance sheets that aren't adding up. Megan's starting to suspect her temporary boss isn't the small-town Texas cowboy he seems.

Computer-geek-turned-billionaire Clay Jenkins came home to Brighton Valley to uncover a baffling mystery at his flagship store. But as "Peyton Johnson," he's bonding with the alluring redhead and her son and daughter in a way that could blow his cover. Can he move beyond memories of his painful past and forge a future with Megan and her family before she uncovers his deception?


Pitch Perfect  by Mickey Rapkin
The Quest for Collegiate A Cappella Glory, 2012, trade paperback

The roots of unaccompanied vocal music stretch all the way back to Gregorian chants of the Middle Ages, and collegiate a cappella is over a century old. But what was once largely an Ivy League phenomenon has, in the past twenty years, exploded. And it’s not what you think. Though the blue blazers and khakis may remain, a cappella groups at colleges across the country have become downright funky.




~*~*~*~*~

I haven't received any review books, won any contests or received any books as a gift. I have added several to my ereader, most were even free.

added to my ereader: (kindle app, html, etc.) ~ I find out about free/discounted ebooks at amazon mostly from Pixel of Ink. I do go through the Top 100 at amazon once in a while. I'm getting better at pinning my new ebooks, 2014's books




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 others and be prepared to add to your TBR pile!




Finished:
Bonded by Sara York
Alex & Clayton by John Simpson


Books stacked by my reading chair:
Our First Christmas anthology
Personal by Lee Child


Started in 2013 but not finished until 2014:
What the Duke Desires by Sabrina Jeffries (on page 34/384)
Pegasus by Kate O'Hearn (on page 44/384)
Dragonwriter edited by Todd McCaffrey (on page 42/271)
Mischief and Mistletoe, anthology (on page 312/402)
Jockeys and Jewels by Bev Pettersen (ebook - 21% read in 2013)
Home for the Homicide by Jennie Bentley (on page 18/284 + Home-Renovation and Design Tips)




Happy Reading!

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2014

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Teaser Tuesday

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!

In between sewing aprons, and talking to squabbling family memebers about Christmas Eve, I thought about Josh.

He hardly left my thoughts. When he called two days after we went skiing and asked me to dinner for Date Number Two, I figured if I had a tail, I would be wagging it.

Maybe it was Christmas joy, but I could not wait to see him.

Christmas in Montana by Cathy Lamb
inside Our First Christmas




copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2014

Monday, November 17, 2014

Happy Monday



Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

Don't forget to link up your list





~ here are the newest books in my house ~


Snow Angel Cove  by RaeAnne Thayne
Haven Point, 2014, mass market paperback

Nothing short of a miracle can restore Eliza Hayward's Christmas cheer. The job she pinned her dreams on has gone up in smoke--literally--and now she's stuck in an unfamiliar, if breathtaking, small town. Precariously close to being destitute, Eliza needs a hero, but she's not expecting one who almost runs her down with his car!

Rescuring Eliza is pure instinct for tech genius Aidan Caine. A first, putting the renovation of his lakeside guest lodge in Eliza's hands assuages his guilt--until he sees how quickly he could fall for her. Having focused solely on his business for years, he never knew what his life was missing before Eliza, but now he's willing to risk his heart on a yuletide romance that could lead to forever.


Fire HD 7 Tablet

I'm taking a 30-day free trial to check out the benefits of having prime and a tablet









~*~*~*~*~

I haven't received any review books, won any contests or received any books as a gift. I have added several to my ereader, most were even free.

added to my ereader: (kindle app, html, etc.) ~ I find out about free/discounted ebooks at amazon mostly from Pixel of Ink. I do go through the Top 100 at amazon once in a while. I'm getting better at pinning my new ebooks, 2014's books




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 others and be prepared to add to your TBR pile!




Finished:
The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson
Sporting Chance by Alexa Milne 
Forgiving Thayne by J. R. Loveless  
Hesitant Heart by Morticia Knight 
High Heat by Lee Child 
Second Son by Lee Child 
(don't know how much more reading I'll get done, I got Maleficent!)


Books stacked by my reading chair:
Our First Christmas anthology
By Winter's Light by Stephanie Laurens 
Plaid Tidings by Mia Watts



Started in 2013 but not finished until 2014:
What the Duke Desires by Sabrina Jeffries (on page 34/384)
Pegasus by Kate O'Hearn (on page 44/384)
Dragonwriter edited by Todd McCaffrey (on page 42/271)
Mischief and Mistletoe, anthology (on page 312/402)
Jockeys and Jewels by Bev Pettersen (ebook - 21% read in 2013)
Home for the Homicide by Jennie Bentley (on page 18/284 + Home-Renovation and Design Tips)




Happy Reading!

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2014

Thursday, November 13, 2014

RC - Read it Again, Sam

Read it Again, Sam
2015

hosted by Bev at My Reader's Block
for more information and to sign up, click here

There are four levels and while I may read enough books (16+) to go for "Living in the Past", I'm going for "Feeling Nostalgic" and will re-read 8 books with a chance to move up.

Wouldn't it be funny if this was the year I read all new books.


~ Books Read, Again ~
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
Elder and the Youngest by Joyee Flynn
Cheek to Cheek by Chris Owen
Turn the Other Cheek by Chris Owen
Here Kitty, Kitty by Joyee Flynn
My Angel Cheetah by Joyee Flynn 
Squeak and a Roar by Joyee Flynn  
Under the Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis
April 21 . . . time to move up a level!
Sparkle and Purr by Stormy Glenn
Velvet Dragon by Sean Michael
Two Fangs and a Hoof by Joyee Flynn
Scales and a Tail by Stormy Glenn
Scales and a Tail by Stormy Glenn
Fire and Ash by Gabrielle Evans
Myth and Mischief by Gabrielle Evans
Fang and Fur by Stormy Glenn
Fantasy, Legend, and The Guardian by Gabrielle Evans
April 28 . . . Living in the Past completed
White Paws and a Dream by Stormy Glenn
Spells and Bananas by Joyee Flynn
Howl and Harmony by Gabrielle Evans 





copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2014

RC - Reading Bites Challenge (Vampires!)

Reading Bites
2015


hosted at Books Are Portable Magic
for more information and to sign up, click here

#2015ReadingBites

This one is all about the Vampire. Any format. Books may be YA, adult, horror, romance, etc.

I read a lot of shifter but my vampire reading had fallen off. Re-reads count so maybe I should dig though my ebooks and re-read a bunch.

~ Books Read ~
  1. Two Fangs and a Hoof by Joyee Flynn
  2. Fang and Fur by Stormy Glenn
  3. Leader and the Writer by Joyee Flynn
  4. Officer and a Gardener by Joyee Flynn
  5. Fangs and a Wet Nose by Joyee Flynn
  6. Whiskers, Mane, and a Biter by Joyee Flynn 
  7. Cheetah in Charge by Joyee Flynn 
  8. My Feisty Kitten by Joyee Flynn  
  9. My Spotted Dream by Joyee Flynn
  10. Casey's Love Bite by Charlie Richards 
  11. The Vampire's Geek by Charlie Richards  
  12. Driving Borscht Batty by Charlie Richards 
The first 9 were re-reads and the last 3 were read late December.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

RC - The Hard Core Re-Reading Challenge

The Hard Core Re-Read 
Reading Challenge
2015

host by You, Me, and a Cup of Tea
for more information, click here

She really means hard core! The 1st level is to re-read and review, 10-20 books. She doesn't care about how long the review is, but there is a prize and linking up reviews is how she counts the number of books that count.




~ Books Re-Read . . . date reviewed ~
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson - review
A Circle of Souls by Preetham Grandhi   - review
Squeak and a Roar by Joyee Flynn   - review
Under the Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis - review 
Velvet Dragon by Sean Michael - review
Our Sexy Tiger by Joyee Flynn - review
Hunting Henry by Amber Kell - review



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2014

RC - The Gothic Challenge


The Gothic Challenge
2015

hosted at Books Under the Bed
for more information and to sign up, click here

There are several levels but I'm going for  . . . Challenge 1 . . . and hope to read 5 books. There are also read-a-longs so you could just join for a single book.

Any format works. Short stories, poetry, graphic novels and YA/children’s literature are welcome.

I jumped over to the provided links and found several books that are one my tbr list. Maybe I can finally get them cross off.

Possible books
The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
My Sword Hand is Singing, Marcus Sedwick
Let the Right One In, John Ajvide Lindqvis
A Street Car Named Desire by Tennesse William
The Woman in Black by Susan Hill
Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
The Vampyre, A Tale by John Polidori
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Dracula by Bram Stoker
The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe
The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2014

Thankfully Reading Weekend


Thankfully Reading Weekend
November 27 - 30

hosted at Jenn's Bookshelves
for more information and to sign up, click here

Twitter: #thankfulreading

Basically, avoid the craziness of Black Friday and spend some quite time reading. It would be nice if you stopped by the others reading.

I'll be spending Thursday at my Sister-in-Laws with most of my husband's siblings and their kids. I don't ever remember going shopping on Black Friday as I prefer Cyber Monday ;-) and as our shopping list grows smaller we can usually get it finished before Thanksgiving rolls around!

~ Books Read ~




copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2014

RC - What An Animal VIII


What an Animal
Reading Challenge
2015

hosted by Yvonne at Socrates Book Reviews
for more information and to sign up, click here

There are several levels. I read a complete series (13 books) and then some for 2014. I don't know how I'll do for 2015 but my one of my favorite sub-genres seem to keep me fed shifter type books ;-)

I'm going for Level 3 and plan to read 13 or more books. Each book must meet one of four requirements:
  • there is an animal in the title of the book

  • there is an animal on the cover of the book

  • an animal plays a major role in the book

  • a main character is (or turns into) an animal (define that however you'd like)
possibility for title: Love in the Time of Dragons by Katie MacAlister


~ Books Read ~
  1. title: Dragon Herder by K. M. Mahoney
  2. cover: Claiming His Mate by M. Limoges
  3. major role: Kekula by Jahcolyn Russell Neiman
  4. mc is/turns into: Purrfect Protector by SA Welsh
  5. shifter: Elder and the Youngest by Joyee Flynn
  6. title: About a Dragon by A. J. Llewellyn
  7. shifter: Hunting Henry by Amber Kell
  8. title: Journey to Lobster Cove by Carol Lynne 
  9. title: Welcome to Lobster Cove by Carol Lynne
  10. shifter: Temple's Touch by Amber Kell 
  11. title: Here Kitty, Kitty by Joyee Flynn
  12. title: My Little Kitty by Joyee Flynn
  13. cover: My Angel Cheetah by Joyee Flynn
  14. title: Our Sexy Tiger by Joyee Flynn
  15. major role: Quinn's Christmas Wish by Lawna Mackie 
~ Challenge Complete ~ 
April 19

16. shifter: Squeak and a Roar by Joyee Flynn
17. shifter: Sparkle and Purr by Stormy Glenn
18. title: Velvet Dragon by Sean Michael
19. shifter: Two Fangs and a Hoof by Joyee Flynn
20. shifter: Stripes and Twin Horns by Joyee Flynn
21. shifter: Scales and a Tail by Stormy Glenn
22. shifter: Fire and Ash by Gabrielle Evans
23. shifter: Myth and Mischief by Gabrielle Evans
24. cover: Fang and Fur by Stormy Glenn
25. cover: Fantasy, Legend, and The Guardian by Gabrielle Evans
26. cover: White Paws and a Dream by Stormy Glenn
27. cover: Spells and Bananas by Joyee Flynn
28. cover: Howl and Harmony by Gabrielle Evans
29. cover: Fur and Flightless by Joyee Flynn



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

Cozy Mystery Week


Cozy Mystery Week

hosted at Jenn's Bookshelves

for more information and to sign up, click here

Basically, "get your comfortable reading spot, a nice warm blanket, a cozy mystery or two, and join me for Cozy Mystery Week!"

What perfect timing! I was going through 2014 reading challenges and discovered that I've read NO cozy mysteries this year. gasp! Maybe I can get a couple read in between my Christmas reads.





copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2014

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

RC Cruisin' thru the Cozies


Cruisin' thru the Cozies
Reading Challenge
2015


hosted by Yvonne at Socrates Book Reviews
for more information and to sign up, click here


There are several levels to choose from. I've got enough unread cozies to go for Sleuth Extraordinaire (20 or more) but as I didn't get any read this year, I'm going for Snoop and hope to read at least 6.



~ Books Read ~
  1. Halloween Hijinks by Kathi Daley
  2. Romeow and Juliet by Kathi Daley
  3. Faux Paw by Sofie Kelly





copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2014

Monday, November 10, 2014

RC/RaT Christmas Spirit

Christmas Spirit
Read-a-Thon
November 24 - 30
Monday, November 24 at 12:00am CST 
until 
Sunday, November 30 at 11:59pm CST 
(adjust your time zone accordingly)

hosted by Michelle of The True Book Addict
at Seasons of Reading

For more information and to sign up, click here

Twitter: #CSreadathon
me: @BookDragonsLair

Please read at least one Holiday themed book. Be sure to check out her post.

Books Read
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.



Christmas Spirit
Reading Challenge
November 24 - January 6

hosted by Michelle of The True Book Addict
at The Christmas Spirit

For more information and to sign up, click here

There are three reading levels plus one for movies and children's books. I'm going for Mistletoe and hope to read 2-4 books. Not sure if I'll watch any Christmas movies or reading any children's books.

1.
2.
3.
4.

~ Possible Books to choose from ~
Our First Christmas anthology (already read one of the four stories)
The Trouble with Christmas by Debbie Mason
Take Me Home for Christmas by Brenda Novak - a Whiskey Creek novel
Christmas at Twilight by Lori Wilde - a Twilight, Texas novel
Starry Night by Debbie Macomber
All I Want for Christmas... anthology
By Winter's Light by Stephanie Laurens



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2014

Happy Monday



Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

Don't forget to link up your list




~ My newest review book ~

Lizzy & Jane  by Katherine Reay
Christian, 2014, trade paperback, ebook, large print

At the end of a long night, Elizabeth leans against the industrial oven and takes in her kingdom. Once vibrant and flawless, evenings in the kitchen now feel chaotic and exhausting. She's lost her culinary magic, and business is slowing down.

When worried investors enlist the talents of a tech-savvy celebrity chef to salvage the restaurant, Elizabeth feels the ground shift beneath her feet. Not only has she lost her touch; she's losing her dream.

And her means of escape.

When her mother died, Elizabeth fled home and the overwhelming sense of pain and loss. But fifteen years later, with no other escapes available, she now returns. Brimming with desperation and dread, Elizabeth finds herself in the unlikeliest of places, by her sister’s side in Seattle as Jane undergoes chemotherapy.

As her new life takes the form of care, cookery, and classic literature, Elizabeth is forced to reimagine her future and reevaluate her past. But can a New York City chef with a painful history settle down with the family she once abandoned . . . and make peace with the sister who once abandoned her?



~ here are the newest books in my house ~


Horns  by Joe Hill
supernatural thriller, 2014, movie tie-in mass market paperback

Merrin Williams is dead, slaughtered under inexplicable circumstances, leaving her beloved boyfriend Ignatius Perrish as the only suspect. On the first anniversary of Merrin's murder, Ig spends the night drunk and doing awful things. When he wakes the next morning he has a thunderous hangover . . . and horns growing from his temples. Ig possesses a terrible new power to go with his terrible new look—a macabre gift he intends to use to find the monster who killed his one true love. Being good and praying for the best got him nowhere. Now it's time for revenge . . .

It's time the devil had his due . . .


Heart Fire by Robin D. Owens
Celta HeartMate, 2014, trade paperback

On the planet Celta, accepting a HeartMate can be the greatest challenge in the universe…

Antenn, an architect hired to build a cathedral in Druida City, dares not think of his HeartMate. Even though he yearns for her, he’s taken steps to ensure she will be forever unknown to him. After all, how could he, a commoner who grew up in the slums, the brother of a murderer, be worthy of any woman?

Tiana, a priestess, has her own fears about being a HeartMate. She's watched her friends struggle with such a stormy destiny. She's sure her HeartMate has never claimed her due to a terrible scandal involving her Family, and she's set aside hopes for love.

Antenn's gotten the commission of his life. The cathedral will make him famous, but more, it will last for ages and prove to others he can contribute to Celta...if the controversial structure isn't destroyed while being built. Tiana, too, is an integral part of this process, but the villain who wrecked her Family is ready with firebombs. Can they trust each other in dangerous circumstances to succeed...and to love?


~*~*~*~*~

I haven't received any review books, won any contests or received any books as a gift. I have added several to my ereader, most were even free.

added to my ereader: (kindle app, html, etc.) ~ I find out about free/discounted ebooks at amazon mostly from Pixel of Ink. I do go through the Top 100 at amazon once in a while. I'm getting better at pinning my new ebooks, 2014's books




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 others and be prepared to add to your TBR pile!




Finished:
(little reading while on vacation!) 
Twin Threat Christmas by Rachelle McCalla
'Tis the Season by Robyn Carr


Books stacked by my reading chair:
Our First Christmas anthology
By Winter's Light by Stephanie Laurens 
Plaid Tidings by Mia Watts
'Tis the Season by Robyn Carr 


Started in 2013 but not finished until 2014:
What the Duke Desires by Sabrina Jeffries (on page 34/384)
Pegasus by Kate O'Hearn (on page 44/384)
Dragonwriter edited by Todd McCaffrey (on page 42/271)
Mischief and Mistletoe, anthology (on page 312/402)
Jockeys and Jewels by Bev Pettersen (ebook - 21% read in 2013)
Home for the Homicide by Jennie Bentley (on page 18/284 + Home-Renovation and Design Tips)




Happy Reading!

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2014

Sunday, November 9, 2014

RC - Mount TBR and other TBR challenges

Challenge #1
Mount TBR
Reading Challenge
2015

hosted by Bev at My Reader's Block
for more information and to sign up, click here

There are several levels and rules but basically you read books that you own but must be yours prior to January 1st. Gifts okay, library books and ARCs are not.

Audio and ebooks are also allowed if that is your main source of backlog.

I'm going to start at Pike's Peak (12 books) but should really go for Mount Olympus (150+).

Challenge #2

TBR Challenge
2015

hosted at The Misadventures of Super Librarian
for more information and to sign up, click here

Read from your TBR shelves, at least 12 books as there are monthly themes ;-)



Challenge #3
TBR Pile
Reading Challenge
2015

hosted at Bookish
for more information and to sign up, click here

There are several levels, I'm going for . . . Friendly Hug . . . and hope to read 11-20 books from my TBR shelves.


Books Read
1. Broken Trust by Sharon Dunn - review
2. R is for Running by Ray Charbonneau - review
3. Quinn's Christmas Wish by Lawna Mackie - review
4. Under the Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis - review
5. Evergreen, a Christmas Tale by Richard Taylor
6. Look What Santa Brought by Annmarie McKenna
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.





copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2014

Saturday, November 8, 2014

RC - Color Coded


The Color Coded
Reading Challenge
2015

hosted by Bev at My Reader's Block

for more information and to sign-up, click here

Basic requirements are to read books with colors in their names . . . The Woman in the White Dress? Too make it easier for us (ME), you can read a book with a cover that is predominately that color.

Oh, there are specific colors in this challenge.




Colors to read
  1. A book with "Blue" or any shade of Blue (Turquoise, Aquamarine, Navy, etc) in the title/on the cover.
  2. A book with "Red" or any shade of Red (Scarlet, Crimson, Burgandy, etc) in the title/on the cover.
  3. A book with "Yellow" or any shade of Yellow (Gold, Lemon, Maize, etc.) in the title/on the cover.
  4. A book with "Green" or any shade of Green (Emerald, Lime, Jade, etc) in the title/on the cover.
  5. A book with "Brown" or any shade of Brown (Tan, Chocolate, Beige, etc) in the title/on the cover.
  6. A book with "Black" or any shade of Black (Jet, Ebony, Charcoal, etc) in the title/on the cover.
  7. A book with "White" or any shade of White (Ivory, Eggshell, Cream, etc) in the title/on the cover.
  8. A book with any other color in the title/on the cover (Purple, Orange, Silver, Pink, Magneta, etc.).
  9. A book with a word that implies color (Rainbow, Polka-dot, Plaid, Paisley, Stripe, etc.).

Books Read

1. (cover) Romeow and Juliet by Kathi Daley
2. Red by Michael Hall
3. My Yellow Balloon by Tiffany Papageorge
4. Evergreen, a Christmas Tale by Richard Taylor
5. (cover) The Christmas Owl by Angela Muse
6. White Knight and Black Fur by Joyee Flynn
7. White Paws and a Dream by Stormy Glenn
8. Ladybug Pink by Laura Yirak
9. Riding the Rainbow by Kiernan Kelly


Possibilities
The Artist who Painted a Blue Horse by Eric Carle (65)
Blue Adept by Piers Anthony (37)
Blue Smoke and Murder by Elizabeth Lowell (16)
Blue Moon by Alyson Noel (5)
plus 64 kindle blue books
Orange as Marmalade by Fran Stewart (office?)
Being a Green Mother by Piers Anthony (58)
On the Green by Nicole Dennis - kindle
plus 20+ kindle green books
The Fall of Maggie Brown by Anne Stuart (43)
The Black Gryphon by Mercedes (6)
Black Horses for the King by Anne McCaffrey (40)
Black Hawk Down by Mark Bowden (52)
White Knight and Black Fur by Joyee Flynn - kindle
plus 30+ kindle black titles


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Ready . . . Set . . . READ!




HO-HO-HO 
Holiday Read-a-Thon

November 6 - 11

Hosted by Kimba from The Caffeinated Book Reviewer and Jennifer from BookShelfery

for more information and to sign up, click here



List of Possible Books to Choose From
  1. Our First Christmas anthology (already read one of the four stories)
  2. 'Tis the Season by Robyn Carr - three reprints
  3. The Trouble with Christmas by Debbie Mason
  4. Take Me Home for Christmas by Brenda Novak - a Whiskey Creek novel
  5. Christmas at Twilight by Lori Wilde - a Twilight, Texas novel
  6. Starry Night by Debbie Macomber
  7. Twin Threat Christmas by Rachelle McCalla - two connected novellas
  8. All I Want for Christmas... anthology
  9. Winter Kiss by Deborah Cooke - a Dragonfire novel (winter setting?)
  10. The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson
  11. Innocence by Dean Koontz (winter setting)
  12. By Winter's Light by Stephanie Laurens (is it here?, yes, started it right away)
Twelve? No way! I'm not going to be able to read all of these even if I didn't have vacations!


Progress
  • Nov 6: I'm still on vacation and don't have plans to do any reading that counts ;-) . . . I was wrong! I started Twin Threat Christmas by Rachelle McCalla yesterday but was able to finish today! Also read some of Plaid Tidings by Mia Watts but started it earlier - it isn't on the list. :-(
  • Nov 7: traveling home but it will be a short trip from pier to house . . . wow, I'm so sleepy! Serves me right for staying up to finish my book when I knew how early I needed to be awake. Short nap, dinner out, a stop at the grocery store and other things needed to do after a return then, finally, reading! Started 'Tis the Season and finished one of the short stories.
  • Nov 8: Read the next story in 'Tis the Season, only one more to go but Personal by Lee Child and household chores had a stronger pull.
  • Nov 9: Finished 'Tis the Season, started The Christmas Cat
  • Nov 10: Finished The Christmas Cat, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D - season 1 :-)
  • Nov 11: read more Personal by Lee Child and started another short story in Our First Christmas
Final Report
Twin Threat Christmas by Rachelle McCalla
'Tis the Season by Robyn Carr
The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2014

Monday, November 3, 2014

Happy Monday, rest of October



Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

Don't forget to link up your list




~ My newest review book ~

The Bishop's Wife by Mette Ivie Harrison
mystery, December 30, 2014, hardcover, ebook, audio

Linda Wallheim is the mother of five grown boys and the wife of a Mormon bishop. As bishop, Kurt Wallheim is the ward’s designated spiritual father, and that makes Linda the ward’s unofficial mother, and her days are filled with comfort visits, community service, and informal counseling.

But Linda is increasingly troubled by the church’s patriarchal structure and secrecy, especially as a disturbing situation takes shape in the ward. One cold winter morning, a neighbor, Jared Helm, appears on the Wallheims’ doorstep with his 5-year-old daughter, claiming that his wife, Carrie, disappeared in the middle of the night, leaving behind everything she owns. The circumstances surrounding Carrie’s disappearance become more suspicious the more Linda learns about them, and she becomes convinced that Jared has murdered his wife and painted himself as an abandoned husband.

Kurt asks Linda not to get involved in the unfolding family saga, but she has become obsessed with Carrie’s fate, and with the well-being of her vulnerable young daughter. She cannot let the matter rest until she finds out the truth. Is she wrong to go against her husband, the bishop, when her inner convictions are so strong?"


~ here are the newest books in my house ~

The Christmas Wedding Ring  by Susan Mallery
Holiday, 2014, gift-size hardcover

In her youth, Molly Anderson couldn't help crushing on gorgeous bad boy Dylan Black-even though he had eyes only for her older sister. When things didn't work out between them, he said goodbye to Molly as well, vowing they'd have a great adventure when she grew up. Years later, dumped by her fiance just before Christmas, she's finally ready to take Dylan up on his promise.

A guarded Dylan always had a weakness for Molly, and when she waltzes back into his life—grown-up and gorgeous—he's stunned. So why not whisk her away for some no-strings-attached fun?

Laughter-filled days and late-night kisses are changing Molly's life, for good. The only gift she truly wants now is Dylan's love, but when he discovers the secret she's been keeping, she may lose him again…this time forever.

Where the Heart Leads by Stephanie Laurens
Casebook of Barnaby Adair, 2009, mass market paperback & kindle match

Penelope Ashford, Portia Cynster's younger sister, has grown up with every advantage—wealth, position, and beauty. Yet Penelope is anything but a pretty face in a satin gown—forceful, willful, and blunt to a fault, she has for years devoted her considerable energy and intelligence to caring for the forgotten orphans of London's sooty and seamier streets.

But now her charges are mysteriously disappearing. Desperate, Penelope turns to the one man she knows who might help her—Barnaby Adair.

Handsome scion of a noble house, Adair has made a name for himself in certain circles where his powers of observation and deduction have seen him solve several serious and unsavory crimes within the ton. His pedigree, relentless intelligence, and discretion make him a deadly avenger in an elegant guise. Despite his skills—or perhaps because of them—he makes Penelope distinctly uncomfortable, but the stakes are too grave. Throwing caution to the wind, defying every rule for unmarried ladies, she appears on his doorstep late one night determined to recruit his talents.

Barnaby is intrigued—both by her problem and her. Her bold beauty and undeniable brains make a striking contrast to the usual insipid ton misses. And as he's in dire need of an excuse to avoid said insipid misses, he accepts her challenge, never dreaming she and it will consume his every waking hour.

Enlisting the aid of Inspector Basil Stokes of the fledgling Scotland Yard, they infiltrate the streets of London's notorious East End. But as they unravel the mystery of the missing orphans, they uncover a trail leading to the upper echelons of society and a ruthless and clever criminal adept at pulling strings who, becoming aware of them and their efforts, is only too ready to destroy all they hold dear, including their new found understanding of the intrigues of the human heart.



Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book by Shel Silverstein
A Primer for Adults Only, 2001, Paperback

Writing for an adult audience, the popular children's book author presents a humorous satire of alphabet books. This one is done as if he's written us notes.








Dancing with Max by Emily Colson
Biographies & Memoirs, 2012, Trade paperback

With candor and wit, author Emily Colson shares a glimpse inside her personal battles and family bonds when, as a suddenly single mother, her only child is diagnosed with autism. Yet through the pain a remarkable story emerges, one of beauty, resilience, humor and hope. It's a journey that changes everyone, including Max's grandfather, Chuck Colson. In his most personal of writings, Chuck Colson shares his heart as a fther and grandfather, a tender side that was rarely seen from this spiritual giant, something precious brought out by his grandson with autism.

This is the story that will inspire you to "get up and live". And this is the young man who will capture, even change, your heart.

Starry Night by Debbie Macomber
romance, 2013, mass market paperback

Carrie Slayton, a big-city society-page columnist, longs to write more serious news stories. So her editor hands her a challenge: She can cover any topic she wants, but only if she first scores the paper an interview with Finn Dalton, the notoriously reclusive author.

Living in the remote Alaskan wilderness, Finn has written a megabestselling memoir about surviving in the wild. But he stubbornly declines to speak to anyone in the press, and no one even knows exactly where he lives.

Digging deep into Finn’s past, Carrie develops a theory on his whereabouts. It is the holidays, but her career is at stake, so she forsakes her family celebrations and flies out to snowy Alaska. When she finally finds Finn, she discovers a man both more charismatic and more stubborn than she even expected. And soon she is torn between pursuing the story of a lifetime and following her heart.


When the Snow Falls anthology
romance, 2014, mass market paperback

“Candy Canes and Cupid” by Fern Michaels
All private investigator Hannah Ray wants for Christmas is a quiet day at her Florida beachfront condo. When her biggest client insists she join him on a Colorado ski trip, she has little choice—but what she finds on her arrival could melt the coldest heart…

“White Hot Christmas” by Nancy Bush
Aspiring PI Jane Kelly likes to pretend she’s a bah-humbug kind of girl, but she’s had mistletoe on the brain ever since she shared a kiss with her boss, Dwayne. Before she can hope for a repeat performance, Jane must solve a kidnapping that’s as twisted as a candy cane—and not nearly as sweet.

“Seven Days of Christmas” by Rosanna Chiofalo
Five years ago, Bianca Simone received a wonderful early Christmas gift from her boyfriend, Mark—a week amid the stunning Alpine scenery of Innsbruck, Austria. Now she’s back under very different circumstances, but Mark has one more special gift in mind…

“A Smoky Mountain Gift” by Lin Stepp
Veda Trent is back in Townsend to fill in as temporary manager of the Crafts Co-op, but she’s not planning to stay. Though the mountain town is small, it holds lots of unsettling memories. Yet the wind can change, bringing with it new opportunities—and the chance to create the kind of Christmas Veda has always longed for.


If I Must by Amy Lane
holiday m/m romance, 2009, ebook

Joel Martinez, a practical and organized computer programmer, is roommates with Ian Cooper, a certified IQ-in-the- stratosphere mathematical genius who literally can't find his own underwear in the mess of his day-to-day life. When Joel uneasily leaves Ian for the holidays, he ends up telling stories to his sister and discovers he feels much more for Ian than he thought. So when Ian calls, distraught because the only other thing in his life that loves him (a half-feral cat named Manky Bastard) is going to have to be put down, Joel hurries back home hoping that opposites really do attract.



Where the Heart Is by Elizabeth Lowell
romance, 2009, kindle match

Safe

After the pain of betrayal and divorce—after years spent decorating other people's houses—Shelley Wilde's cherished dream has finally come true: a home all her own, where she can live happily, secure. . .and alone.

Wild

But Cam Remington has come to shatter her solitude. A traveler who has journeyed to the world's wildest places, a renegade with no roots and no shame, he is everything Shelley has ever feared-and desired-in a man.

Free

An intruder has broken through Shelley's barricades to lure her wounded spirit out of hiding with his electric sensuality. And it will take a traveling man to show her that real love is risk and danger. . .and that home is the haven found in a lover's embrace.

mmp purchased 2001. Read, loved it, don't know where it is.


Never Tease a Siamese by Edie Claire
Leigh Koslow Mystery series (book 5), 2009, kindle match

Lilah Murchison never cared about anyone besides her prize-winning cats. Unfortunately, the feeling was mutual...

When wealthy socialite Lilah Murchison dies in an airplane crash, the locals in Pittsburgh’s North Boros shed no tears. The reclusive millionaire and rumored black widow was detested by almost everyone, including her own son, who expects to share his inheritance with the throng of Siamese that inhabit his mother’s dreary mansion. But when Lilah’s latest will delivers the bulk of her cash to another, unidentified heir, the cat litter flies.

The only local who seems genuinely sorry about Ms. Lilah’s passing is Leigh Koslow’s veterinarian father, who hasn’t a clue how the death of his long-term client could be connected to the bizarre series of break-ins and threats now plaguing his clinic. But daughter Leigh has a hunch that Lilah’s mystery heir may be hiding right under their noses, and wishes she could prove it before the entire staff runs screaming out the door. Because someone wants the past to stay buried—even if it means adding a little extra to the grave.

mmp purchased 2003. Read, don't know where it is, sure I'll be donating the print copy.


Halloween Hijinks by Kathi Daley
Zoe Donovan Mystery, 2014, kindle match

Amid a backdrop of zombies on the run and Halloween festivities, animal control officer Zoe Donovan is faced with losing something she loves in order to save someone she loves when she finds a dead body in the basement of a haunted house just two days before Halloween. With the help of her best friends, Levi and Ellie, and her dog Charlie, she delves into a mystery as complex and multi-layered as the feelings she develops for her ex-nemesis Zak Zimmerman. Halloween Hijinks is the perfect recipe, combining holiday fun with a touch of humor, a pinch of romance, and a dollop of murder.

print purchased 2014. Unread, don't know where it is.

My First - Jason and Katie by Melanie Shawn
Crossroads, 2013, ebook

Jason Sloan is known as Harper's Crossing's resident Romeo, and he's never had to work too hard to live up to that nickname. With his easygoing charm, whiskey-colored brown eyes, and sinfully sexy half smile, women just seem to fall all over themselves when he's around.

Well...most women, anyway. Katie Lawson's the one woman who isn't putty in his hands, and she's the only one he's ever wanted in his arms.

Katie Lawson left Harper's Crossing in the middle of the night ten years ago, immediately after her high school boyfriend Nick's funeral. She left behind all memories of Nick, and she left behind her life-long best friend, Jason Sloan.

Now she's on the fast track to junior partner at one of San Francisco's top law firms. She's made a life for herself that's all about maintaining order and sticking to the rules. Rule #1 is keeping herself way too busy to think about all that she ran away from. If she can do that, after all, she can keep everything under control.

But that rule is about to be broken. She's headed back home to be the maid of honor in Nick's little sister's wedding. It's time to face the truth she's been avoiding all these years, the same one that sent her running ten years ago - that maybe she didn't lose her first love the summer after high school. Maybe her first love has been waiting for her all this time, at home in Harper's Crossing.

Christmas at Twilight by Lori Wilde
A Twilight, Texas novel, 2014, mass market paperback

It's Christmas in Twilight, Texas. The Cookie Club is baking, the town is decorated, and Delta Force Operator "Hutch" Hutchinson has finally, reluctantly, returned home . . .

. . . only to get pepper sprayed by the delicious- looking stranger who's taken over his house. She says her name is Jane, and she immediately sets down ground rules. Top priority: no touching. For Hutch that isn't easy—he was wounded in action, but one part is still working very well.

Then Hutch learns the truth. Jane harbors a frightening secret—she's really Meredith Sommers, on the run from a dangerous ex-husband and desperately in need of the safety Hutch can provide. In that moment, he vows he'd do anything in his power to protect her. And as Christmas approaches, they discover that their love can conquer the past and overcome any obstacle—but what price will they pay?


Storm Front by Jim Butcher
The Dresden Files, 2014, audio CDs

Meet Harry Dresden, Chicago's first (and only) Wizard P.I. Turns out the "everyday" world is full of strange and magical things—and most of them don't play well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. Harry is the best at what he does—and not just because he's the only one who does it. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal capabilities, they look to him for answers. There's just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's black magic, there's a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name. And that's when things start to get…interesting. Magic—it can get a guy killed.


Twin Threat Christmas by Rachelle McCalla  (facebook)
(Nov 4? received early!) 2014, mass market paperback

Separated twin sisters are reunited at Christmas in these two connected novellas

One Silent Night
Framed for murder and on the run from her kidnappers, Vanessa Jackson secretly hides her infant son in a safe place and flees for a wooded cabin. There she finds her childhood friend Eric Tomlin—a man she must trust with her life…and her family's future.

The Danger in the Manger
Alyssa Jackson is shocked to find a baby in her Christmas manger. But the message on the infant's T-shirt tells Alyssa the child must be her nephew. Alyssa believes her twin sister, presumed dead for years, is still alive. With the help of handsome police officer Chris Jensen, Alyssa goes on a dangerous search for the truth to reunite her family for Christmas.

Only Enchanting by Mary Balogh
A Survivor's Club novel, 2014, mass market paperback

The Survivors' Club: Six men and one woman, all wounded in the Napoleonic Wars, their friendship forged during their recovery at Penderris Hall in Cornwall. Now, in the fourth novel of the Survivors' Club series, Flavian, Viscount Ponsonby, has left this refuge to find his own salvation—in the love of a most unsuspecting woman.…

Flavian, Viscount Ponsonby, was devastated by his fiancée’s desertion after his return home. Now the woman who broke his heart is back—and everyone is eager to revive their engagement. Except Flavian, who, in a panic, runs straight into the arms of a most sensible yet enchanting young woman.

Agnes Keeping has never been in love—and never wishes to be. But then she meets the charismatic Flavian, and suddenly Agnes falls so foolishly and so deeply that she agrees to his impetuous proposal of marriage.

When Agnes discovers that the proposal is only to avenge his former love, she’s determined to flee. But Flavian has no intention of letting his new bride go, especially now that he too has fallen so passionately and so unexpectedly in love.


'Tis the Season by Robyn Carr
2014, mass market paperback

Under the Christmas Tree (Virgin River)
(originally published October 2009 in the anthology That Holiday Feeling for MIRA Books)  With snow falling over the redwood forests, secluded Virgin River is the ideal place to spend the holidays. Each year, the close-knit community gathers in the town square to decorate and light a massive tree. Carols are sung, hot chocolate is shared—and a surprise left under the Christmas tree is about to bring two special people together!

Midnight Confessions (Virgin River)
(originally published November 2010 in the anthology Midnight Kiss for Harlequin Books)  Holiday kisses don’t end with Christmas—there’s still the New Year’s Eve party at Jack’s Bar to attend. Locals and newcomers alike find themselves eager for that special countdown...and that midnight kiss.

Backward Glance
(Previously published April 1991 in the anthology To Mother With Love for Silhouette)  News of her "ailing" mother sent Leigh Brackon and her twin toddlers rushing home. But once there, she found her spry mom sipping medicinal wine and old flame John McElroy knee-deep in landscaping the backyard! Coincidence? Leigh suspected maternal meddling --- and feared the truth John might discover in her sons' eyes . . .


By Winter's Light by Stephanie Laurens
Cynster, 2014, hardcover

It's frosty December and six Cynster families come together at snowbound Casphairn Manor with members of their households to celebrate the season in true Cynster fashion—and where Cynsters gather, love is never far behind.

The festive occasion brings together Daniel Crosbie, tutor to Lucifer Cynster's sons, and Claire Meadows, widow and governess to Gabriel Cynster's daughter. Daniel and Claire have met before and the embers of an unexpected passion smolder between them.

However, Claire, once bitten, twice shy, believes a second marriage is not in her stars. Yet Daniel is determined. He's seen the kind of love the Cynsters share, and Claire is the lady with whom he dreams of sharing his life. Assisted by a bevy of Cynsters—innate matchmakers every one—Daniel strives to persuade Claire that trusting him with her hand and her heart is her right path to happiness.

Claire is increasingly drawn to Daniel and despite her misgivings, their relationship deepens. But then catastrophe strikes, and by winter's light, she learns that love—true love—is worth any risk, any price.


In Your Dreams by Kristan Higgins
Blue Heron, 2014, mass market paperback

Everyone loves Jack Holland, but Emmaline Neal needs him. Her ex-fiancé is getting married in Malibu and, obviously, she can't go to the wedding alone. In Manningsport, New York, tall, blond and gorgeous Jack Holland is practically a cottage industry when it comes to rescuing desperate women. He knows the drill, Em figures, so he won't get the wrong idea.

What Jack needs is an excuse to leave town. Ever since rescuing four teenagers from a car wreck, he's been hailed as a hero and the attention is making him itchy, especially since his too-pretty ex-wife is back, angling for a reunion. He's always liked Emmaline. She needs a weekend date? No problem.

So when they wind up in bed together, Em chalks it up to red wine and chocolate cake, just one impulsive night not to be repeated. But Jack's pushing for more, and if she lets down her guard, either she'll get her heart crushed again, or discover that Jack's worth more than just dreaming about.


Plaid Tidings by Mia Marlowe
Spirit of the Highlands, 2013, ebook

Christmas in the Highlands. . .

Not any dashing English lord's idea of a good time. But now that Lord Alexander Mallory has won a Scottish estate in a hand of cards, he is the unlikely laird of the wild, snowy Bonniebroch. Worse yet, the ancient pile of stones comes with a betrothal. To a fiery red-headed virgin. And a curse.

Alex will have his hands full honoring the first, seducing the second and breaking the third. . .all by Twelfth Night.


How to series boxed set by Mia Marlowe

How to Distract a Duchess: Trevelyn Deveridge never expected to pose naked to serve Queen and country, but when an artistic duchess asks a gentleman to disrobe, how can he refuse?

How to Please a Pirate: To protect the orphans in her charge, Jacquelyn has to see a prodigal pirate wed to a lady of quality. But she forgot one thing. What a pirate wants, a pirate takes…

How to Vex a Viscount: As children, Daisy and Lucian sparred with wooden swords, and Lucian has the scar to prove it. Now that they’re all grown up, the true battle is only beginning…


High Country Holiday by Glynna Kaye
2014, mass market paperback

When Cody Hawk returns to Canyon Springs, Arizona, to make peace with his ailing father, his bad-boy reputation is still intact. So is his love for the woman he was forced to leave behind. But the privileged Paris Perslow is still off-limits. When Paris needs his help with the annual holiday gala, Cody braves the town's disapproving glances for a second chance with his first love. Years ago Cody promised he'd return for her. But with everyone and everything against them, what will it take to prove to Paris that his love is the perfect gift?


~*~*~*~*~

I haven't received any review books, won any contests or received any books as a gift. I have added several to my ereader, most were even free.

added to my ereader: (kindle app, html, etc.) ~ I find out about free/discounted ebooks at amazon mostly from Pixel of Ink. I do go through the Top 100 at amazon once in a while. I'm getting better at pinning my new ebooks, 2014's books




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 others and be prepared to add to your TBR pile!




Finished:
The Christmas Wedding Ring by Susan Mallery
What's His Passion? anthology
The Winter Courtship Rituals of Fur-Bearing Critters by Amy Lane
How to Raise an Honest Rabbit by Amy Lane
If I Must by Amy Lane
A Knitter in His Natural Habitat by Amy Lane
Blackbird Knitting in a Bunny's Lair by Amy Lane
Triage by Louise Blaydon
Coal to Diamonds by August Li
Chasing Seth by R.R. Loveless
Luke by Jan Irving 



Books stacked by my reading chair:
Our First Christmas anthology
By Winter's Light by Stephanie Laurens


Started in 2013 but not finished until 2014:
What the Duke Desires by Sabrina Jeffries (on page 34/384)
Pegasus by Kate O'Hearn (on page 44/384)
Dragonwriter edited by Todd McCaffrey (on page 42/271)
Mischief and Mistletoe, anthology (on page 312/402)
Jockeys and Jewels by Bev Pettersen (ebook - 21% read in 2013)
Home for the Homicide by Jennie Bentley (on page 18/284 + Home-Renovation and Design Tips)




Happy Reading!

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2014
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.