Paranormal Reading challenge

Paranormal

Reading Challenge

2017

Hosted at Whole Latte Books

for more information or to sign up, click here

social media: #2017ParanormalChallenge

The Reading Bites challenge has had some changes made. This means you can read about vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, ghosts, and even witches!

The Rules

• This challenge begins January 1, 2017 and ends Dec 31, 2017.
• You may sign up anytime during the year.
• I won't be creating different levels. Read as little or as many books as you want.
• Books must be paranormal. This means the book has supernatural beings or elements but is set in our world. This includes vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, ghosts, witches, wizards, psychic powers, magic, fairies, mermaids, angels, gods, etc.
• You may include books of any format including traditional books, ebooks, or audiobooks.
• Books may be YA, adult, horror, romance, graphic novels, etc.
• You may reread books.
• Books may count towards other reading challenges.
• If you could be so kind, please place the 2017 Paranormal Reading Challenge banner on your blog to help spread the word.
• Please link back to the sign up page, post about it on Facebook, Tweet about it, and so on to help spread the word.
• Use Linky Tools to sign up.

~ Books Read ~

1. Screw Santa by Joyee Flynn (Elves, magic)
2. Hell's Bells by Joyee Flynn (Elves, magic, werewolves)
3. Stupid Mistletoe by Joyee Flynn (Elves, werewolves, witches)
4. Edric by Joyee Flynn (werewolves, half-witch)
5. Lennox by Joyee Flynn (werewolves)
6. Dewey by Joyee Flynn (werewolves)
7. Vencentio by Joyee Flynn (werewolves)
8. Wesley by Joyee Flynn (werewolves)
9. Brody by Joyee Flynn (werewolves, vampires)
10. Romance Omega Style by Joyee Flynn (werewolves)
11. Sampson by Joyee Flynn (werewolves)
12. Baptista by Joyee Flynn (werewolves)
13. Wrap It Up by Joyee Flynn (Elves, vampires, magic)
14. Holy Stockings by Joyee Flynn (Elves, magic) 
15. The Enchanted Horse by Magdalen Nabb (toy horse becomes real)

True Love by Jude Deveraux

True Love
Nantucket Brides trilogy
by Jude Deveraux

Ballantine Books
July 2013
978-0345541796
hardcover (also ebook, MMP, and audio)
Romance
448 pages

author's website 

Book Description:

Just as Alix Madsen is finishing up architectural school, Adelaide Kingsley dies and wills her, for one year, the use of a charming nineteenth-century Nantucket house. The elderly woman’s relationship to the Madsen family is a mystery to the spirited Alix—fresh from a romantic breakup—but for reasons of her own Alix accepts the quirky bequest, in part because it gives her time to plan her best friend’s storybook wedding.

~ My Thoughts ~

How wonderful to see the Taggerts and Montgomerys again. You don't need to read any of the previous books with the Taggerts and Montgomerys in them but they do make an appearance.

How would you feel if your favorite Aunt died and instead of you inheriting the house as you expected, you got the house. . . and a houseguest?
Of course there are bad feelings coming from Jared but the secrets he is keeping could to more damage to this budding relationship. To make matters worse, Jared isn't the only one keeping secrets and Alix's world is about to be rocked.

This is a beautiful story about friendship, family, and true love with a little paranormal thrown in.

Book 2 comes out next month (hardcover/ebook/audio) and is Toby's book. I'm assuming that book 3 will be Lexi's book and her true love will be her boss. Also thinking it will be coming out in 2015. :-(

I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy . . . and going back to revisit the Taggerts and Montgomerys.


This was checked out of the library. I'm a fan of Jude Deveraux and have already read the previous books with the Taggerts and Montomerys.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2014

All 2014 Paranormal Reading Challenges!

Challenge #1

Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling Read-a-Long

hosted at Herding Cats & Burning Soup and Aly's Miscellany

for more information and to sign up, click here

Basic Requirements: Read one book a month and then chat about it (at GoodReads?) The schedule is on the sign up page but it is basically one a month. You can start reading book 1 on the 15, the chat is scheduled for Jan 11.

. . . This is perfect! I looked for book one just a couple of nights ago (it was a library book), now I own it I'm ready to start

~*~ Books Read ~*~

√ Slave to Sensation - (kindle) ~
√ Visions of Heat - (kindle) ~
√ Caressed By Ice - (kindle) ~
√ Mine to Possess - (kindle) ~
√ Hostage to Pleasure - (kindle) ~
√ Branded By Fire - (kindle) ~
√ Blaze of Memory - print (box 45) ~
√ Bonds of Justice - print (box 1) ~
√ Play of Passion - print (box 40) ~
√ Kiss of Snow - print ~
√ Tangle of Need - (kindle) ~
√ Heart of Obsidian - kindle/iPhone ~
√ Shield of Winter - print/hardcover ~

~ Challenge Complete ~

June 6

Challenge #2

Ethereal Reading Challenge

Feb 1, 2014 - Feb 28, 2015 

hosted at Riedel Fascination

for more information and to sign up, click here

Basic Requirements: REVIEWS of at least one line. Any format, length, demographic.

Spirituality inspires us but seldom meets in one place. I invite all mystical content! Angels, energy healing, animal communication, astrology, chakras, faith. The paranormal (phenomena that exists): ghosts, extra-sensory abilities. From miracles, to haunted house or witch fiction: we gather all etherealness together!

There are several levels but knowing I'll be reading the Psy-changeling series at the very least, I'm going for . . . Third Eye . . . and hope to read 11 - 20 titles that count.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
possibility: Thin Places (kindle)


Challenge #3

Shifter Reading Challenge

2014 

hosted at Parajunkies

for more information and to sign up, click here

Basic Requirements: Read 10 books with a SHIFTER as a main, or supporting character. Books can be any format but must be at least 100 pages.

(it seems like cheating since I'll be reading the Psy-Changeling series for another challenge!)


1. Caressed by Ice by Nalini Singh
2. Mine to Possess by Nalini Singh
3. Hostage to Pleasure by Nalini Singh
4. Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh 
5. Our Sexy Tiger by Joyee Flynn
6. My Angel Cheetah by Joyee Flynn
7. Kitty in the Middle by Joyee Flynn
8. Cheetah in Charge by Joyee Flynn
9. My Feisty Kitten by Joyee Flynn
10. Wild Invitation by Nalini Singh

~ Challenge Complete ~

January 16

Challenge #4

 
Fur and Fangs Reading Challenge

2014 

hosted at Hosted at Novel Heartbeat
and Phantasmic Reads

for more information and to sign up, click here

Basic Requirements: Read furry shifter or vampire books.


1. Caressed by Ice by Nalini Singh
2. Mine to Possess by Nalini Singh
3. Hostage to Pleasure by Nalini Singh
4. Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh
5. Here Kitty, Kitty by Joyee Flynn
6. My Little Kitty by Joyee Flynn
7. Our Sexy Tiger by Joyee Flynn
8. My Angel Cheetah by Joyee Flynn
9. Kitty in the Middle by Joyee Flynn
10. Cheetah in Charge by Joyee Flynn
11. My Feisty Kitten by Joyee Flynn
12. My Spotted Dream by Joyee Flynn
13. Wild Invitation by Nalini Singh
14. Blaze of Memory by Nalini Singh
15. Bonds of Justice by Nalini Singh
16. Play of Passion by Nalini Singh
17. Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh
18. A Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh
19. A Squeak and a Roar by Joyee Flynn
20. Scales and a Tail by Stormy Glenn 
21. Fire and Ash by Gabrielle Evans
22. Attracting Anthony by Amber Kell
23. Baiting Ben by Amber Kell
24. Courting Calvin by Amber Kell
25. Denying Dare by Amber Kell
26. Enticing Elliot by Amber Kell
27. Getting Gabe by Amber Kell
28. Hunting Henry by Amber Kell
29. Inflaming Inno by Amber Kell
30. Judging Jager by Amber Kell
31. Keeping Kylen by Amber Kell
32. White Paws and a Dream by Stormy Glenn
33. Splash and Elegance by Gabrielle Evans
34. Myth and Mischief by Gabrielle Evans
35. Whiskers, Mane, and a Biter by Joyee Flynn
36. Sparkle and Purr by Stormy Glenn
37. Howl and Harmony by Gabrielle Evans
38. Fangs and a Wet Nose by Joyee Flynn
39. Fur and Flightless by Joyee Flynn
40. Leader and the Writer by Joyee Flynn
41. Spells and Bananas by Joyee Flynn
42. Officer and a Gardener by Joyee Flynn



Challenge #5

Witches and Witchcraft Reading Challenge

2014

hosted at Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
for more information and to sign up, click here

Basic Requirements: Any full length book that includes a witch as a main character or includes major witchcraft elements counts. They may be fiction or non-fiction but not reference books as they are not usually read cover to cover.

There are several levels and I know there are books on my TBR pile that count but I'm going for . . . Initiate . . . and hope to read 1 - 5 titles that count.

1. Dead Man's Deal by Jocelynn Drake
2. A Pint Light by Devon Rhodes (very short, vampire/mage)
3.
4.
5.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Finished Reading . . . #69: Crystal Gardens (sexy)

Crystal Gardens
The Ladies of Lantern Street
Amanda Quick

978-1410447203
Thorndike Press (large print)
hardcover: May 2012
471 pages
large print (also mmp, hardcover, ebook, audio)
Age range: 16+
 
paranormal, romantic suspense
source: public library

Grade: B+


Evangeline Ames has rented a country cottage far from the London streets where she was recently attacked. Fascinated by the paranormal energy of nearby Crystal Gardens, she finds pleasure in sneaking past the wall to explore the grounds. And when her life is threatened again, she instinctively goes to the gardens for safety.

Lucas Sebastian has never been one to ignore a lady in danger, even if she is trespassing on his property. Quickly disposing of her would-be assassin, he insists they keep the matter private. There are rumors enough already, about treasure buried under his garden and occult botanical experiments performed by his uncle—who died of mysterious causes. With Evangeline’s skill for detection, and Lucas’s sense of the criminal mind, they soon discover that they have a common enemy. And as the energy emanating from Crystal Gardens intensifies, they realize that to survive they must unearth what has been buried for too long.

~*~*~

I was sure about this book at the beginning, it felt like I was missing some information but I persevered and fell in love.

The twists and double backs, the realistic characters, the love story, and murder attempts all combined to hold my attention to the last page.

Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Way
Outdo Yourself
library
romantic suspense
52 in 52

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Finished Reading . . . #64: Son of Death (NSFW)

Son of Death
Keepers of the Gods 1
Nikki McCoy

978-0-85715-550-4
Total-e-Bound
May 2011
224 pages
ebook
Age range: 18+

romance, male/male, BDSM, paranormal, sadistic half-god
source: personal library

When Seth, a Keeper of the Gods, finds the two men he is destined to live eternity with, he must defy the very Gods themselves to save his mates and preserve the existence of man and love.

Discovering love with the one person who is fated to compliment everything that you are is blessing enough, but what do you do when another knight in shining armor sweeps you off your feet?

Jamie found a second chance at life when Loland rescued him from the ignorance and abuse of those who should have protected him. For years they struggled together to cope with Jamie's powers of precognition and his ability to absorb energy from living things.

After centuries of waiting for his other half, Seth finally met Loland, a man that embodied all he'd ever dreamt of in a mate. Meeting Loland's lover, Jamie, and finding that they are both his mates only made the pot sweeter. But while exploring the love they find as mates and the D/s relationships they crave, all three must challenge the will of the Gods and the twisted plans of Jamie's mysterious family.

Ultimately, Seth knows there is nothing he wouldn't do to save the lives and love of his mates.

~*~*~

Oh, boy. Truly a a good example of BDSM.

Jamie and Loland are both subs without a Sir. Loland is searching but Jamie can hardly leave the house and when Loland brings the man he wants to be his Sir home, Jamie takes a swing at him with a baseball bat! Not the easiest of meetings.

Jamie is fearful but strong, loyal to a fault and willing to do what he must. Loland is overprotective, with good reason. And Seth. Seth is a Dom. A good one. One used to being obeyed, willing to be patient with new subs, and quickly losing his heart to both men.

dang, I read book two before writing this.... let's see. Fighting, kidnapping, angry Gods, angrier Keepers, and several half-Gods (offspring of a God and a Keeper). One of the half-Gods has an attitude, just like a rotten apple, giving all half-Gods a bad name. The most sadistic of his behavior is off-screen, we just see the results. Wait, a spiked ball gag? Shudder, I think that was the worst.

But, after everything is said and done this is a love story. The three main characters is this story are having a horrible time but they are working on a relationship that is a love story.

~*~*~

Challenges this counts towards:

150+

Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
Outdo Yourself
m/m romance
ebook
paranormal

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Finished Reading . . . #33 - 34, the rest of the series The McMurrary Clan (NSFW)

The McMurrary Clan is part of the Midnight Matings/Unmated at Midnight series

Book 1: Trunk and a Skunk
Book 2: White Knight and Black Fur
Book 3: Rumble and Churr
Book 4: Elder and the Youngest

 

Rumble and Churr
Unmated at Midnight
Joyee Flynn
978-1-62242-752-9
Siren Publishing
April 2013
143 pages

Romance, m/m, shifters
adult themes
source: private library

Emiel wants to be the dutiful son and make his parents proud. But at what cost to himself? He needs help, and all of his friends are so wrapped up in their own new matings he’s lost. Yet like the selfless man he is, he puts that all to the side when he finds there’s someone else that needs a friend more than he does and helps Aldis’s breathtaking younger brother.

After being tricked by a coven leader, Sealey’s given up the idea of being anything other than a chew toy for a bunch of vampires. But hope just might come in the form of a gorgeous, massive elephant shifter. Will he be able to let Emiel heal his heart, or is his ability to trust anyone destroyed? And how is Emiel going to make Sealey his when he’s still engaged and risks losing everything if he breaks it off?

~*~*~

There comes a point when "being a dutiful child" is wrong. Maybe it's just me but marrying someone your parents approve of (not an arranged marriage) that you don't love...in fact, is of the wrong sex... is wrong. So for much of the book I just wanted to slap Emiel upside the head.

That is a sign of a great character isn't it? The reader's strong reaction?

Then there was the frustration because of the lack of action by those who were supposed to care. I was very happy with the way things ended and glad to see there was another book.


Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
male/male romance
ebooks
Quick Fix


 

Elder and the Youngest
Unmated at Midnight
Joyee Flynn
978-1-62242-800-7
Siren Publishing
April 2013
160 pages

Romance, m/m, shifters
adult themes
source: private library

When the vampires come after Lachlan, his father sends him to America, but that still puts Lachlan in a precarious situation… One that he doesn’t want his family dying over to try to save him from. So when the stunning rhino shifter makes him an offer that would keep everyone safe, he has to take it.

Even if it means using himself as the bargaining chip and being mated to an elder.

Percival was already trying to help, but when he sees the youngest McMurray, he figures out how to get the authority he needs over the vampires and snag the most gorgeous man he’s ever met. Now if he could just figure out what Lachlan wants before driving them both crazy.

But when Lachlan realizes it’s not a partner that Percival wants, but an uncomplicated, permanent boy toy, can he deal with that and be what his mate desires?

~*~*~

Oh man. This was the perfect example of what happens when you don't communicate! We've already got the vamps being bad guys (okay, one clan) but there were times I was thinking the Elder that was supposed to be the hero of the story was one of the bad guys!

Love the fight scenes, the meeting with the werewolf Alpha and the happy-ever-after. Please Ms. Flynn? Write another!


Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
male/male romance
ebooks
Quick Fix

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Finished Reading . . . #32: White Knight and Black Fur (NSFW)

White Knight and Black Fur
Unmated at Midnight
Joyee Flynn
978-1-62242-625-6
Siren Publishing
March 2013
118 pages

Romance, m/m, shifters
adult themes
source: private library

When his cousin is forced to mate by UPAC, Aldis uses the excuse of bringing Dor’s stuff to his new home to check and make sure everything is really okay. What he didn’t prepare for is the sexiest man he’s ever seen to open the door… And proposition him.

Gawain can’t believe his luck when the sweetest little minx agrees to go to bed with him. And he’s a skunk shifter too! He’s dreamed about experiencing the things they can do.

While everything is amazing in the bed they jumped right into, the rest is a joke. So when there’s a problem with UPAC, Gawain snatches the chance to prove to Aldis that he’s so much more than hot skunk sex to him. But when Gawain’s past comes back to haunt him, will Aldis stand with him, or will it be another reason for him to walk away?

~*~*~

Oh, wow. This was so much better than expected! Sure the sex is still hot but Gawain's story and the interaction between characters is fantastic. Aldis worry over his younger brother is heart-wrenching (there has to be a story there), his concern for his cousin is heart-warming but the reason he came to Florida is all too real.  Wouldn't it be nice if we could all afford to hire a plane to run from bad relationships!

Is telling you there is a twist a spoiler? Well, doesn't matter now. The twist came out of left field! And in keeping with the baseball analogy, the resolution was a home run.



Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
ebooks
Color Coded
Colorful
male/male romance
ebooks
52 in 52
What an Animal
Where are you reading/50 States
Quick Fix
Spring into Horror

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Finished Reading . . . #22 (NSFW)

Whiskers, Mane, and a Biter
Unmated at Midnight
Joyee Flynn
978-1-62242-066-7
Siren Publishing
December 2012
110 pages, approx.

Romance, m/m/m, paranornal/shifter
adult themes
source: private library

Brad Hercules wanted James from the moment he met the huge lion shifter… But he was invisible to the man. Over the months of working for Ant, he heard the stories of James’s conquests and realized if he was ever going to have a shot with the man he needed to change into James’s type. Mainly, tight-bodied little twinks that know how to have fun.

James wrote off Brad for the kind of fun he wants from the sexy little mouse shifter because he’s too innocent and James won’t risk breaking Brad’s heart. When Ramses shows up to take Brad’s old job when he gets promoted, everything changes. He wants Brad so bad he takes a job he’s overqualified for. When Ramses makes his play, James refuses to be left out and moves in on Brad.

But who is the screechy bitch that shows up trying to ruin their lives?

~*~*~

Brad and James were both secondary characters in the previous book and I'm happy they got their own story. Sure throwing in a third gives the story some punch but what really makes it pop is the screechy bitch and the love and support that follows here introduction.

The Pride (lion/James), Mischief (mouse/Brad) and covens (vampire/Ramses) work together to make sure that the three guys have their own happy ever after and that the punishment fits the crime(s).




Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
ebooks
male/male romance

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Finished Reading . . . #20 (NSFW)

Trunk and a Skunk
Midnight Matings
Joyee Flynn
978-1-62242-623-2
Siren Publishing
March 2013
110 pages

Romance, m/m
adult themes
source: private library

When the elders’ plan is revealed, Dor Murray grabs the obviously confused and enormous guy next to him, figuring the guy could use some help getting out of there… And he could use a shield.

Except UPAC screwed up. Surprise, surprise.

They let an elephant into the conference, and of course, that’s who Dor grabbed. Now he’s got a massive, but hot, elephant shifter in musth who’s decided Dor is his.

Wyatt is oblivious to everything but the gorgeous man in his arms that he wants to claim. The guards are freaking out and Dor is begging him to run.

Trying to save Wyatt from UPAC wasn’t the same as agreeing to be his mate. And now Dor has to handle Wyatt’s aggressive, testosterone-filled musth for the first nine days of their mating. Will Dor ever be able to forgive Wyatt for what he’s done when he wasn’t himself?

~*~*~

Once again the Elders made a mistake. This time it was letting an elephant into the meeting. Not that they have anything against elephants but their drugged drink forced said elephant into a week long heat with an unsuspecting man. A much smaller man and the elders were fearful the elephant would kill him and others during his lust-blind week.

Surviving Wyatt's musth (think cat in heat) is a piece of cake for Dor compared to the in-laws. Wyatt's Mother and Sister are a real piece of ...something. There is a happy ending with a hint of a related story with one of Wyatt's friends and Dor's cousin. :-)



Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
ebooks
A to Z
male/male romance
Monthly Mix-up Mania
Paranormals
What an Animal
Where are you reading?/50 States

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Finished Reading . . . #31: The Heart of a Hero (sexy)

The Heart of a Hero
Spellbound Falls (book 4)
Janet Chapman
978-0515153200
Jove
March 2013
353 pages

Romance, paranormal (magic), contemporary
source: Public library

Originally from the ancient mythical island of Atlantis, Nicholas has spent the last year deep in the mountains of Maine, serving as Director of Security for the Nova Mare and Inglenook resorts. Fully embracing his life in the twenty-first century, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to a trouble-prone employee, and is determined to keep her safe.

The last thing Julia Campbell needs is a man with a hero complex, especially one as handsome and imposing as Nicholas. All she has to do is keep it together until her younger sister turns eighteen, and then she can focus on her own life. But strange things have been happening at the resort—and it’s Nicholas who keeps coming to her rescue. When Nicholas is suddenly the one in trouble, Julia realizes he’s not quite what he seems—and that she’ll do anything to help the man who’s stolen her heart…

~*~*~

This is book four and there were hints of book five so I've got my fingers crossed! Is it necessary for you to read the first three? No. You'll understand relationships better and some events but you could pick up this book and fall in love with Spellbound Falls.

This is a romance with magic. Not just the true love kind but move mountains and travel through time kind of magic. Our male lead is a warrior from another time, now head of security at Nova Mare Resort. You'd think he'd be bored but there are plenty of time travelers willing to spend the big bucks to stay at the 5-star resort and some of them don't pay attention to modern ideas. Like, your son can't lure a local girl into the woods without consequences ideas. This a a small part of a perfectly lovely story and illustrated to our female lead, and her brother, what he thought of them. (It turned out to be a good thing).

Julia is just trying to make enough money to live a comfortable life, pay for her sisters education, and hopefully save her brothers from following their dad's footsteps of not only being abusive but also the town drunk. Maine women are tough and independent and Julia has eyes that remind Nicholas of a cat.

Most of the book is a about a hunky-could-have-anyone guy and a girl who's been-crushed-so-doesn't-see-she's-wonderful. The miscommunication, stress and worry that can happen at the beginning, just with a little twist such as several character being from the ancient mythical island of Atlantis.


Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
Library Books
In the Middle
What an Animal
Where are you reading/50 States
Witches and Witchcraft
Paranormal

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Finished Reading . . . #19 (NSFW)

Spits and Bellows
Midnight Matings
Joyee Flynn
978-1-62241-529-8
Siren Publishing
October 2012
110 pages

Romance, m/m
adult themes
source: private library

After Huckleberry drank the spiked toast at the UPAC conference, he had but one thought on his mind… Claim a mate. He jumped the first good-looking stranger he didn’t think would eat him, and manic need took over. Unfortunately, the man he picked was less than thrilled.

Peyton just wanted to be left alone and keep to his strict work schedule. Was that really too much to ask? He’d gone to the UPAC conference to get his required attendance for the decade out of the way. He never thought he’d bring anyone home. But when Huck tries desperately to make up for what he’s done to Peyton and nothing helps, he works himself to exhaustion. And with the strange anger issues and quirks his mate has, he doesn’t see the loving mating he always dreamed of. Will he even last the required four years?

~*~*~

Not the best "first" book of the series to read but still a good addition to it. Peyton's father is a Duke so marrying someone not of his family's choosing throws a serious damper on things. So does his OCD, and Huck's desire to be loved. Desire so deep he'll do anything. This is a HEA story.



Challenges this counts towards:
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
ebooks
A to Z
male/male romance
Monthly Mix-up Mania
Paranormals
What an Animal
Where are you reading?/50 States

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Paranormal Reading Challenge

Paranormal

Reading Challenge

2013

hosted at Auntie Spinelli Reads

Sign- up here

Megan and Jessi want us to read twelve paranormal books this year. Sound too easy? You're right, there is a catch. And a drawing. There's a list to choose from (Angels to Zombies) and a monthly featured paranormal. If you review, and link, your book you get a chance in the drawing. If it is the featured paranormal you get two.

There's lots more info on the sign up page but here are the basic guidelines:

1. This challenge runs from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013.
2. You must have a blog to able to participate, since reviews must be added to the linky.
3. When you sign up with the linky, please put the link to your post about joining the Paranormal Reading Challenge.
4. You're welcome to list your books beforehand or just add as you go.
5. Sign-ups are open until December 1, 2013
6. At the beginning of each month, I will post a kick-start post, each month featuring a different category of paranormal creature. This post will also include a linky to include your reviews from that month.
7. Each review you link will qualify you for an entry into the monthy giveaway and if your review includes the feature paranormal creature of that month, you get a bonus entry.
8. Each book can only count for one category, even if it contains more than one paranormal creature. For example, Twilight contains both vampires and werewolves, but you can't use it for both the vampires and werewolves/shifters categories. Everyone who completes the challenge will be entered into a grand prize giveaway at the end of the year.
9. If you read multiple books from one category, feel free to add them to the linkies. Don't stop at just one!
10. Book can count for other challenges

~*~*~*~*~

Nothing about length, format, or re-reads so I'll count them all.

~Books Read~

Vampires - A Reluctant Vampire by Carla Krea
Werewolves/Shifters - Spits and Bellows by Joyee Flynn
Fey - Hidden Passions by Emma Holly
Angels/Nephilim - City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Mermaids - Hidden Depths by Emma Holly (supporting role)
Dragons - Dragon's Bait by Vivian Vande Velde
Zombies
Demons - The Unicorn Princess by Babette Cole  (Devlipeds vs. Unicorns)
Witches/Wizards - The Heart of a Hero by Janet Chapman
Ghosts - William's House by Amber Kell
Aliens - They Walk Among Us by T. A. Chase
Other (ie: sirens, unicorns, centaurs, timetravel etc.) - Son of Death by Nikki McCoy

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Nightwalkers Reading Challenge

Nightwalkers

Reading Challenge

2013

hosted at Darlene's Book Nook

Sign- up here



Darlene is hosting this challenge again in 2013 as she didn't finish the series in 2012. I'm joining again for the same reason!

There are six books in the series and last year I signed up to read 1 or 2. I finished 4. And a half. Yeah, Noah has been sitting on my "still reading pile" since May! It's time I finished it.

Lots of good info on the sign up page so check it out and join us.

The books in the Nightwalkers series by Jacquelyn Frank are:

1. Jacob (2012)
2. Gideon (2012)
3. Elijah (2012)
4. Damien (2012)
5. Noah (started 2012)
6. Adam

I'm going for Just a Taste but that will finish the series!

Books Read

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Thoughts on ... Alex Van Helsing Voice of the Undead

First of all, this is not book one of a series. It is obvious that Alex has already had experiences with his group of friends. In fact, they are his group of friends because of his experiences.

That being said, I liked this book. 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!

A strange fire takes out the boy's school and they end up rooming at the girl's school? Ripe for hijinks but I don't think what happened is what the parents were afraid of.

The secret society reminded me a little of Jason Bourne/Mitch Rapp but it was nice to read about real vampires along with the spy/thriller stuff and the boarding school setting was a nice touch. Realistic and didn't make me think of HP until just now.

Book 1: Alex Van Helsing Vampire Rising
Book 3: Alex Van Helsing The Triumph of Death

Grade: B-, not quite a Loved it but more than a Good Book


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy of this book without any obligation to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of the publisher

Alex Van Helsing
Voice of the Undead
by Jason Henderson

HarperTeen
Released: July 2011
ISBN: 978-0061951015

Hardcover (8x5ish)
304 pages
Ages 12+
7th grade and up

Grade: B-


Product Description:

Now that Alex is in the know about the deadly vampires that live—and hunt—around his boarding school, everything is different. Putting his talents to use, Alex is training with the Polidorium to become a vampire hunter, just like his Van Helsing ancestors. Sure, he’s only fourteen, but c’mon: This runs in his blood.

But Alex is wondering if he’ll live long enough to succeed. His archnemesis Elle, a vampire whose youthful appearance and blond hair disguise a rage that’s directed at him, is out to get him before a powerful leader called Ultravox arrives on the scene. Ultravox specializes in assassinations, but who is he targeting? As he dodges Elle’s attacks, Alex is on a mission to uncover Ultravox’s deadly plan before his friends and his school become collateral damage. There’s no time to report back; innocent lives hang in the balance, and it’s on Alex to act now—or else.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Witches, Demons, Vamps & Shifters....all things Paranormal

Challenge 1: Vampires at Tales from the Crypt

Time Frame: 2012

Basic Requirements: This is all about the Vamps! I'm going for level 1 and plan to read 1-5 books.

Sign up here



Challenge 2: Paranormal at Tales from the Crypt

Time Frame: 2012

Basic Requirements: No Vamps Allowed! But everything else paranormal is welcome. I'm going for level 1 and plan to read 1-5 books.

sign up here

~Challenge Completed~
April 7

Challenge 3: Nightwalkers at Darlene's Book Nook

Time Frame: 2012

Basic Requirements: Read the whole series by Jacquelyn Frank. There are levels, I'm going for level 1 and plan to read 1-2 books.

sign up here

Books to Read:
1. Jacob - Apr 29
maybe.....
2. Gideon - Apr 29


~Challenge Complete~
April 29
3. Elijah - April 30
4. Damien -
5. Noah - reading
5. Adam



Challenge 4: Immortal at Under the Covers

Time Frame: 2012

Basic Requirements: Read three books from four categories

sign up here*
adult type blog, you'll have to okay that you want to continue

Vampire

1. Damien by Jacquelyn Frank
2. Under a Vampire Moon by Lynsay Sands
3. Love Bites by Lynsay Sands
Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampires, Christine Feehan, Sherilyn Kenyon, Ilona Andrews

Fae

1. Under the Willow by Kari Jo Spear
2. Magician's Chains by Michelle Polaris
3. Blood Faerie by India Drummond
Glimmerglass (box 32), Artemis Fowl (box 5), Wings (box 14/re-read), Prince Charming Doesn't Live Here (box 32), Fairytale by Maggie Shayne (kindle)

Angels & Demons

1. Trinity by Deena Remiel
2. Jacob by Jacquelyn Frank
3. Gideon by Jacquelyn Frank
The Fallen 1, The Fallen 2, The Fallen 3,

Shifters

1. Amethyst Moon by Ann Mayburn
2. The Longest Stride by TA Chase
3. Levi by Bailey Bradford
Dragon Actually by G.A. Aiken (box 32), Ardeur by Danielle Gavan (kindle), I'm reading several shifter series....



TWELVE more books to add to my list. Luckily, not only are there are several in TBR purgatory that will fit, challenge 1 & 2 overlap with challenge 3!

~Challenge Complete~

October 12

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Multiple Challenges at Tales from the Crypt

2012 Reading Challenges from

Our hosts at Tales from the Crypt have several reading challenges that I'm going to participate in. The rules and levels are the same for all of them so here goes.....

Read Your Own Books has been moved to here, with like challenges

Paranormal & Vampires has been moved to here, with like challenges

Paranormal Romance has been moved to (link later) with other romance challenges.


Rules:

Starts January 1, 2012 and ends December 31, 2012
Anyone can join
You don’t have to have a blog to participate.
Non-Bloggers feel free to share your list of books in the comment section of the monthly link up post.
Reviews though not required are always nice.
Audio, E-books, Bound and re-reads all count
There is no need to come up with your list of books in advance.
Challenge crossovers ok
Create a sign up post and link up in the linky.

Levels:

Level 1 – Read 1-5 Paranormal Romances
Level 2 – Read 6-10 Paranormal Romances
Level 3 – Read 11-20 Paranormal Romances
Level 4 – Read 21+ Paranormal Romances

I'm going for level 1 and plan to read at least one book that qualifies for each challenge.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Thoughts on...The Misfit of Supernatural High

A high school specifically for Fairies, Shifters, Witches, Werewolves and Vampires? Bring it on!

I try to remember key points when reading a review book but I was so engrossed with this one I forgot to. High school is bad enough but Wanda doesn't feel she "matches" her family, her important parents and her beautiful sisters. She feels ugly, clumsy and an embarrassment to her parents with boarding school her only happiness. She has friends there and while she may be having trouble with Geometry she never expected school to kill her.

I love these characters. They be out of the ordinary but they go through real-life problems, boyfriends, parents, bullies, snobby classmates, favorite teachers, scary teachers, they just have an added twist of a best friend being a vampire or turning into a bear. And, of course, someone trying to kill Wanda.

While looking for info at amazon I noticed it said "Supernatural High Series". I am looking forward to reading more by Ms. Sproatt.



The Misfit of Supernatural High
by Shawn C. Sproatt

March 2011
ebook
Young Adult
available for the Kindle at amazon and
the Nook at Barnes & Noble


Product Description:
15-year-old Wanda Windsor is not the most popular student at Hecate High. In fact, amongst her fellow witches, the fairies, the shifters, the vampires, and the werewolves, she's one of the least popular students. However, she never thought anyone hated her enough to try attack her. During her sophomore year someone uses mind control on other students to force them to hurt Wanda, and she manages to just barely escape each attack. Wanda isn't sure who would want to hurt her, but she's fairly certain it has to do with the introverted new student who has visions of the future.

When she isn't dodging death, Wanda spends her time trying to pass Geometry, avoiding (unsuccessfully) the subject of boys, and getting into mischief with her friends.


Thanks to LibraryThing's Member Giveaways, I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Bonds of the Maleri'

Bonds of the Maleri'
Kate Steele

Changeling Press
2008
283 pages (trade size paperback)
Paranormal Romance, Sci-fi
(originally released as 5 ebooks)


This is an anthology. One author, one "world", five stories. I won this book in a contest and it is fabulous. You learn the background in book one and there isn't a lot of backtracking between books. very enjoyable

On the faraway planet of Belthola exists a group of extraordinary men. Born with empathic powers, they devote themselves to the service of their planet as mediators, diplomats, doctors, lawmen and scholars. Where help is needed by any planet or people, they generously provide it. But even those with powers have their weaknesses. For the Maleri', the use of their gift can eventually cause madness, even death. The one thing that can prevent such as ill fated end is the taking of a mate. One with whom they can join-mind, body and soul.

Book 1: Mate Hunt
Coltas Oldarie is a healer in need of a mate. He's blacking out and can no longer use his gift. Off to Earth, where many have found their Mates before, he too, finds his. Only there is an older brother protecting what Col wants most.

Book 2: Double or Nothing
spoiler The brother Eric comes with when Col and his mate head back to Belthola. He's like a fish out of water and is kidnapped. Why?

Book 3: Between Love and Law
Head of planet security, Chase has a lonely job. With every promotion, he's let his job become his life. Worried a slip may cause harm to one of his guys. What happens when his mate arrives in the employee of Delmon, a sleazeball mob-like kind of guy? His job? To steal the Blaze of Belthola!

Book 4: Ride 'Em Cowboy
Zeb is sent to Wyoming to learn all he can about cattle ranching only to find his mate. A mate who can not leave the ranch, while Zeb's job is back on Belthola. This isn't looking good for either of them.

Book 5: Redemption
Kicked out of the Brotherhood for taking sides, Jor wanders the Galaxy. He's unmated and the blackouts and pain are worsening. Dane trained at John Hopkins but is on a backwater planet trying to escape the memories of his first mate, Tel. Can true love cure all? Is Redemption possible?