RT FALL 2009 READER'S CHALLENGE

quilt938 · Joined: 24 Feb 2008 Posts: 531 Location: Houston

13. Read a tearjerker. TEXAS COOKING - LISA WINGATE

Ok I'm embarrassed to admit this was a tearjerker..wasn't reading it with this challenge in mind; it's the first in a trilogy that I've already read the 2nd and 3rd books in and wanted to finish it! Cute and humous story overall but there was a funeral scene near the end that made me bawl so I'm counting it as a tearjerker. This is Collie's story -she refused to lie an say she wrote an article and her boss ended up under federal investigation(newspaper business) she goes to hill country are to write cooking articles and falls in love then has to decide between following a once in a lifetime opportunity in DC or going back and taking a chance on the romance. I've enjoyed this trilogy.
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Susanna

lynn4 · Joined: 18 Aug 2006 Posts: 1295

Hey quilt938

I noticed that you have been reading the Lisa Wingate trilogy. I read them a few years ago - in order. I particularly liked Texas Cooking. I live in Texas and found that the author captured the small Texas town atmosphere perfectly.

quilt938 · Joined: 24 Feb 2008 Posts: 531 Location: Houston

Lynn, I live in Houston now but grew up in East Texas and I think they're pretty much on target as well. I wish I'd read them in order but got them from the library and there was a longer waitlist for Texas Cooking though I think it's probalby my fave. and sorry but I was about bawling during the funeral..actually I was sad for that guy anyways...sniff...good series though. Have you read any of her other stuff? wonder if it's the same style...
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Susanna

roxhill · Joined: 14 Jun 2006 Posts: 37 Location: San Antonio

I noticed that some of you stated that you needed to get to the threads, how do you get to the threads? Embarassed

lynn4 · Joined: 18 Aug 2006 Posts: 1295

Robin in PA · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 2:28 pm Post subject:

Challenge #4 - Read a book with "wicked" in the title.

To Wed a Wicked Earl - Olivia Parker

After reading the first book in the Bride Hunt series, I was eagerly awaiting this one. Well, I was disappointed. Unlike the first book, At the Bride Hunt Ball, the plot of this book is all over the place. The heroine, Charlotte, is a wallflower who was jilted by the Duke's brother. Adam Faramond, Earl of Rothbury, has loved Charlotte for years and comes to her rescue, asking her to dance. Soon the two becomes friends. Charlotte believes Adam is in love with someone else, and offers to help him reform his wicked ways. Adam plays along until his senile Grandmother decides he needs to marry quickly or lose his inheritance. So, he asks Charlotte to meet his french grandmother. The next thing they know, they're in the middle of a fake marriage ceremony which later turns out to be real.

Even though this is an easy read, I really did not enjoy it. The plot wonders around in circles and then goes off in weird directions. My rating: 2 Stars.

roxhill · Joined: 14 Jun 2006 Posts: 37 Location: San Antonio

Thanks for the info Lynn4. I felt like such an idiot asking the question. Embarassed

PMP · Joined: 12 Sep 2007 Posts: 86 Location: South Carolina

lynn4 · Joined: 18 Aug 2006 Posts: 1295

PMP · Joined: 12 Sep 2007 Posts: 86 Location: South Carolina

PMP · Joined: 12 Sep 2007 Posts: 86 Location: South Carolina

Question?? On challenge #5 For Veterans Day, read a book with a military hero (active or retired). - does the military hero have to be from one of the American branches of the military? Or can he be from a foreign military unit?
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Patricia

Reader's Challenge...Step out of your comfort zone and try something new.

Robin in PA · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 4:40 pm Post subject:

Robin in PA · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 4:43 pm Post subject:

lynn4 · Joined: 18 Aug 2006 Posts: 1295

7. For Halloween, read an Urban Fantasy or Paranormal Romance book.

Over Hexed - Vicki Lewis Thompson *Paranormal with a wizard, witch, dragon, magic spells - meant to be humorous.*

Truthfully, I just didn't like the book. 'nough said.

CWGal · Joined: 16 Apr 2009 Posts: 44 Location: OKC

5. For Veterans Day, read a book with a military hero (active or retired). CROSSFIRE/JOANN ROSS

"When a high-profile general is killed by a sniper in South Carolina, FBI agent Caitlin Cavanaugh heads up the task force, which quickly surmises they have a serial sniper on their hands. Having been a sniper himself, former Navy SEAL Quinn McKade has a unique perspective on this killer. Agreeing to work with Quinn stirs up steamy memories of their passionate single encounter years ago.

When a local TV reporter, Valentine Snow, starts receiving messages from the killer that indicate the spree is only beginning, Cait and Quinn start to suspect the kills are not random. This killer has a definite agenda ... but does it include Cait as well?"

This is book two in the High Risk series (#1 is Freefall) and I enjoyed it as much as the first one. Gotta love those Navy SEALs! I'm looking forward to the next two in the series as well. (Shattered and Breakpoint) 4.5 stars.

ETA: And the eye-candy-covers are wonderful!!! Wink

8. Read a book with a "B" word in the title. BOYS THAT BITE/MARI MANCUSI

"Technically Sunshine can't get killed-because she's immortal. Well, not quite yet. Due to the worst case of mistaken identity with her dark-side-loving twin sister at a Goth club called Club Fang, Magnus, a vampire hottie, went for Sunshine's innocent neck. Now if she doesn't reverse it in time, Magnus will be her blood mate forever and she's doomed to be a blood-gulping, pasty, daylight-hating vampire. That would seriously bite.

And now, after the unfortunate slaying of the vampire leader, Sunshine, her sister Rayne, and Magnus must find the one thing that can solve her problem: the Holy Grail. They wish it were a joke but it's not. It's absolutely necessary that Sunshine gets out of this in time, because somehow she scored the hottest prom date in her school, the mouth-watering Jake Wilder. So she just can't be a vampire for the prom-let alone the rest of eternity."

Yes, it's a YA vampire book...it was pretty funny and a good read. 4.5 stars.

Judi · Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 10:03 am Post subject: Fall 2009 Reader's Challenge

9. Read a Christmas/Holiday themed book. A Christmas Ball - anthology

Jennifer Ashley was what I would call the big name author in this anthology and her story ended up being my least favorite.
Each story centered around Lord Hartwell's annual Christmas ball.
One glaring mistake got my attention: Ashely's story is listed in the Table of Contents as being first, but it's actually the second.

I'd give this book 3 stars.

[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/counter/wbI0sDJ/]

CWGal · Joined: 16 Apr 2009 Posts: 44 Location: OKC

10. Read a book with the words "sea", "lake", "river", or "falls" in the title. SNOWFALL AT WILLOW LAKE/SUSAN WIGGS

"Attorney Sophie Bellamy has made a difference while climbing to the top of her profession -- but she's also sacrificed her marriage and her relationships with her children, Max and Daisy.

A brush with death makes Sophie determined to change what she can -- which means moving to Avalon, making an effort to get along with her ex-husband and his new wife and mending fences with Max and Daisy. Avalon does have its compensations, including an attractive veterinarian, Noah Shepherd. Sophie's not looking for romance, but that's just what she finds -- and much, much more."

It's one of The Lakeshore Chronicles and the first one I've read in that series. It was pretty good, but I doubt I'll read the previous ones. I may read the one after this though--I think it's called Fireside. 3.5 stars.

she-nag · Joined: 19 Apr 2008 Posts: 144 Location: Nashville, TN

1. For Columbus Day, choose an author whose first or last name begins with "C".

Rude Awakening by Veronica Chadwick
The book was set in Nashville and even mentioned Old Hickory Blvd and it's confusing path through city…(LOL) and there was a mention of Opry Mills, a local mall. So if there is a repeat of the "read a book from your state" I'm covered if I want to do a re-read. Smile

It was an okay book. I don't like books w/ an over abundance of girl friends hashing out every emotion/encounter. It wasn't hot enough for me and I got tired of the over-emphasining of her plus size (she was a size 18 ).
I didn't connect w/ any of the characters.
There was a twist thrown in that I liked but I'm still giving the book a C.
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4. Read a book with "Wicked" in the title.

Wicked Ties by Shayla Black
This is a re-read for me and I still loved it. I like Shayla Black's writing style. I like the emotions she is able to make her characters potray. I loved how the Hero was so attuned to the heroine's pleasure.
***He was even willing to share her to fulfill one of her fantasies. ***
I may re-read Decandent again just to be able to re-visit Deke and Luc and I can't wait for Luc and Alyssa's book. (march 2010)
I gave it an A
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5. For Veterans Day, read a book with a military hero (active or retired).

Master of the Mountain by Cherise Sinclair
Hero is an Iraq war vet who suffers from PTSS. The book had a slow beginning but soon held me entranced…bdsm theme but not as heavy as her Shadowlands series which I liked better.
Awesome characterization of the H/h and I liked the writing style.
I gave it an A
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Your library is your paradise. ~~~Desiderius Erasmus

Building my TBR mt...one book at a time.

Tina · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 294 Location: Vermont

15. Choose a book that is not part of a series.

I chose All Things Beautiful by Cathy Maxwell.

I really liked this story, it involves Julia Markham who comes from aristocratic blood, who's family has never loved her and used her to marry for money, her brothers gamble constantly.
She ends up marrying Brader Wolf who is "below" her- a trades merchant. In the beginning of their marriage is strictly for him to gain her land, but soon they fall in love with eachother and find the strength they never knew was possible.
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http://www.shelfari.com/o1517820184

Robin in PA · Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 9:16 pm Post subject:

Challenge #5 - For Veterans Day, rad a book with a military hero or heroine.

Shelter Mountain - Robyn Carr (Preacher is a former marine.)

Paige Lassiter and her 3-year-old son end up in Virgin River after escaping her abusive husband. John "Preacher" Middleton takes one look at the bruises on Paige's face and knows she needs help. John may be big and scary looking, but he is actually a gentle giant. He offers her a place to stay and a job at his bar.

This is the second book in the Virgin River series. Along with Paige & Preacher's romance, we get to visit with previous characters in the series. I really like the way Robyn Carr blends many storylines into her books. My rating: 4.5 Stars.

This book could also be read for an author whose first or last name begins with "C".