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!)

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

RC: Read Your Freebies!

2014 Read Your Freebies! Reading Challenge


For more information and to sign up, click here

Basic Requirements: Read legally obtained free ebooks. Library books, gifts/won, ARCs do not count. Any format, any genre. Audio counts too. Minimum goal is 12 but there are five more goal levels.

I have a huge list of free ebooks but I'm going to start at . . . Penny Pincher . . . and hope to read 24 books.

~ Books Read ~
1. Ty Hard by Laura Harner (2-4)
2. Ty'd Down by Laura Harner (2-4)
3. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan (2-22)
4. Fairy, Texas by Margo Bond Collins (4-3)
5. Honeymooning by Rachael Herron (6-3)
6. Gift of Desire by Samantha Kane and Kate Pearce (6-4)
7. Not Safe for Work by Michael S. Booker (6-7?)
8. WBI: Witches Bureau of Investigation by Richard Capwell (7-18)
9. Bonded by Sara York (11-23)
10. Rule by Jay Crownover (12-14)



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Happy New Year!



I'm sure we'll go out to dinner and maybe watch a movie but I'll be spending the last minutes of 2013 with a "book" in my hand.

Taken yesterday because I don't know if anyone else will be awake to take it tonight.

Oh, I'm reading The Lady Chosen by Stephanie Laurens on my iTouch


















Be Safe. Be Happy. Be Loved.

Happy Reading!

Gina, a book dragon
because books are a treasure worth protecting



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Monday, December 30, 2013

Happy Monday

found on Pinterest

Mailbox Monday is a place to share all the wonderful books that have come to live in your home; print, electronic and audio. Started by Marcia (who now posts at To Be Continued) the mailbox is currently on tour. Check it out so you know where to go next month.

Thank you to Crystal for hosting in November

December's host is Gilion @ Rose City Reader
Backup host is Bob at Beauty in Ruins

The host for 2014 will be back at the blog!








~ here are the new books in my house this week ~

The Diabetes Miracle by Diane Kress
3 Simple Steps to Prevent and Control Diabetes and Regain Your Health . . . Permanently

The breakthrough 3-step program to conquer type 2 diabetes with little to no medication.

If you’ve been diagnosed with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, it’s easy to think, “How did this happen? I watched what I ate. If only I had tried harder, eaten fewer calories and burned more.”

But you’re not alone, and it’s not your fault. Many traditional diets can actually promoteinsulin resistance over time because they don’t take into account your different metabolism. You may be one of the millions who have Metabolism B (metabolic syndrome), an inherited condition that can cause your body to overreact to carbohydrate foods, release excess insulin, and gain body fat—and eventually develop type 2 diabetes. The good news is that you can take control of your diabetes, starting today.

The Abominable Snowman Doesn't Roast Marshmallows
by Debbie Dadey and Marcia Thornton Jones
series: The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids

There are some pretty weird grown-ups living in Bailey City. But could the frosty stranger in town for the Winter Carnival really be the Abominable Snowman?







~ and . . . I gave my son three of my new books to wrap for Christmas. The funny thing is that I've bought so many in the last couple of months that I forgot which ones I gave him. I could have looked them up but it was much more fun opening them. (I liked the purple blanket he bought me better)

And then You Dye by Monica Ferris Needlecraft Mystery series

Betsy is a natural-born yarnsmith--so it's only fitting that some of her favorite items to stock come from the dye-works of Hailey Brent. But when Hailey is found dead in her workshop, Betsy discovers that there was a lot about Hailey she would have never guessed. Like her penchant for stealing, her use of dangerous additives to create her so-called all-natural fibers, and a scheming mind that had made her more than one enemy. Now Betsy must wring the truth from a bevy of colorful suspects. Because what she knows just might mean the difference between living—and dyeing…



Buttoned Up by Kylie Logan A Button Box Mystery

Artist Forbis Parmenter has invited Josie to the opening of his latest exhibit of voodoo-inspired works. He plans to made a show of completing the centerpiece--a button-encrusted statue--when Josie arrives with the final button. But just as the big moment comes, Forbis bolts out of the gallery in panic. Is it another of his publicity stunts, or is something more sinister afoot?

Josie gets her answer when the eccentric artist is found dead--his lifeless body in the arms of a statue and his eyes and lips sealed with buttons. Now she's using her expert eye to solve the mystery before a crafty killer slips through her fingers.

Staged to Death by Karen Rose Smith A Caprice De Luca Mystery

Caprice De Luca has successfully parlayed her skills as an interior designer into a thriving home staging business. So when her old high school friend Roz Winslow asks her to spruce up her mess of a mansion to perk up a slow buyer's market, Caprice is more than happy to share her skills. But when Roz's husband Ted is found skewered by one of his sword room's prized possessions, it appears the Winslows may have a few skeletons in their palatial closets. With the stage set for murder, Caprice will discover she can track down an antique tapestry and a cold-blooded killer with equal aplomb--as long as she's not the next victim.





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. I'm getting better at pinning my new ebooks, 2013's books.

added to my ereader: (kindle app, html, etc.) ~I find out about free/discounted ebook at amazon mostly from Pixel of Ink.









What are you Reading?

A weekly Monday meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Post what you read last week and what you're planning to read this week then link to Shelia's post. Then visit, visit,visit!




Finished:
Hidden Crimes by Emma Holly
Kisses, She Wrote by Katharine Ashe
Trials of Tam by Amber Kell
Lessons for Lewis by Amber Kell
How I Met Your Father by L. B. Gregg
A Wizard for Christmas by Dorothy McFalls
A Little Bite of Magic by M.J. O'Shea
Lucky Like Us by Jennifer Ryan
Chasing Morgan by Jennifer Ryan
Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh 

 
Books stacked by my reading chair:

What the Duke Desires by Sabrina Jeffries
Pegasus by Kate O'Hearn
Dragonwriter edited by Todd McCaffrey
Mischief and Mistletoe, anthology
Jockeys and Jewels by Bev Pettersen
Bring It! by Tony Horton
Home for the Homicide by Jennie Bentley
. . . and about 20 other unread library books



Latest Review Books:




Reviewed:



Did Not Finish, may try again later:



Happy Reading!


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas . . .

 . . . to You and Yours
from Me and Mine


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Monday, December 23, 2013

Happy Monday


found on Pinterest

Mailbox Monday is a place to share all the wonderful books that have come to live in your home; print, electronic and audio. Started by Marcia (who now posts at To Be Continued) the mailbox is currently on tour. Check it out so you know where to go next month.

Thank you to Crystal for hosting in November

December's host is Gilion @ Rose City Reader
Backup host is Bob at Beauty in Ruins

Did you take the poll to help decide what is to happen to Mailbox Monday? Looks like MM will be the host site next year. I don't know who admin will be. Check it out!






~ here are the new books in my house this week ~

Innocence by Dean Koontz

He lives in solitude beneath the city, an exile from society, which will destroy him if he is ever seen.

She dwells in seclusion, a fugitive from enemies who will do her harm if she is ever found.

But the bond between them runs deeper than the tragedies that have scarred their lives. Something more than chance—and nothing less than destiny—has brought them together in a world whose hour of reckoning is fast approaching.



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. I'm getting better at pinning my new ebooks, 2013's books.

added to my ereader: (kindle app, html, etc.) ~I find out about free/discounted ebook at amazon mostly from Pixel of Ink.









What are you Reading?

A weekly Monday meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Post what you read last week and what you're planning to read this week then link to Shelia's post. Then visit, visit,visit!





Finished:
The Christmas Catch by Genny Baird
Hidden Talents by Emma Holly
Hidden Depths by Emma Holly

Books stacked by my reading chair:

What the Duke Desires by Sabrina Jeffries
Pegasus by Kate O'Hearn
Dragonwriter edited by Todd McCaffrey
Mischief and Mistletoe, anthology
Jockeys and Jewels by Bev Pettersen
Bring It! by Tony Horton
Home for the Homicide by Jennie Bentley
. . . and about 20 other unread library books



Latest Review Books:




Reviewed:
Hidden Talents by Emma Holly


Did Not Finish, may try again later:



Happy Reading!


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Finished Reading . . . Hidden Talents by Emma Holly (NSFW)

whew ~fanning self~ First things first, the sex is HOT! That being said, the story is fabulous. Fey, were and gargoyles. The news anchor is an unicorn but she only makes a brief appearance.

I'm not sure what I was expecting. I had already read book 5 (it is m/m) and it should have prepared me but aside from the sex being hot, the story took me by surprise. I guess I was expecting a quick, light read but there was depth. I started with book 5 because it was m/m but I'm glad I bought 1-4 at the same time. :-D

Ari was following the neighborhood bad boy (bad bad, not sexy bad) and was prepared to take him out all by herself in order to protect her friends. The whole mate thing throws her off as well as the werewolf she's mate of but it doesn't throw her off course for long. She's determined to protect her friends. Isn't it a good thing the werewolf is a cop and just as determined to protect his town?

I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series.

Hidden Talents
by Emma Holly

series: Hidden
ISBN: 978-0983540236
Publisher: Emma Holly
Release date: June 2011
202 pages

paranormal romance,  erotica

author's website, excerpt  (18+)

Description: Resurrection, NY is America’s only supernatural friendly town, built on an outfolded pocket of Faerie. Werewolf cop Adam Santini is sworn to protect and serve all of Resurrection’s races - including unsuspecting human Talents who wander in from Outside.

Ari stumbles into Adam’s town from the Big Apple. She’s hot on the trail of a mysterious crime boss who wants to exploit her telekinesis for his own evil ends. If she can’t get Henry Blackwater off her back, she and her two most trusted friends in the world had better kiss the decent life they’ve built for themselves goodbye.

Ari’s mission puts her on a collision course with the hottest cop in the RPD. Adam wants Blackwater too, but mostly he wants Ari. She seems to be the mate he’s been yearning for all his life, though getting a former street kid into bed with the Law could be his toughest case to date.

When biology knocks boots with justice, more than bad guys go up flames.


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Chill Baby, Chill Reviews


Reviews are not necessary but are very welcome. Please include your name as well as the title when you name your link





copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Saturday, December 21, 2013

RC: A to Z (titles)

Challenge #1
A to Z (titles)
Mini-Challenge
2014


hosted by Robin of My Two Blessings at Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks
For more information, click here - to sign up, click here

Challenge #2
Alphabet Soup
Reading Challenge
2014

hosted at Escape with Dollycas into a Good Book
For more information and to sign up, click here
letter must be from the first word

A. The Affair by Lee Child
B. Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh
C. Christmas in Snowflake Canyon by RaeAnne Thayne
D. The Dalai Lama's Cat by David Michie
E. Exile's Honor by Mercedes Lackey
F. The Forgotten by David Baldacci
G. Gabe by Lori Foster
H. Hostage to Pleasure by Nalini Singh
I. Inflaming Inno by Amber Kell
J. Jack Reacher's Rules compiled by Val Hudson
K. Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh
L. Lara by Bertrice Small
M. Mine to Possess by Nalini Singh
N. Never Go Back by Lee Child
O. Our Sexy Tiger by Joyee Flynn
P.  Play of Passion by Nalini Singh
Q.
R. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
S. Seaview Inn by Sherryl Woods
T. Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh
U. Until We Touch by Susan Mallery
V. The Valentine's Day Disaster by Lori Wilde
W. Wild Invitation by Nalini Singh
X.

Y. Yes, Sir by Ellis Carrington
Z. Zero Day by Mark Russinovich

Possibility: Q - Quilt or Innocence by Elizabeth Craig (print)
Possibility: X -  Xoe by Sara C. Roethle 



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks Reading Challenge Wrap-up




52 in 52
Reading Challenge
2013

Hosted by Robin of My Two Blessings
at Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks.


I need to pay more attention to what I'm reading. . . or at least take notes!


~ End of Year Wrap-up ~


1. How many books did you read and did you meet or beat your own personal goal?
~ I've read 155 books over 100 pages with a total number of isbn read: 256. I was hoping to read 200 books over 50 pages (no picture books) so I'm not sure I met my goal or not.
 
2. What are your top 5 (or more) favorite stories? Top 5 least favorites?
~ The problem with reading that many books/pages, you don't always remember specific ones. That being said, A Soldier's Choice by D. L. Warner was read twice this year and last. also read last year, two of the Harper Hall books (Dragonsinger, Dragonsong by Anne McCaffrey) was read this year and last also but only one time. I also liked The Extra-Ordinary Princess by Carolyn Q. Ebbitt more than I thought I would.

As for least favorite . . . several that I didn't finish but only one stands out. Nothing to Lose by Lee Child

3. One book you thought you would never read and was pleasantly surprised you liked it?
~

4. Most thrilling unputdownable book?
~  Subterranean by James Rollins and most of the Jack Reacher books by Lee Child

5. Did you come across a story that you enjoyed it so much, you turned around and read it again or plan on rereading it again in 2014?
~

6. One book you thought you would love, but didn't?
~ Nothing to Lose by Lee Child. This was book 12 in a series I was loving but I thought Reacher was doing something so stupid I couldn't finish the book.

7. Which book or books had the greatest impact on you this year?
~

8. Do you have a favorite cover or quote from a story you'd like to share?
~

9. What book would you recommend everyone read?
~

10. What was your most favorite part of the challenge? Did you do any of the mini challenges?
~ checking out what everyone else is reading. It encourages me to write more reviews. I did the A to Z challenge (completed), Book Buying Ban (failed), Dusty (12 out of 12), Chunky (3 out of 4).


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Fall into Reading Wrap-Up


Fall into Reading
2013

hosted by Sandra at The Musings of a Book Addict
filling in for Katrina at Callapidder Days



My kick-off post and a progress post. And how have I done since? Not well.

I've been spending a lot of time reading serials online and they don't have an isbn as well as crocheting and watching TV/movies :-(



Original Goals
2 review books
2 library books
2 TBR books (pre-2013) - from the pile, not the list
2 non-fiction
2 challenge specific books
2 new purchases (I'd like these to be over 100 pages)
2 from the stack next to my chair  
2 "up next"


Final Outcome
review - Candy and the Cankersaur by Jason Sandberg
review -
library - One Shot by Lee Child
library - The Hard Way by Lee Child
TBR - City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
TBR - The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
non-fiction -
non-fiction -
challenge specific -  Quinn's Hart by Cassandra Gold
challenge specific -  The Arrangement by Mary Balogh
new purchase - Christmas on 4th Street by Susan Mallery
new purchase - Mistletoe Cowboy by Carolyn Brown
from stack -
from stack -
up next -
up next -

Not that I've only been reading online, I did hit 12,664 pages after all, I just didn't read enough to meet my goals. Next time I won't do such specific goals. . . if I can remember!





copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Christmas Cats - a Christmas Picture Book for Kids

I know I said "for kids" but if you like pictures of Cats and Christmas, this will sure to delight. There are no words, just cats playing with boxes, ribbons and ornaments.

I was able to catch this when it was free and it is still available to borrow if you have a kindle. If you spend a lot of time on Pinterest looking at the cat photos, you'll enjoy this. I've included a couple of the pictures below. . .


Christmas Cats
Rachael Poole

ASIN: B00AN5QKRY
December 2012
57 pages

age range: all


picture book
source: purchased/kindle


Grade: A


Christmas Cats is a Christmas picture book for kids celebrating the love of cats and the holiday season. Christmas Cats was created for kids who love cats and delight in looking at cute and funny cat pictures.

This cheerful Christmas picture book for Kindle features 55 full-color, adorable cats celebrating Christmas and is sure to bring a little holiday cheer to your day.

~*~*~*~





 . . . and a bonus










copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

RC: What's in a Name


What's in a Name?
Reading Challenge
2014

hosted at The Worm Hole (new host)
for more information and to sign up, click here

Basically, read one book for each of five requirements.
  • A reference to time
  • A position of royalty
  • A number written in letters
  • A forename or names
  • A type or element of weather

~ Books Read ~

A forename or names
Lara 
by Bertrice Small

A type or element of weather 
Christmas in Snowflake Canyon
by RaeAnne Thayne

A number written in letters
Zero Day
by Mark Russinovich

A reference to time
61 Hours
by Lee Child

A position of royalty
Arrows of the Queen
by Mercedes Lackey



~ Challenge Complete ~
March 30
copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Bout of Books Read-a-Thon is coming next month!


Bout of Books 9.0
Read-a-Thon
Jan 6 - Jan 12

hosted at the Bout of Books blog
check out the blog for more information
to sign up, click here
Twitter: #boutofbooks
questions: @boutofbooks


Official Blurb
The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 6th and runs through Sunday, January 12th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 9.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team




Let this be my official signing up post. I still need to figure out goals but that will be another post.


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Monday, December 16, 2013

Happy Monday


found on Pinterest

Mailbox Monday is a place to share all the wonderful books that have come to live in your home; print, electronic and audio. Started by Marcia (who now posts at To Be Continued) the mailbox is currently on tour. Check it out so you know where to go next month.

Thank you to Crystal for hosting in November

December's host is Gilion @ Rose City Reader
Backup host is Bob at Beauty in Ruins

Did you take the poll to help decide what is to happen to Mailbox Monday? Looks like MM will be the host site next year. I don't know who admin will be. Check it out!






~ here are the new books in my house this week ~

Broken Trust by Sharon Dunn, blog

"I need you to trust me."

Impossible! Sheriff Christine Norris still remembers the heartache from the last time she gave Special Agent Wyatt Green her trust. And she certainly doesn't believe him now, when he claims some of her residents are involved in a dangerous militia. But Christine can't ignore the fact that someone who may be tied to the militia has kidnapped an innocent boy. And when she's almost killed in a fiery explosion, Christine realized Wyatt may be the only person she can trust to protect her. Even if she's still not sure she can trust him again with her heart. . .



The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews

Every single thing you do matters. You have been created as one of a kind. You have been created in order to make a difference. You have within you the power to change the world.








The Lost Choice by Andy Andrews

When a young boy finds a mysterious object in the creek near his home, it starts a series of events that could change the world--again. Many search for the ancient relic's secret, but few find its true purpose. What choices will each make--or lose?

A work of both scholarship and imagination, The Lost Choice is a legend of personal discovery--a reminder of the opportunities we each are give.





The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews

Reveals the incredible truth that everything YOU do matters — what you did yesterday, what you do today, and what you will do tomorrow. Every choice you make, good or bad, can make a difference.








The Endless Sky by Kathryn Lynn Davis

Phillipe de Vallombrosa is lured tot he Dakota Badlands by the same dream that seduced his infamous father--a drive to succeed over the forces of nature in a feral land. He vows to stand defiant against the ruthless enemies determined to destroy him, evan as ambition leads him into the treacherous territory of seduction, betrayal, and love...

No longer the untamed girl Phillipe knew as a child, Mianne is now an elegant woman whose poised exterior hides a burning desire for one man--Phillipe. Though her marriage to Phillipe is part of an indomitable family's plan to conquer the vast land, the shared love she finds int he arms of her new husband is as powerful and dangerous as the rival who dares to claim Phillipe for herself...


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. I'm getting better at pinning my new ebooks, 2013's books.

added to my ereader: (kindle app, html, etc.) ~I find out about free/discounted ebook at amazon mostly from Pixel of Ink.

I got a new calendar this week! 
And why is this listed here? It is December after all. Good question, here's why. I've been following Tober and was able to score the calendar. This isn't just a cat calendar, it is a calendar of library cats! I'm hoping to share some of the great cats with you on Thursdays.








What are you Reading?

A weekly Monday meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Post what you read last week and what you're planning to read this week then link to Shelia's post. Then visit, visit,visit!





Finished:
Santa is Coming to California by Steve Smallman (picture book)
The One that Got Away by TC Blue
Falling by M. L. Rhodes
Waaban: Dawn Kitten by Carolyn McBride
Velvet Song by Sean Michael
The Night Before Thanksgiving by M. Durango
Home for the Hollandaise by Julia Talbot, BA Tortuga
Miracle Road by Emily March

Books stacked by my reading chair:

What the Duke Desires by Sabrina Jeffries
Pegasus by Kate O'Hearn
Dragonwriter edited by Todd McCaffrey
Mischief and Mistletoe, anthology
Jockeys and Jewels by Bev Pettersen
Bring It! by Tony Horton
Home for the Homicide by Jennie Bentley
. . . and about 20 other unread library books



Latest Review Books:




Reviewed:



Did Not Finish, may try again later:



Happy Reading!


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Sunday, December 15, 2013

RC New Year's Resolution

New Year's Resolution
Reading Challenge
2014

Hosted at Joy's Book Blog
for more information and to sign up, click here
Basic Requirements: Read books that will "support your goals, resolutions, and projects"

This one may be TMI on the personal info but this is something I need serious help with.
I still need to make a firm/complete list but I'm going for . . . Passionate . . . and hope to read 4 books.

~ New Year's Resolutions ~
1. Health and Fitness (so this doesn't happen again)
 . . . off most medication, improve bloodwork numbers, lose weight, mostly RUN a 5k,
 . . . complete several programs: Bring It!, Tai Cheng, Rockin' Body (some started in 2013)
 . . . learn to love to exercise


2. Get Organized
. . . finish back bedroom, guest room, pantry, laundry, etc

3. get help with normal sleep patterns
4.

~ Books Read ~
1.
2.
3.
4.
just ordered -  The Diabetes Miracle: 3 Simple Steps to Prevent and Control Diabetes and Regain Your Health . . . Permanently by Diane Kress


~ Improvements Made/Goals Completed ~
1.
2.
3.
4.




copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Saturday, December 14, 2013

RC: Sometimes you need something thick

Challenge #1
Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks 
Mini-Challenge

Hosted here

for more information, click here -  to sign up, click here

books over 450 pages


Challenge #2

Chunkster Reading Challenge

Hosted here

for more information and to sign up, click here

books over 500 pages




Challenge #3

Mammoth Reading Challenge

Hosted at Darlene's Book Nook, here

for more information and to sign up, click here

books over 450 pages




Books Read ~ Challenge #1 & 3
1. 459 - Lara by Bertrice Small
2. 528 - The Affair by Lee Child
3. 516 - The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
4. 452 - Hearts and Swords by Robin D. Owens
5. 480 - Dark Prince by Christine Feehan
6.
~ Completed Mammoth RC ~
Hippopotamus level
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

Books Read ~ Challenge #2
1. The Affair by Lee Child
2. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
3.
4.
5.
6.


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

RC: Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks


Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks
plus mini-challenges
2014

hosted here
for more information click here, and to sign up click here.

The goal is to read 52 books. How you get there is up to you.

Getting to 52 is not the problem, it is the one a week part that I sometimes have trouble with but that's what I'm going for this year. Again.

I'll also be doing two of the mini-challenges:
  1. Dusty Mini Challenge: Limit buying new books for 1 - 4 months and read 4 to 12 or more books gathering dust on your shelves prior to 2013. (progress here)
  2. Chunky Mini Challenge -books more than 500 pages (progress here)
  3. A to Z Mini Challenge - titles (progress here)
  4. 52 BaW Reader Recommendations: Read books recommended by participants in 2013 

Our book week starts on Sunday:
January

      Christmas in Snowflake Canyon by RaeAnne Thayne
5 - Hostage to Pleasure by Nalini Singh
12 - Wild Invitation by Nalini Singh
19 - Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh
26 - White Paws and a Dream by Stormy Glenn
February

2 - The Dalai Lama's Cat by David Michie
9 - Hope Flames by Jaci Burton
16 - The Affair by Lee Child
23 - Cody's Dragon by K. M. Mahoney
March

2 - Wednesdays in the Tower by Jessica Day George
9 - Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh
16 - The Forgotten by David Baldacci
23 - Worth Dying For by Lee Child
30 - Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey
April

6 - Take a Thief by Mercedes Lackey
13 - The Perfect Balance by Trina Lane
20 - Where There's a Will by Bailey Bradford
27 - When We Met by Susan Mallery

Q: one a week?
Q: how many total?
Q: how many mini-challenge books?
Q: ready to go on?


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Monday, December 9, 2013

Happy Monday



Mailbox Monday is a place to share all the wonderful books that have come to live in your home; print, electronic and audio. Started by Marcia (who now posts at To Be Continued) the mailbox is currently on tour. Check it out so you know where to go next month.

Thank you to Crystal for hosting in November

December's host is Gilion @ Rose City Reader
Backup host is Bob at Beauty in Ruins

Don't forget to take the poll to help decide what is to happen to Mailbox Monday!


~ here are the new books in my house this week ~

Home for the Homicide by Jennie Bentley

Avery Baker was a big city textile designer, until she inherited her aunt's old Maine cottage and found her true calling--home renovation. But she never expected her latest job would come to such a bond-rattling dead end. . .

For Avery and her husband, Derek, renovation the Craftsman bungalow was like stepping back in time. The quaint old home was just as its original owners had left it--from the beautiful butler's pantry to the surprisingly exquisite ribbon tile. But it's the attic that yield the most heart-stopping surprise.

In a discreetly hidden antique crate, Avery finds a clue to a decades-old missing persons case. As Avery works on the house and delves deeper into the sinister story, it becomes clear that someone very crafty wants the Craftsman home's secrets to stay that way.


Murder, She Barked by Krista Davis

The Sugar Maple Inn in Wagtail, Virginia, is the country's premiere vacation hot spot for pet owners who can’t bear to leave their furry friends behind. But this tourist town smells trouble when a killer goes on the prowl....

Holly Miller's life has gone to the dogs. She has no job, her boyfriend's former flame is sniffing around, and a scruffy but loveable Jack Russell Terrier is scattering crumbs all over her borrowed car. Just when she thought things couldn't get worse, a troubling phone call about her grandmother sends her rushing home to the family inn on Wagtail Mountain.

The staff—and a frisky Calico kitten named Twinkletoes—adopts Holly and her new dog on arrival. But someone in this friendly town is bad to the bone. One of the employees at the inn has been killed in a hit-and-run accident—which is looking anything but accidental. Now Holly and her furry companions will have to nose out the murderer before someone else gets muzzled.


Lending a Paw by Laurie Cass (facebook)

With the help of her rescue cat, Eddie, librarian Minnie Hamilton is driving a bookmobile based in the resort town of Chilson, Michigan. But she’d better keep both hands on the wheel, because it’s going to be a bumpy ride…. . . .

Eddie followed Minnie home one day, and now she can’t seem to shake the furry little shadow. But in spite of her efforts to contain her new pal, the tabby sneaks out and trails her all the way to the bookmobile on its maiden voyage. Before she knows it, her slinky stowaway becomes her cat co-pilot!

Minnie and Eddie’s first day visiting readers around the county seems to pass without trouble—until Eddie darts outside at the last stop and leads her to the body of a local man who’s reached his final chapter.

Initially, Minnie is ready to let the police handle this case, but Eddie seems to smell a rat. Together, they’ll work to find the killer—because a good librarian always knows when justice is overdue.


Dream Wedding by Susan Mallery (reissue of two books)

Dream Bride - According to family legend, Chloe Wright is destined to dream of her future groom on her twenty-fifth birthday. Chloe doesn't believe in fate, so she's shocked to find her path crossing with a handsome stranger. Arizona Smith is everything Chloe has ever wanted ina man. But she's not about to fall in love, especially since Arizona never settles anywhere for long. Still, his electrifying kisses and irresistible charm have Chloe suddenlywondering if there's something to that legend after all . . .

Dream Groom - Cassie Bradley Wright knows the fantasy of being swept off her feet by her boss is just that--a fantasy. After all Ryan Lawford is way out of her league. And business and balance sheets are his whole world. But little does Cassie know that her sweet ways are changing his mind. The former determined bachelor just might take ont he role of dream groom.


Welcome Back to Apple Grove by C.H. Admirand

There's No Place Like Home...

Grace Mulcahy thought she'd finally gotten Apple Grove, Ohio, out of her system. Then she's lured back for a family barbecue and spies a broad-shouldered hottie hanging out at the grill. He somehow seems utterly at east, whether flipping burgers or horsing around with her hellion nephews. Why didn't her brother-in-law tell her he had such gorgeous friends? Suddenly her mouth is watering for more than her best friend's famous pie.

Some fires aren't meant to be fought

When firefighter Pat Garaham sees Grace, it's like a five-alarm bell goes off and he's the one ablaze. She says she wants to leave Apple Grove, but he will do whatever it takes to keep her around. The life of a firefighter isn't an easy one though, and he'll have to prove their immediate spark can have a lasting chance at love..


What She Wants by Sheila Roberts

Jonathan Templar and his poker buddies can't figure it out. Take Jonathan, for instance. He's been in love with Lissa Castle since they were kids but, geek that he is, she's never seen him as her Mr. Perfect. He has one last shot—their high school reunion. Kyle Long is equally discouraged. The pretty receptionist at his office keeps passing him over for other guys who may be taller but are definitely not superior. And Adam Edwards might be the most successful of Jonathan's friends, but he isn't having any success on the home front. His wife's kicked him out.

When Jonathan stumbles on a romance novel at the Icicle Falls library sale, he knows he's found the love expert he's been seeking—Vanessa Valentine, top-selling romance author. At first his buddies laugh at him for reading romance novels, but soon they, too, realize that these stories are the world's best textbooks on love. Poker night becomes book club night…and when all is read and done, they're going to be the kind of men women want!

Merry Ex-Mas by Sheila Roberts

Cass Wilkes has been looking forward to her daughter Danielle's Christmas wedding-until Dani announces that she want her fater to walk her down the aisle. Seriously? Even worse, it seems that he, his trophy wife and their yappy little dog will be staying with Cass. . .

Her friend Charlene Alback arrives at their weekly chick-flick night in shock. She's just seent he ghost of Christmas past: her ex-husband, who left a year ago when he ran off with the hostess from her restaurant. New the hostess is history and he wants to kiss and make up.

And bring out the hot buttered rum, because the holidays aren't easy for Elle either. Newly divorced, she is still sharing the house with her ex while they wait for the place to sell. The love is gone. Or it is?


The Christmas Cookie Collection by Lori Wilde

There’s a legend in Twilight, Texas. It says that if on Christmas you sleep with kismet cookies under your pillow and dream of your one true love, he will be your destiny.

Carrie, Raylene, Christine, and Flynn are all members of the Christmas Cookie Club. Each has a story to tell, and each discovers the miracles of the season and the power of love.

Carrie: Reconnects with her high school sweetheart . . .the only man she’s ever loved.

Raylene: Discovers that the daughter she gave away at birth is living right in Twilight . . .

Christine: Has given up on love . . . until the man of her dreams walks through her shop door.

Grace: It’s Christmas Eve and Flynn and Jesse Calloway are thrilled to be expecting a new baby. Then Flynn’s car hits a patchof ice, and Jesse must move earth . . . and heaven . . .to save her and their unborn child.


Command Authority by Tom Clancy

There’s a new strong man in Russia but his rise to power is based on a dark secret hidden decades in the past. The solution to that mystery lies with a most unexpected source, President Jack Ryan.






~*~

I won one! We did a gift exchange at church Saturday night. There were five books and I got one! I already had two of them :-)

Joseph Smith Praise to the Man
Photography by John Telford
Written by Susan Easton Black

Enjoy a visual look into the Prophet's humble beginnings. Bask in the serenity of the scared in New York, learn of the revelations in Ohio, and Witness the heartache of Missouri. See the grandeur of restored Nauvoo and sense the pathos of Carthage.




Wow, looks like Christmas came early to my house! I'm glad so many of these were pre-orders. I also bought three more but I think my son is going to give them to me for Christmas ;-)

So far I haven't 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 ebook at amazon mostly from Pixel of Ink. I get better at pinning my new ebooks, 2013's books.

Poisoned Waters by Ermisenda Alvarez

Helen Gardener is murdered on a trans-Atlantic cruise. The Diamond Royale sails from Southampton to New York with her murderer aboard. Set in the 1950s, Poisoned Waters follows the stories of seven unfortunate characters and how they are affected by her death. Was it merely an accident? Mr Phillips, the owner of the ship, and sponsor of the cruise, rules with an iron fist, in search of something or someone.

Lies spiral out of control as the suspects try to survive the final days on board. Conflicted by their sense of morals, greed, and lust, they realise what kind of people they really are. Who will rise? Who will fall? Who was Helen's murderer?

It contains adult themes including death, violence, and sex scenes.

~*~

Too Close to Home by Lynette Eason (Women of Justice Book #1)

Samantha Cash is the FBI's secret weapon. Her methods are invisible, and she never stops until the case is closed. When missing teens begin turning up dead in a small Southern town, Samantha is assigned to help local chief Connor Wolfe find the killer. And he has two problems with that. There's her faith--in God and herself. And then there's the fact that she looks exactly like his late wife.

As they get close to an answer, the case becomes personal. The killer seems to be taking an interest in Connor's 16-year-old daughter, who thinks her dad is getting way too protective. Can't a girl just have some fun?

~*~

Kisses, She Wrote by Katharine Ashe

Christmas in town has never been so steamy . . .

Handsome as sin and scandalously rakish, Cam Westfall, the Earl of Bedwyr, is every young lady's wickedest dream. Shy wallflower Princess Jacqueline of Sensaire knows this better than anyone, because her dreams are full of the breathtaking earl's kisses. And not only her dreams—her diary, too.

But when Cam discovers the maiden's not-so-maidenly diary, will her wildest Christmas wishes be fulfilled in its pages . . . or in his arms?





What are you Reading?

A weekly Monday meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Post what you read last week and what you're planning to read this week then link to Shelia's post. Then visit, visit,visit!





Finished:
Amethyst Moon by Ann Mayburn
Christmas of White by Devon Rhodes
Kevin's Alpha by Amber Kell
Fences and Freedom by Bailey Bradford
Unconventional in Atlanta, Anthology
Wicked Gift by Sean Michael
Post Traumatic Tendencies by Azza Mitchell
Fingerprints and Muddy Feet by Carol Lynne
The Christmas Owl by Angela Muse, Helen H. Wu (picture book)

Books stacked by my reading chair:

What the Duke Desires by Sabrina Jeffries
Pegasus by Kate O'Hearn
Dragonwriter edited by Todd McCaffrey
Mischief and Mistletoe, anthology
Jockeys and Jewels by Bev Pettersen
Bring It! by Tony Horton
Home for the Homicide by Jennie Bentley
. . . and about 20 other unread library books



Latest Review Books:




Reviewed:



Did Not Finish, may try again later:



Happy Reading!


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013
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.