Those Books I Should Have Read 2012

Level 4 for me....

Hosted by Reading With Martinis

Ah, yes. We all have them. That pesky list of books that we “should” have read. This list could consist of “classics” that we somehow managed to miss in high school and/or college (David Copperfield, Madame Bovary, To Kill a Mockingbird), books that we want to read but their size is daunting (The Outlander series, The Game of Thrones series, Anna Karenina, War and Peace), it could be books that just somehow passed us by (The Harry Potter series, The Hunger Game trilogy, The Earth’s Children series), or it could simply be books that have been languishing on our bookshelves forever.

These books may induce reading guilt every time we pick up a different book.

If you have a “should have read” list, then this challenge is for you! So what are the rules?

Challenge Rules

1. Timeline : This challenge runs from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012
2. You may join the challenge at any time during the year as long as the books were read in 2012
3. Levels: There are 4 participation levels to this challenge. You can change levels at any time.
• Level 1 – 6 books
• Level 2 – 12 books
• Level 3 – 18 books
• Level 4 – 24 books
4. Physical books and e-books count. Audio books DO NOT COUNT
5. You must display the challenge graphic in your blog’s sidebar, if you have a blog
6. You do not have to have a blog to participate. You can make a goodreads list or some other tracking method that can be linked to
7. You do not have to select your books ahead of time
8. If you do make an initial list of books for this challenge, you may change that list at any time during the challenge
9. Books read for this challenge may also count for other challenges
10. You must fill out the linky form below and link to your challenge post or goodreads list
11. Each month I will post a link up post where you can link any reviews you have written for books for this challenge

Grab the button

Ready to sign up? I know you are! I can’t wait to see what everyone chooses for their challenge books!

1.	Kelly @ Reading With Martinis	4.	Bex @An Armchair by the Sea	7.	You're next!
2.	Rilana	5.	Charlie@ Bitsy Bling Books
3.	Aleksandra	6.	Diana @ Little Miss Drama Queen

Raw Desire by Leah Brooke

Raw Desire by Leah Brooke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In a moment of weakness, Alison Bennett signed up for a week long seminar at Club Desire, wanting to try to build her self esteem back up after an ex-boyfriend did a number on her. Now on her way to Desire, Oklahoma she is second guessing herself and wondering if there really is a way to please a man and not have them cheat, leave, or treat you badly. When her car breaks down on the outskirts of town, she thinks maybe this is a sign she made a mistake.

Mechanics Dillon Tanner and Ryder Hayes show up to help Alison and are immediately intrigued with the woman who is quite a contradiction. On the one hand she is timid, but then she surprises them when her temper flares. Dillon and Ryder both offer their services if she wants to practice what she has learned, even accepting after the seminar is canceled Alison finds herself falling for both men. She is unwilling to commit to any future when she has an old issue that needs resolving before she can move forward, and she thinks Ryder does not like her other than for sex. Misguided in her ideas about what a real relationship is, Ryder and Dillon plan to make sure she knows they both plan to love and protect her.

Overall a fun read, Ryder and Dillon are instant favorites and Alison is a perfect match. You do get a bit tired of her adamant feelings towards men, but it works itself out by the end.

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2012 Historical Romance Challenge - Sign up now!

2012 Historical Romance Challenge - Sign up now!

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Do to popular demand I have decided to host the Historical Romance Reading Challenge again for 2012. Although I am making some changes from last year so make sure you read all the details before signing up.

1. Please post the challenge button on your blog sidebar.

2. Sign up using the linky tool below. Please put your name and your blog name in the linky tool. (example: Danielle @ Romance Book Junkies)

3. The challenge is to read 12 Historical Romance novels in a year. Each month you will post your review using the linky tool in that months post. Your book can be a paranormal, fantasy, erotica etc. as long as it takes place in history and is a romance novel. If you have a question as to whether your book qualifies you can email me at romancebookjunkiesdanielle@yahoo.com. You can also use the same review for other challenges as long as its ok with the other blog.

4. Every month there will be a chance to win a bookmark made by Miss Bohemia similar to the ones pictured on her website here so go check them out.

5. At the very end of the challenge who ever has read their 12 books will be entered to win a grand prize.

6. All the giveaways will be international.
7. Be prepared to have some fun. :)

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1. Dana @ Readaholics Anonymous	2. Kylie @ the TalkingTeacup
3. Bitten by Paranormal Romance	4. Sheery @ Sheerys Place

You are next... Click here to enter

Follow Friday

It is also required, that if you participate you must follow the hosts (Parajunkee & Alison Can Read) and the two Feature blogs.

Question: What is your biggest pet peeve when it comes to books? Maybe you don't like love triangles or thin plots? Tell us about it!

 

My biggest pet peeve...when the cover is different from the actual book.  I just read a story where the lead woman has black hair, but the cover is a blond woman.  It drives me nuts.  I tend to look at the cover if I am trying to visualize the characters and it is not clicking for me right away.

 

My second pet peeve is when the names switch in the middle of a story and than revert back, I have had this happen a few times.

 

Lastly, on the pet peeves when it comes to plot whiny heroines, ones who keep repeating the same thing page after page after page but maybe with a twist of words. I could see it happening once, even twice but through out the story it becomes draggy.

Tony's Haven by Dominique Eastwick

Review on Sensual Reads
http://sensualreads.com/?p=8117

A Death That Lingers by Kaylie Newell

A Death that Lingers by Kaylie Newell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Josie Collins knows the next time her husband lays a hand on her it will be with her last breath in mind. On the run from the famous Rock Star Liam, she knows others can't believe she would leave him, he is famous of course, but behind closed doors he is a monster. Running to the only place she feels safe, her Grandparents in Kansas.

Police Chief Paul Stark is aware of Josie's past, something about the haunting woman calls to him. Paul has never been able to move past the death the love of his life, but being around Josie has him questioning if it maybe time.

When Josie's husband is killed in a car crash, she is ready to move on, but something tells her that it may not be that easy. She still feels his presence and the only time she feels safe is in Paul's arms, but Paul keeps pushing her away not wanting to hurt her. Will Paul be too late when realizes that the only way to move on is with Josie by his side.

Overall an intriguing tale, but it did drag a bit in the beginning for me. I really liked Paul Stark, he is haunted by his past and in a way punishing himself over and over afraid of taking another risk again. Would definitely try another Kaylie Newell book again.

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Bok Cover Highlight: Night Fever by Diana Palmer

I love this cover, so vibrant in color.

Night Fever by Diana Palmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rebecca Cullen has not led an average life of a twenty-four year old, with the responibilities two brothers and an ailing grandfather she spends all her time either at work or home working to keep her family afloat. The only spark in her life is the irritating banter she shares with a stunning man she rides the elevator with everyday.

Rourke Kilpatrick is known as a mercilious district attorney who has made it his number one goal to rid the streets of drugs, when Rebecca's brother is arrested on a drug charge they finally meet, but Rebecca is mortified when she learns it is the man she has been throwing jabs at in the elevator.

Rourke finds himself fascinated by Rebecca, who seems to have the weight of the world on her shoulders. A bit of a loner, Rourke ensues himself in Rebecca's life but as her brother continues to spiral downward and a deception is revealed will it turn Rebecca againist Rourke?

I thought this was one of Diana Palmer's better books. Rourke is a hard man, but you understand why and there is a softness to him as he becomes involved with Rebecca. Wonderful read.

View all my reviews