Serial Readers Challenge List

Here is my list for this Challenge. I will be adding as I go!
Link back to the host CPQ!!

Princes Trilogy by Elizabeth Hoyt:
1. The Raven Prince (book 1 read inn 2008)
2. The Leopard Prince (book 2)

Legend of the Four Soldiers by Elizabeth Hoyt:
1. To Taste Temptation (book 1)

Bridgerton by Julia Quinn:
1. The Duke and I (book 1)
2. The Viscount Who Loved Me
3. Offer From a Gentleman

The Black Dagger Brotherhood by JR Ward:
1. Dark Lover (book 1)
2. Lover Eternal
3. Lover Awakened
4. Lover Revealed
5. Lover Unbound
6. Lover Enshrined
7. Lover Avenged

The Lords of Satyr by Elizabeth Amber:
1. Nicholas
2. Raine

Midnight Breed by Lara Adrian:
1. Kiss of Midnight

Elementals by Dawn Thompson:
1. Lord of the Deep

A Seduction at Christmas by Cathy Maxwell

Winter Challenge Title: #7. A book that reminds you of Christmas

Published 2008

Pages:358

From the moment Fiona spies Holburn across the room she feels a connection. Fate is not on her side that night, she has to leave the ball immediately to help her brother and his wife flee to America. Fiona chose to stay behind. Her decision has cost her more than she expected or bargained for.


After her failed attempt to hold Holburn hostage and ransom him for 500 pounds she finds herself relying on him for her life. Holburn has promised to keep Fiona safe from the murderous Irishmen that are hell bent on pinning his murder on her. They are drawn to each other like moths to a candle. Fiona fears her past will prevent Holburn from ever being able to give her what she desires most in life.


Holburn must figure out who is trying to kill him and what better way but to draw the would be killers on to his own turf.A Seduction at Christmas had a decent story line full of deceit. Maxwell keeps you guessing to the "who dunnit" throughout. I didn't feel the passion between Fiona and Holburn though.

2009 Personal Challenge

I have committed myself to two challenges that require me to read nine books first published in 2009. In attempt to jump start my lists for these two challenges I have been searching the internet for up coming releases. I ran across a discussion about "Must Reads for 2009" on Shelfari. A fellow ROR member noted that she would be using 2009 for reading "New to me authors", so most of her books chosen wont be newly released ones. It made me think about what my reading plans are for '09. I introduced myself to several new authors in '08 through the help of fellow readers. I purchased several of these recommended books, yet they still sit on my closet shelf.

I started questioning my logic in purchasing these new to me authors but not reading them and have come to a conclusion. I have not wanted to start these series due to the number of books in them. I have had so many books come to me that I have been dying to read that I just could not see starting a new series that I know would ultimately make me put everything else aside until I completed the series.

So in conjunction with (or in addition to) the few challenges I have committed myself to I am creating my own personal challenge. In 2009 I am committing myself to reading these series:

Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward
Dark Hunter by Sherrily Kenyon
The Bridgertons by Julia Quinn
The Carpathians by Christine Feehan

These are some really long series with the exception of BDB which I believe has only five so far. I have a head start on The Bridgertons and The Carpathians as I have already read one from each.

I have to thank Beth (Carpool Queen) for creating her Serial Challenge, yes I have committed myself to it, because my personal challenge will fit in extremely well there if no where else!

The 2009 Pub Challenge

The 2009 Pub Challenge is being hosted by 1morechapter again this year.

Here are the 2009 rules:

1. Read a minimum of 9 books first published in 2009. You don’t have to buy these. Library books, unabridged audios, or ARCs are all acceptable. To qualify as being first published in 2009, it must be the first time that the book is published in your own country. For example, if a book was published in Australia, England, or Canada in 2008, and then published in the USA in 2009, it counts (if you live in the USA). Newly published trade paperbacks and mass market paperbacks do not count if there has been a hardcover/trade published before 2009. Any questions on what qualifies? Just leave a comment here, and I’ll respond with the answer.
2. No children’s/YA titles allowed, since we’re at the ‘pub.’
3. At least 5 titles must be fiction
4. Crossovers with other challenges are allowed.
5. You can add your titles as you go, and they may be changed at any time.
6. Sign up HERE using Mr. Linky.
7. Have fun reading your 2009 books!

Tentative List:

1. To Beguile a Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt (May 2009)

2. Seduced at Midnight by Jacquie D'Alessandra (Jan 2009)

3. Tempted at Midnight by Jacquie D' Alessandra (April 2009)

4. Mystic Warrior by Patricia Rice (2009)

5. To Desire a Devil by Elizabeth Hoyt (Nov. 2009)

6.

7.

8.

9.

To Taste Temptation by Elizabeth Hoyt

Title#: 11. First Published in 2008
Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 362

Back cover: Lady Emeline Gordon is the model of sophistication in London's elite social cirlces, always fashionable and flawlessly appropriate. As such, she is the perfect chaperone for Rebecca, the young sister of a successful Boston businessman and former Colonial soldier.

Samuel Hartley may be wealthy, but his manners are as uncivilized as the American wilderness he was raised in. Who wears moccasins to a grand ball? His arrogant disregard for propriety infuriates Emeline, even as his boldness excites her.

But beneath Samuel's rakish manner, he is haunted by tragedy. He has come to London to settle a score, not to fall in love. And as desperately as Emeline longs to feel this shameles man's hands upon her, to taste those same lips he uses to tease her, she must restrain herself. She is not free. But some things are beyond a lady's control...

My Review: It was no accident that Samuel rented the house next door to Lady Emeline. His business has brought him to London and to her. Samuel boldly seeks out Lady Emeline and inquires after her expertise in chaperoning his sister Rebecca for the few months that they are in town, not letting on to his hidden agenda. He fully expects to right the wrongs done six years ago, he does not expect the impact that this Lady will have on his soul.
Haunted by demons, Samuel pursues his agenda, enlisting the help of Emeline's unofficial fiance, Lord Vale. As the search for the traitor persists, Samuel finds himself falling in love with Emeline.
I was not overly fond of Emeline. Something about her personality just didn't sit well with me. It was almost as if she has been made out to be a martyr, all the men she has ever loved have left her and now she will marry a man only because it is the right thing to do. Her prickliness towards Samuel grated my nerves on more than one occasion.
To Taste Temptation has a Romeo and Juliet feel to it...Lady Emeline is the daughter, sister, and mother to Earls while Samuel is a base born American with money. A match between these two would be a huge faux pas in society's eyes. I enjoyed the story. I really liked Samuel's character and his fight with the demons that could ultimately destroy him if he allows it.
I really liked the Iron Heart tale.

Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas

Rating: 5 stars
Title#: 6. Book by Lisa Kleypas
Pages: 368
Published: 2006

Back Cover: Easily the shyest Wallflower, Evangeline Jenner stands to become the wealthiest, once her inheritance comes due. Because she must first escape the clutches of her unscrupulous relatives, Evie has approached the rake Viscount St. Vincent with a most outrageous proposition: marriage!
Sebastian's reputation is so dangerous that thirty seconds alone with him will ruin any maiden's good name. Still, this bewitching chit appeared, unchaperoned, on his doorstep to offer her hand. Certainly an aristocrat with a fine eye for beauty could do far worse.
But Evie's proposal comes with a condition: no lovemaking after their wedding night. She will never become just another of the dashing libertine's callously discarded broken hearts- which means Sebastian will simply have to work harder at his seductions... or perhaps surrender his own heart for the very first time in the name of true love.

Review: This is the third book in the Wallflower series. I have heard that it is by far the best of all. I wanted to be different so I went into reading this book with the thoughts that I thought It Happened One Autumn was the best and there was no way that Devil in Winter would top it. Boy was I wrong, I have fallen into the hordes of people who all believe that Devil in Winter is the best one!! After what Sebastian attempted in It Happened One Autumn I could not believe that he was going to be the hero of this book... surely Evie would come to her senses before reaching Gretna Green. I enjoyed watching Sebastian struggle with the unknown feelings and being brought to the brink of insanity by sweet little Evie. Who would have thought that this "tangle-tongue" mild tempered woman had it in her to tame the most notorious rake in London. I absolutely loved this book!

I must point out that I have read three books for this challenge and all of them have been top notch 5 star ratings... I must be on a roll this month!!

Honor's Splendour by Julie Garwood

Rating: 5 stars

Title#: 1. Readers Choice

Pages: 374

Back Cover: In the feuding English court, gentle Lady Madelyne suffered the cruel whims of her ruthless brother Baron Louddon. Then, in vengeance for a bitter crime, Baron Duncan of Wexton- The Wolf- unleashed his warriors against Louddon's domain. Exquisite Madelyne was the prize he captured... but when he gazed upon the proud beauty, he pledged to protect her with his life. In his rough-hewn castle, Duncan proved true to his honor. But when at last their noble passion conquered them both, she surrendered with all her soul. Now, for love, Madelyne would stand fast... as bravely as her Lord, the powerful Wolf who fought for ...HONOR'S SPLENOUR.

Review: From the moment Madelyne warms Duncan's feet she is bound to him, but Duncan is using her as a pawn in his feud with Louddon. Madelyne has practiced hiding her emotions from all, seething inside she appears to be very serene on the outside. Duncan has been the only one to see past her barriers to the insecure little girl that hides beneath. He promises that he will not harm or dishonor her, yet he uses her for his own purposes.

Honor's Splendour was funny, sweet, and passionate. This was definitely a page turner and one I could not put down. I think it is by far one of the best books that I have read this year and by this author.

A Pirate of Her Own by Kinley MacGregor

Winter Challenge #10 Read a book that has a Viking or Pirate in it!

RATG 1. Pirate or Viking: A Pirate Of Her Own by Kinley Macgregor
1999
371 pages

Rating: 5 stars

Back Cover: Few know Morgan Drake's true name- but many fear the Sea Wolf, the scourge of the ocean, a fearless pirate who frees impressed American sailors from British vessels. Mow a beautiful reporter is willing to risk her life, her innocence, and her heart to reveal the secrets that Morgan is determined to protect at any cost...
A headstrong and courageous young woman in a man's world, Serenity James knows she is barely tolerated in her father's newspaper office. An exclusive story about the dreaded Sea Wolf, however, will earn her the respect she so fervently desires. But she never expected to be kidnapped by the sexy and dangerous brigand whose bold exploits have fired her imagination- or to discover the adventure she's always longed for in Morgan Drake's passionate caress.

My Thoughts: This was an absolute delight to read. I could not put it down and was sorely disappointed to have it end. Serenity is definitely headstrong, her father has often asked why her mother gave her the name Serenity and said that she should have named her Incense. Her greatest trait is that of being able to antagonize a person who is ready to strangle her. These traits do not fade in the face of Morgan Drake, who she should fear to her very last breath.
Serenity and Morgan butt heads from the moment they meet in her father's newspaper office. Morgan is at a loss as to how the woman is constantly able to back him out of a room and close the door in his face before he realizes which way is up. The banter between these two is hilarious. I actually marked a few pages to go back to this time around!! Serenity's lecture on why woman are equal to men and her response to Morgan's comment " why God made women the fairer sex who faint at the slightest scare" was priceless. I have to say that it is a must read for all of you readers out there that love Pirates!!!

The Peacemaker by Lori Copeland

Inspirational
published 2005
298 pages

I read The Peacemaker for the Read Around the Genre challenge. I had a hard time finding a title that fell under Inspirational as this category is definitely one that I don't frequent. On vacation on year I was need of a book and the resort just so happened to have books available for check out. I ran across a Lori Copeland title and really enjoyed it. So when I came across her while searching the inspirational authors and titles I figured I would give this one a try.

The Peacemaker is the first in Copeland's Men of the Saddle series.

Wynne Elliot is hell bent on finding Cass Claxton and shooting on the spot for stealing her blind and leaving her at the altar. She takes off across the country to River Run Missouri only to have the stagecoach she is traveling on robbed 5 miles outside of town. She has had it with men, you can't trust any of them! When Beau and Cole come up to aid the displaced travelers she pulls a gun on them and ultimately ends up making a complete fool of herself. She unknowingly excepts help from Cass's family.
When Cole finds out what Wynne is really up to he tells himself that he is only following the pain-in-the- you know what to prevent her from killing his baby brother. Why should he help out this spitfire, she is liable to get them both killed.
Reminding herself of one of the Ten Commandments, Thou shall not kill, she is constantly at battle with herself and asking God's forgiveness. Cole is asking the good Lord for enough strength to do what is right and not abandon this "Addlebrained woman" on the side of the road without the means or skills to survive.

While not my normal cup of tea, I did enjoy this book. My interest is definitely piqued enough to want to continue with the series eventually.
Rating 4... I know it is inspirational, but no where near enough passion or steam for me!