Men in Uniform Reading Challenge

I just got promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant!!!

TheBookVixen keeps enticing me into reading challenges. The latest is the Men in Uniform challenge.

The goal is to read as many novels that involve men in inform as you’d like. It can be a policeman, firefighter, paramedic, Army, Navy, Marine Corp., etc. – As long as the leading man wears some sort of uniform, it counts.

Current Level: Lieutenant(6-10 books)

9. Cowboy Deputy by Carla Cassidy 4/24
8. The Knitting Diaries: Return to Summer Island by Christina Skye 4/23
7. Breaking the Rules, Troubleshooters #16 by Suzanne Brockmann 3/23
6. Flash Point, Holding Out for a Hero, #3 by Shelli Stevens 3/18
5. Becoming Miss Becky by Shannon Stacey 2/13
4. Everyone Loves a Hero by Marie Force 2/13 (So do pilots!)
3. Icebreaker by Deidre Martin 2/6 (Hockey players wear uniforms!)
2. Deadly Valentine: The February 14th Secret by Cindy Dees 2/6
1. SEALed with a Kiss by Jill Monroe 1/23

GoodReads Reading Tournament: The Name Game Edition

Since I’m reading anyway, I might as well play in another Challenge: GoodReads Reading Tournament – The Name Game Edition. Heck, they are getting me to branch out my reading some.

So this challenge runs from May 1 to October 30 (which will encompass the October 2011 24 Hour Readathon on October 22). The goal is to check off names on the list by reading books where these names are used for characters. You may check off a maximum of 4 names from one book.

Some of these names are pretty hard so if you have any suggestions for good books, PLEASE let me know.

Girls' Names	Boys' Names
Aaliyah	Aaron
Abby	Adam
Abigail	Adrian
Addison	Aiden
Adriana	Alex
Alana	Alexander
Alexa	Andrew
Alexandra	Anthony
Alexis	Austin
Allison	Benjamin
Alyssa	Blake
Amelia	Brady
Anna	Brandon
Annabelle	Brayden
Arianna	Brody
Ashlyn	Bryce
Aubrey	Caden
Audrey	Caleb
Ava	Cameron
Avery	Carson
Bailey	Carter
Bella	Charlie
Brianna	Chase
Brooke	Christian
Brooklyn	Christopher
Cadence	Cole
Camryn	Colin
Carly	Colton
Caroline	Connor
Charlotte	Cooper
Chloe	Daniel
Claire	David
Elizabeth	Devin
Ella	Dominic
Ellie	Dylan
Emily	Eli
Emma	Elijah
Eva	Ethan
Evelyn	Evan
Gabriella	Gabriel
Gianna	Gavin
Grace	Grayson
Gracie	Hayden
Hailey	Henry
Hannah	Hudson
Harper	Hunter
Isabella	Ian
Isabelle	Isaac
Jada	Isaiah
Jasmine	Jack
Jordyn	Jackson
Julia	Jacob
Juliana	Jake
Kaitlyn	James
Katherine	Jason
Kayla	Jayden
Kaylee	Jeremiah
Keira	John
Kendall	Jonathan
Kennedy	Jordan
Kylie	Joseph
Lauren	Joshua
Layla	Josiah
Leah	Julian
Lillian	Justin
Lily	Landon
Lucy	Levi
Lyla	Liam
Mackenzie	Logan
Madelyn	Lucas
Madison	Luke
Makayla	Mason
Makenna	Matthew
Maria	Max
Maya	Micah
Megan	Michael
Mia	Miles
Molly	Nathan
Morgan	Nathaniel
Natalie	Nicholas
Nevaeh	Noah
Nora	Nolan
Olivia	Oliver
Paige	Owen
Peyton	Parker
Reagan	Riley
Riley	Robert
Sadie	Ryan
Samantha	Ryder
Sarah	Sam
Savannah	Samuel
Scarlett	Sean
Sophia	Sebastian
Sophie	Thomas
Stella	Tristan
Sydney	Tyler
Taylor	William
Victoria	Wyatt
Violet	Xavier
Zoe	Zachary

That’s Amore by Erin McCarthy

That's Amore by Erin McCarthy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Paige has been in love with her best friend's brother, Jeff, since she was ten. But 3 years ago, he broke her heart. Now they are thrown back together when Gina leaves her son with Paige. Will Paige forgive him?

This book came as a recommendation for a friend on GoodReads. Erin McCarthy is an author I enjoy and the book was a great price, so how could I not purchase it. It is a quick an easy read that had me laughing out loud in public.

View all my reviews

Into the Night by Janelle Denison

Into the Night by Janelle Denison
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Nathan Fox has his reasons for going after a missing girl. Nicole Hutton has her own personal reasons. Can the two work together to find justice for young girls who are being preyed upon?

While this book was predictable (you could see it coming for miles), it still kept me riveted wondering when it was going to turn REALLY ugly. I will still probably pick up the next installed of The Reliance Group...because we all really want to know what happens with Caleb and Valerie.

View all my reviews

Mountain Ranger Recon

Mountain Ranger Recon by Carol Ericson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Really, most of the books are better than the cheesy covers lead you to believe. I'm looking forward to the next installment in the Brothers In Arms series.

View all my reviews

2011 May Monthly Reading Challenge

Goodread May Reading Challenge
Level 2:  0 of 6 Completed
Level 3:  0 0f 8 Completed
Okay, I have to admit that this is an interesting challenge…this is really going to stretch my boundaries. 
1. M is for May:

1.2 Read a book with a cover that makes you say, "Mmmmm!" and you have to post a link to that drool worthy cover so we all know what makes you drool. When You Dare (Men Who Walk on the Edge of Honor, #1) by Lori Foster
1.3 Read a m/m romance where the one of the lead character's names start with M. A Realistic Romance by Andi Anderson

2. Birthday:

2.3. Read a book rated four or five stars with which you are completely unfamiliar from a May B-day celebrant’s GR bookshelf whose “day” falls on the same “day” as yours. If no one has the exact same day, then go for the closest date. (Alecia) Falling by Christopher Pike

3. Geography:

3.2. Read a book whose author, setting, AND characters are from India. The Sari Shop Widow by Shobhan Bantwal
3.3. Read a book whose author, setting, and characters are from India in Hindi or some other native Indian dialect.

4. Cinco de Mayo:

4.2. Read a book that is the fifth in a series or has five words in the title. Breaking Point (I-Team, #5) by Pamela Clare
4.3. Read a book that has a recipe that calls for mayo. Life From Scratch by Melissa Ford

5. Mother May I:

5.3. Read a BDSM book. (After all, isn't BDSM all about one person following the commands of another person and trusting that they will get you where they want to go? So it's really like a full contact adult version of Mother May I.) Club Shadowlands by Cherise Sinclair

6. "Mayday mayday mayday! We're going down!":

6.3. Read a book where the h/h are involved in a plane crash or a shipwreck (bonus points if they actually use the term "Mayday mayday mayday!") The Summer I Dared by Barbara Delinsky

7. April showers bring May flowers (and what do Mayflowers bring? Pilgrims!):

7.2. Read a book about a religious colony. Lamb, The Gospel According to Biff by Christopher Moore
7.3. Read a book about a religious colony with a picture of flowers on the front cover.

8. Maybe if things had been different... Maybe things will change in the future.... The world is full of maybes, might bes, and might have beens:

8.3. Past alternative realities might be the toughest. What if something was different in the past? Steampunk? What if the Axis won WWII? Read a historical with an alternative reality. Photographs & Phantoms by Cindy Spencer Pape

9. Friday the 13th!:

9.2. Since the date has become associated with a certain mass murdering psychopath, read a book that would be considered HORROR or at least a scary book. Hush (Lodestone Trilogy, #1) by Cherry Adair
9.3. Read a horror book with a 'luck' title. Lady Luck by Jane Toombs

10. Reader's Choice: I'll let you pick your own three levels. Just remember to have an open mind and pick a good one.

Shiver of Fear by Roxanne St. Claire

Shiver of Fear by Roxanne St. Claire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This had some twists that I wasn't expecting. Looking forward to more from the Angelinos!

View all my reviews

Navy Seal Security (Brothers in Arms, #1) by Carol Ericson

Navy SEAL Security by Carol Ericson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Why oh why do I get sucked in to these stories? But alas, I know need to know what happens to Jack and the "Brothers In Arms."

View all my reviews

2011 April Monthly Reading Challenge

Goodreads April Monthly Reading Challenge

10 of 10 Complete Done already thanks to Dewey’s 24 Hour Readathon!!

1. April: Already Home by Susan Mallery 4/9
2. Birthday: (APretty5) Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Philips 4/11
3. Geography: Driftwood Cottage (Chesapeake Shores, #5) by Sherryl Woods 4/3
4. Fourth Month: The Chase (Fast Track, #4) by Erin McCarthy 4/8
5. The Royal Wedding: My One and Only by Kristan Higgins 4/10
6. April Fool's Day (February (5) Second Chances): The Sweetest Thing (Lucky Harbor, #2) by Jill Shalvis 4/5
7. Find-A-Rainbow Day: All Through The Night (Troubleshooters, #12) by Suzanne Brockmann 
8. Taxes are due in US (15 April): Love for Sale by Shelli Stevens 4/9
9. Pets Are Wonderful month (nodding also to Pet Owners Day, World Rat Day and National Hairball Awareness Day): Just Pretending (Montana Mavericks, #35) by Myrna Mackenzie 4/9
10. Reader's Choice: The Welcome Home Garden Club (Twilight, Texas #4) by Lori Wilde 4/10

All Through The Night by Suzanne Brockmann

All Through the Night: A Troubleshooter Christmas by Suzanne Brockmann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this once before back when it was first released in 2007. I always loved Jules character and I'm thrilled that Brockmann wrote this story of trust, love, and commitment for these characters.

I re-read this book for the Goodreads 2011 April Monthly Challenge Find a Rainbow Day: Read an LGBT book, a book with at least 3 of the 7 colours of a rainbow on it's cover, or a book with a title that includes the word: dream/s, wish/es, or rainbow.

This book is SO much more than an LGBT book which is why I chose to read it. Published just as gay marriage was AGAIN coming under attack, this book serves as a great reminder that the sanctity of marriage is NOT just between a man and a woman but is about the value and commitment that two people (regardless of gender) have for each other.


View all my reviews

Get Lucky by Lorie O'Clare

Get Lucky by Lorie O'Clare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoying this series...and interesting backdrop of gamesmanship...wondering how much we'll see it play out. Enjoyed Marc's story....maybe Jake's is next???

View all my reviews

2011 April Monthly Reading Challenge

Goodreads April Monthly Reading Challenge

8 of 10 Complete

1. April: Already Home by Susan Mallery 4/9
2. Birthday: (APretty5) Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Philips
3. Geography: Driftwood Cottage (Chesapeake Shores, #5) by Sherryl Woods 4/3
4. Fourth Month: The Chase (Fast Track, #4) by Erin McCarthy 4/8
5. The Royal Wedding: My One and Only by Kristan Higgins 4/10
6. April Fool's Day (February (5) Second Chances): The Sweetest Thing (Lucky Harbor, #2) by Jill Shalvis 4/5
7. Find-A-Rainbow Day: Read an LGBT book, a book with at least 3 of the 7 colours of a rainbow (violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, red) on it's cover, or a book with a title that includes the word: dream/s, wish/es, or rainbow.
8. Taxes are due in US (15 April): Love for Sale by Shelli Stevens 4/9
9. Pets Are Wonderful month (nodding also to Pet Owners Day, World Rat Day and National Hairball Awareness Day): Just Pretending (Montana Mavericks, #35) by Myrna Mackenzie 4/9
10. Reader's Choice: The Welcome Home Garden Club (Twilight, Texas #4) by Lori Wilde 4/10

April 2011 #Readathon: The End

Raised $300; Completed 6 books; Read 1785 pages

Yep, I made it…more or less…pretty sure there was some drifting on and off between 5:30am and 8:00am. I definitely wasn’t interested in staying up to make a final post.  But it is noon and I’m not feeling too bad…although ask me later when I’m working on the list of things John wants to accomplish today. At least he has gone out in search of coffee for me.

But it was fun and worth it! I love to read and this is a great way to give reading back….locally and globally. It is so much fun to do something like this with a group of people…462 people signed up to participate. It was great following the blog posts, checking in to see what people were reading and how they were doing, and just being able to engage with others.

Next Dewey’s Readathon: October 2011
I plan to be there! I hope you’ll join me!

Title: The Welcome Home Garden Club (Twilight, Texas, #4)
Author:  Lori Wilde
Number of Pages: 0 of 400 (0%)
Time Started: 4/10/2011  03:45
Time Completed:   4/10/2011
Description: Traditional meaning of Pink and White Roses: I love you still and always will.

Caitlyn Marsh stopped believing in happily-ever-after when high-school sweetheart, Gideon Garza, left for Iraq. Now she raises her small son while her matchmaking gardening club members drive her crazy. Then Caitlyn's world turns upside-down when Gideon swaggers back to Twilight.

Gideon had left town in the middle of night with threats ringing in his ears. A lot of things have changed since then. This bad boy-turned-Green Beret bears scars from the war, the timid girl he loved is an independent mother, and the father who refused to recognize his son in life has, in death, left him a vast cattle ranch.

He still aches for Caitlyn, and now there's a dark-haired boy who looks exactly like Gideon did at that age. Could the child be his? And can this war-weary soldier overcome the scars of the past to claim the family he so richly deserves?

Comments: Reading this book for the Goodreads April Monthly Reading Challenge as Fourth Month: Read a book that is fourth in a series, or has four words in the title.

24 HOUR RESULTS

Number of Books Read: 6
Number of Pages Read: 1785
Money Raised: $300
For each book that I read, I will be donating $25 to both Project Read and to Room to Read.

April 2011 #Readathon: 3am

Yes, I’m still here! Spent some time reading and it got away from me.  Off to check on others then start reading again.

JUST FINISHED

Title: My One and Only
Author:  Kristan Higgins
Number of Pages: 385 of 385 (100%)
Time Started: 4/9/2011  19:41
Time Completed:   4/10/2011 03:27
Description: Divorce attorney Harper James can't catch a break. Bad enough that she runs into her ex-hubby, Nick, at her sister's destination wedding, but now, by a cruel twist of fate, she's being forced to make a cross-country road trip with him. And her almost-fiancé back at home is not likely to be sympathetic.

Harper can't help that Nick has come blazing back into her life in all of his frustratingly appealing, gorgeous architect glory. But in Nick's eyes, Harper's always been the one. If they can only get it right this time, forever might be waiting—just around the bend.

Comments: Reading this book for the Goodreads April Monthly Reading Challenge as The Royal Wedding book: Read a book with a royal character, a book centering on a wedding or a book with a predominantly blue cover.

NEXT UP

Title: The Welcome Home Garden Club (Twilight, Texas, #4)
Author:  Lori Wilde
Number of Pages: 0 of 400 (0%)
Time Started: 4/10/2011  03:45
Time Completed:  
Description: Traditional meaning of Pink and White Roses: I love you still and always will.

Caitlyn Marsh stopped believing in happily-ever-after when high-school sweetheart, Gideon Garza, left for Iraq. Now she raises her small son while her matchmaking gardening club members drive her crazy. Then Caitlyn's world turns upside-down when Gideon swaggers back to Twilight.

Gideon had left town in the middle of night with threats ringing in his ears. A lot of things have changed since then. This bad boy-turned-Green Beret bears scars from the war, the timid girl he loved is an independent mother, and the father who refused to recognize his son in life has, in death, left him a vast cattle ranch.

He still aches for Caitlyn, and now there's a dark-haired boy who looks exactly like Gideon did at that age. Could the child be his? And can this war-weary soldier overcome the scars of the past to claim the family he so richly deserves?

Comments: Reading this book for the Goodreads April Monthly Reading Challenge as Fourth Month: Read a book that is fourth in a series, or has four words in the title.

24 HOUR RESULTS

Number of Books Read: 5
Number of Pages Read: 1385
Money Raised: $250
For each book that I read, I will be donating $25 to both Project Read and to Room to Read.

April 2011 #Readathon: 12am

Hmmm…some how I missed by 10pm post…and why is it that when I don’t want to stay up all night reading I do…and now that I want to stay up, I want a nap?

John brought be a cocktail to celebrate the midway point! What a great guy…plus he is working on cooking dinner. Here is the link to the Readathon Dinner (including recipes)

And my Kindle made it 12 hours before having to be recharged (that is with the wireless on the whole time).

CURRENTLY READIN G

Title: My One and Only
Author:  Kristan Higgins
Number of Pages: 134 of 385 (35%)
Time Started: 4/9/2011  19:41
Time Completed:  
Description: Divorce attorney Harper James can't catch a break. Bad enough that she runs into her ex-hubby, Nick, at her sister's destination wedding, but now, by a cruel twist of fate, she's being forced to make a cross-country road trip with him. And her almost-fiancé back at home is not likely to be sympathetic.

Harper can't help that Nick has come blazing back into her life in all of his frustratingly appealing, gorgeous architect glory. But in Nick's eyes, Harper's always been the one. If they can only get it right this time, forever might be waiting—just around the bend.

Comments: Reading this book for the Goodreads April Monthly Reading Challenge as The Royal Wedding book: Read a book with a royal character, a book centering on a wedding or a book with a predominantly blue cover.

24 HOUR RESULTS

Number of Books Read: 4
Number of Pages Read: 1000
Money Raised: $200
For each book that I read, I will be donating $25 to both Project Read and to Room to Read.

2011 April #Readathon: 8pm

It is the half way point…the day has gone very fast. And the new router was installed with no interruption in service. And I’ve finished 4 books and 1000 pages.

In my last post I neglected to post the Already Home menu recommended for book club discussions. It fit perfectly with Book Journey’s Book Club Recommendations Mini- Challenge where I recommended this book.

Here is the menu (found at Kindle Location 5470):

• Drink: Margaritas
• Appetizers: Jalapeno Poppers
• Meal: Jenna’s Mocha Chili (recipe included)
• Dessert: Apricot Fluff

Mid-Event Survey:
1. What are you reading right now? Just starting  My One and Only by Kristan Higgins
2. How many books have you read so far? 4
3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon? Not yet sure what I’ll be reading
4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day? I have something that I normally do on Saturday mornings (massage, pedicure) and during past readathons I’ve kept those appointments but I always felt like I was starting late. This year I rescheduled them. It was a good choice!
5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those? Nope, for the first time no interruptions. My husband has been taking very good care of me.
6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far? I’m still trying to find the right balance or reading books, blogging, and reading others blogs. I feel like I ‘m doing the best I have ever done at this.
7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? I will have to think some more on that.
8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year? Not sure yet…I’m pretty comfortable with the way things are going this year. I started out trying to post every hour but I’m backing it off to about every 2 hours unless I finish a book
9. Are you getting tired yet? Surprisingly not even though I woke up 2 hours earlier than planned; although eyes were a little tired there for a while.
10. Do you have any tips for other Readers or Cheerleaders, something you think is working well for you that others may not have discovered? For the first time I’m using Google Reader to follow others blog posts and it is working really well for me.

JUST FINISHED

Title: Love for Sale 
Author: Shelli Stevens
Number of Pages: 120 of 120
Time Started: 4/9/2011 18:45
Time Completed: 4/9/2011 19:41
Description:
After her oversexed grandma talks her into signing up for the 'Buy a Dame' fundraiser, Jessica Davis gets a makeover and goes on the auction block. She never expected the roughly sexy man who'd buy her, or the plans he had in store. Josh Thomas came to Leaf Island after his grandpa died to do some hard core thinking. He hadn't planned on buying a woman for the weekend and then falling hard for her. She seems equally enamored, but will she still want him when she finds out the one thing he's been hiding?

Comments: Reading this book for the Goodreads April Monthly Reading Challenge as the Tax Day book; Taxes are due in US (15 April): Read a book with an accountant/book-keeper character, or due to a shortage of funds, read a free or borrowed (library, friend etc) book.

UP NEXT

Title:  My One and Only 
Author:  Kristan Higgins
Number of Pages: 0 of 385
Time Started: 4/9/2011  19:41
Time Completed:  
Description: Divorce attorney Harper James can't catch a break. Bad enough that she runs into her ex-hubby, Nick, at her sister's destination wedding, but now, by a cruel twist of fate, she's being forced to make a cross-country road trip with him. And her almost-fiancé back at home is not likely to be sympathetic.

Harper can't help that Nick has come blazing back into her life in all of his frustratingly appealing, gorgeous architect glory. But in Nick's eyes, Harper's always been the one. If they can only get it right this time, forever might be waiting—just around the bend.

Comments: Reading this book for the Goodreads April Monthly Reading Challenge as The Royal Wedding book: Read a book with a royal character, a book centering on a wedding or a book with a predominantly blue cover.

24 HOUR RESULTS

Number of Books Read: 4
Number of Pages Read: 1000
Money Raised: $200
For each book that I read, I will be donating $25 to both Project Read and to Room to Read.

April 2011 #Readathon: 6pm

I’ve been missing in action for several hours. I guess I should find a good mix of posting and reading. Five hours seems too long between checking in and posting.

I’m using Google Reader to keep up with the friends blogs during the Readathon. However, @notarevolution set up a Twitter List called “readathon0411” of everyone participating who is also tweeting. @Sanddanz has been using that to follow Readathon activity. I definitely prefer Google Reader...there have been 157 tweets since the last time I looked at it...no way am I going to spend time reading through all of them. Although I do like the idea of randomly clicking on the post of someone I'm not following on Google Reader.

Some of my favorite tweets since the last time I looked:

mjmbecky One Literature Nut

Went downstairs to get big glass of water & cat looked up at w/ sleepy, why-are-you-home-during-my-sleepy-time face. Leaving him alone now.

ewillse Elizabeth W

Good lord, is it hour 6 already! I thought I'd have read more!#readathon but I won a prize! woo! @readathon

Okay…off to see what everyone else has been doing for the last few hours. Hopefully, John is going to start dinner soon because I’m hungry again.

CURRENTLY READING

Title: Almost Home
Author: Susan Mallery
Number of Pages: of 368
Time Started: 4/9/2011 13:02
Time Completed: 4/9/2011 18:13
Description:
After nearly a decade as a sous chef in a trendy eatery, Jenna is desperate for a change. She’s supported her ex-husband’s dreams for so long that she can’t even remember her own. Until she sees a for-lease sign near her parents’ home and envisions her very own cooking store. Her crash course in business is aided by a street-wise store manager and Jenna’s adoptive mother. But just as she’s gaining a foothold in her new life, in walk her birth parents – aging hippies on a quest to reconnect with their firstborn.
Now Jenna must figure out how to reconcile the free-spirited Serenity and Tom with her traditional parents, deal with her feelings for a new love interest and decide what to do about her ex’s latest outrageous request. In the end, Jenna will find that there is no perfect family, only the people we love…

Comments: Okay…once we got past Aaron I really started to like Jenna. But in reality I feel in love with all of the characters in this very moving story which left me laughing and crying.

Reading this book for the Goodreads April Monthly Reading Challenge as the April book where the title or author’s name starts with “A.”

NEXT UP

Title: Love for Sale 
Author: Susan Mallery
Number of Pages: of 368
Time Started: 4/9/2011 13:02
Time Completed: 4/9/2011 18:13
Description:
After her oversexed grandma talks her into signing up for the 'Buy a Dame' fundraiser, Jessica Davis gets a makeover and goes on the auction block. She never expected the roughly sexy man who'd buy her, or the plans he had in store. Josh Thomas came to Leaf Island after his grandpa died to do some hard core thinking. He hadn't planned on buying a woman for the weekend and then falling hard for her. She seems equally enamored, but will she still want him when she finds out the one thing he's been hiding?

Comments: Reading this book for the Goodreads April Monthly Reading Challenge as the Tax Day book; Taxes are due in US (15 April): Read a book with an accountant/book-keeper character, or due to a shortage of funds, read a free or borrowed (library, friend etc) book.

24 HOUR RESULTS

Number of Books Read: 3
Number of Pages Read: 880
Money Raised: $150
For each book that I read, I will be donating $25 to both Project Read and toRoom to Read.

April 2011 #Readathon: 1pm

Okay, I quick post update. I’m going to take a page from Shaunesay and not attempt to post EVERY hour. 

Sometime today, I’m expecting our new router to be installed. At that point I’ll be relying on my DroidX to keep up the the Readathon goings-on.

Now off to visit some friends blogs before starting my next book.

CURRENTLY READING

Title:  Storming Whitehorn (Montana Mavericks, #36)
Author: Christine Scott
Number of Pages: 256 of 256 (100%)
Time Started: 4/9/2011 08:45
Time Completed: 4/9/2011 13:00
Description:
If only he could stay away...

Storm Hunter's return to Whitehorn sent tremors through the town—and shock waves of desire through innocent Jasmine Kincaid Monroe. But then Storm discovered the Monroes might have had something to do with this brother's long-ago disappearance....

Comments: Yes, I need to read this IMMEDIATELY after completing the previous book in the series. And is it possible to come up with a cheesier looking cover?

Now that the murder of Storm’s brother, Raven, has been resolved, I wonder what drama will be in store for Whitehorn in the May Montana Maverick releases.

NEXT UP

Title: Almost Home
Author: Susan Mallery
Number of Pages:
Time Started: 4/9/2011 13:02
Time Completed:
Description:
After nearly a decade as a sous chef in a trendy eatery, Jenna is desperate for a change. She’s supported her ex-husband’s dreams for so long that she can’t even remember her own. Until she sees a for-lease sign near her parents’ home and envisions her very own cooking store. Her crash course in business is aided by a street-wise store manager and Jenna’s adoptive mother. But just as she’s gaining a foothold in her new life, in walk her birth parents – aging hippies on a quest to reconnect with their firstborn.
Now Jenna must figure out how to reconcile the free-spirited Serenity and Tom with her traditional parents, deal with her feelings for a new love interest and decide what to do about her ex’s latest outrageous request. In the end, Jenna will find that there is no perfect family, only the people we love…

Comments: Reading this book for the Goodreads April Monthly Reading Challenge as the April book where the title or author’s name starts with “A.”

24 HOUR RESULTS

Number of Books Read: 2
Number of Pages Read: 512
Money Raised: $100
For each book that I read, I will be donating $25 to both Project Read and to Room to Read.

April 2011 #Readathon: Noon

Nachos and chocolate for lunch, thanks honey!

It feels like my reading is going EXTREMELY slowly but I’m having fun taking a little time each hour to check to see what others are posting. Google Reader has made it easier for me to follow several people blogging.

It is a dreary, cloudy day here in Dayton…making it a perfect day for doing nothing but reading.

CURRENTLY READING

Title:  Storming Whitehorn (Montana Mavericks, #36)
Author: Christine Scott
Number of Pages: 184 of 256 (72%)
Time Started: 4/9/2011 
Time Completed:
Description:
If only he could stay away...

Storm Hunter's return to Whitehorn sent tremors through the town—and shock waves of desire through innocent Jasmine Kincaid Monroe. But then Storm discovered the Monroes might have had something to do with this brother's long-ago disappearance....

Comments: Yes, I need to read this IMMEDIATELY after completing the previous book in the series. And is it possible to come up with a cheesier looking cover?

24 HOUR RESULTS

Number of Books Read: 1
Number of Pages Read: 228
Money Raised: $50
For each book that I read, I will be donating $25 to both Project Read and to Room to Read.

April 2011 #Readathon: 11am

While I’m diligently reading, John is finishing the taxes. Depressing to think about the checks we are about to write. So I’m going to stop thinking about that and go back to thinking about the Readathon.

Sending him out for food NOW!!! I need to eat!

CURRENTLY READING

Title:  Storming Whitehorn (Montana Mavericks, #36)
Author: Christine Scott
Number of Pages: 117 of 256 (46%)
Time Started: 4/9/2011 
Time Completed:
Description:
If only he could stay away...

Storm Hunter's return to Whitehorn sent tremors through the town—and shock waves of desire through innocent Jasmine Kincaid Monroe. But then Storm discovered the Monroes might have had something to do with this brother's long-ago disappearance....

Comments: Yes, I need to read this IMMEDIATELY after completing the previous book in the series. And is it possible to come up with a cheesier looking cover?

24 HOUR RESULTS

Number of Books Read: 1
Number of Pages Read: 161
Money Raised: $50
For each book that I read, I will be donating $25 to both Project Read and to Room to Read.

April 2011 #Readathon: 10am

Wow! How is another hour gone already?

Check out where the other Readathon participants are throughout the world: Where In The World Are You Reading?

And I thought I’d post pictures of my helpers:

CURRENTLY READING

Title:  Storming Whitehorn (Montana Mavericks, #36)
Author: Christine Scott
Number of Pages: 64 of 256 (25%)
Time Started: 4/9/2011 
Time Completed:
Description:
If only he could stay away...

Storm Hunter's return to Whitehorn sent tremors through the town—and shock waves of desire through innocent Jasmine Kincaid Monroe. But then Storm discovered the Monroes might have had something to do with this brother's long-ago disappearance....

Comments: Yes, I need to read this IMMEDIATELY after completing the previous book in the series. And is it possible to come up with a cheesier looking cover?

24 HOUR RESULTS

Number of Books Read: 1
Number of Pages Read: 108
Money Raised: $50
For each book that I read, I will be donating $25 to both Project Read and to Room to Read.

April 2011 #Readathon: 9am

It has been a good first hour…finished my first book…of course, I only had 44 pages to finish. I’ve been reading from the comfort of my Sleep Number adjustable bed. It provides full body support and lets me sit up, lay down, or find a position in between. Oh and the cats have been keeping me company and cheering me on…well if you consider sleeping cheering me on.

1. Where are you reading from today?
   Dayton OH
2. Three random facts about me…
1. I thought I would be more mature at 51 than I feel
2. I love travel, food, and wine
3. I’ve been married for almost 26 years to the most amazing man who hasn’t expressed any concern about the fact that he will be taking care of everything today so that I can read
3. How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours?
   That is a hard question to answer. There are 36 samples on my kindle to choose from.
4. Do you have any goals for the read-a-thon (i.e. number of books, number of pages, number of hours, or number of comments on blogs)?
   I hope to make it the full 24 hours. I am also donating $50 for each book I read.
5. If you’re a veteran read-a-thoner, any advice for people doing this for the first time?
   I find it hardest to manage the amount of time that I spend reading blogs and participating with actually reading. I try to limit the time that I spent on the blogging stuff to less than 15 minutes per hour. This year I’m using the alarm on my clock to help

FINISHED

Title:  Just Pretending (Montana Mavericks, #35)
Author: Myrna Mackenzie
Number of Pages: 256 of 256 (100%)
Time Started: 4/9/2011 0800
Time Completed: 4/9/2011 0833
Description:
First they were partners. Then they were pretending to be engaged.

FBI Agent David Hannon's plans for a quiet vacation in his hometown were overturned by a murder investigation. And officer Gretchen Neal wasn't making his nights peaceful, either—especially as the case had them working very closely together....

Comments: I really enjoy the Montana Mavericks series. Set in and near Whitehorn Montana there is intrigue and a great cast of characters. I also love that the series is written and woven together by different authors.

CURRENTLY READING

Title:  Storming Whitehorn (Montana Mavericks, #36)
Author: Christine Scott
Number of Pages: 10 of 256 (4%)
Time Started: 4/9/2011 
Time Completed:
Description:
If only he could stay away...

Storm Hunter's return to Whitehorn sent tremors through the town—and shock waves of desire through innocent Jasmine Kincaid Monroe. But then Storm discovered the Monroes might have had something to do with this brother's long-ago disappearance....

Comments: Yes, I need to read this IMMEDIATELY after completing the previous book in the series. And is it possible to come up with a cheesier looking cover?

24 HOUR RESULTS

Number of Books Read: 1
Number of Pages Read: 54
Money Raised: $50
For each book that I read, I will be donating $25 to both Project Read and to Room to Read.

April 2011 #Readathon: 8am

It is 8am…I’ve got my coffee and I’m ready to read!!! For each book that I read, I will be donating $25 to both Project Read and to Room to Read.

I’ve noticed many people have pre-picked books to read. I’m a read-what-appeals-to-me-at-the-time reader. However, I do HOPE to make a dent in some of the challenges that I am participating in:

• 2011 April Monthly Reading Challenge
• Goodreads Romance 101 Reading Challenge
• 2011 Outdo Yourself Challenge
• Men in Uniform Challenge
• Goodreads Romance A-Z Reading Challenge

Browser pages are all set so I can cheer on my #readathon friends!!! Let’s go!!

CURRENTLY READING

Title:  Just Pretending (Montana Mavericks, #35)
Author: Myrna Mackenzie
Number of Pages: 212 of 256 (83%)
Time Started: 4/9/2011 0800
Time Completed:
Description:
First they were partners. Then they were pretending to be engaged.

FBI Agent David Hannon's plans for a quiet vacation in his hometown were overturned by a murder investigation. And officer Gretchen Neal wasn't making his nights peaceful, etiher—especially as the case had them working very closely together....

Comments:

NEXT UP

Title:  Storming Whitehorn (Montana Mavericks, #36)
Author: Christine Scott
Number of Pages: 256
Time Started: 4/9/2011 
Time Completed:
Description:
If only he could stay away...

Storm Hunter's return to Whitehorn sent tremors through the town—and shock waves of desire through innocent Jasmine Kincaid Monroe. But then Storm discovered the Monroes might have had something to do with this brother's long-ago disappearance....

Comments: Yes, I need to read this IMMEDIATELY after completing the previous book in the series. And is it possible to come up with a cheesier looking cover?

24 HOUR RESULTS

Number of Books Read: 0
Number of Pages Read: 0

Goodreads Romance 101 Reading Challenge

Romance 101 Reading Challenge
1/9 - 7/9/2011  
8 of 12 Completed

1. Contemporary Romance: How Sweet It Is by Sophie Gunn 1/19
2. Historical Romance: Taming Eliza Jane by Shannon Stacey 2/13
3. Romantic Suspense or Suspenseful Romance: Deadly Heat (Deadly, #2) by Cynthia Eden 2/8
4. Paranormal Romance: Lover Unleashed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #9) by J. R. Ward 3/31
5. Science-Fiction or Futuristic Romance:
6. Fantasy Romance:
7. Time-travel Romance:
8. Inspirational or Christian Romance:
9. Multi-cultural or Interracial Romance:The Highest Bidder by Chanta Rand 2/20
10. Erotic Romance: The Bikini Diaries by Lacey Alexander 2/20
11. Serial or Category Romance (Silhouette, Harlequin, Mills&Boon, etc): Irresistible Stranger by Jennifer Greene (Silhouette) 2/1
12. Classic or Mainstream Fiction (includes a love story as a major part of its storyline): Falling Home by Karen White 2/14

Making a Difference - April 2010 #Readathon

One of my “book friends”, DancingDog,  posted a great idea in her blog about donating money based on how much she reads during the Readathon. Last October, I had the idea to do it as a fundraiser but that failed for many reasons…mostly mine. 

So this time I’m following DancingDog’s lead. For each book that I read, I will donate $25 per book read to both Project Read and to Room to Read.  If you want to help by making a pledge based on how much I read, please let me know! I will let you specify which organization (or both) gets your donation.

Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-A-Thon is an opportunity to have fun while raising money to provide resources to organizations that promote literacy. Reading and education are key to breaking the cycle of poverty. 174 people participated in the October 2010 Read-A-Thon. If each person collected pledges totally $100, the result would have been $17,400 that could make a significant difference in the ability for a non-profit to make an impact on literacy. As of today, 318 people are signed up to participate in the April 2011 Readathon…think of the difference we could make.

Room to Read

Room to Read believes that "world change starts with educated children". We focus on countries whose lack of resources results in insufficient educational infrastructure. Rather than apply a short-term solution, Room to Read seeks to intervene early in a child's life and provide ongoing educational opportunities in their communities. We have developed a successful three-pronged approach to tackling the problem of education by:

• Partnering with communities to build schools;
• Enhancing educational facilities within schools, including establishing libraries, computers labs and language training centers; and
• Providing scholarships for underprivileged young girls

Project Read

Project READ is a coalition of public and private organizations working together to build skilled workers, strong families, and healthy communities. Through Project READ, over 35 literacy and basic skills providers, 80 schools and tutoring sites in Montgomery, Greene, and Preble counties, and over 100 businesses and community partners are committed to building literacy in the Miami Valley.  Project READ relies solely on grants and individual gifts for financial support.

It is NOT too late to join the fun! Sign up! And let me know where you will be blogging, I’ll stop by and visit!
Dewey’s Readathon
April 9, 2010
8am (EDT)