Bout of Books 3.0

I did terrible during Bout of Books 2.0, so maybe this time around I'll be better.
My goal is to read 3 books. I'll keep you updated on my progress, though it will probably be at night, since I'm working every day.

First challenge for today comes from Hannah at Once Upon A Time
Post a pic of my TBR. Since I haven't decided what I'm reading for the challenge yet, here's my TBR of books. See any that you have in your pile, too?

Out of control, I know. :)

Mini Review - Devon's Pair - Jayne Rylon

Devon's Pair: Powertools, Book 4 by Jayne Rylon

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


First of all, this book was HOT! Following along the lines of the other Powertools books. I enjoy this series. Quick, hot reads with plenty of menage and group action. This one went to fast for me. We already know the men, but we didn't really get to know Devon, before there was talk of needing and loving. That's my only issue, I guess. I wanted more character development. More with how she and Neil and James work out their menage. There is hot, hot sex in this one. A group scene, involving everyone we love in this series. And, of course, the menage that is the main story.



All in all, a pleasurable, hot, fast read that makes us all wish we knew a crew of 5 hot, open-to-anything construction guys. :)They can come remodel my house any day. ;)



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Review - Friday Night Bites - Chloe Neill

Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I devoured the first book in this series and could not wait to get the next one. Finally! It was in my hands. It took me awhile to get into it, but I think I was in a reading slump in October and November. Anyway, I read it on a long car ride last night by the light of my cell phone (yes, I need book lights) because I couldn't put it down. I had to know what came next.



This series reminds me of Buffy episodes. There's a Big Bad (Celina), who has an ultimate motive, and along the way, the "gang" encounters mini battles in the ongoing war. Sorry, not sure what constitutes as spoilers here, but this book centered around one facet of Celina's ulterior motives. She irritates me. The bitch needs to get put down. But what I love about Chloe Neill is that it's all her machinations. Celina, Ethan, Mr. Merit - they're not just each a great strategist - it's Neill. And that's what makes me keep coming back. The constant politicking, strategizing, the moves that are being made that we, as readers, don't even know about yet.



Then there's Merit and Ethan. Gah! Really!? I hate politics, I hate logic and rational thought when it comes to my book-boyfriend relationships. I love what Merit's sister said to her, "He could sexually harass me any day." and "And by the way, if you have a chance with Blondie, take it. Please. For me." And I think all us readers would add FOR US!! Dang. I love the sexual tension throughout the book, with undertones of something more. I love Ethan. Period. I love how frustrating he is, how controlled, then BANG! He reveals a hidden part of himself and he's vulnerable. I understand why their relationship is a bad idea, but dayum... I want her to hit that... Even when she kisses Morgan (who is definitely hot, too) I just didn't feel it. I want her with Ethan, dammit!



Merit's world kind of implodes in this book and she goes through transitions as she adjusts to life as a vampire, a Sentinel, and living in Cadogan House. I feel for her in this one.



I love how real the characters seem. At times, they may be immature or respond irrationally. But, they seem real to me. Like how people I know would respond, how we would banter. I love Chloe Neill's dialogues. The snark, the flirting, the sarcasm, all of it. I love it.



So, there's book 2. It ends in the middle of Merit/Buffy off to begin a new mystery. So next week's episode is Book 3, and dangit - I don't have it yet. I need to get it, and Book 4, and Book 5... I think I'll wait to read Twice Bitten until I have the rest of them in my hands. I don't want to put myself through this torture again. :)



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Reading Resolutions and Challenges for 2012

In 2011, I read about 80 books. That is also including novellas, and other short books I read in ebook format. But that's more than I've ever read before. And I blame blogging. :) I've been exposed to so many new books in the last year, I've found so many great new books to read.

I still read mainly more mainstream books, but one of my resolutions this year is to read more of the books I see only in the blogosphere. The ones that I only learn about from fellow bloggers. 

Other resolutions:
1. Work on my TBR. Yes, it's huge. I resolve to catch up on some series that I am behind in before starting new series. 

2. Work on the 2 challenges I signed up for - Erotic and Pagan reading challenges. Hopefully, I can get 10-15 in each one. 

3. Read at least 80 books again, if not more. I'd like to shoot for 100, but just not sure if it's doable. 

Books I'm reading now, which need to get finished:
City of Bones - Cassandra Clare
Friday Night Bites - Chloe Neill
Eternal Kiss of Darkness - Jeaniene Frost

Books I'm highly anticipating in 2012: (in no particular order)
Deadlocked - Charlaine Harris
Lover Reborn - J.R. Ward - #1 most wanted!
A Perfect Blood - Kim Harrison
The Darkest Seduction - Gena Showalter
Darker After Midnight - Lara Adrian

(Since Blogger switched, I no longer know how to put graphics in my posts :( if you can help me, please do)


Obviously, these are my favorite series that I'm all caught up on. Need to catch up on so many more! I'll keep you updated.

Hope your 2012 is full of great books!!