Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy discussion
Monthly Reading Challenges
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April 2009 Reading Challenge
Yeah I do have a problem with them not wanting to stay on target. However the fact that I can't remember the last time I had a real meal, shower, or sleep and am wielding scary sharp scissors and pins and screaming like a banshee has them properly terrorized into submission today. *GRINS*HEHE
Caramon and Joram both practice piano and guitar every day. So that's nice. This study is all about band instruments and composers. One of our fave podcasts is Classics for Kids so we found this thing free on the net and they are jumping at it. They love classical music. They also like the good bands like Aerosmith. LOL We do Guitar Hero for rock music. Bwahahahahaha I'm probably stretching calling Guitar Hero school, right?
Lady Ozma wrote: "We do Guitar Hero for rock music. Bwahahahahaha I'm probably stretching calling Guitar Hero school, right?..."I won't tell!
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My kids ask the same thing... "Mom, if I play Guitar Hero for 8 hours, can I count that as school work?"
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It took me very nearly all week last week to get through Night Huntress but I finished it. I am Done with this month's challenge!1.
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And since I was being deliberately lazy on a Very Rainy Saturday, I read a number of other books as well... Some Very good ones.
The Secret Wedding by Jo Beverley,
Death Perception by Victoria Laurie,
Kiss of Fate by Deborah Cooke,
Too Good to be True by Kristan Higgins,
Talk of the Town by Karen Hawkins, and
The Price of Desire by Jo Goodman.
I really liked the two historicals a lot, and enjoyed all the others. Kiss of Fate is PNR, and Death Perception is a "psychic mystery."
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Uniquely Moi - Uh oh, sorry I gave your kids bad ideas! ROFL But hey, everyone needs to know about the height of rock and roll, right? It's music! One day I bet they'll study it officially in school just like Chopin and Wagner. I mean did you watch Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure? HAHA!Gail - Congrats!!!!!! And BTW I love Victoria Laurie's books :) I've several on the "read soon" pile. Hoping they can fit into a challenge!
Now should I go finish up my book or edit this week's podcast? Decisions Decisions. ROFL
Ozma, I like Laurie too. I think I like her Abby Cooper stories better than the "Ghoul" ones, but I like them both. I'm considering not taking part in the May challenge, because I need to get my silly book written, and I am NOT very far into it. Sigh.
Update - I changed one of the book since the book that I have been waiting is available from the library.7 Down, 2 To go
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6. Dead Until Dark (Sookie Stackhouse Series) by Charlaine Harris
7. One for the Money (Stephanie Plum Series) by Janet Evanovich
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Gail - I need to edit my book and can't get motivated. Blargh. I definitely agree on the Cooper books. I only read the first ghoul book (but have the rest here to read) and I remember it being OK, but I devoured the Cooper ones. They hit the top of the stack when they come in. :)
Update 4/201.
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5. The Darkest Night - Gena Showalter
6. If Angels Burn - Lynn Veihl
7. Storm Glass - Maria V. Snyder
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Had to alter the list a bit.
I'm almost done with this one so I'm moving along as well. YAY! It's so exciting to see the stack at the start of the month and then watch it shrink! :)
Lady Ozma wrote: "I'm almost done with this one so I'm moving along as well. YAY! It's so exciting to see the stack at the start of the month and then watch it shrink! :)"No kidding. But now I'm thinking of changing out another book.
Also, I feel like I'm getting sick. Stomach flu :( Might be why I'm feeling indecisive.
Yeah, think I'm going to make it an early night and head to bed. With a book of course :)
Night Lady and everyone!
Yz wrote: "Welcome aboard, Colleen."Thanks, Yz.
1. Personal Demons (Megan Chase, Book 1) Stacia Kane 4/4/09
2. Hunted (House of Night, Book 5) P.C. Cast 4/7/09
3. Murder Game (GhostWalkers, Book 7) Christine Feehan 4/15/09
4. Turn Coat (Dresden Files, Book 11) Jim Butcher 4/10/09
5. Deadly Harvest (Flynn Brothers, Book 2) Heather Graham 4/20/09
6. ?
7. ?
8. ?
9. ?
Don't know what's next. Waiting for library books.
oh YZ--its the 21st. Any word yet on NEXT month's challenge? Altho like Oz--I have a few things to do next month.
I DID get all my reading done--but I rushed to get them finished by the 9th, so that I could have the rest of this month to work on the costumes that I HAD to get finished by the first weekend in May. (CostumeCon, here I come) :o)
Not sure what kind of swag (if any) will be given out at CostumeCon, but Oz and I will see what we can get. And will make sure she takes ALL her cameras so there are lots of photos. This is something we've been looking forward to for YEARS. This is the first time in many years its been on the East Coast. Just hope that the stories we've heard about it from friends aren't swollen all out of proportion. :o)
I have totally finished 1 of my costumes, have the second cut out (its fully lined, so had to be cut out TWICE) and ready to sew together. I was torn between staying home this weekend and sewing my little fingers off and going to RavenCon with Oz--unfortunately, I still need to make 2 cloaks, re-draft a Simplicity vintage pattern (1940's pattern that belonged to Oz's great-grandmother) so that it will fit me. Then make THAT costume up. Plus help Oz with her costumes. She's FINALLY after many, many years of my trying getting serious about sewing. :o) Well, time to get back to work. "See" you all later.
I DID get all my reading done--but I rushed to get them finished by the 9th, so that I could have the rest of this month to work on the costumes that I HAD to get finished by the first weekend in May. (CostumeCon, here I come) :o)
Not sure what kind of swag (if any) will be given out at CostumeCon, but Oz and I will see what we can get. And will make sure she takes ALL her cameras so there are lots of photos. This is something we've been looking forward to for YEARS. This is the first time in many years its been on the East Coast. Just hope that the stories we've heard about it from friends aren't swollen all out of proportion. :o)
I have totally finished 1 of my costumes, have the second cut out (its fully lined, so had to be cut out TWICE) and ready to sew together. I was torn between staying home this weekend and sewing my little fingers off and going to RavenCon with Oz--unfortunately, I still need to make 2 cloaks, re-draft a Simplicity vintage pattern (1940's pattern that belonged to Oz's great-grandmother) so that it will fit me. Then make THAT costume up. Plus help Oz with her costumes. She's FINALLY after many, many years of my trying getting serious about sewing. :o) Well, time to get back to work. "See" you all later.
COMPLETED!!
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Moi - OMG I hope you don't get that plague I had! It was AWFUL! Ann (Mom) - LOL you are just an overachiever. :) And yeah I'll be collecting swag at CostumeCon. There's ALWAYS a swag table. Goodness knows what it will be... I'm just hoping this hotel lets me have net access. I just paid for another year of flickr so that I can post away with photos. ROFL Man I hope they have like 2 zillion photo op places set up for hall costumes. I'm so excited! Since I'm in masquerades I'm not sure how many good photos I'll get. But I'll do my best!
So I finished up Magic Study. (Mom I don't believe I have Fire... do you?) I'm glad I don't care for spoilers because I'm 100 pages into Storm Glass and just found a spoiler from Fire. Oh well. C'est la vie! I knew it was a risk but how could I not start it? It's FANTASTIC by the way!
Magic Study was great! I really love Snyder's writing style. It just flows so well. I love her world she's created and hope she continues to write in it. Though now I have an intense urge to make a costume and go as Yelena to something. And make some criollo. Mom, we never did figure that one out. We should.
Seven books done, two more to go!
Finished:
1. Max Ride Book 2: School's Out Forever
2. Vampire Academy Book 1: Vampire Academy
3. Mercy Book 4: Bone Crossed
4. Accidental Book 3: The Accidental Human
5. Alpha and Omega Book 1: Cry Wolf
6. Broken Hearts Book 2: Don't Talk Back to Your Vampire
7. Study Book 2: Magic Study
Currently Reading:
8. Glass Book 1: Storm Glass
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Shazzy wrote: "Lady Ozma, i've just started Poison Study and i'm really enjoying it, I have #3 and i'm trying to get #2 from my library. I've also got [b:The Angel Experiment|13152|The Angel Experiment (Maximum R..."My son enjoyed The Angel Experiment. He like at the Maximum Ride books. He's 15, but reads some very mature books as well.
Uniquely Moi wrote: "My son enjoyed The Angel Experiment. He like at the Maximum Ride books. He's 15, but reads some very mature books as well. ..."Good gravy! Can I not write clearly? Allow me to translate --
Said: "He like at the Maximum Ride books."
Should have said: "He likes all the Maximum Ride books"
I hope you enjoy it as much as he did.
Update 4/211.
2.Desire Unchainedby Larissa Ione
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6.Tall, Dark and Kilted by Alie MacKay
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7 down. (1 of 2 remaining still on order)1.
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4. Stray (Werecats, Book 1) - Rachel Vincent
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8. Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 1) - J.R. Ward
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1.Mona Lisa Awakening by Sunny (Monere Children of the Moon Series Book 1) 2.CIRCLE OF FIRE BY KERI ARTHUR (DAMASK CIRCLE BOOK 1)FINISHED 04/15
3.Moon Called by Patricia Briggs (Mercedes Thompson Series Book 1)
4.Kitty and The Midnight Hour by Carrie Vaughn (Kitty Norville Series Book 1)
5.Witchling by Yasmine Galenorn (Sisters of the Moon Series Book 1)
6.WAGES OF SIN BY JENNA MACLAINE (CIN CRAVEN SERIES BOOK 1) FINISHED 04/08
7.DRAGONBORN BY JADE LEE (RAGONA SERIES BOOK 1) FINISHED 04/04
8.HUNTER'S MOON BY LORI HANDELAND (NIGHTCREATURES SERIES BOOK 2) FINISHED 04/04
9.DIME STORE MAGIC BY KELLEY ARMSTRONG (WOMEN OF THE OTHERWORLD BOOK 3) FINISHED 04/20
Dime Store Magic made me remember why I LOVED the first book
. I find myself having to get the whole series now.
6 books read...3 more to go 1.
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4. The Nymphos of Rocky Flats (Felix Gomez #1) – Mario Acevedo
5. The Last Watch (Night Watch #4) – Sergei Lukyanenko
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9. A Kiss of Shadows (Meredith Gentry Series #1) – Laurell K. Hamilton
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2 more to go, and I picked them up at the library today.1. Personal Demons (Megan Chase, Book 1) Stacia Kane 4/4/09
2. Hunted (House of Night, Book 5) P.C. Cast 4/7/09
3. Murder Game (GhostWalkers, Book 7) Christine Feehan 4/15/09
4. Turn Coat (Dresden Files, Book 11) Jim Butcher 4/10/09
5. Deadly Harvest (Flynn Brothers, Book 2) Heather Graham 4/20/09
6. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter, Book 4) J.K. Rowling 4/21/09
7. The Perfect Poison (Arcane Society, Book 6) Amanda Quick 4/21/09
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Shazzy - You will LOVE the Study Series. Snyder is amazing! I was there when Poison Study got awarded the Crompton... :) As for Angel Experiment... let's put it this way - I'd be totally tearing up books 3 and 4 if it wasn't for this challenge. It was so so so great! Quick YA book but our entire family has read the series... well except for me who still has 3 and 4. Definitely read it and enjoy it!! My boys are 12 and 10 and really enjoyed the books, but my husband was laughing out loud at some parts he enjoyed them so much. He's 35. We are borrowing them from a friend who's in her mid 40's so it seems to cross over well for various ages!
5 down...not sure that I'll be able to finish nine at this rate, although I'm on break from school, so maybe.
1. From Dead to Worse by Charlian Harris (4/4/09)
2. Beyond the Highland Mists by Karen Moning (4/6/09)
3. The Laughing Corpse (Anita Blake #2) by Laurell K. Hamilton (4/9/09)
4. Fantasy Lover by Kenyon (4/10/09)
5. A Rush of Wings by Adrian Phoenix (4/21/09)
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1. From Dead to Worse by Charlian Harris (4/4/09)
2. Beyond the Highland Mists by Karen Moning (4/6/09)
3. The Laughing Corpse (Anita Blake #2) by Laurell K. Hamilton (4/9/09)
4. Fantasy Lover by Kenyon (4/10/09)
5. A Rush of Wings by Adrian Phoenix (4/21/09)
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Lori, You're doing great! I hope you can make it! But I think you are doing great! Five books is fantastic! And you've still got a little over a week to go! :)
One more to go! 1. Personal Demons (Megan Chase, Book 1) Stacia Kane 4/4/09
2. Hunted (House of Night, Book 5) P.C. Cast 4/7/09
3. Murder Game (GhostWalkers, Book 7) Christine Feehan 4/15/09
4. Turn Coat (Dresden Files, Book 11) Jim Butcher 4/10/09
5. Deadly Harvest (Flynn Brothers, Book 2) Heather Graham 4/20/09
6. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter, Book 4) J.K. Rowling 4/21/09
7. The Perfect Poison (Arcane Society, Book 6) Amanda Quick 4/21/09
8. Kiss of Fire (Dragonfire, Book 1) Deborah Cooke 4/22/09
9. ?
The Angel Experiment is a pretty good book. Enjoy.
I don't know about the rest of you but I can not believe that there are only 8 days left of april. My last book does not come out until 4-28. I am not worried though. What I do worry about is BN having the book in stock.I hope May's challenge is just as fun as April's is
Good luck getting Magic Study in! Darn the library! Interlibrary loan? It's so great!! I also recommend Storm Glass coming out in just a few days. You'll learn about the character in Storm Glass in Magic Study. :) I'm 3/5ths of the way done with it and it's great so far!! let me know what you think of the Angel Experiment. There's like four other books after that one :) Just a warning! I hated to not continue with the series but this darn challenge said only one! But if I finish up early, I'm so going to be picking up book 3!
I think that of the 3, Magic Study was my favorite. It was sooo funny I was literally ROFLing.But, they are all fabulous!
All done. Can't wait to see what the May challenge will be!1. Personal Demons (Megan Chase, Book 1) Stacia Kane 4/4/09
2. Hunted (House of Night, Book 5) P.C. Cast 4/7/09
3. Murder Game (GhostWalkers, Book 7) Christine Feehan 4/15/09
4. Turn Coat (Dresden Files, Book 11) Jim Butcher 4/10/09
5. Deadly Harvest (Flynn Brothers, Book 2) Heather Graham 4/20/09
6. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter, Book 4) J.K. Rowling 4/21/09
7. The Perfect Poison (Arcane Society, Book 6) Amanda Quick 4/21/09
8. Kiss of Fire (Dragonfire, Book 1) Deborah Cooke 4/22/09
9. Moonstruck (Borderlands, Book 1) Susan Grant 4/22/09
Least favorite was Moonstruck. Most favorite was Turn Coat.
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Update 4/221.
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5. Hotter After Midnight - Cynthia Eden
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7. Storm Glass - Maria V. Snyder
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(whining) when will the May challenge be posted? Its getting close to the end of the month and I need to start combing through the stacks here at home to see what I have that will fit. (whine, whine, whine)
My list:1. Small Favor - Jim Butcher (Harry Dresden #10)** Finished!
2. Lover's Bite - Maggie Shayne **Finished!
3. Casual Hex - Vicki Lewis Thompson **Finished!
4. Plum Spooky - Janet Evanovich **Finished!
5. Bound By Light - Anna Windsor
6. Magic Bites - Ilona Andrews - **Finished!
7.The Salem Witch Tryouts - Kelly McClymer **Finished!
8. The Lost Queen - Frewin Jones (Fairy Path #2)
9. The Immortal Hunter - Lynsay Sands **Finished!
I'd just like to let everybody know, I fried my keyboard last Tuesday night by accidentally spilling coffee on it. I planned to have the new challenge to be up on the 21st plus the update, but I cannot type anything.
I'm posting at work right now, but I will pick up a new keyboard tonight. I'll see if I can post May Challenge today.
Thanks for everybody's patience. Yes, Ann, I heard you...LOL
I'm posting at work right now, but I will pick up a new keyboard tonight. I'll see if I can post May Challenge today.
Thanks for everybody's patience. Yes, Ann, I heard you...LOL
Aw that's horrible! At least it's not a laptop! Then you'd be in big trouble. I can't wait for the May Challenge post! I'll be checking on and off tonight.
Update 4/231.
2.Desire Unchainedby Larissa Ione
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YZ that stinks!!! Sorry about that! I hope you can find a keyboard you like without too much trouble. Meanwhile we'll survive a little longer :)
Lady Ozma wrote: "YZ that stinks!!! Sorry about that! I hope you can find a keyboard you like without too much trouble. Meanwhile we'll survive a little longer :)"We don't have to - she posted May's challenge!
(Thanks, Yz!!!)
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I'm finally finished
APRIL PNR CHALLENGE LIST (BOOKS IN A SERIES)
4/23 Update
1.IronKissed by Patricia Briggs (Mercedes Thompson series Book 3)
finished 4/8
2.Stray by Rachel Vincent (Werecat Series Book 1)
finished 4/14
3. Bitten by Kelly Armstrong (Women of the Underworld Book 1)
4.
Fire Me Up by Katie MacAlister (Aisling Grey Series Book 2)
finished 4/2
5.
Claimed by Shadow by Karen Chance (Cassie Palmer Series Book 2)
4/21
6. Wild Rain by Christine Feehan (Leopard Series Book 2)
7. At Grave's End by Jeaninie Frost (Nighthuntress Series Book 3)
8. Shades of Dark by Linnea Sinclair (Dock Five Universe Series Book 2)
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Hotter After Midnight by Cynthia Eden (Midnight series Book 1)
finished 4/8
4/23 Update
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3. Bitten by Kelly Armstrong (Women of the Underworld Book 1)
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6. Wild Rain by Christine Feehan (Leopard Series Book 2)
7. At Grave's End by Jeaninie Frost (Nighthuntress Series Book 3)
8. Shades of Dark by Linnea Sinclair (Dock Five Universe Series Book 2)
9.
April 23 Update:
Karen - 6 books done
Ann - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations!
Brandy - 8 books done
Michelle M - 6 books done
Nichole - 5 books done
DarkHeart - 7 books done
Dawn - 8 books done
Stav - 6 books done
Shazzy - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations!
Lori(metamorphosis) - 6 books done
Kristen - 7 book done
Angie - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations!
Jael - 8 books done
Jamie - 3 books done
Kristina
Shanna
Jessie
Michelle - 8 books done
Gail - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations!
Jennifer (FL) - 7 books done
Moss - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations!
Yz - 5 books done
Diane - 5 books done
Melinda - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations!
Melody - 7 books done
Anna - 1 book done
Jennifer(jeniferj) - 8 books done
Annvelwis - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations!
Delitealex - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations!
rebeccaj - 7 books done
Barbara(barbsis) - 2 book done
Martina - 7 books done
Lady Ozma - 7 books done
Sarah - 3 books done
Victoria - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations!
Valerie - 3 books done
Michelle(shelli_m) - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations
Lori Rosenbrook - 5 books done
Barbara(darkxhuntress - 2 books done
Sarah Buhl - 7 books done
Uniquely Moi - 7 books done
Soulin - 6 books done
Sarah(fields) - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations!
Amy - 7 books done
The following had signed up since last update:
Kenjii - 1 book done
Tricia - 5 books done
Nicole - 3 books done
Richelle -
Jennifer (Jen421) - 3 books done
colleen - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations!
Group's running total: 294 books read.
Also 12 participants have already completed the challenge.
Signing up will remain open throughout the whole month.
Note: For ease of tracking, please repost your official list with your progress after every update. Striking out the title and/or a finished date after the book's name will be best.
Next update will be April 26.
Karen - 6 books done
Ann - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations!
Brandy - 8 books done
Michelle M - 6 books done
Nichole - 5 books done
DarkHeart - 7 books done
Dawn - 8 books done
Stav - 6 books done
Shazzy - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations!
Lori(metamorphosis) - 6 books done
Kristen - 7 book done
Angie - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations!
Jael - 8 books done
Jamie - 3 books done
Kristina
Shanna
Jessie
Michelle - 8 books done
Gail - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations!
Jennifer (FL) - 7 books done
Moss - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations!
Yz - 5 books done
Diane - 5 books done
Melinda - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations!
Melody - 7 books done
Anna - 1 book done
Jennifer(jeniferj) - 8 books done
Annvelwis - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations!
Delitealex - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations!
rebeccaj - 7 books done
Barbara(barbsis) - 2 book done
Martina - 7 books done
Lady Ozma - 7 books done
Sarah - 3 books done
Victoria - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations!
Valerie - 3 books done
Michelle(shelli_m) - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations
Lori Rosenbrook - 5 books done
Barbara(darkxhuntress - 2 books done
Sarah Buhl - 7 books done
Uniquely Moi - 7 books done
Soulin - 6 books done
Sarah(fields) - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations!
Amy - 7 books done
The following had signed up since last update:
Kenjii - 1 book done
Tricia - 5 books done
Nicole - 3 books done
Richelle -
Jennifer (Jen421) - 3 books done
colleen - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations!
Group's running total: 294 books read.
Also 12 participants have already completed the challenge.
Signing up will remain open throughout the whole month.
Note: For ease of tracking, please repost your official list with your progress after every update. Striking out the title and/or a finished date after the book's name will be best.
Next update will be April 26.
Dammit! Just missed the update! Well, I'm done with 7 now... 1.
2.
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5. Curse the Dawn, Karen Chance
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8. The Royal Mess, MaryJanice Davidson
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Swimming Without a Net was silly fun.
One more to go...
2. Don't Ask, Don't Tell by Sean Michael (Jar Head Series #1)
Other books read:
Drawn Together
Soul Mates Sacrifice
Nicholas
The Ta'e'sha Chronicles 1 Daughters of Terra
Stolen
Gym Dandy
Raine
Soul Mates Secrets
Gemini
Books mentioned in this topic
Pleasure Unbound (other topics)A Mermaid's Kiss (other topics)
Hotter After Midnight (other topics)
A Rush of Wings (other topics)
Sons of Avalon: Merlin's Prophecy (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
J.R. Ward (other topics)Cassandra Clare (other topics)
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (other topics)
Keri Arthur (other topics)
Christine Feehan (other topics)
More...





That's when it got harder for me, because my boogers need to be constantly prodded to do their assignments, lately anyway.
18 plays piano and is teaching 15 how to play. That is our music at this point because we did a fun in depth study of classical composers, their styles and contributions to the world of music last year. I had a great book called Accent on Composers and it came with a CD of selected pieces by each highlighted composer.
And now, with 18 taking music in college, I really appareciate that book more because they used the same method for teaching as the college does.