Follow Friday (39)

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read

This week's question:

What is/was your favorite required summer reading book?

I wasn't really sure how to answer this question so I'm going to answer it in two parts.

First, I didn't have required summer reading when I was in high school but I has PLENTY of required reading during the school year. My favorite book out of all those required reads was:

Catcher in the Rye

J.D. Salinger

I always really loved this book and actually read it again a few years ago. 

Second, I'll share my favorite reads so far this summer that I think SHOULD "Required Reading"!

Two Weeks' Notice (Revivalist #2)

Rachel Caine

This Is Not A Test

Courtney Summers

Onyx (Lux #2)

Jennifer L. Armentrout

 

Once Burned (Night Prince #1)

Jeaniene Frost

The Lost Girl

Sangu Mandanna

Chasing Magic (Downside Magic #5)

Stacia Kane

You can also follow me on Twitter:

Goldilox's Twitter

Happy Friday!

Reading Challenges Update - July!

This is where I will be keeping track of my reading challenges for 2012. I'm very excited about all of them! Check them out:

I am hosting my own reading challenge this year, and I'm very excited about it! This challenge is for reading adult paranormal and fantasy books released in 2012. If you are interested in joining in, you can do so on the Sign Up Post.

I'm going with dedication level Take Me to the Fae Realm, which means I plan to read 21 - 30 books that fit this challenge. I might bump it up to the higher level as the year goes on........we'll see.  :)

Here's my list (so far):

1. The Shadow Reader (McKenzie Lewis #1) by Sandy Williams 

2. Sacrificial Magic (Downside #4) by Stacia Kane

3. Blood on the Bayou (Annabelle Lee #2) by Stacey Jay

4. Once Burned (Night Prince #1) by Jeaniene Frost

5. Biting Cold (Chicagoland Vampires #6) by Chloe Neill

6. Summoning the Night (Arcadia Bell #2) by Jenn Bennett

7. Chasing Magic (Downside #5) by Stacia Kane

8. Deadlocked (Sookie Stackhouse #12) by Charlaine Harris

9. Shadows Before the Sun (Charlie Madigan #4) by Kelly Gay

9. Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues (White Trash Zombie #2) by Diana Rowland

10. Shadow Bound (Unbound #2) by Rachel Vincent

11. God Save the Queen (Immortal Empire #1) by Kate Locke

12. Firelight (Darkest London #1) by Kristen Callihan

13. Nightshifted (Edie Spence #1) by Cassie Alexander

14. Moonglow (Darkest London #2) by Kristen Callihan

15. The Shattered Dark (McKenzie Lewis #2) by Sandy Williams

16. Discount Armageddon (Incryptid #1) by Seanan McGuire

17. The Kingdom (Graveyard Queen #2) by Amanda Stevens

18. The Prophet (Graveyard Queen #3) by Amanda Stevens

19. A Blood Seduction (Vamp City #1) by Pamela Palmer

20. Dire Needs (Eternal Wolf Clan #1) by Stephanie Tyler

21. The Seduction of Phaeton Black (Paranormal Investigator #1) by Jillian Stone

22. Blood Before Sunrise by Amanda Bonilla

23. Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet by Darynda Jones

24. Precinct 13 by Tate Hallaway

25. Stalking the Others (H&W Investigations #4) by Jess Haines

26. Tarnished (The St. Croix Chronilces #1) by Karina Cooper

27. The Janus Affair (Ministry of Peculiar Occurances #2) by Philippa Ballantine

28. Wicked Nights (Angels of the Dark #1) by Gena Showalter

18/28 books read; 10 more to go!

I'm such a joiner! I have joined two reading challenges for 2012, something I didn't do last year. I'm very excited! First of all, I joined the 2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge, hosted by Evie at Bookish. This challenge is to help motivate us readers to get through those books on our shelves we've been wanting to read but haven't gotten to yet (you can click on the picture to sign up if you also suffer from this problem). 
You can choose your level of 'commitment' for this challenge, and I chose "A Sweet Kiss". That means I want to read 21 - 30 books from my TBR shelf! Here's my list:
1. Alpha (Shifters #6) by Rachel Vincent2. The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff3. My Soul to Save (Soul Screamers #2) by Rachel Vincent4. Bitten (Women of the Otherworld #1) by Kelly Armstrong5. Kindling the Moon (Aracadia Bell #1) by Jenn Bennett6. Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1) by Richelle Mead7. One Grave At A Time (Night Huntress #6) by Jeaniene Frost8. Ecstasy Unveiled (Demonica #4) by Larissa Ione9. Sin Undone (Demonica #5) by Larissa Ione10. The Hunter (The Legend Chronicles #1) by Theresa Myers11. The Restorer (Graveyard Queen #1) by Amanda Stevens12. Archangel's Blade (Guild Hunters #4) by Nalini Singh13. The Greyfriar (Vampire Empire #1) by Clay Griffith14. The Iron Duke (Iron Seas) by Meljean Brook15. Red-Headed Stepchild (Sabina Kane #1) by Jaye Wells16. City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare17. City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2) by Cassandra Clare18. City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments #3) by Cassandra Clare19. City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments #4) by Cassandra Clare20. Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare21. Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare22. Catching Fire (Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins23. Mockingjay (Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins25. Eternal Rider (Lords of Deliverance #1) by Larissa Ione26. Immortal Rider (Lords of Deliverance #2) by Larissa Ione27. Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between (Rhiannon's Law #1) by J.A. Saare28. Wanderlust (Sirantha Jax #2) by Ann Aguirre 29. As Lie the Dead (Dreg City #2) by Kelly Meding
9/29 books read, 20 more to go! (I am NOT doing good here!)


I also joined the 2012 Debut Author Challenge, hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. For this one, I am going to read at least 12 YA books published by brand new authors or authors never published in YA before. I'm very excited about this one too! I even already read my first book for the challenge - Cinder!
So there you have it! My challenges for 2012! I will tag all my reviews that meet either of these challenges so you can always find them under the Features tab. Yay for 2012!
1. Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer 2. The Selection (The Selection #1) by Kiera Cass3. Shadow and Bone (Grisha Trilogy #1) by Leigh Bardugo4. The Lost Girl by Sangu Mandanna5. Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne6. Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard7. Innocent Darkness (Aether Chronilces #1) by Suzanne Lazear8. Origin by Jessica Khoury9. Black City (Black City #1) by Elizabeth Richards10. Hemlock (Hemlock #1) by Kathleen Peacock11. Masque of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death #1) by Bethany Griffin12. Silver by Talia Vance13. What's Left of Me (Hybrid Chronicles #1) by Kat Zhang14. Dead Girls Detective Agency by Suzy Cox15. Defiance (Defiance #1) by C.J. Redwine16. Dark Star by Bethany Frenette  17. Mystic City (Mystic City #1) by Theo Lawrence 
7/12 books read; 5 more to go (to meet challenge)!

Waiting on Wednesday (32) - Unchained

Waiting on Wednesday is a feature hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine that shares the upcoming releases we bloggers are on the edge of our seats about!

Unchained
(Nephilim Rising #1)
J. Lynn aka Jennifer L. Armentrout
Release: October 16, 2012

Goodreads     Amazon

Between the pissed off creatures that want demon-hunter Lily Marks dead and the fallen angel who just… wants her, Lily is about ready to trade in forever for a comfy job in a cubicle farm.

Mortal enemies, the fact that Lily and Julian are civil to one another is enough to have her thrown out of the Sanctuary. Even she can build a laundry list of why getting close to him is career suicide, but she can’t shake her not-so angelic stalker or how he brings her dangerously close to ecstasy.

As if Lily already didn’t have enough problems, the hits just keep coming. Blindsided when a traitor is discovered working from within the Sanctuary, Lily is shocked to find he's determined to get her kicked out. Her relationship with Julian provides the perfect fuel for suspicion, and she quickly finds herself being hunted by well, everyone. Her only hope is to discover the real traitor before she loses everything—and she'll need Julian's help. That is, if Julian is really there to help her … or destroy her.

Yeah, being a Nephilim isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be.

 I admit, I am NOT in love with this cover. But I have pretty much decided to read anything Jennifer L. Armentrout writes so I am THRILLED to read an adult urban fantasy by her!!! I read an excerpt on her blog that told me her knack for steamy love-hate relationships is going to transfer to UF well. I am already in love with Julian!

You can read the excerpt HERE

What is your Wow pick this week?

Blogger Buddy Love (2) - Underworld Love Addiction

Blogger Buddy Love is a feature I started to help some of my fellow Terrible Girls gain exposure and followers. Please check out their blogs and show them some love!

Today's Blogger to Love Is:

Underworld Love Addiction

Name of Blogger(s): Becky

Started Blog: August of 2011.

Top Three Favorite Genres:

Paranormal Romance

Urban Fantasy

Contemporary/Historical romance

Genres Reviewed: Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance

Top five books so far in 2012:

Well obviously Sacrificial Magic and Chasing Magic

Darkest Seduction by Gena Showalter

Lover Reborn by J.R. Ward

Darker After Midnight by Lara Adrian

Please go check out this AWESOME blog and show her some love - and followers!

Stacking the Shelves (9)

Stacking the Shelves is a *new* weekly meme to feature all the books that have made their way into our homes this week! 

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

FOR REVIEW:

(Click cover to be taken to Goodreads)

   
  

(Click on title to be taken to Amazon)

The Dead and Buried by Kim Harrington
Immortally Yours (Monster M*A*S*H #1) by Angie Fox
Blade Song by J.C. Daniels (aka Shiloh Walker)
Demon Hunting In The Deep South (Demon Hunting #2) by Lexi George
Hounded (Iron Druid Chronicles #1) by Kevin Hearne
This Dark Earth by John Hornor Jacobs

New Science Fiction and Fantasy From ACE and ROC Sampler

What goodies did you add to YOUR shelves this week?

Early Review: Biting Cold by Chloe Neill

Biting Cold
(Chicagoland Vampires #6)
Chloe Neill
Release: August 7, 2012

Goodreads     Amazon

Turned into a vampire against her will, twenty-eight-year-old Merit found her way into the dark circle of Chicago’s vampire underground, where she learned there was more to supernaturals than met the eye—and more supernaturals than the public ever imagined. And not all the secrets she learned were for sharing—among humans or inhumans.

Now Merit is on the hunt, charging across the stark American Midwest, tailing a rogue supernatural intent on stealing an ancient artifact that could unleash catastrophic evil on the world. But Merit is also the prey. An enemy of Chicagoland is hunting her, and he’ll stop at nothing to get the book for himself. No mercy allowed. No rules apply. No lives spared. The race is on.

He marched to the center of the room, interrupting a cadre of half a dozen vampire who were sparring on the tatami mats that covered the floor.

“Out,” he bellowed, and no one stopped to ask for clarification. Without a word, they gathered up their things and headed for the door.

“Lock it,” Ethan directed, and I closed and locked the door behind us, my heart thudding in anticipation.

When I turned around again, he was pulling his half-buttoned shirt over his head, and his shoes were gone. His Cadogan medal hung just above the scar that puckered his chest—the mark he bore from taking Celina’s stake.

“Ready when you are, Sentinel.”

Neill gives us what we've been waiting for with Biting Cold - some serious Ethan and Merit time. This one picks up almost immediately after the end of Drink Deep, with Ethan and Merit packed into a car and driving out west to try and get to the Maleficium before Mallory. The start was a bit slow, Ethan and Merit must drive a ways to the location of the Maleficium and they encounter some 'issues' (read: Seth Tate) on the way. There is also the introduction of a new character, the historian for the Order who is also currently the protector of the Maleficium (by the way, I kind of loved her and hope she sticks around for future installments).

But once things get going they REALLY get going! Neill takes everything in a completely different direction than I thought and I simply held on for the ride. Tate, who has been a mysterious, secondary bad guy throughout the last few books, finally gets his due time in this book. Much of the plot focuses on figuring out just what the hell he is and what his end game might be, and I have to admit I was as baffled as Merit and pretty surprised when the truth was revealed.

Mallory, thanks to her actions from the previous book, must be dealt with in Biting Cold and I was pretty pleased with the way she is handled. Merit made me proud, as she usually does, with her unwillingness to simply forgive Mal and move on. The way she is handled is sensible and perfect in my opinion, and I think readers who were shocked and saddened by the turn of events at the end of Drink Deep will be happy to see how her plot line develops. Catcher isn't really in this book that much and when he is he is not his usual charming and snarky self, which is understandable since his girlfriend has been a total pain in the world's ass lately. I hope he can get back to himself in the next book though because he is one of my favorite characters in this series!

Ethan. . . ETHAN! He's here! He's IN the book! Really, is there anything else I can say besides that? Ethan and Merit have some issues to work through and Ethan is as stubborn as always. Most of this book reads like the earlier books in the series where the two were always stop and go in their relationship. Ethan is constantly pushing Merit to be a better vampire and Sentinal, and Merit is constantly pushing Ethan to stop being an idiot and just accept their relationship already.

Ethan leaned in, his lips at my ear. “Irresistible force,” he said. “Immovable object. Choose the one you want to be, and do it. You are a vampire of great power, Merit. Prove it to us, to the city of Chicago, to the Houses. Prove it now.”

There are some House politics here - aren't there always? - that keep getting in the way of them just jumping into bed together already, but I enjoy the back and forth between them because it keeps things interesting. That said, I was very happy with the way this aspect of the story went. *wink wink* The politics in this one help to set up what I can only assume will be a big part of the next book. Apparently all other vampire except those in the Cadogen and Grey houses are either evil or complete turds. 


And Merit. I can't complete a CLV review without mentioning Merit, a strong and smart heroine with an awesome weapon. She's dealing with a lot in this one, between Ethan's return, Mallory's "issues", and tracking down Tate. She continues to make good decisions and doesn't drive me bananas. . . always important in a good leading lady.


The way Biting Cold ended has me excitedly looking forward to the next in the series and some more Ethan and Merit time!

Recommended for fans of: Ethan, good heroines, katanas, solving supernatural mysteries, and yelling at your book "get into bed already!". 

This review is based on an advance copy of the book.

   

Waiting on Wednesday (30) - Last Kiss Goodnight

Waiting on Wednesday is a feature hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine that shares the upcoming releases we bloggers are on the edge of our seats about!

Last Kiss Goodnight

(Otherworld Assassin #1)

Gena Showalter

Release: November 27, 2012

Goodreads     Amazon

The breathtaking first novel in New York Times best selling author Gena Showalter’s new paranormal romance series, Otherworld Assassins, featuring a black ops agent who is captured and enslaved…and the beautiful deaf girl who holds the key to his salvation…

THE SWEETEST TEMPTATION…

Black ops agent Solomon Judah awakens caged and bound in a twisted zoo where otherworlders are the main attraction. Vika Lukas, the owner’s daughter, is tasked with Solo’s care and feeding. The monster inside him yearns to kill her on sight, even though she holds the key to his escape. But the human side of him realizes the beautiful deaf girl is more than she seems—she’s his.

THE ULTIMATE PRICE…

Vika endures the captives’ taunts and loathing, hoping to keep them alive even if she can’t free them. Only, Solo is different—he protects her. But as hostility turns to forbidden romance, his feelings for her will be used against him…and he’ll be put to a killer test.




The synopsis for this is totally insane - but I love it! I am not an avid Showalter reader, so I'm looking forward to getting in on one of her series on the ground floor for once! Can't wait!

What is YOUR WoW pick this week?

Giveaway Hop: Hot Summer Nights

Hot Summer Nights is hosted by The Book Nympho and Bona Fide Reflections.

This giveaway hop is to celebrate those books that get us all hot and bothered and those heroes that make us feel melty. In honor of that, I'm giving away:

We first met the dangerously handsome and snarky Vlad in the Night Huntress series.

“I know I'm delicious. Nummy.....nummy."

“What the hell was that?” I gasped. “Premature inflammation,” he replied. “Happens sometimes. Very embarrassing. I don’t like to talk about it.”

And now he has his own series!

"'You think my blood is the only tie between us?' His voice was low, yet edged with palpable hunger. It seemed to rub me in places I'd only ever touched before, making my anger fade under a flash of desire. Vlad was so close that his hair was a shadowy veil all around me, and when he began to caress my face with light, sure strokes, it was all I could do not to close my eyes in bliss. 'This is our true tie,' he whispered, his breath falling hotly onto my lips. 'You're meant for me, and I will have you.'"

"I stretched out my hands as if to ward him off. 'Not yet. I want to know what your end game is first.' Another flash of teeth, this time showing his fangs. 'To have you screaming my name within the hour.'"

YUM!

I'm giving away a paperback copy of Once Burned (Night Prince #1) by Jeaniene Frost. Since I will be shipping this one myself it will only be open to US/CAN. 

Enter on the Rafflecopter form below. As always, you must be 13 or older to enter. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now check out all the other blogs participating!

Netgalley Knockout Signup!

Are you overwhelmed with the amount of egalleys you have to read? 

Do you keep requesting those egalleys anyway?

Feel like Netgalley and Edelweiss are going to hunt you down?

Knock out those egalleys!

Netgalley Knockout

Pledge to read those books from your Netgalley and Edelweiss egalleys during the month of August by entering your blog on the linky below! 

The books you read do not have to be released in August. They can be already released, released in August, or released later than August. 

PLUS 

Everyone who signs up on the linky and participates will be entered to win a giveaway at the end of August - any one book from The Book Depository $12 or under. I'll choose a winner using random.org and the linky list. 

(A little incentive to get you going!)
Note: The winner has been chosen: Claire from Claire Reads! Congrats!

Sign up and giveaway open to anyone 13 or older in any country! 

(Note: Make sure The Book Depository ships to you) 

Just sign up on the linky list below and then add the above button to your blog sidebar!

Blogger Buddy Love (1) - Little Read Riding Hood

Blogger Buddy Love is a feature I started to help some of my fellow Terrible Girls gain exposure and followers. Please check out their blogs and show them some love!

Today's Blogger to Love Is:

Little Read Riding Hood

Name of blogger(s): Laura Moore

Started blog: March 2012

Top three favorite genres: PNR, UF, in both Adult and YA so that technically is 4 ;-)

Genres reviewed: Those listed above, and Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Paranormal, Horror ... whatever catches my fancy!

Top five books so far in 2012: 

In no particular order: 

Both the downside books, Sacrificial Magic & Chasing Magic by Stacia Kane

The Lying Season (book 4 in EIT) by Karina Halle 

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Angelfall by Susan Ee though technically I read it in 2011, I re-read it early in 2012, so that counts ;-). There have been so many that it was hard to pick just 5!

Please go check out this AWESOME blog and show her some love - and followers!