Twenty Eleven Reading Challenges Completed!

I completed all my reading challenges for the year! Seventy-five books altogether, five of them were for the Off The Shelf Reading Challenge and eight of them were for the Summer Romance Challenge. Here's a compiled list of everything.

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Off The Shelf Reading Challenge

~ Link to Progress Post details ~
Books Read For This Challenge: 
1. This Lullaby~Sarah Dessen
2. Stealing Heaven~Elizabeth Scott
3. Elsewhere~Gabrielle Zevin
4. Wintergirls~Laurie Halse Anderson
5. Looking For Alaska~John Green
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2011 Summer Romance Challenge

 ~ Link to Progress Post details ~

 Books Read For This Challenge:

 1. Tourist Trap~Emma Harrison

 2. The Ex Games~Jennifer Echols

 3. The Other Boy~Hailey Abbott

 4. So Much Closer~Susane Colasanti

 5. Heart On A Chain~Cindy C. Bennett

 6. That Summer~Sarah Dessen

 7. Persuasion~Jane Austen

 8. Twilight~Stephenie Meyer
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2011 Goodreads Reading Challenge

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75. The Duff by Kody Keplinger
74. Portal by Imogen Rose
73. Catwings Return (Catwings #2) by Ursula K. Le Guin (reread)
72. Blue Sky Days by Marie Landry
71. I Know You Really Love Me by Doreen Orion
70. The Radleys by Matt Haig
69. Catwings (Catwings #1) by Ursula K. Le Guin (reread)
68. True Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet by Lola Douglas
67. Deaf Child Crossing by Marlee Matlin
66. Looking for Alaska by John Green
65. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
64. Getting Published by Paul Raymond Martin
63. Inspiration & Motivation by Paul Raymond Martin
62. Double Clutch by Elizabeth Reinhardt
61. Craft & Technique by Paul Raymond Martin
60. Virals by Kathy Reichs
59. Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin
58. The Girl In The Park by Mariah Fredericks
57. Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard
56. Geek Girl by Cindy C. Bennett
55. Vampire Kisses: Blood Relatives, Vol. 3 by Ellen Schreiber (illus. Rem & Elisa Kwon)
54. Stealing Heaven by Elizabeth Scott
53. Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
52. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
51. Persuasion by Jane Austen
50. Garfield Minus Garfield by Jim Davis (concept created by Dan Walsh)
49. That Summer~Sarah Dessen
48. The Grand Escape by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (reread)
47. Heart On A Chain~Cindy C. Bennett
46. So Much Closer by Susane Colasanti
45. The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
44. Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin
43. Afterlife (Evernight #4) by Claudia Gray

42. The Other Boy by Hailey Abbott

41. Real Live Boyfriends (Ruby Oliver #4) by E. Lockhart
40. The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols

39. At the Party (Books 1-4) by Lauren Barnholdt

38. LoveSick by Jake Coburn

37. Gossip Girl (Gossip Girl #1) by Cecily von Ziegesar

36. Cows of Our Planet by Gary Larson

35. Last Chapter and Worse by Gary Larson

34. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner (an Eclipse Novella) by Stephenie Meyer

33. Forgive My Fins (Fins #1) by Tera Lynn Childs

32. Charmed and Dangerous: The Rise of the Pretty Committee (prequel) by Lisi Harrison

31. Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder

30. My Blood Approves (My Blood Approves #1) by Amanda Hocking

29. Fallout (Crank #3) by Ellen Hopkins

28. Second Helpings (Jessica Darling #2) by Megan McCafferty (reread)

27. Wish by Alexandra Bullen

26. This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

25. The Indispensable Calvin And Hobbes by Bill Watterson (reread)

24. Tourist Trap by Emma Harrison

23. Endless Summer by Jennifer Echols

22. Matched (Matched #1) by Ally Condie

21. Hold Still by Nina LaCour

20. Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #1) by Maggie Steifvater

19. Nightshade (Nightshade #1) by Andrea Cremer

18. Nothing Like You by Lauren Strasnick

17. Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush #1) by Becca Fitzpatrick

16. The Dark Divine (The Dark Divine #1) by Bree Despain

15. A Tale Of Two Pretties (The Clique #14) by Lisi Harrison

14. Sloppy Firsts (Jessica Darling #1) by Megan McCafferty (reread)

13. Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey

12. Where She Went (If I Stay #2) by Gayle Forman

11. Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

10. Dance With A Vampire (Vampire Kisses #4) by Ellen Screiber

9. Teenage Mermaid by Ellen Schreiber

8. Déjá Dead (Temperance Brennan #1) by Kathy Reichs

7. Sisters In Sanity by Gayle Forman

6. A Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibbotson

5. Delirium (Delirium #1) by Lauren Oliver

4. Rosebush by Michelle Jaffe

3. And Both Were Young by Madeleine L'Engle

2. Insatiable by Meg Cabot

1. My Little Phony (The Clique #13) by Lisi Harrison

2011 Reading Challenge

Onlyminordetails has


read 6 books toward her goal of 50 books.

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6 of 50 (12%)

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Yay for a good reading year!!!

~Jessica

Review: Persuasion by Jane Austen

Title: Persuasion
Author: Jane Austen
Summary: Read Goodreads Synopsis
Source: Purchased paperback
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Caution: May contain spoilers


My Thoughts:

Persuasion is one of my favorite movie adaptations in the world. I could watch the Masterpiece Theater version over and over without getting sick of it. That’s how much I love it. Since I had never read a Jane Austen book before, I decided to go with that one for my Summer Romance Challenge. I have to admit it was not easy at first. The very beginning with the details on the family and friends of the family was a struggle to get through. I think the reason why is because I know the story so well from the movie. Once more dialogue came about, it became very enjoyable.

Anne Elliot was once engaged to Frederick Wentworth when she was very young. Since her friend Lady Russell didn’t approve of the match, she persuaded Anne to break off the engagement. Fast forward eight years later. Anne’s father Sir Walter and sister Elizabeth have nearly brought the family to bankruptcy. They have to let the house to someone while they get things back to where it should be financially. The person who takes up residency is Admiral and Mrs. Croft. And guess who happens to be the brother of Mrs. Croft? You guessed it--Frederick, now Captain Wentworth.

So now Anne is forced into being around him often, watching him from afar, imagining him as not wanting anything to do with her. Especially when it seems he is preferring the company of another. As time goes on, he gets to see a different side of her, how selfless she is.  And when it seems he is attentive to her, Mr. Elliot, her cousin, seems to be very interested in Anne. But where does Anne stand? Does she have a chance with Frederick again?

Like I said, this is one of my favorite movie adaptations. Reading the book was like icing on the cake, completely put it all into perspective, getting into the mind of the characters. Jane Austen really is an amazing author. I wish I hadn’t taken so long to read one of her novels. Definitely one of the best classics I’ve read so far.

My Rating:

 Very Good... Stay up late

~Jessica

Review: That Summer by Sarah Dessen

Title: That SummerAuthor: Sarah Dessen
Summary: Read Goodreads Synopsis
Source: Purchased paperback
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Caution: May contain spoilers


My Thoughts:

When I picked this book out for the Summer Romance Challenge, I was under the assumption that it was a romance type book. Don’t get me wrong, there are romantic elements all over in it. Just not how I expected them to be.

Haven’s dad is getting remarried… to the local television weather girl, Lorna. Her sister Ashley is marrying Lewis, this guy that Haven doesn’t think is right for her. Her mother is still dealing with the aftermath of the divorce. And Haven--well she’s in the middle of everything and doesn’t know who she is or what’s going on. Then Ashley’s ex-boyfriend Sumner Lee shows up and Haven is reminded of the summer they all spent together. All the good times, and happy memories. As she recalls these, she doesn’t understand how her sister could have stopped being with him.

The journey that Haven takes in the current summer (when she’s fifteen) is a pretty amazing one. There is a lot of reminiscing of times past, which I think adds a sweet family and friends childhood type element to the story. Haven is going through one of those adolescent moments, unsure of everything you used to be so sure of. By the end of the story, she’s coming to terms with things, and she grows up a little bit more.

I thought it was a very cute story, even though it wasn’t the type of story I am used to from Sarah Dessen. It’s one of those simple books with a good lesson.

My Rating:

Pretty Good... Stay up until your bedtime

 ~Jessica

Review: Heart On A Chain by Cindy C. Bennett

Title: Heart On A Chain
Author: Cindy C. Bennett
Summary: Read Goodreads Synopsis
Source: Purchased E-book
Buy: Amazon (Kindle) ~*~ Barnes & Noble (Nook)
Caution: May contain spoilers


My Thoughts:

Kate has a very rough life. At home, she deals with a drug addicted mother and alcoholic father. She is basically a slave in her own home--cleaning and cooking for her parents, getting barely anything in return from them. She is in a constant state of worry as to what will happen if things aren’t just so, because there are consequences to mistakes, even the smallest. Those consequences are being abused by her mother while her father is gone getting drunk. At school she is bullied and teased and tortured, and she just lets it happen. She has no friends anymore.

And then Henry returns. He and Kate shared a special bond a few years back. They even shared a kiss before he moved away. Henry tries to get close to Kate again, but she distrusts his motive. There were many times that the kids at school would pull a fake friendship on her, and just when she starts to believe she has a friend, they humiliate her. Even though Kate resists, Henry persists until he wins her over. She doesn’t fully trust him though, but as his kindness is expressed over and over in different ways, she lets him in more and more.

While Kate’s friendship with Henry begins to turn into something deeper, she faces some intense trials. One of them involves a former friend at school, the other involving a confrontation by her mother. Henry and his family take Kate under their wing and nurture her like she has never been by her own parents. She begins to understand what family and love should be like.

Suddenly, disaster strikes Kate and threatens to make her whole life crumble before her. She is in disbelief over what has happened and is reluctant to allow Henry’s family to intervene and help. Kate lets go of some things, even though it breaks her heart, while at the same time letting others build that were never there to begin with. But the things once left behind always have a way of returning. No matter how much Kate fights it, she knows what her future should hold.

This story is intense and enormously absorbing. Kate and Henry are the most amazing couple I’ve ever read about. Henry’s deep affection for Kate is so touching. You can’t help but be brought to tears as you read of the pains and struggles Kate faces--physically and emotionally. One thing that touched me on a personal level was her relationship with her father. It hits close to home and I wish I could have that same ending Kate had. I found myself sobbing in happiness over the joy of her father’s epiphany. I also hope to find a love like Kate and Henry's--powerful and timeless--someday.

Cindy C. Bennett has definitely hit the mark when it comes to story telling. Her words evoke the depth of the character’s feelings. Heart On A Chain has become one of the best books I have ever read.

My Rating:

Exceptional...Stay up until at least 1 AM

~Jessica

Review: So Much Closer by Susane Colasanti

Title: So Much Closer
Author: Susane Colasanti
Summary: Read Goodreads Synopsis
Source: Borrowed from Library
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Caution: May contain spoilers


My Thoughts:

Brooke is in love with Scott. She belongs with him. It’s something she’s known for awhile. It doesn’t matter that they’ve barely spoken to each other. She knows. Brooke calls it “The Knowing”. To quote her from the book: “The Knowing is always right.” Before she can confess her feelings to him, he moves… to New York. What is a girl in love to do? Why, move to New York of course! She moves in with her dad, who left her mom years before and she hasn’t been in touch with him since then. She tells everyone the move is because she wanted to go to a better school.

Once she’s there, she finds out that Scott already has a girlfriend. This doesn’t stop her from believing. She still wants him. So she tries to get close to him by liking something he likes--which is his favorite TV show, The Office. And she makes a point to talk to him whenever she can.

With school, she applies herself about as little as before, even though she is a lot smarter than her grades are reflecting. She starts tutoring after encouragement from Sadie, a new friend, to get involved. Brooke tutors John, who is a really nice guy that has trouble putting thoughts into words on paper (or dysgraphia). He is, to me, like a breath of fresh air, so full of wonder and amazement. She starts to lose touch with friends back at home, especially with Candice, who had a crush on Scott too. Her dad is hardly there when she’s there, and she doesn’t face the reality of not really knowing him anymore right away. She doesn't really pay attention to anything--she’s too focused on Scott.

As time goes on, Brooke slowly starts to open herself up. She takes in the city around her and she meets with harsh realities and makes mistakes. She learns to face the problems and accept their eventual solutions.

I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I liked the premise, but didn’t expect the story to be how it was. It’s the fifth book by Susane Colasanti, and out of the five I’d say it was my second favorite (first being Waiting For You). So Much Closer is one of those books that starts out as a simple story, but develops into a much bigger picture you didn’t anticipate.

My Rating:

Very Good... Stay up late

~Jessica

Review: The Other Boy by Hailey Abbott

Title: The Other Boy
Author: Hailey Abbott
Summary: Read Goodreads Synopsis
Source: Purchased E-book
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Caution: May contain spoilers



My Thoughts:

Madeline Sinclaire’s parents allow her to stay home while they go to Napa Valley for the summer. Her parents end up coming back early and catch her throwing a party at the house. They are infuriated and sentence her to spend the rest of her summer with them at their vineyard. This means she’ll be away from her friends and away from her boyfriend, Brian. She’s reluctant to enjoy the two months there. The place is unlike what she’s accustomed to in San Francisco.

She gets commissioned by her father to fix up a wine tasting room with David, his business partner’s very gorgeous son. David is more enthusiastic about the job that Maddie is. At first they get off on the wrong foot (of course). They go around to other places for ideas on how to decorate and design the place. They spend a lot of time together working. She actually begins to enjoy being up at the vineyard. And she’s enjoying the time with David. Will summer turn out better than she thought?

I’ve read several Hailey Abbott books over the years. They have all been nice light reads. This one was very cute. Very cute. I liked all the characters and the way that Maddie grew along the way. I could go back and read this one again.

My Rating:

Very Good... Stay up late

~Jessica

Review: The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols

Title: The Ex Games
Author: Jennifer Echols
Summary: Read Goodreads Synopsis
Source: Purchased E-book
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Caution: May contain spoilers



My Thoughts:

Jennifer Echols delivers again! The Boys Next Door and Major Crush are great reads with the dynamic pairing of two people that stems from dislike or distraction. In The Ex Games, Nick and Hayden end up in an argument, which leads to a standoff competition to see who is the better snowboarder. It’s the girls against the boys.  It’s heating up, and I’m not just talking about the competition.

They had dated years before and he humiliated her. She hasn’t forgiven him since. He still calls her “Hoyden” instead of Hayden to make her mad. Then the day before Winter Break, he’s flirting with her, which confuses her. A few days later on the night after she wins the girls division in a boarding comp, the two have a very sexy scene in the sauna. It’s right after this that the fight and the boys versus the girls standoff begins. As the tensions rise, they realize they have pent up desires from sauna night that got interrupted. Can a relationship happen again between them, or will the past just keep coming up and getting in the way?

You know I love a good built up romance. And I especially love sexual tension. It’s like getting that fluttery feeling all over again--the first time hands touch or his leg touches her leg when they’re sitting next to each other. This book is the best one I’ve read so far for that. Nick and Hayden are intense and entertaining.

I haven’t met a Jennifer Echols book that I didn’t like. When it comes to the Simon Romantic comedies, they can be hit or miss for a truly good book (since they're written by multiple authors). Every one by Echols has been a GREAT story that kept me hooked. The Ex-Games is a must read for any Jennifer Echols fan. Haven’t read a Jennifer Echols book?  Well, what are you waiting for?!

My Rating:

Very Good... Stay up late!

~Jessica

My 2011 Summer Romance Challenge Progress Post

FINISHED!!!!

2011 Summer Romance Challenge hosted by Book Chick City

(Here's my original post on this.)


I have joined Book Chick City's 2011 Summer Romance Reading Challenge. I will be reading 8 books in 4 months (along with a few other non-romance reads in between).

Here are the 8 books I will be reading for this challenge:

1. Persuasion by Jane Austen ~FINISHED **REVIEW**
2. That Summer by Sarah Dessen ~FINISHED **REVIEW**

3. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer ~FINISHED **NO REVIEW**

4. The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols (Nook book) ~FINISHED **REVIEW**

5. Heart On A Chain by Cindy C. Bennett (Nook book) ~FINISHED **REVIEW**

6. Tourist Trap by Emma Harrison ~FINISHED **NO REVIEW**

7. The Other Boy by Hailey Abbott (Nook book) ~FINISHED **REVIEW**

8. So Much Closer by Susane Colasanti ~FINISHED **REVIEW**

I will post back to this link as I add in new information (when I finish a book, or write a review, etc.).

As always, happy reading! <3

~Jessica

2011 Summer Romance Challenge -- June 1-Sept 30

2011 Summer Romance Challenge hosted by Book Chick City

Timeline: 1st June 2011 ~ 30th Sept 2011. Only books started on June 1st count towards this challenge.


Details:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

2. 4 months, 8 books - that's doable, right? Or if you want to push yourself further, double it to 16!!

3. Any book format counts except audiobooks.

4. The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.

For more information, please go to the link above. ^_^

If you need further help to decide on which sub-genre to choose check out Wikipedia

You can view my progress HERE.

I am SOOOOO in. I've got a couple books in mind for this, and I'm sure I'll figure out a few more soon. I'm going to read 8 books total. I'd expand it to 16, but there are so many other non-romance books that I'm anxious to read soon, so 8 works best. I'll pick out the books I want to read and post my link to show my progress.

Be sure to join too if you're interested! It should be fun. ^_^

~Jessica

PS: I just noticed I am the 27th participant... and 27 is my number. LOL. That just made my day!!!