Novel Books & Reading Challenges - Tower Teams III - Finished

Tower Teams III hosted by Novel Books & Reading Challenges.

This has now finished and I managed to read 79 books in total for the challenge. Unfortunately my team didn't win but that is okay as we weren't even close. This wasn't as great as the last tower team challenge as there were only two challenges within the challenge. I will still hope to take part in the next challenge though.

List of books at the bottom of this post.

What are Tower Teams?
Essentially it is small groups of members in a team who read and discuss books, record them for "points" in order to compete against other teams.
It doesn't matter if your yearly goal is to read five (5) books, fifty (50) books or five-hundred (500) books. Anyone can join! We are still balancing the Tower Teams Reading Challenge by Total Books read.

IMPORTANT
This is NOT a read-a-thon and WILL go for a few months, so please only sign-up if you are a consistent goodreads user and are willing to discuss books with your team mates over a period of a few months. Unlike our other team challenges, the Tower Teams Challenge is a marathon, not a sprint!

Goal: The first Team to 20,000 points wins!

When: Starts November 8, 2014 and goes until the a Team reaches 20,000 points.

How: We will take all the people who sign-up and divide them equally - by book goal - into SMALLER groups, taking into account the number of books they read in 2014 and how many they think they will read in 2015. Otherwise we will be using a "ramdomizer" to assign. When you go to the sign-up thread, PLEASE INDICATE the NUMBER of BOOKS you have read so far in 2014 and the number you THINK you'll read for 2015. (Just to even out the teams. Thanks!)

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Points
For reading books
Books between 100 and 160 pages (100 pages or 25,000 words is the minimum) = 10 points
Books between 161 pages and 450 pages = 20 points
Books between 451 and 600 pages = 50 points
Books between 601 and 750 pages = 70 points
Books between 751 and 900 pages = 90 points
Books over 901 pages = 100 points

For NBRC BOM (Book of the Month) discussions
Writing a day's worth of discussion questions = 40 points
Participating in a BOM (participating in discussion) = 30 points
NOTE: We will accept one team member per book per team for writing a days DQs. If, by three days prior to the BOM starting, we don't have enough volunteers to write all DQs, then we will let more than one team member per team write questions. If we have more people than days sign up (prior to 3 days before start date) we will randomise the volunteers to determine those who can write DQs

For NBRC Buddy Reads
Participating in a buddy read with a member from a different team, or with a member of NBRC who isn't on a Tower Team = 30 points

NOTE: Points for BOMs and BRs are only provided for these discussions happening inside the NBRC group. Points are not provided for discussions in other groups

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Add-ons: If you didn't sign-up in time, you can be added through-out the competition, as soon as there are an equal number of books for all teams. For example: If there are 10 teams, it is January, teams have yet to reach 20,000 points, and you want to join the game. You only have to wait until there are enough players -- who collective make up an equal number of books -- want to join, then we'll allow all a new batch of members to in, most likely as a new Team.

◈ Those people who want to keep their Profiles Private, must be willing to "Friend"
    their Team Captain(s), the NBRC Mod account, or one of the Moderators, to allow
    page count verification and to assist you if you are having difficulty with your
    bookshelves.

◈ Teams will be similar in size to TTII and the Wheelathon. We haven't decided on the exact number, as we are going by books read, but we are shooting for 10-25 members.

◈ Books must be />100 pages. NOTE: This number is lower than our other team challenges!
    For page number questions, please check with your captain who can ask in the Captains group for verification.

◈ Audio books and Large Print editions are allowed. (For page numbers, we will use the "default" GR book page numbers.)

◈ No graphic novels. (Sorry.)

◈ No little children's books less than 25,000 words.ArBookFind is a great site to double check. If in doubt, ask your captain.

◈ Any genre counts.

◈ Any book in any language will count, as long as it meets the criteria.

◈ "Re-reads" will be allowed, if it has been six months since you have read the book. This includes listening to the audio version, if you've already read the book.

◈ This challenge involves adding a special bookshelf to your personal
    GRs bookshelves other than "read." You may choose a preexisting one.

◈ Please wait to be told to which Team you are assigned. It might take awhile; however,
    you will be able to count the books you have read from the START date of the challenge.

◈ Once you actually join, please check-in with your team discussion thread by posting the name of your bookshelf.
    Remember to add a HYPHEN between words for your bookshelf.

◈ Helpful Tip: Knowing about Sticky Shelves may help you put your assigned
    bookshelf near the top of your dropdown box.

◈ With MOBILE DEVICES there have been major problems when trying to
    add books. If that is all you have to access the Internet, or you don't know how to Cut & Paste
    on it, then this challenge probably is NOT the right fit for you.

◈ Discussion threads will be in the regular NBRC group.

◈ You do NOT have to join the discussion, if you don't want to; communicating
    via posting a book is good enough. Nevertheless, Your Team wants to know if you are
    still participating. We understand Real Life gets in the way. However, please plan to
    "check-in" in some manner at least once every week. If we don't hear from you for two weeks, you may be replaced with another team member

◈ We need people to volunteer to be Team Captain(s) whose duties include:

- Keeping a Google Spreadsheet that all members can view (we will provide you with a template)
- checking team members books read and page counts
- communicating with a NBRC Moderator
- communicating with all Team Members
- making sure Team Members are staying active
- notifying the NBRC Mod if someone drops out
- have effective and kind (this is a game, remember) on-line communication skills to help members having trouble
- making sure Team Members belong on your team
- posting weekly status updates/reminders
- dealing with minor issues that arise
- post little challenges within challenges, if desired.

    You may rotate/share these duties. We would suggest you have at least one Co-Captain.
    You may have as many Captains and Co-Captains as you like.

◈ Please let us know, when you make a request to sign-up, if you are interesting in being a
    Team Captain.

◈ When a Team reaches 20,000 points, they win. If more than one team hits this in the same week then the team with the highest points is the winner.

List of books:

1. The House At Riverton by Kate Morton 
2. The Christmas Spirit by Susan Buchanan
3. The Warlock by Michael Scott
4. The Enchantress by Michael Scott
5. Yuletide Tales A Festive Collective by Peter John
6. Redwall by Brian Jacques 
7. An Almost Perfect Christmas by Donna Fasano
8. Catnapped by Patricia Fry
9. California Man by E.C. Sheedy 
10. On the Edge by Ilona Andrews
11. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
12. Madman's Dance by Jana Oliver
13. The Circus Is Coming by Noel Streatfeild
14. Introvert by Anna Skyggebjerg 
15. The Vintage Tea Dress Shop in Summer by De-Ann Black
16. Udvalgte historier fra Jul i Hjemmet by Morten Korch
17. Dragon's Fire by Anne McCaffrey and Todd J. McCaffrey
18. Foxglove Summer by Ben Aaronovitch
19. Glade Jul, 24 dejlige danske julenoveller edited by Michael Toubro
20. Family Magic by Patti Larsen
21. Sun Kissed by Skyla Madi
22. The Lazarus Machine by Paul Crilley 
23. Den sidste stjerne by Hans Blangstrup Christensen 
24. Driven to Date by Susan Hatler
25. Reckless by Cornelia Funke  
26. Promise by Kristie Cook
27. Elfhunter by C.S. Marks
28. The Little Christmas Kitchen by Jenny Oliver
29. Toby Streams the Universe by Maya Lassiter
30. Loveable Christmas Angel by Mimi Barbour
31. A Season of Angels by Debbie Macomber
32. Any Witch Way You Can by Amanda M. Lee
33. Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
34. Red Stilettos by Ruth Joseph 
35. Enchanted Secrets by Kristen Middleton
36. Head Over Halo by Molly Snow
37. Murder Most Witchy by Emily Rylands
38. Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher
39. A Christmas Charade by Karla Hocker
40. Unicorn Bait by S.A. Hunter 
41. Starry Night by Debbie Macomber
42. The Brands Who Came For Christmas by Maggie Shayne
43. The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson
44. Forever Charmed by Rose Pressey 
45. Into Your Arms by Abigail Strom
46. The Cypher by Julian Rosado-Machain 
47. Vacations from Hell by Libba Bray 
48. Fatal Boarding by E.R. Mason 
49. Crime in the Community by Cecilia Peartree
50. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
51. Summer of Change by Elena Aitken
52. The Spirit of A Witch by Sarah Jane Avory
53. How to be a Ghost by Audrey Claire
54. Life's a Witch by Elizabeth A. Reeves
55. Blood Echo by Melissa Simonson
56. Shenanigans by T.B. Bond 
57. A Million Wishes by DeAnna Felthauser 
58. Driving Home for Christmas by Emma Hannigan 
59. Pretty in Black by Rae Hachton
60. Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck
61. Bewitching You by Viola Estrella
62. Secrets of the Heart by Laurie LeClair
63. Flame Moon by K.J. Jackson
64. Shifting Shadows by Patricia Briggs
65. Sapphire of the Fairies by Richard S. Tuttle
66. In Search of a Love Story by Rachel Schurig 
67. Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews
68. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling 
69. Coven by K.A. Young
70. Hired by the Cowboy by Donna Alward
71. Nerilka's Story by Anne McCaffrey 
72. Born in Fire by Nora Roberts 
73. Raven's Key: A Novel by Siomonn Pulla
74. Cora's Heart by Rachael Herron
75. Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews
76. The Parent Pact by Laurie Kellogg
77. High Heels in New York by A.V. Scott
78. A French Girl in New York by Anna Adams
79. Fat Vampire by Johnny B. Truant

Fat Vampire by Johnny B. Truant

When overweight treadmill salesman Reginald Baskin finally meets a co-worker who doesn't make fun of him, it's just his own bad luck that tech guy Maurice turns out to be a thousand-year-old vampire.
And when Maurice turns Reginald to save his life, it's just Reginald's own further bad luck that he wakes up to discover he's become the slowest, weakest, most out-of-shape vampire ever born, doomed to "heal" to his corpulent self for all of eternity.
As Reginald struggles with the downsides of being a fat vampire -- too slow to catch people to feed on, mocked by those he tries to glamour, assaulted by his intended prey and left for undead -- he discovers in himself rare powers that few vampires have… and just in time too, because the Vampire Council might just want his head for being an inferior representative of their race.
Fat Vampire is the story of an unlikely hero who, after having an imperfect eternity shoved into his grease-stained hands, must learn to turn the afterlife's lemons into tasty lemon danishes. From Goodreads.

This was quite funny with a different take on vampires. In most other vampire books, vampires basically become beautiful when they are turned but not in this one. Reginald has to use his other hidden powers to survive. 

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: February Challenges (4/5)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: To Be A Ravenclaw
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: 2015 Reading Challenge!
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Who is ... The Death Eater?

A French Girl in New York by Anna Adams

Maude Laurent is a spirited sixteen year-old orphan who grew up in a small, provincial town in the North of France with a passion for piano and a beautiful voice. One day in Paris, she is discovered by an American music producer who takes her to New York to live with him and his close-knit family while producing her first album, with help from teen pop star, Matt. Maude will dive into a new fascinating world discovering New York City, music, family, love and the truth about her past. From Goodreads.

This is sweet with a happy ending. Maude has to go through a lot to get that happy ending though but she does it with spirit. It is also about betrayal and loss. I will definitely read more from this author.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
What's in a Name 2015
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: February Challenges (2/5)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Zodiac
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Harry Potter: The Ultimate Series Tour
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Meet a Million Members
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Who is ... The Death Eater?

High Heels in New York by A.V. Scott

"Melissa De La Rosa has never felt luckier. She is to marry her ideal man, and about to launch her shoe line during the coveted fashion week in New York. But in one afternoon her “happily ever after” begins to fall apart when tragedy strikes, unleashing a string of events she never in her wildest dreams anticipated.
Then there’s Angelina, is a Hollywood has-been who can’t break her addiction to drugs, which she basically needs to actually function. Banking on her latest picture to launch her back into Hollywood royalty, a long kept secret vows to destroy the life she’s so carefully crafted.
In the city that never sleeps, secrets are never truly hidden."  From Goodreads.

This wasn't good. The author has cramped way too many bad events into this book, it is just too much. I will not continue this series even though this book ended on a cliffhanger.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: February Challenges (4/5)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Clue round 4
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Meet a Million Members
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Who is ... The Death Eater?

The Parent Pact by Laurie Kellogg

Cinderella and Prince Charming never had to consider the welfare of their children.
When widower Tyler Fitzpatrick meets Annie Barnes at his daughter’s school, his libido goes tilt. The sexy single mother is everything he and his grieving little girl need. Unfortunately, Annie flatly refuses his dinner invitation. She wants a husband and a father for her son—not just a boyfriend. And the last time she checked, wealthy, summa-cum-laude lawyers didn’t marry high-school-drop-out housekeepers.
Tyler concedes there’s a vast difference between their experiences and lifestyles. Still, he’s inexplicably drawn to the impoverished young woman—even though her little boy reminds Tyler of an underprivileged past he’d rather forget. While becoming better acquainted, he offers Annie a job caring for his daughter and home in Redemption, PA. He also proposes a Parent Pact—an agreement to become role models to each other’s child and to fill one another’s needs as single parents while they continue to search for true love.
Accepting Tyler’s offer would solve a lot of Annie’s problems. However, surrendering to her weak-in-the-knees attraction to the irresistible widower could very well leave her and her son heartbroken. Yet, when circumstances threaten her ability to feed her child, Annie reluctantly agrees to the pact, making it clear she has no desire for Tyler to fill her so-called needs in bed. It’s a bald-faced lie, but she knows the man’s desperation to give his daughter the nurturing she needs will compel him to accept a purely platonic relationship.
Now, Annie’s only problem is resisting the overwhelming temptation to let sin-in-a-tailored-suit Tyler seduce her. From Goodreads.

An okay romance. Quite unbelievable but still okay. Sweet with the kids.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: February Challenges (3/5)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hearts, Romance, Spring Greetings 
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: A Trip To Hogwarts
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Harry Potter: The Ultimate Series Tour
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Clue round 4
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Who is ... The Death Eater?
Crazy Challenge Connection Monopoly

Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews

Nevada Baylor is faced with the most challenging case of her detective career—a suicide mission to bring in a suspect in a volatile case. Nevada isn’t sure she has the chops. Her quarry is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, who can set anyone and anything on fire.
Then she’s kidnapped by Connor “Mad” Rogan—a darkly tempting billionaire with equally devastating powers. Torn between wanting to run or surrender to their overwhelming attraction, Nevada must join forces with Rogan to stay alive.
Rogan’s after the same target, so he needs Nevada. But she’s getting under his skin, making him care about someone other than himself for a change. And, as Rogan has learned, love can be as perilous as death, especially in the magic world. From Goodreads.






I enjoyed this book. Nevada is a strong (stronger than she thinks) heroine with an even stronger need to protect her family. Rogan is a Prime, which gives power but it is also a curse. When he is pushed to use his magic at its maximum he is devastating as he can not stop his destruction again.
These two makes a very strong team. I am looking forward to continuing this series. The cover is lousy, it has nothing to do with the story.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
I love Library books 2015
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: February Challenges (3/5)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hearts, Romance, Spring Greetings
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: 2015 Reading Challenge!
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Who is ... The Death Eater?
Crazy Challenge Connection Monopoly

Cora's Heart by Rachael Herron

From bestselling author, Rachael Herron, comes another funny and sexy romcom set in the sleepy Californian coastal town of Cypress Hollow.
Cora has been hurt too many times, and by one man in particular . . . Abandoned by her mother and widowed in her mid-twenties, Cora Sylvan has learned the hard way that you should take nothing in life for granted. So everything is planned out to the last degree – from how to run her farm on a shoestring to how to survive a major earthquake.
Unfortunately, there's nothing in those notes to cover the return of the infuriatingly handsome Mac Wildwood, her husband's cousin, the man she loved and lost. And Mac, it seems, has a secret plan of his own up his sleeve. Cora Sylvan safeguarded everything – but she didn't protect her heart . . .
Fans of Debbie Macomber and Penny Reid will love this trip into Cypress Hollow, and into love. From Goodreads.


This was a sweet, light romance. Cora is struggling after her stock of crafts has burned but then Mac, her husband returns home. She used to love Mac but she married Logan. The end is predictable but the book still had a few surprises which was nice.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: February Challenges (5/5)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: To Be A Ravenclaw
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hearts, Romance, Spring Greetings
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Zodiac
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Harry Potter: The Ultimate Series Tour
A Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon 2015

Raven's Key: A Novel by Siomonn Pulla

Siomonn Pulla's first e-novel is a fast-paced new age adventure with a most unlikely cast of characters. This book is quirky and probably unlike anything you've ever read before. An ancient Sumerian King has hired a shape shifting Raven to steal sacred objects from museum's around the world. A Museum curator and her assistant, a young anthropology graduate student, discover that they are running out of time in this quest to restore the ancient balance of light and dark forces. Together with members from the ancient Council of Light, they must track down the shape shifting Raven, locate the stolen objects and return them to the council. Nearly out of time, they must journey to discover the key to unlocking humanity's shift into the new consciousness of 2012. From Goodreads.






This was quite interesting. Basically we have two different races of aliens. One good and one bad, but as there often is, there is a lot of grey in-between. There are also several different species of immortals and a few humans that got mixed into the mess. This is as far as I can figure out a standalone but I wouldn't mind reading more about some of the characters. Especially Raven who is not quite as he seems.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Yahtzee Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: February Challenges (2/5)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Handling the Horcruxes
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: To Be A Ravenclaw
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hearts, Romance, Spring Greetings
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: A Trip To Hogwarts
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Clue round 4
A Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon 2015

Born in Fire by Nora Roberts

Maggie and Brianna Concannon are very different. The calm and gentle Brie seems able to weather any storm, even the constant criticism that rains down on them both from their mother, but Maggie is a passionate and fiery artist whose temper is as bold as her art. Their mother's bitterness is a mystery to the sisters. until secrets from the past challenge everything they've come to believe.
It's Maggie's skill as a glass blower that brings Rogan Sweeney, the international gallery owner, to her small cottage in County Clare. 
His interest in her is purely professional, until their personalities clash and sparks begin to fly... As her career takes off, how will Maggie cope with the heat of the spotlight and feelings for Rogan that she would rather ignore? From the back of the book.




This was very good, not just a quick romance. There is a lot about family and what makes Maggie who she is and why she has decided never to marry. The relationships with her father, mother and sister are all very interesting. Rogan is a successful businessman and thinks he can keep business and private life separate but of course that is impossible. I will try to get the next in the series from the library. 

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
I love Library books 2015
Crazy Challenge Connection A-Z Locations - 2014
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: December-January Mini Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: January Challenges
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Face Off
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: 2015 Reading Challenge!
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Clue round 4
Setting Alphabet Reading Challenge
Crazy Challenge Connection Read your age
A Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon 2015

Nerilka's Story by Anne McCaffrey

Everyone, holder and dragonrider alike, pitched in to help--except Nerilka's father, who refused to share Fort Hold's bounty with the other holds. So, ashamed of her family and determined to doher part, Nerilka packed up medicines and supplies and sneaked off to aid her people.Her quest to help wherever she was most neded led her finally to Ruatha Hold, where Lord Alessan was frantically inoculations against the dread plague.
Nerilika had long ago abandoned the hope of marraige and a home of her own. Now she found happiness in being useful and appreciated---first the Healers and then Alessan made very clear that they were grateful for her help.
She had no idea that her new path would change the course of her life forever!  From Goodreads.





This is a re-read and I was surprised how much I actually remembered from this book as I started reading. Nerilka is a very caring young woman who decides to help out when the plaque hits, opposing her father and leaving her home in secrecy to do this. She is a very strong woman who longs to be useful but also to be appreciated for her work. There is a lot of loss in this book but it has a happy ending.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory - R4: Team Challenge SS
The Challenge Factory - R5: Team Challenge SSS
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Face Off
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Meet a Million Members
A Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon 2015

Hired by the Cowboy by Donna Alward

Alexis Grayson is good at looking after herself-she's been doing it all her life. So what if she's alone and pregnant? She'll cope! But gorgeous cowboy Connor Madsen seems determined to take care of her. And Alexis can help him-he needs a temporary wife; she needs somewhere to live until the baby's born. A short-term marriage will solve all their difficulties!
As Alexis gets to know the courageous, honorable Connor, she realizes that she might have made the biggest mistake of her life. Because all this wife-for-hire wants is a marriage for real! From Goodreads.

This was an easy, quick read. Predictable but sweet.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: December-January Mini Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: January Challenges (1/9)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon 2015

Coven by K.A. Young

Elise Michaels' motto has always been: no guts, no glory. She is a thrill seeker, continually craving excitement and adventure. The idea of being tied down to a place or man never interested her, even though a betrothal spell was cast linking her and the Head of Council’s son when they were mere infants.
Being a distant third in succession to assume the Head Mistress role, she felt confident that her secret would remain in her past along with Coven life. Unfortunately, nothing in our fun loving heroine’s future is anything she or anyone from the supernatural realm is prepared for.
Now, she’s forced to return to the place and the Sorcerer she so desperately sought to forget.
Elise has no idea the power and gifts that await her. Can she let go of her own desires and embrace her new role? Or will she surrender to the faceless evil coming for them all? From Goodreads.



This was good, I was a bit afraid that it would be a problem that this was a spin-off series of another series but it wasn't. Elise isn't happy about having to take over as headmistress of the coven and not all of the mistress' are happy about it either. I like that we meet several different paranormals in this book and they are working together. I am sure I will read more of this series.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: January Challenges (2/9)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Face Off
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: 2015 Reading Challenge!
A Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon 2015

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter thinks he is an ordinary boy. He lives with his Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia and cousin Dudley, who make him sleep in a cupboard under the stairs. Then Harry starts receiving mysterious letters and his life is changed for ever. He is whisked away by a beetle-eyed giant of a man and enrolled in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The reason: Harry Potter is a wizard! From Goodreads.

I can't even remember when I read this for the first time but looking in my old paperback it was bought for me in 2000 and I am sure I read it right away. This book is still just as good as the first time I read it. Not the same surprises of course but instead I can look forward to things like all the letters arriving, Hagrid turning up and not least the friendship developing between Harry, Ron and Hermione.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: December-January Mini Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: January Challenges (3/9)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Face Off
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: 2015 Reading Challenge!
A Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon 2015

Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews

The Edge lies between worlds, on the border between the Broken, where people shop at Walmart and magic is a fairytale–and the Weird, where blueblood aristocrats rule, changelings roam, and the strength of your magic can change your destiny…
Cerise Mar and her unruly clan are cash poor but land rich, claiming a large swathe of the Mire, the Edge swamplands between the state of Louisiana and the Weird. When her parents vanish, her clan’s long-time rivals are suspect number one.
But all is not as it seems. Two nations of the Weird are waging a cold war fought by feint and espionage, and their conflict is about to spill over into the Edge—and Cerise’s life . William, a changeling soldier who left behind the politics of the Weird, has been forced back into service to track down a rival nation’s spymaster.
When William’s and Cerise’s missions lead them to cross paths, sparks fly—but they’ll have to work together if they want to succeed…and survive. From Goodreads.


This was a great second book in this series. When I read the first book I didn't realise that each book would be about different characters but that is okay. William we met in the first book and both he and Cerise are very likeable strong characters. I also liked the young people Gaston and Lark.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
I love Library books 2015
The Challenge Factory - R5: Team Challenge SSS
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: ELF of the SHELF
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: January Challenges (3/9)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: 2015 Reading Challenge!
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Clue round 4
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Meet a Million Members

In Search of a Love Story by Rachel Schurig

Emily Donovan doesn’t have a romantic bone in her body.
At least, that’s what her friends Ryan and Ashley keep telling her. They’re convinced her bad luck with men is directly related to her life-long lack of interest in all things romantic. When Emily’s latest relationship crashes and burns, she decides to go along with her friends’ plans for a romance research project. Sure, the idea that she’ll have better luck if she learns about the great romances of literature and film seems a little silly, but Emily figures it can’t hurt.
In no time at all, Emily finds herself buried under a mountain of romance novels, chick flicks, and sappy love songs, hopeful that her hard work will pay off with true love. When she meets Greg, Ashley and Ryan are convinced she’s found prince charming—after all, he’s rich, handsome, and totally into Emily. What more could she want? And why does it seem that her friend Elliot isn’t exactly happy for her?
Faced with misunderstandings, miscommunications, and a seemingly endless string of missteps, she is nevertheless determined to give true love a try. In doing so, Emily will eventually find that true romance, the kind that lasts, has little to do with stereotypes or clichés, and everything to do with finding out what’s in her own heart. From Goodreads.

Emily is, with the help of her friends, trying to find true love. This was quite a funny chick-lit romance. Emily is of course not seeing what is right in front of her. I liked her interaction with her Physical Therapist patients.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: December-January Mini Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: January Challenges (3/9)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Face Off
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Hunger Games
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Clue round 4
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: the 50 States Amazing Book Hunt
Crazy Challenge Connection Scrabble, anyone?

Sapphire of the Fairies by Richard S. Tuttle

The sky is dark. Neither the sun nor the moon have been seen in decades. The land is fruitless, and the seas are barren. No law exists, only the rule of might is exerted over a hapless people by those who can wield it. In a land of darkness and despair, there is one shining light, an ancient prophecy that foretells of the coming king and his companion, the vanquisher of evil.Sapphire of the Fairies is the first of seven volumes of the epic fantasy series Sword of Heavens. Explore a vast continent where elves, dwarves, unicorns, fairies, demons, dragons, and man all exist. Sapphire of the Fairies begins the saga of five humans on the verge of adulthood. Living in a land where no one can be trusted, these five adventurers must restore the magical Sword of Heavens and defeat the Evil One, an evil sorcery whose minions roam the world in an attempt to defeat the ancient prophecy.Discover a world of magic and intrigue created by Richard S. Tuttle, called "one of this century's leading authors of innovative fantasy tales." Volume 1 of Sword of Heavens. From Goodreads.

The start of the book was very slow. The blurb had me expecting something completely different and not the slow character building of four of the young main characters. It wasn't bad, I just didn't expect it. After a while the adventure picks up and at the end of the story things are revealed about several of the characters. I might continue this series at a later date.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
The Challenge Factory - R5: Team Challenge SSS
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: December-January Mini Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: January Challenges (2/9)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Face Off
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Hunger Games
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: the 50 States Amazing Book Hunt
Crazy Challenge Connection Read your age

Shifting Shadows by Patricia Briggs

Mercy Thompson’s world just got a whole lot bigger…
A collection of all-new and previously published short stories featuring Mercy Thompson, “one of the best heroines in the urban fantasy genre today” (Fiction Vixen Book Reviews), and the characters she calls friends…
Includes the new stories…
“Silver”
“Roses in Winter”
“Redemption”
“Hollow”
…and reader favorites
“Fairy Gifts”
“Gray”
“Alpha and Omega”
“Seeing Eye”
“The Star of David”
“In Red, with Pearls” From Goodreads.

This was really good and it made me want to re-read this series and fit these stories in at the right time. I like Mercy but it was interesting to hear more about the characters around her from their own point of view. Silver was one of my favourites as this tells how bran and Samuel became were-wolves.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Audiobook challenge
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: December-January Mini Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: January Challenges (1/9)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: 2015 Reading Challenge!
Novel Books & Reading Challenges - Baby Got Book

Flame Moon by K.J. Jackson

Skye Walters thought waking up on the side of a river with no memory was her biggest problem. She had no idea that the man who had saved her from drowning, the man she now depended on, Aiden, was more than mere mortal. A warrior of ancient.
No memory, nowhere to go, Skye stays in the mountain town, only to discover she herself, has unexplained powers. Her life, her destiny, are soon out of her control, as are her feelings for Aiden. The deeper Skye gets sucked into Aiden’s hidden world, the more the past, and who she really is, threatens her future, her love, her sanity.  From Goodreads

This was better than I expected. Skye needs to find out who she is and with Aiden and his friends' help she does find out but they don't tell her everything. What I liked about this is also that we get the 2 opposing groups presented as good guys and bad guys but looking a bit closer it is not as simple as that.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: January Challenges (1/9)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: the 50 States Amazing Book Hunt

Secrets of the Heart by Laurie LeClair

Secrets to hide...
A child to protect...
Forbidden love...
For years, Bree Hansen has fought to keep two things safe: Her daughter and her secret. Both are in jeopardy now that sexy cop Nick Carletti wants his family back. She’ll do anything to protect her secret. She has for years along with her forbidden feelings for Nick. He knows she’s hiding something and wants the truth. Getting to the bottom of it will give him what he wants, but at what price?
How can Nick and Bree make a life together when he feels as if he’s betraying his dead son, can’t trust Bree, and has lost faith in everything, especially himself?
Can Bree and Nick get what they want or will their forbidden past and growing feelings for each other expose too many secrets to heal their hearts?  From Goodreads.


This was a quick read. It wasn't great but it was okay. It all centres around some secrets. It was way too easy too guess the secret and then it was just about waiting to see where it all went from there. This was the second book I read by this author and both were just okay.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory - R4: Team Challenge SS
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: December-January Mini Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: January Challenges (4/9)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Hunger Games
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Meet a Million Members

Bewitching You by Viola Estrella

Bewitching You -- When steamy romance meets magic and mayhem.
A love spell gone wrong. An interfering ghost. A nosy mind-reading grandmother. And a psychic man-hating mother. To say Sofia Good's life is a mess might be the understatement of the century. But when her visions forecast a love worth fighting for, she's willing to do just about anything to meet the man of her dreams.
Grayson Phillips lost his twin brother in a senseless accident, and now he's trying to gain back control by maintaining a safe and uneventful "life plan." But after sexy, quirky Sofia crash lands into his world he's forced to rethink his strategy.
When a love spell is cast on the pair--drawing them together despite the odds--time will tell what fate has planned for them. From Goodreads.





This was quite fun with an interfering grandmother and a mother who hates men and a meddling ghost. Sofia has visions and usually she sees her dates married to other women but now she has had visions, explicit sexual visions, about her future husband. Problem is that she hasn't met him yet and when she does, he is engaged. A fun enough read that I might read more from this author.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
The Challenge Factory - R4: Team Challenge SS
The Challenge Factory - R5: Team Challenge SSS
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: January Challenges (2/9)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List