It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is being hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

This is a great weekly event where everyone can keep track of the books finished last week & the books planning to read this week!

From the books I had started previously, I finished the following three books:

Beauty and the Bully by Andy Behrens (my review),  Fer-De-Lance by Rex Stout & Mysteries by Knut Hamsun!

I also read the following six books:

Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg (my review), Castration Celebration by Jake Wizner (my review), Odd Girl In by Jo Whittemore,

 

I Love Him to Pieces by Evonne Tsang (graphic novel), Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O'Roark Dowell & The Poison Eaters And Other Stories by Holly Black!

 

So, what I'll read this week?

 This week I'll continue reading & probably finish A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull, which so far I'm loving it & than I'll probably read Altar of Bones by Philip Carter, 'cause I have only a week to read the galley before it expires! I'll probably continue reading some of the other books I've already started!

 

Title: Beauty and the Bully

Author: Andy Behrens

Summary:

What wouldn't a guy do to get the girl?

How will garage band front man Duncan ever get the attention of his goddess like classmate Carly, who's so busy trying to save the world that she won't even look in his direction? An idea hits him, literally: when Duncan accidentally bruises himself, Carly wants to know who punched him, and vows to take care of 'poor widdle Dunky.' But as his black eye fades, so does Carly's devotion. Duncan needs a plan. He needs impending danger. He needs a BULLY. The search is on.

This hilarious novel plays with the certainty that teenage boys will do just about anything to get a girl's attention.

 

My rating: 4 of 5

 

My thoughts on the book:

I liked this book a lot! It was really funny, I mean laugh-out-loud funny, with fun characters, fun story & sweet ending! I recommend this book & I'll definitely try some of the other books by Andy Behrens!

 

Challenges:

• 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011
• A to Z Challenge 2011 
• 2011 YA Reading Challenge
• New Author Challenge 2011
• A-Z Reading Challenge 2011

Title: Castration Celebration

Author: Jake Wizner

Summary:

 

It's High School Musical - rated R!

When the girl who's foresworn men meets the boy who's devoted himself to picking up women, there's bound to be drama - perfect for a sixweek summer program devoted to the arts. Olivia's summer goal: to write a musical that censures men with wandering eyes. Max's summer goal: to hone his acting skills, along with his talent for attracting the ladies. Before camp is over, they'll perform Olivia's musical onstage and in real life - though the ending may turn out differently than either expects.

Jake Wizner's story within a story takes the battle of the sexes to a whole new level in a bawdy, uproarious romp that's laugh-out-loud fun.

 

My rating: 4.5 of 5

 

My thoughts on the book:

The first thing I have to say about this book is: LOL! Hilarious book & I loved it! Definitely more raunchy than I expected, but it was really funny & some of the things said (or sang) in it, I definitely won't forget, I keep remembering some of them every day (I read it 5 days ago) & I just laugh :) Like a hilarious scene from a movie you just can't forget! In the end, I loved all the characters, they were all fun & I was cheering for them! While I was reading it, I didn't know what to expect, so it surprised  more than once! Definitely a book I'll re-read again & again! I highly recommend this book, although maybe for the older teens & definitely for the adults!

 

Challenges:

• 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011
• A to Z Challenge 2011 
• 2011 YA Reading Challenge
• New Author Challenge 2011

Title: Prom and Prejudice

Author: Elizabeth Eulberg

Summary:

 

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single guy in his spring semester at Pemberly Academy must be in want of a prom date.

 

After winter break, the girls at very prestigious, very wealthy, girls-only Longbourn Academy are suddenly obsessed with the prom, which they share with the nearby, equally elitist, all-boys Pemberly school. Lizzie Bennett, who attends Longbourn on scholarship, isn't exactly interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be - especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London. Lizzie is happy about her friend's burgeoning romance, but less than impressed by Will Darcy, Charles's friend, who's as snobby and pretentious as his friend is nice. He doesn't seem to like Lizzie either, but she assumes it's because her family doesn't have money. It doesn't help that Charles doesn't seem to be asking Jane to be his prom date, or that Lizzie meets George Wickham, who tells her that Will Darcy sabotaged his scholarship at Pemberly. Clearly Will Darcy is a pompous jerk who looks down on the middle class--so imagine Lizzie's surprise when he asks her to the prom!
Will Lizzie's prejudice and Will's pride keep them apart? Or are they a prom couple in the making?

 

From Elizabeth Eulberg comes a very funny, completely stylish prom-season delight of Jane Austen proportions.

 

My rating: 3.5 of 5

 

My thoughts on the book:

This was fun re-telling of Prom and Prejudice. I liked the story & the characters, and the second half of the book was definitely much better & I loved the ending, so I recommend it! Even if you haven't read Prom and Prejudice, you'll enjoy it, maybe even more than me (I'm big fan or Pride and Prejudice & I love reading re-tellings) & than maybe you'll read the original, too!

Challenges:

• 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011
• 2011 YA Reading Challenge
• New Author Challenge 2011
• A-Z Reading Challenge 2011
• Jane Austen Challenge 2011

Title: The Lust Boat

Author: Roz Lee

Publisher: Red Sage

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance / Erotica

Publication date: February 28th, 2011

ISBN: 9781603105958

Summary:

When her fiancé called off the wedding and told her he'd had better sex with a blow up doll, Candace traded in her honeymoon cruise for a week on the Lothario, the most notorious ship to ever sail the high seas. Little does she know that Ryan, the sexy passenger who offered to be her escort as she samples all the ship has to offer, is really Ryan Callahan, the ship's playboy owner.
Ryan Callahan is single, rich, and considered quite the catch. Two years ago he and his business partner launched the Lothario, a floating den of iniquity where passengers can indulge their every sexual fantasy, but since the ship docked following its maiden cruise, Ryan has been so scarce he's earned the nickname, Monk, until sweet, naïve Candace coaxes him out of his tower, heats his blood, and steals his heart. But will she still want him when she finds out who he really is? 

My rating: 3 of 5

My thoughts on the book:

Ok, when I saw this e-galley, I thought it sounded fun & I thought I should give it a try! Although I do read  books from Harlequin Blaze & some other similar books, this one was definitely a first, but I liked it! Because of the nature of the cruise, there was definitely lots of different sex & sexy scenes all around, but it was fast &  fun read, even funny & absolutely hot read! The characters were likable & the story, too! I'd say this is one really sexy, steamy & hot love-at-first-sight story! The title definitely fits the book! I recommend it to all the lovers of erotica & really, really steamy books!

Challenges:

• 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011
• Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge 2011  
• New Author Challenge 2011

Title: Hot For Him

Author: Sarah Mayberry

Series: Secret Lives of Daytime Divas, Book 3

Summary:

Working in Hollywood is always about getting to the top. Or on top, as feisty producer Claudia Dostis prefers. But when she contends with her outrageously sexy adversary, Leandro Mandalor, the stakes change.
Her charming opponent is definitely up to Claudia's challenge. He convinces her they must come together-in the office and in the bedroom. Suddenly getting on top has a whole new meaning...and leads to a new level of sensual satisfaction. But can Claudia let go of her need to succeed long enough to allow someone else to win?

 

My rating: 3 of 5

 

My thoughts on the book:

This is the last book in the Secret Lives of Daytime Divas series & I'm glad that at the beginning we see that everything the characters in the previous books wanted to achieve, they did. As for this one, it was also fun book, but definitely not as good as the previous two, but I still liked it & enjoyed it!

 

Challenges:

• 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011
• Alphabet Challenge 2011
• Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge 2011

Title: All Over You

Author: Sarah Mayberry

Series: Secret Lives of Daytime Divas, Book 2

Summary:

Millions of women drool over soap star Mac Harrison. And scriptwriter Grace Wellington is no different-the hottie headlines all her wildest fantasies. She keeps him firmly in his place there, however, because her days have no room for such ego-driven men.
But when she and Mac are thrown together on a project, fantasy becomes blissful reality! All of her secret, naughty desires come to life under his sizzling ministrations. This is one affair to remember-and to let go of when it's over.
Too bad Mac doesn't agree. He wants to move things from just sex to true commitment. Worse, he has all the right moves to convince her real life is much better...

 

My rating: 4.5 of 5

 

My thoughts on the book:

So, this one was a re-read for me & I still loved it as much as I did the first time I read it! I loved everything about it: the story, the characters, the chemistry, and was also so much fun! Another great book by Sarah Mayberry & I highly recommend it! 

 

Challenges:

• 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011
• Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge 2011  
• 2nds Challenge 2011
• Read Me, Baby, 1 More Time Challenge 2011

Title: Take On Me

Author: Sarah Mayberry

Series: Secret Lives of Daytime Divas, Book 1

Summary:

On prom night, Dylan Anderson caused the biggest humiliation of Sadie Post's life. Getting over her crush on him took a while, but now she's grown up and moved on. Until Dylan moves in - to her workplace, that is. Suddenly it's high school revisited - complete with her lustful thoughts about him.
But she's his boss and finally has the upper hand - she won't let her sexy fantasies change that. Too bad the tension spiking between them is so high, it's inevitable they ALL OVER YOU hit the sheets - or the nearest desk. And once they do, Dylan is better than she'd ever imagined. She promised herself to leave him begging for more - but does she really want to?

 

My rating: 4.5 of 5

 

My thoughts on the book:

I loved this book! The story was good & I loved the characters & their chemistry & their story! It was lots of fun, with lots of funny moments & I loved the characters, especially after it's known what exactly happened in high school with them! I highly recommend this book!

 

Challenges:

• 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011
• Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge 2011 
• 1st in a Series Reading Challenge 2011 
• Alphabet Challenge 2011

Title: The Best Laid Plans

Author: Sarah Mayberry

Summary:

Boundaries. The key to how corporate lawyer Alexandra Knight manages her busy life. However, lately all her precisely drawn lines are getting blurred. Blame it on her out-of-control biological clock that is ignoring her single status and on Ethan Stone.
Because her sexy, no-strings colleague has posed an outrageous solution to her dilemma - he'll be her baby daddy. This from the guy who avoids all commitment? Okay, so they're attracted to each other. Really, really attracted. But crossing the line from coworker to co-parent with Ethan could ruin Alex for all other men. After all, when you've had the best.

 

My rating: 4 of 5

 

My thoughts on the book:

I enjoyed this book a lot! I loved the characters & I connected with them & I enjoyed their story a lot. Another great book by Sarah Mayberry & I highly recommend it!

 

Challenges:

• 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011
• Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge 2011 

Title: Tempest Rising

Author: Nicole Peeler

Series: Jane True, Book 1

Summary:

Living in small town Rockabill, Maine, Jane True always knew she didn't quite fit in with so-called normal society. During her nightly, clandestine swim in the freezing winter ocean, a grisly find leads Jane to startling revelations about her heritage: she is only half-human.
Now, Jane must enter a world filled with supernatural creatures alternatively terrifying, beautiful, and deadly - all of which perfectly describe her new "friend," Ryu, a gorgeous and powerful vampire.
It is a world where nothing can be taken for granted: a dog can heal with a lick; spirits bag your groceries; and whatever you do, never-ever-rub the genie's lamp. 

 

My rating: 4 of 5

 

My thoughts on the book:

This book was so much fun. Although at the beginning I wasn't sure if I'll like Jane as a character, I quickly changed my mind ;) I liked & enjoyed the story a lot. Also, although I'm not really big fan of vampires, I liked Ryu a lot, he was just so charming. The world was interesting & I'm already looking forward to reading the next book! If you enjoy fun & sexy urban fantasy, I highly recommend it!

Challenges:

• 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011
• A to Z Challenge 2011 
• 1st in a Series Reading Challenge 2011 
• Horror & Urban Fantasy Reading Challenge 2011
• New Author Challenge 2011
• What's in a Name? 4 
• 1st in Series Urban Fantasy 2011

Title: Awakened by a Kiss

Author: Lila DiPasqua

Series: Fiery Tales, Book 1

Summary:

Three classic fairytales - "Sleeping Beauty," "Puss in Boots," and "Little Red Riding Hood" - cleverly retold with enough sensual twists to prove wickedly ever after does exist...

Once upon a wicked time...

Sleeping Beau: Five years ago, notorious rake Adrien d'Aspe, Marquis de Beaulain, was awakened by a sensuous kiss-and experienced a night of raw ecstasy that was branded into his memory. Years later, he spots his mysterious seductress-and this time, he has no intention of letting her go...

Little Red Writing: Nicolas de Savignac, Comte de Lambelle, has been assigned by the King to uncover the secret identity of the author writing scandalous stories about powerful courtiers. He never expected his investigation would lead to his grandmother's house, or to a ravishing woman who would stir his deepest hunger...

Bewitching in Boots: Elisabeth de Roussel, daughter of the King, is accustomed to getting what she wants-and she wants Tristan de Tiersonnier, Comte de Saint-Marcel, an ex-commander of the King's private Guard. A recent injury has forced Tristan to leave his distinguished position, but Elisabeth is determined to make him see he's every bit the man he once was-and more than man enough for her... 

 

My rating: 3 of 5

 

My thoughts on the book:

I enjoyed all three stories. They were all erotic re-tellings of fairy tales & although there were really small similarities with the originals, they were good & fun as stories, even funny. The characters in all three stories were likable, with good chemistry between them. I can't decide which of the stories was my favorite, I liked them all the same. I'm looking forward to reading more by Lila DiPasqua.

Challenges:

• Retold Fairy Tales & Enchanted Cousins Reading Challenge 2011
• 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011
• New Author Challenge 2011
• 1st in a Series Reading Challenge 2011 
• Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2011 

Title: My Darcy Mutates...

Author: Enid Wilson

Summary:

What is the universal appeal of Jane Austen's works, especially to a generation of modern women?

Enid Wilson fell in love with Pride and Prejudice at a young age. Her head is always full of "what if".

What if old Mr. Darcy was still alive...

What if Mr. Darcy had a rakish soul?

What if Netherfield Park was haunted?

What if action of Pride and Prejudice had played out in Egypt?

This collection of 14 short stories contains sexy, over-the-top "pick-me-up" stories across the historical, fantasy and modern genres. They are not for the faint-hearted. Some may call the stories wild and say that they bear no resemble to the original, but Enid finds Miss Austen's characters timeless and inspirational.

My rating: 3 of 5

My thoughts on the book:

As it says on the cover, this is a collection of Pride & Prejudice inspired steamy short stories: 4 historical, 3 fantasy & 7 contemporary short stories. Yeah, they're all steamy, but they're also fun & really funny, even hilarious! Enid Wilson definitely surprised me more than once with her stories, especially with the contemporary re-tellings (there were even 2 with reality shows & they were hilarious). 

Challenges:

• Books Won Challenge 2011
• Jane Austen Challenge 2011
• 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011
• New Author Challenge 2011

Title: Her Best Friend

Author: Sarah Mayberry

Series: More Than Friends

Summary:

What's a girl to do when she's secretly in love with a friend and he's married to someone else? She gets over it. That's what Amy Parker has done. Rather than lose her best bud Quinn Whitfield with an ill-timed, crazy confession of affection, she's taken the smart route. She's eased away from him. Just enough to get past the unrequited bits. And you know, it's working.
Until the day Quinn announces he's now single. That's right. He's single. And he wants to hang out. With her. Get reconnected the way they used to be.
Oh, this is so not good for Amy's equilibrium. Daily doses of Quinn remind her of everything she loves about him. But if he's free.and she's free.well, maybe the time has come for one of those crazy confessions.

 

My rating: 3.5 of 5

 

My thoughts on the book:

I usually love books about friends that fall in love & I enjoyed this one a lot, but not as much as some of the other books by Sarah Mayberry. It was good & fun & the characters were likable & their chemistry good. I guess I just didn't connect a lot with Amy. Maybe it's just that I found the fact that Amy have loved Quinn for 16 years a little annoying, but that's just me ;) But even with that, I enjoyed the story a lot & I loved the ending, it was sweet. I recommend it!

Challenges:

• 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011
• Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge 2011 
• Alphabet Challenge 2011 

Title: Amy and Roger's Epic Detour

Author: Morgan Matson

Summary:

Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew - just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn't seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she's coming to terms with her father's death and how to put her own life back together after the accident. Told in traditional narrative as well as scraps from the road--diner napkins, motel receipts, postcards--this is the story of one girl's journey to find herself.

 

My rating: 4.5 of 5

 

My thoughts on the book:

I loved this book! I loved the story & the characters. I especially loved all the playlists & the drawings, comments, etc... It's just really great book & I highly recommend it!

Challenges:

• 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011
• 2011 YA Reading Challenge
• New Author Challenge 2011
• A-Z Reading Challenge 2011
• Alphabet Challenge 2011

Title: How to Woo a Reluctant Lady

Author: Sabrina Jeffries

Series: Hellions of Halstead Hall, Book 3

Summary:

When a charming rogue proposes she marry him to meet her grandmother's ultimatum, the Sharpe clan's strong-willed sister makes a tempting counter-offer that preserves her inheritance and ignites his imagination.

Lady Minerva Sharpe has the perfect plan to thwart her grandmother's demands: become engaged to a rogue! Surely Gran would rather release her inheritance than see her wed a scoundrel. And who better to play the part of Minerva's would-be husband than wild barrister Giles Masters, the very inspiration for the handsome spy in the popular Gothic novels she writes? The memory of his passionate kiss on her nineteenth birthday has lingered in Minerva's imagination, though she has no intention of really falling for such a rakehell, much less marrying him. Little does she know, he really is a covert government operative. When they team up to investigate the mystery behind her parents' deaths, their fake betrothal leads to red-hot desire. Then Minerva discovers Giles's secret double life, and he must use all the cunning tricks of his trade to find his way back into her heart.

 

My rating: 3.5 of 5

 

My thoughts on the book:

As always when I read a book by Sabrina Jeffries, I enjoyed this book, but compared with the previous two books in the series, I was a little disappointed! Maybe because ever since I met both Giles & Minerva in the first book, I knew that they'll end up together & I couldn't wait to read their story, so maybe I had too high expectations. It was still lots of fun & I enjoyed it a lot!

 

Challenges:

• 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011
• Alphabet Challenge 2011  
• A to Z Challenge 2011
• Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2011  

Title: Embers

Author: Laura Bickle

Series: Anya Kalinczyk, Book 1

Summary:

Truth burns.Unemployment, despair, anger - visible and invisible unrest feed the undercurrent of Detroit's unease. A city increasingly invaded by phantoms now faces a malevolent force that further stokes fear and chaos throughout the city.Anya Kalinczyk spends her days as an arson investigator with the Detroit Fire Department, and her nights pursuing malicious spirits with a team of eccentric ghost hunters. Anya - who is the rarest type of psychic medium, a Lantern - suspects a supernatural arsonist is setting blazes to summon a fiery ancient entity that will leave the city in cinders. By Devil's Night, the spell will be complete, unless Anya - with the help of her salamander familiar and the paranormal investigating team - can stop it.Anya's accustomed to danger and believes herself inured to loneliness and loss. But this time she's risking everything: her city, her soul, and a man who sees and accepts her for everything she is. Keeping all three safe will be the biggest challenge she's ever faced.

My rating: 3 of 5

My thoughts on the book:

I liked this book! The story was interesting & I loved Sparky! I didn't really connect with Anya & the other characters, but I still enjoyed the storyline & the writing style, so I'll probably try the sequel, too! 

Challenges:

• 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011
• A to Z Challenge 2011 
• Alphabet Challenge 2011  
• A-Z Reading Challenge 2011 
• 1st in a Series Reading Challenge 2011 
• Horror & Urban Fantasy Reading Challenge 2011
• Books Won Challenge 2011
• New Author Challenge 2011