Reading Challenges 2013 - Reviewed

My 2013's resolutions included achieving my goal to read 100 books. Every year, I participate in Challenges, but sadly, I can never achieve them. In 2012 it was a busy semster, indeed. But this year? This year I was just lazy. And, there was a point where I was so bored of reading the same things again and again, I was constantly looking for new books and new authors! I found some, not many, and I liked even less.

2013 Reading Challenge

Cat has read 54 books toward her goal of 70 books.

54 of 70 (77%)

Nevertheless, I achieved reading 54 books towards my Goodreads goal of 70! Of course, I've read much much more this year, considering all these projects I have for university, demanding from me to read scientific articles of 100 pages and more! But, of course, I can't have all these articles, essays, and even some of those books, listed on Goodreads. This would take too much time, which I'd rather spend otherwise.

I also, participated in Book Chick City's 100 Books In A Year Challenge 2013. Of course, according to this challenge, I had to read 100 fictional books in a year, something I didn't really achieve! But, well, there is always next year!

Fictional Books I read during 2013:

1. A Cajun Werewolf Christmas (Stormy Weather #6) by Selena Blake
2. The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3) by Richelle Mead
3. Witches 101: A Witches of East end Primer (The Beauchamp Family) by Melissa de la Cruz
4. Storm Born (Dark Swan #1) by Richelle Mead
5. Kidnapping the Laird by Terri Brisbin
6. Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson #3) by Patricia Briggs
7. Rogue (Shifters #2) by Rachel Vincent
8. The Gauntlet (Cassandra Palmer #0.5) by Karen Chance
9. The Queen's Witch (Cassandra Palmer #0.6) by Karen Chance
10. Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
11. Matched (Matched, #1) by Ally Condie
12.The Hot Girl's Friend by Lisa Scott
13. Dirty Little Secrets (J.J. Graves Mystery #1) by Liliana Hart

My 100th Review on Goodreads: Dirty Little Secrets (J.J. Graves Mystery #1) by Liliana Hart

Two days ago I finished reading a book I particularly enjoyed. I found it by chance in an app of a site I've been a member of, for more than 4 years. And, I started reading it completely by chance, too. I had no idea it was a published book that was there only for advertising reasons. I had the impression it was just another book a self-published author decided to upload on Wattpad.

Imagine my surprise when it proved to be a quite awesome read. It was exactly what I needed after  long month of no reading at all! Not to mention my recent love for criminology and stuff. So, it all blended quite nicely.

I absolutely recommend that book to anyone. There are murders, but not gruesomely described or anything, so it will provide a nice read even to people that aren't particular fans of the mystery/crime genre.

Take a taste below.

Dirty Little Secrets (J.J. Graves Mystery #1)

by Liliana Hart

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17153446-dirty-little-secrets

My Review on GR:

One of the best books I've read lately, found completely by chance on Wattpad. For quite some time I've been interested in such matters and reading this book made me even more enthusiastic. The author completely achieved making me relate to the heroine and the passions in her life. Everything was well-written and progressed smoothly. There were many surprises, which was expected and accepted, seeing as it was a mystery novel. [(Spoiler Alert - Do not keep reading past that point, because of potential spoiler ahead) My only comment would be for the actual culprit, not to be so indifferent in the rest of the story. I would like it very much if there were many suspects and one of them was the actual murderer. That doesn't mean there weren't quite a few suspects already, though. For some of them I was even sure for the most of the novel, until they became the victims. (hide spoiler) (End of potential spoiler - Keep reading after that point)] There was quite much suspence and intense cliffhangers between the chapters. All in all, I loved the novel and I'm glad there more novels about J.J. Graves and her lives.

Review: Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson #3) by Patricia Briggs

I always have the same problem with all of the books of this series! For the first few chapters I read the book and few interesting things occur. It doesn't capture my attention so much as it happens after some chapters. But by then, I just can't put the book down. And, this happens with every book featuring Merecedes Thompson.

Anyway, I shall start with the actual review. I loved this book! Because of Mercy, and Adam! And, finally everything became more clear. In many aspects.

To everyone that has done some essential research of the reviews of that book, a spoiler is known. Something terrible happens to Mercy. That specific event, for some is unacceptable, but as for me, it is not. The person that made her suffer is dealed with from Mercy herself, showing us once more what a strong character she is, an aspect of her personality I greatly love. What happened to her was hard, but she was able to overcome it with the help of her friends. And, more specifically, I loved the way the author delivered the events. It should have been very difficult. Authors don't always choose to write about such difficult subjects, but Patricia Briggs proved once more that she's very talented in delivering both happy and sad events.

The book, in overall, is amazing, and I can't wait to get my hands to the next installment of the series.

Storm Born (Dark Swan #1) by Richelle Mead

So, I finally finished that book, after almost a year. I have to admit that I bought more because it was written by Richelle Mead, rather than having been interested in the actual story. And, well, I have to admit I got a little disappointed. I could not recognize Mead's way of writing, that I had loved while reading her Vampire Academy books. It didn't have her character. But, this didn't stop me from continuing reading the story. I didn't particularly enjoy it, and I must admit that things started being more exciting after I was done with half of the book. The heroine wasn't bad, but I didn't approve of something she did. But then again, it wasn't like I got all disapproving. I just didn't care about this story enough to be upset or anything. I decided I'm not going to read the rest of the series. At least for now.

The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3) by Richelle Mead

So, I finally, finally finished the third book in the Bloodlines series. I can't really believe it took me so long! I guess life caught up with me! I just couldn't focus, or didn't even have the time to read it long enough to make a significant progress. But, less hours of sleep did the trick, and here I am, writing my review.

This will be short, more of reciting my opinions of the book.
Richelle Mead did it once again. Although, in the beginning, I have to admit, I had this feeling that everything was progressing too fast. Or, it could be just me. I don't know anymore. But, I enjoyed that book very much. It provided some very intense moments, mysterioys, erotic, romantic. It managed to keep the reader on edge at some points. And, of course, once again, Mead didn't give us a romance on a plate. As soon as the things finally started to look up, the end of the book provided new obstacles for Sydney. Obstacles not only in the romantic plane, though.

All in all, a great read, I would totally recommend to fans of the series, and people that like witchcraft and vampires mixed together.

Witches 101: A Witches of East End Primer by Melissa de la Cruz

Although I've wanted to read Blue Bloods for quite sme time now, I've never actually read anything written by Melissa de la Cruz before. And, I must say I was not let down. This short story was a prequel to her new series and a nice, enjoyable read that provided some useful information about the main characters. It has caught my attention and I'm planning to proceed reading the actual series quite soon!

Also, my first thoughts about the characters? I think I like Joanna, the mother, the most. Next is Ingrid, which it quite tight, but serious and kind. And, finally Freya. She has a beautiful name, but her character is not exactly my type. But, we'll see how that goes once their story begins for real.

I would like to make a comment about the way this short story was written. At first, everything was a little hazy, especially for me, since I hadn't read the blurb of the story. But, after some time everything started to become more and more clear. Melissa de la Cruz's writing had me captivated and made me interested in reading more of her works.

BCC’s 100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2013

 BOOK CHICK CITY’S

100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2013!

Last year, I wasn't really able to complete the 100-Book Challenge, because of a busy semester.
Hopefully, 2013 will be different!

If you wish to join in the fun, do not hesitate to click on the picture above!

CHALLENGE DETAILS

• Timeline: 01 Jan 2013 – 31 Dec 2013
• Rules: Read 100 books in 2013 (any genre)
• You don’t have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.
• You can join at anytime. All books read in 2013 count towards the challenge regardless of when you sign up.
• At the beginning of Jan 2013, you will find a link to specific month to add your reviews.
• Audiobooks are accepted.
• Only fiction, no non-fiction.
• This challenge can crossover to other challenges.
• You DO NOT have to write reviews of the books you read, but if you decide to then a place will be available each month  for you to link up your reviews.
• You don’t have to have a blog to join in – for those without a blog but who use Goodreads, Amazon, LibraryThing etc, you can add the URL to where you track your books. If you don’t have a URL at all then choose a name you would like to use and then copy and paste the following link: http://wp.me/p2wdqf-6ZI