2011 Reading Challenges - - - year end wrap up!

2011 rang in with high hopes, lots of optimism and some giant crazy addiction to reading challenges!
I signed up for 20 + reading challenges ~ this is how it worked out:

The Vampire Reading Challenge ~ hosted by Parajunkee's View:

My goal: 20 books

read: 21 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!

Paranormal Romance Reading Challenge ~ hosted by Bitten by Paranormal Romance:

My goal: 20 books

read: 21 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!

Shifter Reading Challenge ~ hosted by Parajunkee's View:

My goal: 20 books

read: 17 books

Failed - - - but oh so close!

Fantasy Reading Challenge ~ hosted by Darlyn and books:

My goal: 6 books

read: 9 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!

Kick Ass Heroine Reading Challenge ~ hosted by Diva's Bookcase:

My goal: 12 books

read: 16 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!

2011 Debut Author Reading Challenge ~ hosted by The Story Siren:

My goal: 12 books

read: 12 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!

Steampunk Reading Challenge ~ hosted at www.rikkidonovan.com :

My goal:  10 books

read:  10 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!

The  2011 Awesome Author Challenge ~ hosted by At Home with Books:

My goal: 6-10 books

read:  8 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!

2011 YA Reading Challenge ~ hosted by Jamie Loves YA:

My goal: 20 books

read:  23 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!

2011 A - Z Reading Challenge ~ hosted by Book Junky:

My goal:  26 books (obviously)

read: 20 :(

FAILED: - (  

(almost though)

2011 New Authors Reading Challenge ~ hosted by Literary Escapism:

My goal: 15 books

read: 25 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!

2011 Lords of the Underworld Reading Challenge ~ hosted by Reading with Tequila:

My goal: 8 books

read: 1 book

FAILED miserably at this one:(

(I did buy the entire series though - so I will still get them read!)

2011 E-Book Reading Challenge ~ hosted by The Lady Bug Reads:

My goal: 20 books

read: 100+ books!

SUCCESSFUL!!!

2011 Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge ~ by Reading with Tequila


My Goal: 20 books


Read: 4 books


FAILED! 

2011 To Be Read Challenge ~ hosted by Roof Beam Reader

My Goal: 12 books

Read: 2 books

FAILED!

100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2011 ~ hosted by Book Chick City
and
100+ Reading Challenge ~ hosted by My Overstuffed Book Shelf

My Goal: 100+ books
Read: 148 books                    SUCCESSFUL!!!

2011 Summer Romance Challenge ~ hosted by Book Chick City

My Goal: 8 books

Read: 33 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!

Sizzling Summer Romance Challenge ~ hosted by Secrets of a Book Lover and Reading Between the Wines

My Goal: 10 books

Read: 29 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!

The Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge ~ hosted by True Book Addict

My Goal: 2-4 books

Read: 4 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!



Holiday Reading Challenge 2011 ~ hosted by Book Lovers Inc.

My Goal: 4-6 books

Read: 4 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!

2011 Reward Challenge ~ hosted by Good Golly, Miss Holly

My Goal:  5 books

Read:  5 books

SUCCESSFUL!!!

Thanks to all my faithful followers for sticking by me all year!

My goal for 2012...no more than five challenges! We shall see!

Happy Reading!

Review: Blood of Anteros: The Vampire Agape Series #1 by Georgia Cates

The Blood of Anteros: The Vampire Agape Series #1 by Georgia Cates

Amazon Product Description:
I was tantalized by mystery of her. The leech inside me came out to find prey, but found none in this enigmatic girl. The close proximity of her essence didn’t entice the monster within, so what did that make her? I had more questions than answers, but one thing was unmistakable; although she released me from her embrace, her hold on me remained.

Cruel circumstances turned Curry Brennan into the wretched monster he hates and refuses to accept, but when an expected turn of events releases him from the bond of his obsessive maker, he returns to the home he knew 161 years earlier and finds the return of happiness and joy in something he didn’t know existed. Puzzled by his growing attraction to Chansey Leclaire, a human, he is unable to resist the captivating relationship that threatens to reveal his existence as a vampire. He eventually discovers the reason he was destined to find what he didn’t know he searched for and is faced with the cruel realization that the living and the immortal undead will always be separated by one thing. Eternity.
My thoughts:
Completely enjoyed this story!  The story is original, the characters are fantastic, the plot is clever and intriguing.  It is well paced and well written.  


I was thrilled with the fact that Georgia Cates brings us into the story at what should have been the end.  We begin the story with Curry planning to end his life, but what happens is incredible - in the moment when his life should end, it begins anew.  
Curry is a wonderful character, creatively constructed with a great personality and a little bit too much old school for the world, but Chansey, Anna and Grady find it a welcome and endearing trait.  
All the characters are carefully created to fit their place in the story.  Even Julian (who is icky!!!) is well done.
I enjoyed the mythology incorporated into the story and truly liked the idea of the Agape.  Who wouldn't want to find the ONE person who was actually created to be their soul mate?!


I loved the way everything comes together for Chansey and Curry.  Well worth the read, don't miss out on this one!  I can't wait for book #2.