2015 Reading Challenge Announcement: First-Reads!

Welcome to a 2015 Reading Challenge: First-Reads!

Points to Know:

1. Read & Review as many books as possible, by authors that YOU haven't read before. 

2. You do not have to be a blogger to participate. However, you have to post a review on some site in order to participate. It can be on Goodreads and/or Amazon and/or Barnes & Noble and/or Smashwords.

3. If you are a blogger link up your permalink to the review posts. If you aren't a blogger, then link up the permalink to your reviews from whichever site you have chosen to post the review on.

4. The books can overlap with other reading challenges.  

5. Books read may be any form (audio, print, e-book).

6. Post your links to your reviews each month to share with other participants.

7. The challenge runs from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015. Its never too late to Join In!

How To Sign-Up and Join In:

1. Choose a challenge level listed below.

2. Create a post on your blog, in a group, or on a forum (where possible) to let others see what you’re aiming for (a predefined list of Authors/Books is optional).

3. Grab the badge and place it in your sign up post. Then link back to b00k r3vi3ws.

4. Grab the direct URL to your sign up post, not your blog, click the Linky List and enter your link.

5. Once you review a book it would be great for you to share them by submitting them on the Review List.

7. When you’re done it’s completion post time and you can share these on the completion/wrap-up List.

Challenge Level:

Amateur :1 - 25 New Authors

Lover: 6 - 50 New Authors

Expert: 51 - 75 New Authors

Fanatic:  76 or above New Authors

******

Fanatic Level all the way baby . . . I love reading new authors and a I have a boat load of works to read.  I am looking forward to a few new one just from purchases/acquisition/freebies this past week.  I will have on the list to read in the first month of the new year. Amateur role I left that behind in 2014. I know that I can read new authors each week of the year if not more.

New Year, New Start, . . .This year working harder to post faster.

I want to work this year to keep my post more current and up-to-date.  The goal is to post weekly (daily would be preferred but hard to do).

This year the challenge is the same and I plan to plug on and make the most of it. 

Up to 103rd New Author this year. . .

10 - 90 minute quickie reads

Artificial Love (Artificial Love Stories #1) 
by Erica Conroy, 4/5 stars
  I felt cheated by the end.  There was enough here to make a real novella at the minimum. AL, a sex bot with artificial intelligence, has found love, but she ha no idea.  For her the unthinkable happens to her as she is performing her job.  She will not return and thinking of AL's loss has me a bit mift. 

Christmas in Venice: A Short Story 
by Meadow Taylor, 5/5 stars
Here yet is another mini (quickie) that could do much better as a real novella instead. Olivia has her first trip to Italy and it is not what she dreamed of.  Before she arrives on ground good she is singled out for an act unthinkable in an airport.

A Very Holly Christmas by Sheila Roberts, 2/5 stars
I found this to be a major disappointment. I felt as if I was thrown in the deep end and told to swim without the benefit of a lesson. Things just did not make sense to me.

All Day, All Night Marianne by Richard Daybell, 3/5 stars
This is most certainly from another world for me.  The multi-lyrics and strange Shakespeare's references, but catching.

Catering by Jessica Freely, 3/5 stars
M/M it was okay for what it was. Extremely short and not so to the point. Its good to know that Stan and Gus learned early to stick together.

Breaking Waves (Summer Passions Series) 
by Jennifer Andrews, 5/5 stars
Best friends opposite sex can make a life more intriguing. This is typical best friends since childhood and he has been in love with her for years or vice versa.  There is a story here that could be developed into something more.

A Love Story: Of the Earth and the Moon  
by Austin Torney, 4/5 stars
If you looking for uplifting love inspired quotes, poems, thoughts, this would be the place to go.  Its a collection of all the sort.  It also have pics.

Autumn Leaves by Phil Dumas, 4/5 stars
Inspiring love story with a not so happy ending.  This is heartfelt to the end.  There are feelings behind the words.  Read with your heart open.

I am not a professional reviewer.  These are just my personal opinions.

95th - The Affair Lily Maxton

The Affair by Lily Maxton, 4/5 stars

  The Affair by Lily Maxton
Quickie that is Scandalous, Reckless, Desirous.  This is one historical romance that does not beat around the bush at all. With in not time Lady Elizabeth is captivated by Mr. Cale and all his wicked charms.

Cale is an intriguing man that has a bad reputation.  Lady Elizabeth is the lady that is out of his reach.  She is stepping out of mourning into something completely out of her realm of reality.

There is not pomp and circumstance with this romance.  This author gets right down to it.  No big chase, dastardly deed, kidnapping, or evil villain.  This progress at a quick pace and I want to get more.  More of Olivia and Anne, Lady Elizabeth's sisters.  They seem to be serious characters.

Thanks, Net Galley.

I am not a professional reviewer.  These are just my personal opinions.

*This was a free read in exchange for an honest review for the author and/or the publisher.

94th The Bossman by Renee Rose

The Bossman by Renee Rose, 4/5 stars

  The Bossman by Renee Rose
Spanking Fetish and a Bossman where will this lead us. Let's take a look. . . Joey knows who he is and what he wants.  It is unfortunate that he has little choice in the matter according to the family he is born into. He is born to the family to serve the family.  He is in direct line of ascension. He knows his place whether he is happy with it or not.  He does what has to be done.

Sophie purposefully stays away from the family because she wants no part of it and what it represents.  But is this her mother's prejudices or something she can get over. Sophie has not intention of becoming involved with anyone that has ties to the family.  But Joey makes her an offer that she finds hard to refuse.  Men like him, dominating, intimidating, & controlling, she makes a point to avoid. With all this said her proclivity to spankings shocked me and I think it may have shocked her also.

This story could have lead to more and been more.  I found it entertaining.

Thanks, Net Galley.

I am not a professional reviewer.  These are just my personal opinions.

*This was a free read in exchange for an honest review for the author and/or the publisher.

93rd - Jenny Virtuous No More: Part 1 by Nora Blackstock

Jenny Virtuous No More: Part 1 by Nora Blackstock 3/5 stars

  Jenny Virtuous No More: Part 1 by Nora Blackstock
Sex seems to be an issue with both parties in this tale. Neither seems to realize they need to communicate with the other to make things better in their relationship. Marital issues that could have been solved by talking to each other. 

Jenny and Mark both have sexual desire (or sexual kinks) that are not being met by the other. This first installment takes us through the realization and attempted fix of this issue. There are some typos and a few sentence structure issues. I believe thare are be some that will find falut with the preise of this story line. It is what it is and give one a look into one marriage when things are starting to head for the end of the road and they are willing to try anyting to make that not happen.

I am not a professional reviewer.  These are just my personal opinions.

92nd - The Wicked Wallflower (Bad Boys & Wallflowers, #1) by Maya Rodale

The Wicked Wallflower (Bad Boys & Wallflowers, #1) by Maya Rodale - 5/5 stars

   The Wicked Wallflower (Bad Boys & Wallflowers, #1) by Maya Rodale
Wicked Wallflower indeed.  This wicked wallflower has spurred me on to wanting to read the other in the series and the Bad Boys novella that go with them. 

Lady Emma encounters a problem with an announcement that should not have occurred but there was someone else that had a different opinion.  The Duke of Ashbrooke has a need for what fell in his lap by chance.  He only has one thing to do to make it all happen.

Aunt Agatha is absolutely a hoot.  She makes the beginning of the story well worth it all.

Rodale made this an enjoyable ride back to the regency times.

I am not a professional reviewer.  These are just my personal opinions.

91st - One Night With A Billionaire (Perfect Man #1) by Vicki Lewis Thompson

One Night With A Billionaire (Perfect Man #1) by Vicki Lewis Thompson - 3/5 stars

   One Night With A Billionaire (Perfect Man #1) by Vicki Lewis Thompson

The was some genericness that I felt with the dialogue. There are points of connection and more so with the disconnect. I liked Melanie. She seemed to be a genuine woman. Honest, hardworking, and full of independence.  The basis of the story was familiar and predictable but inspiring. 

I will try the next book (Tempted by a Cowboy)in the series.

I am not a professional reviewer.  These are just my personal opinions.

90th - Break Me Autumn Stark

Break Me by Autumn Stark - 5/5 stars

   Break Me by Autumn Stark

When I think erotica this is exactly what Ero-ticA should be. Without a doubt it had my mind swirling and body humming.

Why? or Why would you want to break someone? This question weight heavy on my mind throughout my reading. Tony just confused me and his blindness to all Abby was and could be to him. Or could this have been his defense against falling in love. How novel a romance writer avoiding love? 

Men fall prey to lust (Tony). Women fall prey to love (Abby) and all that goes along with it. Lust is fleeting but LOVE, Love is all consuming as we find out with Abby's and Tony's relationship.

This is a page turner for me. I did not want to put it down.

Thanks, Net Galley

I am not a professional reviewer.  These are just my personal opinions.

89th - Twice Shy by Jill Christie Flanagan

89th first read

Twice Shy by Jill Christie Flanagan - 4/5 stars

  Twice Shy by Jill Christie Flanagan
Hot, sexy, full figure woman of dominance.  She knew early on that she was different. Her spirit was not meant to be tamed.  She was destine to rule her bedroom and in her way. Turned on. Turned up. Feel the power of the persona of the 'Mistress'  she had to step in and step up.  It is time for the big girl panties now.  She has to step up and face her past and what made her leave home in the beginning.  Its time to face the past to have a future.

Ms. Flanagan I am looking forward to more of the Restraint series.

Thanks, Net Galley.

I am not a professional reviewer.  These are just my personal opinions.

Quickies makes for a good way to read new authors. . . Here are 16 new authors this year

New Authors 72 - 88

The Babysitter by Kenya Wright 4/5 stars

Beauty and the Beast by Nancy Madore 5/5 Stars

The Queen's Consort by Leia Rice 5/5 stars
Ecstasy in the White Room (3 Colors Sexy #3) by Portia Da Costa 3/5 stars
Taken by Lillian Feisty 4/5 stars
Boss Bangs the Secretary by Belle Hart 3/5 stars
Charlotte of Little Dean by Paul Hilton  4/5 stars
Christmas Eve Surprise by Genevieve 4/5 stars
Silent Surrender by Barbara J. Hancock  4/5 stars
Tuscan Seduction by Amber Carlsbad 3/5 stars
Shift into Pleasure by Cathleen Ross 4/5 stars
212: The Extra Degree by Sam Parker, Mac Anderson 4/5 stars
The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings #1) by J.R.R. Tolkien 5/5 stars
Jenny: Virtuous No More, Part 1 (Virtuous No More #1) by Nora Blackstock 3/5 stars
The Nekkid Truth by Nicole Camden 4/5 stars

Southpaw (South Boys #1.5) by Raen Smith 4/5 stars

   The Babysitter by Kenya Wright
Simple. Paige is attracted to Blake and vice verse. It took them near a year of very close contact for Blake to initiate a kiss. By the next week, his disappearing wife decided to return. Blake's wife is a vain, selfish, neurotic witch that believes everything revolves around her. 

Paige came in a save the family from falling into complete ruin. She provides stability, order, and structure to the children and their father's lives. Now, the question is will she stay or will she go?

Minus a few grammar, work choice and sentence structure issues this was a good quick read.


  Beauty and the Beast by Nancy Madore
Beauty and the Beast from the eyes of Beauty herself.  She gives a true account of what attracted her to the Beast and how their friendship evolved. She hooks you with her intro and keeps you with the her descriptions.

  The Queen's Consort by Leia Rice
Mysterious. Spicy. Hot. Intriguing. Alluring. Tantalizing.

Erotic Voyeurism. The Queen's maid has front row seats to seduction and adultery at its peak in the royal house. Providing her with her own erotic filled fantasies.

  Ecstasy in the White Room (3 Colors Sexy #3) by Portia Da Costa 
The writing is acceptable.  The content would set you on edge.  Newly initiated to the BDSM world by the Blue Book.  They take a journey and make the most of it all. 

There are 2 prior books in this collection which are also quickies.  You may want to read them first it will help with the various references to the events in those stories.

  Taken by Lillian Feisty
Chole meets two wonderful men and build a friendship with them.  These two men have unique closeness about them she could not place. These same two men made her deepest fantasy come true and supplied her with more desires.

  Boss Bangs the Secretary by Belle Hart
Carol got what she wanted and went for it all the way.  Chad got what he has been wanting in secret and in the end he got what he deserved.

  Charlotte of Little Dean by Paul Hilton
Charlotte got herself a very bi surprise in the end. She was looking for a way out and found much, much more.

  Christmas Eve Surprise by Genevieve
This is a great Christmas Eve gift for any woman alone during the holidays.

  Silent Surrender by Barbara J. Hancock 
Quickie read. Riviera knew all the things to do to have an sensually filled night without saying a single word.  Well, Hot Damn.  A man of few words & a strong, well defined body.  Sign me up for a trip to Mexico.

  Tuscan Seduction by Amber Carlsbad
Quickie read that was extremely predictable.  The writing is acceptable but there is need of editing for minor errors.

  Shift into Pleasure by Cathleen Ross
Quickie read that was a pleasure.  Shifter man with all that he had and he already belongs to someone.  Michael sure showed Gabby who was to be on top.  An erotic ride to enjoy.

  212: The Extra Degree by Sam Parker, Mac Anderson
I found this book to be filled with simple statements that are meant to inspire one to take action. Not a specific action but just to take one.  There are sayings that are filled with inspiration and provide a thought provoking message, and facts that make sense in the grand scheme.

  The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings #1) by J.R.R. Tolkien
The beginning of Frodo Baggins and company's journey was much longer and began much early than one would have imagined.  This tale of Middle Earth is filled with much adventure.  Open your mind and take a ride to the possibilities of what the world could have once been or may one day return to.

J.R.R. Tolkien most certainly opens the imagination up to many new possibilities. 

  Jenny: Virtuous No More, Part 1 (Virtuous No More #1) by Nora Blackstock
Sex seems to be an issue with both parties in this tale. Neither seems to realize they need to communicate with the other to make things better in their relationship.  Marital issues that could have been solved by talking to each other.  

Jenny and Mark both have sexual desire (or sexual kinks) that are not being met by the other.  This first installment takes us through the realization and attempted fix of this issue.  There are some typos and a few sentence structure issues.  I believe that there will be some that will find fault with the premise of this story line.  It is what it is and give one a look into one marriage when things are starting to head for the end of the road and they are willing to try anything to make that not happen.

  The Nekkid Truth by Nicole Camden 
Miss Valley is a crime scene photographer with an extremely unique disability.  Which has lead to her real bread and butter job as a much sot after photographer.  Bodies are her best subject matter. 

Detective Scott is the hottie that calls her to the crime scene for photographing of a body unidentifiable. He finally has had enough when he decides to take things in to his own hands.  Things come to a head for the two of them after a night of celebration.

Will they catch a killer? or Will romance win out over all things?

Camden has got her self a new follower. She has given me a something unique in this heroine worth reading. There is a small drawback. There is a mystery to who did it but it's more reading it than feeling it as you read it.  There just is not much urgency to know who did it or why.

  Southpaw (South Boys #1.5) by Raen Smith
For plain clarity and logic this book should have come before 'Southbound Surrender', but I can see why it did not.

'The Dude' is his nickname/fight name but only in the cage/ring.  Kelly has a driving desire/need to fight and he is very good at what he does.  This need grows in hi and may be the barrier to love.  

Kelly has an understanding of what drives him and works to keep it from affect those close to him and even his new interest.  With this new relationship he learns to accept himself for who he is.

Smith provides a recounting of a young man's journey to understanding and acceptance of himself and love from others.  Her words on the page provides clarity and understanding of the struggle he goes through. Kelly's POV makes the big difference in the story line.


Recommended for:  Romance Lovers*, Erotic Lover*, those in a mood for a Quickie (each book is a quickie)

I am not a professional reviewer.  These are just my personal opinions.
*NOT ALL BOOKS ARE ROMANCE/EROTIC IN NATURE

Kimani Romance - Night Games by Lisa Marie Perry

71st New Author thus far this year 



Night Games by Lisa Marie Perry


  Night Games by Lisa Marie Perry

This is my first read by Perry. I am honored that she offered me the chance to review her book before it went live today. I can say this, I do want to see more of the Blue Dynasty. A family of women making their mark on a male dominated field has me cheering them on and looking for how they do the next big step. 

Charlotte Blue has worked very hard to show that she can be a force to reckon with in the field of her choice. She lets nothing stand in her way not even an over ambitious ex, that felt he had the power by giving her an ultimatum. This is a tactic that does not work well for the issuer of such.

Charlotte has an uphill battle to get and maintain her dream job regardless of the fact that her family (parents) are the new owners of the Las Vegas Slayers. Her parents are not very parent-ly with love or complements.


Recommended for:  Romance Lovers, Readers of real romance with real issues

I am not a professional reviewer.  These are just my personal opinions.

Young Adult Romance - Teardrop by Lauren Kate

70th New Author thus far this year             



Teardrop (Teardrop #1) by Lauren Kate - 5/5 stars

  Teardrop (Teardrop #1) by Lauren Kate

This is my first read by Kate. I felt like I was with Eureka through her pain. I could understand the need to not cry, to nor release the agony within. I have most certainly found myself a beautiful new world within a new YA series to get myself immersed in. By the end of the first book of the series a new world is born or is it?. 

Ander has gone against his people and told to never cry. Never. Ever. Even when tragedy strikes her life (more than once). She is not to cry. But as in all things one can only stand so much of pain and turmoil before the damn breaks.
Kate has made this journey alluring. I do recommend reading Last Day of Love: A Teardrop Story (Teardrop, #0.5) before beginning with book one. 

Recommended for: YA Lovers, Paranormal Lovers, Romance Lovers

I am not a professional reviewer.  These are just my personal opinions.

Paranormal read Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur

69th New Author for 2014 



Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur - 4/5 stars


   Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur

1st Read by Arthur and this has be a bit trying for me. I has many of the things that I just love in a paranormal romance. I just dont have it clicking into place. When and if I chose to move on to book 2 I will certainly have to re-read book 1 in this series. Riley is a piece of work.

Recommended for: Lovers of Paranormal Romance, Women that can act like a man


 I am not a professional reviewer.  These are just my personal opinions.

Interracial Romance - The Ugly Girlfriend by Latvinia S. Nelson

68th New Author for 2014 



The Ugly Girlfriend by Latvinia S. Nelson - 5/5 stars


   The Ugly Girlfriend by Latvinia S. Nelson 

1st read by Nelson, she has given me a new series to look for in the future. I love LaToya. She is a black woman with her own, but she does have concerns and a few issues of her own. She does not place the blame for her life or lack of it on others. Her friend or so-called friend needs to take a few lessons. I am very happy to see that Mitch could see beyond the facade she put on.  Mitch is a man that knows what he wants and has a plan on how to go about it.

Recommended for: Interracial Romance Lovers, Romance Lover, Underdog Lovers

 I am not a professional reviewer.  These are just my personal opinions.

New Adult Romance - Rock the Heart by Michelle A. Valentine

68th New Author for 2014 



Rock the Heart (Black Falcon #1) by Michelle A. Valentine - 5/5 stars


   Rock the Heart (Black Falcon #1) by Michelle A. Valentine

1st read by Valentine and I am not disappointed in the least. Lane has an up hill battle on her hands including a man from her past, a job that she can taste but not quite have, and a bitchy boss that will sell her to make money. Noel is determined to make her pay for letting go of what was his world 4 years ago. Will that be the right decision or will it create more problems for them?

If you read book 1, you should read bk 1.5 also.  You get to know more about Noel and what he thinks.

Recommended for: New Adult, Romance Lovers

 I am not a professional reviewer.  These are just my personal opinions.

Drama - Snapped by Tracy Brown

66th New Author for 2014 



Snapped (Snapped #1) by Tracy Brown - 5/5 stars


   Snapped (Snapped #1) by Tracy Brown 

1st read by Brown as it has been on my TBR plie for some time now.  This is one drama filled ride that ends with more drama than it began. Drama in an ultra urban setting that puts one in with various portions of a ghetto fab lifestyle. Its a mix with 'Waiting to Exhale' and 'Romeo Must Die'. Camille, Misa, Dominique, and Toya have lives like no other. If Drama is your thing then you will most certainly love this read.

Book 2 will be a must read to see how things unfold.

Recommended for: Drama Lover, Ghetto drama, Drug Trade Drama, She took my man drama lovers

 I am not a professional reviewer.  These are just my personal opinions.

New Adult Romance - The Edge of Always by J. A. Redmerski

65th New Author for 2014 



The Edge of Always by J. A. Redmerski - 5/5 stars


   The Edge of Always by J. A. Redmerski 

1st read by Redmerski and this love story has a wealth of meaning behind everything. If I could do it all over again I would have read book one first, but hey, I am not disappointed. I find that Cameryn and Andrew have a lot of things on their plate with life's ups and downs. Tragedy strikes and things change again in a blink of an eye. Whether it is for the better only time will tell. 

Redmerski gives a beautiful telling of life and what it has in store for a newly formed couple and the challenges that can and will be presented to their relationship.

Recommended for: New Adults, Young Adults, Romance Lover, Lovers of series Romance

 I am not a professional reviewer.  These are just my personal opinions.

Mystery - Fear Itself by Walter Mosley

64th New Author for 2014 



Fear Itself (Fearless Jones #2) by Walter Mosley - 5/5 stars


   Fear Itself (Fearless Jones #2) by Walter Mosley

1st read by Mosely and it was a great ride back to the 50s in America. At least on the west coast of America. I found this to be a fabulous trip back in time. A time with blacks in America had little to nothing. Paris Minton and his road dawg Fearless Jones are in the thick of things right from the beginning. Paris has his honesty to boost his character. His has fears of most things and his short comings give a very realistic view of life in this time period.

Mosely has given me a new world to explore and hopefully come to appreciate a great deal.

Recommended for: Mystery, African American Fiction

 I am not a professional reviewer.  These are just my personal opinions.

First Read - A Simple Snowflake Christmas by Rusty Fischer

63rd New Author for 2014 



A Simple Snowflake Christmas by Rusty Fischer - 3/5 stars


   A Simple Snowflake Christmas by Rusty Fischer 

Is a first read by Fischer,which has been on my TBR for about a year or so.  I find it to be a light hearted love story of hard times and getting to the other side of things. In the end love is what we make of it and how we handle the hard times. These two make that a big statement when they could have pack things up and ran.

Fischer gives a side of love that just simple wont be taken away or discard like so many tangible things.  The writing is simple and to the point. Things are not over complicated.


 I am not a professional reviewer.  These are just my personal opinions.