The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 7th and runs through Sunday, January 13th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 6.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. -From the Bout of Books 6.0 team

My Goals:

1. Read 3 Books
2. Participate in a Twitter Chat
3. Comment on at least one blog per day

Reading List:

Finish Poison Princess
Finish Provex City
Sealed with a Curse
Fantasy Mountain
Back to You
Hera Queen of Gods

Updates:

Jan 7th:
Pages Read Today: 0
Total Pages Read: 0
The Books Read Today: None
Number of Total Books Read: 0
Feelings: I was out all day helping my boyfriend’s mom get to her doctor’s appointment and other places. I did manage to comment on some blogger’s goal posts though so at least I’m on my way to meeting the third goal on my list.

Jan 8th:
Pages Read Today: 307
Total Pages Read: 307
The Books Read Today: Finished Provex City (82-312)
Started Fantasy Mountain (1-77)
Number of Total Books Read: 1/2
Feelings: Glad I had the chance to finish Provex City and start Fantasy Moutain, hope I can finish Fantasy Mountain tomorrow!

Jan 9th:
Pages Read Today: 161
Total Pages Read: 468
The Books Read Today: Finished Fantasy Mountain (78-211)
Started Hera, Queen of Gods (1-27)
Number of Total Books Read: 1 1/2
Feelings: Glad to get another review book out of the way and to have started another review book!

Jan 10th:
Pages Read Today: 172
Total Pages Read: 640
The Books Read Today: Continued Reading Hera Queen of Gods (28-199)
Number of Total Books Read: 1 1/2
Feelings: I wanted to finish Hera today but oh well other things came up. Plus it will be hard to find reading time this weekend since I’m going out all weekend. So I guess my main goal at this point is just to finish Hera and maybe get a few chapters into another book.

Jan 11th:
Pages Read Today: 155
Total Pages Read: 795
The Books Read Today: Finished Hera Queen of Gods (200-355)
Number of Total Books Read: 2 1/2
Feelings: Glad I finished Hera Queen of Gods, hopefully I have a little time to start another of the books on my list even though I’m busy this weekend.

Jan 12th:
Pages Read Today: 0
Total Pages Read: 795
The Books Read Today: None
Number of Total Books Read: 2 1/2
Feelings: I knew I was going to be busy all day today so I’m ok with zero pages read today.

Jan 13th:
Pages Read Today: 118
Total Pages Read: 913
The Books Read Today: Poison Princess (120-188)
Started The Secret of Ella and Micha (1-50)
Number of Total Books Read: 2 1/2
Feelings: Well I’m happy I did a lot of blog commenting on other participant’s blogs, and I basically did read three books since I read 3/4ths of Provex City! I’m happy with what I got done except I didn’t join in on Twitter at all so I missed the fun there, oh well there is always next time.

Today is just a progress update day because the movie mini challenge that went up yesterday was a longer challenge to complete so I thought we would take it easy today and focus on our reading piles.

Please be sure to link up below and leave comments telling us here at Pages of Forbidden Love how your reading is going or what books you’ve read so far.

Mini Challenge:

With so many movies based on books coming out lately I thought it would be fun to see who each person would cast in a movie on a book of their choice. So show us your dream cast!

Alexa’s Dream Cast:

Today I’m taking on a huge cast that I will try to narrow down to the important characters!

The book/series that I’m deciding to tackle is the ever famous paranormal adult romance series called The Black Dagger Brotherhood by JR Ward. I’m focusing in on Lover Unbound specifically since that is my favorite book.

Vishous:

Mathis Streitwieser was a male model that would have been my top choice for V if he wasn’t already gone from this world.

Jane:

My pick for Jane would be Charlize Theron because I feel she looks the part and she can act like a smart woman who is capable of handling V in his darker moments.

Butch:

I would have to pick David Boreanaz as my Butch because he just gives off that feel of a cop who dresses nice.

Wrath:

Andrei Andrei who is a male model just looks the part of Wrath to me!

Hollywood/Rhage:

Chris Hensworth just looks the part of Hollywood to me, especially now since he bulked up for his role as Thor.

You can just include your link in the comments!

I hope everyone is still going strong!

Mini Challenge:

Today’s challenge is all about showing off the top book you are waiting on!
Please be sure to include a cover, summary, and the reason you are waiting on it in your challenge post.

Alexa’s Answer:

Summary:
Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another….

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions… but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together… finally become one.

Why I’m Waiting…
Um hello it is only my favorite adult paranormal series and it is freaking Qhuinn and Blay!!!
I’m sure those of you who love this series knows just how long I have been waiting for Qhuinn to get his head out of his ass and get with Blay already! It will be the M/M romance story of the century!

If you want to be entered to win a Pre-Order of your choice (up to $15)  from the book despository please fill out the form.
This means the giveaway is open INTERNATIONAL!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can include this mini challenge on your main update page or separate update page and be sure to link up your progress below.

We here at Pages of Forbidden Love hope that you enjoyed the first day of the challenge and had some cake to celebrate

Today is the first mini-challenge of the read-a-thon!

Mini Challenge:

Today we are starting things off pretty easy with just some general questions about your reading habits.

1. What book did you start reading for this read-a-thon?

2. What is one of your favorite books to re-read?

3. Do you have a strategy for read-a-thons to maximize your time?

4. Do you snack while reading?

Alexa’s Answers:

1. The Selection

2. I love re-reading the Harry Potter Series, I wish I had time to dive back into that wonderful world.

3. I like to plan out how many pages I would like to get done by the end of the read-a-thon and then just push myself towards that goal. I also become a hermit and try to ignore people so I can get my own stuff done.

4. I do not snack while I read because I don’t want the pages of my books to get food on them.

You can either answer these questions on your update page and link it in the comments or just answer the questions in the comment section.

There will be another linky area tomorrow to link up your progress!

Happy Reading!

Welcome to the 22 on 22 Read-a-Thon!
I, Alexa, will be hosting all week long in honor of Bianca’s birthday. I’m tring to make it so she has a nice relaxing week of reading without having to worry about any blog stuff so if you have any questions feel free to contact me.

We are here for a week of relaxing reading, fun mini challenges, and prizes!
As I have said before there is no pressure to read a certain number of pages, just have fun and celebrate with us.

If you still need to sign up the Sign Up Page is still open!

Please note I have added a hashtag on Twitter thanks to Eric @ http://frodosco.wordpress.com/for pointing this out to me.
The hashtag is #22readathon

As for today we are kicking things off with wanting to simply know what your Goals are!

If you link up your Goals/Update post below you will automatically be entered to win your choice of one $10 book from the book depository. This opens up entries to international participants that live in a country where the book depository ships to.

Be sure to leave a comment wishing Bianca a Happy Birthday!

Johnny’s Reading List:
~ Finish The Kill Order
~ Finish War
~ Damned
~ Death in the City of Light

Alexa’s Reading List:
~ The Evolution of Mara Dyer
~ Dark Heroine
~ Deity
~ Vampire Academy
~Frostbite
~ The Selection

Johnny’s Progress Updates:
Oct 22: Day 1
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Oct 23: Day 2
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Oct 24: Day 3
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Oct 25: Day 4
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Oct 26: Day 5
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Oct 27: Day 6
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Oct 28: Day 7
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Alexa’s Progress Updates:
Oct 22: Day 1
Pages Read Today: The Selection (1-327) & Vampire Academy (1-109)= 436
Total Pages Read: 436
Time Spent Reading Today: 7 Hours
Total Time Spent Reading: 7 Hours
Feelings: So happy I got all this reading done today. I’m going to be swamped with school, a midterm, and 2 school projects the rest of the week so I wanted to take advantage of this day.

Oct 23: Day 2
Pages Read Today: 0
Total Pages Read: 436
Time Spent Reading Today: 0
Total Time Spent Reading: 7 Hours
Feelings: I’m mad at myself for not getting any reading done but I had too many hours spent at school and on homework to get any reading done.

Oct 24: Day 3
Pages Read Today: Vampire Academy (110-187)=78
Total Pages Read: 514
Time Spent Reading Today: 1 Hour
Total Time Spent Reading: 8 Hours
Feelings: Well I’m glad I was able to fit in a little reading after going to the book signing event.

Oct 25: Day 4
Pages Read Today: 0
Total Pages Read: 514
Time Spent Reading Today: 0
Total Time Spent Reading: 8 Hours
Feelings: I was at school for 10 hours today in order to study for my midterm that I have tomorrow. So I shall be able to finally read tomorrow once my midterm is done.

Oct 26: Day 5
Pages Read Today: 12 Shades of Surrender (9-47)=38
Total Pages Read: 552
Time Spent Reading Today: .5 Hours
Total Time Spent Reading: 8.5 Hours
Feelings: Wish I got more done but I was so tired.

Oct 27: Day 6
Pages Read Today: Vampire Academy (188-332) & 12 Shades of Surrender (48-167) & Frostbite (1-35)= 298
Total Pages Read: 850
Time Spent Reading Today: 5 Hours
Total Time Spent Reading: 13.5 Hours
Feelings: Glad I got in some great reading today, hoping to read just as much in the final day tomorrow.

Oct 28: Day 7
Pages Read Today: Frostbite (36-327)= 292
Total Pages Read: 1142
Time Spent Reading Today: 4 Hours
Total Time Spent Reading: 17.5 Hours
Feelings: Glad I got three books done and part of a fourth during this read-a-thon!

Bianca is turning 22 on Oct 22nd so we here at Pages of Forbidden Love decided to honor her birthday with a week long Read-a-Thon. This is the first ever Read-a-Thon that we have hosted so we are very excited to try to host the best one we can. So please join us for a week of fun, challenges, prizes, and lots of reading! There is no pressure to read a certain amount of books during this Read-a-Thon, it is strictly for fun to celebrate a birthday!

Prizes will include anything from ARCs to $10 book of choice from the book depo.

If you would like to sign up the sign up is below and start thinking about what your goals are for the Read-a-Thon!

Well it is officially time for another 24 Hour Read-a-Thon to begin!
I’m really excited to participate once again but this year I’ll be doing something a little different.
You see I have to study for a final and midterm that are happening next week so I plan to devote every other hour to reading for enjoyment and the other hour will be an hour spent studying for tests. So I hope that overall between life things and what not that I will spend about 8 hours of total reading time and 8 hours of total study time during my 24 hour read-a-thon. We shall see how well this system works out and if I get bored of studying 8 hours in one day I’ll spend more time reading.

The TBR Pile:
~ Finish Diva by Jillian Larkin
~ Finish Of Blood and Bone by Courtney Cole
~ Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson
~ The Selection by Kiera Cass
~ Run the Risk by Lori Foster

Obviously I can’t read all of these books but they are books that I will pick up based on mood and how soon they need to be reviewed on my blog.

Introductory Questionnaire:

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?
I’m in Arizona!
2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?
If I have a chance to get to it I want to read The Selection
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?
I don’t snack while I read.
4) Tell us a little something about yourself!
Lets see I’m a 22 year old college student studying nuclear medicine and I have been running my blog for two years.
5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?
Sadly, the thing I’m doing different this time is not reading for the full day. I have studying for those nuclear medicine classes that I’m taking so half my day is spent on reading for fun and the other half on getting some studying done for school tests next week.

Update 1: 8:30am
Book Read: Finished Of Blood and Bone (64-148)
Pages Read: 84
Total Pages Read: 84
Time Read: 2 Hours
Total Time Read: 2 Hours
Feelings: Well I’m happy I finished that book but now I’m off to do my hour or so of studying!

 Update 2: 10:00am
Books Read: NA
Pages Read: 0
Total Pages Read: 84
Time Read: 0
Total Time Read: 2 Hours
Total Time Studying: 1.5 Hours
Feelings: Well I spent the past hour and a half getting some good studying done but now I feel like I could benefit from some relaxing reading time again.

Update 3: 12:00pm
Books Read: Diva (123-188)
Pages Read: 65
Total Pages Read: 149
Time Read 1 Hour
Total Time Read: 3 Hours
Total Time Studying 1.5 Hours
Feelings: Well I wish I was getting more done but I still have all day.

Update 4: 2:00pm
Books Read: NA
Pages Read: 0
Total Pages Read: 149
Time Read: O
Total TIme Read: 3 Hours
Total Time Studying: 3 Hours
Feelings: Well I got in another 1.5 hours of studying so I feel pretty good so far about the studying I’ve gotten done for my two big exams!

Update 5: 4:30pm
Books Read: Finished Diva (189-306)
Pages Read: 117
Total Pages Read: 266
Time Read: 1.5 Hours
Total Time Read: 4.5 Hours
Total Time Studying: 3 Hours
Feelings: So glad I finished up the last bit of Diva! Plus I still have half the read-a-thon/study-thon to go!

Mid-Event Survey:

1) How are you doing? Sleepy? Are your eyes tired?
Not sleepy yet but it is only dinner time where I live.
2) What have you finished reading?
I have finished reading Of Blood and Bone and Diva.
3) What is your favorite read so far?
I have to say Diva, it was a great end to a great series and I loved it. I can’t wait to see what Larkin writes in the future.
4) What about your favorite snacks?
I don’t snack while I read because I’m OCD about something getting on my pretty books.
5) Have you found any new blogs through the readathon? If so, give them some love!
Sadly, I’ve been wrapped up in my own little world with reading/studying all day so I have hardly been on the site to go find new blogs to comment on. I’m sure you are all lovely though!

Update 6: 11:30pm
Books Read: Started Valkyrie Rising (1-62)
Pages Read: 62
Total Pages Read: 328
Time Read: 1 Hour
Total Time Read: 5.5 Hours
Total Time Studying: 3.5 Hours
Feelings: Well as you can see in the past 7 hours I’ve only read for one hour and studied for a half an hour so my progress has gone way down. I wish this read-a-thon had been more of a success for me but I guess I shall just try harder come next April when we do this all over again. Goodnight everyone and happy reading for those of you staying up for the end hours of the read-a-thon!

Today I am hosting a very special challenge that helps us readers/bloggers/book lovers look forward to all of the awesome releases coming out in the future months.

Today’s challenge envolves answering two simple questions on your blog and then linking it in the Rafflecopter form in order to be entered in for the giveaway!

The Challenge Questions:

1~ What book are you most looking forward to based on summary alone? Feel free to show off the summary!
2~ What book are you most looking forward to based on cover art alone? Feel free to show off the beautiful cover art!

My Answers:

1~ Scarlett by Marissa Meyer

Summary: Cinder returns in the second thrilling installment of the New York Times-bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother and the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she has no choice but to trust him, though he clearly has a few dark secrets of his own.

As Scarlet and Wolf work to unravel one mystery, they find another when they cross paths with Cinder. Together, they must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen who will do anything to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner.

2~ Touched by Corrine Jackson

The Giveaway:

One lucky challenge and Bout of Books participant will win ARC copies of A Fractured Light and Such Wicked Intent.

Please note this giveaway is US ONLY!
(International participants I’m sorry but I can only afford to ship these within the US.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now back to reading!