Saturday, January 26, 2013

Review: Taking Dylan Down


Taking Dylan Down
Taking Dylan Down by L.L. Brooks

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This story is full of some dark and twisted mind games on everyone's parts. All the players seem to have a hidden agenda. Every time it seemed they were getting it together and headed in the right direction an other blow would fall. I really like the side character of Morgan. He sees it all and isn't afraid to speak his mind to both men.



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Review: Forever Love


Forever Love
Forever Love by Melissa Keir

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Returning to her small town to care for her dad Syndie doesn't expect to run into the only one she's ever love and who broke her heart. But TJ seems to understand what he did and wants to make it right but dealing with her dad seems to complicate her life. A very sweet story.



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Review: A Tale of Two Trucks


A Tale of Two Trucks
A Tale of Two Trucks by Thea Nishimori

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Mike and Joe seems an unlikely pair of friends but they strike up a friendship that brings a lot of benefit and closure to Joe. Mike starts to find it harder and harder to ignore his feelings for Joe. But just before things can become desperate there might just be some light at the end of the tunnel.



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Review: The New Dad's Club


The New Dad's Club
The New Dad's Club by Barry Lowe

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Jason is lonely and ends up providing a lot of child care for the baby his helped his friends have. He accidentally ends up making friends with some guys in the park. They are straight and interested in cheating on their wives and he thinks this wasn't a good idea. But then widower Greg is so hot he decides to stick it out a bit longer. A nudge from his friend Karl brings a big change to both these dads.



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Review: Broken Bonds


Broken Bonds
Broken Bonds by Lex Valentine

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This is a story of hurt and brokenness and how two angels work to turn it around to hope and healing. This story was not exactly what I was expecting but it turned out to be so much better.



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Review: Where Nerves End


Where Nerves End
Where Nerves End by L.A. Witt

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Jason owns his bar but everything has been going to pieces his love life, his business, and his body. His friend bugs him to see an acupuncturist. He gets relief but is not sure he can afford it. When he realizes that his doctor Michael is having struggles too it seems logical to pool their resources. But where things go from there can came as a big surprise.



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Review: Safe Harbor


Safe Harbor
Safe Harbor by Tymber Dalton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Clarisse is running from her abusive boyfriend and thinks she's hiding on her uncle's boat but it seems the boat has been sold and now she has to figure out what to do with Sully and Mac. Despite their commitment to each other they both first want to protect her and then to love her. They seem to be fighting their own abuse related demons as well. The three develop a strong relationship where there is giving and receiving by all three but they must face one more trial together if they are all to survive together.



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Review: Pack Business


Pack Business
Pack Business by Caitlin Ricci

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Liam is being forced to choose between his pack and his new family. They are concerned because baby Hannah can see them in their fur. I'm looking forward to see what happens next.



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Review: Silver Shorts 2012, Week 31


Silver Shorts 2012, Week 31
Silver Shorts 2012, Week 31 by S.A. Garcia

My rating: 5 of 5 stars







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Review: The More Things Change


The More Things Change
The More Things Change by K.C. Beaumont

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Bryan is helping to care of his family and appreciates his friendship with Aaron. He makes sure Aaron never knows how he really feels. But an overheard dream sets things in motion for both men. This is a sweet story of two guys figuring out what they other one wants and needs.



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Review: Determined Mate


Determined Mate
Determined Mate by Toni Griffin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Jason comes to town because of his friend and is surprised to be face to face with his mate. But after what he's gone through it takes a lot of love and patience to bring Jason and Alex together.



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Review: The Chauffeur


The Chauffeur
The Chauffeur by Serena Yates

My rating: 0 of 5 stars



Kyle was a model that earned his family money when an accident left him scarred it also left him with no one but an estranged uncle. He hides everything about himself because he doesn't want to rock the boat. He meets Nick and they begin a relationship but a confrontation with his uncle forces to be honest about who he is and who he loves. Love the little surprises at the end.



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Review: The Hard Way


The Hard Way
The Hard Way by G.A. Hauser

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



The two guys seem to be exact opposites but the only thing keeping Dick alive might be his relationship with William. The only thing I didn't like was the continued use of drugs.



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Friday, January 18, 2013

Review: Choosing Rena


Choosing Rena
Choosing Rena by Dakota Trace

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Jackson is chasing and Rena is running. It seems that she's gotten away but she's not as successful as she thinks. When someone seems to start taking out his anger on members of the bdsm club members Rena is pulled in and then wham Jackson is right there. This story is full of heart pumping action and can't put down surprises.



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Review: The Office Bulge


The Office Bulge
The Office Bulge by Scarlet Blackwell

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Justine is crushing on the boss and it turns out co-worker Michael is too. They decide they are going to try to seduce him together. But Julian asks them to meet him at his room and it seems the boss is about to turn the tables on them. Short but hot.



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Review: Defending Devon


Defending Devon
Defending Devon by Shannon West

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Devon is hiding on so many levels and uses his attitude as a defense. Andrew is drawn to him on the plane and lets things get out of hand which really causes problems when the run into each other on the tour. Devon is rocked by his encounter with Andrew which leaves him hurt and confused. An "accident" gives them a chance to work things out. When it turns out it was no accident it brings them closer together. What I love what the encounter with Devon's dad at the end.



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Review: Domme by Default


Domme by Default
Domme by Default by Tymber Dalton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This was a beautiful story. The author states at the beginning its a bit of her own story and being a follower of her blog you could see the true to her life elements which made it all the more special. It shows such an amazing amount of love and strength but doesn't gloss over the fact that sometimes meeting your partners needs isn't as easy as you would think.



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Review: Unexpected Mate


Unexpected Mate
Unexpected Mate by Toni Griffin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Brian has been kicked out by his pack is broke down on the side of the road. When Marcus shows up the attraction rocks both of them. It takes a few hours and some brotherly advise for Marcus to realize what he's about to loose. I love how Brian is willing to fight for his love.



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Review: Eye of the Beholder


Eye of the Beholder
Eye of the Beholder by Edward Kendrick

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Very powerful story. Preston and Cary have been friends for years. Cary doesn't like what Preston does for a living and encourages him to move on. Preston does but is attacked. Cary wants to reach out to his friend but Preston is not to be found. They reconnect but the story takes unexpected twist and Preston is almost killed. Now both of them are forced to admit their deeper feelings and hopefully it won't kill them.



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Review: The Elevator Mechanic


The Elevator Mechanic
The Elevator Mechanic by Serena Yates

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Bill is busy getting his new business up and running. Joe is busy blending in and getting the job done. But when they bump into each other sparks fly. Bill gives Joe the confidence and the help to stand up to his boss and to see his own worth.



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Review: Yin and Yang


Yin and Yang
Yin and Yang by Edward Kendrick

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This is a great story and I really loved the interaction of all the characters. And I double like (is that a good phrase) the double epilogue at the end of the story. It was a neat feature.



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Review: Second Hand


Second Hand
Second Hand by Marie Sexton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Paul and El are an unlikely couple by their own admission but somehow love doesn't seem to care. I love the sprinkles of humor throughout the story. My husband kept asking me what was so funny as I'd laugh out loud. It is a great story of getting together and letting the relationship build.



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Review: Uncle Doug's Anthology


Uncle Doug's Anthology
Uncle Doug's Anthology by Uncle Doug

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



While this story has age-play elements to the stories that are included for me it was a bit harsh and not what I'm usually looking for in this genre. It was well written and if you like very short, brief, and stronger peaks into age-play elements then this story would be for you. But if you prefer the softer side to age-play this story will not fulfill those needs.



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Review: The Enhancement


The Enhancement
The Enhancement by Anne Weller

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This is a dark and twisted tale. The amazing thing is how they all come out okay at the end and you can see a happy ending. Tano and Benedict have been captured and forced to play sex games for the entertainment of their captor and his friends. Elena is drawn into the mix because she wants to find and free her brother and his friend. The bulk of the story is one night in the playground of the rich and kinky.



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Review: Snowbound


Snowbound
Snowbound by Maura McMann

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Elaine witness a murder and is hiding out. Zeke as sheriff feels its important to check on his residents before the snowstorm gets any worse. Together they face her past so they can move on to a happy future.



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Review: A New Attitude for a New Year


A New Attitude for a New Year
A New Attitude for a New Year by Sadie Hunter

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Ham has had with Kara's attitude but he loves her and wants their marriage to succeed. He researches domestic discipline and approaches her about at least giving it a try. This story is full of love and has a wonderful and sweet ending.



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Review: Summer Camp


Summer Camp
Summer Camp by Tabitha Black

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Jeremy has had it with his wife's behavior and then an ad catches his eye. Betty agrees figuring this will be her ticket out of a marriage that is not longer making her happy. But the camp ends up changing both of their lives for the better.



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Saturday, January 12, 2013

Review: Saving Lilith Ann


Saving Lilith Ann
Saving Lilith Ann by Ashley Vail

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



First I'll say I was glad that there was a list at the front that let you know there will be more books in the series other wise the ending would have been disappointing.

I loved that Rod is really putting Lilly first before his own feelings. Also, there was lots of set up so you can see where this series can be headed. They also don't gloss over how hard it will be for Rod to balance everything and for Lilly to deal with her own feelings.



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Review: Board Resolution


Board Resolution
Board Resolution by Joey W. Hill

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Savannah has feelings for Matt but the training of her father has separated her from herself in someways. Matt wants her to accept her feelings and decides on some pretty dramatic measures to get her attention.



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Review: Hoarse Play


Hoarse Play
Hoarse Play by Sean Michael

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I really enjoyed this new sub-story to the Hammer series. This story was really much lighter than I was expecting but it was a beautiful introduction to Matt and Adam's interactions as a couple and as they work on their new business. Jackson and Burger were not what was expected and their story was really very beautiful. Full of love and a desire to find what will be best for them long term.

I thought the blending of the blending of the two couples worked well for this first installment of the new series. I think I needed to be reintroduced to Matt and Adam and I thought blending it with their first guests worked really well. Burger and Jackson story was interesting but on its own it might have seemed a bit bland. Can't wait for the next guest and to see what they bring to the mix.



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Review: Rebekah's Winter


Rebekah's Winter
Rebekah's Winter by P.S.Cassidy

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This story is set during the American Revolution. Rebekah is hanging out with the loyalist even while her brother and father are in jail. Wallace Adair decides she needs to be taken in hand. She almost gets herself and others killed more than once but she learns to appreciate the cause and Wallace as well.



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Review: Mirror Image


Mirror Image
Mirror Image by Cassandra Pierce

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Chad had been crushing on his first college roomate but he never saw him after the end of the year. Now years later he's on the beach for vacation and he thinks he sees his old roommate and the guy is checking him out too. But his brother who has the mirror image tattoo that he actually designed. Turns out he's nothing like his brother and that's a good thing.



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Review: The Cabin


The Cabin
The Cabin by Paige Tyler

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Raine is trying to jump start her acting career by entering into a fake romance and wedding with fellow actor Cameron. They have nothing in common and the stress is getting to her. So she decides to head out to a spa to relax and get away. She gets stranded and Logan comes to her rescue. Despite the spanking they hit it off. Now Raine has to decide what's really important.



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Review: Peppermint Sticks for Susie


Peppermint Sticks for Susie
Peppermint Sticks for Susie by Joannie Kay

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Jenny feels bad for little Susie and gives away some candy. That simple act leads to all kinds of danger and drama. But it also helps bring Jenny and Alex together.



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Monday, January 7, 2013

Review: Frost Bitten


Frost Bitten
Frost Bitten by Eliza Gayle

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Seth and Trent work with search and rescue and also happen to be cougar shifters. They are on the trail of a lost hiker when they get the call that he's been find. So know they wonder what they've been tracking. When the come upon a sweet female jaguar shifter from the south that is freezing and in heat nature takes it course. But will Daisy be able to make this something special and lasting? It will certainly take some work.



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Review: Full Circle


Full Circle
Full Circle by R.J. Scott

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Manny is moving out from behind his computer this time and he's taking along Josh the son of the cop who committed the murder. We found out a lot more about quiet little Manny and his relationship to Sanctuary. Josh proves himself to be smart and capable when his feelings don't get in the way. And when they interact with each other sparks fly. Great addition to series and the net over the Bullen family draws tighter.



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Review: The Snow Bunny


The Snow Bunny
The Snow Bunny by Brandy Golden

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Lots of pain and mistrust that has to be overcome. Danni is distrustful of men and well with good reason. Sanders has a lot to do if he wants to win her and keep her. It will take lots of love, patience, listening, and of course some spanking.



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Review: Breaking Up With The Alpha


Breaking Up With The Alpha
Breaking Up With The Alpha by Shannon West

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Another installment in the Dark Hallow series. I have truly enjoyed this one and this book doesn't disappoint. I was shedding a tear or two getting through this one. It seems something is wrong with Marco and no matter how much Nicky loves him he doesn't see how he can work things out. Marco knows he's trying and decides its better to let him go without fully understanding what his happening within himself. This decision has such painful consequences. I struggled right along with them as they tried to get it all back together.



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Review: Not His Kiss to Take


Not His Kiss to Take
Not His Kiss to Take by Finn Marlowe

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This story has lots of strong elements. With the story opening with the assault of a young man just minutes after Evan notices how cute he is seems at first a strange place to start. But Evan is a doctor with no patients because his own medical issues have driven him from the profession he loves. Somehow this all leads to Evan offering Jamie a safe place to heal. Evan tries to be upfront about his feelings but they often seem to misunderstand each other which leads to guilt and confusion on both their parts. It is remarkable that these two strong but hurting men can reach out to each other and to try to find a chance for life.



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Review: Melissa's Reckoning


Melissa's Reckoning
Melissa's Reckoning by D.W. Collins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Melissa and her husband Todd haven't been married long and seem to be having a rough spot. They walk in on their friends and witness the wife getting correction. The husband instructs Todd on how to take care of business. From there Todd develops his own style and finds the rules that work for them. I like the interaction with Todd and Melissa because I felt a loving connection and both of them striving to find what works for them. But I found the interaction with the other couple just a bit creepy.



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Review: 911


911
911 by Scarlet Blackwell

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Damon is morning his lost love ten years after 9/11. He keeps running into Simon who has his own grief but wants to move on with life. As they hook up it overwhelms Damon but he finally truly confronts his grief head on instead of hiding and is now actually headed toward healing.



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Review: Stranded: A Christmas Story


Stranded: A Christmas Story
Stranded: A Christmas Story by Fiona Wilde

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Lydia has made some big changes to her body but it seems she also became a shallow diva. In her quest to get home and get the high school guy that didn't notice her she ends up risking her very life. Mason comes to her rescue but he sure has no plans to put up with a spoiled brat. She gets more than she bargains for in this rescue but she may have found the very thing she needs. I like that both of them knew that for things to work out compromise was involved and they knew it would take work. Not an easy perfect ending.



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Review: Lucky


Lucky
Lucky by Ana Bosch

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Martel has always considered his dreads to be lucky and his source for getting any guy he wants. Then he has to cut them for work and he thinks everything is going wrong. But when Felix "rescues" him by coming to the office party with him Martel may find out that this might be the start of a whole different kind of lucky.



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Review: Gone Country


Gone Country
Gone Country by Lorelei James

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Another great addition to the Rough Rider series. I love the fact that Gavin doesn't seem to have all that natural confidence the rest of the McKay men do but when he gets moving he seems to be full blown McKay. I really loved the two daughters one a teen and one a young lady. Their interaction with each other and their parents really added to the story. I like how it doesn't gloss over the problems of being older and more "set in your ways" when you find love especially when there are kids involved. A very satisfying read.



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Wednesday, January 2, 2013

2013 Themed Reading Plan

So this year I decided that instead of doing a bunch of challenges that sometimes require making more purchases I decided to make an effort to catch up (yeah, I'll buy new stuff, too) by picking a new theme or themes each month as a priority for my reading list.  These books will be put on the Special/Holiday shelf on my Nook.  Also, added to the shelf would be new books purchased for the first couple of weeks when they will be removed from this shelf to be read later.  Also, the books received from Secret Cravings Book Club each month will be added for the first month after received.  And finally the monthly free book from the Blushing Books website.

So what are my monthly themes are as follows:

January - New Year's, Winter, Short list pages*
February - Valentines
March - St. Patrick's Day, Menage
April - Easter, Fantasy,  Short list pages*
May - Spring, Historical
June - Weddings, Family
July - Fourth of July, Military, Patriotic
August - Summer, Western, Short list pages*
September - School, Fall
October - Halloween, Paranormal
November - Thanksgiving,  Short list pages*
December - Christmas

*In my notebook of to be read list pages when a page gets down to 3 or less books on the page I make a note of the page.  I will pick 3 or 4 of these pages to add to my reading list depending on how many other books are there for the other categories.

Happy Christmas to ME

After an unexpected Year End Bonus I decided to upgrade to the Nook HD.  Overall I really love it but like everything its not perfect.

So the PROS -
The profiles are wonderful.  Now Katy has profile, the "real" me has a profile, and my daughter has a child's profile.
The books and Apps I purchase from Barnes and Noble can be assigned to certain profiles.
Nothing I side load which is of course mainly Katy's stuff doesn't show up in the child profile.
The adult profiles need the password I created to get in but the child profile doesn't.
It does weigh less.
It charges faster.
And I think the battery works a bit longer but since my daughter keeps "borrowing" it while I'm busy doing something else I'm not completely sure on the battery life.

The CONS -
You can shelf from the search page.  So when side loading you have to search for it.  Find it.  Open it.  Then it shows up in recent and then you can shelf it.  This is a bit clunky and hope that will be approved in software updates.
When you close a book it takes you to the home page instead of back to the shelf so you can click on it and move it to another shelf or delete it.  You have to click on Library again and go back again to the shelf.  Again this seems a bit clunky but more livable then the first Con.
About 5 of my apps didn't work on the HD device.  One was my favorite solitaire and I haven't found a comparable one that will work on the HD and I used this app a lot.  Bejeweled 2 doesn't work on the HD but there is an HD version but it would need to be repurchased.  I have called BN and ask for some kind of credit to replace those apps.  They said today they would analyze my request and I should hear something within 4 days.  I'll try to post if I was successful or not.
When you change profiles it takes a minute for the device to catch up and the right things under the profile.

From my personal observation I think most of the cons are things that a software upgrade would probably fix all or most of my concerns.

RANDOM -
The biggest thing I notice was boy do I have a lot of books on my to be read pile.  As I made a purchase I would shelf it and move on to read and review.  But when it took the good part of one day to get everything back on their shelves wow.

So for fun here's Katy Beth shelves ---
Review  - this shelf is only used as a holding place for books that are finished and need to be reviewed.  From there they are either deleted, archived, or moved to a shelf for read books because I might want to read them again.  You know someday when I actually get all caught up.
Special/Holiday - This shelf is a secondary shelf.  Anything on this shelf is also on a primary shelf.  This shelf is where I'll place the books according to my 2013 reading Month Plan.  (Post coming soon)
Romance - Most of my purchases that don't fit on one of the other more specific shelves.
Magazine - These are for side-loaded magazines as the device has its own shelf for magazines purchased through BN.
Anthology -
Blushing Books - Books purchased through the Blushing Books stores or books I got through Bethany's Woodshed that are not available in the store.
Pink - These are books that are gotten as part of my membership to Bethany's Woodshed.  Why pink because I have a notebook with my to be read books listed and the divider they are behind is Pink.
DD Books - These are books that I got through my membership with Domestic Discipline membership.  I'm no longer a member but these were acquired during my membership.
Next - The next book in a series that needs to be read.
Series - Books that are part of a series but there is another book before them that needs to be read first.
Because It's Free - Books I got for free.  Some of course more interesting to other and because I didn't pay for them they aren't a top priority.
Read Series - Books read from a series not specify on another shelf.
Read Shadowlands
Read Lori/Lorelei
Read Incognito
Read Sean
Read Erotic - Books read not part of a series that fit the category
Read Vanilla/Blush - Books read not part of series that fit the category

December Reading Totals

So I decided a few months ago to keep track of how many books I read each month using the main Nook shelf it was stored on.  I decided that I would share the results of my reading list each month.  The totals this month were really high but I think part of the reason was that I had both the Silver and Dreamworks Advent reads and many of those were very short stories so I could get several read in one day.

So by Nook shelf --
It's Next - 4
Romance - 83
Anthology - 1
Blushing Books - 1

By Kindle Shelf --
Romance - 1


Total of shelves - 94