my monthly books recap: december 10 + GOODBYE 2010!

It's New Year's Eve and I'm doing my last minute post to wrap up everything after being procrastinating doing it for quite a while. Nevertheless, I am quite amaze with myself actually to come this far and still standing administrating this very blog! This blog "Darlyn & Books" really my proud shrine, a little place that I really have for myself, separated from my chaotic, miserable and demanding life.

Without dragging and being mushy, this is my book list I've read for December. Quite an achievement and unbelievable that I managed to read 14 books this month (plus 1 for November). But not really feel good since I've been busy with school and stuff which limiting my time to write the reviews. I do wrote some though; with quite amount of short reviews.

1) A Winter Solstice Celebration by DiDi Lemay
2) The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
3) The Lake House by James Patterson
4) Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks
5) The Last Will of Moira Leahy by Therese Walsh
6) The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
7) Witch and Cursed by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie
8) Thinks and Things by Crystal Johnson
9) The Falling Away by T.L. Hines
10) The End of Marking Time by C.J. West
11) Scrawl by Mark Shulman
12) I Heart New York by Lindsey Kelk
13) Out of the Blue by Belinda Jones

14) Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

With the books listed, I managed to read 101 books in 2010!!! YEAY! I totally can't believe that and you can see all the books read in 2010 HERE. I'm grateful that my target to read 100 books (and plus 1) is achieved. I plan to read at least as much as this year or more for 2011. God willing.

I think of how many times to write the last post for this year. I've gained sweet memories, knowledge on books related and I am very grateful to have many fellow bloggers who have given words of enthusiasm, never ending supports and invaluable assistance no matter how big or small. You all really means so much for me and very much appreciated. Although I have to say without you guys, I'm not here where I'm standing now even though I'm standing nowhere (or maybe there's a little spot LOL) in this book blogosphere or at least in your heart.

I am very happy to say goodbye to the year of 2010. Love you guys!

There's no regrets, only sweet memories.

Goodbye 2010!

my monthly books recap: october 10

Hi everybody! How are you and how was Halloween? I bet everyone had a great time. I never experience a Halloween except watching it in dramas or movies. I think it's fun and exciting with costumes, treats, candy and yummy food..and the list could go on. LOL

I wonder what costume I'll wear but I always dream to wear something black like Morticia Addams! She's pale with red lipstick, long sleek shining black hair and tight black gothic dress. Perfect sarcastic serious vamp, grows flesh-eating plants (like me!), witty and deadly. Now I miss watching The Addams Family. The whole family is real spooking I tell you =)

So what's your costume for Halloween this year? I've seen a few blogger buddies with costumes on their blog and very happy for them to enjoy their Halloween!

Something nice and something great to share but let gets to business. I have to be honest that I don't read much during the October. I managed to read and review 5 books. So few right?

1) Damaged by Pamela Callow
2) The Island by Sarah Singleton
3) The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
4) Sons of Fortune by Jeffrey Archer
5) The Life O'Reilly by Brian Cohen

Not so good but it's better than nothing! So there would be 88 books read this year and 12 to go to reach 100 books this year. I thought at least I could make it to 150 books but I guess 100 will do. Fingers crossed!

But before I forget, I'm hosting a giveaway of a signed copy The Life O'Reilly by Brian Cohen. It's open internationally and click here to enter. Ends 11/9.

So like always, how was your October? I love to hear anything you want to share. Oh, and do leave the link of your October read if you have in the comment!

Have a GREAT NOVEMBER! Cheers!!!

my monthly books recap: september 10

September has finally gone and here comes October. I wish I can say that with more cheerful and extravagant of how I enjoyed September. But really, I can't even say that. Because..? Well, lets just say that I had a blast holiday for celebrating Eid Mubarak with my family at my grandparents hometown with a very little reading. Very little.

So, here's the books I've read in September;

1) Dance While You Can by Susan Lewis
2) Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
3) Zoya by Danielle Steel
4) Witch and Wizard by James Patterson

Which by all means, I've read 83 books to date this year. I know, it sounds a lot because I say that first, when actually I only read 4 books in September. LOL. I don't really have high hope for October but I will dedicate myself to read whenever I have free time after doing my works. That will be my unofficial pledge ;p

As usual, I would always love to stalk and being jealous of what you've read for the whole September. Honestly, it inspired me to get to know about new and old published books but the main objective, it is an appreciation of your efforts of being a rocking bookworm and the unlimited contributions to the readers. So, that's why it's a bit sad for me not be able to read very much last month. But not has to fuss about it =)

Oh by the way, I've found something great that I want to share with you guys. Jennifer @ Reading With Tequila hosted an event of Harry Potter Week last week from Sept 22-29 2010. I know it's already has ended but I was on holiday at that time and just having time to browse and read a lot of reader's thought of HP characters they love and hate. It's great and I suggest you to head up to Jennifer's blog and read all the guest posts.

Secondly, Monica @ The Bibliophilic Book Blog is also hosting another Harry Potter Extravaganza for the month of October! Doesn't that superb? I just love Harry Potter and I'm looking forward to read the posts at her site. A lot of other bloggers take participation in it too so I bet it is one great event indeed, and need our support. Do you know any blog hosting anything Harry Potter too? Would love to know about them as well.

She also mentioned about Sorting Hat quiz at HERE and HERE. I took the quiz and wallah! I'm Gryffindor! (Look at my right side blog if you please...) Yeay! If you're not taking the quiz, which House you think you will get by the Sorting Hat???

Last but not least, ENJOY OCTOBER!!!

my monthly books recap: august 10

August has passed and September is approaching. Happy September 1st everyone! Seriously, do we have that Happy September? LOL. I don't read really much but quite surprised with myself to manage to read 12 books this month and 79 this year! Squeal..!

So here goes the list;

1) Vampire Kisses: The Beginning by Ellen Schreiber

2) Chill Factor by Sandra Brown

3) Honeymoon by Amy Jenkins

4) Stake That! by Mari Mancusi

5) The Ghost by Danielle Steel

6) Love Only Once by Johanna Lindsey

7) Stuck With You by Trish Jensen

8) The Red Church by Scott Nicholson
9) Better Than Chocolate by Maddie James*

10) Shadow Music by Julie Garwood

11) The Other Side of Midnight by Sidney Sheldon

12) Memories of Midnight by Sidney Sheldon

And another exciting news, I will be going home this Thursday for Eid' Fitri/Eid' Mubarak! Yeay! Fasting month also near to end and I'm looking forward to celebrate Eid in a week with my family. Yeay! Ohh, Eid' Fitri/Eid' Mubarak is actually a celebration for Muslim after a month of fasting. It's like a Christmas, Chinese New Year, Deepavali etc.

So I expect I will not be able to read or blog much in September. But I already scheduled a few book reviews while I'm gone. Only that I wont be able to pay visit to other blogs. But I will, once I get back from holiday or if I can squeeze some time to blog.

But that will be starting on this Thursday so I guess I will have time to say goodbye to all of you before I go home. =)

I hope you guys had a very great August and if you like to share, I would love to know what books you've read last month (leave link in the comment).

Cheers and hope September will be another great month for Bookworms like US!

my monthly books recap: july 10

Another month has gone and August is already here. I had a great July but yes, not a very productive month of reading. Guess thing aren't always go as planned. Just a short post for my monthly book's read and reviewed. I managed to read 9 books which 7 of them already reviewed and linked to the review posts. Here's the list;

1) Heartbeat by Danielle Steel
2) Vampire A Go Go by Victor Gischler
3) The Desert Bride by Lynne Graham*
4) The Thin Executioner by Darren Shan
5) A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer
6) French Fried by Chris Dolley
7) Buying Time by Pamela Samuels Young
8) Dear Dylan by Siobhan Curham
9) Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

All in all, I've read 67 books this year and hoping that my 150 books read this year could be achieved. Even though there's so many things like prepare for my Master Thesis Viva this year and start to apply for a job. Oh, I'm so nervous!

So, that being said, August will be another unproductive month for me once more. But I hope you out there will enjoy August and have fun reading! Tell me about your July and leave a link. I would love to see how you guys did. It's not so bad to get jealous looking at others enormous book list, right?

Happy Reading in August!

my monthly books recap: june 10

Hi guys! This post is just my latest update on what I've managed and finished to read for June. So far I've read 13 books this month. Yeay! 5 already being reviewed and the rest is NOT. I know what you'll think. But just lets say, I am a very busy girl, which is 24 hours a day is not enough for a greedy human like me. Hah! Ok, so here's the list;

1) Mary, Mary by James Patterson
2) Jane Austen's Guide To Dating by Lauren Henderson
3) Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
4) Emma by Jane Austen
5) Dear Jane Austen: A Heroine's Guide To Life and Love by Patrice Hannon
6) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
7) Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
8) Guilty Pleasures by Laura Lee Guhrke
9) Written in The Heart by Judith Stacy
10) Give and Take by Kate Walker
11) The Brazillian Tycoon's Mistress by Fiona Hood-Stewart
12) Temporary Engagement by Jessica Hart
13) A Candle For A Devil by Susanne McCarthy

June also has been a great event of Jane in June hosted by precious Misty @ Book Rat. I've been participating in the event and kind of took an oath to read books as many as I can of Jane Austen or any books related to hers. Frankly speaking, I read only 4 books by Jane Austen and 2 is from Autens' fragment books. That is quite an achievement for me, at the very least.

I have to admit that last month I've been a little bit a 'romance crush junkie' as the remaining books on the list is actually Mills&Boon romance books. Well, I still enjoy reading them. Lighten and brighten up my mood.

So there you go. All in all, I already read 58 books so far this year! Yeay! I plan so little for July. I don't really know what books I'm going to read. The reason why is that I already wrapped up all books in boxes and ready to ship them to home!

Maybe you see a little less of me this month. However, I will always be around ;p

Last but not least, how was your June? I hope all of you have a great read for the last month and enjoy many more for July!

my monthly books recap: may 10

It's a day of which I make a monthly wrap up again. So far I made it up to 10 books for May. Yeay!

So, here is the list of books I've read last month;

1) Marrow by Tiffanie Darke
2) Twilight and Philosophy: Vampires, Vegetarian and The Pursuit of Immortality by Willian Irwin
3) First Impressions by Jude Duveraux
4) Kiss Me Deadly by Michele Hauf
5) Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
6) Boys That Bite by Mari Mancusi
7) City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
8) Kiss Of The Wolf by Morgan Hawke
9) Slow Hands by Leslie Kelly
10) Anyone But Him by Sheila O'Flanagan

Actually, I have a confession to make. I made a silly mistake for April monthly wrap up when I said I already read 45 books this year. Turn out, it's actually 35 books. Owhh.. It really broke my heart when I found out about it while cleaning the mess on my blog! It seems I'm still at the 45 book's level again this month =(

How about you? Hopefully last month holds you with so many good and interesting books than mine. Leave a link of your wrap up for last month in the comment if you would like to share with me which I'm so happy to do so.

Happy Reading Everybody!

my monthly books recap: april 10

It's this day again. The day I'm summarized how many books I managed to read in April 10. Last month was a big achievement for me as I really managed to read 12 books. However, this time is not going to be the same. Well you know, April won't be my lucky month. *LOL*

Here's the list of books I've read last month;

1) Frostbite by Richelle Mead
2) Not Another New Year's by Chrissie Ridgway
3) One Child by Torey Hayden
4) Succubus in The City by Nina Harper
5) Vampire Blood Trilogy by Darren Shan
6) Blue Moon by Alyson Noel
7) Country Brides by Debbie Macomber

So far I've read 35 books this year and pretty OK with it since I'm not really a fast reader these past few months. Let's say that I'm proud of myself at least a little. *LOL*

Even though I lacked of books read, I'm so happy that April is my lucky month to win some giveaways and contests. I've never win anything before because I never try. Somehow there was a few days that I'm so full of efforts to tweet and participate in a few contests and luckily I got my Lucky Clover in the end. Thanks for the hosts and I'm so delighted. It feels awesome! I think each of you had at least once of winning in contest and giveaways right? How do you feel when you received of email telling you that you just won? Woo-Hoo! I'm telling you mine, I was dancing and rapping. Haha.

What about you? How was your April guys? Better? I will be glad to know about your monthly wrap-up. Leave a link or comment and I'll visit you too. I'm looking of what books to read soon. Maybe you will help me choose when I read your list.

Hopefully that May will be great! Maybe because this month is my birthday month! Woo-hoo!

Happy Reading everybody!

my monthly books recap: march 10

Finally March has ended and time for my monthly wrap up. I think I just did very well, better than February. March has been so exciting for me as I read a lot of YA books that I've never thought I would. But I did and I definitely enjoyed my March.

At first, I thought I could at least read 15 books in March. However, my plan didn't worked out well as I only managed to read 12 books instead. So far I've read 28 books for this year. I've wonder if I could reach 100 by December 2010.

Here is the list of books I've read for March 10. I know they are not many, but what the heck =)

1) The Ravenscar Dynasty by Barbara Taylor Bradford
2) The Smoke Jumper by Nicholas Evans
3) Back When We Were Grownups by Anne Taylor
4) Thirst No. 2 by Christopher Pike
5) Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
6) Glass Houses by Rachel Caine
7) Evermore by Alyson Noel
8) Prince of Twilight by Maggie Shayne
9) Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
10) Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith
11) Sunset in St. Tropez by Danielle Steel
12) A Bend in the Road by Nicholas Sparks

I'm hoping April will be good as well as March or a lot better. But considering how busy I am with my thesis writing, I'm not that sure, really. I've been stopping doing weekly memes last two weeks if you realized. Maybe I wont be doing any memes for April too, but it's just for temporary. Except for books' reviews.

OK enough ramblings, Darlyn! I think March was a great time for everyone too, right? Definitely a lot better than I am I suppose. But I would love to hear everybody's March. Chime in and share. Or leave a link to your blog if you are doing something same like this too and I'll be visiting you too.. =)

Have a delightful April and HAPPY READING!

p/s: This is totally true and absolutely not a prank. I'm not doing an April Fool *wink*

my monthly books recap: february 10

I think February is not a very good for my reading stuff. Overall, I just read 6 books this month and makes them 16 for this year. Actually I thought I couldn't read more than 3 books but to 'successfully' read 6, it was definitely double the goal. So, here is my list of what I've read this month. Hope I'll munch bigger than this. I've been thinking of my MARCH..*LOL*

1. 24 Hours by Greg Iles
2. Thirst No. 1 by Christopher Pike
3. Unexpected Pleasures by Jayne Ann Krantz, Barbara Delinsky and Vicki Lewis Thompson
4. Dear John by Nicholas Sparks
5. The Host by Stephanie Meyer
6. Here On Earth by Alice Hoffman

I solemnly swear I'll do a lot better than February. March will be better somehow *wink2*. So, what's February has made you? Love to hear and share!

my monthly books recap: january 10

I actually listing the books I've read in January and quite satisfied with it due to all circumstances of works and stuff. 10 is my lucky number for this 2010 after all*LOL* Just read Alice, and I also wanted to do something like that because it makes me be on the right track to catch up with book's challenges and my own goals. =)

So, here's the books I've read in January 2010;

1. The Clayborne Brides by Julie Garwood
2. Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson
3. The Eleventh Commandment by Jeffrey Archer
4. A Painted House by John Grisham
5. Tender Triumph by Judith McNaught
6. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
7. Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult
   
8. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
9. The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks
10. Vanished by Danielle Steel

I think I'll do this books recap thingy at the end of every month onwards..Guess I'll manage to keep up on this one =p

I know that there are many versions of books monthly wrap up and recaps but this one kind of another sloppy version of mine *wink2*. I'll be glad to hear you guys to join me on this one..Just copy the logo and list down all the books you've read on the month (with the your review link if you like) . And post it on the last day of the month. I'll do that for this February and onwards. (This one is totally an exception *LOL*) Leave a comment/link to your in my comment post, then I'll check on your list too. This should be fun..