Danielle The Book Huntress ’s Comments (group member since Jan 27, 2010)

Danielle The Book Huntress ’s comments from the Dangerous Hero Addict Support Group group.

I have Grace Draven on my to read list. I've heard she's very good.

I love fantasy, and I love romance with fantasy and vice versa. I can't say I've delved into the newer books that are specifically romantasy very much. I love T. Kingfisher and Paladin's Grace was awesome. I also enjoyed A Heart of Blood and Ashes and Long Live Evil (which is probably more Isekai Fantasy. I also love Patricia Briggs and Ilona Andrews.

Can you suggest some romantasy books that are heavy on the plotting, worldbuilding and characterization, and not so much focused on the spice and steam? I like some steam, but sometimes it gets in the way of the story, IMO.

What are your favorites in general?

(sorry this is late!)
DHASG 2024 Mega-Challenge

Duration: January 1-December 31, 2025

Description: This group was formed for love of dangerous heroes, so why not celebrate them as our flagship challenge? Read books for challenges designed around the essence of what makes a hero dangerous.

General Rules:

1. Books must be read between the time period of January 1st and December 31st of 2025. You can start as early as 12:00am on January 1st, and must be done by 11:59pm December 31st. A member can join the challenge at any point during the year.
2. The books you use do not have to be romance. If you read a fictional book of any kind with a hero that you feel is bad/edgy/dangerous enough to qualify, you can use them.
3. You can post your book selections at any time once the thread opens, and you may make changes up until the end of the year.
4. You cannot use a book more than once in a particular option. Books between options may overlap.
5. Please let the Challenge Coordinator know if you are signing up, and she will add you to the participant list. Please let the Coordinator know when you have finished your challenges for the year.
6. Participants can do as many of the options as they wish. If they decide to repeat challenges, that is fine, but they must use new books from those used in the first challenge. Please specify which challenges you are doing. Please repost your progress regularly.
7. Participants can change their options and books anytime during the challenge.

Challenge Options:

Option A--Spell Out Your Love!:

Instructions: For this Option, you can choose to spell out a dangerous hero-related phrase using only books with dangerous hero characters. You can use:
1. The first or last name of the author
2. The first letter of the book title (not including A, An, And, or The)
3. If you choose your own acronym and it contains the letter X, the word can have X anywhere in its spelling. Other letters much be used in the specified manner.
4. You can even use the hero’s first or last name, but only once.
Here are your choices (you can do however many you like throughout the year).

Spelling Choices:

1. I LIKE THEM RUTHLESS (17 letters)
2. SHADOW DADDIES ANONYMOUS (25 letters)
3. READER I CHOSE HIM (15 letters)
4. BABY I WOULD DIE FOR YOU (19 letters)
5. MAD BAD AND DANGEROUS TO KNOW (24 letters)
6. HE WOULD BURN DOWN THE WORLD FOR HER (29 letters)
7. VILLAINS FALL THE HARDEST (22 letters)
8. I HAVE CROSSED OCEANS OF TIME FOR YOU (30 letters)
9. GUARDING YOUR BODY BUT STEALING YOUR HEART (36 letters)
8. HE HATES EVERYONE ON EARTH BUT HER (28 letters)
10. HATED ENEMIES TO ARDENT LOVERS (26 letters)
11. LETHAL LOVER UNDERCOVER (21 letters)
12. MARRYING THE BAD GUY (17 letters)
13. HEART STOLEN LOVE CHOSEN (21 letters)
14. DROP DEAD GORGEOUS (16 letters)
15. Pick your own dangerous hero-related phrase to spell (minimum 15 letters)

Option B—World Wide Bad Boy Scavenger Hunt:

Instructions: The world is big and full of dangerous heroes. You have thirty chances to find a dangerous hero in thirty different places around the world. The one qualification is that only eight can be from the United States (you can use a particular state only once). The same goes for a country.

Regions:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.

Bonus (Out of This World)--collect a minimum of 10 heroes from different mythical/otherworldly locations):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Option C--Paranormal Dangerous Heroes:

Instructions: Read ten to thirteen books with a main character/hero who is in each of the below categories. One book per category. The books can be from romance, urban fantasy, fantasy, or science fiction novels.

1. Angel or demon
2.god or demi-god
3.Werewolf or shapeshifter
4. Sorcerer/Wizard/Magician or Magic-User
5.Immortal Warrior
6.Alien/From Another World or Dimension
7.Vampire
8.Faerie (any Fae creature)
9.Genetically-Enhanced or altered hero (powers are not magical but scientific)
10.Time-Traveler
11.Superhero ( Includes caped crimefighter with powers)
12. Elemental (able to harness the powers of nature)

Bonus: Psychic/Telekinetic Abilities (doesn’t fit in above categories)
Bonus: Other (doesn’t fit into above categories)

Option D--Hero, Anti, or Villain

Instructions: For this option, you get to choose up to thirty book characters and assign them to one of the above characters. Anti-hero: a central character (protagonist) in a story, movie, or drama who lacks conventional heroic attributes. Conventional heroic attributes are things like optimism, honesty, strength, confidence, courage and virtue. Villain: a character whose evil actions or motives are important to the plot. (Description taken from Quora: https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-dif...). It will be a bit of eye of the beholder.

In order to complete this option, you must have at least fifteen characters assigned (and a minimum of five per category).

Hero:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Anti-Hero:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Villain:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Option E--Dangerous Historic Heroes:

Instructions: For the historical romance or historical fiction readers on the group, the purpose of this challenge is to read one book for a minimum of eight of the most common dangerous historical hero types.

1. Scottish/Highlander warrior
2. Knight
3. Archer/Bowman
4. Emperor/King/Duke/Earl/Titled Hero
5. Gunslinger or Outlaw
6. Lawman, Sheriff, Marshal
7. Native American Warrior
8. Gambler or Rogue
9. Ninja/Samurai/Warrior of Eastern Martial Arts Disciplines
10. Historical Spy
11. Mountain Man
12. Pirate/Buccaneer/Privateer/Brigand of the High Seas
13. Highwayman or Thief
14.Mercenary, Warlord or Assassin
15.Historical Gangster
16.Legendary Swordsman (not any of the above)
17. Revolutionary or Freedom Fighter
18.Historical Soldier or Military Man

Bonus: Other historical dangerous hero (not listed above)

Option F—Dangerous Hero Career Fair

Introduction: For this challenge, we'll showcase modern day dangerous heroes. Let's go to the Career Fair, with a twist.
Pick up brochures for at least fifteen of the below dangerous hero/bad boy career professions to assemble your ultimate portfolio.

1. Sniper/Marksman
2. Armed Forces: Army, Air Force, Marines Enlisted/Commissioned Soldier
3. Special Forces Soldier (Navy SEALS, Delta)
4. Mercenary or Military Contractor
5. Outlaw Biker
6. Undercover Agent/Spy
7. Fireman
8. Police Officer/Sheriff/State Trooper
9. Rock Star/Pop Star/Hip-Hop Mogul (The Shadier the Better)
10. Computer Hacker/Tech Guru
11. Private Investigator
12. Vigilante/Crimefighter
13. Organized Crime Boss
14. Bouncer/Bruiser/Heavy or Enforcer
15. Boxer/MMA Fighter
16. Corporate Raider/Cutthroat Businessman
17. Mad Scientist/Inventor
18. FBI/US Marshal/DEA/ATF/Federal Agent
19. Assassin/Contract Killer
20. Bodyguard/Security
21. Professional Thief
22. Cardsharp/Professional Gambler
23. Martial Artist
24. Stuntman/Professional Daredevil
25. Racecar Driver
26. Sports Player (has to be a bad boy type with a bad reputation)
27. Rodeo/Bronco/Bullrider/Wrangler
Bonus: Pick up to three other types of modern day dangerous hero types.



Option G: Character Archetypes
Instructions: This challenge is to read book for the different major character archetypes. Information taken from https://blog.reedsy.com/12-common-cha... and https://www.masterclass.com/articles/....

1. The Warrior
2. The Innocent
3. The Ruler
4. The Everyman
5. The Orphan
6. The Creator
7. The Caregiver
8. The Mentor/Sage
9. The Joker
10. The Magician
11. The Rebel
12. The Lover
13. The Seducer
14. The Outlaw
15. The Explorer

Option H: Dangerous Hero A to Z:
Instructions: For this challenge, you must read 26 different books with heroes whose names start with the letter they represent (exception is X Anywhere in the name of the hero counts.) The name can be their first, last, middle or nickname.

A:
B:
C:
D:
E:
F:
G:
H:
I:
J:
K:
L:
M:
N:
O:
P:
Q:
R:
S:
T:
U:
V:
W:
X:
Y:
Z:

Option I–Earth, Wind, Water and Fire: Zodiac Characters
Instructions: Read a book for each Zodiac sign based on the personality criteria.

Fire Signs (Passionate, Dynamic, and Temperamental):

1. Aries (March 21 - April 19):
Known for boldness, courage, and leadership; they are often seen as tough leaders.
2. Leo (July 23 - August 22):
Possess natural confidence and a desire to be admired; they can be charismatic and generous.
3. Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21):
Characterized by optimism, freedom-loving, and a love for adventure; they are often seen as philosophical and open-minded.
Earth Signs (Grounded, Practical, and Reliable):
4. Taurus (April 20 - May 20):
Known for their groundedness, practicality, and reliability; they are often seen as patient and sensual.
5. Virgo (August 23 - September 22):
Known for their attention to detail and analytical abilities; they are often seen as perfectionistic and meticulous.
6. Capricorn (December 22 - January 19):
Characterized by ambition, discipline, and a strong work ethic; they are often seen as responsible and practical.
Air Signs (Intellectual, Communicative, and Social):
7. Gemini (May 21 - June 20):
Known for their intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and communicative skills; they are often seen as versatile and social.
8. Libra (September 23 - October 22):
Possess a strong sense of fairness, diplomacy, and a love for beauty; they are often seen as charming and balanced.
9. Aquarius (January 20 - February 18):
Characterized by their independent spirit, humanitarian values, and innovative thinking; they are often seen as visionary and unconventional.
Water Signs (Emotional, Intuitive, and Nurturing):
10. Cancer (June 21 - July 22):
Known for their emotional depth, nurturing nature, and loyalty; they are often seen as home-oriented and empathetic.
11. Scorpio (October 23 - November 21):
Possess a passionate and intense nature; they are often seen as resourceful and mysterious.
12. Pisces (February 19 - March 20):
Characterized by their empathy, intuition, and creativity; they are often seen as compassionate and dreamy.



Option J--Create your own Dangerous Hero-Themed Challenge:

Instructions: You can come up with your own challenge that involves the theme of this group. It should be something to keep you occupied for most of the year. I would suggest aiming for a minimum of 15 books. It’s up to you otherwise.

✿ Natalie ✿ wrote: "Natalie’s DHASG Challenge Yourself Challenge!

I challenge myself to read through my favourite book tropes!

Goal: To read 13-18 books with dangerous heroes that have my favourite tropes. 1 book p..."

That's a really good idea, Natalie!

Challenge Participants

Xee
Natalie

(sorry this is so late)!

DHASG Cover Love Challenge 2025


Duration: 1 January to 31 December, 2025


Introduction: Don't judge a book by its cover might be true when it comes to people, but book lovers always look at covers. That's what this challenge is about. Indulging the cover love!


Instructions:


Match a book cover with one of the categories on the list. A cover could potentially meet more than one category of the challenge, but you get to choose which one.


Rules:


1. Any DHASG member can participate in the challenge, and can sign up at any time during the year by December 31st, 2025.
2. Sign up and post your stats regularly on this thread.
3. A book may only count once. Rereads are acceptable.
4. Since this is a cover challenge, at least one cover edition of the book used must match with one of the qualifications of the challenge. It possible, post the cover so we can see it, using a goodreads link (add book/author and click bookcover).


Levels:


1. Cover CEO: Read 30 or more books.
2. Cover Collector: Read 20-29 books.
3. Cover Scout: Read 15-19 books.


Categories:


1. In Love and War: A hero with a sword, an ax, a warhammer or bow (any other historical fighting instrument) on the cover.
2. Highland and Heather Cover: Hero wearing a Scottish plaid or otherwise appearing to look like a Scottish highlander.
3. MVP Cover: Hero wearing or holding sports gear.
4. Kiss Me More Cover: Hero and Heroine in a clinch/kissing.
5. Bare-chested Cover: Hero is shirtless.
6. I Love a Man in Uniform Cover: Hero is wearing a military uniform.
7. Hero of Color Cover: Hero on the cover is black, Native American/indigenous, Asian, Latino or Middle Eastern.
8. Dressed to the Nines Cover: Hero is wearing formal clothing or a three piece suit.
9. Dancing Machine Cover: Hero is dancing alone or with someone else.
10. Rock Star Cover: Either hero is holding or playing an instrument or cover has an instrument, or is singing into a microphone.
11. Flower Power Cover: A flower or bouquet of flowers is on the cover.
12. Animal Kingdom Cover: An animal is on the cover.
13. On the Beach Cover: A beach or ocean is depicted.
14. Kiss Cover: Someone is kissing or lips are depicted on the cover.
15. Femme Fatale Cover: A dangerous woman is on the cover.
16. Woman of Color Cover: A woman who is black, Asian, Native American/indigenous, Latina or Middle Eastern is depicted on the cover.
17. Sci-Fi Cover: The cover depicts a science fiction scene.
18. Food Paradise Cover: Food of some kind is shown on the cover.
19.Let There Be Light Cover: A flame or a candle or torch, or anything that provides light is on the cover.
20.Fast and the Furious Cover: A hot rod car is on the cover.
21.Regency Manners Cover: A cover depicts a Regency historical romance scene.
22.Steampunk Aesthetic Cover: A Steampunk type scene is on the cover.
23.Swashbuckling Cover: The cover depicts a pirate or swashbuckling scene.
24.His Lordship Cover: A historically dressed man is on the cover.
25.Black and White Cover: Only the colors of black and white are on the cover, or a black and white photograph is on the cover.
26.Sword and Sorcery Cover: The book cover depicts a fantasy scene.
27. To Protect and Serve Cover: The cover depicts a police officer or fireman.
28. Kids R'Us Cover: A child, baby or children are on the cover.
29. My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys Cover: The hero is wearing a cowboy hat or other gear on the cover.
30. Spooky Cover: The cover looks scary or horrific.
31.Supernatural Lover Cover: A supernatural/paranormal scene is on the cover. Hero/heroine looks more than human.
32.Secret Agent Cover: The hero or heroine on the cover is depicted as a spy or secret agent.
33.The A Team Cover: There are at least three persons on the cover.
34.All That Glitters Cover: The cover depicts a high class scene, all the glitz and glitter. Alternatively depicting diamonds or jewels.
35.Prize Fighter Cover: Cover depicts a boxer, martial artist or a mixed martial artist cover.
36.Bearded Cover: The hero has a full beard on the cover.
37.Chrome Dome Cover: The hero is bald on the cover.
38.All Tatted Up Cover: A person on the cover has visible tattoo(es).
39.Beautiful Dress Cover: A figure on the cover is wearing a lovely dress.
40. Say Yes To the Dress!: A figure is wearing a wedding dress/groom suit or tuxedo.
41.World Tour Cover: The cover features an international city.
42. Once Upon a Time Cover: Cover features elements from a well-known fairy tale.
43. Variation of a Theme Cover: A cover that is an homage to classic literature or classic movies, tv.
44. Beauty in the Eye Cover: A cover that is just really gorgeous.
45. Kooky Cover: Strange or weird cover.
46. Spring Fling Cover: The book displays themes or aspects of the season of Spring.
47. Biker Boy or Babe Cover: The person on the cover is riding a motorcycle.
48. Au Natural Cover: The person on the cover is mostly or fully undressed.
49. Bookaholic Cover: Book(s) are depicted on the cover.
50. Do Not Comprehend Cover: The cover makes absolutely no sense.
51. Nerds Are Sexy Cover: Read a book with a nerdy looking person on the cover.
52. Masquerade Cover: Read a book where the cover model is wearing a mask or their face is obscured.
53. All Sexed Up Cover: The cover makes it clear that this book is super sexy!
54. Magic Man/Black Magic Woman: The character on the cover appears to be using magic/casting a spell.
55. Cartoon Cover: The cover is illustrated, animated or graphic art (drawn or painted, not photographed).
56. Bait and Switch Cover: The cover has nothing to do with what’s going on in the book.
57. When the Cover is Better in Another Region: A book that has an alternate cover (from another country that you like better).
58. The Book Was Better: A book that has the movie version on its cover after it was made into a movie/tv show.
59: Fall for Autumn Cover: The season on the cover is clearly fall or autumn, or has imagery evoking the fall season.
60. Summer Lover Cover: The cover displays the season of summer via imagery or subject matter.
61. Winter Chills Cover: The season of winter is conveyed through the imagery of the cover.
62. Art Historian Cover: Read a book that brings to mind a famous art piece.



As Always.....
Bonus: Feel free to choose some covers of your own that don't necessarily fit into the above choices. Just tell us what your criteria is.

Arch wrote: "I challenge myself to read 1 to 2 ebooks a month from my free Amazon ebooks collection. I have collected so many free ebooks from Amazon over the years and it's time to put a dent in my collection...."

Awesome!

Hi, Natalie. It's been a rough few months. I can put those challenges up. Sorry that they are late!

2025 DHASG Winter Quarterly Challenge

Duration: Jan 1-March 31st, 2025

Description: Winter is the season of cold weather, snow and ice, warm outdoor clothing, snuggling up indoors under a blanket with the heat on or in front of a fire, with a warm drink and a book in hand. Or, making snowmen, snow angels, skiing, playing hockey or ice skating. Depends on the person. Let’s celebrate winter with our first quarterly challenge of 2025.

Rules:
1. Books must be read between January 1st and March 31st, 2025
2.A book can be used across options, but only one time per option.
3.Rereads are acceptable.
4.Books can be of any genre.
5.Any member of DHASG is welcome to participate.
6.Please post on this thread when you join and when you finish, listing the book and dates read.

Option A: Winter in so many words
Instructions: Read a book for each term on the list

Word Bank:

Cold
Snow
Freeze
Chilly
Blizzard
Winter
Snowman
Icicle
Arctic
Frost
Coat
Sweater
Scar
Frost
Below Zero
Boots
Yeti
Reindeer
North Pole/South Pole
Hockey
Ice Skating
Hot Chocolate
Soup
Frigid
Shovel
Mountain
Mittens
Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights
December
January
February
March
Fireplace
Glacier
Sleet
Coffee
Tea
Zamboni
Balaclava
Earmuffs
Parka
Penguin
Polar Bear
Antarctica
Fleece

**Feel free to add words to the word bank and use different versions of the word are acceptable, i.e. frosted, frozen, freezing.

Option B: Winter Fun (or Not)
Instructions: Below are some winter activities. Read a book for each one that represents the activity in some way (the cover, they actually do this in the book, the title, even the author or character(s)’ names.

Shoveling snow
Ice skating
Baking
Snuggling under warm blankets
Snowed in/Stranded in a winter environment
Skiing
Playing hockey
Staying in a cabin
Winter Olympics
Sitting by a fire/fireplace
Growing a beard

Option C: Spell it Out.
Instructions: Spell out the below terms associated with winter using the book title, character name, author name, or name of the series. A book can only be used one.

Cold as Ice (9 words)
Polar Vortex (11 words)
Zero Degrees Fahrenheit (21 words)
Winter Solstice (14 words)
Windchill (9 words)
Frostbite (9 words)
Jack Frost Nipping at Your Nose (25 words)
Nor’Easter (9 words)
Long Underwear (11 words)
Yuki-onna (8 words)
Snowflakes (10 words)
Below Freezing (13 words)
Soup and Sandwiches (17 words)
Snow Angels (10 words)
Frosty the Snowman (16 words)
Baby It's Cold Outside (18 words)
Polar fleece and Ugly Sweaters (26 words
A word of your choice (minimum of 8 words)

Eleven wrote: " Danielle The Book Huntress wrote: "Yeah, it gives me kind of an icky feeling when a character is with more than one person from the same family. I tend to actively avoid this theme. I feel like th..."

That makes for some awkward moments.

Danielle's DHASG Challenge Yourself Challenge!
Duration: January 1st to December 31st, 2025

I'll come back and post my own challenge here.

2025 DHASG Challenge Yourself Challenge!
Duration: January 1st to December 31, 2025

Introduction: One of our members (and fellow mod) suggested a challenge to get yourself reading. This challenge is for you to challenge yourself how ever you'd would like to do that. So you make the rules for yourself, other than make it a yearly challenge, even if you renew the challenge when you meet your goals.

It's up to you!

Challenge Participants

Danielle TBH

Arch wrote: " Danielle The Book Huntress wrote: "Hello, members. I'm so behind on everything. I am very sorry the challenges are going up late. I am brainstorming things.

I am happy to get feedback on which c..."

So like a personal challenge? I like that!

Xee wrote: "Im in. Always."

Welcome, Xee!

So how was your 2024 Reading year?

Did you meet your reading goals/finish your challenges?
What were your top ten best books?
Favorite Author(s) of the year?
Favorite Hero?
Favorite Heroine?
Did you glom/finish a series?
Did you find a new author you loved?
What was the most unique book you read this year?
Did you give up on an author?
Did you give up on any books?
Best dangerous hero character of the year?
What genres did you read? Did you discover a new genre/sub-genre?
Any other thoughts you’d like to share?

I'm reading a few:
Paladin's Grace--I've become a huge fan of T. Kingfisher in the last two years. I've loved every book I've read by her. This one has a nice romance.
Raybearer--an immersive young adult fantasy set in a fantastic version of an African nation. It has court intrigue, magic, and a nice romance as well.
Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies--fun middle grade about a kill trying to get his sister back, who has been replaced by a changeling.
This Cursed House--not fun, but a very good Southern Gothic with black characters. The main character can see ghosts and is trying to break a curse on her terrible relatives.

DemetraP wrote: "I've been rereading author Lisa Marie Rice. Book 1 is Midnight Man. He is a retired Navy SEAL . He owns a private security firm. He rents a unit in her office building. Someone is trying to kill he..."

I still need to read this!

Hello, members. I'm so behind on everything. I am very sorry the challenges are going up late. I am brainstorming things.

I am happy to get feedback on which challenges you would like this year. Thanks!

Danielle's DHASG 2025 Yearly Challenge
Goal: 35 books

DHASG Yearly General Challenge

Your goal is to stack up your year with dangerous hero book reads. That can be taken loosely to fit your own reading needs and likes. In other words, the character can be a main hero, villain, side character or anywhere in between.

The books just need to be read between January 1st and December 31st of 2025.

Any member of the Dangerous Hero Addict Support Group can participate and the books can overlap with other challenges. Of course, rereads and different formats (ebook, physical, audiobook) all count.

Start Date: January 1, 2025
End Date: December 31, 2025

Challenge Participants

Danielle TBH
Xee
Nine
Angela
Rae Rae
Arch
Natalie