Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy discussion
Monthly Reading Challenges
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March 2009 Reading Challenge
Two more left in this challenge, two more left in the other and then 1 book in another. I don't think I'm going to make it...but I'm going to try!1. Anthology -
2. Fantasy/Magical Romance -
3. Futuristic Romance -
4. Shapeshifter Romance -
5. Time Travel Romance -Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
6. Vampire Romance-
7. Romantic Fantasy -
8. Romantic Science Fiction & Furturistic Fantasy - Gabriel's Ghost by Linnea Sinclair
9. Romantic Urban Fantasy -
Also read this month for my other challenges:
Tech Support & Snagged by Jet Mykles
Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione
Sexy Beast I Anthology
Not in Kansas by R.G. Alexander
The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter
The Darkest Kiss by Gena Showalter
The Darkest Pleasure by Gena Showalter
Sexy Beast II Anthology
Bond of Blood (Texas Vampires) by Diane Whiteside
Don't give up! You still have a week and look how much you've already read! You can totally do it!!!
4. SHAPESHIFTER Romance - Soul Song by Marjorie M. Liu
9. Romantic URBAN FANTASY - Emma Holly's Fairyville
Ha! I finished another one!!1.Anthology - Beyond Magic, by Kearney, Cunningham and Sims
2.
3.Futuristic Romance - True Deception by Patricia Waddell.
4.
5.Vampire Romance - The Undead Next Door by Kerrelyn Sparks
6.Time Travel Romance - TBD
7.Romantic Fantasy - The Smoke Thief by Shana Abe.
8.
9.Romantic Urban Fantasy - Gale Force by Rachel Caine
I am currently reading Hope's Folly by Linnea Sinclair, so may sub it for the Waddell book, although I've already started that one.
Never did pick out a time travel, but that's okay. I'm not going to get to all the ones I did pick out...
Oh! I'm subbing in another one I read that wasn't on my list...1.Anthology - Beyond Magic, by Kearney, Cunningham and Sims
2.
3.Futuristic Romance - True Deception by Patricia Waddell.
4.
5.Vampire Romance - The Undead Next Door by Kerrelyn Sparks
6.Time Travel Romance - TBD
7.
8.
9.Romantic Urban Fantasy - Gale Force by Rachel Caine
That gives me half my list, since I only had 8 books on it... ;)
Finally finished my fourth book. I'm not sure if I'm going to make it to 9 books.. we'll see. I really loved Blood Bound and can't believe I only read some of it the first time I picked it up and then pushed it aside (even with loving the first book). I'm anxious to see who Mercy ends up with.1.
2.
3. FUTURISTIC Romance - True Blood by Patricia Waddell
4.
5. TIME TRAVEL Romance - The Highlander's Touch by Karen Marie Moning
6. VAMPIRE Romance- One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
7. Romantic FANTASY:
8. Romantic SCIENCE FICTION & FUTURISTIC FANTASY - Not sure
9.
As of March 23rd:1)
2) Night Embrace (Sherrilyn Kenyon)
3) Countdown (Michelle Maddox)
4) Kiss of Fury (Deborah Cooke)
5) The Highlander's Touch (Karen Marie Moning)
6) Vampire, Interrupted (Lynsay Sands)
7)
8) Grimspace (Ann Aguirre)
9)
1. 2.
3. Futuristic Romance
4.
5. Time-Travel
6.
7.
8.
9. Romantic Urban Fantasy
Kristen wrote: "I really loved Blood Bound and can't believe I only read some of it the first time I picked it up and then pushed it aside (even with loving the first book)."I've noticed that these tend to be "slow start" books. It takes a few chapters before they really start to grab you. I'm reading book 3 right now, and I think I had a similar experience with all 3 books, where I had to sort of push myself through that first chunk.
I read the first 30 pages of Iron Kissed over a week ago and then it sat untouched by my bed until I picked it up again last night, and now I'm more than halfway and expect to be done by tomorrow.
I'll have to keep that in mind when I read Iron Kissed. I had already read part of Blood Bound, so it was like a memory refresher and kept me going.
@Kenjii - for the futuristic, you might try something by Linnea Sinclair... I've enjoyed them all.Okay, I'm subbing in the Sinclair for the Waddell, and will put True Deception on my April list. I picked up the anthology, and might get through it by next Tuesday...
1.Anthology - Beyond Magic, by Kearney, Cunningham and Sims
2.
3.
4.
5.Vampire Romance - The Undead Next Door by Kerrelyn Sparks
6.Time Travel Romance - TBD
7.
8.
9.Romantic Urban Fantasy - Gale Force by Rachel Caine
Now I'm over 50%. :) I really enjoyed Linnea's book. It sucked me right in, and I stayed up late to finish it. :)
Thanks so much, Gail, and everyone who's made kind comments on my books! It means a lot to me to know I gave you kids a few hours of fun and escape. ;-) ~Linneawwww.linneasinclair.com
Linnea wrote: "It means a lot to me to know I gave you kids a few hours of fun and escape. ;-) ~Linneawwww.linneasinclair.com"
Kids--*snort* Click on my avatar and go see just how much of a kid I am. I enjoy being included in that company. :) (And I do pass books on to the 22-year-old son who likes fantasy and SF too. I think he'd Really like Hope's Folly, because of all the action.)(Hmm. I bet the 27-year-old son would too...)
Mod
My oldest grandboy is 7, and in 2nd grade. He likes to read. The middle one turned 6 at Thanksgiving, but I am so thrilled that he has learned to read just recently, because he has autism. He was riding with his parents in the car, and called out "Game stop. Stop the game!" And sure enough, there was a Game Stop sign outside. (He talks a little like Yoda, with his own way of expressing himself. When he needs help pouring cereal, for instance, he says "Help the cereal." When he got his first loose tooth, it was "Help the tooth!" as well as "Help! The Tooth!")
The littlest grandboy will be 5 next month. He can already do arithmetic, so it's time to get him reading. :)
But yeah, Ann, those grandguys are great. :)
1. 2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8. Romantic Science Fiction/Futuristic Fantasy Circle of Magic: Sandry's Book - Tamora Pierce
9.
Mod
Yz - 6 books done
Ann - 9 books done - Complete - Congratulations!
Barbara - 6 books done
Melissa - 3 books done
Lori - 7 books done
DarkHeart - 4 books done
Shazzy - 8 books done
Lady Ozma - 9 books done - Complete - Congratulations!
Angie - 9 books done - Complete - Congratulations!
McKayla - 8 books done
Gail - 5 books done
Kristen - 4 books done
Dawn - 9 categories (13 books read)Complete - Congratulations
Nicole - 7 books done
Michelle M - 8 books done
Diane - 9 books -Complete - Congratulations!
Karen - 8 books done
Kenjii - 6 book done
Martina - 9 books done - Complete - Congratulations!
Brandy - 9 book done - Complete - Congratulations!
Terri - 1 book donene
Jamie - 2 books done
No one had signed up since last update.
Group's running total: 146 books read.
Great work, ladies!
Signing up will remain open throughout the whole month.
Note: For ease of tracking, please repost your official list with your progress after every update. Striking out the title and/or a finished date after the book's name will be best.
Final update will be April 1st.
March Challenge ends midnight of March 31st.
Mod
Yeah my kids love the books. Mom (Ann) and I have done well fostering the love of reading in those two little monsters. The last couple of days they've been trying to read like mad. Looks like I owe those two kids some pizza! HEHEHEAnd woah, we're rocking!! YAY!! Go us! Thanks for the update, YZ!
I was full steam ahead on this at the beginning of the month and then got all lazy with only one book left!Guess I know what I'm reading this weekend!
Good job Karen!!!Michelle, you are too close to not make it! Good luck this weekend!
Ok here is my updated list. I have changed things around slightly and finished a few books. 1. Anthology: On the Prowl - Reading now
3. Futuristic Romance: GABRIEL'S GHOST by Linnea Sinclair - Next inline to read
4. ShapeShifter Romance: Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs
8. Romantic Science Fiction/Futuristic Fantasy:
I'm up to 6 books read! (Woot!!)1.
2.
3.
4.
5.Vampire Romance - The Undead Next Door by Kerrelyn Sparks
6.Time Travel Romance - TBD
7.
8.
9.Romantic Urban Fantasy - Gale Force by Rachel Caine
I decided I needed a PNR break, so I'm reading Wicked Intentions by Lydia Joyce (historical) right now. But I might get one or 2 more done by Tuesday. (I'll have to find something Time Travelly.)
Need to finalize my April list too.
Alright, without knowing it, the book I breezed through last night turned into a fairly romantic story, so I'm putting it in as my Romantic Fantasy choice. I don't think I'll be reading anything else on my list before the end of the month, but I'll try! I really loved Tiger Moon, it was a story within a story and written in such a way that I didn't want to put the book down last night. It's set in India and gave you a glimpse into the old culture there.1.
2.
3. FUTURISTIC Romance - True Blood by Patricia Waddell
4.
5. TIME TRAVEL Romance - The Highlander's Touch by Karen Marie Moning
6. VAMPIRE Romance- One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
7.
8. Romantic SCIENCE FICTION & FUTURISTIC FANTASY - Not sure
9.
3. Futuristic Romance: GABRIEL'S GHOST by Linnea Sinclair - Next inline to read
4. ShapeShifter Romance: Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs
8. Romantic Science Fiction/Futuristic Fantasy:
Another one down!! On the Prowl was pretty especially Patricia Briggs story.
so for march I have read Bitten
Stolen
Fantasy Love
Night Pleasures
I know they are not part of the challenge but I figured you could add them in your totals for March
I'm done!!! I had to substitute a novella for Dragonfly in Amber because there was no way I was going to finish that huge book and for some reason I kept putting off starting it.1. Anthology -
2. Fantasy/Magical Romance -
3. Futuristic Romance -
4. Shapeshifter Romance -
5. Time Travel Romance -
6. Vampire Romance-
7. Romantic Fantasy -
8. Romantic Science Fiction & Furturistic Fantasy -
9. Romantic Urban Fantasy -
Also read this month for my other challenges:
Tech Support & Snagged by Jet Mykles
Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione
Sexy Beast I Anthology
Not in Kansas by R.G. Alexander
The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter
The Darkest Kiss by Gena Showalter
The Darkest Pleasure by Gena Showalter
Sexy Beast II Anthology
Bond of Blood (Texas Vampires) by Diane Whiteside
Lover and Commander by Jez Morrow
Del Fantasma: Unicorn by Jet Mykles
1.2.
3.
4.
5.
6.Time Travel Romance - TBD
7.
8.
9.Romantic Urban Fantasy - Gale Force by Rachel Caine
Okay, I got one more read! I read THE UNDEAD NEXT DOOR, and enjoyed it. Light, but not silly. Enjoyable. No wonder it's a RITA finalist. :)
I have Gale Force, but just can't make myself pick it up. Maybe in May?
Only one left to go!!!9. Romantic URBAN FANTASY - Emma Holly's Fairyville
1. Anthology -- The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance - I've read several stories in this, but doubt I'll finish it by tomorrow.
2. Fantasy/Magical Romance
--
3. Futuristic Romance
-- Naked in Death - JD Robb
4. ShapeShifter Romance
--
5. Time-Travel Romance
-- Morrigan's Cross - Nora Roberts
6. Vampire Romance
--
7. Romantic Fantasy
--
8. Romantic Science Fiction/Futuristic Fantasy
-- Grimspace - Ann Aguirre
9. Romantic Urban Fantasy
--
Other non-challenge books read:
Desire Unchained - Larissa Ione
Magic Strikes - Ilona Andrews
Hunted - P.C. & Kristin Cast
Lords of Misrule - Rachel Caine
Feast of Fools - Rachel Caine
Midnight Alley - Rachel Caine
The Dead Girls' Dance - Rachel Caine
Untamed - P.C. & Kristin Cast
Chosen - P.C. & Kristin Cast
Betrayed - P.C. & Kristin Cast
Audiobooks: I've read all of these before, but it's my first time listening to them.
Magic Bites - Ilona Andrews
Magic Burns - Ilona Andrews
Twilight - Stephenie Meyer
New Moon - Stephenie Meyer
Eclipse - Stephenie Meyer
COMPLETED 3/301.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Dammit! I gotta finish this evening! Time to get my butt in gear!
I finished! Hooray!!!I don't know if I'm going to do the next challenge - my life has taken a turn for the 12-hour workdays, which is cutting into my time to do things like read. But it has been a blast doing this with you guys! You have made me feel so encouraged! Thank you all!
Shazzy wrote: "All done!!I missed it earlier in the discussion - what did you think of Marjorie M. Liu's book?
I finished my last at 12:03. Will you hold it against me?1. ANTHOLOGY
2. FANTASY/MAGICAL
3. FUTURISTIC
4. SHAPESHIFTER
5. TIME TRAVEL
6. VAMPIRE
7. ROMANTIC FANTASY
8. ROMANTIC SCI-FI/FANTASY
9. ROMANTIC URBAN FANTASY
Also read this month:
- Fellowship of Fear, Elkins (mystery)
- In the Company of Ogres, Martinez (fantasy in the vein of Pratchett)
- Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy, Burton (macabre poetry)
- A Date with the Other Side, McCarthy (romance, with some ghostly interference)
- Midnight Mass, Wilson (vampire, horror, suspense)
- Succubus Dreams, Mead (we all know this one!)
- Another Fine Myth, Asprin (humorous fantasy, somewhat Pratchett-like)
- Daemons are Forever, Green (UF)
- The Man with the Golden Torc, Green (UF)
- Coraline, Gaiman (creepy children's story)
What's that? 19 total?
Now on to April!
Mod
Hope you enjoyed playing the March challenge. Feel free to drop by in the April thread once in a while, even if you are not planning to play.
Michelle M,
hmm..12:03? Nah...you can count it as March...Congratulations on all ten. And wow..19! Great job!
Mod
FINAL UPDATE
1. Anthology
2. Fantasy/Magical Romance
3. Futuristic Romance
4. ShapeShifter Romance
5. Time-Travel Romance finished 3/16
6. Vampire Romance
7. Romantic Fantasy
8. Romantic Science Fiction/Futuristic Fantasy
Dead to the World - Charlaine Harris
9. Romantic Urban Fantasy
Started Dead to the World but will not be able to finish on time.
Final total is 8 out of 9. Valiant attempt..or so I tell myself...LOL
Finished 17 books for the month of March.
Good job everyone!!!!Nicole - good luck with work! We hope to see you around the April thread anyway! Keep us posted on your reading! Maybe you can't read nine, but one or two would be great!
Michelle - I say three minutes after midnight is fine. Sheesh, it's still the 31st somewhere! HEHE :) I understand the not starting before midnight, but I'm pretty fluid in my understanding of "days". I say it's still good enough. :) I generally think that a day doesn't really end till I go to bed or the sun comes back up. Which ever happens first! Good job on so many books!!!! WOOHOO!
My end count for March was:
11 Books Read
7 were PEARL series/books
9 were for the challenge - challenge complete
And I actually read half of the anthology On the Prowl. I would have finished it, but i gave it to my husband to read. So I read a different book. I'll finish on the Prowl this month probably. Kind of depends on how this month's challenge goes!
My book count for the year is 45!!
So for about the eleventy hundredth time... THANK YOU YZ! :)
I look forward to seeing the stats for this month's challenge!
My final count for the month was 21. This includes some novellas. My new strategy for finishing all the challenges is to work in some novellas. There's just no way I can read 18 or more full length novels in a month. I do have to work and stuff. My total for the year is 51 so I'm on track to read 200 books this year. Yippee!
Mod
March has been a great month, but April is looking to be way better.
I'm still just at 8 PNR books for the month, and I read 6 non-PNR books, so that's not bad, given I had to go check on the parents twice last month...
8. Romantic Science Fiction/Futuristic Fantasy:
I almost finished. I was one book away!!
Mod
Yz - 8 books done
Ann - 9 books done - Complete - Congratulations!
Barbara - 9 books done - Complete - Congratulations!
Melissa - 3 books done
Lori - 9 books done - Complete - Congratulations!
DarkHeart - 5 books done
Shazzy - 9 books done - Complete - Congratulations!
Lady Ozma - 9 books done - Complete - Congratulations!
Angie - 9 books done - Complete - Congratulations!
McKayla - 8 books done
Gail - 7 books done
Kristen - 5 books done
Dawn - 9 categories - Complete - Congratulations!
Nicole - 9 books done - Complete - Congratulations!
Michelle M - 9 books done - Complete - Congratulations!
Diane - 9 books -Complete - Congratulations!
Karen - 9 books done - Complete - Congratulations!
Kenjii - 6 book done
Martina - 9 books done - Complete - Congratulations!
Brandy - 9 book done - Complete - Congratulations!
Terri - 1 book donene
Jamie - 8 books done
Group's final total: 168books
We have a total of 22 participants and 13 have completed the challenge. To everyone who had joined, all I can say, great job, guys. Hope you enjoyed exploring the different subgenres recognized by the PEARL Awards.
April Challenge is already up and running. Feel free to drop by
Mod
These were our numbers last February;
We read 176 books, 24 have participated in the challenge and 11 have completed it.
We have less books and participants, but more people have completed the challenge.
Not bad, I would say. Still a great month for everyone.
This was a hard month to choose all the books so I think we all did Great!
Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy
Books mentioned in this topic
To Serve and Submit (other topics)Lover Revealed (other topics)
The Stardance Trilogy (other topics)
Dreamcatcher (other topics)
The Challenge (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Susan Kearney (other topics)Susan Kearney (other topics)
Patricia Waddell (other topics)
Patricia Waddell (other topics)
Susan Kearney (other topics)
More...
So technically, counting re-reads, its probably closer to 120 or so books so far this year.