August 2009 Reading Challenge

[Kelly]

Update my books:
1. Romance: Love at first bite, Sherrilyn Kenyon 08/02
2. Urban Fantasy: Bad Moon Rising. Sherrylin Kenyon
3. Fantasy: Heart of the Dragon, Gena Showalter
4. Historical: Spell of the Highlander, Karen Marie Moning 08/01
5. Futuristic/Sci-Fi: Abduction, Robin Cook 08/04
6. Young Adult: Twilight,Stephanie Meyer
7. Chick Lit: Date Me, Baby, One More Time, Stephanie Rowe
8. Erotic: Awaken Me Darkly, Gena Showalter
9. Horror: Swimsuit/James Patterson

Read


Reading


To Read
[image error]

[Kelly]

Uniquely Moi wrote: "I don't know of Georgina Kincaid... is she good? UF, PNR?

On my SOON to be read shelves I have:

Cherry Adairs T-FLAC (never read her before)
Gina Showalter (never read her before)
The Duche..."

Moi

I think the Storm of Visions book is a side story to the Darkest series. You might want to read the 3 books in that series first.

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish]

Thank you, Kelly. I have Scent of Darkness and will read that series first. Thanks again!

[Kelly]

No problem, I loved that series. Just wish it didn't end after 3 books.

[Ann aka Iftcan]

Moi--a warning about Gena Showalter. She's VERY uneven as a writer. One book will be ok, the next will seriously suck. Not totally sure WHY that is. Now I wait til a number of people have reviewed her books before even thinking about getting them--or else I sign up to read them from the library, IF it has them.

Ann in VA (who is still stuck on a scifi romance any suggestions guys?)

[[deleted user]]

I don't do scifi, but I can give you some futuristic options.
Lilith Saintcrow's Dante Valentine series
Bloodring - Faith Hunter
J.D. Robb's In Death series

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish]

I was also going to suggest JD Robb's In Death series. My daughter LOVES them.

[Kyle]

I LOVED Acheron! I cried in the beginning and I was smiling the whole last twenty pages of the book. Someone (pardon my french) needs to fucking kill Artemis. I wanna cut da bitch. Okay I'm done..but it was REALLY good :D

1.Romance: Bad Moon Rising - Sherrilyn Kenyon
2.Urban Fantasy: Thorn Queen - Richelle Mead*****
3.Fantasy: Poison Study - Maria V. Snyder
4.Historical: The Gargoyle - Andrew Davidson*****
5.futuristic/Sci-Fi: The Host - Stephenie Meyer****
6.Young Adult: Glass Houses - Rachel Caine**
7.Chick-Lit: Undead & Unwed - MaryJanice Davidson
8.Erotica: Acheron - Sherrilyn Kenyon*****
9.Suuspense/Thriller/Horror: Nightlife - Rob Thurman

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish]

Acheron was one of the all time best books for me. Seriously excellent writing, story telling and very gut wrenching. And hot. I'd do Ash. *blushing*

[Kyle]

lol :P

I loved it, probably the best in the series but of course by the epicness of it, she intended it to be that way.

The book thats coming out in 2010 is NICK'S STORY!! I'm so stoked :D

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish]

Kyle wrote: "lol :P
The book thats coming out in 2010 is NICK'S STORY!! I'm so stoked :D"

No way! I had no idea. When in '10, any idea?

[Kyle]

february or march its on her website. under 'upcoming releases'

[Michelle]

1. Romance: Visions of Heat by Nalini Singh 8/2****
2. Urban Fantasy: Bloodfever by Karen M. Moning
3. Fantasy: Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder
4. Historical: The Vampire Who Loved Me by Teresa Medeiros 8/5*****
5. Futuristic/Sci-Fi: Parallel Attraction by Deidre Knight, or The Legend of Banzai Maguire by Susan Grant
6. Young Adult: Blood Promise(I can't wait until this one comes out on 8/25!) by Richelle Mead
7. Chick-Lit: You Slay Me by Katie Macaliser
8. Erotica: Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur
9. Suspense/Thriller/Horror: Blue Diablo by Ann Aguirre, or Witch Way to Murder by Shirley Damsgaard


I loved The Vampire Who Loved Me by Teresa Medeiros! This is book 2 of the Cabot series, and appears to be the last. This series, book 2 in particular had everything from humor to horror to romance and so on. I read After Midnight (book 1) last month, and loved that too. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. I really like Teresa Medeiros' style of writing. Just when I think its getting predictable, something totally unexpected happens. I've done a little research, and the Cabot series(only 2 books) appears to be the only paranormal romance that the author has written, as she primarily writes strictly romance. I've never been in to straight up romance without some paranormal element however, I'll be sure to get a few more of her novels during my next book spree.

Michelle in TN

[Shannon]

1. Romance: Succubus Dreams by Richelle Mead - 8/3 ★ ★ ★ ★
2. Urban Fantasy: Unshapely Things by Mark Del Franco
3. Fantasy: Magic Lost, Trouble Found by Lisa Shearin
4. Historical: Enchanting the Lady by Kathryne Kennedy
5. Futuristic/Sci-Fi: Grimspace by Ann Aguirre
6. Young Adult: Meridian by Amber Kizer
7. Chick-Lit: Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper
8. Erotica: Swallowing Darkness (Meredith Gentry, #7) by Laurell K. Hamilton - 8/5 ★ ★ ★
9. Suspense/Thriller/Horror: Poison Sleep by T.A. Pratt - 8/6 ★ ★ ★ ★

READ
[image error]

TO READ
[image error] [image error]

Finished Poison Sleep just now. I really love this series. Marla is just so kick-ass and funny. And I was guessing at the ending up until the last 10 pages or so, have to say I never saw it coming!

3 down and 6 to go!

[BJ Rose]

Ann wrote: "BJ Rose--I am able to read so many because I'm a stay-at-home wife and grandmother. I have some health issues (asthma, very bad arthritis to name 2) that keep me either bed or chair bound some days..."

Ann, I'm sorry to hear about your infirmities, but am impressed with what you still accomplish - sounds like you're a very creative seamstress! And aren't books a wonderful place to escape when the real world throws difficulties at us?! I love to crochet, but can't stay with it as long as I used to - the fingers refuse to keep carrying out what the brain tells them to do! But a good book does wonders.

[BJ Rose]

2 down!

1. Romance: Hidden Currents by Christine Feehan August 5 *****
2. Urban Fantasy: Dark Hunger by Sara Reinke
3. Fantasy: The Ice Dragon by George R.R.Martin August 6 ***1/2
4. Historical: A Dance Through Time by Lynn Kurland
5. Futuristic: Ceremony in Death by J.D. Robb
6. YA: Flyte:Septimus Heap by Angie Sage
7. Chick-Lit: Wolf at the Door by Christine Warren
8. Erotica: Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward
9. Suspense/Thriller: The Haunting of Josie by Kay Hooper

[image error] [image error]

Also read this month:
**** Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
**** Crescent City Kill by Julie Smith
*** Strawberry Shortcake Murder by Joanne Fluke (more recipes to try!)
***** Clipper of the Clouds by Jules Verne
*** Bridget by Linda Lael Miller

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish]

Ann wrote: "Moi--a warning about Gena Showalter. She's VERY uneven as a writer. One book will be ok, the next will seriously suck. Not totally sure WHY that is. Now I wait til a number of people have revie..."

Thank you, Ann. I will wait then and read her when I have nothing else to read. I have so many that I want to read NOW. I wish I could have one book in each hand and be able to read then both at the same time.

[Kathy]

1.Romance - Lady & the Vamp by Michelle Rowen
2.Urban Fantasy - Destined for an Early Grave by Jeanien Frost
3.Fantasy - Thorn Queen by Richelle Mead
4.Historical - Highlander Ever After by Jennifer Ashley
5.Futuristic/Sci Fi - Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh
6.Young Adult - Oh. My. Gods. by Tara Lynn Childs
7.Chick-Lit - Dragons Prefer Blondes by Candace Havens
8.Erotica - The Harlequin by Laurell K Hamilton
9.Horror- Castaways by Brian Keene

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish]

Updated 08/05/09
1. Romance: The Unsung Hero by Suzanne Brockmann
2. Urban Fantasy: Succubus Blues
3. Fantasy: Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder
4. Historical: Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James
5. Futuristic:
6. YA:
7. Chick-Lit:
8. Erotica: Bengal's Heart by Lora Leigh
9. Suspense: Crossfire by Joann Ross

[image error]

[colleen]

I'm a little slow posting this month, but here goes.

1. Romance Hidden Currents - Christine Feehan 8/1/09

2. Urban Fantasy

3. Fantasy

4. Historical

5. Futuristic/Sci-Fi Grimspace - Ann Aguirre 8/3/09

6. Young Adult

7. Chick-Lit

8. Erotica

9. Suspense/Thriller/Horror

[Nita]

I really could not get past the first chapter of Eyes Like Stars, so I read Vampire Academy instead. So glad I did; I really enjoyed it, and I can't wait to read the next in the series.

Romance: Storm of Visions by Christina Dodd
Urban Fantasy: Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost 8/3 ****
Fantasy: Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
Historical: When Twilight Burns by Colleen Gleason
Futuristic: Gabriel's Ghost by Linnea Sinclair
Young Adult: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead 8/5 ****
Chick-Lit: Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson
Erotica: Dominic The Lords of Satyr by Elizabeth Amber
Horror: Dracula by Bram Stoker

2/9 done

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish]

I'm having a tough time understanding the "chick-lit" catagory. Isn't it the same as romance?

[Jael ~ *~ Syhren ~* ~]

I take the chick-lit catergory to mean books that are lighthearted and are meant to be funny like The Real Vampire series or the Betsy series but yeah it can be romance as well I guess

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish]

Jael wrote: "I take the chick-lit catergory to mean books that are lighthearted and are meant to be funny like The Real Vampire series or the Betsy series but yeah it can be romance as well I guess"

Thanks for the information. I guess Duchesses could fit in there then, too.

[Sandy]

I'm changing my reading list to fit in library books I finally received. Changing my Fantasy book to The Enchantment Emporium and Changing my Horror book to Bad to the Bone.

Romance: Over My Dead Body by Michele Bardsley
Urban Fantasy: Skinwalker: A Jane Yellowrock Novel by Faith Hunter 8/6
Fantasy: The Enchantment Emporium by Tanya Huff
Historical: Topper by Thorne Smith
Futuristic/Sci-Fi: Grimspace by Ann Aguirre
Young Adult: Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
Chick-Lit: Sucker For Love by Kimberly Raye 8/1
Erotica: Fangs for the Memories by Kathy Love
Horror: Bad to the Bone by Jeri Smith-Resdy

[Lily]

How'd you like Skinwalker?

Sandy wrote: "I'm changing my reading list to fit in library books I finally received. Changing my Fantasy book to The Enchantment Emporium and Changing my Horror book to Bad to the Bone.

Romance: Over My De..."

Skinwalker A Jane Yellowrock Novel

[Michelle]

. Romance: Visions of Heat by Nalini Singh 8/2****
2. Urban Fantasy: Bloodfever by Karen M. Moning
3. Fantasy: Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder 8/6*****
4. Historical: The Vampire Who Loved Me by Teresa Medeiros 8/5*****
5. Futuristic/Sci-Fi: Parallel Attraction by Deidre Knight, or The Legend of Banzai Maguire by Susan Grant
6. Young Adult: Blood Promise(I can't wait until this one comes out on 8/25!) by Richelle Mead
7. Chick-Lit: You Slay Me by Katie Macaliser
8. Erotica: Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur
9. Suspense/Thriller/Horror: Blue Diablo by Ann Aguirre, or Witch Way to Murder by Shirley Damsgaard

I just finished Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder, the follow up to Poison Study, and I loved it. In comparison, the pace of book 2 was much faster than the first, issues were resolved, new issues arose setting up for Fire Study, the third installment in this series. I also think there was more humor sprinkled throughout too; I found myself laughing out loud a few times. I liked Snyder's continued use of secondary characters from Poison Study and the addition of some new ones in Magic Study; it wasn't overdone (as is the case with some other authors who constantly add a new character every other page!), and left you looking forward to their next scene. You can see the growth and changes in the main characters too. The ending is excellent, and will leave you with your mouth hanging open, guessing at what might happen next. I'm looking forward to reading Fire Study.


Michelle in TN

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish]

Michelle,

I agree 100%. I LOVED the whole Study Series, Magic Study being my favorite, though Poison Study is a close second!

[Kyle]

Uniquely Moi wrote: "Michelle,

I agree 100%. I LOVED the whole Study Series, Magic Study being my favorite, though Poison Study is a close second!"

Me and UM are in love with the study series :D And the glass series :D

[Michelle]

Uniquely Moi wrote: "Michelle,

I agree 100%. I LOVED the whole Study Series, Magic Study being my favorite, though Poison Study is a close second!"


I liked Poison Study so much that I went out and bought Magic Study and Fire Study together. I'm so glad that I did. After reading Magic Study, I'm not sure that I'd be able to rest until I had my hands on a copy of Fire Study.

[Michelle]

Kyle wrote: "Uniquely Moi wrote: "Michelle,

I agree 100%. I LOVED the whole Study Series, Magic Study being my favorite, though Poison Study is a close second!"

Me and UM are in love with the study series..."

Now, I'm wishing that I bought the Glass Series when I had the chance. Is that Opal's story?

[Kyle]

Yeah. Storm glass is first and the next one, sea glass comes out on september 1st. :D I'm so excited!!!

[Michelle]

Kyle wrote: "Yeah. Storm glass is first and the next one, sea glass comes out on september 1st. :D I'm so excited!!!"

I'll be sure to get a copy asap. I really like Maria V. Snyder's style of writing, and the world that she's created.

[Mel W]

Update 7/8

1. Romance: Truth Or Dare by Jayne Ann Krentz
2. Urban Fantasy:
3. Fantasy:
4. Historical: Affair by Amanda Quick 6/8
5. Futuristic/sci-fi:
6. Young Adult: Bloodlust by Alex Duval
7. Chick-lit: Undead and Unemployed by MaryJanice Davidson
8. Erotica:
9. Suspense/thriller/horror: Whirlpool by Elizabeth Lowell

[image error]

[Angie]

1. Romance – You're So Vein – Christine Warren
2. Urban Fantasy – Urban Shaman – C E Murphy
3. Fantasy - Thief of Lives – Barb & JC Hendee
4. Historical – Dark Angel – Lucy Blue
5. Futuristic/Sci-Fi – Shards of Crimson - Liz Maverick et al.
6. Young Adult – Carpe Corpus - Rachel Caine
7. Chick-Lit – Over Hexed – Vicki Lewis Thompson
8. Erotica – Trinity Broken – Jamie Craig
9. Suspense/Thriller/Horror – Memory Zero – Keri Arthur

Only got through one this week but I have been busy - I am now a mummy! My daughter Evelyn was born last week - she wasn't due until today!! She is amazing - I never thought I'd find anything more important than reading! :)

[Sandy]

Lily wrote: "How'd you like Skinwalker?

Sandy wrote: "I'm changing my reading list to fit in library books I finally received. Changing my Fantasy book to The Enchantment Emporium and Changing my Horror book..."
I finished it but it's not something I would read again. I just didn't care that much about Jane Yellowrock and i have a hard time getting througha book if I don't care about the characters and what's happening to them.

[Kathy]

Angie wrote: "1. Romance – You're So Vein – Christine Warren
2. Urban Fantasy – Urban Shaman – C E Murphy
3. Fantasy - Thief of Lives – Barb & JC Hendee
4. Historical – Dark Angel – Lucy Blue
5. Futuristic/S..."

Congrats!!

[Kelly]

My books for Aug Challenge:

1. Romance: Love at first bite, Sherrilyn Kenyon 08/02
2. Urban Fantasy: Bad Moon Rising. Sherrylin Kenyon
3. Fantasy: Heart of the Dragon, Gena Showalter
4. Historical: Spell of the Highlander, Karen Marie Moning 08/01
5. Futuristic/Sci-Fi: Abduction, Robin Cook 08/04
6. Young Adult: Twilight,Stephanie Meyer
7. Chick Lit: Date Me, Baby, One More Time, Stephanie Rowe
8. Erotic: Awaken Me Darkly, Gena Showalter
9. Horror: Swimsuit/James Patterson

Read

Swimsuit: This book was not the norm for James Patterson, you can tell that from the beginning. The murder and carnage is in your face the first few chapters and leaves you with images you wish you could forget. A good book, but strange.

Reading
[image error]
To Read

[Melissa]

Congrats, Angie!!!!

[Delitealex]

1. Romance-The Wolf by Jean Johnson

2. Urban Fantasy-Some Girls Bite by Chloe NeillAug 6
6.Young Adult- Graceling by Kristin Cashore Aug 4
7. Chick Lit-Close Encounters of the Sexy Kind by Karen Kelley aug 4

[FlibBityFLooB]

I had to adjust my romance to a Lynsay Sands book that is almost due back to the library... I'm in the middle of Incubus Dreams at the moment.

1.Romance - Bite Me If You Can by Sands
2.Urban Fantasy - Destined for an Early Grave by Frost - Aug 2, 5/5
3.Fantasy - Magic Bites by Daniels
4.Historical - A Great and Terrible Beauty by Bray
5.Futuristic/Sci Fi - The Host by Meyer
6.Young Adult - A Certain Slant of Light by Whitcomb
7.Chick-Lit - Date Me Baby One More Time by Rowe
8.Erotica - Incubus Dreams by Hamilton
9.Horror - Narcissus in Chains by Hamilton - Aug 4, 3/5

[image error]

[Ann aka Iftcan]

Lily--I liked Skinwalker A Jane Yellowrock Novel. The characters were a little harsh, but it IS UF rather than PNR. I'm wondering what will happen next, now that Jane has accepted one job from a vamp--will she start "protecting" the civilized ones too--or will she go back to killing all and sundry?

And I have GOT to stop surfing machine embroidery web-sites. I've got a TON of designs downloaded and I need to start stitching them up. I'm thinking about a quilt wall-hanging that's all embroidered fantasy creatures. I have designs so far for--Oriental dragon, Western dragon, faery, mermaid, and griffin. Now, if I could just find a knight in shining armour. :oP And a good castle. Maybe a unicorn, a troll, and. . . Ok, stop this Ann and get back to your reading. You will NEVER finish this month's challenge otherwise. lol

Ann in VA

[Kyle]

Two more to go :D Nightlife was good.

1.Romance: Bad Moon Rising - Sherrilyn Kenyon
2.Urban Fantasy: Thorn Queen - Richelle Mead*****
3.Fantasy: Poison Study - Maria V. Snyder
4.Historical: The Gargoyle - Andrew Davidson*****
5.futuristic/Sci-Fi: The Host - Stephenie Meyer****
6.Young Adult: Glass Houses - Rachel Caine**
7.Chick-Lit: Undead & Unwed - MaryJanice Davidson***
8.Erotica: Acheron - Sherrilyn Kenyon*****
9.Suuspense/Thriller/Horror: Nightlife - Rob Thurman****

[Melinda]

3 down, 6 to go


1. Romance:
2. Urban Fantasy: Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost read 8/1/09
3. Fantasy: Thorn Queen by Richelle Mead read 8/3/09
4. Historical:
5. Futuristic/Sci-Fi:
6. Young Adult:
7. Chick Lit:
8. Erotic: Mona Lisa Awakening by Sunny read 8/7/09
9. Horror:

[Stav]

Just finished my first one...I'm making some changes to my list as I plan to re-read some books for this challenge, and to refresh for some new ones coming out soon.

Romance - Lover Enshrined August 7th
Urban Fantasy - Thorn Queen
Fantasy -
Historical - The Gargoyle
Futuristic/Sci-Fi - The Host
Young Adult -
Chick-Lit - Undead and Unappreciated
Erotica - A Caress of Twilight (Meredith Gentry, #2)-
Suspense/Thriller/Horror-

[Kyle]

Bad moon Rising was definitely getting the Dark Hunters back on track. Great book :D Now to the Study Series :D

1.Romance: Bad Moon Rising - Sherrilyn Kenyon****
2.Urban Fantasy: Thorn Queen - Richelle Mead*****
3.Fantasy: Poison Study - Maria V. Snyder
4.Historical: The Gargoyle - Andrew Davidson*****
5.futuristic/Sci-Fi: The Host - Stephenie Meyer****
6.Young Adult: Glass Houses - Rachel Caine**
7.Chick-Lit: Undead & Unwed - MaryJanice Davidson***
8.Erotica: Acheron - Sherrilyn Kenyon*****
9.Suuspense/Thriller/Horror: Nightlife - Rob Thurman****

[Michelle B]

Romance--Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian

Urban Fantasy--One Foot in the Grave by Jeanine Frost

Fantasy--Pure Blood by Caitlin Kittredge read 8.3.09

Historical--Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning

Futuristic/Sci-fi--

Young Adult--City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Chick Lit--Undead and Unemployed by Mary Janice Davidson finished 8.7.09

Erotic--Kissing Sin by Keri Arthur

Suspense/Thriller--The Strain by Guillermo Del Torro

Michelle(karenshell)

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish]

Kyle, did you think it was worth the hardcover price for Bad Moon Rising? I have a 40% off coupon at Borders.

[Kyle]

Uniquely Moi wrote: "Kyle, did you think it was worth the hardcover price for Bad Moon Rising? I have a 40% off coupon at Borders."

I had a coupon too...with a coupon its definitely worth it but....without one I would say no. Its not terrific but its good if that makes sense.

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish]

Makes PERFECT sense, thank you. I have soooo many that I am reading now, I can even wait til it comes on paperback.

My daughter went through my entire bookshelf and is making the list of all my books. Kinda scary.

Today I bought Demons Not Included A Night Tracker Novel and The First Sin, both by Cheyenne McCray. My daughter says that I can't buy anymore until she has the list completed. ROFL