2023 My Vampire Book Obsession

[Barbara ★]

From Page to Screen Spell Out
Duration: January 1 - December 31, 2023

READ: 71/71

✔ Haven
H: The Heretic Royal - G.A. Aiken 1/25
A: The Butcher and the Wren - Alaina Urquhart 1/9
V: Viking Warrior, Unwilling Wife - Michelle Styles 4/13
E: Mermaid Fins, Winds & Rolling Pins - Erin Johnson 1/1
N: No Time Like the Past - Jodi Taylor 1/7

✔ Sandman
S: Shattered Souls - Delilah Devlin 1/13
A: The Darkest Minds - Alexandra Bracken 1/15
N: Never Fade - Alexandra Bracken 2/2
D: Double Dealer - Barbara McCafferty & Beverly Herald 1/7
M: Murder in the South of France - Susan Kiernan-Lewis 1/8
A: Song of Silver, Flame Like Night - Amélie Wen Zhao 1/28
N: White is the Coldest Colour - John Nicholl 1/18

✔ Trueblood
T: What Could Possibly Go Wrong? - Jodi Taylor 1/29
R: Fatal Catch - Pauline Rowson 1/6
U: The Untangled Cassie Black - Tammie Painter 1/3
E: The Dragon's Promise - Elizabeth Lim 1/14
B: Forging Silver into Stars - Brigid Kemmerer 1/11
L: Blaze - Lisa Carlisle 1/13
O: The One You Love - Paul Pilkington 1/29
O: Murder in an Irish Churchyard - Carlene O'Connor 2/28
D: Death by the Finish Line - Alexis Morgan 1/26

✔ The Witcher
T: Tortured Dreams - Hadena James 1/31
H: Shattered at Sea - Cheryl Hollon 2/4
E: Psychic Dreams - Elizabeth Hunter 1/18

W: The Watermight Thief - Jordan Rivet 2/27
I: If You Could See the Sun - Ann Liang 2/1
T: That Ain’t Witchcraft - Seanan McGuire 2/4
C: The Corpse in the Cabana - Shéa MacLeod 1/12
H: Hokuloa Road - Elizabeth Hand 2/27
E: Final Lap - Erin McCarthy 2/21
R: Raphael - D.B. Reynolds 1/16

✔ Midnight, Texas
M: Scottish Werebear: Books 1-3 - Lorelei Moone 1/17
I: Island of the Lost - Joan Druett 3/8
D: Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone - Diana Gabaldon 1/27
N: Aunt Dimity and the Heart of Gold - Nancy Atherton 3/7
I: Close Your Eyes - Iris & Roy Johansen 3/13
G: Live To Tell - Lisa Gardner 1/20
H: The Heretic Royal - G.A. Aiken 1/25
T: Three Parts Dead - Max Gladstone 2/8

T: Rhapsodic - Laura Thalassa 2/11
E: The Cure for What Ales You - Ellie Alexander 2/23
X: XOXO - Axie Oh 3/1
A: Upon a Burning Throne - Ashok K. Banker 2/12
S: Luck and Last Resorts - Sarah Grunder Ruiz 2/7

✔ Shadow and Bone
S: Silver Spells - Kate Moseman 2/8
H: Tortured Dreams - Hadena James 1/31
A: River of Darkness - Rennie Airth 2/20
D: Love at the Northern Lights - Darcie Boleyn 1/30
O: The One You Love - Paul Pilkington 1/29
W: The Lost and Found Bookshop - Susan Wiggs 3/3
A: A Bunch of Monkey Malarkey - Ann Charles 2/22
N: No Time Like the Past - Jodi Taylor 1/7
D: Darkness, My Old Friend - Lisa Unger 2/6
B: The Pearl Savage - Tamara Rose Blodgett 2/13
O: Once Tempted - Laura Moore 4/26
N: Nine Lives Last Forever - Rebecca M. Hale 3/15
E: Mermaid Fins, Winds & Rolling Pins - Erin Johnson 1/1

✔ Vampire Academy
V: The Vixen and the Vet - Katy Regnery 5/5
A: Half-Blood - Jennifer Armentrout 2/25
M: Married by Morning - Lisa Kleypas 1/21
P: Left To Die - Blake Pierce 1/9
I: It takes an Oni - Scott Rhine 3/16
R: A Death in Door County - Annelise Ryan 1/19
E: The Dragon's Promise - Elizabeth Lim 1/14
A: The Avid Angler: The Hot Dog Detective - Mathiya Adams 2/27
C: California Girls - Susan Mallery 1/31
A: The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi - S.A. Chakraborty 3/5
D: A Dark Queen Rises - Ashok K. Banker 3/3
E: Psychic Dreams - Elizabeth Hunter 1/18
M: Moon Burning - Lucy Monroe 2/18
Y: You Can Hide - Rebecca Zanetti 1/5

CHALLENGE COMPLETE

[Barbara ★]

Scrabble



SET ONE
T, C, L, E, A, R, I

T: [Tassamara #1] A Gift of Ghosts - Sarah Wynde 10/28
C: A Chimera's Revenge - Eve Langlais 11/1
L: Deep Sea Dead - Lori Avocato 10/30
E: Capturing a Unicorn - Eve Langlais 11/4
A: Archangel's Light - Nalini Singh 11/1
R: [Rules of Scoundrels #2] One Good Earl Deserves a Lover - Sarah MacLean 10/30
I: Ice Blue - Anne Stuart 10/29

ARTICLE: The Sculptor - Gregory Funaro 11/5
(publishing the obligatory articles), p30

***********************************************

SET TWO
G, N, H, C, A, I, R

G: Iron Ember - Donna Grant 11/26
N: Pumpkin Pies & Potions - Polly Holmes
H: Hit Me with Your Best Scot - Suzanne Enoch 11/10
C: City of Dark Magic - Magnus Flyte 11/7
A: A Curse of Queens - Amanda Bouchet 11/9
I: Immortal Matchmakers, Inc. - Mimi Jean Pamfiloff 11/16
R: [Recipe for Love #4] Too Hot To Touch - Louisa Edwards 11/27

ARCHING: The Vampire Always Rises - Katie MacAlister 11/28
(my back arching when he increased his pace), p90

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SET THREE
D, T, A, N, G, E, L

D: Reindeer Runes - Danielle Garrett 12/18
T: By Their Cold Fingers - Timothy Brian 12/1
A: Alaskan Holiday - Debbie Macomber 12/3
N: Bait - Annie Nicholas 11/29
G: The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea - Axie Oh 12/3
E: Stolen Fury - Elisabeth Naughton 12/11
L: Circus of the Dead, Book One - Kimberly Loth 12/10

TANGLED: Any Witch Way - Lindsay Buroker 12/21
(that could talk to her about tangled emotions), p78

***********************************************

SET FOUR:
S, T, I, E, C, L, A

S: Sisters of Sword and Song - Rebecca Ross 12/22
T: Tinker - Wen Spencer 12/23
I: It Ain't Me, Babe - Tillie Cole 12/25
E: The Sunken City - Emma V.R. Noyes 12/27
C: The Crow Girl - Erik Axl Sund 12/30
L: Nightingale's Gate - Linda Francis Lee 12/24
A: [Adele Sharp #1] Left To Die - Blake Pierce 1/9


ELASTIC: Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone - Diana Gabaldon 1/27
(and slapped the elastic dough onto the floury worktable), p732

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SET FIVE:
Y, A, R, N, I, G, L

Y: The Vanquisher of Water - Logan Young 5/7
A: Song of Silver, Flame Like Night - Amélie Wen Zhao 1/28
R: Reckoning - Catherine Coulter 2/3
N: Never Fade - Alexandra Bracken 2/2
I: If You Could See the Sun - Ann Liang 2/1
G: Just in Time for a Highlander - Gwyn Cready 2/24
L: [Library Lover's Mystery #7] Better Late Than Never - Jenn McKinlay 2/5


ANGRILY: Wondering Sight - Melissa McShane 5/10
(that is not justice, Sophia said angrily), p262

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SET SIX:
B, L, O, G, K, A, C

B: Bad Luck - Brad Younie 5/12
L: Lady Helena Investigates - Jane Steen 5/18
O: One Hit Wonder - Kristi Rose 5/18
G: Deadly Remedy - Gwen Hunter 5/24
K: Alaskan Fire - Sara King 5/14
A: Raising a Demon - Amy Cissell 5/12
C: The Case of the Missing Morris Dancer - Cathy Ace 5/13

BACKLOG: Blackbird Fly - Lise McClendon 5/29
(trying to get rid of backlog), p63

[Barbara ★]

Lions, Tigers, Bears .... Shifters Oh My!
Duration: April 1 - June 30, 2023

READ: 21/21

Wolves
By far the most popular shifter in books. Whether they are called wolves or werewolves these shifters usually run in packs and usually have a hierarchy with an Alpha
✔ 1. Read a book with a wolf shifter MC
Rogue Moon - Aimee Easterling 5/25
✔ 2. Read a book with a wolf on the cover
Full Moon Saloon - Aimee Easterling 5/22

✔ 3. Read a book where the MC is an alpha
Broken Mate - Jen L. Grey 4/8

Cats
Wildcats are also a popular type of shifter, whether it’s a lion, jaguar, leopard, or other type of wildcat. You can also find some books where a domestic cat is a shifter. These shifters are sometimes loners and in other books they have a pride.
✔ 1. Read a book with a cat shifter
Belong to the Night - Shelly Laurenston (leopard shifter) 5/31
✔ 2. Read a book where the MC is a loner
Salty Cowboy - Elana Johnson (heroine) 4/4
✔ 3. Read a book with pride in the title or series name
McKettrick's Pride - Linda Lael Miller 6/24

Dragons
Increasing in popularity is the mighty dragon shifter. Dragons are usually very powerful and stronger than almost all other magical beings. There are different types of dragons but the most popular are fire breathing dragons. Dragons also usually have hoards.
✔ 1. Read a book with a dragon shifter
How to Date a Dragon - Ashlyn Chase 5/6
✔ 2. Read a book with fire on the cover
Burning Bright - Melissa McShane 4/18

✔ 3. Read a book with the word hoard in the text
Of Claws and Inferno - Kyoko M. 4/10
(they steal shiny objects and hoard them), p38

Bears
Another group of shifters are bears. Some of the bears can be polar bears, or grizzly bears or other types of bears. Bears have unique characteristics and can be pretty humorous or sometimes gruff. Bears can live in clans or independently.
✔ 1. Read a book with a bear shifter
Rising Darkness - Jen L. Grey 4/9
✔ 2. Read a book with an MPG of humorous/funny
Ain't Too Proud to Beg - Susan Donovan 6/11
✔ 3. Read a book with all the letters of bear in the title
All Bets Are Off - Kristi Rose 5/20

Foxes
Not as popular but still seen frequently are fox shifters. They are usually smaller and considered cunning or sneaky like the actual fox. Foxes can have a group (skulk) or be independent. They can also be called a Kitsune which has Japanese origins.
✔ 1. Read a book with a fox shifter
Moon Duel - Aimee Easterling (heroine) 5/26
✔ 2. Read a book where the MC is considered cunning or sneaky
Hellbound in Vegas - Boone Brux 4/19
(heroine is a demon stealing souls and needs to be cunning and sneaky)
✔ 3. Read a book with an MC who is Japanese, set in Japan or has a Kitsune in it.
Ghost Ocean - S.M. Peters (Yun is a kitsune) 4/1

Birds
Whether it is a firebird, Phoenix, eagle or another type of bird, these types of shifters are becoming more popular. Almost all of these shifters are loners. They usually have some type of magical abilities.
✔ 1. Read a book with a type of bird on the cover
Blackbird Fly - Lise McClendon 5/29

✔ 2. Read a book where the MC has some magical ability
The Winter King - C.L. Wilson (weatherwitches) 4/23
✔ 3. Read a book with a bird shifter in it
Warrior's Moon - Lucy Monroe (eagle shifter) 4/16

Other animals
Although some animals are more popular than others, there are lots of other types of shifters. I have read books with hippo, dinosaurs, rabbits, snakes, seal, razorback, seahorse, reindeer, hellhound, domestic dog, penguins and honey badgers to name a few.
✔ 1. Read a book with any unusual shifter like any of those listed in other animals or one not mentioned above.
Siren's Surrender - Devyn Quinn (mermaid) 5/1
✔ 2. Read a book with any animal on the cover
An Unthinkable Thing - Nicole Lundrigan (fish) 4/30

✔ 3. Read a book with multiple types of shifters in it
Silver Moon - Jen L. Grey (wolves,birds,bear,foxes) 4/11

CHALLENGE COMPLETE

[Barbara ★]

Fairytale Retellings
Duration: April 1 - June 30, 2023

READ: 57/10+

1. Beauty & the Beast
It's not until you lose everything that you can truly appreciate everything ~ Belle

Read a book......
✔ 1. with a proverbial beast.
The Vixen and the Vet - Katy Regnery 5/5
(hero is a scarred recluse)
✔ 2. with a modern day adventurous Belle.
The Vanquisher of Water - Logan Young 5/7
✔ 3. where the MC is a scholar e.g; librarian/Professor/Teacher etc
Immortal Hope - Claire Ashgrove (heroine is a professor) 5/18
✔ 5. with broken hero
Crazy Love You - Lisa Unger 6/7

2. Wizard of Oz
You've always the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself ~ Glenda

Read a book......
✔ 1. with a kickass heroine.
Daughter of the Pirate King - Tricia Levenseller 4/7
✔ 2. where the MC has magical powers.
Unwritten - Alicia J. Novo 4/1
✔ 3. with witches.
Witch Hunt - Sara Bourgeois 4/8
✔ 5. with 3 or more people on the cover.
Tempted - Megan Hart 5/4


3. Snow White
Remember you are the one who can fill the world with sunshine ~ Snow White

Read a book......
✔ 1. with Queen as the MC or Queen in the title of the book or the series.
The Dragonfly Oath - Jordan Rivet ((Fire Queen's Apprentice #3) 6/15
✔ 2. where the first letter of the title begins with any of the letters from P.O.I.S.O.N.E.D A.P.P.L.E.
A Dirty Shame - Liliana Hart 4/14
✔ 3. with a female villain.
Hidden Pictures - Jason Rekulak 6/9
✔ 4. with a jealous character.
Caught in the Flames - Kacey Shea (Tiffany, jealous) 4/29
✔ 5. where the author's initial begins with any of the letters from S.E.V.E.N D.W.A.R.V.E.S.
History Is All You Left Me - Adam Silvera 4/12

4. Cinderella
This is, perhaps, the greatest risk we will take - to be seen for who we truly are ~ Cinderella

Read a book......
✔ 1. that has a blue cover.
Raising a Demon - Amy Cissell 5/12

✔ 2. with HEA.
Fire and Love - Erin Wright 5/29
✔ 4. from the Steampunk genre.
The Iron Wyrm Affair - Lilith Saintcrow 5/23
✔ 5. with a courageous character.
Of Claws and Inferno - Kyoko M. (all MCs) 4/10


5. Sleeping Beauty
They say if you dream a thing more than once, it's sure to come true ~ Sleeping Beauty

Read a book......
✔ 1. with dragons.
How to Date a Dragon - Ashlyn Chase 5/6
✔ 2. with shapeshifters.
Rising Darkness - Jen L. Grey 4/9
✔ 3. with feathers or roses on the cover.
Blackbird Fly - Lise McClendon 5/29
[bookcfover:Blackbird Fly|6525439]
✔ 4. with a powerful sorcerer.
Kingdoms at War - Lindsay Buroker 4/21
✔ 5. with a blonde female on the cover.
Two Cabins, One Lake - Shaye Marlow 6/29


6. The Little Mermaid
You got your own style now let it come through, and remember no matter what, you got to be you ~ Sebastian

Read a book......
✔ 1. with Mer people.
Siren's Surrender - Devyn Quinn (heroine is a mermaid) 5/1
✔ 2. with an awesome secondary character/best friend.
Consumed - J.R. Ward (Moose) 4/20
✔ 3. where a character is a red head or a female red head on the cover.
Rebel - Cheryl Brooks (heroine) 4/22
✔ 4. with ocean/beach on the cover or in the title.
Burning Bright - Melissa McShane 4/18

✔ 5. from the Romance genre; any sub-genre is allowed.
Salty Cowboy - Elana Johnson 4/4

7. Indian Folklore
Yeh waqt guzar jayega: This time too shall pass ~ Birbal

Read a book......
✔ 1. with mystical creatures.
Alaskan Fire - Sara King (phoenix) 5/14
✔ 4. where a character is poisoned.
Rebel - Cheryl Brooks (hero) 4/22
✔ 5. where the first letter of the title starts with any of the letters from F.O.L.K.L.O.R.E
Liar, Liar - Lisa Jackson 4/27

8. Rumpelstiltskin
Love makes us sick, haunts our dreams, destroys our days. Love has killed more than any disease ~ Rumpelstiltskin

Read a book......
✔ 1. Where MC has lost a dear one.
The Laughing Policeman - Elizabeth J. Brown 4/3
(wife and daughter murdered)
✔ 2. MPG Magic
Touched by Fire - Kel Carpenter 4/13
✔ 3. With a Character discovering who they are (your interpretation)
Fall For Me - Ann Lister (hero discovers he's gay) 4/5
✔ 4. Characters trade something
Cursed - Keri Arthur 5/15
(MC trades her life for the ability to defeat her enemy and save the world)

9. Kallo and the Goblins
Seeing is not believing—it is only seeing ~ George MacDonald

Read a book......
✔ 1. with sisters.
Find Her Alive - Diane Saxon 4/27
✔ 2. with Goblins.
Bad Luck - Brad Younie 5/12
✔ 4. with a smart character
Desperation in Death - J.D. Robb (Eve Dallas)6/9
✔ 5. with a jealous character.
Encore in Death - J.D. Robb (Eliza Lane) 6/30

10. Hansel and Gretel
Sometimes even to live is an act of courage ~ Unknown

Read a book......
✔ 2. tagged witch
Belong to the Night - Shelly Laurenston 5/31
✔ 3. someone is hungry for food.
The Hive Child - Rebecca L. Fearnley 4/15
(lost in the woods for weeks when food ran out)
✔ 4. with a kind character
Lady Helena Investigates - Jane Steen (heroine) 5/18
✔ 5. where the MC was abandoned
The Botanist - Liesel Hill (Alex Thompson) 5/8

11. The Ugly Duckling
It is only with the heart that one can see clearly, for the most essential things are invisible to the eye ~ Hans Christian Andersen

Read a book......
✔ 1. Birds on the cover
Every Body on Deck - G.A. McKevett 6/30

✔ 2. Snow on the cover
Lime Kiln Road - S.L. Shelton 6/20

✔ 3. Set in the forest or the forest is a significant part of the story.
The Butterfly Forest - Tom Lowe (set in forest) 5/7
✔ 5. Tagged family
Wish You Were Here - Catherine Alliott 6/23


12. Red Riding Hood
Sweetest tongue has sharpest tooth ~ Red Riding Hood

Read a book......
✔ 1. With wolf shifters
Broken Mate - Jen L. Grey 4/8
✔ 2. Fangs on the Cover
The Warrior's Call - Richard Fierce 6/6

✔ 3. Red Cover
Killed at the Whim of a Hat - Colin Cotterill 6/10
✔ 4. MPG of Paranormal Romance or any sub genre
Midnight Crystal - Jayne Castle 4/16
✔ 5. where a character is tricked.
Wondering Sight - Melissa McShane 5/10

13. Alice in Wonderland
If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense ~ Alice in Wonderland

Read a book......
✔ 1. a mad/crazy character
Silver Moon - Jen L. Grey (villains wife Saga) 4/11
✔ 2. Author's initials found in The Mad Hatter
Moon Duel - Aimee Easterling 5/26
✔ 3. Cat on the cover
Curiosity Killed the Cat Sitter - Blaize Clement 6/21

✔ 4. Blue cover
Believe Me - Molly Black 5/30

✔ 5. Tagged Retelling(s)
Never Let You Go - Katy Regnery (Hansel and Gretel) 6/17

CHALLENGE COMPLETE

[Barbara ★]

Villain or Hero in Your Fairytale?
Duration: July 1 - December 31, 2023

READ: 18/18

What Does Your Laugh Sound Like?

✔ Cackle
Read a book with an MPG of magic
The Burning God - R.F. Kuang 7/19



✔ No, I'm not Doing That
Read a book that makes you cry
Suppression - Laramie Briscoe 7/30


*************************************************************

Where is Your Home/Lair?

✔ Obviously I can't tell you
Read a book with an MPG of Mystery
The Murder Code - Ava Strong 7/28



✔ Cabin in the Woods
Read a book where part of the book is set in the woods
Vanishing Edge - Claire Kells 7/23


*************************************************************

When Does your fairytale take Place?

✔ Post Apocalyptic Future
Read a book set in the post apocalyptic future
Under the Never Sky - Veronica Rossi 9/16



✔ Current Time
Read a book set in our current time
Rainy Day Friends - Jill Shalvis 7/1


*************************************************************

What is the motive behind your actions?

✔ Revenge
Read a book where a character wants/gets revenge on someone
The Dragon Republic - R.F. Kuang 7/16



✔ Saving someone
Read a book where the MC saves another character's life
The Witch Collector - Charissa Weaks (heroine saves her enemy) 9/1
coverThe Witch Collector

*************************************************************

Who is Your Nemesis?

✔ Everyone
Read a book where the MC wouldn't be considered a "good person"
The Siege of Earth - Kyle West 7/31



✔ The Villain
Read a book where the MC is trying to defeat/beat the villain
The Becoming - Nora Roberts 8/6


*************************************************************

You make a magical potion what does it look like?

✔ Green & Bubbly with a skull in the smoke
Read a book with a green cover
Sweep of the Heart - Ilona Andrews 8/27



✔ I'm not making any weird potions
Bound Together - Christine Feehan 9/22


*************************************************************

What are you wearing?

✔ Cloak/Hood
Read a book with a cloak or hood on the cover
Angels Soaring - Harriet Carlton 8/5



✔ Armor
Read a book with "armor" in the text
The Sanatorium - Sarah Pearse 8/8
(part of her daily armor), p80


*************************************************************

What action do you take?

✔ Kill anyone who defies you
Read a book where the MC kills someone
One Last Breath - Sarah Sutton (villain) 8/18



✔ Save the Princess/Prince
Read a book with princess or prince in the text
Forever Neverland - Heather Killough-Walden 8/18
(Princess, the great Peter Pan made a promise), p73


*************************************************************

What's the last line of your fairytale?

✔ "You haven't seen the last of me"
Read a book from a series that isn't complete yet
Resonance Surge - Nalini Singh 8/25



✔ "And that's how they saved the world"
Read a book where the world is saved from some disaster
The Choice - Nora Roberts 8/12


CHALLENGE COMPLETE

[Barbara ★]

The Umbrella Academy
Duration: July 1 - December 31, 2023



READ: 49/49

The Umbrella Academy
✔ ☂️ Read a book with MPG Fantasy
Forever Neverland - Heather Killough-Walden 8/18
✔ ☂️ Read a book with sibling characters
Resonance Surge - Nalini Singh (twins) 8/25
✔ ☂️ Read a book where someone is adopted
Suppression - Laramie Briscoe 7/30
✔ ☂️ Read a book with an apocalyptic theme or mention
Under the Never Sky - Veronica Rossi 9/16
✔ ☂️ Read a book with a super-hero
Angels Soaring - Harriet Carlton (saving world from demons) 8/5

Luther
✔ ☂️ Read a book with a moon on the cover
Beyond Neverland - Heather Killough-Walden 8/20

✔ ☂️ Read a book where one character has a crush on another
Cocoa Conviction - Rosie A. Point (heroine on hero) 8/20
✔ ☂️ Read a book with a major character who is a virgin
Eve of Samhain - Lisa Sanchez 7/17

Diego
✔ ☂️ Read a book where the MC is a crime fighter/police officer
Too Late - Rylie Dark (FBI) 7/21
✔ ☂️ Read book with a knife or knives on the cover
Invisible Born - Lucia Ashta 8/23

✔ ☂️ Read book featuring a vigilante
Bound Together - Christine Feehan 9/22

Allison
✔ ☂️ Read a book with the word RUMOR in the text
The Sanatorium - Sarah Pearse 8/8
(rumors began circulating), p4
✔ ☂️ Read a book where a character can alter a person's memory
Angels Falling - Harriet Carlton (Raphael) 8/11
✔ ☂️ Read a book where the MC dances
Pointe and Shoot - Natalie M. Roberts 7/7

Klaus
✔ ☂️ Read a book with a flamboyant character
The Choice - Nora Roberts (Marco) 8/12
✔ ☂️ Read a book where the MC can talk to ghosts
Grave Witch - Kalayna Price 11/3
✔ ☂️ Read a book where someone drinks or parties a lot
The September House - Carissa Orlando (Hal) 11/6

Number 5
✔ ☂️ Read a book that features time travel
Here and Then - Linda Lael Miller 7/23
✔ ☂️Read a book with a character who doesn’t age
Benyu Born of Ash - Katie Feavel (hero) 9/23
✔ ☂️Read a book with an exceptionally smart character
The Last Remains - Elly Griffiths (professor/archaeologist) 9/3

Ben
✔ ☂️ Read a book that is 6th in a series or has a 6 in page count
Unseen - Jana Deleon (362 pages) 9/20
✔ ☂️ Read a book with eldritch creatures (supernatural, witch, elf, etc)
The Witch Collector - Charissa Weaks 9/1
✔ ☂️ Read a book with a character or author named Ben
One Last Breath - Sarah Sutton (Ben Ford) 8/18

Vanya
✔ ☂️ Read a book where a character is musically inclined
Hidden Huntress - Danielle L. Jensen (MC opera singer) 11/20
✔ ☂️ Read a book with a character who thinks they are ordinary
Invisible Bound - Lucia Ashta (Anira) 8/23
✔ ☂️ Read a book with a character who is out of control
The Becoming - Nora Roberts (Shana) 8/6

Sir Reginald Hargreeves
✔ ☂️ Read a book with a wealthy character
The Mahogany Ship - Christopher Cartwright (MC) 7/29
✔ ☂️ Read a book with a character with their own agenda
Angels Defying - Harriet Carlton (Uriel) 8/8
✔ ☂️ Read a book with a title that begins with a letter in MONOCLE
The Orb of Binding - Kyle West 7/2

Grace
✔ ☂️ Read a book with a robot or cyborg
Spotted at the Cemetery - Moore & Bloom (Morgana, android) 11/27
✔ ☂️ Read a book where written by a female or mother
Lethal Licorice - Amanda Flower 7/3
✔ ☂️ Read a book where a character who wants to help others
The Prophecy of the Seven - Kyle West 7/8

Pogo
✔ ☂️ Read a book with an animal that talks (can be a shifter)
Flea Market Magic - Bella Falls (Deacon,pig) 9/2
✔ ☂️ Read a book with a tattoo on the cover
Freefall - Tess Oliver 7/31

✔ ☂️ Read a book with all letters A-P-E in the author's name
Strawberry Sin - Rosie A. Point 8/19

Lila
✔ ☂️ Read a book with a character that is a little crazy
Incendiary in a Kilt - Anna Durand (Monroe) 8/17
✔ ☂️ Read a book with a side-kick character
The Psion of Darkness - Kyle West 7/19
✔ ☂️ Read a book featuring a spy
Vanilla Vendetta - Rosie A. Point (hero and heroine) 8/19

The Handler
✔ ☂️ Read a book where the MC has a high level job
The Little Black Dress - Piper James 11/15
(heroine is personal assistant to hero who is owner of casino)
✔ ☂️ Read a book where a character has people that report to them
XOXO Valentina - Jill Brashear (heroine is a principal) 8/13

Hazel & Cha Cha
✔ ☂️ Read a book that features a killer or an assassin
Opal Smoke - Stephanie Fazio (Rhett) 8/28
✔ ☂️ Read a book with partners (one male and one female)
The Murder Code - Ava Strong 7/28
✔ ☂️ Read a book where someone eats a doughnut(s)
Craks in a Marriage - Barbara Barrett 8/14
(we brought coffee and doughnuts), p186

Sissy & Harlan
✔ ☂️ Read a book with a child
A Queen of Thieves & Chaos - K.A. Tucker (3 children) 9/26
✔ ☂️ Read a book with an abused character
Fire Bound - Christine Feehan 9/18
✔ ☂️ Read a book set on a farm or in Texas
Raspberry Revenge - Rosie A. Point 8/20

The Sparrow Academy
✔ ☂️ Read a book that features students
Angels Rising - Harriet Carlton 8/2
✔ ☂️ Read a book with a bird or birds on the cover
Other Birds - Sarah Addison Allen 10/12

✔ ☂️ Read a book that mentions an alternate reality or universe
Sweep of the Heart - Ilona Andrews 8/27

CHALLENGE COMPLETE

[Barbara ★]

Horror Movie Marathon
Duration: October 1 - November 30, 2023

✔️Day 1 - Read a book in which the characters stay at a hotel.
Untethered Sky - Fonda Lee (MC stays in an inn) 10/7
✔️Day 2 - Read a book with a place in the title
Made in the U.S.A. - Billie Letts 11/16
✔️Day 3 - Read a book with an intact 13 in the page count of publication date
Sweep with Me - Ilona Andrews (136 pages) 10/10
✔️Day 4 - Read a book with a demon MC or a character is possessed
City of Ruin - Charissa Weaks (Joran possessed) 11/15
✔️Day 5 - Read a book that has at least 13 books in the series
23rd Midnight - James Patterson (#23) 10/8
✔️Day 6 - Read a book with a cemetery or gravestone on the cover or in the book
Grave Witch - Kalayna Price 11/3

✔️Day 7 - Read a book with an MPG of Sci-Fi
An Argumentation of Historians - Jodi Taylor 11/25
✔️Day 8 - Read a book with an MPG of humor/funny
Swamp Spirits - Jana Deleon 10/19
✔️Day 9 - Read a book with a shower scene in it
Other Birds - Sarah Addison Allen 10/12
✔️Day 10 - Read a book with a paranormal investigator in it
Belle Manor Haunting - Cheryl Bradshaw 11/30
✔️Day 11 - Read a book where the MC can see and/or talk to ghosts
The September House - Carissa Orlando (MC) 11/6
✔️Day 12 - Read a book where the MC goes camping or spends time in the woods
The Taken Ones - Jess Lourey 10/17
✔️Day 13 - Read a book where the MC is an FBI Agent
A Merciful Secret - Kendra Elliot 11/26
✔️Day 14 - Read a book set in London or where the MC is a "bad/evil" werewolf
The Librarian of Crooked Lane - C.J. Archer 10/25
✔️Day 15 - Read a book where a character is kidnapped or held against their will
Gone with the Whisker - Laurie Cass (Minnie & Kate) 10/15
✔️Day 16 - Read a book with vampires in it
Down & Out Witch - Sami Valentine 10/26
✔️Day 17 - Read a book with a body but no head on the cover
Uncharted - Erin Cashman 10/22

✔️Day 18 - Read a book with an alien from outer space in it
Choosing Theo - Victoria Aveline 10/18
✔️Day 19 - Read a book where the MC has psychic powers
Chasm - Stacey McEwan 10/21
✔️Day 20 - Read a book where the MC has a nightmare
Midnight Showing - Megan Shepherd (Haven) 11/8
✔️Day 21 - Read a book with a bird on the cover
Death Knells and Wedding Bells - Eva Gates 10/22

✔️Day 22 - Read a book with snow and/or ice on the cover
Heart of Fire - Bec McMaster 10/28

✔️Day 23 - Read a book with Clown in the text
Classics Mutilated - Jeff Conner 10/31
(the morons who go to the circus prefer the clowns to the artistes, p160
✔️Day 24 - Read a book with a zombie in it
Books of Blood: Volume One - Clive Barker 11/5
✔️Day 25 - Read a book with a number in the title (can be ordinal)
Twelve Angry Librarians - Miranda James 11/6
✔️Day 26 - Read a book with a one word title
Aftershock - Andrew Vachss 10/27
✔️Day 27 - Read a book where an important character sings and or dances
Rebel Hard - Nalini Singh 10/31
(MC sings and dances at her wedding)

Day 28 - Read a book where a character uses a stake, crucifix, holy water or sunlight to fight off a vampire
Day 29 - Read a book with a serial killer

✔️Day 30 - Read a book with an MPG of paranormal
Hollowthorn - Kalyn Josephson 11/1

[Barbara ★]

Halloween Scavenger Hunt
Duration: October 2023

READ: 13/18

Supernatural in book
✔️1) Werewolf - Sweep with Me - Ilona Andrews (hero) 10/10
✔️2) Vampire - Down & Out Witch - Sami Valentine 10/26
✔️3) Magic User - The Librarian of Crooked Lane - C.J. Archer 10/25
✔️4) Fae - Hidden Huntress - Danielle L. Jensen 11/20


Color Cover
1) Orange -
✔️2) Black or Gray - Ledge - Stacey McEwan 10/9
✔️3) Purple - You Deserve Each Other - Sarah Hogle 10/19
4. Green -


In the Title or Series Name or on the cover
1) Ghost
2) Shadow
✔️3) Night - Night of the Witch - Sara Raasch & Beth Revis 10/14
✔️4) Magic - Hollowthorn - Kalyn Josephson 11/1

5) Moon
✔️6) Dragon - Heart of Fire - Bec McMaster 10/28

✔️7) Cat - Gone with the Whisker - Laurie Cass 10/15

✔️8) Skull/Bone - Spells & Shelves - Elle Adams 11/29

✔️9) Necromancer and or Zombie - Grave Witch - Kalayna Price (MC is a necromancer) 11/3

✔️10) Alien - Freeing Luka - Victoria Aveline 11/28

[Barbara ★]

Halloween Board Game: Ghouls, Goblins, and Ghosts Galore!
Duration: October 1 - November 30, 2023



Roll 1 - 6
6. Read a book with an orange, black, or purple cover.
Ledge - Stacey McEwan 10/9


Roll 2 - 4
10. Move ahead one space and complete that task.
11. Read a book with something flying on the cover.
Other Birds - Sarah Addison Allen 10/12


Roll 3 - 2
13. Read a book with a weapon on the cover.
Swamp Spirits - Jana Deleon (gun) 10/19


Roll 4 - 1
14. Read a book tagged Paranormal.
Imaginary Numbers - Seanan McGuire 10/25

Roll 5 - 5
19. Read a book with the word Grave, Haunted, Night, or Dark in the title.
Grave Witch - Kalayna Price 11/3

Roll 6 - 1
20. Read a book with the numbers "31" in the page count.
All the Crooked Saints - Maggie Stiefvater (313 pages) 11/5

Roll 7 - 3
23. Read a book with a haunted house in the story.
The September House - Carissa Orlando 11/6

Roll 8 - 1
24. Read a book with an undead character.
Midnight Showing - Megan Shepherd (zombie) 11/8

Roll 9 - 3
27. Read a book with a Halloween related item in the cover.
Death Overdue - Allison Brook (pumpkins) 11/9


Roll 10 - 4
31. Read a book by a new to you author.
The Child of Venlet - K.C. Nuzum 11/12

Roll 11 - 5
36. Read a book that is tagged Cozy Mystery.
The Peacock's Poison - Ruby Loren 11/18

Roll 12 - 2
38. Read a book that has an item representing a witch on the cover.
Spells & Shelves - Elle Adams (witch hat) 11/29


Roll 13 - 6
44. Read a book with a title starting with any letter in HALLOWEEN!

[Barbara ★]

Tis the Season
Duration: January 1 - December 31, 2023


READ: 20/20

Category 1 - Season Colors
Choose a book/s with a cover with one of the following colors:
✔ *Green - Aunt Dimity and the Heart of Gold - Nancy Atherton 3/7
✔ *Orange - Too Hot to Hold - Stephanie Tyler 6/19
✔ *Blue - Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone - Diana Gabaldon 1/27
✔ *Yellow - Wind Daughter - Joanna Ruth Meyer 2/19
✔ *Pink - Hot on Her Heels - Susan Mallery 6/25


Category 2 – Holiday Themed Books
Read a book/s that celebrates one of the holidays below.
✔ * Christmas - Fatal Catch - Pauline Rowson 1/6
✔ * Halloween - Candy Corn Murder - Leslie Meier 2/9
✔ * Thanksgiving - Salty Cowboy - Elana Johnson 4/4
✔ * Valentine's Day - Strawberry Sin - Rosie A. Point 8/19
✔ * New Year's Eve - Love at the Northern Lights - Darcie Boleyn 1/30



Category 3 - Holiday Covers
Choose a book/s with a cover with one of the following items on it:
✔ *Heart - Music Man - K.L. Montgomery 2/19
✔ *Snowflake - Ice Song - Kirsten Imani Kasai 7/24
✔ *Turkey - Turkey Trot Murder - Leslie Meier 3/26
✔ *Christmas Tree - Hollyberry Homicide - Sharon Farrow 12/3
✔ *Pumpkin - Pumpkin Spice Peril - Jenn McKinlay 9/3



Category 4 - Paranormal Books
Choose a book/s with the following main characters:
✔ *Vampires - Raphael - D.B. Reynolds 1/16
✔ *Fae - Rhapsodic - Laura Thalassa 2/11
✔ *Angel - Hellbound in Vegas - Boone Brux 4/19
✔ *Shifters - Blaze - Lisa Carlisle (gargoyle) 1/13
✔ *Demons - Devil of a Chance - Ciara Graves 4/5



CHALLENGE COMPLETE

[Barbara ★]

Cake Wars



Season 3, Episode 4: How To Train Your Dragon

Mini Cake Challenge Flavors to Choose From: (Pick Two)
✔ Herring - Read a book with a body of water on the cover
The Girl the Sea Gave Back - Adrienne Young 10/4
\

✔ Elderberry - Read a book where the MC is into health or fitness
Death, Taxes, and Hot-Pink Leg Warmers - Diane Kelly 10/6

Main Cake Challenge Task:
✔ Read a book where the MC is a dragon or with a dragon on the cover
Heart of Fire - Bec McMaster (hero is a dragon) 10/28

Step 3
✔ 3. Read a book that is 1st in a Series
The Bone Shard Daughter - Andrea Stewart 10/28

Step 4
✔ 1. Read a book that you judged by the cover
Classics Mutilated - Jeff Conner 10/31
(thought it was suitably creepy for halloween)


🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺

Halloween Cake Wars, Season 2: The Angel of Death
✔ Ghost Pepper - Read a book with a ghost in it
Swamp Spirits - Jana Deleon 10/19

✔ M&M's - Read a book where the author only uses an initial for their first name
The Librarian of Crooked Lane - C.J. Archer 10/25

Main Cake Challenge Task:
✔ Read a book with a reaper in it OR the River Styx is mentioned in the book
Grave Witch - Kalayna Price (Grim Reaper is a major character) 11/3

Step 3
✔ 10. Read a book with all the letters of table in the title
Twelve Angry Librarians - Miranda James 11/6

Step 4
✔ 2. Read a book with a character who is a judge
House of Correction - Nicci French (Judge Munday) 11/11

🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺

Season 4, Episode 3: The Addams Family

Mini Cake Challenge Flavors to Choose From: (Pick Two)
✔ Eggplants - Read a book with lots of sex in it
Choosing Theo - Victoria Aveline 10/18

✔ Squid Ink - Read a book where the MC writes something
Malice House - Megan Shepherd 10/5

Main Cake Challenge Task:
✔ Read a book tagged Family on the First Page of Tags
Made in the U.S.A. - Billie Letts 11/16

Step 3
✔ 8. Read a book with any type of movement word in the title
Viking Warrior Rising - Asa Maria Bradley 11/17

Step 4
✔ 4. Read a book where a character is in a competition of any type
The Peacock's Poison - Ruby Loren 11/18
(MCs zoo holds an arts and crafts competition and there are hundreds of entries)

🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺

Season 2, Episode 1: Star Wars

Mini Cake Challenge Flavors to Choose From: (Pick One Light and One Dark)
Light Flavors:
✔ ToFu - Read a book with all the letters of ToFu in the title
Force of Nature - Jane Harper 11/4

Dark Flavors:
✔ Licorice - Read a book whose title starts with the Letter L
Ledge - Stacey McEwan 10/9

Main Cake Challenge Task:
✔ Read a book where the MC goes into Space
Freeing Luka - Victoria Aveline (heroine abducted by aliens) 11/28

Step 3
✔ 9. Read a book where a team is trying to accomplish a goal together
Abounding Might - Melissa McShane 11/22
(group had to band together to stop an uprising in India)

Step 4
✔ 3. Read a book where the MC is judgemental
Belle Manor Haunting - Cheryl Bradshaw 11/30
(MC is judge, jury and executioner, so very judgemental)

🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺

Season 4, Episode 5: Trolls

Mini Cake Challenge Flavors to Choose From: (Pick Two)
✔ Popping Rocks - Pick a book tagged adventure and or action
The Burning Sky - Sherry Thomas 10/15

✔ Wasabi - Read a book with an extra hot MC
Rebel Hard - Nalini Singh 10/31


✔ Main Cake Challenge Task:
Read a book with a troll in it
Hidden Huntress - Danielle L. Jensen 11/20

Step 3
✔ 5. Read a book that is 3rd in a Series
A Merciful Secret - Kendra Elliot 11/26

Step 4
✔ 10. Read a book that is by a favorite author
Let It Crow! Let It Crow! Let It Crow! - Donna Andrews 12/2

🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺

Season Christmas 2015, Episode One: Ultimate Christmas Lights

Mini Cake Challenge Flavors to Choose From: (Pick Two)
✔ Candycane - Read a book with red and white on the cover
Yes & I Love You - Roni Loren 11/1


✔ Eggnog - Read a book with double letters in the title
Death Knells and Wedding Bells - Eva Gates 10/22

Main Cake Challenge Task:
✔ Read a book with Christmas Lights on the Cover
Hollyberry Homicide - Sharon Farrow 12/3


Step 3
✔ 6. Read a book with a table on the cover
Wicked Fix - Sarah Graves 12/14


Step 4
✔ 9. Read a book that you another goodread's friend rated 5 Stars
Rock Paper Scissors - Alice Feeney 12/16
Friend: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺

Season One, Episode 3: The Knot

Mini Cake Challenge Flavors to Choose From: (Pick Two)
✔ Pineapple - Read a book with a compound word in the title
Hollowthorn - Kalyn Josephson 11/1

✔ Ginger - Read a book with a red head on the cover
Down & Out Witch - Sami Valentine 10/26


Main Cake Challenge Task:
✔ Read a book with something "wedding" on the cover
Wed, Read & Dead - V.M. Burns (wedding cake) 12/18


Step 3
✔ 2. Read a book with a number in the title
Six Months - Dannika Dark 12/24

Step 4
✔ 5. Read a book with all the letters of JUDGE in the title
My Lady Judge - Cora Harrison 12/24

🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺

Cake Wars Champs, Episode 3: Shrek

Mini Cake Challenge Flavors to Choose From: (Pick Two)
✔ Popcorn - Read a book where the MC watches a movie
Midnight Showing - Megan Shepherd 11/8

✔ Toaster Strudel - Read a book where the MC eats breakfast
Death Overdue - Allison Brook 11/9

Main Cake Challenge Task:
✔ Read a book with "Ogre" or "Donkey" in the text
An Argumentation of Historians - Jodi Taylor 11/25
(the braying of a tone deaf donkey, p174

Step 3
✔ 4. Read a book that is 2nd in a Series
Scot Under the Covers - Suzanne Enoch 12/11
(Wild Wicked Highlanders #2)

Step 4
✔ 7. Read a book whose title starts with the letter J
Just the Sexiest Man Alive - Julie James 12/26

🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺 🔺

[Barbara ★]

The "BER" Months
Duration: October 1 - December 31, 2023



READ: 33/33

Pumpkin Spice and Apples Galore!
Read a book...
✔ 1. With the colors red, orange, or yellow on the cover.
Intimate Enemies: A Novel - Shana Abe 11/2
✔ 2. That takes place in the Fall.
Spotted at the Cemetery - Addison Moore & Bellamy Bloom 11/27
✔ 3. With a pumpkin or Jack - o - lantern on the cover.
Death Overdue - Allison Brook 11/9


Wrapped in Coziness
Read a book...
✔ 1. With fire on the cover.
The Burning Sky - Sherry Thomas 10/15
✔ 2. Where a character reads a book.
The Book That Wouldn’t Burn - Mark Lawrence (Livira) 12/9
✔ 3. With a sweater, coat, or hat on the cover.
Better Off Thread - Amanda Lee 12/29


A Winter Wonderland!
Read a book...
✔ 1. That takes place in the winter.
Spells & Shelves - Elle Adams (December) 11/29
✔ 2. With snow or a snowman on the cover.
Rock Paper Scissors - Alice Feeney 12/16
✔ 3. With a character who participates in a winter activity
Wed, Read & Dead - V.M. Burns (ice skating) 12/18


Warmth and Comfort
Read a book...
✔ 1. Where a character enjoys a warm beverage (coffee, hot cocoa, tea, etc).
When All the Girls Have Gone - Jayne Ann Krentz 12/26
(he cradled a mug of lukewarm coffee), ch26
✔ 2. Where one character provides comfort to another character.
Let It Crow! Let It Crow! Let It Crow! - Donna Andrews 12/2
(MC to Jasmine after she was insulted)
✔ 3. While on your couch, under a warm blanket, with your own cup of coziness.
Force of Nature - Jane Harper 11/4


Celebrate!
Read a book...
✔ 1. That takes place during any "BER" month holidays.
Snowed in with Grumpy - Olivia Noble (winter) 12/20
✔ 2. Where the characters attend a celebration of any kind
My Lady Judge - Cora Harrison (Mayday) 12/24
✔ 3. Where a character enjoys an alcohol beverage.
Payback in Death - J.D. Robb (MC has wine) 12/5


Deck the Halls!
Read a book...
✔ 1. With any type of holiday decoration on the cover.
Hollyberry Homicide - Sharon Farrow 12/3
✔ 2. Where the characters are decorating for an event.
Wed, Read & Dead - V.M. Burns (wedding) 12/18
✔ 3. With a title beginning with any letter in DECK THE HALLS
Death, Taxes, and Hot-Pink Leg Warmers - Diane Kelly 10/6


A Holiday Movie Marathon!
Read a book...
✔ 1. Where the MC is a witch or has a sister.
It's Getting Scot in Here - Suzanne Enoch (hero has sister) 12/7
✔ 2. Where the MC experiences a dream/ nightmare OR with a moon on the cover.
Voices in the Snow - Darcy Coates 12/22
(disorted, confusing dreams plagued her), p138
✔ 3. With children in the story OR an MPG of Magic.
Abounding Might - Melissa McShane (magic) 11/22


The Sounds of the Season!
Read a book...
✔ 1. With a Monster (Monster Mash), a Ghost (Who You Gonna Call? GHOSTBUSTERS) OR a Mythological Creature (One Eyed, One Horn, Flying Purple People Eater) in the story.
Warrior Witch - Danielle L. Jensen (trolls) 12/10
✔ 2. Where the MC dances.
Scot Under the Covers - Suzanne Enoch 12/11
✔ 3. With a MC who is a musician OR an instrument on the cover.
Hidden Huntress - Danielle L. Jensen (MC opera singer) 11/20


Delectable Desserts
Read a book...
✔ 1. With a sweet treat on the cover.
A Catered Thanksgiving - Isis Crawford 11/20
✔ 2. With a character who owns a bakery OR enjoys baking.
Murder at the Snowed Inn - Imogen Plimp (owns bakery) 12/15
✔ 3. While enjoying your favorite forbidden delectable dessert!
The Year of the Fox - Merren Tait (ice cream) 12/30


The Season of Giving!
Read a book...
✔ 1. That you received as a gift.
The Game Bird - Aidan R. Walsh 12/19
✔ 2. By an author whose first or last initial is found in SANTA CLAUS.
The Bone Shard Daughter - Andrea Stewart 10/28
✔ 3. With a character who gives a gift to another character.
Freeing Luka - Victoria Aveline (welcoming gifts of plants) 11/28


The Love of Family and Friends!
Read a book...
✔ 1. Tagged Family.
Made in the U.S.A. - Billie Letts 11/16
✔ 2. With a family OR friends in the story.
The September House - Carissa Orlando 11/6
✔ 3. Where the MC gets married OR has a baby
Belle Manor Haunting - Cheryl Bradshaw (MC has baby) 11/30

[Barbara ★]

2023 Muses Mandate
Duration: January - December 2023

✔January: Read any Urban Fantasy book.
The Untangled Cassie Black - Tammie Painter 1/3

✔February: Steampunk
The Pearl Savage - Tamara Rose Blodgett 2/13

✔March: Science Fiction
The Protector - Elin Peer 3/30

✔April: Dystopian/Apocalyptic Genre
The Hive Child - Rebecca L. Fearnley 4/15

✔May: Thriller/Horror
Inca Gold - Clive Cussler 5/2
The Butterfly Forest - Tom Lowe 5/7
The Botanist - Liesel Hill 5/8
Deadly Remedy - Gwen Hunter 5/24

✔June: Paranormal/Demon
Kingdom of the Wicked - Kerri Maniscalco 6/2

✔July: Romance
Rainy Day Friends - Jill Shalvis 7/1
Charmed and Dangerous - Lindsay Buroker 7/9
Eve of Samhain - Lisa Sanchez 7/17
Here and Then - Linda Lael Miller 7/23
Blood Trinity - Sherrilyn Kenyon/Diana Love 7/26
What I'm Looking For - Karen Grey 7/27
Cold Midnight - Joyce Lamb 7/28
Suppression - Laramie Briscoe 7/30

✔August: Fairy Tales/Mythology
Forever Neverland - Heather Killough-Walden (Peter Pan retelling) 8/18
Beyond Neverland - Heather Killough-Walden 8/20

✔September: Paranormal - Psychics
Benyu Born of Ash - Katie Feavel 9/23 (heroine has visions)
Bound Together - Christine Feehan 9/22 (heroine an empath)
Fragile - Lisa Unger 9/19 (Maggie has intuitive gifts)
Earth Bound - Christine Feehan 9/15 (MCs have a telepathic connection)

✔October: Paranormal-Dragons
Heart of Fire - Bec McMaster 10/28

✔November: Humor
An Argumentation of Historians - Jodi Taylor 11/25

✔December: Cozy Mystery
Let It Crow! Let It Crow! Let It Crow! - Donna Andrews 12/2
Hollyberry Homicide - Sharon Farrow 12/3
I.O.U. - Nancy Pickard 12/10
Wicked Fix - Sarah Graves 12/14
Murder at the Snowed Inn - Imogen Plimp 12/15
Pastrami Murder - Patti Benning 12/16
Statue of Limitations - Kate Collins 12/17
Wed, Read & Dead - V.M. Burns 12/18
Better Off Thread - Amanda Lee 12/29

[Barbara ★]

12 Days of Christmas

READ: 12/12

✔ 1. my book bud gave to me, a Nimbus Two thousand twenty-three
🎄Read a book published in 2023
Payback in Death - J.D. Robb (pub Sep 5, 2023) 12/5

✔ 2. ....my book bud gave to me, two Chocolate Frogs
🎄Read a book with a green cover
Pastrami Murder - Patti Benning 12/16


✔ 3.....my book bud gave to me, three Gryffindors
🎄Read a book with a brave and courageous character
It's Getting Scot in Here - Suzanne Enoch 12/7
(heroine defies her parents and hies off to Scotland with hero)

✔ 4. ....my book bud gave to me, four Owl posts
🎄Read a book with a title or series that begins with a letter in POST
The Olympian Affair - Jim Butcher 12/8

✔ 5. ....my book bud gave to me, five Quidditch Teams
🎄Read a book with a five word title
The Book That Wouldn’t Burn - Mark Lawrence 12/9

✔ 6.....my book bud gave to me, six Wizards flying
🎄Read a book where magic occurs in the story
Undraland - Mary E. Twomey 12/28

✔ 7.....my book bud gave to me, seven Witches Hexing
🎄Read a book a book with 7 in the page count
Scot Under the Covers - Suzanne Enoch (347 pages) 12/11

✔ 8.....my book bud gave to me, eight Catchers Catching
🎄Read a book with a MPG that begins with "C"
I.O.U. - Nancy Pickard (cozy mystery) 12/10

✔ 9.....my book bud gave to me, nine Keepers Keeping
🎄Read a book with an alliterative title
Warrior Witch - Danielle L. Jensen 12/10

✔ 10.....my book bud gave to me, ten Seekers Seeking
🎄Read a book that is 10th in a series
Hope for the Best - Jodi Taylor 12/13

✔ 11.....my book bud gave to me, eleven Werewolves Howling
🎄Read a book with featuring a werewolf
Six Months - Dannika Dark (hero) 12/24

✔ 12.....my book bud gave to me, twelve Falcons crying
🎄Read a book with 12 in the publication date
A Dawn of Onyx - Kate Golden (pub 12/15/22) 12/17

[Barbara ★]

GAME: Game of Life



Game #1

Go To College
✅Make New Friends
~Read a book in which the MC begins a new relationship OR with best friends in the story.
Dreadful - Jana Deleon (Marisa and Jenny) 11/18

Start Career
✅Entertainer
~Read a book in which the MC is a musician or actor/actress OR the characters attend a concert, movie, or theatre production OR the MC dances or sings for fun.
Hidden Huntress - Danielle L. Jensen (heroine opera singer) 11/20

Buy a Care
✅Red Car
~ Read a book with a red cover or with a MC you would describe as strong willed or fiery
Intimate Enemies: A Novel - Shana Abe 11/23


Marriage
✅Get Married
~ Read a book with a marriage proposal in it.
Abounding Might - Melissa McShane 11/22

Buy a House
✅Cabin in the Woods
~ Read a book that takes place in the woods OR with a cabin on the cover.
A Merciful Secret - Kendra Elliot 11/26

Start a Family
✅Two Children
~ Read a book with siblings in the story (Can be any age).
A Catered Thanksgiving - Isis Crawford (MCs are sisters) 11/20

Life Tiles
✅Visit a Museum
~ Read a book tagged historical
An Argumentation of Historians - Jodi Taylor 11/25

✅Learn CPR
~ Read a book in which someone saves another person’s life OR with a healer in the story.
Clash of Steel: A Treasure Island Remix - C.B. Lee 11/25

*************

Game #2

Go To College
✅Graduation
- Read a book in which the MC accomplishes an important task OR the MC is going through a transition in life/ starting over some place new
Freeing Luka - Victoria Aveline 11/28
(heroine is abducted by aliens and must adjust to living on an alien planet)

Start Career
✅Athlete
~Read a book in which the MC is an athlete OR the characters attend an athletic event OR a competition occurs in the story.
Let It Crow! Let It Crow! Let It Crow! - Donna Andrews (blacksmithing) 12/2

Buy a Care
✅Yellow Car
~Read a book with a yellow cover OR with an MC you would describe as responsible or dependable.
The Olympian Affair - Jim Butcher 12/8

Marriage
✅Get Married
~Read a book with a married couple in the story
Spotted at the Cemetery - Addison Moore & Bellamy Bloom 11/27

Buy a House
✅Beach House
~ Read a book that takes place by a body of water OR with a beach on the cover.
Spells & Shelves - Elle Adams (set on the coast) 11/29

Start a Family
✅Baby Girl
~Read a book with a female MC OR the MC has a daughter.
Belle Manor Haunting - Cheryl Bradshaw (has baby girl) 11/30

Life Tiles
✅Adopt a Pet
~ Read a book in which the MC has a pet or a familiar.
Hollyberry Homicide - Sharon Farrow (parrot and cat) 12/3

✅Volunteer at a Charity Event
~ Read a book in which the MC is involved with a charity or attends a party OR that was given to you as a gift.
It's Getting Scot in Here - Suzanne Enoch (H&H attend a party/ball) 12/7

[Barbara ★]

Game #3

Go To College
✅Spring Break
~Read a book in which the MC goes on vacation OR the MC drinks an alcoholic beverage.
Hope for the Best - Jodi Taylor 12/13

Start a Career
✅Doctor
~ Read a book in which the MC works in the medical field OR has a scene that takes place in a hospital OR a character is injured and needs medical attention
I.O.U. - Nancy Pickard 12/10

✅Buy a Care
Blue Car
~ Read a book with a blue cover or with an MC you would describe as authentic or compassionate.
Scot Under the Covers - Suzanne Enoch 12/11


✅Marriage
Stay Single
Read a book with a MC who is divorced.
Wicked Fix - Sarah Graves 12/14

✅Mansion
Read a book with a wealthy character OR with a opulent home in the story.
A Dawn of Onyx - Kate Golden (hero is a King) 12/17

Start a Family
✅One Child
~ Read a book where the MC discovers they are pregnant OR with character who is adopted.
Warrior Witch - Danielle L. Jensen 12/10

Life Tiles
✅Run For Mayor
~Read a book with a character in a government position OR with a corrupt leader.
Hope for the Best - Jodi Taylor 12/13

✅Join a Health Club
~Read a book in which a character engages in physical fitness of some sort OR with a fight scene in it.
The Book That Wouldn’t Burn - Mark Lawrence (lots of fighting) 12/9

*******************

Game #4

Go To College
✅Study Abroad
~Read a book that takes place in a country you do not live.
Voices in the Snow - Darcy Coates (England, I live in US) 12/22

Start Career
✅Teacher
~ Read a book in which the MC is a teacher OR takes place in a school/university OR involves students.
My Lady Judge - Cora Harrison 12/24

Buy a Care
✅White Car
~ Read a book with a white cover OR with a MC you would describe as naive or innocent.
Six Months - Dannika Dark (heroine) 12/24

Marriage
✅Get Married
~Read a book with a wedding in it.
Wed, Read & Dead - V.M. Burns 12/18

Buy a House
✅Haunted House
~ Read a book with a spooky house on the cover OR with a ghost in the story.
Delicious Monsters - Liselle Sambury 12/22

Start a Family
✅Baby Boy
~Read a book with a male MC OR the MC has a son.
Statue of Limitations - Kate Collins 12/17

Life Tiles
✅Go Hiking
~ Read a book in which the characters take a hike or go camping OR someone gets lost in the woods.
Saving Verakko - Victoria Aveline (heroine) 12/23

✅Attend a Family Picnic
Read a book in which characters share a meal OR the MC likes to cook or bake
Just the Sexiest Man Alive - Julie James 12/26
(hero and heroine go out to eat at fancy restaurants)

[Barbara ★]

Game #5

Go To College
✅Dean’s List
~Read a book that you give 4-5 Stars OR from a favorite series.
The Wolf and the Witch - Charissa Weaks 1/3

Start Career
✅Police Officer
~ Read a book in which the MC is a police officer/ detective/ FBI agent OR with a badge on the cover OR where a character is arrested.
Better Off Thread - Amanda Lee (Captain Moe) 12/29

Buy a Care
✅Orange Car
~ Read a book with an Orange Cover OR with an MC you would describe as confident or witty.
The Year of the Fox - Merren Tait 12/30

Marriage
✅Stay Single
~ Read a book with a steamy sex scene.
Line of Fire - Jo Davis 1/1

Buy a House
✅Apartment
~ Read a book with a character who lives in an apartment OR with a young adult character in the story.
The Best of Friends - Susan Mallery 12/27

Start a Family
✅No Kids
~ Read a book in which the MC chooses not to have kids OR with no children in the story.
When All the Girls Have Gone - Jayne Ann Krentz 12/26

Life Tiles
✅Travel to Outer Space
~ Read a book that takes place on a planet other than Earth OR that is a land created by the author OR that has a sun, moon, or stars on the cover.
Tempting Auzed - Victoria Aveline 12/30

✅Learn Sign Language
~ Read a book with a deaf or blind character OR where a foreign language is spoken for a portion of the book.
The Society of Imaginary Friends - Kristen Pham (Oberon, blind) 12/28

****************************

Game #6

Go To College
✅Buy Books
~Read a book in which the MC reads a book OR read a book from your favorite author.
Shifting and Shenanigans - Elizabeth Pantley 1/31

Start Career
✅Artist
~ Read a book in which the MC is an artist (painter, sculptor, writer, tattoo, poet etc) OR the characters attend an event that includes art in some fashion OR takes place in a tattoo parlor.
Meet Your Baker - Ellie Alexander 1/11
(attend a Shakespearean play)

Buy a Care
✅Green Car
~ Read a book with a green cover or with a MC you would describe as intelligent or calm.
Hot and Badgered - Shelly Laurenston (Charlie is calm and reasonable) 1/6

Marriage
✅Stay Single
~ Read a book in which the MC goes on a date OR the MC is considered a “Player".
In a Badger Way - Shelly Laurenston 1/19

Buy a House
✅Farm House
~ Read a book that takes place on a farm OR with a farm animal on the cover.
Nest Egg - Josi Avari 1/26

Start a Family
✅Twins
~Read a book with twins in the story OR with a doppleganger.
Lethally Lit - Amber Boffin 1/9

Life Tiles
✅Visit a War Memorial
~ Read a book set during a war or with a character who is currently in the military or a veteran.
The Ghost Hunter Next Door - Danielle Garrett (hero a navy veteran) 1/9

✅Support Wildlife Fund
~ Read a book with an animal on the cover you would see in the wild OR something flying on the cover.
Blood Drive - Jeanne C. Stein 1/21