January's Build Your Own Challenge

[Dina]

Yup, only the word "condom" is valid in my challenge; otherwise, it would be too easy. I know this is a not too challenging challenge, but I want some bumps in the road to make the journey more exciting, LOL.

BTW, does anyone know the origin of the term "french letters"? I find its literal meaning is so bizarre.

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

Dina, I'm dying to know... what made you choose the word "condom" as the challenge word?

[D.G.]

Dina wrote: "BTW, does anyone know the origin of the term "french letters"?"

It's related to the bickering that's always existed between the English and the French. I just found this in Wikipedia:

several expressions are used by both the English and the French to describe the same culturally unacceptable habit, but attributing the habit to the other people : e.g., "taking French leave" (leaving a party or other gathering without taking polite leave of one's host) is referred to in French as "filer à l'anglaise" (literally, "flee English-style"), while the (now somewhat archaic) expression "French letter" (referring to a condom) is rendered in French as "capote anglaise". During the 16th century in England (as well as in Italy and much of the Holy Roman Empire), genital herpes was called the "French disease" and "French-sick" was a term for syphilis.

[Dina]

UM, it was the BYOC ad talk that D.G. started in another thread:

BYOC = Bring Your Own Condom = Build Your Own Challenge (LOL)

[Dina]

D.G., that's very interesting! In Portuguese, we use "sair à francesa" (literally, "taking French leave"). That must mean that Portugal took England's side against France, LOL.

[D.G.]

LOL, Dina!

I've never heard of "taking French leave" but recently somebody told me it was called the 'Irish getaway'!

[Heather]

I'm in. Let's say.... Read 35 TBR books.

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Certifiable St. Vinnie's Ninny]

Danielle's January BYOC LK Group

1. Read four books pertaining to winter:
a.
b.
c.
d.
2. Read a steampunk book:
3. Start a new urban fantasy series:
4. Read a book in a series you started already:
5. Read one historical-set book:

Update:
Completed: 0/9

[MashJ]

Dina wrote: "Yup, only the word "condom" is valid in my challenge; otherwise, it would be too easy. I know this is a not too challenging challenge, but I want some bumps in the road to make the journey more exc..."

Love the entymology discussion here.

The Loretta Chase book- Your Scandalous Ways still qualifies.

[Dina]

Thanks, Mshj. I'm glad to know I can fit Loretta Chase in my challenge. :)

[BJ Rose]

After reading about Dina's challenge, mine looks boring -but I'm going with it anyway. I will be READING from my TBRs, so I'm spelling reading, and then continuing with as many TBRs as I can fit in this month.

R = Rules of an Engagement
E = Extreme Exposure
A = The Accidental Wedding
D = Double Comfort Safari Club *audio
I = The Ideal Bride
N = Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake
G = The Giver

[Leah]

Oh, BJ Rose! I love Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake and The Giver! Such good books :)

[MashJ]

Judy wrote: "I'm in for 15 books this month. Since I'm "mood" reading lately- I'm only going to officially list two of them.

1. The Viscount Who Loved Me
2. Captain Jack's Woman"

I'd be fascinated to know what you think of Captain Jack's Woman. It was probably the nail in the coffin for me reading Stephanie Laurens. I wanted to shoot the hero- he was one of those controlling men who never gives an inch, not ever.

[MashJ]

Judy wrote: "Mshj- I'll let you know what I think- although I think I'm a little nervous now... :)

I have read the first 7 of Laurens' Cynster series and liked all of them (they were all at least 4 stars-an..."

I do like a good bodice ripper (waggly eyebrows) but I'm not so keen on SL's brand of blokes. Actually the book was ok for me until I got to the end and realised that compromise just was nowhere in his vocabularly. I'm trying not to be spoilerish here but for the first half of the book the heroine gets to go on the adventures and then later on she's basically told to sit quietly at home. The plot is actually pretty reasonable for a SL. If you enjoyed the Cynsters you may LOVE it- I couldn't even finish Devil's Bride. My mind kept wandering somewhere else. Each to their own.

[D.G.]

I gave up on SL a while back. The Cynster books are just too similar for my taste and I read that her other series were similar.

[MashJ]

I'm not going to comment on my reads this month as I'm reading my secret santa recommendations and we're having the follow ups in Feb.

1.Like No Other Lover by Julie Anne Long
2.A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh
3.The Perfect Rake by Anne Gracie
4.Ride the Fire by Pamela Clare
5.Wicked Angel by Julia London
6.Laird of the Mist by Paula Quinn
7.The Duke by Gaelen Foley
8.Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage by Jennifer Ashley Completed- 4 stars.
9.Seduced By His Touch by Tracy Anne Warren

[Suzanne (Under the Covers Book blog)]

January BYO Challenge

Finish the Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning

0/4 Complete

1: Bloodfever
2: Faefever
3: Dreamfever
4: Shadowfever- I may not be able to do this one, it depends if I am able to get my hands on it.

[D.G.]

W♥LK - Jan. BYOC: Read What I Want
1/10 READ

1. Graceling by Kristin Cashore - 1/1 √

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

Dhes' January's Build Your Own Challege -

I will read at least 5 books that I already own. Including at least 1 book from my Secret Santa.

[Becky]

Sign me up, I will try for 10 books! I will post my books soon and adjust as needed.

New Authors
Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning
Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
When Angels Fall by Meagan McKinney
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Just Like Old Times by Hetty St James
Thrill Me to Death by Roxanne St. Claire

Rereads
The Bride by Julie Garwood1/1

Favorite Authors
Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella


COMPLETE 1/10

[D.G.]

Lots of highlanders for you this month, Dhes!

I get tired of reading the same theme so I need to vary my books. This month I've read fantasy, historical romance and now I'm in romantic suspense. :) Next most likely will be some paranormal or UF!

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

D.G. wrote: "Lots of highlanders for you this month, Dhes! I get tired of reading the same theme so I need to vary my books."

I'm more of a binger. I I read several of the same types, and I'm anticipating getting hooked on the KMM books. I've been without a decent Highlander for awhile, so I plan to binge.

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

Dhes' January's Build Your Own Challege -

I'm changing my challenge because book 1 of the series I was going to read this month is part of a group read I'm heading next month.

So my January challenge is now that I will read at least 5 books that I already own. Including at least 1 book from my Secret Santa.

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

January's Build Your Own Challenge 1/5

Read at least 5 books that I already own, with some sort of winter theme. Snow on the cover, etc... with 1 being books my Secret Santa gave me.


1.Thunder and Roses- Secret Santa - has the word "Thunder" in the title. Thunder storms remind me of Winter.
2.Flowers from the Storm - Secret Santa - The word "Storm" is in the title and storms remind me of Winter.
3. Anchor and Storm - Kate Poole - "Storm" - read 1/1-1/2
4. Storming the Castle: An Original Short Story with Bonus Content- Eloisa James - "Storming"
5. Fires of Winter - Johanna Lindsey - "Winter"

[Alycia]

UniquelyMoi *~*Dhestiny*~* wrote: "ALL THINGS WINTER 4/5

Read at least 5 books that I already own, with some sort of winter theme. Snow on the cover, etc... with 2 being books my Secret Santa gave me.

1.[book:Christmas Mischief|9..."

Love, you posted this in the wrong thread

[Leah]

Read As Many Books As I Can In A Month Challenge (And I've Given Up Trying To Beat Suzanne)

1. Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian 1/1
2. Shoulda Been A Cowboy by Lorelei James
3. Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood

[Leah]

Read As Many Books As I Can In A Month Challenge (And I've Given Up Trying To Beat Suzanne)

1. Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian 1/1
2. Shoulda Been A Cowboy by Lorelei James 1/2
3. Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood
4. All Jacked Up by Lorelei James

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

Alycia wrote: "Love, you posted this in the wrong thread "


ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!! I'm actually using that for both challenges. I forgot to change the challenge title and edit the books.

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

Ok, all fixed.

[Alycia]

Opps :)

[Katherine]

I will read at least 7 books

1/7
1) The Bride
2) The Secret
3) Secondhand Bride (McKettrick Cowboys, #3)
4) Dreaming of You
5) Then Came You
6) Lover Awakened
7) To Sir Phillip, With Love read Jan. 2nd

[Mandy]

Im already two days behind in my personal challenge of reading one book per day. Sigh . . .the Tooth Fairy brought me a laptop after getting my wisdom tooth cut out and i've been playing with it for three days!! I even made DH a webite for his business!! :)

So, I'm still reading the same book i've been reading for 4 days!!

1. Highland Scandal

[Becky]

Sign me up, I will try for 10 books! I will post my books soon and adjust as needed.

New Authors
Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning
Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
When Angels Fall by Meagan McKinney
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead 1/2
Just Like Old Times by Hetty St James
Thrill Me to Death by Roxanne St. Claire

Rereads
The Bride by Julie Garwood1/1

Favorite Authors
Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella


COMPLETE 2/10

[Suzanne (Under the Covers Book blog)]

January BYO Challenge

Finish the Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning

1/4 Complete

1: Bloodfever Finished 03 January
2: Faefever
3: Dreamfever
4: Shadowfever- I may not be able to do this one, it depends if I am able to get my hands on it.

[Suzanne (Under the Covers Book blog)]

Lady Leah *Silk Desire* Westcliff wrote: "Read As Many Books As I Can In A Month Challenge (And I've Given Up Trying To Beat Suzanne)

1. Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian 1/1
2. Shoulda Been A Cowboy by Lorel..."

You will probably beat me this month as well Leah as I only have 4 books on this challenge ; P

[Dina]

January's BYOC
Duration: January 1 - January 31

Goal: Read 4 books where the word "condom" is used.

1/4 completed

1. Tooth and Nailed by Hannah Murray (The word "condom" was used, but the item itself was not. The hero is a vampire and can't catch any diseases, the heroine is on the pill, yada yada yada.) == 01/02

In reading order:

[D.G.]

W♥LK - Jan. BYOC: Read What I Want
2/10 READ

1. Graceling by Kristin Cashore - 1/1 √
2. His at Night by Sherry Thomas - 1/2 √

[Mandy]

Tentative List
0/15
1. The Higland Scandal--currently reading
2. The Bride
3. The Courtesan's Scandal
4. Penelope & Prince Charming
5. The Mad, Bad Duke
6. Surrender
7. Untamed

and my secret santa recs!! Looking forward to those sooo much!!

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Certifiable St. Vinnie's Ninny]

Danielle's January BYOC LK Group

1. Read four books pertaining to winter:
a. Polar Quest by Alex Archer 1/3/10
b.
c.
d.
2. Read a steampunk book:
3. Start a new urban fantasy series:
4. Read a book in a series you started already: Ruthless Game by Christine Feehan 1/2
5. Read one historical-set book:

Update: 1/3
Completed: 2/9

[MashJ]

Judy wrote: "JANUARY BYOC CHALLENGE
1/15 Read

1. The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn- finished 1/2/11 (4*)

"

You've got my favourite Bridgerton next- An Offer from a Gentleman- otherwise many people's faves are 4 -Romancing Mr Bridgerton or 6- When He Was Wicked

[Alycia]

Done 1/4

1.

[Mandy]

1/15
1. The Higland Scandal
2. The Bride
3. The Courtesan's Scandal
4. Penelope & Prince Charming
5. The Mad, Bad Duke
6. Surrender
7. Untamed
8. Blood Trinity: Bellador 1--currently reading

and my secret santa recs!! Looking forward to those sooo much!!

[Leah]

Suzanne ~Satin Seductress~ wrote: "You will probably beat me this month as well Leah as I only have 4 books on this challenge ; P"

It's about damn time! LOL

[Leah]

Read As Many Books As I Can In A Month Challenge (And I've Given Up Trying To Beat Suzanne)

1. Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian 1/1
2. Shoulda Been A Cowboy by Lorelei James 1/2
3. Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood
4. All Jacked Up by Lorelei James 1/3
5. Strong, Silent Type by Lorelei James

[Autumn]

im in! i will post my list soon!! ;)

[Leah]

Read As Many Books As I Can In A Month Challenge (And I've Given Up Trying To Beat Suzanne)

1. Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian 1/1
2. Shoulda Been A Cowboy by Lorelei James 1/2
3. Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood
4. All Jacked Up by Lorelei James 1/3
5. Strong, Silent Type by Lorelei James 1/3

[Rose]

I'm in.

Read at least 15 books in January.
10/15 Completed
1.Yours Until Dawnby Teresa Medeiros
2.One Week as LoversBy Victoria Dahl
3.Enchantedby Elizabeth Lowell
4.Tempt the Devilby Anna Campbell
5.Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught
6.See Jane Scoreby Rachel Gibson
7.How to Marry a Duke
8.It Happened One Autumnby Lisa Kleypas
9.Rootsby Alex Haley(Not a romance obviously but I had to speed read it for a class this month so I guess it counts.
10.Indigo Blueby Catherine Anderson
CLEANUP BONUS FROM DECEMBER BYO CHALLENGE: Read Outlander

[Laura]

January Build Your Own Challenge- read 10 books from my TBR pile including my monthly book club selection

1 / 10 completed

1. Seer of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier completed 1/3
2. Chocolat by Joanne Harris
3. Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family by Condoleezza Rice ^
4. The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory
5. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

^Book club selection

[Dina]

January's BYOC
Duration: January 1 - January 31

Goal: Read 4 books where the word "condom" is used.

2/4 completed

1. Tooth and Nailed by Hannah Murray (The word "condom" was used, but the item itself was not. The hero is a vampire and can't catch any diseases, the heroine is on the pill, yada yada yada.) == 01/02
2. All Jacked Up by Lorelei James (Not only the word "condom" was used, but the item itself was too.) == 01/04

In reading order:

[Mandy]

After reading all of your cute, thoughtful challenges I'm sad!! I've only decided to read from my TBR pile!! LOL!

After the month I've had though, I'm afraid to push myself too much!! LOL!!