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One Book For Each Genre! (2011-2012)
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Dare You To Read - One Book For Each Genre (Round 2)30th July '11 to 30th June '12
Erotic: The Vampire Queen's Servant by Joey W. Hill
Suspense: Killing Floor by Lee Child - Currently Reading
*OPTIONAL/BONUS Categories:
Frankenstein or, The Modern Prometheus
Perseverance - oh yes, I finished it - don't know how I did it, but I did (it might have something to do with the fact that I've started The Vampire Queen's Servant and am finding that even more of a struggle than this one was).
I got really angry with Frankenstein, for not understanding what his creation wanted from him. To create something and then become so disgusted by it that he runs from it - WTF? Couldn't you see what you were trying to create? The creations reaction was a bit OTT though.
It did disappoint me though, because I'd loved Dracula I guess I was hoping this would be on a par with that and it wasn't. It was just OK.
But I want to carry on with the Classics - there are so many great books out there.
2 books left to go - one month!!!
I'm swapping out my Erotic choice. I just can't get into The Vampire Queen's Servant, so I'm changing it to Fifty Shades of Grey.
Charlotte (Buried in Books) wrote: "I'm swapping out my Erotic choice. I just can't get into The Vampire Queen's Servant, so I'm changing it to Fifty Shades of Grey."Ooh, I don't blame you for that switch ;)
It's Twi-Porn!!!
Charlotte (Buried in Books) wrote: "It's Twi-Porn!!!"I enjoyed the whole trilogy- have the second one on hand! (loved the Twilight series too)
I got all three for my Kindle at the same time as they were incredibly cheap, so I'm all set. The reviews all seem to be either really good or really bad, but I'm loving it so far, Edward - errr, I mean Christian, is very hot.But then I felt the main thing missing from Twilight was some hot sex.
Fran wrote: "Charlotte (Buried in Books) wrote: "It's Twi-Porn!!!"I enjoyed the whole trilogy- have the second one on hand! (loved the Twilight series too)"
I just finished the first and you absolutely need to have the second on hand! And plan to read it! I am still trying to figure out how to squeeze them in...
Dare You To Read - One Book For Each Genre (Round 2)30th July '11 to 30th June '12
Suspense: Killing Floor by Lee Child - Currently Reading
*OPTIONAL/BONUS Categories:
Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
(deep breath) I like Dominant men - when I read, there, I said it.....
My one and only change to my list was to swap out my original pick and read this instead. I'm so glad I did. The last time I devoured a book like it was Twilight, so it's apt that this book had the same effect on me. This book is Twilight with Porn - TwiPorn if you will.
I couldn't put it down, but I forced myself to on several occassions just to make it last longer. I LOVE Christian - the whole darkly, dangerous, damaged type (ala Z in BDB), just can't get enough of my Fifty Shades.
I gave it 4/5 though - why? Ana is such a whiney bi**h, get over yourself honey. But at least she had the courage to do what she did. And Jose?? Please, keep walking and don't let the door hit you on the ass on the way out (it might still be sore).
Will I be reading more??? Of course I will!!!! The question is can I finish my final book for this challenge (only 200 pages to go), before starting the next book??? I am on holiday this week (I'm supposed to be decorating)..... This will not end well.....
LOL Charlotte! That was a great review! If you loved the first one you will certainly love the next two. Only 200 more pages to go before you finish the challenge- that's awesome! But I see the dilemma- but...Christian is worth the wait. You can do it!
I've been peeking in even though I'm finished, to see what everyone's been reading. Such an interesting challenge! I love reading everyone's comments and I hope the moderators run this one again. Congratulations to all the finishers!
8/10 DoneContemporary:
Erotic OR BDSM:
GLBT:Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown
Historical OR Regency:
Paranormal OR Fantasy:
Suspense OR Mystery:
Women's Fiction OR Chick-lit:
World Lit/International:
Young Adult:
*OPTIONAL/BONUS Categories:
Thriller OR Horror:Salem's Lot by Stephen King
Chick Lit Jennifer Weiner's writing is just so darn read-able. Yes, the characters are cliched and situations unbelievable, but I still enjoy reading her books. Four pregnant women meet in yoga class and become BFFs. Apparently they have no other friends but each other. C'mon, really?? Each lady has issues with her significant other/mother-in-law/family members. We get all the birth stories and breastfeeding trauma. (I truly wonder if anyone who has never given birth will be bored to tears by all the detailed baby-tending.) Naturally there's a happy ending for all (or at least happy for now). Although much is drivel, I just couldn't seem to put it down. I wonder what that says about me?
Sandy, I was thinking of reading that one but was wondering if I would enjoy all the details of motherhood. I lived it, do I really want to revisit the hard stuff in the beginning, lol. But you did like it, so maybe...I personally think drivel can be entertaining, escapist fun. I'm all for it- life can be hard, drivel can be a wonderful distraction ;)
You're right, it's fun and entertaining. There are loads of baby details in this book. Since I personally didn't breastfeed, I just wanted to scream at these women, just give her some formula! She'll be fine! LOLI also liked that I could relate to the characters in one way or another. One character who is having company over stuffs all her crap in a closet. Of course the visitor opens the closet and everything falls out. Sounds like something I would do!
Did you ever see the Friends episode where anal- retentive, perfect Monica is caught by Chandler with the closet from hell? I loved it! Everyone needs a crap closet, even those that need to show the world that they are neat as a pin in public. I may have to read it for the crap closet reference alone!I breastfed my first child for about 10 days, lol! That was enough for me. It was formula from then on and from day one with my next two.
I don't remember that episode but I'm sure I must have seen it.I tried to BF my first and it didn't work well. The nurses in the hospital were absolute Nazis about it and had me in tears. So, with my second, I just said right off the bat it would be formula and nobody harassed me about it. Babies will get their nutrition either way. It's sad when new moms are made to feel they have to defend their feeding choice. Live and let live! :-)
I totally agree! I got the hard press in the hospital with my first too. But after that pretty unsuccessful venture I stood my ground the second time, and I got some pressure then too. But I wasn't a newbie anymore and had more confidence in my mothering skills.
Thanks for the great challenge!One Book For Each Genre!
July 30, 2011 - June 30, 2012
23 of 23 Complete!
CATEGORIES:
√ 1. Contemporary: Changing the Game by Jaci Burton – 9/1 (Message 316)
√ 2. Erotic: Dare to Believe by Dana Marie Bell – 8/25 (Message 279)
√ 3. GLBT: Wolf Tales III by Kate Douglas – 3/26 (Message 508)
√ 4. Historical: A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught – 5/14 (Message 542)
√ 5. Regency: What Happens in London by Julia Quinn – 11/4 (Message 377)
√ 6. Paranormal: Deeper Than Midnight by Lara Adrian – 1/19 (Message 448)
√ 7. Fantasy: Crown of Crystal Flame by C. L. Wilson – 9/16 (Message 322)
√ 8. Suspense: No Regrets by Shannon K. Butcher – 9/9 (Message 320)
√ 9. Mystery: Heat Wave by Richard Castle – 9/8 (Message 316)
√ 10. Women’s Fiction: How to Bake a Perfect Life by Barbara O’Neal – 4/29 (message 525)
√ 11. Chick-Lit: Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot – 5/23 (Message 5
√ 12. World Lit: Wife of the Gods: A Novel by Kwei Quartey – 4/21 (Message 523)
√ 13. International: Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray – 5/22 (Message
√ 14. Young Adult: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins – 11/29 (Message 394)
OPTIONAL/BONUS CATEGORIES:
√ 15. Classic: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – 4/24 (Message 523)
√ 16. Memoir: The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond – 6/5
√ 17. Non-fiction: Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern – 4/19 (Message 523)
√ 18. Thriller: The Angel Experiment by James Peterson – 4/15 (Message 516)
√ 19. Horror: The Devouring by Simon Holt – 1/26 (Message 448)
√ 20. Religious / Inspirational: Leaving Carolina by Tamara Leigh – 5/12 (Message 542)
√ 21. Speculative Fiction: Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari – 9/28 (Message 342)
√ 22. Dystopia: Delirium by Lauren Oliver – 5/4 (Message 532)
√ 23. Graphic Novel: Mercy Thompson: Homecoming by Patricia Briggs – 3/20 (Message 508)
Have I tried this genre before and what did I think of this book?
Memoir: The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond, completed 6/5. This has not been my favorite genre in the past. But I really enjoyed this book. It’s a very sweet love story. I was impressed with the author’s ability to share so much of her life and still maintain privacy and anonymity for so many by listing letters instead of names, etc. In fact, I was telling my daughter about the book and realized that we don’t even know her husband’s name, she calls him “Marlboro Man” throughout the entire book. The book was funny, sad, and very real. I enjoyed it immensely!
9/10 DoneContemporary:
Erotic OR BDSM:
GLBT:
Historical OR Regency:
Paranormal OR Fantasy:
Suspense OR Mystery:
Women's Fiction OR Chick-lit:
World Lit/International:
Young Adult:
*OPTIONAL/BONUS Categories:
Thriller OR Horror:Salem's Lot by Stephen King
GLBT Rubyfruit Jungle is a lesbian coming-of-age story set int he 1960s. This was my first book by Rita Mae Brown, and upon googling the author, I realized this is autobiographical as well. Molly Bolt knows she never wants to get married and she knows she finds women more interesting than men. The book follows her through youth, high school, and college where she aspires to become a film director, although female film directors are unheard-of. She is kicked out of her first college and loses her first scholarship for her "immoral" behavior, and her adoptive mother basically disowns her when she learns Molly is lesbian. Broke and friendless, Molly hitches to New York City where she makes friends and earns a scholarship to study film. The book is an interesting study of the times and takes a hard look at racism, feminism, gender identity, stereotypes, and attitudes toward homosexuality. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Molly's narration, to me, is like a cross between Holden Caulfield and Scout Finch (probably not the best analogy but it's what came to my mind). The language is very blunt and honest. (My only complaint would be that it seems that every man and woman Molly meets wants to sleep with her.) I highly recommend this book.
15/15 FINISHEDContemporary:
Humorous and true to life, Second Kiss is an entertaining saga about a boy and girl who find that their lives have a lot more meaning once they have shared them with each other.
Erotic :
Ayden's life has long been guided by two emotions: love for his sister, and hatred of all things human. When he's captured in battle, he must for his sister's sake swallow his pride and endure slavery in the service of a human prince, Freyrik Farr.
Freyrik's always known elves to be beautiful and dangerous, but never has one affected him as deeply as Ayden. Can his life of service to his people leave room for this attraction? Dancing on a dagger's edge between duty and high treason, Freyrik discovers that some choices can change a life, and some an entire world.
Between prejudice, politics, pride, and survival, Ayden and Freyrik must carve a new path, no matter how daunting. For nothing less than the fate of both their peoples rests on the power of their perseverance—and their love / It is the twilight of mankind. Depleted by generations of war with a dark race, the human kingdoms and their ancient alliance stand on the brink of extinction. The outlands are soaked with the blood of the fallen. The midlands are rotting with decadence and despair.
BDSM:
Damian has serious doubts about getting involved with a younger man who knows nothing about the BDSM lifestyle, but Nick's adventurous and humorous approach to new experiences is far too alluring to resist. Although he knows it might be a mistake, Damian takes Nick into his life.
Flirting on the edges of control, submission, and pain excites Nick more than he would have ever dreamed possible. With Damian, Nick learns about his own deeply hidden desires and finds out that relinquishing control doesn't make him weak, having someone else in control of his sexual pleasure simply heightens it. And the reverse is true for Damian: Control turns him on. So they set out to explore these sensual boundaries together, neither expecting to find love along the way .
GLBT:
Special Agent Ty Grady is pulled out of undercover work after his case blows up in his face. He's cocky, abrasive, and indisputably the best at what he does. But when he's paired with Special Agent Zane Garrett, it's hate at first sight. Garrett is the perfect image of an agent: serious, sober, and focused, which makes their partnership a classic cliché: total opposites, good cop-bad cop, the odd couple. They both know immediately that their partnership will pose more of an obstacle than the lack of evidence left by the murderer.
Practically before their special assignment starts, the murderer strikes again — this time at them. Now on the run, trying to track down a man who has focused on killing his pursuers, Grady and Garrett will have to figure out how to work together before they become two more notches in the murderer's knife.
Historical:
Paranormal:
By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.
As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her..
Fantasy:
In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood.
The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a sco...moreIn the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood.
Mystery:
Women's Ficttion:
Chick-lit:
International:
Young Adult:
Only she doesn't know the first thing about love.
Rather quickly, her inexperience with human emotion is obscured by other matters--alien-controlled psychotic teens that are out to kill her, and a government group that is set on capturing and dissecting her.
Worst of all, Venus will suffer a painful death-by-poisoning, thanks to Earth’s atmosphere, if she remains on the planet longer than one week. Still, Venus is a Princess and she's got a plan. Surely, with her help, Michael will fall in love with a human. But time is running out and Michael is falling for the wrong girl--her.
BONUS:
Memoir:
After thirteen years of being married, Annabelle and Jeff have found “We’re just not that into us.” Instead of giving up, they’ve held their relationship together by ignoring conventional wisdom and fostering a lack of intimacy, by using parenting as a competitive sport, and by dropping out of couples therapy. The he-said/she-said chronicle of their intense but loving marriage includes an unsentimental account of the medical odyssey that their family embarked upon after their infant son was diagnosed with VACTERL, a very rare series of birth defects. Annabelle and Jeff’s unforgivingly raw, uproariously funny story is sure to strike both laughter and terror in the hearts of all couples (not to mention every single man or woman who is contemplating the connubial state).
Serving up equal parts sincerity and cynicism, You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up is a laugh-out-loud must-read for everyone who has come to realize that being “in love” can only get you so farc.
FINISHED 9/6/2012
Dare You To Read - One Book For Each Genre (Round 2)30th July '11 to 30th June '12
*OPTIONAL/BONUS Categories:
Killing Floor by Lee Child
After managing to read all 3 Fifty Shades books in just under a week I was able to get back to finishing my final book for this challenge. I'd had this book for a long time, but never got round to reading it, but with the prospect of the first Jack Reacher movie due out the end of this year I thought it was time to aquaint myself with Mr Reacher (I love Tom Cruise by the way).
I didn't really know what to expect and I felt that this book suffered from First Book syndrome - there was a lot of "He said, She said", it was rather mechanical at times. It also could have been quite a bit shorter - there was a lot of driving around, the story meandered quite a bit. I liked the story being told from Jack's point of view (something that doesn't seem to continue in the second book).
But the story was very well done, very clever. I've got the next two books in the series and I'm sure I will get round to them at some point. This is a genre that I really like and have missed, while I've been caught up in my Vampire years.
FINISHED!!!!!!
Thankyou Fran for hosting this challenge - I'm terrible at challenges where we can't change books, but this year I actually picked books that there was a remote chance I would want to read (which is where I went wrong the previous year).
High points for me were Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague, Mockingjay and Fifty Shades of Grey
Congratulations Lynne, Ab2y and Charlotte!!Great job!! I'm so glad you all enjoyed this challenge. I have something similar in store for you starting in August so stay tuned....
Thanks Fran. Can't wait to see what you come up with next!
14/14Contemporary:
BDSM:
GLBT:
Historical:
Paranormal:
Mystery:
Chick Lit:
International:
YA:
Bonus Reads:
Classic:
Non-fiction:
Horror:
Religious:
SciFi:
Discussion: Have you tried this genre before? What did you think about this book/author?
1. Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex- Non-fiction isn't something I typically enjoy, so I don't read much of it. However, I loved this one. I took this with me on a trip to Omaha even though I thought I might be uncomfortable reading it on the plane (but at least I'd be forced to read it since my other options would be limited). I wasn't. It was very funny though shocking in some sections. The lengths that people will go to I was surprised at the lengths some people are willing to go to. I often felt bad for the scientists, who have their research derided and their motives questioned. To all the prudes out there, lighten up this is important research. I think I will check out some of this authors other works. Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers sounds interesting.
2.Dangerous Cravings- Although I enjoy this sort of thing in real life, this is the first BDSM novel I've ever read. I found that I really empathized with Alex and I could relate to most of her thoughts and fears, as well as her occasional self disgust. I haven't looked into anything else Evangeline Anderson has written, but I almost certainly will.
3. The Replacement- I read YA novels, especially ones with a fantasy/ paranormal slant, frequently. I didn't think this one lived up to it's hype. It was supposed to be "dark". Some people had even referred to it as "horror." I didn't think it was either of those things. It was, however, entertaining. I didn't dislike it, or anything. It just wasn't what I wanted it to be. This was Brenna Yovanoff first novel. Will I read her again? Probably.
4. Slave to Sensation- I read a lot of paranormal romance, but this is my first time reading anything by Nalini Singh. I loved this story and I am looking forward to reading more of this series! I thought the three different races was very interesting. But I expected to see more of the shifters in their animal forms. Perhaps that'll get explored later in the series.
5. A Little Princess- One of the things I've been trying to do in 2011 is read more "classics". I wasn't very familiar with this novel when I put it on my list. I only used it because the book was selected for a challenge in one of my other GR groups. That said, it was fairly enjoyable. I really liked the main character, Sara, but the plot was predictable and the stories resolution was a little too convenient. However, if I had children, I think I would enjoy sharing this with them. Sara sets a good example of the importance of being kind even when your life sucks.
6. Beyond the Highland Mist- I don't read a lot of historical romance. And most of what I do read are novels written in the 1800s. However, having just finished the Fever series, I was anxious to give Moning's other series a try. I was initially deterred by the first few chapters. I thought the set up was corny. It was carried out in a clumsy manner and I almost put the book down then. Fortunately, it got a lot better once Adrienne arrived in Scotland. Overall, I loved the story and I definitely will be continuing the series .
7. Duma Key- There was a time in high school when I read everything Stephen King wrote. Back then I waited in eager anticipation for his next novel. But it's been a long time since I read one of his new novels and thought "that was really good". I don't think I've liked much he's written since the Black Tower series ended. Unless Black House was published after that... anyway after multiple mediocre books I stopped reading his new books. So this was a very nice surprise. It was suspenseful and creepy. perhaps there is hope. perhaps I gave him up too hastily.
8. A Certain Justice- When I feel like reading pure mystery, I turn to P.D. James. I feel that she does an excellent job with her characters. I never find them one dimensional or overly cliched.I also enjoy that the officers have to do actual detective work to solve the crime. The criminals aren't apprehended by dumb luck, and the cases are not solved by forensic evidence alone. What can I say? I love James!
9. VALIS- I love Scifi and normally I enjoy Dick, but I hated, loathed, and despised this novel. It was literally sleep inducing. I couldn't stay awake when I was trying to read it, and I was reading in the afternoon when I'm typically most alert. I didn't think much of the story. It seemed eclipsed by information about Gnosticism, which I'm not interested in reading about. At all. I will keep reading Dick's earlier works but I'm removing the rest of the Valis trilogy (and anything else written after '74) from my TBR pile.
10. Strange Bedpersons Finished 10/9
I've read a couple of books by Jennifer Crusie in the past and I must say I liked each of them better than this one. Like the others, this was a light fluffy read. But I found the plot entirely predictable and I thought the leading lady was a two dimensional parody of a feminist. Because I've enjoyed this author in the past, I will probably read more of her in the future, but if this was my introduction to Crusie, I probably wouldn't come back.
11. Making Waves Finished 10/20
Contemporary romance is not my favorite genre. Or at least that's what I tell myself, but I keep finding more and more contemporary romance books that I really enjoy. I probably need to take a step back and ask myself why I'm biased towards this genre. This book was a light-hearted entertaining read. Not since I read The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy for the first time have I laughed so much. Not chuckles but deep belly laughs. This was
Tawna Fenske first novel. I see that she's go another due out in March. I'll definitely be checking it out!
12. Letter to a Christian Nation Finished 11/23
I've read and enjoyed atheist books before even if I didn't agree with everything the author said. I've enjoyed Christopher Hitchens and especiallyRichard Dawkins. However, I did not enjoy this short book. He may have made an occasional good point, but I didn't like the way it was written and I didn't like his attack on religious tolerance.
13. Zero at the Bone FInished 3/23
It's been a long time since I read a book for this challenge, but I haven't forgotten it. I've delayed on the last two books for different reasons. For ZATB, the delay was because I was uncomfortable with the genre. Two men getting it on? I was worried that I wasn't going to be able to fit myself into the story. I like to imagine myself in the female leads role. Obviously, that would have been a tad difficult. So I put it off, until it was selected as a buddy read in this months PIFM. Now that I've read the book, I feel silly for having waited so long. It was wonderful, and I was able to fit into the story as a voyeur. Not quite as good as leading lady, but hot nonetheless. I don't know that this will ever become my go to genre, but I won't shy away from it in the future either.
14. Norwegian Wood Finished 6/15
In the last year or so, I've read a ton of good international books. This, wasn't one of them. I am so disappointed. I chose a really bad book for this category and I had to struggle and fight my way through it. Even worse, I have another of Haruki Murakami's books on my self, and I am really dreading reading it now. The only thing that gives me hope for The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle is that I heard, Norwegian Wood was atypical for Murakami. Still, I'll probably wait a while before I give it a whirl.
I don't think I'm going to finish this challenge. I might read one more book but not sure.:(Dare You To Read - One Book For Each Genre (Round 2)
30th July '11 to 30th June '12
7/9 completed
1.
2.Erotic: Broken Wings by Lora Leigh
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.Chick-lit: Hard Day's Knight by Katie MacAlister
8.
9.
Discussion: Have I read this genre and what did I think of this book/author?
1.Contemporary: Hot Finish by Erin McCarthy - I like contemporary, not as much as I like PNR tho. This book is a solid 4 for me. I think out of the 3 books so far, this one has the most emotional roller costers and hotter scenes. Again, this was an easy read just like the first two. If my ex looked like the cover guy, I would probably go back too. But too bad.... I'm not as lucky as Suzanne.
3. GLBT: Cut & Run by Madeleine Urban & Abigail Roux (audio version) - This was my first GLBT book ever. I have been contemplating reading the M/M book for awhile but didn't have enough nerves, for no apparent reasons, to tell the truth. What a pleasant surprise! I really liked it. Definitely continue to read the series.
4. Historical: The Wild Rose by Jennifer Donnelly. I really like Historical. It doesn't matter what era. I like them all. For this book -- I have to stop and think before I can write a review. There was a lot going on. There were some part that I liked, and other I didn't. Though, book 2, the Winter Rose, remains my most favorite of the series. The plot was eventful and adventuresome. No doubt. From the Gobi to Arabia, Willa and Seamie traveled and survived many deaths. I was pleasantly surprised, in part two, of the Braxtons’ appearances. I loved them. Sid, India, and the kids, I was glad that they were alive and well. If there were to be a 4th book, I hope we ’d get to see him again. My wild guess, no pun intended here, is going to be a bout Katie Finnegan or Charlotte Braxton. Whoever it this, I don’t really care -- I just hope that Miss Donnelly will keep on writing.
5. PNR: Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian - I love PNR. It is pretty much my main genre. I love LOTU and Night Huntress. This book is a combination of the two. So, yeah, I love this series too. A lot of people compared it to BDB series. Well, I have not read them yet but I take there words for it.:) This is my first book of this author. And I'm really looking forward to reading the next book.
6. Suspense/Mystery: Zinnia by Jayne Castle. I really enjoyed this book. Jayne Castle wrote it well. I gave it a solid 4 stars. This is the second book in the series. I really liked the characters in this book. Love Nick & Zinnia. I really like Leo too. The plot was okay. I was surprised at the twist in the end tho. I'll definitely read the next book, Orchid.
8. International: The Darkest Surrender by Gena Showalter - I really like this series. This was one of my favorites. I really liked Kaia. She was feisty and funny. Strider, tho not one of my favorite Lords, but he managed to hold his own in this (his) book. Can’t wait to read the next book (Paris’ book).
9. YA:Glass Houses by Rachel Caine. This was my first Rachel Caine book. It was okay for me. I just don't like the mean-girls versus prodigy theme (in general nothing personal). The vamp and ghost were kinda thrown in but really no value added. If you took them out, you would’t miss anything. -- It has potential, I guess but I'm not sure at this point that I would read the second book. -- However, having said all of that. I love YA genre in general and will continue reading it.
Congrats Sassy!!Sorry I didn't see your post earlier!
Hi Everyone!I can't believe there are only 7 days left for this challenge. Thank you all for joining in- I hope you had fun with it. Below are the statistics so far- still one week left if you want to try and squeeze in another read!
Congrats to the 9 finishers so far!
Amy J.- 14/14
Sassafrass- 16/16
Charlotte- 14/14
MountainKat- 14/14
Lynne- 23/23
Angie- 16/16
Leslie- 12/12
Adriana- 16/16
Ab2y- 15/15
Jane- 6/12
Fran- 12/16
Eimeriina- 7/14
-Sara- - 7/24
Ola- 7/10
Dee- 15/23 1 DNF
Sandy- 9/10
Vi- 14/19
Wan- 7/9
D Lord- 2/9
Shirley- 8/15
Mandy- 2/14
Roxy- 7/9
Anna- 3/9
Gigi- 2/9
Sara- 1/11
Aimie- 6/9
Bips- 8/12 (Please post discussion answers)
Tina "reading mommy"- 9/9 (Please post discussion answers)
OK - I'm hopeless! I have been stalled on having completed 9/12 for over 5 months (just haven't updated for quite a while)... Whilst one of my books (the erotica one) would be easy to knock off, the other two are really hard for me to consider opening - specifically the non-fiction! :(
My current status:One Book From Each Genre
30 July 2011 - 30 June 2012
Completed: 9/12
1. Contemporary: Just the Sexiest Man Alive - √ 26-Nov
2. Erotic: Roane
3. GLBT: Caught Running - √ 10-Sep
4. Historical: Miss Wonderful
5. Paranormal: Wild Fire - √ 16-Aug
6. Suspense: Murder Game - √ 7-Oct
7. Women's Fiction: And One Last Thing ... - √ 24-Jan
8. World Literature: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - √ 25-Jan
9. Young Adult: City of Ashes - √ 28-Aug
Bonus:
10. Classic: The Picture of Dorian Gray - √ 10-Feb
11. Non-fiction: Lonely for my Land
12. Dystopia: Animal Farm - √ 23-Aug
My missing reviews:
Women's Fiction (aka ChickLit): I'm not a fan of this genre, and have consequently only read a few books in the genre. However this book was great - full of humour that wasn't 'stupid' but genuinely funny (IMHO of course).
The book: 4 stars.
This was such a fun book. I love Molly Harper's writing style - her main characters are full of spunk and sarcastic humour. Her side characters are so real, picking up such crazy idiosyncrasies that it just makes the book so much more fun and real. (Those idiosyncrasies may be exaggerated, but you can't tell me you don't see them every day in life!)
As I said earlier, I try to avoid chick-lit, but MH is one author I now know I can trust to pull together a fun book without making the heroine a complete basket-case. :)
World Literature: Another genre I read little in and to ensure that I read this category, I purchased the book in audio. I really enjoyed it.
The book: 4 stars
This is such an interesting book - two strong story lines (a financial cover up and a murder investigation) that don't really overlap but that produce a fairly cohesive and enjoyable story. It starts out slowly, but once Lisbeth hits the scene my interest levels picked up significantly and didn't drop back until near the end as the financial story winds up.
The ending wasn't neat with the relationships, but this clearly leads on to the next book - which of course I have now read :)
Classic: I have read quite a few classics although most are in the romance sub-genre. I had read this book many years ago, and have always loved Oscar Wilde's plays, so I decided it was time for a reread.
The book: 4 stars
I love Oscar Wilde's prose, wit and life observations. This was an entertaining read with a message that's well-presented and doesn't moralise.
Dare You to Read - One Book For Each Genre (2011-2012)July 30, 2011 to June 30, 2012
9/9 completed, 06/28/12 Forgot to post till now!
Contemporary: True Love and Other Disasters by Rachel Gibson, Completed 08/05
Erotic or BDSM: Wicked Ties by Shayla Black, Completed 09/11
GLBT: Taboo, by Sean Wolfe, Completed 07/31
Historical or Regency: The Winter Rose, by Jennifer Donnelly Completed 06/28/12
Paranormal or Fantasy: Phantom Evil by Heather Graham Completed 08/11
Suspense or Mystery: Hard Evidence (I-Team #2) by Pamela Clare Completed 09/14
Chick Lit: The Beach House by Jane Green Completed 09/26
World Lit/International: The Ice Princess by Camilla Lackberg Completed 08/12
Young Adult: Hourglass by Myra McEntire Completed 08/28
Discussion:
Contemporary: True Love and Other Disasters is the first book I've read from Rachel Gibson. It was a bit implausible and predictable: a former stripper/Playboy playmate marries a very much older man who dies and leaves her a fortune and a.. hockey team? You can predict who will fall in love with whom, but it was still fun to read. I would read more in this genre and more from this author.
Erotic or BDSM: Wicked Ties by Shayla Black is about a journalist, Morgan, researching sub/dom behavior. Morgan meets Jack Cole, who is her intended interviewee. During their meeting, Jack discovers that Morgan has a stalker. Jack decides to use his ex-military training to guard and protect Morgan…while he encourages her to be his submissive. Jack was a little too dom for me to fall in love with.
GLBT: Taboo is a group of stories divided by geographical region and discussing the range of sexual behaviors considered "taboo": homosexuality and incest. This is my first book in this genre and my first book by this author. It has all the elements of a romantic story: jealousy, rejection, passion and even sometimes a little happiness.
Historical or Regency: The Winter Rose is book two in The Tea Rose trilogy. I read this before reading book one, The Tea Rose. I didn’t have difficulty in following any of the plotlines. Other reviewers have proposed that perhaps the book is so lengthy is the frequent recaps and long descriptions needed to maintain the character consistency. The story begins in London, 1900 and references social reform (Women’s equality) and medical innovations (blood transfusions, birth control). I found part one to be a bit slow, but I fell in love with the characters and had sped through parts two and three. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
Paranormal or Fantasy: Phantom Evil is the first book in the Krewe of Hunters series. This story is about a group of people who come together to investigate a murder and whether or not ghosts played a role. I liked the characters and the New Orleans setting. I like this genre and I would read the other books in this series.
Suspense/Mystery: Hard Evidence is book 2 in the I-team series. The heroine, Tessa Novak, witnesses a drive by shooting. She is a newspaper investigative reporter hiding the truth behind her childhood and family identity. Toss in the mix and undercover FBI agent, gang turf war, mafias and human trafficking. I am planning to read all of the books in this series!
World Lit/International: I selected The Ice Princess because I enjoyed The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and read about the comparisons between these books. I thought this was a good mystery/suspense story. It touched upon many of the issues that contemporary women in all countries deal with: relationships, dealing with loss, work pressures and searching for romance. I enjoyed reading the descriptions of the icy streets in the Swedish villages while in the withering summer heat!
Chick-lit: I read Jane Green’s The Beach House. I remember when the book launched in 2008 and it was EVERYWHERE. When it came time to select a chick lit book, I selected this title. I think of this genre as being characterized with humor, close friendships, introspective angst or overly dramatic emotional breakdowns. The Beach House has a cast of characters who are introduced in NY, then come together by chance in a Nantucket beach house. I feel that the characters represented many of the unpleasant stereotypes given to New Yorkers: self-centered, self-absorbed and unlikable. They became “transformed” in the Nantucket beach house setting and found love, compassion and empathy. I would try this genre again, but probably not this author.
Young Adult: I read Hourglass for the book cover alone! The story didn't have as many of the typical YA elements that I associate with this genre; high school setting, best friend conflicts, etc. It did have the "who will I be when I grow up" conflict, which I still suffer from! The heroine, Emerson, has time travel abilities and the story revolves around how she will develop and use them. I liked this book and will read the sequel.
I'm done with my challenge. I'll update the list tomorrow.
Thanks to everyone who participated in this challenge. I hope you enjoyed it :)Congratualtions to everyone who finished, came close to finishing, or just took a stab at it- as long as you had fun and maybe found a few good books along the way, that's all that matters!
Final tally-
Amy J.- 14/14
Sassafrass- 16/16
Charlotte- 14/14
MountainKat- 14/14
Lynne- 23/23
Angie- 16/16
Leslie- 12/12
Adriana- 16/16
Ab2y- 15/15
Jane- 9/12
Fran- 12/16
Eimeriina- 7/14
-Sara- - 7/24
Ola- 7/10
Dee- 15/23 1 DNF
Sandy- 9/10
Vi- 14/19 - updating soon
Wan- 7/9
D Lord- 2/9
Shirley- 8/15
Mandy- 2/14
Roxy- 9/9
Anna- 3/9
Gigi- 2/9
Sara- 1/11
Aimie- 6/9
Bips- 8/12 (Please post discussion answers)
Tina "reading mommy"- 9/9 (Please post discussion answers)
If you have read more since this latest tally, feel free to post your updated list and I will adjust your totals.
Thanks Fran! It was fun, if I did get stumped by my last 3 books :)
Me too. The hardest part was we have to list our books in advance and can't change it. That's super tough.
Me too. The hardest part was we have to list our books in advance and can't change it. That's super tough.
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Phantom Evil (other topics)Hourglass (other topics)
The Winter Rose (other topics)
True Love and Other Disasters (other topics)
Wicked Ties (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Nalini Singh (other topics)Richard Dawkins (other topics)
Jane Seville (other topics)
Tawna Fenske (other topics)
Evangeline Anderson (other topics)
More...
July 30, 2011 - June 30, 2012 (started August 6, 2011)
16/16 completed--FINISHED! 5/27/12
√Contemporary: Undeniably Yours completed 8/7/11
√Erotic: Changing the Game completed 8/6/11
√BDSM: Roped In completed 11/10/11
√GLBT: (f/f) Heart of Change completed 3/2/12
√Historical OR Regency: It Happened One Autumn completed 10/1/11
√Paranormal: Elijah completed 8/25/11
√Fantasy: King of Sword and Sky completed 5/27/12
√Suspense OR Mystery: T is for Trespass completed 10/11/11
√Women's Fiction OR Chick-lit: Confessions of a Shopaholic completed 12/24/11
√World Lit/International: The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency completed 11/4/11
√Young Adult: The Hunger Games completed 10/11/11
*OPTIONAL/BONUS Categories:
√Classic: Pride and Prejudice completed 9/16/11
√Memoir OR Non-fiction: Foxy: My Life in Three Actscompleted 5/27/12
√Thriller OR Horror: Before I Go to Sleep completed 3/2/12
√Religious OR Inspirational: By Reason of Insanitycompleted 5/26/12
√Speculative Fiction OR Dystopia: Matched completed 11/15/11
Discussion:
Erotic: This is one of my usual genres so I was totally in my element. Changing the Game is the second book in the Play by Play series by Jaci Burton. I really liked this one but some of it annoyed me. But, I love dominant men and strong women who like to be a submissive in the bedroom, so while not a BDSM book, it was right up my alley.
Contemporary: Undeniably Yours is the second book in the Kowalskis series by Shannon Stacey. I really liked her voice and even though I wasn't totally fond of the heroine, I LOVED the hero. Full review found here:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Paranormal: Elijah is the 3rd book in the Nightwalkers series by Jacquelyn Frank. I'm new to the series, but I have truly fallen in love with. I think the world-building and the lore behind the Nightwalkers are both fantastic. I have listened to this series on Audio and the Narrator Xe Sands is just amazing. I think she has made the whole series for me.
Classic: Pride and Prejudice was one of my favorite books when I was younger. I read it again and it was difficult for me to read. Everything was full of flourish. I found myself impatient for the characters to just say what they meant! LOL I don't know if it's now that even when I'm reading I'm thinking about all of the million of others things I HAVE to do, but I just didn't enjoy as much as I did previously. *shrug*
Historical or Regency: It Happened One Autumn was FANTASTIC! I am not usually a fan of historical romance, but Lisa Kleypas really makes me question that. I loved Secrets of a Summer Night, but I think I liked this book more because I didn't particularly care for the hero when we met in the first book, but I guess he just needed to fall in love because I absolutely adored him in this! I may have to start reading more historical romances!
Suspense OR Mystery: I listened the Alphabet Mystery Series by Sue Grafton on audiobook, and I have to admit that some books have been better than others. I don't think I would have liked the series as much as I do if I hadn't listened to them. But the first narrator for the series really had a great voice and interpretation of the character, so I got hooked. I had been disappointed with the last few "letters", so I had put the series down for a while. I picked it back up for this challenge and I must say that I really liked T is for Trespass. This book was done differently since we knew exactly who the culprit was from the beginning. Also we got to see the culprits point of view as well as Kinsey's (the main character) throughout the book. It certainly kept me interested, and it has renewed my interest in the series. My only problem now is that there is only up to "U" done so far, so I'll have to wait for the rest of the series to come out. I've been spoiled so far since I started listening to it about a year and a half ago. :)
Young Adult: YA is a relatively new genre for me. I'm glad that The Hunger Games was among one of the first books I've read in the genre. I have a ton of thoughts about it though because I mean, wow, this is a really difficult book to review. As much as I liked it, it made me uncomfortable. What a horrible world to have to live in when we put are young people in such horrible situations! But, are there a lot of young ones in horrible situations right now, too? The brutality and horror during the game were difficult at times, but what was the most difficult was the conditions from where Katniss came. A child without at childhood, a girl not able to enjoy being one. I will say that even though I was having all of these thoughts, I really devoured the book, and I can't wait to read the next one. I'm actually glad that the trilogy is already finished because I don't think I would have been able to wait in between books the way some people had to.
World Lit/International: I read The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and I think this moved just way too slow for me. I really had to work at keeping my attention on it. I'd read a chapter and then go read another book, and so on. I thought if I could get past the beginning, it would get better but it just didn't. I liked the content but no the way it was delivered.
BDSM: Oh, this is one of my FAVORITES! I love erotica especially menage and BDSM. Something about the power exchange speaks to me. Roped In is the book I chose for this genre because I've had it on my TBR for a while. I've read Sindra van Yssel a few times in the past and have really enjoyed her books. This book was also very enjoyable. I like the newbie subs getting introduced to the lifestyle by the more experienced Dom. My only issue was that I thought the love connection was little bit too quick for me to really fall into the story. But, I really liked it otherwise. This is the first book in the Bondage Ranch series, and I'm looking forward to reading more in the series.
Speculative Fiction or Dystopia: I chose dystopia for this part of the challenge, and I read Matched. It's YA and it's about a world that I would never want to live in. It was very interesting to see how different the world would be if every portion of our lives was controlled by the government. And for what reason? To live longer? To not have war? Is that worth it? Interesting questions for me to think about. I will definitely continue with this series.
Women's Fiction or Chick-lit: This isn't a genre I typically read just because I'm more of an erotica girl, but I have to say I thought this book was absolutely adorable. Rebecca was hilarious and I just had a good time reading it. I'm interested in seeing what's going to happen next because it was just getting good when it ended...what a tease!
GLBT: This is a genre I'm very comfortable with. However, this one fell flat for me. It was too angsty. It really got on my nerves. I just don't think that two screwed up people should be together. It just doesn't work.
Thriller or Horror: I went with thriller on this one and read Before I Go to Sleep. I'm not a big horror girl because my imagination is so vivid, I really freak myself out, so I figure that thriller is the safer choice. This was a good book. I loved the suspense and trying to figure out the mystery behind it all. It was a little freaky though because she had absolutely no idea what was happening to her. *shiver*
Memoir or Non-fiction: I went with Memoir and read Foxy: My Life in Three Acts. I don't usually read non-fiction, so I'm glad that I picked something I was interested in. I did gain a healthy respect for Pam Grier and was shocked to realize all the was going on in her life behind the scenes when all we really got to see was the public persona.
Fantasy: I not usually a fan of pure fantasy novels but
King of Sword and Sky in the Tairen Soul series has romance in it as well so I have thoroughly enjoyed all of these books. This book had more romance in it than some of the others but it also had a lot of background and politics which can sometimes be hard to keep straight. However, I am in love with the series and will continue with the next book as soon as I can.
Religious or Inspirational: I read By Reason of Insanity and I struggled through this book. I had a to read a chapter or two at a time. It just didn't capture my interest easily in the beginning. It definitely got more interesting towards the end, but I do like a bit more grit in my stories.