Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
2012 Challenge Archive
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One Book For Each Genre! (2011-2012)
message 401:
by
Fran, Moderator
(new)
Dec 21, 2011 08:09AM
Great to have you join us Adriana! It's been a lot of fun so far :)
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i want to join you guys too can i ?
Sure Ab2y, you can join in at any time!There is a Suggestions thread for this challenge if you need any ideas for books in certain genres-
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/6...
okay thank you :) i'll post my list soon .
0/17Contemporary: Mr. Perfect
Erotic: Wicked Ties
BDSM: Master of the Mountain
GLBT:Suicide Notes
Historical: A Kingdom of Dreams
Regency: The Other Boleyn Girl
Paranormal: Guilty Pleasures
Fantasy: Moon Called
Suspense: Extreme Exposure
Mystery: And Then There Were None
Women's Ficttion: Firefly Lane
Chick-Lit: Savannah Breeze
World Lit: In the Time of the Butterflies
YA: Strange Angels
BONUS:
Memoir: The Diary of a Young Girl
Thriller: Now You See Me
Dystopia: Divergent
Great list Adriana! I have read 5 on your list and loved them :)
0/15Contemporary: Along for the Ride / Second Kiss .
Erotic : Counterpoint .
BDSM: A Strong Hand .
GLBT: Witch Eyes / Cut & Run .
Historical: The Rake's Final Conquest .
Paranormal: Hex Hall .
Fantasy: Dark Lover .
Mystery: The Trouble With Magic .
Women's Ficttion: Lola and the Boy Next Door .
Chick-lit: Sloppy Firsts .
International: Girl in Translation .
Young Adult: Exiled .
BONUS:
Memoir: You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up .
2/17Contemporary: Mr. Perfect
Erotic: Wicked Ties
Historical: A Kingdom of Dreams
Regency: The Other Boleyn Girl
Paranormal: Guilty Pleasures
Fantasy: Moon Called
Suspense: Extreme Exposure
Mystery: And Then There Were None
Women's Ficttion: Firefly Lane
Chick-Lit: Savannah Breeze
World Lit: In the Time of the Butterflies
YA: Strange Angels
BONUS:
Memoir: The Diary of a Young Girl
Thriller: Now You See Me
Dystopia: Divergent
Discussion: Have you tried this genre before? What did you think about this book/author?
1. BDSM Master of the Mountain by Cherise Sinclair. I have actually tried this genre a couple of times before, and each time it has been a disaster. The books end-up being really short and lack a plot. This book was completely different. Yes, it had many sex scenes (duh!), but I liked that the characters had some depth and flaws that made them more real than some sex-crazed couple. Even though I really enjoyed this book, I won't be reading books from this genre anymore (well unless it's for a GR challenge :D )
2. GLBT Suicide Notes by Michael Thomas Ford. Never tried the genre before (not my thing). I'm really glad that I pick this book. I liked how the chapters were actually the days he (Jeff) spent in the psych ward. Some parts were so sad that I got teary-eyed.I also liked how I got to know Jeff before the why he tried to commit suicide was explained, and how his character evolved throughout the book. What I really didn't like (and why I gave it 4/5 stars) was that I didn't find out what happened between Jeff and his friend Allie. I would have liked at least some information of what happened after he got out.
Current Status - 7/23 and 1 DNF
- yes, I know i'm an overachiever!Contemporary: Just the Sexiest Man Alive - Finished - November 20 - this was my first Julie James and won't be my last. I find that contemporary romance is sometimes hard to pull off because its hard to not date the period and keep it applicable for a few years to come, but Ms James managed to succeed. Loved the interaction between Taylor and Jason and look forward to more.
Erotic: Raine - Finished - November 15 - I love erotic romance, but this series - I don't even know why I picked up the second one - if anything if was worse than the first. I could deal with the weird sexual issues - double penii and all, but the story just fizzled out - it was like she sat down and said, ok, I hit the word count, i'm done...
BDSM: Ice Queen
GLBT: Divide and Conquer - Finished - October 25 - Holy Ty and Zane hotness - loved this fourth installment in the Cut & Run series, and continuing my love for the m/m genre. Can't say much more without spoilers, but i'll def. be continuing this series and this genre
Historical: Burning Tigress - DNF'd - holy purple prose batman! I read three chapters before I gave up - if i had to hear one more word about her yin going with his yang (or was it the other way around I might have screamed)...I mean, heck, the book started with her and her brother walking in while he had acupruncture needles stuck in his penis and she didn't even blink an eye...WTF!!! - I'll find something else to substitute in here, just not sure what yet
***NEW BOOK***Under Fishbone Clouds
Regency: A Secret Affair
Paranormal: Immortal Rider - Finished - December 23 - OMG, now I have to wait for 6 months for the next dang book in the series to come out....I love that world that Ione has built, and the excerpt from book 3 made me want to read it all the more..NO FAIR!!
Fantasy: Drink Deep (Urban Fantasy) - to be released in November
Suspense: Breaking the Rules (romantic suspense)
Mystery: In the Bleak Midwinter
Women's Fiction: Night Road
Chick-lit: The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing
World Lit/International: Wife of the Gods: A Novel (Ghana, Africa) - Finished - September 10 - one of the other groups i'm in is doing an around the world in 80 books challenge, I love it because it has made it read books not set in the US/UK/France. This one is a mystery set in Ghana and i enjoyed it. The author grew up there and while he now lives in the US it had an authentic feel. I'll def. be reading more by him in the future.
Young Adult: Bumped
*OPTIONAL/BONUS Categories:
Classic: Agnes Grey
Memoir: Zoya's Story: An Afghan Woman's Struggle for Freedom - Finished - August 9, 2011 - I love reading memoirs because they are all so unique - some sad and some happy - this one fell right in the middle of the genre to me - it was the story of Zoya (who is not her real name) who is working to help liberate the women in Afghanistan...she grew up there and then escaped to Pakistan after her parents were killed by the Taliban. I will def. keep reading this genre.
Non-fiction: Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything - Finished - August 24, 2011 - for me non-fiction is either really good or really bad - because this was based on economics I wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised - the book was simple to read and make sense, even though it was published in the early 1990's - I think for me, the best chapter was the one about an individuals' name and its relationship to whether a person gets a job interview or not...and definately made me laugh, because I have had some head scratching moments when i've been like, you names you kid what?? - will def. be reading more by this guy and in the genre
Thriller: Fallen (shelved by 11 as thriller)
Horror: Let the Right One in
Religious: Drums of Change: The Story of Running Fawn
Inspirational: Christmas Jars
Speculative Fiction: 11/22/63: A Novel (alternate history) - to be released in November
Dystopia: Crossed - to be released in November/December
One Book For Each Genre Challenge July 30, 2011 - June 30, 2012 (started August 6, 2011)
11/16 completed
√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
√Historical OR Regency: It Happened One Autumn completed 10/1/11
√Paranormal: Elijah completed 8/25/11
Fantasy: King of Sword and Sky
√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 Acts
Thriller OR Horror: Before I Go to Sleep
Religious OR Inspirational: By Reason of Insanity
√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!
5/17Erotic: Wicked Ties
Historical: A Kingdom of Dreams
Regency: The Other Boleyn Girl
Paranormal: Guilty Pleasures
Mystery: And Then There Were None
Women's Ficttion: Firefly Lane
Chick-Lit: Savannah Breeze
World Lit: In the Time of the Butterflies
YA: Strange Angels
BONUS:
Memoir: The Diary of a Young Girl
Thriller: Now You See Me
Dystopia: Divergent
Discussion: Have you tried this genre before? What did you think about this book/author?
1. BDSM Master of the Mountain by Cherise Sinclair. I have actually tried this genre a couple of times before, and each time it has been a disaster. The books end-up being really short and lack a plot. This book was completely different. Yes, it had many sex scenes (duh!), but I liked that the characters had some depth and flaws that made them more real than some sex-crazed couple. Even though I really enjoyed this book, I won't be reading books from this genre anymore (well unless it's for a GR challenge :D )
2. GLBT Suicide Notes by Michael Thomas Ford. Never tried the genre before (not my thing). I'm really glad that I pick this book. I liked how the chapters were actually the days he (Jeff) spent in the psych ward. Some parts were so sad that I got teary-eyed.I also liked how I got to know Jeff before the why he tried to commit suicide was explained, and how his character evolved throughout the book. What I really didn't like (and why I gave it 4/5 stars) was that I didn't find out what happened between Jeff and his friend Allie. I would have liked at least some information of what happened after he got out.
3. Contemporary Mr.Perfect by Linda Howard. I have tried this genre before and I have also read another book by Linda Howard. This book was really good. I just loved whenever the H/h would interact.I often found by self laughing out loud anytime Jaine said something sarcastic. I loved the romance (even though the falling in love part was a little too quick), the suspense, the humor. It was just a great book. I will definitely read more books by this author.
4. Suspense Extreme Exposure by Pamela Clare. I have read this genre before and I love it! I hated this book, and it is really hard for me to hate a book because I LOVE books, but this book was just awful. From the very first page it's all about sex. The romance was definitely not credible (didn't feel the connection between H/h) and the suspense, well it lacked suspense (if that makes any sense)I will not read a book by this author ever again. I seriously regret picking this book.
5. Fantasy: Moon Called by Patricia Briggs. I have read this genre before and it is one of my favorites. I loved this book, but because so many characters were intro. at once sometimes I confused them. Good plot and lots of action! I will definitely keep reading the series.
Dare You To Read - One Book For Each Genre (Round 2)30th July '11 to 30th June '12
Contemporary: High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
Erotic: The Vampire Queen's Servant by Joey W. Hill
Historical: Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
Fantasy: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Suspense: Killing Floor by Lee Child
World Lit: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Young Adult: Forever by Maggie Stiefvater
*OPTIONAL/BONUS Categories:
Classic: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Memoir: Moab Is My Washpot by Stephen Fry
Horror: Let the Right One in by John Ajvide Lindqvist
Undead and Unpopular
I like Chick Lit but I swear to God this series is working my last nerve. Nothing ever happens, its just 200 pages of nothing. From the reviews I've seen the next book in the series ties up the current story arcs and then goes completely off the deep end. I've got the next book in the series and will read that, but after that I'm afraid Queen Betsy gets the bullet.
Charlotte,I read one further than you and then stopped. I heard MJD gets rid of most of the supporting characters after #6 and I just don't want to read about that. I also read somewhere that she no longer writes the series herself. I really liked it for awhile, it's too bad.
Current Status - 8/23 and 1 DNF
- yes, I know i'm an overachiever!Contemporary: Just the Sexiest Man Alive - Finished - November 20 - this was my first Julie James and won't be my last. I find that contemporary romance is sometimes hard to pull off because its hard to not date the period and keep it applicable for a few years to come, but Ms James managed to succeed. Loved the interaction between Taylor and Jason and look forward to more.
Erotic: Raine - Finished - November 15 - I love erotic romance, but this series - I don't even know why I picked up the second one - if anything if was worse than the first. I could deal with the weird sexual issues - double penii and all, but the story just fizzled out - it was like she sat down and said, ok, I hit the word count, i'm done...
BDSM: Ice Queen
GLBT: Divide and Conquer - Finished - October 25 - Holy Ty and Zane hotness - loved this fourth installment in the Cut & Run series, and continuing my love for the m/m genre. Can't say much more without spoilers, but i'll def. be continuing this series and this genre
Historical: Burning Tigress - DNF'd - holy purple prose batman! I read three chapters before I gave up - if i had to hear one more word about her yin going with his yang (or was it the other way around I might have screamed)...I mean, heck, the book started with her and her brother walking in while he had acupruncture needles stuck in his penis and she didn't even blink an eye...WTF!!! - I'll find something else to substitute in here, just not sure what yet
***NEW BOOK***Under Fishbone Clouds
Regency: A Secret Affair
Paranormal: Immortal Rider - Finished - December 23 - OMG, now I have to wait for 6 months for the next dang book in the series to come out....I love that world that Ione has built, and the excerpt from book 3 made me want to read it all the more..NO FAIR!!
Fantasy: Drink Deep (Urban Fantasy) - Finished - December 29 - so at the end of book 4 most of us wanted to kill the author for what she did to the main 2 characters and I was really skeptical if she was going to be able to fix it, like she promised. This book def. felt like a bridging book in a trilogy in that it was very slow going and building, and then whamo by the end...but i'll def. be reading more in the series and of the genre in the future
Suspense: Breaking the Rules (romantic suspense)
Mystery: In the Bleak Midwinter
Women's Fiction: Night Road
Chick-lit: The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing
World Lit/International: Wife of the Gods: A Novel (Ghana, Africa) - Finished - September 10 - one of the other groups i'm in is doing an around the world in 80 books challenge, I love it because it has made it read books not set in the US/UK/France. This one is a mystery set in Ghana and i enjoyed it. The author grew up there and while he now lives in the US it had an authentic feel. I'll def. be reading more by him in the future.
Young Adult:
*OPTIONAL/BONUS Categories:
Classic: Agnes Grey
Memoir: Zoya's Story: An Afghan Woman's Struggle for Freedom - Finished - August 9, 2011 - I love reading memoirs because they are all so unique - some sad and some happy - this one fell right in the middle of the genre to me - it was the story of Zoya (who is not her real name) who is working to help liberate the women in Afghanistan...she grew up there and then escaped to Pakistan after her parents were killed by the Taliban. I will def. keep reading this genre.
Non-fiction: Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything - Finished - August 24, 2011 - for me non-fiction is either really good or really bad - because this was based on economics I wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised - the book was simple to read and make sense, even though it was published in the early 1990's - I think for me, the best chapter was the one about an individuals' name and its relationship to whether a person gets a job interview or not...and definately made me laugh, because I have had some head scratching moments when i've been like, you names you kid what?? - will def. be reading more by this guy and in the genre
Thriller: Fallen (shelved by 11 as thriller)
Horror: Let the Right One in
Religious: Drums of Change: The Story of Running Fawn
Inspirational: Christmas Jars
Speculative Fiction: 11/22/63: A Novel (alternate history) - to be released in November
Dystopia: Crossed - to be released in November/December
Dee, Drink Deep is one of the first books I'll be reading next year. I was so upset at the end of the last book - I need to know how she fixes it and had to stop myself starting this book as soon as I finished the last one.@Fran, I think it's a shame when some series go so seriously wrong (like Anita Blake, those reviews make me really nervous to get into that series).
@ Charlotte...it was good, but it took a while...a lot of shit went down in chicago before it was fixed
One Book For Each Genre Challenge Progress: 10/20
Duration: 30/06/11 - 30/06/12
1. Contemporary: An Unforgettable Lady by Jessica Bird - 19/08/11 - ★★★★
2. Erotic: Sweet Surrender by Maya Banks
3. GLBT: Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan
4. Historical: The Marsh King's Daughter by Elizabeth Chadwick
5. Regency: Silk Is for Seduction by Loretta Chase - 07/08/11 - ★★★★
6. Fantasy: The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting - 2/8/11 - ★★★
7. Paranormal Grave Witch by Kalayna Price - 10/08/11 - ★★★★
8. Suspense: Black Ice by Anne Stuart - 1/11/11 - ★★★ 1/2
9. Mystery: The Bay At Midnight by Diane Chamberlain - 19/8/11 - ★★★★
10. Women's Fiction: Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah - 3/8/11 - ★★★★
11. Chick-Lit: The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper - 29/12/11 - ★★★
12. World Lit: Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel - 04/11/11 - ★★
13. Young Adult: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness - 26/8/11 ★★★★★
Optional Categories
14. Classic: I, Robot by Isaac Asimov
15. Non-Fiction: Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern
16. Horror: Let the Right One in by John Ajvide Lindqvist
17. Thriller: Postmortem by Patricia Cornwell
18. Speculative: Doomsday Book by Connie Willis
19. Dystopia: Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde
20. Manga:
Discussion
9. Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel - My first book from this author and the genre - magic realism. I liked the food aspects of it which is really the only thing that was good about this book. I didn't get the love between the main two leads. There seemed to be only attraction. And the end just whacked me over the head. I don't think I'll pick another book from this author. But, I'll give the genre another try with Sarah Addision Allen who I've heard is far better
10. The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper - I read and liked the first book in the series. So I was very excited to try the second. Unfortunately, it was not that good. The romance storyline takes a backseat to the alpha-stories which is good but the female lead, Maggie, just comes across as dumb in them. I don't get why she's alpha - is it because she's more aggressive? The two leads have insta-love in this which is really not convincing as most of the bondings take place out of the book. All in all, an ok read. I might pick up another book from this author.
Current Status - 10/23 and 1 DNF
- yes, I know i'm an overachiever!Contemporary: Just the Sexiest Man Alive - Finished - November 20 - this was my first Julie James and won't be my last. I find that contemporary romance is sometimes hard to pull off because its hard to not date the period and keep it applicable for a few years to come, but Ms James managed to succeed. Loved the interaction between Taylor and Jason and look forward to more.
Erotic: Raine - Finished - November 15 - I love erotic romance, but this series - I don't even know why I picked up the second one - if anything if was worse than the first. I could deal with the weird sexual issues - double penii and all, but the story just fizzled out - it was like she sat down and said, ok, I hit the word count, i'm done...
BDSM: Ice Queen
GLBT: Divide and Conquer - Finished - October 25 - Holy Ty and Zane hotness - loved this fourth installment in the Cut & Run series, and continuing my love for the m/m genre. Can't say much more without spoilers, but i'll def. be continuing this series and this genre
Historical: Burning Tigress - DNF'd - holy purple prose batman! I read three chapters before I gave up - if i had to hear one more word about her yin going with his yang (or was it the other way around I might have screamed)...I mean, heck, the book started with her and her brother walking in while he had acupruncture needles stuck in his penis and she didn't even blink an eye...WTF!!! - I'll find something else to substitute in here, just not sure what yet
***NEW BOOK***Under Fishbone Clouds
Regency: A Secret Affair
Paranormal: Immortal Rider - Finished - December 23 - OMG, now I have to wait for 6 months for the next dang book in the series to come out....I love that world that Ione has built, and the excerpt from book 3 made me want to read it all the more..NO FAIR!!
Fantasy: Drink Deep (Urban Fantasy) - Finished - December 29 - so at the end of book 4 most of us wanted to kill the author for what she did to the main 2 characters and I was really skeptical if she was going to be able to fix it, like she promised. This book def. felt like a bridging book in a trilogy in that it was very slow going and building, and then whamo by the end...but i'll def. be reading more in the series and of the genre in the future
Suspense: Breaking the Rules (romantic suspense)
Mystery: In the Bleak Midwinter
Women's Fiction: Night Road
Chick-lit: The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing
World Lit/International: Wife of the Gods: A Novel (Ghana, Africa) - Finished - September 10 - one of the other groups i'm in is doing an around the world in 80 books challenge, I love it because it has made it read books not set in the US/UK/France. This one is a mystery set in Ghana and i enjoyed it. The author grew up there and while he now lives in the US it had an authentic feel. I'll def. be reading more by him in the future.
Young Adult:
*OPTIONAL/BONUS Categories:
Classic: Agnes Grey
Memoir: Zoya's Story: An Afghan Woman's Struggle for Freedom - Finished - August 9, 2011 - I love reading memoirs because they are all so unique - some sad and some happy - this one fell right in the middle of the genre to me - it was the story of Zoya (who is not her real name) who is working to help liberate the women in Afghanistan...she grew up there and then escaped to Pakistan after her parents were killed by the Taliban. I will def. keep reading this genre.
Non-fiction: Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything - Finished - August 24, 2011 - for me non-fiction is either really good or really bad - because this was based on economics I wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised - the book was simple to read and make sense, even though it was published in the early 1990's - I think for me, the best chapter was the one about an individuals' name and its relationship to whether a person gets a job interview or not...and definately made me laugh, because I have had some head scratching moments when i've been like, you names you kid what?? - will def. be reading more by this guy and in the genre
Thriller: Fallen (shelved by 11 as thriller)
Horror: Let the Right One in
Religious: Drums of Change: The Story of Running Fawn
Inspirational: Christmas Jars
Speculative Fiction: 11/22/63: A Novel (alternate history) - to be released in November
Dystopia: Crossed - to be released in November/December
Wow I totally forgot about this challenge. Good job I still have a few months left, I will complete one of these challenges one day. I have made a couple of changes to my original chosen books. Complete 3/9
Contemporary- Fools Rush In by Janice Thompson
Historical- The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel
Paranormal or Fantasy- Night Embrace by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Women's Fiction or Chick Lit- Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson
World Lit- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Young Adult- Forever by Maggie Stiefvater
Aimie - did you check with the mod before making changes? one of the points of this challenge is to pre-pick and if you need to change, you need to let them know
Dee wrote: "Aimie - did you check with the mod before making changes? one of the points of this challenge is to pre-pick and if you need to change, you need to let them know"Ok Ta I'll check. I didn't realise. I only changed one book, it's by the same author. The original book I put up I can't get a hold of it. It never seems to be in the library when I go.
Fran wrote: "I dare you to read ONE book from each genre!RULES: Please read before deciding to participate.
*Make sure to pick your selection carefully, for you will not be able to change the books o..."
Hi Fran, I needed to change one of my books because it never seems to be in the library when I go in so I picked another from the same author, it still fits in the same genre too. so is it ok if I use that one instead. I have already put it on my updated post. But Dee asked if I have asked a Mod. It was so long ago I joined the challenge I forgot about the rules. Lol.. if the change is a problem I can stick with the original and just hope I can get my hands on it before the deadline. :)
2/15Contemporary: Along for the Ride / Second Kiss .
Erotic : Counterpoint .
BDSM: A Strong Hand .
GLBT:
Cut & Run .
Historical: The Rake's Final Conquest .
Paranormal: Hex Hall .
Fantasy: Dark Lover .
Mystery: The Trouble With Magic .
Women's Ficttion:
Chick-lit: Sloppy Firsts .
International: Girl in Translation .
Young Adult: Exiled .
BONUS:
Memoir: You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up .
After reading some previous posts I realized that I broke the rules as well. I changed a book without checking with the moderator. This is one of the first challenges I ever signed up for and I didn't fully understand the rules. Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa.
Hi Ladies!Dee, thanks for the rule reminder :)
Aimie, if the book is not available at your library and you can't put a hold on it then you can substitute another one for it.
Leslie, this is one of the very few challenges that you have to pre-pick your books and stick with the list. It's totally understandable to forget that. Did you read the changed book yet? If you did, then just leave it be. If not, if you could try and read the original choice that would be great.
This is supposed to be fun, so bending and adjusting the rules is fine by me :)
Fran wrote: "Hi Ladies!Dee, thanks for the rule reminder :)
Aimie, if the book is not available at your library and you can't put a hold on it then you can substitute another one for it.
Leslie, this..."
Thanks Fran :)
Fran, no, I already read the changed book. And this has definitely been one of my favorite challenges. I hope you will do it again, when the time period is up.thanks!
I'm so glad you are enjoying this challenge Leslie- me too!
Current Status - 11/23 and 1 DNF
- yes, I know i'm an overachiever!Contemporary: Just the Sexiest Man Alive - Finished - November 20 - this was my first Julie James and won't be my last. I find that contemporary romance is sometimes hard to pull off because its hard to not date the period and keep it applicable for a few years to come, but Ms James managed to succeed. Loved the interaction between Taylor and Jason and look forward to more.
Erotic: Raine - Finished - November 15 - I love erotic romance, but this series - I don't even know why I picked up the second one - if anything if was worse than the first. I could deal with the weird sexual issues - double penii and all, but the story just fizzled out - it was like she sat down and said, ok, I hit the word count, i'm done...
BDSM: Ice Queen - Finished - January 8 - wow, its always hard to find good BDSM books that make sense in a setting but completely draw you in and Joey def. did that with this book - I felt connected to what Tyler and Margurite were going through...now I have to read the next one since its the second half of their story...lol!
GLBT: Divide and Conquer - Finished - October 25 - Holy Ty and Zane hotness - loved this fourth installment in the Cut & Run series, and continuing my love for the m/m genre. Can't say much more without spoilers, but i'll def. be continuing this series and this genre
Historical: Burning Tigress - DNF'd - holy purple prose batman! I read three chapters before I gave up - if i had to hear one more word about her yin going with his yang (or was it the other way around I might have screamed)...I mean, heck, the book started with her and her brother walking in while he had acupruncture needles stuck in his penis and she didn't even blink an eye...WTF!!! - I'll find something else to substitute in here, just not sure what yet
***NEW BOOK***Under Fishbone Clouds
Regency: A Secret Affair
Paranormal: Immortal Rider - Finished - December 23 - OMG, now I have to wait for 6 months for the next dang book in the series to come out....I love that world that Ione has built, and the excerpt from book 3 made me want to read it all the more..NO FAIR!!
Fantasy: Drink Deep (Urban Fantasy) - Finished - December 29 - so at the end of book 4 most of us wanted to kill the author for what she did to the main 2 characters and I was really skeptical if she was going to be able to fix it, like she promised. This book def. felt like a bridging book in a trilogy in that it was very slow going and building, and then whamo by the end...but i'll def. be reading more in the series and of the genre in the future
Suspense: Breaking the Rules (romantic suspense)
Mystery: In the Bleak Midwinter
Women's Fiction: Night Road
Chick-lit: The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing
World Lit/International: Wife of the Gods: A Novel (Ghana, Africa) - Finished - September 10 - one of the other groups i'm in is doing an around the world in 80 books challenge, I love it because it has made it read books not set in the US/UK/France. This one is a mystery set in Ghana and i enjoyed it. The author grew up there and while he now lives in the US it had an authentic feel. I'll def. be reading more by him in the future.
Young Adult:
*OPTIONAL/BONUS Categories:
Classic: Agnes Grey
Memoir: Zoya's Story: An Afghan Woman's Struggle for Freedom - Finished - August 9, 2011 - I love reading memoirs because they are all so unique - some sad and some happy - this one fell right in the middle of the genre to me - it was the story of Zoya (who is not her real name) who is working to help liberate the women in Afghanistan...she grew up there and then escaped to Pakistan after her parents were killed by the Taliban. I will def. keep reading this genre.
Non-fiction: Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything - Finished - August 24, 2011 - for me non-fiction is either really good or really bad - because this was based on economics I wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised - the book was simple to read and make sense, even though it was published in the early 1990's - I think for me, the best chapter was the one about an individuals' name and its relationship to whether a person gets a job interview or not...and definately made me laugh, because I have had some head scratching moments when i've been like, you names you kid what?? - will def. be reading more by this guy and in the genre
Thriller: Fallen (shelved by 11 as thriller)
Horror: Let the Right One in
Religious: Drums of Change: The Story of Running Fawn
Inspirational: Christmas Jars
Speculative Fiction: 11/22/63: A Novel (alternate history) - to be released in November
Dystopia: Crossed - to be released in November/December
Dee!I was waiting for you to read that one! I love Joey Hill and that series is one of my faves. She just sucks you in and makes you feel.
yeah...i'm planning on using the rest of the series for Yz's world ending series catch-up challenge because they have been sitting on the kindle for ages
Current Status - 12/23 and 1 DNF
- yes, I know i'm an overachiever!Contemporary: Just the Sexiest Man Alive - Finished - November 20 - this was my first Julie James and won't be my last. I find that contemporary romance is sometimes hard to pull off because its hard to not date the period and keep it applicable for a few years to come, but Ms James managed to succeed. Loved the interaction between Taylor and Jason and look forward to more.
Erotic: Raine - Finished - November 15 - I love erotic romance, but this series - I don't even know why I picked up the second one - if anything if was worse than the first. I could deal with the weird sexual issues - double penii and all, but the story just fizzled out - it was like she sat down and said, ok, I hit the word count, i'm done...
BDSM: Ice Queen - Finished - January 8 - wow, its always hard to find good BDSM books that make sense in a setting but completely draw you in and Joey def. did that with this book - I felt connected to what Tyler and Margurite were going through...now I have to read the next one since its the second half of their story...lol!
GLBT: Divide and Conquer - Finished - October 25 - Holy Ty and Zane hotness - loved this fourth installment in the Cut & Run series, and continuing my love for the m/m genre. Can't say much more without spoilers, but i'll def. be continuing this series and this genre
Historical: Burning Tigress - DNF'd - holy purple prose batman! I read three chapters before I gave up - if i had to hear one more word about her yin going with his yang (or was it the other way around I might have screamed)...I mean, heck, the book started with her and her brother walking in while he had acupruncture needles stuck in his penis and she didn't even blink an eye...WTF!!! - I'll find something else to substitute in here, just not sure what yet
***NEW BOOK***Under Fishbone Clouds
Regency: A Secret Affair
Paranormal: Immortal Rider - Finished - December 23 - OMG, now I have to wait for 6 months for the next dang book in the series to come out....I love that world that Ione has built, and the excerpt from book 3 made me want to read it all the more..NO FAIR!!
Fantasy: Drink Deep (Urban Fantasy) - Finished - December 29 - so at the end of book 4 most of us wanted to kill the author for what she did to the main 2 characters and I was really skeptical if she was going to be able to fix it, like she promised. This book def. felt like a bridging book in a trilogy in that it was very slow going and building, and then whamo by the end...but i'll def. be reading more in the series and of the genre in the future
Suspense: Breaking the Rules (romantic suspense)
Mystery: In the Bleak Midwinter
Women's Fiction: Night Road
Chick-lit: The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing
World Lit/International: Wife of the Gods: A Novel (Ghana, Africa) - Finished - September 10 - one of the other groups i'm in is doing an around the world in 80 books challenge, I love it because it has made it read books not set in the US/UK/France. This one is a mystery set in Ghana and i enjoyed it. The author grew up there and while he now lives in the US it had an authentic feel. I'll def. be reading more by him in the future.
Young Adult:
*OPTIONAL/BONUS Categories:
Classic: Agnes Grey
Memoir: Zoya's Story: An Afghan Woman's Struggle for Freedom - Finished - August 9, 2011 - I love reading memoirs because they are all so unique - some sad and some happy - this one fell right in the middle of the genre to me - it was the story of Zoya (who is not her real name) who is working to help liberate the women in Afghanistan...she grew up there and then escaped to Pakistan after her parents were killed by the Taliban. I will def. keep reading this genre.
Non-fiction: Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything - Finished - August 24, 2011 - for me non-fiction is either really good or really bad - because this was based on economics I wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised - the book was simple to read and make sense, even though it was published in the early 1990's - I think for me, the best chapter was the one about an individuals' name and its relationship to whether a person gets a job interview or not...and definately made me laugh, because I have had some head scratching moments when i've been like, you names you kid what?? - will def. be reading more by this guy and in the genre
Thriller: Fallen (shelved by 11 as thriller)
Horror: Let the Right One in
Religious: Drums of Change: The Story of Running Fawn
Inspirational: Christmas Jars
Speculative Fiction: 11/22/63: A Novel (alternate history) - to be released in November
Dystopia: Crossed - Finished - January 9, 2012 - this was obviously a middle book in a trilogy in that lots happened and yet nothing really happend (if that makes sense at all...). I liked seeing the further development of Cassia and Ky, but wish there had been more of Xander. Will be interesting to see what happens in the last book. I'm on a real Dystopia kick right now, so i'll def. be reading more.
Wow, Dee! You're zooming through the books!
not as fast as some ;) it just happened that I had a bunch put into another challenge i'm currently doing. I got 2 more on the list in that challenge
Complete 6/9Historical- The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel
World Lit- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Young Adult- Forever by Maggie Stiefvater
Ok, here's my list! 2/9 read
Contemporary: Just One Of The Guys by Kristan Higgins
Erotic OR BDSM: Caine's Reckoning by Sarah McCarty (Erotic) and The Reluctant Dom by Tymber Dalton (BDSM)
GLBT: Finding Zach by Rowan Speedwell
Historical OR Regency:
Paranormal OR Fantasy: Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Suspense OR Mystery:
Women's Fiction OR Chick-lit: Love, Rosie by Cecilia Ahern
World Lit/International: Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon by Jorge Amado (Brazil)
Young Adult: The Truth about Forever by Sarah Dessen
The Fulfillment by Lavyrle Spencer ****: Lavyrle Spencer's historicals never disappoint me. I'm sad to say, that is the last of her historicals that I haven't read; I'm caught up with all of her historicals : (. Historicals tend to be my go-to genre. So, I will definitely read more of them in the future. Lavyrle tends to write about family and overcoming some sort of adversity. She writes some of the best characters- complex and very real. Her characters can be both strong and vulnerable. If you enjoy HR's, then you should pick up a LS book. I don't understand why her books aren't more popular.
So, The Fulfillment is a complex story and done so well. The story is about a wife and two brothers who live together to work a farm- one sterile and married brother and the other brother a fertile bachelor. The married brother poses an unorthodox solution to his fertility problem which is the catalyst for a very interesting story.
Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard****- There was a large period of time when I've tried to avoid the Romantic Suspense genre. However, thanks to Linda Howard I've developed an appreciation for the genre. So, for Romantic Suspense, Linda Howard is my go-to author.
Mr. Perfect was a really great story with a twist at the end. Linda Howard writes very strong heroines, Jaine Bright is no different. She also writes a kick-ass hero and Sam Donovan was no different. Jaine and her friends put together a list of requirements for the "perfect man." Well, this list goes viral and makes local celebrities out of the 4 friends. However, there is one person who is completely disgusted by this list and feels that the women need to be taught a lesson. Very good story- classic Linda Howard!
Hi Gigi!- so glad you are on the board!Aimie and Gigi, when you have a moment, please post your discussion answers for each book read- thanks!
Discussion: Have you tried this genre before? What did you think about this book/author?
Fran wrote: "Hi Gigi!- so glad you are on the board!Aimie and Gigi, when you have a moment, please post your discussion answers for each book read- thanks!
Discussion: Have you tried this genre before? W..."
Hi Fran!!! Happy New Year! Sorry about that- discussions answers have been posted. : )
Thanks Gigi! Happy New Year to you too :)I've never read a Lavyrle Spencer book but your review makes me want to try one. I don't really love Romantic Suspense but I keep reading great things about Mr. Perfect. Maybe one day...
Fran wrote: "Hi Gigi!- so glad you are on the board!Aimie and Gigi, when you have a moment, please post your discussion answers for each book read- thanks!
Discussion: Have you tried this genre before? W..."
Sorry, I joined up to this ages ago. I forgot we had to do that.. My bad. Will add them ASAP. :)
Fran wrote: "Thanks Gigi! Happy New Year to you too :)I've never read a Lavyrle Spencer book but your review makes me want to try one. I don't really love Romantic Suspense but I keep reading great things..."
Fran, you have to read one of her books, especially one of her HR's. I'm not a huge fan of Americana books, but her books are really good. Start with either Years and/or The Endearment then move on to either Hummingbird and/or Morning Glory (which are probably her best books). Fran, hopefully, I've never steered you wrong before. LOL
Thanks Aimie! No rush :)Gigi, LOL, I don't think you've ever steered me wrong!
Complete 6/9Contemporary-
I don't read a lot of Contemporary books, Even though I do enjoy them. I have to be in the right frame of mind to read them though.
I did enjoy this book, although I only gave it three stars. It took me a while before I could decide between 3 and 4 stars. I loved the characters and plot/storying, which made me think it deserved the 4 stars. Its a Christian fiction, which I usually enjoy even though I'm not remotely religious myself. I still enjoy reading about other peoples beliefs and the faith they have in them is somewhat inspiring. But I felt the author went on about God a bit too much in this book. I don't think there was 1 page were a character didn't pray to God or think of God or thank God in someway, in the whole book. It was just a bit too much. Thats why I gave it 3 stars in the end. I still loved the storyline and if you can ignore the over baring preaching, I would recommend it to others to read.
Erotica-
I love Erotica books.. Who doesn't?!
This series still reminds me of J.R. Ward's BDB series. I thought that would put me off since I love BDB, I'd feel like she's stealing the story from Ward. But I don't I love it. Tess and Dante are great characters, the story revolves around them. There was a lot of action in this book and plenty of steamy scenes too. I'll definately keep on reading Lara Adrian's books.
GLBT-
I haven't read many books in this genre, in fact I didn't even realise this was a genre. Maybe thats just because I haven't come across many books that belong in it. Lord John is Gay and definitely belongs here.
This book belongs to a spin off series of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander Series. This series is based on the character Lord John Grey who is well known in The Outlander books. I have never picked up one of his books because after reading "Echo in he Bone" I hated his character for something he did in it. But some other Outlander fans talked me into reading one of his books so I picked this one up. Now Jamie is the Scottish Prisoner referred to in the title so obviously Lord John or not I enjoyed this because Jamie was there. It was heart wrenching seeing him struggle with the absence of Claire. I really enjoyed the fact that at last I was getting to see those years with Jamie, we missed in The Outlander books. Timeline wise this book belongs somewhere in the middle of "Voyager".
Don't get me wrong this book isn't full of Jamie. It is a Lord John book after all he is the main character and as much as I hated him going into this book, when I had finished it he changed my mind and won a tiny little corner of my heart. Diana Gabaldon is a wonderful author, she is so descriptive that she transports you right there. I always come away from reading her 18th century books based around the Scottish clans and English soldiers, forgetting I'm in the 21st century with toothpaste, electricity and toilet paper. It does take me a while to adjust. :)
Historical- The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel
Paranormal or Fantasy-
I am hooked on this genre. It has been distracting me from books that belong to other genres that i should be reading. It's my guilty pleasure.
This book was good, I'm not sure if i enjoyed it as much as the other books in this series that I have rad but the storyline was good and there was a lot of things that I have figured will lead to more in upcoming books. I know this was Talons story but I can't help it, I just love Zarek. I find Nick hilarious and well who wouldn't love Acheron? The sacrifices he makes for everyone and they know nothing about it.. *sighs deeply*Anyway back to the couple the story is based around Talon and Sunshine. They worked well together but I was extremely put of during a great sex scene by the fact the Sunshine was licking Talons toes one by one....Eeewww!!!....I'm not a foot person.
I enjoyed getting to see Julian and Kyrain from the previous books. Also seeing Amanda, Selena and; Eros and Psyche too. I am really enjoying these strong awesome characters.
Suspense or Mystery -
This genre was the genre i grew up with. Once I was old enough to read a proper book. I read my dads books all of them being Crime/Suspense/Mystery. Lee Child is amazing at twisting these suspense tales. He keeps me guessing every time, I am usually good at picking up the "who dun it?" in a book but Lee Child just puts that many Twists and Turns in there, it's impossible to guess. You've gotta love a bit of Jack Reacher. He is a book version of a Vin Diesel character. If you want fast paced action, guns, bombs, hostages, a little bit of romance, and even more action. Then you need to pick up a Lee Child's Jack Reacher book. On another note I'm gutted he sold the movie rights to Tom Cruise *shakes my head* How can a 5 and half foot guy play a character 1 foot taller and 100 pounds heavier. It's gonna ruin the character. Apparently Lee Child gave Tom a tip to get into character. "Think big."..Pfft…
The books are brilliant though. :)
Women's Fiction or Chick Lit-
I have read Chick Lit now and then but again I need to be in the mood. Sometimes you just need read a good Chick Lit.
I have had this sat on my kindle for ages, I thought it would be boring... No idea where that thought came from, it was TOTALLY wrong.
Betsy is hilarious. I lost count of the times I laughed out loud like a lunatic while reading this. By the time I'd finished my husband was ready to book me into the looney bin.
World Lit- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Young Adult- Forever by Maggie Stiefvater
Dare You to Read - One Book For Each Genre (2011-2012)July 30, 2011 to June 30, 2012
11 of 14 read. Updated 1.16.12
✓Contemporary: Changing the Game by Jaci Burton 9.20.11
✓Erotic: Sweet Surrender by Maya Banks 8.15.11
✓GLBT: Hot Head by Damon Suede 9.12.11
✓Historical: That Perfect Someone by Johanna Lindsey 8.11.11
✓Paranormal: Deeper Than Midnight by Lara Adrian 10.18.11
✓Suspense: Unlawful Contact by Pamela Clare 8.6.11
✓Chick-lit: Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich 8.22.11
✓World Lit/International: The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson 1.16.12
✓Young Adult: Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson
Bonus Categories:
Classic:To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
✓Memoir: Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen 8.12.11
Thriller: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson
✓Religious: A Very Special Delivery by Linda Goodnight 8.21.11
Dystopia: Soulless by Gail Carriger
Discussion - Have I read this genre and what did I think of this book/author?
Unlawful Contact by Pamela Clare - I love romantic suspense! It seems some of the best book I have read this year fall into this category. This is the third book in Pamela Clare's I-Team series, I read the first two earlier this year and I have to ask myself why did I wait so long to get back to this series!?! Ms. Clare is an amazing author, she moves me so deeply with her writing! So many things that happened in this book would have been wrong if handled differently - they even felt wrong in this book, but in the end I was able to excuse them. There were so many levels of gray in this book; good guys doing bad for all the right reasons, bad guys who looked like good guys... An awesome love story with a wonderful ending. I loved it! *5 Stars*
That Perfect Someone by Johanna Lindsey - Johanna Lindsey wrote the book that hooked me on romance after having just started reading again after stopping while my kids were young, so I have a real soft spot for her books. That said, some of her recent books haven't always lived up to my memories. I'm happy to say this one did! I really enjoyed this book, it was sweet and funny. But don't read it thinking you are going to be reading a book about one of the Malorys - several of them are in it, even somewhat prominently, but neither the hero or the heroine is related in any way no matter how distant. I liked it anyway. =)
Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen - I don't often read this genre, but I really enjoyed this one! I liked reading about the author's journey from a rather low point in her life, her husband of 15 years left her for "a guy named Bob from gay.com" and recovering from a serious car accident, back home to her roots. She had to come to terms with her choices and even her prejudices. It was enlightening and thought provoking. It was also laugh out loud funny. The author's humor was ever present, even while addressing the destruction of her marriage. I found that admirable. I listened to the audio version and thought that the book was well suited for that and the narrator, Hillary Huber, was also quite good.
Sweet Surrender by Maya Banks - Yeppers, I do like some smut in my romance on occasion! No comment on how frequent that occasion is... But to like it I do require a story and characters I like. This book had both. =) I was a little surprised at how sweet it was (yes, even with Sweet in the title), so that was an added plus. I have only read Maya Banks' Romantic Suspense before and loved them, but had heard that her erotica wasn't as good so I didn't know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised - that is always a good thing!
A Very Special Delivery by Linda Goodnight - Not something I would normally pick up. I don't particularly enjoy religious books, I usually find faith something too individual to feel right while reading about it in a story. And I hate being preached to in my books. While religion was quite prevalent in this book, it was, fortunately for my tastes, directed inward towards the main characters. It was about how their lives needed God, not how everyone did. It was their personal struggles to overcome their pasts and how their faith helped them find their future together. So, IMO, it was a nice story - rather religious, but not overly preachy.
Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich - Chick -it is just OK for me. I typically find the heroine in the story a little annoying. I do like Janet Evanovich's style, but it isn't something I could read too often - I think I might find it as annoying as most chick-lit heroines if I did. I guess I am just one of the people who isn't going to be head over heels for these books. I like them well enough, but I just don't think I am going to rush through the series. For me Stephanie and crew are just going to be filler books here and there and that's OK.
Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson - I don't often read young adult books, and even though this is about a young girl, it deals with subjects that would be hard for young children to read about. I thought the author did a good job at capturing the feel of the original "Anne" books. There were parts were I felt like she relied too heavily on what was too come in the books, but I can overlook that. (I can imagine it would be impossible not to have Anne feel happy and optimistic that the trials of her past were behind her as she was heading for the Cuthberts.) There were a few other things that were slightly unbelievable, but the one that stands out for me, would not likely bother others. I always preferred to read about a slightly older Anne, even so reading about an even younger Anne was still fun.
Hot Head by Damon Suede - I have read other M/M books in the past, but none by this author. I liked it. I thought the story was good and the characters likable. There were some things that bothered me a little, but in the end i found it an enjoyable read. I thought the author did a good job of dealing with the emotions involved, it felt real to me.
Changing the Game by Jaci Burton - There are times when a good CR is the best thing to read! I am so glad to be finding more that are good, because when they are bad they are booooorrrrrrinnnng! I did really enjoy this story. I loved Lizzie and Gavin together! All of the relationships in this book we so nice to read about - the girlfriends, the family, the parents. That was one of the nicest parts of the book for me! That and it was pretty darned steamy too!
Deeper Than Midnight by Lara Adrian - Seriously?! Seriously, it ended there?! Arrrrgggghhh!! When does the next book come out?! I really liked this book, but I think I liked the advancement of the overall story line more than the romance. I did like Hunter and Corinne, but their romance just didn't do that much for me. I did like the resolution with Mira's vision too - wasn't sure how that was going to work out while I was reading. One thing I thought was a little strange is that the book was set in December right before Christmas. I found it odd for a book released in the middle of summer. Another was the timeline of the series as a whole, it was repeated several times that the entire series has taken place in a year and a half. I have been reading it much longer than that!!
The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson - I'm having a really hard time rating this book. The story was quite intriguing - once you figured out what the story actually was. That took about a third of the book. But the telling of that story was very disjointed, with numerous threads that were not easy to follow. Eventually these threads all came together to form a cord and made sense, but it wasn't without difficulty. The story literally jumps from one thread for a page or two, to another thread for two paragraphs, to yet another thread for a couple of pages and back to the first thread for several paragraphs. There was also a great deal of minutia, details that don't necessarily move the story forward. It is frustrating because you don't know if these details will later be important, but because there are so many, you know you won't remember them. And then it ended without really wrapping things up. All in all, I'm glad I read this book and I will read the third. I don't see any of them being rereads though.
8/17Erotic: Wicked Ties
Historical: A Kingdom of Dreams
Paranormal: Guilty Pleasures
Mystery: And Then There Were None
Women's Ficttion: Firefly Lane
World Lit: In the Time of the Butterflies
BONUS:
Memoir: The Diary of a Young Girl
Thriller: Now You See Me
Dystopia: Divergent
Discussion: Have you tried this genre before? What did you think about this book/author?
1. BDSM Master of the Mountain by Cherise Sinclair. I have actually tried this genre a couple of times before, and each time it has been a disaster. The books end-up being really short and lack a plot. This book was completely different. Yes, it had many sex scenes (duh!), but I liked that the characters had some depth and flaws that made them more real than some sex-crazed couple. Even though I really enjoyed this book, I won't be reading books from this genre anymore (well unless it's for a GR challenge :D )
2. GLBT Suicide Notes by Michael Thomas Ford. Never tried the genre before (not my thing). I'm really glad that I pick this book. I liked how the chapters were actually the days he (Jeff) spent in the psych ward. Some parts were so sad that I got teary-eyed.I also liked how I got to know Jeff before the why he tried to commit suicide was explained, and how his character evolved throughout the book. What I really didn't like (and why I gave it 4/5 stars) was that I didn't find out what happened between Jeff and his friend Allie. I would have liked at least some information of what happened after he got out.
3. Contemporary Mr.Perfect by Linda Howard. I have tried this genre before and I have also read another book by Linda Howard. This book was really good. I just loved whenever the H/h would interact.I often found by self laughing out loud anytime Jaine said something sarcastic. I loved the romance (even though the falling in love part was a little too quick), the suspense, the humor. It was just a great book. I will definitely read more books by this author.
4. Suspense Extreme Exposure by Pamela Clare. I have read this genre before and I love it! I hated this book, and it is really hard for me to hate a book because I LOVE books, but this book was just awful. From the very first page it's all about sex. The romance was definitely not credible (didn't feel the connection between H/h) and the suspense, well it lacked suspense (if that makes any sense)I will not read a book by this author ever again. I seriously regret picking this book.
5. Fantasy: Moon Called by Patricia Briggs. I have read this genre before and it is one of my favorites. I loved this book, but because so many characters were intro. at once sometimes I confused them. Good plot and lots of action! I will definitely keep reading the series.
6. Chick-Lit: Savannah Breeze by Mary Kay Andrews. I had read the first of the two books in this series before, and it was an okay book so I decided to pick this book the finish the series. Savannah Breeze was an okay book. Not too much action, not too much romance, not to much of anything really. I had to push myself to finish the book because the only interesting part was the first couple of chapters,when I was waiting for Reddy to run away with Bebe's money. Thank God this is the last books in the series because I wouldn't have read the next book.
7. Regency The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. I have read this genre before, but nothing from this author. I chose this book because in high school we had a lesson on Henry VIII and his many wives so I thought, why not. Well I had to read this book pretending that the main characters were not actual people and that this was only a fiction novel because of the many historical mistakes, but since I wasn't going to let that get to me, I ended up really enjoying this book.
8. YA Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow. I have read this genre many times before, but I haven't read anything by the author ( I plan not to read anything by her again). This book started out good (the first couple of chapters, but then it got really boring. For some reason I kept comparing it to Vampire Academy, I guess because it had almost the same terminology for the paranormals. I only finished this book because it was for this challenge, if not, I would have tossed it out.
One Book For Each Genre!July 30, 2011 - June 30, 2012
10 of 24 Complete!
CATEGORIES:
√ 1. Contemporary: Changing the Game by Jaci Burton – 9/1
√ 2. Erotic: Dare to Believe by Dana Marie Bell – 8/25
3. GLBT: Wolf Tales III by Kate Douglas
4. Historical: A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught
√ 5. Regency: What Happens in London by Julia Quinn – 11/4
√ 6. Paranormal: Deeper Than Midnight by Lara Adrian – 1/19
√ 7. Fantasy: Crown of Crystal Flame by C. L. Wilson – 9/16
√ 8. Suspense: No Regrets by Shannon K. Butcher – 9/9
√ 9. Mystery: Heat Wave by Richard Castle – 9/8
10. Women’s Fiction: How to Bake a Perfect Life by Barbara O’Neal
11. Chick-Lit: Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot
12. World Lit: Wife of the Gods: A Novel by Kwei Quartey
13. International: Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray
√ 14. Young Adult: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins – 11/29
OPTIONAL/BONUS CATEGORIES:
15. Classic: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
16. Memoir: Moab Is My Washpot by Stephen Fry
17. Non-fiction: Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern
18. Thriller: The Angel Experiment by James Peterson
√ 19. Horror: The Devouring by Simon Holt – 1/26
20. Religious / Inspirational: Leaving Carolina by Tamara Leigh
√ 21. Speculative Fiction: Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari – 9/28
22. Dystopia: Delirium by Lauren Oliver
23. Graphic Novel:Mercy Thompson: Homecoming by Patricia Briggs
24. Manga: ??
Have I tried this genre before and what did I think of this book?
Paranormal: Deeper Than Midnight by Lara Adrian, completed 1/19. I love to read this genre. I’ve been enjoying the changes this series has made in the last few books to bring a big over-arcing story into an important part of the book. I enjoyed the look at Hunter and how he evolves. The end of the book was satisfying and yet left one of my favorite characters hanging. Good book!
Horror: The Devouring by Simon Holt, completed 1/26. I don’t like to be scared. I’ve always been a giant chicken and so I avoid the horror genre as much as possible. I figured since it was Young Adult Horror, I could handle it. And for the most part it was fine. I thought the story worked really well. The book begins with a terrible tale that a teenage girl is reading to her younger brother (YIKES!). Then we learn that the book is actually a hand-written book journal rather than a work of fiction. The author did a great job of creating the relationship with the girl and her brother. He also really worked on the fears about why a parent would leave their children. It was scary and probably as far as I would like to dabble into this genre, but a really good read.
Young Adult: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, completed 11/29, Message #394.
Regency: What Happens in London by Julia Quinn, completed 11/4, Message #377.
Speculative Fiction: Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari, completed 9/28, Message #342.
Fantasy: Crown of Crystal Flame by C. L. Wilson, completed 9/16, Message #322.
Suspense: No Regrets by Shannon K. Butcher, completed 9/9, Message #320.
Contemporary: Changing the Game by Jaci Burton , completed 9/1, Message #316.
Mystery: Heat Wave by Richard Castle, completed 9/8, Message #316.
Erotic: Dare to Believe by Dana Marie Bell, completed 8/25, Message #279.
Lynne, I don't like Horror either, but The Devouring sounds really good. Maybe one day if I'm feeling really brave....
9/17Erotic: Wicked Ties
Historical: A Kingdom of Dreams
Paranormal: Guilty Pleasures
Mystery: And Then There Were None
Women's Ficttion: Firefly Lane
World Lit: In the Time of the Butterflies
BONUS:
Memoir: The Diary of a Young Girl
Thriller: Now You See Me
Discussion: Have you tried this genre before? What did you think about this book/author?
1. BDSM Master of the Mountain by Cherise Sinclair. I have actually tried this genre a couple of times before, and each time it has been a disaster. The books end-up being really short and lack a plot. This book was completely different. Yes, it had many sex scenes (duh!), but I liked that the characters had some depth and flaws that made them more real than some sex-crazed couple. Even though I really enjoyed this book, I won't be reading books from this genre anymore (well unless it's for a GR challenge :D )
2. GLBT Suicide Notes by Michael Thomas Ford. Never tried the genre before (not my thing). I'm really glad that I pick this book. I liked how the chapters were actually the days he (Jeff) spent in the psych ward. Some parts were so sad that I got teary-eyed.I also liked how I got to know Jeff before the why he tried to commit suicide was explained, and how his character evolved throughout the book. What I really didn't like (and why I gave it 4/5 stars) was that I didn't find out what happened between Jeff and his friend Allie. I would have liked at least some information of what happened after he got out.
3. Contemporary Mr.Perfect by Linda Howard. I have tried this genre before and I have also read another book by Linda Howard. This book was really good. I just loved whenever the H/h would interact.I often found by self laughing out loud anytime Jaine said something sarcastic. I loved the romance (even though the falling in love part was a little too quick), the suspense, the humor. It was just a great book. I will definitely read more books by this author.
4. Suspense Extreme Exposure by Pamela Clare. I have read this genre before and I love it! I hated this book, and it is really hard for me to hate a book because I LOVE books, but this book was just awful. From the very first page it's all about sex. The romance was definitely not credible (didn't feel the connection between H/h) and the suspense, well it lacked suspense (if that makes any sense)I will not read a book by this author ever again. I seriously regret picking this book.
5. Fantasy: Moon Called by Patricia Briggs. I have read this genre before and it is one of my favorites. I loved this book, but because so many characters were intro. at once sometimes I confused them. Good plot and lots of action! I will definitely keep reading the series.
6. Chick-Lit: Savannah Breeze by Mary Kay Andrews. I had read the first of the two books in this series before, and it was an okay book so I decided to pick this book the finish the series. Savannah Breeze was an okay book. Not too much action, not too much romance, not to much of anything really. I had to push myself to finish the book because the only interesting part was the first couple of chapters,when I was waiting for Reddy to run away with Bebe's money. Thank God this is the last books in the series because I wouldn't have read the next book.
7. Regency The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. I have read this genre before, but nothing from this author. I chose this book because in high school we had a lesson on Henry VIII and his many wives so I thought, why not. Well I had to read this book pretending that the main characters were not actual people and that this was only a fiction novel because of the many historical mistakes, but since I wasn't going to let that get to me, I ended up really enjoying this book.
8. YA Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow. I have read this genre many times before, but I haven't read anything by the author ( I plan not to read anything by her again). This book started out good (the first couple of chapters, but then it got really boring. For some reason I kept comparing it to Vampire Academy, I guess because it had almost the same terminology for the paranormals. I only finished this book because it was for this challenge, if not, I would have tossed it out.
9.Dystopia Divergent by Veronica Roth. I have read this genre before and I think I have read a book by Veronica Roth. Well let me start by saying that this book was amazing! Loved everything about it. All I got to say is you HAVE to read it. It made me think about what if the world ends up like this years from now? Loved the this book!
>One Book For Each Genre ChallengeProgress: 14/20
Duration: 30/06/11 - 30/06/12
1. Contemporary: An Unforgettable Lady by Jessica Bird - 19/08/11 - ★★★★
2. Erotic: Sweet Surrender by Maya Banks - 30/1/12 - ★★★
3. GLBT: Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan - 11/01/11 - ★★★
4. Historical: The Marsh King's Daughter by Elizabeth Chadwick
5. Regency: Silk Is for Seduction by Loretta Chase - 07/08/11 - ★★★★
6. Fantasy: The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting - 2/8/11 - ★★★
7. Paranormal Grave Witch by Kalayna Price - 10/08/11 - ★★★★
8. Suspense: Black Ice by Anne Stuart - 1/11/11 - ★★★ 1/2
9. Mystery: The Bay At Midnight by Diane Chamberlain - 19/8/11 - ★★★★
10. Women's Fiction: Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah - 3/8/11 - ★★★★
11. Chick-Lit: The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper - 29/12/11 - ★★★
12. World Lit: Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel - 04/11/11 - ★★
13. Young Adult: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness - 26/8/11 ★★★★★
Optional Categories
14. Classic: I, Robot by Isaac Asimov
15. Non-Fiction: Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern - 30/12/11 - ★★★★
16. Horror: Let the Right One in by John Ajvide Lindqvist
17. Thriller: Postmortem by Patricia Cornwell
18. Speculative: Doomsday Book by Connie Willis - 24/1/12 - ★★★★
19. Dystopia: Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde
20. Manga:
Discussion
11. Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern - I think this is the first non-fiction I've read (apart from those for school works). I listened to the audio book and I really liked the narration. The book was so laugh-aloud funny that I started getting weird looks whenever I was listening to them. And this book is not meant to be listened in the gym. I learned that the hard way. I'll be definitely exploring more the non-fiction.
12. Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan - This is my first GLBT YA book. It was a short, sweet YA book that showcased romance, friendship of the main characters. Not all of the character's experiences was positive and one character's was downright sad. I really enjoyed this book and I'll definitely be picking up more GLBT (YA or Adult).
13. Doomsday Book by Connie Willis - I really don't know why I kept procrastinating this book. I loved this author's prose. I fell in love with her style effortlessly. The book is set in the future with time-travel. Kivrin is a research assistant who wants to travel back to the medievals and experience their life. This period is rated a 10 on the TT scale because of the plague and other diseases rampant during this time. Amidst difficulties, Kivrin is sent back but something went wrong. She is caught in the midst of the plague while the people back in the future are caught in a influenza pandemic. Watching Kivrin when the plague takes over the village she's in was so heartbreaking. I'll definitely be reading more of this genre and the author.
14Sweet Surrender by Maya Banks - I've read one of the KGI series before and I decided to try her Erotica series. Gray just recovered from an operation where his partner was killed. He finds the department's way of finding the killer not satisfactory and decides to go rogue. He then is informed of the link between the killer and a woman, Faith. He decides to befriend Faith and find the killer. Faith seemed like a Mary Sue. Everyone loves her in all the different ways. It got a little irritating. Gray's motive was not really strong. It seemed like a plot device. Faith's exploration of BDSM was interesting but the sex scenes didn't really hold my interest. I found myself skimming some of them. I guess Erotica is not really my thing but I'd definitely pick other books from this author.
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
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Phantom Evil (other topics)Hourglass (other topics)
The Winter Rose (other topics)
True Love and Other Disasters (other topics)
Wicked Ties (other topics)
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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)
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