Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy discussion
Monthly Reading Challenges
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February 2009 Reading Challenge
I read so much I can't believe that I haven't taken the challenges yet. So, even though it's already mid-month, I'm going to give it a shot! I've got so many books in my TBR pile and a ton of them are first in a new series for me so coming up with 9 shouldn't be too hard. In fact, I finished one already earlier in the month that counts.1. Bitten by Kelley Armstrong - 2/2
2. Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon
3. Night Shift by Lilith Saintcrow
4. Howling at the Moon by Karen MacInerney
5. Once Bitten, Twice Shy by Jennifer Rardin
6. Moongazer by Marianne Mancusi
7. Immortals: The Calling by Jennifer Ashley
8. Dark Lover by J.R. Ward
9. What's a Ghoul to Do by Victoria Laurie
I don't know how far I'll get, but I've already read 9 books this month it's just that most of them don't count for the challenge.
Okay, here's my list:1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8. The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox
9. Sabriel by Garth Nix
Those last three are all PNR and all authors new to me.
It's hard for me to read just one subgenre. There are lots I like, and I switch around to keep from getting overload.
Gail
Mod
1) James D. Doss—The Shaman Sings
2) Susan Sussman—Cruising for Murder
3) P. C. Hodgell—God Stalk
4) Sarah Graves—The Dead Cat Bounce
5) Lenora Worth—The Wedding Quilt
6) Lois Richer—A Will and a Wedding
7) Janet Tronstad—A Bride for Dry Creek
8) Jennifer Colt—The Vampire of Venice Beach
I liked this book, and like Oz will definately be looking for the others in the series. Its a fluffy, light, fairly good-humoured mystery. The vamps are not real, but who can resist, for instance, Vishy--the 300+ pound Drag Queen vamp who runs around dressed in his signature purple with a different wig for every mood. The villian is suitably horrific, altho also slightly campy, is a creepy crawly kind of way.
Now, if I can just be strong and hold off reading some of the other books in my tbr pile until I finish off my last book, I'll finish up in the next day or two. :o)
2 more weeks and between all of my challenges I still have 11 books to read. I don't think there's anyway I can read a book a day so I'm not going to make it. Oh well...the fun is in the trying.Dark Protector by Alexis Morgan
The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter
The Smoke Thief by Shana Abé
Moon Called by Partricia Briggs
Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione
Gabriel's Ghost by Linnea Sinclair
Oh, but you have such good ones on your list!You don't need to sleep or work or spend time with friends or family, right?
my new listHell's Belles
The Graveyard Book
Slave to Sensation
You're right Nichole! What was I thinking :) I'm still going to read all those books. I just doubt I'll get to all of them in next two weeks. May have to roll some over to next month's challenge. Can't to see what Yz comes up with.
Mod
And yes, I know already what kind of challenge I'm running for next month..but I'm not telling yet..LOL..
1. Greywalker - Kat Richardson2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8. Magic Bites - Ilona Andrews
9.
So far so good,5 down 4 to go.
Mod
Yz - 2 books done
Nichole - 4 books done
Dawn - 5 books done
LondonGirl - 3 books done
DarkHeart- 4 books done
Tammy - 9 books done - Complete! Congratulations!
Lori - 2 books done
Kenjii - 1 book done
Angie(US) - 2 books done
Angie(UK) - 3 books done
Lady Ozma - 3 books done
Jael - 6 books done
Melissa - 3 books done
Ann - 8 books done
Sarah - 2 books done
Murrmaiyd
Melinda -2 books done
Gail - 7 books done
Barbara - 5 books done
Karen - 2 books done
The following had signed up since last update.
Martina - 1 book done
Hope everybody is having fun exploring new authors.
*Signing up will remain open throughout the month.*
P.S. A few changes in tracking our progress. Before, what we do is go back and edit our original list. However, as the thread gets longer and longer, I'm having difficulty wading through the discussion.
So, please, repost your official list with your progrss after every update I make. That will really make my job easy, because I will just start from the last update to see where everybody is in their reading. Striking out the title and/or a finished date after the book's name will be best
Hope that makes sense..LOL
Next update will be February 21.
Everyone is doing a great job! I'm still on book 4, Blue Moon. It's most enjoyable (though I'm getting a little sick of the obsession of the main character. I get that she's had a dry spell but it is just a bit tedious at this point. LOL) I just haven't had much time to sit and read. But this week is a little slow I hope so I'm thinking it might be time to do some catch up! Especially since my husband and boys are going on a campout (The Freeze Out- NO THANK YOU) on Friday! That's lots of reading time! Fall asleep reading, wake up to read more...
So here's hoping I can do some catching up.
So I'm a third of the way through my book 4. Good luck to everyone! That puts me nearly half through! Not sure I'll make it, but I"m trying!
2. Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur
3. Scent of Darkness by Christina Dodd
4. Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
5. Shades of Gray-Amanda Ashley
1. Patricia Briggs - Cry Wolf2. Andrew Davidson - the Gargoyle
3. Carlos Ruiz Zafron - Shadow of the Wind
4. CT Adams - Touch of Evil
5.
6. Kresley Cole - A Hunger Like No Other
7. Alexandra Ivy - When Darkness Comes
8.
9.
I had my daughter's fifth birthday party this past weekend so I didn't have much time to read. A house full of jumping children can really wipe me out. ;p I did manage to finish reading Dark Lover today. I'd been wanting to see what the buzz was about over BDB and I loved it! I can't wait to continue with the BDB series.
It's neat to see that some of us are beginning to finish all 9 or getting really close. Good going!
6 down! My goal is to have the other three done by Sunday...1.
2.
3. Witchling by Yasmine Galenorn
4.
5.
6.
7.
8. Shadow Game by Christine Feehan
9. Witch Fire by Anya Bast
1. 2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8. Morning Beauty, Midnight Beast - Myrna Mackenzie
9.
I am so late to the game AND of course I'm now reading a book that doesn't qualify, but hey, I'll give it a shot! And I too was weak and abandoned everything to read the new Mercy Thompson.
1.
2.
3. Adrian Phoenix - A Rush of Wings
4. Jacqueline Frank - Damien
5. Terri Garey - Dead Girls are Easy
6. Lara Adrian - Kiss of Midnight
7. Carole Nelson Douglas - Dancing with Werewolves
8. Carolyn Jewel - My Wicked Enemy
9. Richelle Mead - Succubus Blues
Some of these were give-aways at NY Comic Con.
Btw, Hollow Chocolate Bunnies is a great book and I have the sequel Toyminator on my TBR list. But to enjoy Rankin you have to a) be fond of and comfortable with British humour and b) be content with strange, ADD tangents. Rankin, in a word, is zany. If you're accepting of that, you'll love Hollow Chocolate Bunnies.
Mod
Michelle M. wrote: "I am so late to the game AND of course I'm now reading a book that doesn't qualify, but hey, I'll give it a shot! And I too was weak and abandoned everything to read the new Mercy Thompson.
..."
I still haven't got that one. I'm stalled out in the middle of ACCIDENTAL DEMON SLAYER.
I've read several on your list, Michelle. I really liked DEAD GIRLS ARE EASY, and I know Terri Garey was a double RITA finalist for it last year, and I also think she won. Yep, she did, for Best First Book. (I had my program buried on my desk... I mark the winners.) I wasn't so wild about a couple of the others, but I liked Alexis Morgan's and I want to read the Douglas book. Haven't got there yet...
Ah well.
Ann: Rankin himself can take a settling in period, far more than Pratchett or Adams. For lack of a better word, he's very random. If, by the time you've met Eddie Bear and learned of his sawdust problems, you haven't taken a shine to the book, then I'd say Rankin's not for you! Gail: Thanks for the input! I started Accidental Demon Slayer and got stalled, too. Oh well!
I finished book four today. Yikes I'm so behind. It's the wrong month to try to get 9 books done! But I'm trying!!!So far I've read:
Tall, Dark, And Dead by Tate Halloway (Anxious to read the next two on my shelf!!)
The Front by Patricia Cornwell (Needed more bulk. Too 2-D for my likes
The Vampire of Venice Beach by Jennifer Colt (OMG that was just a fantastic ride. MUST get the first two in that series!)
Blue Moon by Lori Handehand - (Everything's better with Nazis and gov't conspiracies! I can't wait to read the other two on my shelf!!!)
I've started Just a Hint--Clint by Lori Foster. With any luck it will read fast. I really need it to. Heck, my husband is nearly beating my reading this month. What the heck is THAT about? I think he MAY have read one book last year... LOL
Mod
1.
2. Witchling by Yasmine Galehorn - currently reading
3.
4. Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione
5.
6. Addicted by Lydia Parks
7. Damned, Delicious and Dangerous by Delilah Devlin, et.al.
8. Touch the Dark by Karen Chance - currently listening
9. You Slay Me by Katie MacAlister
Personal life interfering with my reading..but still trying to read as many as I can before the month ends..LOL..
My personal life is getting in the way, too. LOL You aren't alone!
Mod
BTW, March challenge will be unveiled tomorrow, so stay tuned.
I figure if I can get halfway through, that's good. I've started book 5 so that means I should get half of the books done. Hoping to get this one and at least one more done. I've just got a lot on my plate this month, and it's a short month. Oh well. :) I'm four books closer to finishing off my TBR! :) That is the important thing!!!
Witchling - Yasmine Galenorn - finished 2/16Pleasure Unbound - Larissa Ione - finished 2/19
Working For the Devil - Lilith StCrow
The Darkest Pleasure - Gena Showalter
Nicholas: The Lords of Satyr - Elizabeth Amber
Vampire Academy - Richelle Mead
La Vida Vampire - Nancy Haddock
Club Vamp - Allyson James
Dead Until Dark - Charlaine Harris
Ok, only two down because I ended up reading two books that were re-reads before I actually started this challenge's reads. :) I just finished Pleasure Unbound about two hours ago, and I expect to have a lot of good reading time coming up in the next couple of days, so now I have to figure out just what I'm going to read next!
3 done in this challenge but 7 done in the other so I feel pretty good about this month. 1 more week to knock out 2 - 3 more...such fun!Dark Protector by Alexis Morgan
The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter
The Smoke Thief by Shana Abé
Moon Called by Partricia Briggs
Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione
Gabriel's Ghost by Linnea Sinclair
1. 2.
3. Adrian Phoenix - A Rush of Wings
4. Jacqueline Frank - Damien
5. Terri Garey - Dead Girls are Easy
6. Lara Adrian - Kiss of Midnight
7.
8. Carolyn Jewel - My Wicked Enemy
9. Richelle Mead - Succubus Blues
My problem was that I enjoyed some of the books so much that I went off and read the rest of the series instead of keeping my focus. Trying to get back on track though. Only eight days left? Eek!
Nicole, how many books have you read? OK, so the book I picked up yesterday? I read five pages and then went off and did other things. *GASP I was useful!* I just couldn't get into it. Pretty sad only five pages in.
I picked up another from my stack and I even finished it. So that puts me at 5 done. I'm embarrassed how much I liked this one. It's a Harlequin. I never read those. But it was a local author set in my town. Now maybe that's been done, but I've never seen it done. So I say About Farking Time. With the way trashy historical romances like the Civil War why aren't there more set in Fredericksburg, VA? Anyway, it was a civil ghost reunites with his reincarnated love in 2007 Fred. So I got to read about local ghost stories, and local hot spots. I cheered for every stop. I knew them all. I snickered at Beck's, I cheered for Clairborne's, I groaned for Hyperion.
And I skipped the sex because funny enough, this book it mega detracted from the story. It was like the writer said "Oh yeah, this is a harlequin, I better stick in a sex scene." So that was some skimming time. LOL
So then I finished that book, picked up the first book again. Read 5 pages and fell asleep.
I woke up this morning on my sofa with hurting hips and no desire to pick up that book. So I've picked up yet another.
So here's my list:
Tall, Dark, And Dead by Tate Halloway
The Front by Patricia Cornwell
The Vampire of Venice Beach by Jennifer Colt
Blue Moon by Lori Handehand
The Haunting by Hope Tarr (OMG I really enjoyed it and recommend it! But like I said - local town book so that was probably why I enjoyed it.)
FIve down. Reading Confessions of a Werewolf Supermodel. Don't know what I'm going to do with this Just a Hint -- Clint book. Yikes.
I started off really strong, knocking out four books my first week. However I then proceeded to read the rest of the Vampire Academy books, Amy Lane's Little Goddess books and the latest Mercy Thompson book. I don't regret though, because I loved them all! LOL I've started two more for the challenge, but unfortunately have yet to be completely drawn in by either one. Will stick it out though and try to finish them this weekend. ~Nicole
Good luck! I say you've read plenty. So that's good :) I hope you can make it through some more though! :) I feel your pain with not being able to get into a book. This one I tried yesterday... oy. I may have to pick another book out for the challenge.
Mod
2) Susan Sussman—Cruising for Murder
3) P. C. Hodgell—God Stalk
4) Sarah Graves—The Dead Cat Bounce
5) Lenora Worth—The Wedding Quilt
6) Lois Richer—A Will and a Wedding
7) Janet Tronstad—A Bride for Dry Creek
8) Jennifer Colt—The Vampire of Venice Beach
9) Elaine Corvidae—Winter’s Orphans. I wasn't sure about this one to start with--it started a little weirdly--reading a bit like a Charles Dickens (we all know how gloom and doom most of HIS books were) then the Para kicked in, and it suddenly changed directions completely. It was still a bit gritty and grim, but it is STILL a kick A story. So, I'm going to recommend this one to you guys.
Well, there it is--9 books finished. Also, 2 more books by Sarah Graves, a re-read on the last Dresden book (the next one is coming out soon, and i wanted a refresh--plus Oz's hubby is bugging me to get the last 4 of the series over to their house so that HE can finish the series.)
In addition--I got all my income tax stuff together to take to the preparer. I've cut out the fabric for a quilt (one of my nephews is getting married in June and I have to get their wedding present made) sewn together 2 of the blocks (I'm doing it "quilt as you go" so its a little slower than normal) and have put the 2 finished blocks together.
Oh--Oz, the Clint book is I think book 4 in a 5 part series. If you aren't familiar with the people in it, starting about page 25 or so, you are going to be a little bit lost. If you want to try reading them in order, lmk and I'll get you those too.
I've also read: Trojan Odyssey by Clive Cussler (its one of his Dirk Pitt books) watched 3 specials that I recorded on my DVR, caught up on my "Burn Notice" episodes (I was 3 episodes behind) watched Antiques Roadshow, and, for a final tah dah, finished pulling the wallpaper down in my living room. Plus of course the last Mercy Thompson book, and a few more books besides. Hum, is it really ONLY the 20th? I feel like it should be a lot later in the month than that.
jesuchristo...Ann, you are a MACHINE!
1. Halfway to the Grave by Jeanine Frost 4. Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione
5. Working for the Devil by Lilth SaintCrow
6. Shifter antho. feat. Angela Knight
7. Count on Love Melinda Curtis
8. Marked Joely Skye
9. Risen J Smith
I got a late start but am making good progress. Four down so just five more to go!Here's my update:
1.
2.
3.
4. Howling at the Moon by Karen MacInerney
5. Once Bitten, Twice Shy by Jennifer Rardin
6.
7. Immortals: The Calling by Jennifer Ashley
8. Dark Lover by J.R. Ward
9. What's a Ghoul to Do by Victoria Laurie
2. Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur
3. Scent of Darkness by Christina Dodd
4. Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
5. Shades of Gray-Amanda Ashley
6. Kiss of Midnight-Lara Adrian
Dawn's February Challenge List1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8. The Devil You Know by Mike Carey - currently reading
9. Promise of Wolves by Dorthy Heart - currently reading
The weekend is here! Yay! Time to catch up...1.
2.
3. Adrian Phoenix - A Rush of Wings
4. Jacqueline Frank - Damien
5. Terri Garey - Dead Girls are Easy
6. Replacement: Karen Chance - Touch the Dark
7.
8. Carolyn Jewel - My Wicked Enemy
9. Richelle Mead - Succubus Blues
Mom, I wish I'd known that. OK, I'll see if I can find another book to read or get the first ones from you. You gave this one to me I think. All I know is I'm like five or ten pages in and just not digging it. I'm reading other things. LOL But I loaned you a bunch of my books that I hadn't read and some of them would be ones eligable... I'll have ot see if I have anything else on my shelf or get those back from ya...
1. 2.
3. Adrian Phoenix - A Rush of Wings
4. Jacqueline Frank - Damien
5.
6. Karen Chance - Touch the Dark
7.
8. Carolyn Jewel - My Wicked Enemy
9. Richelle Mead - Succubus Blues
I really enjoyed Dead Girls are Easy and will definitely get the next in the series. I only wish I'd heeded other reviewer's warnings not to read it alone in the middle of the night! Likable protagonist, amusing supporting characters, and a wicked malevolent spirit that will make you turn up all the lights. Creepy yet fun!
Hi, I'm lating adding my list, but here it is for Feb. I don't know how to do the strike out so the first are read, the last 2 are TBR or reading.1. Night Keepers, Jessica Anderson
2. The Mistress Diaries, Julianne MacLean
3. Vampires Betrayal, Raven Hart
4. Fiance at Her Fingertips, Kathleen Bacus
5. Hot Property, Carly Phillips
6. Between Light and Dark, Elissa Wilds
TBR:
7. The Saints of Midland, T.L. Schaefer
8. Shades of Dark, Linnea Sinclair
This was such a great challenge. Thanks for thinking of it!
Mod
You can always add a finished date at the end of the book title..that is usually enough to let me know that you have finished reading it.
Glad you like the challenge. Feel free to check out the one for March.
I don't know how to do the strike out so the first are read, the last 2 are TBR or reading.That's easy just use < > at the beginning and > at the end. (put an S in between the parenthesis.)
Mod
Yz - 3 books done
Nichole - 6 books done
Dawn - 7 books done
LondonGirl - 5 books done
DarkHeart- 4 books done
Tammy - 9 books done - Complete! Congratulations!
Lori - 3 books done
Kenjii - 2 book done
Angie(US) - 2 books done
Angie(UK) - 3 books done
Lady Ozma - 5 books done
Jael - 6 books done
Melissa - 3 books done
Ann - 9 books done - Completed - Congratulations!
Sarah - 6 books done
Murrmaiyd - 2 books done
Melinda -3 books done
Gail - 7 books done
Barbara - 8 books done
Karen - 4 books done
Martina - 4 books done
The following had signed up since last update.
Michelle M - 4 books done
Erin - 6 books done
Group's running total: 111 books
Hope everybody is having fun exploring new authors.
*Signing up will remain open throughout the month.*
P.S. A few changes in tracking our progress. Before, what we do is go back and edit our original list. However, as the thread gets longer and longer, I'm having difficulty wading through the discussion.
So, please, repost your official list with your progrss after every update I make. That will really make my job easy, because I will just start from the last update to see where everybody is in their reading. Striking out the title and/or a finished date after the book's name will be best
Hope that makes sense..LOL
Next update will be February 25.
Karen,What bout getting book 2 from a swap site or checking it out from the library? That way you don't have to spend money on it? Just a thought.
Wow, we're doing great! How exciting! 111 books? Woah!How many books did we have last month in total? That's somethng to think about. Can you imagine how many books we'll have by the end of the year??? Kind of staggering!
Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy
Books mentioned in this topic
A Hunger Like No Other (other topics)The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (other topics)
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (other topics)
Fantasy Lover (other topics)
Witchling (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Katie MacAlister (other topics)Yasmine Galenorn (other topics)
Anya Bast (other topics)
Jennifer Rardin (other topics)
Anna Clare (other topics)
More...
1.
One Bite With A Stranger by Christine Warren2.
The Messenger by Jan Burke3.
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs4.
Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon5.
Blue Moon by Lori Handeland6. The Devil You Know by Mike Carey - currently reading
7. Promise of Wolves by Dorthy Heart - currently reading
8. Halfway to the Grave by Jeanine Frost
9. Working for the Devil by Lilth SaintCrow