The Challenge Factory discussion

The Really, Really, Really, Really, Hard 2018 Challenge!

Revamped for 2018! Challenge tasks are to be completed in the listed month, but if you're entering the challenge after January, you can use books you read in the corresponding month of 2018 that you finished before joining the challenge.

If a particular month is too challenging for you, feel free to substitute one month with a challenge task from another version of the challenge, duplicate a challenge task from another 2018 task, OR you may create your own challenge for that month. Remember...it needs to be CHALLENGING! Administrative note: There is no limit to the amount of times you can substitute tasks for a specific month!

Remember to list the book titles, author, and date completed (adding your rating is optional) for each book you finish each month. DO NOT post a duplicate copy of your original post when you announce that you have finished the challenge!

There are no page minimums or limits to this challenge currently, but that may change for 2019! Feel free to PM Foreman Trea with suggestions for next year's Challenge!

Duration: January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018

Tasks:
January – This month: New Year = new books! Read 5 books that were first published in January 2018.

February – This month: Valentines Day! Read 5 books where chocolate is involved.

March – This month: The Oscars! Read 5 books that were made into movies.

April – This month: Library Week! Read 5 books that you got from the library or were lent to you by a friend.

May – This month: Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo! Read 5 books that are either Star Wars novels, set in space, or are the 5th book in a series.

June – This month: Name Your Poison Day! Read 5 books from your favorite genre.

July – This month: The Year is Half Over! Read 5 books that either finish a series for you, get you caught up on a series, or fills in a challenge that you've been neglecting.

August – This month: Romance Awareness Month! Read 5 books with at least a romantic subplot.

September – This month: Baby Safety Month! Read 5 books that have children in them. "The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child defines child as "a human being below the age of 18 years unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier"." As long as the children are 17 and younger, you may count those books for the children requirement.

October – This month: Frugal Fun Day! Read 5 books that you either got for free or super cheap.

November – This month: Fibonacci Day (1, 1, 2, 3, 5) Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence. See the examples in Message 6 if you need help!

December – This month: Happy Holidays! Time is short for a lot of us this month. Read at least 500 pages, but they must be from holiday themed books.

Participants:
⚜Trea⚜
Krissy
Twist
Shandra
Jonquil
Jenn
Elaine
Lyndi
Sam
Louise
Cindy III Withdrew from Challenge!
Gabriella
Judy
CassieV
Selu
Talia
Laura
Natasha
Wanda
Katie
LaurLa
Denise
Mave
Zuzana
China
★ gwiz ★
✿Claire✿ (Tiny Owl)
Karishma**Needs Sign Up Post!

Completed Posts:
⚜Trea⚜
Wanda
LaurLa

The Really, Really, Really, Really, Hard 2018 Challenge!
Duration: January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018

Tasks:
January – This month: New Year = new books! Read 5 books that were first published in January 2018.
1. Sweet Indulgence: A Charleston Harbor Novel by Debbie White-1/16/18
2. Judgment Road by Christine Feehan-1/26/18
3. #Starstruck by Sariah Wilson-1/18/18
4. The Seducer by Elin Peer-1/2/18
5. Substitution from January 2015: New Year = new authors! Read 5 books that are new to you authors.: Hold Your Breath by Katie Ruggle-1/17/18

February – This month: Valentines Day! Read 5 books where chocolate is involved. Substitutions: Read 5 books by authors you love, Read 5 books with a red or pink cover, Read 5 romantic books
1. Chocolate Kisses by Judith Arnold-2/10/18 (Red Cover, Chocolate)
2. White Chocolate Cherry by Graylin Rane-2/5/18 (Chocolate)
3. Kate's Valentine by Christina Butrum-2/8/18 (Romance, Pink Cover?)
4. On His Knees by Laura Kaye-2/16/18 (Author You Love)
5. Rough Ride by Kristen Ashley-2/13/18 (Romance)

March – This month: The Oscars! Read 5 books that were made into movies. Substitutions: Read 5 books with a Green cover, Read 3000 pages, Read 5 books by authors who use their middle name or initial
1. Green Cover: Trying Sophie by Rebecca Norinne-3/4/18
2. Green Cover: Ruck Me by Rebecca Norinne-3/16/18
3. Green Cover: Lucky Charm: A St. Patrick's Day Irish Billionaire Fake Fiance Romance by Eva Luxe-3/18/18
4. Green Cover and Author Middle Initial: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling-3/30/18
5. Author Middle Initial: Escape to Big Fork lake by Mary L. Ball-3/9/18

April – This month: Library Week! Read 5 books that you got from the library or were lent to you by a friend. Substitutions: Read 5 books recommended to you, Read 5 books from 5 different genres (Taking it as Sub-Genres of same larger Genre), Read 5 books that make you laugh
1. Erotic Romance: X Marks the Spot by Opal Carew-4/3/18
2. Contemporary Romance: Can't Stand the Heat by Peggy Jaeger-4/8/18
3. Library/Romantic Suspense: A Merciful Secret by Kendra Elliot-4/9/18
4. Library/Inspirational Romance: Amish Sweethearts by Amy Clipston-4/12/18
5. Historical Romance: My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York: Adele's Journey by Amanda Barratt-4/24/18

May – This month: Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo! Read 5 books that are either Star Wars novels, set in space, or are the 5th book in a series. Substitutions: Read one book with at least 1600 pages OR 2 books with at least 800 pages, Read 5 books that feature a Mother in them, Read 5 books where something comes to an end, Read 5 books that feature military characters
1. Mother/Coming to an End: Unwritten by Rachel Lacey-5/4/18
2. 5th in Series: Burn So Good by J.H. Croix-5/10/18
3. Mother/Coming to an End: The Big Alpha in Town by Eve Langlais, Milly Taiden, and Kate Baxter-5/11/18
4. Military: Fighting for Everything by Laura Kaye-5/24/18
5. Mother/Coming to an End: Hooked On You by Kate Meader-5/25/18

June – This month: Name Your Poison Day! Read 5 books from your favorite genre. Romance
1. Encore by Rachel Lacey-6/2/18
2. Deserving It by Angela Quarles-6/3/18
3. Brody: The Betting Billionaire by Bonnie R. Paulson-6/4/18
4. My Heart Belongs in San Francisco, California: Abby's Prospects by Janice Thompson-6/9/18
5. Loving Irish by Katy Regnery-6/11/18

July – This month: The Year is Half Over! Read 5 books that either finish a series for you, get you caught up on a series, or fills in a challenge that you've been neglecting.
1. In Safe Hands by Katie Ruggle-7/13/18
2. After the End by Katie Ruggle-7/13/18
3. Tempting Fate by Pamela Clare-7/15/18
4. Close to Heaven by Pamela Clare-7/16/18
5. Holding On by Pamela Clare-7/27/18
6. My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas by Kathleen Y'Barbo-7/31/18

August – This month: Romance Awareness Month! Read 5 books with at least a romantic subplot.
1. A Date for Hannah by Callie Henry-8/3/18
2. Mac by Bonnie R. Paulson-8/11/18
3. Fury by Laurann Dohner-8/12/18
4. Be Mine, Sweetheart by Codi Gary-8/15/18
5. Run to Ground by Katie Ruggle-8/18/18

September – This month: Baby Safety Month! Read 5 books that have children in them. Substitutions: Read 5 books from a genre you usually ignore or do not get to read much, Read 5 books where the main characters have a different profession, Read 5 books that you’ve been putting off for at least a year. List the date that you put the book on your TBR with your date completed and your rating, Read 5 books that were recommended to you by a friend or Goodreads
1. Cowboy, Cross My Heart (Rancher/Photographer) by Donna Grant-9/1/18
2. Always Ready (Bosun's Mate-Coast Guard) by Susan Page Davis-9/2/18
3. Mess Me Up (Had Child age 4) by Lani Lynn Vale-9/2/18
4. The Dancer (Dancer) by Elin Peer-9/3/18
5. What I've Done (Lawyer) by Melinda Leigh-9/15/18

October – This month: Frugal Fun Day! Read 5 books that you either got for free or super cheap.
1. Talkin' Trash by Lani Lynn Vale-10/2/18
2. In the Mood Fur Love by Eve Langlais, Milly Taiden, and Kate Baxter-10/2/18
3. If the Shoe Fits by Rachel Lacey-10/3/18
4. Fractured Honor by Kaylea Cross-10/5/18
5. Wild Like the Wind by Kristen Ashley-10/8/18

November – This month: Fibonacci Day (1, 1, 2, 3, 5) Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence. Substitutions: Read 600 pages, Read 5 books that you need to catch up on either for a challenge(s), reviews, etc., Read 5 books that either finish a series for you or get you caught up on a series, Read 5 books set in 5 different countries
1. My Gift is You by Rachel Lacey (75 pages)-11/3/18
2. How About No by Lani Lynn Vale (214 pages)-11/4/18
3. Hello Again by Heather Tullis (273 pages)-11/15/18
4. Molly's Misadventures by D.E. Haggerty (225 pages)-11/16/13
5. Upon a Spring Breeze by Kelly Irvin (353 pages)-11/27/18

Total Pages Read: 1,140 pages

December – This month: Happy Holidays! Time is short for a lot of us this month. Read at least 500 pages, but they must be from holiday themed books.
1. Christmas Blue at Flynn's by Angela Verdenius (131 pages)-12/2/18
2. Claire's Christmas Dance: A Victorian Christmas Novelette by Rachelle J. Christensen (Guessing 75 pages, no official info, no response from author)-12/7/18
3. A Kiss For Midwinter by Courtney Milan (96 pages)-12/14/18
4. Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas by Katie Ruggle (416 pages)-12/15/18
5. Blonde Date (96 pages) by Sarina Bowers-12/20/18
6. Twelve Days (160 pages) by Hope Waters-12/20/18

Total Pages Read: 974 pages

Question: How do we do a Fibonacci Sequence in book series format? Would that be like Book 1 of the series, Book 1 of another series, Book 2 of a series, Book 3 of a series, and Book 5 of a series? Or would it be just doing Books 1-5 in the same series?

Shandra wrote: "Question: How do we do a Fibonacci Sequence in book series format? Would that be like Book 1 of the series, Book 1 of another series, Book 2 of a series, Book 3 of a series, and Book 5 of a series?..."

That's exactly it! I did it for this year's version of this challenge, and here's how I set up my entry in my post:
November – This month: This month: World Peace Day! Read 5 books set in 5 different countries.-Substitution! Fibonacci Day (1, 1, 2, 3, 5) Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence.
1. One: Risking It All # 1: Run to You by Rachel Lacey-11/19/17
2. One: Cupid's Café # 1: Waffles & Weddings by Ashley Lauren-11/21/17
3. Two: Imperfect # 2:Imperfectly Criminal by Mary Frame-11/22/17
4. Three: Men of the North # 3: The Mentor by Elin Peer-11/17/17
5. Five: The Kauffman Amish Bakery #5: A Season of Love by Amy Clipston-11/26/17

Now, you could do it like this:
November – Fibonacci Day (1, 1, 2, 3, 5) Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence.
1. One: Risking It All # 1: Run to You by Rachel Lacey-11/19/17
2. One: Cupid's Café # 1: Waffles & Weddings by Ashley Lauren-11/21/17
3. Two: Cupid's Café # 2:Bacon, Love, & Tomatoes by Ashley Lauren-11/22/17
4. Three: Cupid's Café # 3: Sweet as Shortcake by Ashley Lauren-11/24/17
5. Five: Cupid's Café #5: Fries Before Guys by Ashley Lauren-11/26/17

Totally up to you how you form it, so long as the books read are A) in a series, and B) correspond to the numbers that form a Fibonacci Sequence. You're also welcome to extend the sequence if you so desire! Hope that clarifies things for you!

KRISSY'S SPOT

January
Read 5 books that were first published in January 2018
(view spoiler)[
•Wow!, 1/25 ★★★
•The Chalk Man, 1/26 ★★★
•The Woman in the Window, 1/27 ★★
•Death Below Stairs, 1/29 ★★★
•Contour, 1/31 ★★★★
(hide spoiler)]


February
Read 5 books where chocolate is involved
(view spoiler)[
•Better Than Chocolate, 2/18 ★★★
•Belgian Chocolates and Incubus Kisses, 2/21 ★★★
•Not All Chocolate and Cuckoo Clocks, 2/24 ★★
•5 Easy Chocolate Pieces, 2/25 ★
•Chocolate Spiced Omega, 2/27 ★
(hide spoiler)]


March
Read 5 books that were made into movies
(view spoiler)[
•The Lorax, 3/16 ★★★★★
•My Cousin Rachel, 3/17 ★★★
•Psycho, 3/17 ★★★★
•Shrek!, 3/18 ★★
•Warm Bodies, 3/23 ★★★
(hide spoiler)]


April
Read 5 books that you got from the library
(view spoiler)[
•The Flight Attendant, 4/01 ★★★
•Dead Until Dark, 4/03 ★★★★
•Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage, 4/04 ★★★★
•Behind Her Eyes, 4/05 ★
•I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer, 4/09 ★★★★
(hide spoiler)]


May
Read 5 books that are either Star Wars novels, set in space, or are the 5th book in a series
(view spoiler)[
•The Judas Goat, 5/01 ★
•The Lawman, the Badass & the Songbird, 5/02 ★★★
•Jeremy, 5/08 ★★★
•Saga, Vol. 5, 5/20 ★★★★
•Rick, 5/23 ★★★★
(hide spoiler)]


June
Read 5 books from your favorite genre
(MM Romance)
(view spoiler)[
•Eli, 6/04 ★★★★
•Don't Leave Me Alone, 6/10 ★★★★
•Denim, 6/14 ★★★★
•A Destiny of Dragons, 6/14 ★★★★★
•Kidnapped by the Pirate, 6/19 ★★★★★
(hide spoiler)]


July
Read 5 books that either finish a series for you, get you caught up on a series, or fills in a challenge that you've been neglecting.
(view spoiler)[
•Tied Up by the Boss, 7/04 ★★★★
•Interview with the Vampire, 7/05 ★★★
•Just Here for the Pain, 7/06 ★★★★
•Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness, 7/06 ★★★★★
•Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, 7/12 ★★★★
(hide spoiler)]


August
Read 5 books with at least a romantic subplot
(view spoiler)[
•The Year of Living Scandalously, 8/02 ★★★
•Sparrow, 8/03 ★★★★
•Femme, 8/08 ★★★★
•The Great Alone, 8/08 ★★★★★
•Sweet Talk, 8/17 ★
(hide spoiler)]


September
Read 5 books that have children in them
(view spoiler)[
•Love You More, 9/02 ★★★★
•Bonfires, 9/04 ★★★★
•Pretty Baby, 9/13 ★
•Heretics Anonymous, 9/19 ★★★
•Girls and Boys, 9/20 ★★★★★
(hide spoiler)]


October
Read 5 books that you either got for free or super cheap
(view spoiler)[
•The 5th Horseman, 10/02 ★★★
•The Tattooist of Auschwitz, 10/04 ★★★★
•In Pieces, 10/08 ★★★★
•Rust & Stardust, 10/16 ★★★
•Mr. Mercedes, 10/22 ★★★★★ (hide spoiler)]


November
Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence(1, 1, 2, 3, 5)
(view spoiler)[
•(#1 Dirty Duet): Dirty Filthy Rich Men, 11/01 ★★★★
•(#1 Green Men): Spectred Isle, 11/01 ★★★
•(#2 Romancing the...): Romancing the Ugly Duckling, 11/02 ★★★★
•(#3 Big Rock): Well Hung, 11/02 ★★★★
• :( (hide spoiler)]


December
Read at least 500 pages, but they must be from holiday themed books.
(view spoiler)[
•54p, Red Dirt Christmas, 12/02 ★★★
•161p, All I Want Is You, 12/03 ★★★★
•172p, The Christmas Cottage, 12/07 ★★
•181p, Trusting Jack, 12/11 ★★★★
•36p, Goldilocks and the Bear, 12/12 ★★★
Total: 602 (hide spoiler)]

The Really, Really, Really, Really, Hard 2018 Challenge!
Duration: January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018

Tasks:

January – New Year = new books!
Read 5 books that were released in January 2018.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

February – Valentines Day!
Read 5 books where chocolate is involved.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

March –The Oscars!
Read 5 books that were made into movies.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

April – Library Week!
Read 5 books that you got from the library or were lent to you by a friend.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

May – Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo!
Read 5 books that are either Star Wars novels, set in space, or are the 5th book in a series.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

June – Name Your Poison Day!
Read 5 books from your favorite genre.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

July – The Year is Half Over!
Read 5 books that either finish a series for you, get you caught up on a series, or fills in a challenge that you've been neglecting.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

August – Romance Awareness Month!
Read 5 books with at least a romantic subplot.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

September – Baby Safety Month!
Read 5 books that have children in them.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

October – Frugal Fun Day!
Read 5 books that you either got for free or super cheap.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

November – Fibonacci Day (1, 1, 2, 3, 5)
Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence. See the examples in Message 6 if you need help!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

December – Happy Holidays!
Time is short for a lot of us this month. Read at least 500 pages, but they must be from holiday themed books.
0/500

The Really, Really, Really, Really, Hard 2018 Challenge!
January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018

DONE

January – This month: New Year = new books! Read 5 books that were released in January 2018.
1 Unbound 1/12
2 No Regrets 1/15
3 A Merciful Secret 1/28
4 Promise Not to Tell 1/29
5 Sanctified 2/2
February – This month: Valentines Day! Read 5 books where chocolate is involved.
1 The Chocolate Egg Murders 2/27
2 Double Chocolate Pistachio Murder 2/18
3 Dark Chocolate Murder 2/27
4 Truffled to Death 2/24
5 StrawBuried in Chocolate 2/24
March – This month: The Oscars! Read 5 books that were made into movies.
Spring Fever- Book covers with outdoor scenes

April – Library Week! got from the library
Silent Thunder 4/7
Not Your Ordinary Faerie Tale 4/7
Change of Fortune 4/3
The Goldfish Boy 4/2
The Other Side of Midnight 4/11
May – This month: Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo! Star Wars novels, set in space, or 5th in a series.
1 Just Ducky 5/6
2 Deceptions 5/7
3 Voodoo River 5/11
4 Eaves of Destruction 5/11
5 Ginger Snapped 5/9
June – favorite genre.
Before It's Too Late 6/24
Rose Hill 6/23
On the Chase 6/22
Paper Phoenix 6/11
Murder at the Blue Plate Café 6/8
July – This month: The Year is Half Over! Read 5 books that either finish a series for you, get you caught up on a series, or fills in a challenge that you've been neglecting.
Pirates in Peril: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery 7/14
Iron Crowned 7/13
Borrowed Crime 7/17
Morning Glory Circle 7/17
Pouncing on Murder 7/12
August – This month: Romance Awareness Month! Read 5 books with at least a romantic subplot.
SWAT Secret Admirer 8/2
Cease Fire 8/5
Body Of Evidence (Mills & Boon Heroes) 8/6
Guardian Ranger 8/7
SWAT Standoff 8/9
September –Baby Safety Month! have children in them.
Aunt Dimity and the King's Ransom 9/4
The Jolly Regina 9/9
Halloween Murder 9/15
Burning Ridge 9/19
Sinister 9/21
October – This month: Frugal Fun Day! got for free library books:
Miss Ruffles Inherits Everything: A Mystery Nancy Martin 10/16
If He's Wicked Hannah Howell 10/27 Last Call Allyson K. Abbott 10/23
Booked for Trouble Eva Gates 10/14
Wicked Jana Deleon 10/25
Broken Hearted Ghoul Joyce Lavene 10/27
November – This month: Fibonacci Day (1, 1, 2, 3, 5) Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence.
Cold Sight 11/4
Cookies, Corpses and the Deadly Haunt 11/12
Dead Girl Blues 11/2
Murder Freshly Baked 11/3
Unseen 11/8
December – holiday themed books.
The Santa Klaus Murder 12/2
Deck the Hallways 12/2
Not a Creature Was Purring 12/1 289
We Wish You a Murderous Christmas 12/1 304
A Cavanaugh Christmas 12/11

Gonna try this one!

The Really, Really, Really, Really, Hard 2018 Challenge!
Duration: January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018

Tasks:

January – New Year = new books!
Read 5 books that were released in January 2018.
1. Meet Cute: Some People Are Destined to Meet by Jennifer Armentrout, 1/6
2. Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu, 1/7
3. Unearthed by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner, 1/14
4. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, 1/24
5. Gone Rogue by Marissa Meyer, 1/30


February – Valentines Day!
Read 5 books where chocolate is involved.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

March –The Oscars!
Read 5 books that were made into movies.
1. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, 3/7
2.
3.
4.
5.


April – Library Week!
Read 5 books that you got from the library or were lent to you by a friend.
1. The Martian by Andy Weir, 4/20
2.
3.
4.
5.


May – Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo!
Read 5 books that are either Star Wars novels, set in space, or are the 5th book in a series.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

June – Name Your Poison Day!
Read 5 books from your favorite genre.
1. Legendary by Stephanie Garber, 6/6
2. Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia, 6/9
3. Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia, 6/7
4. All the Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater, 6/22
5. Poison Princess by Kresley Cole, 6/22


July – The Year is Half Over!
Read 5 books that either finish a series for you, get you caught up on a series, or fills in a challenge that you've been neglecting.
1. Salvaged by Jay Crownover, 7/4
2. Dangerous Deception by Kami Garcia, 7/7
3. All Played Out by Cora Carmack, 7/9
4. The Dark Calling by Kresley Cole, 7/12
5. Bright We Burn by Kiersten White, 7/14


August – Romance Awareness Month!
Read 5 books with at least a romantic subplot.
1. Top Shelf by Kelly Jamieson, 8/1
2. Say You'll Remember Me by Katie McGarry, 8/8
3. All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover, 8/13
4. The Selection by Kiera Cass, 8/14
5. The Elite by Kiera Cass, 8/15


September – Baby Safety Month!
Read 5 books that have children in them.
1. Daughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller, 9/3
2. A Whole New World by Liz Braswell, 9/6
3. As Old As Time by Liz Braswell, 9/11
4. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by JK Rowling, 9/18
5. Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare, 9/28


October – Frugal Fun Day!
Read 5 books that you either got for free or super cheap.
1. Not So Nice Guy by RS Grey, 10/2
2. Arrogant Devil by RS Grey, 10/3
3. Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare, 10/8
4. Sea Witch by Sarah Henning, 10/10
5. Listen to Your Heart by Kasie West, 10/11


November – Fibonacci Day (1, 1, 2, 3, 5)
Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence. See the examples in Message 6 if you need help!
1. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard, 11/12
2. Darkness Brutal by Rachel Marks, 11/23
3. Flawless by Sara Shepard, 11/13
4. Perfect by Sara Shepard, 11/14
5. Wicked by Sara Shepard, 11/16


December – Happy Holidays!
Time is short for a lot of us this month. Read at least 500 pages, but they must be from holiday themed books.
0/500

The Really, Really, Really, Really Hard 2018 Challenge

Challenge Accepted: January 1, 2018
Challenge (hopefully) Completed: December 31, 2018

January: 5 books released in Jan. 2018
1. Promise Not to Tell by Jayne Ann Krentz
2. Judgment Road by Christine Feehan
3. Song and Key by Alix Bekins
4. Prelude to Love by Anne Barwell
5. ???

Duration: January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018

Tasks:
January – This month: New Year = new books! Read 5 books that were released in January 2018.
1. The Lost Plot by Genevieve Cogman1/19
2. A Long Way From Home by Peter Carey 1/8
3. Only the Rain by Randall Silvis 1/4
4. The Last Friend 1/11
5. Carnegie's Maid 1/23

February – This month: Valentines Day! Read 5 books where chocolate is involved.
1. 2/4 The Chocolate Heart
2. 2/6 The Chocolate Kiss
3. 2/8 The Chocolate Touch
4. 2/25 Corporate Husband Love and Chocolate series)
5. 2/26 The Chocolate Temptation

March – This month: The Oscars! Read 5 books that were made into movies.
1. 3/4 Serena
2. 3/22 Pride and Prejudice
3. 3/24 The Hunchback of Notre-Dame
4. 3/26 Mansfield Park
5. 3/28 Ready Player One

April – This month: Library Week! Read 5 books that you got from the library or were lent to you by a friend.

1. 4/3 When Someone You Love Is Wiccan: A Guide to Witchcraft and Paganism for Concerned Friends, Nervous Parents, and Curious Co-Workers
2. 4/6 Heaven and Earth
3. 4/8 Sins of the Night
4. 4/11 Face the Fire
5. 4/23 Dark Side of the Moon

May – This month: Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo! Read 5 books that are either Star Wars novels, set in space, or are the 5th book in a series.
1. Armada 5/14
2. Heir to the Empire 5/17
3. The Martian 5/20
4. Dark Force Rising 5/23
5. The Last Command 5/27

June – This month: Name Your Poison Day! Read 5 books from your favorite genre.
FANTASY!
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses 6/1
2. A Court of Mist and Fury6/7
3. Dream Warrior 6/10
4. A Court of Wings and Ruin 6/12
5. No Mercy 6/15

July – This month: The Year is Half Over! Read 5 books that either finish a series for you, get you caught up on a series, or fills in a challenge that you've been neglecting.
1. 7/10 Styxx
2. 7/13 Son of No One
3. 7/15 Dragonbane
4. 7/18 Dragonmark
5. 7/23 Dragonsworn

August – This month: Romance Awareness Month! Read 5 books with at least a romantic subplot.
1. 8/9 A Girl Divided
2. 8/12 The Little Shop of Found Things
3. 8/15 Roses
4. 8/18 The Hangman's Secret
5. 8/28 Whisper Me This

September – This month: Baby Safety Month! Read 5 books that have children in them.
1. 9/1 The Dream Daughter
2. 9/10 Once Upon a River
3. 9/23 I Am Not a Monster
4. 9/26 The Found Child
5. 9/30 Little Darlings
October – This month: Frugal Fun Day! Read 5 books that you either got for free or super cheap.
1. 10/6 Stuck in Manistique Free NetGalley
2. 10/10 The Dreamers Free NetGalley
3. 10/20 Under My Skin Free NetGalley
4. 10/25 Just After Midnight Free NetGalley
5. 10/26 Girls on the Line: Free NetGalley

November – This month: Fibonacci Day (1, 1, 2, 3, 5) Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence. See the examples in Message 6 if you need help!
1. 11/11 Risky Play(Red Card #1)
2. 11/21 All Systems Red(Murderbot #1)
3. 11/7 Castle on the Rise

December – This month: Happy Holidays! Time is short for a lot of us this month. Read at least 500 pages, but they must be from holiday themed books.

256p Dashing Through the Snow
368p A Christmas Bride

The Really, Really, Really, Really, Hard 2018 Challenge!
Duration: January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018

January – This month: New Year = new books! Read 5 books that were released in January 2018.
1. Dragon Blood- Eileen Wilks- 1/15/18 (published January 2nd 2018)
2. Dark in Death- J.D. Robb- 1/30/18 (published January 30th 2018)
3. Summer Reign- John Conroe- 8/1/18 (published January 20th 2018)
4. Heart on Fire- Amanda Bouchet- 10/6/18 (January 2nd 2018)
5. Hunting The Past- J.C. Diem- 12/2/18 (published January 2nd 2018)

February – This month: Valentines Day! Read 5 books where chocolate is involved.
1. Nightingale's Lament- Simon R. Green- 3/4/18 (Rossignol ate a chocolate cake)
2. Lake Silence- Anne Bishop- 3/6/18 (Vicki eats chocolate chip cookies)
3. The Witch's Dream- Victoria Danann- 5/26/18 (Elora is addicted to chocolate and has something chocolate every day)
4. Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder- Joanne Fluke- 5/30/18 (Hannah is a baker and uses a lot of chocolate in her cookies)
5. Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic- Meghan Ciana Doidge- 9/1/18 (Jade runs a bakery and makes chocolate cupcakes)

March – This month: The Oscars! Read 5 books that were made into movies.
1. They Do It With Mirrors- Agatha Christie- 4/3/18 (1991 TV movie)
2. And Then There Were None- Agatha Christie- 4/19/18 (1945 movie; remade in 1974)
3. Seabiscuit: An American Legend- Laura Hillenbrand- 4/26/18 (2003 movie)
4. Along Came a Spider- James Patterson- 5/20/18 (2001 movie)
5. Casino Royale- Ian Fleming- 6/1/18 (1967 movie, remade in 2006)

April – This month: Library Week! Read 5 books that you got from the library (Kindle Unlimited)
1. Alchemy- Sheena Boekweg- 4/13/18
2. Unwritten & Underwater- Amanda M. Lee- 4/23/18
3. The Eloquent Parrot- Robin Knowles- 6/9/18
4. Forbidden Mind- Karpov Kinrade- 6/11/18
5. The Body Reader- Anne Frasier- 6/17/18

May – This month: Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo! Read 5 books that are either Star Wars novels, set in space, or are the 5th book in a series.
1. Golden Son- Pierce Brown- 5/13/18 (set in space)
2. The Sorcerer of the North- John Flanagan- 6/16/18 (Ranger's Apprentice #5)
3. MindMage- Connie Suttle- 7/10/18 (set in space)
4. Fallen Stars- John Conroe- 7/23/18 (Demon Accords #5)
5. Ghostly Images- Lily Harper Hart- 8/20/18 (Harper Harlow Mystery #5)

June – This month: Name Your Poison Day! Read 5 books from your favorite genre. (Fantasy)
1. From Percy Jackson - Camp Half-Blood Confidential: Your Real Guide to the Demigod Training Camp- Rick Riordan- 6/2/18
2. A Game of Thrones- George R.R. Martin- 6/8/18
3. Hex and the City- Simon R. Green- 6/15/18
4. Sleeping Beauty- K.M. Shea- 6/18/18
5. Oracles of Delphi Keep- Victoria Laurie- 6/23/18

July – This month: The Year is Half Over! Read 5 books that either finish a series for you, get you caught up on a series, or fills in a challenge that you've been neglecting.
1. Buffer Zone- Connie Suttle- 8/23/18 (caught up in series)
2. Extra! Extra! Dead All About It- Amanda M. Lee- 8/28/18 (caught up in series)
3. Magic Triumphs- Ilona Andrews- 8/29/18 (finish series)
4. MindRogue- Connie Suttle- 8/31/18 (caught up in series)
5. Leverage in Death- J.D. Robb- 9/4/18 (caught up in series)

August – This month: Romance Awareness Month! Read 5 books with at least a romantic subplot.
1. Midnight Awakening- Lara Adrian- 8/9/18 (MPG Romance)
2. Better Read Than Dead- Victoria Laurie- 8/15/18 (MPG Romance)
3. Touched by an Alien- Gini Koch- 8/22/18 (MPG Romance)
4. Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men- Molly Harper- 9/6/18 (MPG Romance)
5. Make A Witch- Amanda M. Lee- 9/8/18 (MPG Romance)

September – This month: Baby Safety Month! Read 5 books that have children in them.
1. A Witchmas Carol- Amanda M. Lee- 9/17/18 (Annie)
2. Desperate Covenant- Amanda M. Lee- 9/20/18 (Sami)
3. Everlasting Covenant- Amanda M. Lee- 9/21/18 (Sami)
4. Grave Missteps- Lily Harper Hart- 9/25/18 (Angel)
5. Wicked Whimsy- Lily Harper Hart- 10/7/18 (Josh)

October – This month: Frugal Fun Day! Read 5 books that you either got for free or super cheap.
1. Wicked Wishes- Lily Harper Hart- 10/5/18 ($3.99)
2. Wicked Ghosts- Lily Harper Hart- 10/6/18 ($3.99)
3. Ghostly Distress- Lily Harper Hart- 10/7/18 ($3.99)
4. Ghostly Despair- Lily Harper Hart- 10/8/18 ($3.99)
5. Stormy Seas- Lily Harper Hart- 10/11/18 ($3.99)

November – This month: Fibonacci Day (1, 1, 2, 3, 5) Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence. See the examples in Message 6 if you need help!
1: Dragon's Blood- Jane Yolen- 11/1/18 (Pit Dragon Chronicles #1)
1: Seven Years- Dannika Dark- 11/3/18 (Seven #1)
2: The Chupacabra Catastrophe- Amanda M. Lee- 11/8/18 (Charlie Rhodes #2)
3: The Werewolf Whoops- Amanda M. Lee- 11/9/18 (Charlie Rhodes #3)
5: Last Dragon Standing- Rachel Aaron- 11/11/18 (Heartstrikers #5)

December – This month: Happy Holidays! Time is short for a lot of us this month. Read at least 500 pages, but they must be from holiday themed books.
Festivus! The Book: A Complete Guide to the Holiday for the Rest of Us- Mark Nelson- 12/27/18 (200 pages)
Ghostly Holiday- Lily Harper Hart- 1/6/19 (223 pages)
Accidental Ashes- Sara C. Roethle- 1/13/19 (192 pages)
Total: 615 pages

The Really, Really, Really, Really, Hard 2018 Challenge!
Duration: January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018

Tasks:
January – This month: New Year = new books! Read 5 books that were released in January 2018.

February – This month: Valentines Day! Read 5 books where chocolate is involved.

March – This month: The Oscars! Read 5 books that were made into movies.

April – This month: Library Week! Read 5 books that you got from the library or were lent to you by a friend.

May – This month: Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo! Read 5 books that are either Star Wars novels, set in space, or are the 5th book in a series.

June – This month: Name Your Poison Day! Read 5 books from your favorite genre.

July – This month: The Year is Half Over! Read 5 books that either finish a series for you, get you caught up on a series, or fills in a challenge that you've been neglecting.

August – This month: Romance Awareness Month! Read 5 books with at least a romantic subplot.

September – This month: Baby Safety Month! Read 5 books that have children in them.

October – This month: Frugal Fun Day! Read 5 books that you either got for free or super cheap.

November – This month: Fibonacci Day (1, 1, 2, 3, 5) Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence.

December – This month: Happy Holidays! Time is short for a lot of us this month. Read at least 500 pages, but they must be from holiday themed books.

The Really, Really, Really, Really, Hard 2018 Challenge!
Duration: January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018

Tasks:

January – This month: New Year = new books! Read 5 books that were released in January 2018.


February – This month: Valentines Day! Read 5 books where chocolate is involved.


March – This month: The Oscars! Read 5 books that were made into movies.


April – This month: Library Week! Read 5 books that you got from the library or were lent to you by a friend.

May – This month: Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo! Read 5 books that are either Star Wars novels, set in space, or are the 5th book in a series.

June – This month: Name Your Poison Day! Read 5 books from your favorite genre.

July – This month: The Year is Half Over! Read 5 books that either finish a series for you, get you caught up on a series, or fills in a challenge that you've been neglecting.

August – This month: Romance Awareness Month! Read 5 books with at least a romantic subplot.

September – This month: Baby Safety Month! Read 5 books that have children in them.

October – This month: Frugal Fun Day! Read 5 books that you either got for free or super cheap.


November – This month: Fibonacci Day (1, 1, 2, 3, 5) Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence. See the examples in Message 6 if you need help!



December – This month: Happy Holidays! Time is short for a lot of us this month. Read at least 500 pages, but they must be from holiday themed books.

Duration: January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018

January – This month: New Year = new books! Read 5 books that were released in January 2018.
★ The Day That Aliens (Nearly) Ate Our Brains 21/1
★ It's Never Too Late for Love: Everyone Deserves a Fairy Tale Ending 22/1
★ Dark Ride: A Horror Story 28/1
★ The Last Call: It’s the only number you’ll ever need 28/1
★ Through the Fog: A Collection of Speculation 28/1

February – This month: Valentines Day! Read 5 books where chocolate is involved.
★ The Snow Dragon 4/2
★ Short and Sweet 4/2
★ Hard Wyred 26/2
★ Ear Candy: Three Short Stories in All-Dialogue Format 27/2
★ A Devil of a Date 28/2

March – This month: The Oscars! Read 5 books that were made into movies.
★ The Nutcracker and the Mouse King 31/3
★ Annabel Lee 30/3
★ The Call of Cthulhu 30/3
★ Troll Bridge 30/3
★ The Empire of the Ants 30/3

April – This month: Library Week! Read 5 books that you got from the library or were lent to you by a friend.
★ The Witch Boy 6/4
★ Aunt Kelly's Dog 22/4
★ Jenny No-Knickers 30/4
★ The Magic Money Tree 30/4
★ Senior Moments: Ageing Disgracefully: A timelessly funny cartoon collection by Whyatt 30/4

May – This month: Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo! Read 5 books that are either Star Wars novels, set in space, or are the 5th book in a series.
★ Rail Gun 11/5
★ Vader 19/5
★ Iron Hand 31/5
★ Horus Rising 31/5
★ Johnny Rangers: Space Detective 23/5

June – This month: Name Your Poison Day! Read 5 books from your favorite genre.
★ Frogkisser! 1/6
★ The Professor Woos The Witch 14/6
★ Etiquette & Espionage 30/6
★ Isadora moon goes to the fair 12/6
★ When I was Not Myself 21/6

July – This month: The Year is Half Over! Read 5 books that either finish a series for you, get you caught up on a series, or fills in a challenge that you've been neglecting.
★ ごくせん 1 4/7
★ Gokusen 2 4/7
★ Tail of the Moon, Volume 1 13/7
★ In for a Dime, In for a Dollar 15/7
★ Tail of the Moon, Volume 2 13/7

August – This month: Romance Awareness Month! Read 5 books with at least a romantic subplot.
★ A Vampire's Valentine Surprise 13/8
★ The Vampire’s Fake Fiancée 13/8
★ The Witch's Halloween Hero 13/8
★ The Werewolf's Christmas Wish 13/8
★ The Shifter Romances The Writer 16/8

September – This month: Baby Safety Month! Read 5 books that have children in them.
★ Witch Glitch 1/9
★ The Lost Bookshop - The Mystery of the Missing Monkey 4/9
★ Redwall 4/9
★ Isadora Moon Makes Winter Magic 21/9
★ Frognapped 23/9

October – This month: Frugal Fun Day! Read 5 books that you either got for free or super cheap.
★ Grotesque: A Psychological Horror Story 23/10
★ Bottled Lightning 23/10
★ Days That Changed the World 17/10
★ Castaways of the Flying Dutchman 4/10
★ American Demon Hunters - Albany, New York 19/10

November – This month: Fibonacci Day (1, 1, 2, 3, 5) Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence.
★ Baehrly Breathing 6/11
★ Life's a Witch 6/11
★ The Stonekeeper's Curse 6/11
★ The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, A Rún, Volume 3 3/11
★ とつくにの少女 5 Totsukuni no Shoujo 5 22/11

December
– This month: Happy Holidays! Time is short for a lot of us this month. Read at least 500 pages, but they must be from holiday themed books. 536/500
(view spoiler)[
★ Yule's Tyd 3/12 p34
★ Bear Naked for Christmas 4/12 p53
★ The Naughty List 25/12 p135
★ The Christmas Hirelings 27/12 p261
★ An Xmas for Xo 31/12 p53
(hide spoiler)]

The Really, Really, Really, Really, Hard 2018 Challenge!
Duration: January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018

Tasks:

January – New Year = new books!
Read 5 books that were released in January 2018.
1. The Lacemaker - 1/10/18****
2. A Conspiracy of Stars - 1/14/18***
3. Everless - 1/17/18*****
4. The English Wife - 1/22/18****
5. Batman: Nightwalker -1/30/18****

February – Valentines Day!
Swapping Chocolate for: Read 5 books by authors you love (from the 2016 challenge)
1. Crown of Midnight - 2/12/18****
2. Heir of Fire - 2/16/18****
3. Doctor in Petticoats - 2/25/18***
4. Wrangler in Petticoats - 2/26/18****
5. Sharpshooter in Petticoats - 2/27/18****

March –The Oscars!
Read 5 books that were made into movies.
1. The Time Traveler's Wife - 3/16/18****
2. Fahrenheit 451 - 3/17/18***
3. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - 3/22/18***
4. P.S. I Love You - 3/26/18****
5. The Martian - 3/28/18****

April – Library Week!
Read 5 books that you got from the library or were lent to you by a friend.
1. In the Field of Grace - 4/6/18****
2. Caraval - 4/8/18****
3. Grave Consequences - 4/15/18***
4. Red Rising - 4/17/18*****
5. The Queen of the Tearling - 4/20/18***

May – Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo!
Read 5 books that are either Star Wars novels, set in space, or are the 5th book in a series.
1. Zenith - 5/12/18****
2. Thrawn - 5/23/18***
3. Skywalker Strikes - 5/24/18***
4. Captain Phasma - 5/25/18**
5. Obi-Wan & Anakin - 5/29/18***

June – Name Your Poison Day!
Read 5 books from your favorite genre. (Fantasy!)
1. Sightwitch - 6/2/18****
2. Throne of Glass - 6/6/18****
3. The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. - 6/21/18****
4. King's Cage - 6/21/18***
5. Curtsies & Conspiracies - 6/30/18****

July – The Year is Half Over!
Read 5 books that either finish a series for you, get you caught up on a series, or fills in a challenge that you've been neglecting.
1. War Storm - 7/7/18*** (End of Red Queen series)
2. Queen of Shadows - 7/10/18***** (Overdue for Bookopoly)
3. Crocodile on the Sandbank - 7/11/18**** (Overdue for Shelf Pursuit)
4. Delicious - 7/12/18*** (Overdue for Choose Your Fate)
5. The Girl of Fire and Thorns - 7/31/18** (I've been neglecting: TBR Through Time)

August – Romance Awareness Month!
Read 5 books with at least a romantic subplot.
1. Illuminae - 8/5/18*****
2. Burn for Me - 8/8/18****
3. White Hot - 8/10/18****
4. Wildfire - 8/12/18****
5. Legendary - 8/18/18****

September – Baby Safety Month!
Read 5 books that have children in them.
Alternate: Read 5 books that you’ve been putting off for at least a year. List the date that you put the book on your TBR with your date completed and your rating
1. Deconstructing Penguins: Parents, Kids, and the Bond of Reading - Read 9/10/18**** Added Jun 6th, 2016
2. Greater: Dream Bigger. Start Smaller. Ignite God's Vision for Your Life. - Read 9/15/18*** Added Mar 8th, 2013
3. The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter - Read 9/20/18*** (Main character is 16)
4. Scythe - 9/27/18***** Added Feb 1, 2017
5. The Sword of Summer - 9/30/18**** Added Nov 15, 2014

October – Frugal Fun Day!
Read 5 books that you either got for free or super cheap.
Alternate: United Nations Day! Read 5 books set in different locations.
1. Relationships: A Mess Worth Making - 10/4/18** (Kindle freebie)
2. The Hidden Oracle - 10/10/18*** (Set in New York)
3. Every Day - 10/10/18*** (Set in Maryland)
4. Sarai - 10/27/18*** (Kindle Freebie)
5.

November – Fibonacci Day (1, 1, 2, 3, 5)
Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence. See the examples in Message 6 if you need help!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

December – Happy Holidays!
Time is short for a lot of us this month. Read at least 500 pages, but they must be from holiday themed books.
0/500

The Really, Really, Really, Really Hard 2018 Challenge!
Duration: January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018

Rules: If a particular month is too challenging for you, feel free to substitute one month with a challenge task from another version of the challenge, duplicate a challenge task from another 2018 task, OR you may create your own challenge for that month. Remember...it needs to be CHALLENGING!

Remember to list the book titles, author, and date completed (adding your rating is optional) for each book you finish each month. DO NOT post a duplicate copy of your original post when you announce that you have finished the challenge!

There are no page minimums or limits to this challenge.

TASKS:

January – This month: New Year = new books! - COMPLETED!
Read 5 books that were released in January 2018.

✔ 1. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black - finished on 01/17/18
✔ 2. Unearthed by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner - finished on 01/31/18
✔ 3. Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson - finished on 01/29/18
✔ 4. Substitution from January 2015: New Year = new authors! Read 5 books that are new to you authors. - Frostblood by Elly Blake - finished on 01/16/18
✔ 5. Substitution from January 2015: New Year = new authors! Read 5 books that are new to you authors. - The Fire Sermon by Francesca Haig - finished on 01/25/18




February – This month: Valentines Day! - COMPLETED!
Read 5 books where chocolate is involved.

✔ 1. Chocolate by Hershey: A Story about Milton S. Hershey by Betty Burford - finished on 02/01/18
✔ 2. The Chocolate Bear Burglary by JoAnna Carl - finished on 02/07/18
✔ 3. The Chocolate Box: A Short Story by Agatha Christie - finished on 02/23/18
✔ 4. Chocolate by Jenny Fretland Vanvoorst and Erica Donner - finished on 02/23/18
✔ 5. The Chocolate Tasting Guide by Eagranie Yuh - finished on 02/23/18




March – This month: The Oscars!
Read 5 books that were made into movies.

1. The 5th Wave
2. The Book Thief
3. Coraline
4. I Am Number Four
5. Eragon



April – This month: Library Week! Read 5 books that you got from the library or were lent to you by a friend.

May – This month: Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo! Read 5 books that are either Star Wars novels, set in space, or are the 5th book in a series.

June – This month: Name Your Poison Day! Read 5 books from your favorite genre.

July – This month: The Year is Half Over! Read 5 books that either finish a series for you, get you caught up on a series, or fills in a challenge that you've been neglecting.

August – This month: Romance Awareness Month! Read 5 books with at least a romantic subplot.

September – This month: Baby Safety Month! Read 5 books that have children in them.

October – This month: Frugal Fun Day! Read 5 books that you either got for free or super cheap.

November – This month: Fibonacci Day (1, 1, 2, 3, 5) Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence. See the examples in Message 6 if you need help!

December – This month: Happy Holidays! Time is short for a lot of us this month. Read at least 500 pages, but they must be from holiday themed books.

UPDATE: COMPLETE!

I love this challenge! I think this might be my seventh year...
The Really, Really, Really, Really, Hard 2018 Challenge!
Duration: January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018
12/12

Tasks:

January – New Year = new books!
Read 5 books that were released in January 2018.
5/5
1. Lullaby
2. A Long Way From Home
3. The Chalk Man
4. The Silent Girls
5. I'll Keep You Safe

February – Valentines Day!
Read 5 books where chocolate is involved.
5/5
1. Ike and Kay: A Novel : Ike gives Kay a box of dark chocolates.
2. Matilda : a boy is made to eat an entire chocolate cake
3. The Lollipop Shoes : the main characters own a chocolaterie.
4. Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder : the first victim was eating chocolate chip cookies.
5. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory : Mr Wonka owns a chocolate factory.

March –The Oscars!
Read 5 books that were made into movies.
5/5
1. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
2. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
3. Let the Right One In
4. Murder on the Orient Express
5. The Lord of the Rings

April – Library Week!
Read 5 books that you got from the library or were lent to you by a friend.
5/5
All from the London Library:
1. Spirits and Spirituality in Victorian Fiction
2. The Land of the Green Man: A Journey Through the Supernatural Landscapes of the British Isles
3. The Offering
4. Rumer Godden: International and Intermodern Storyteller
5. The Rebecca Notebook: and Other Memories

May – Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo!
Read 5 books that are either Star Wars novels, set in space, or are the 5th book in a series.
1. Doctor Who: The Last Dodo : set in space
2. E is for Evidence : fifth in alphabet series
3. The Visitor : fifth in graveyard series
4. Doctor Who: The Eyeless : set in space
5. Doctor Who: Wooden Heart : set in space

June (swapped with July) – The Year is Half Over!
Read 5 books that either finish a series for you, get you caught up on a series, or fills in a challenge that you've been neglecting.
1. Mrs. Dalloway: read for alphabet challenge
2. The Lauras : read for TBR challenge
3. Wildwood : read for alphabet challenge
4. The Quick : read for alphabet challenge
5. The Shooting Party : read for alphabet challenge

July (swapped with June): Name Your Poison Day!
Read 5 books from your favorite genre. Genre chosen: paranormal/supernatural
1. A Head Full of Ghosts
2. Wuthering Heights
3. The Wonder
4. The Turn of the Screw
5. The Little Stranger



August – Romance Awareness Month!
Read 5 books with at least a romantic subplot.
1. Great Expectations : Pip and Estella
2. A Week in December : Gabriel and Jennie
3. Birdsong : Stephen and Isabelle
4. Written on the Body : narrator and Louise
5. The Female Persuasion: Cory and Greer


September – Baby Safety Month!
Read 5 books that have children in them.

1. The Wind in the Willows : the child otter
2. One of Us Is Lying : all the main characters
3. My Family and Other Animals : Gerry
4. Winnie-the-Pooh : Christopher Robin
5. Gather the Daughters : Rosie


October – Frugal Fun Day!
Read 5 books that you either got for free or super cheap.
1. The Haunting of Hill House: £2
2. The Virgin Suicides : approx. £3
3. Final Girls : <£1
4. Dracula : Free
5. Little Black Lies : <£1

November – Fibonacci Day (1, 1, 2, 3, 5)
Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence. See the examples in Message 6 if you need help!
1. Regeneration : Book 1 in Regeneration series
2. A Short History of Myth : Book 1 in Canongate myth series
3. The Eye in the Door : Book 2 in Regeneration series
4. The Ghost Road : Book 3 in Regeneration series
5. Lion's Honey: The Myth of Samson : Book 5 in Canongate Myth series

December – Happy Holidays!
Time is short for a lot of us this month. Read at least 500 pages, but they must be from holiday themed books.
524/500
1. Hercule Poirot's Christmas : 220 pages
2. Christmas Pudding : 184 pages
3. The Mistletoe Murder And Other Stories : 120 pages

For the five books released in January, do they have to be entirely new releases, or could they be paperback releases (so the hardcover is already out?) Thanks!

Laura wrote: "For the five books released in January, do they have to be entirely new releases, or could they be paperback releases (so the hardcover is already out?) Thanks!"

It is meant to be entirely new releases, so I'll change it to say "Read 5 books that were first published in January 2018" to clarify things. Thanks for the question!

The Really, Really, Really, Really, Hard 2018 Challenge!

Duration: January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018

Tasks:

January – This month: New Year = new books! Read 5 books that were first published in January 2018.
1. Thunderhead - Published 1/9/18
2. Everless - Published 1/2/18
3. The Stowaway: A Young Man’s Extraordinary Adventure to Antarctica - Published 1/15/18
4. Markswoman - Published 1/23/18
5. The Long Hangover: Putin's New Russia and the Ghosts of the Past - Published 1/2/18

February – This month: Valentines Day! Read 5 books where chocolate is involved.
1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
2. The Chocolate War
3. The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop

March – This month: The Oscars! Read 5 books that were made into movies.
1. The Hobbit
2. Catch-22

April – This month: Library Week! Read 5 books that you got from the library or were lent to you by a friend.
1. Ents, Elves, and Eriador: The Environmental Vision of J.R.R. Tolkien
2. Sabriel
3. Gemina
4. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
5. The Ascent of Gravity: The Quest to Understand the Force that Explains Everything

May – This month: Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo! Read 5 books that are either Star Wars novels, set in space, or are the 5th book in a series.
1. The 100
2. A Confusion of Princes
3. William Shakespeare's Star Wars: Verily, A New Hope
4. William Shakespeare's The Empire Striketh Back
5. William Shakespeare's The Jedi Doth Return

June – This month: Name Your Poison Day! Read 5 books from your favorite genre. - Fantasy
1. Iron Cast
2. Need
3. Ella Enchanted

July – This month: The Year is Half Over! Read 5 books that either finish a series for you, get you caught up on a series, or fills in a challenge that you've been neglecting.

August – This month: Romance Awareness Month! Read 5 books with at least a romantic subplot.

September – This month: Baby Safety Month! Read 5 books that have children in them.
1. Storming the Castle
2. Anne Boleyn: A King's Obsession
3. The Abbot's Tale

October – This month: Frugal Fun Day! Read 5 books that you either got for free or super cheap.
1. Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation
2. Arrows of the Queen
3. The Name of the Blade
4. Secrets of a Summer Night
5. The Field of Blood: Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War

November – This month: Fibonacci Day (1, 1, 2, 3, 5) Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence. See the examples in Message 6 if you need help!
1. The Quest Begins (Seekers #1)
2. The Naturals (The Naturals #1)

December – This month: Happy Holidays! Time is short for a lot of us this month. Read at least 500 pages, but they must be from holiday themed books.

The Really, Really, Really, Really, Hard 2018 Challenge!
Duration 1/1/18-12/31/18

Tasks:
January-(view spoiler)[ – This month: New Year = new books! Read 5 books that were first published in January 2018.
1-The God Gene byF. Paul Wilson(Published-1/2/2018)-1/19/2018-5 stars
2-Heart Spring Mountain by Robin MacArthur(Published-1/9/2018)-1/21/18-5 stars
3-The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce(Published-1/2/2018-1/22/18-5 stars
4-Lullaby Road by James Anderson(Published 1/16/18)-1/26/19-*****
5-A Land of Permanent Goodbyes by Atia Abawi(Published 1/23/18)-1/27-18-*****
____

January Tasks completed January 27,2018 (hide spoiler)]

February-(view spoiler)[ – This month: Valentines Day! Read 5 books where chocolate is involved.

1. Friends, Lovers, Chocolate] by Alexander McCall Smith-2/8/18-*****
2. Death Is Like a Box of Chocolates by Kathy Aarons-2/2/2018-****
3.Vodka and Chocolate Drops by Jean Oram-2/7/18-*****
4. Sorcery & Cecelia: or The Enchanted Chocolate Potby Patricia C. Wrede-2/4/18-****
5. The Chocolate Cat Caper by JoAnna Carl-2/28/18-****
____

February Completed-2/28/18- (hide spoiler)]

March –-(view spoiler)[ This month: The Oscars! Read 5 books that were made into movies.

1.Pride and Prejudice-3/13/18-*****
2. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha ChristieAgatha Christie-3/10-18-*****
3. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett-3/24/18-*****
4. [book:Winter's Bone byDaniel Woodrell-3/26/18-*****
5. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson-3/30/18-****

____ (hide spoiler)]

April-(view spoiler)[ – This month: Library Week! Read 5 books that you got from the library or were lent to you by a friend.-

1. The English Wife by Lauren Willig-4/5/18-*****
2. The News from Paraguay by Lily Tuck-4/4/18-***
3. Princess Elizabeth's Spy by Susan Elia MacNeal-4/10/18-*****
4.News of the World by Paulette Jiles-4/13/18-*****
5. Rebel by Heather Graham-4/19/18-*****
____ (hide spoiler)]


May –(view spoiler)[ This month: Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo! Read 5 books that are either Star Wars novels, set in space, or are the 5th book in a series.

1. Journey Between Worlds by Sylvia Engdahl-5/8/18-***** (Takes place on Mars)
2. Salamandastron by Brian Jacques-5/9/18-*****(5th in the Redwall Series)
3. The Secret of Shadow Ranch
by Carolyn Keene-5/13/18-****(5th in Nancy Drew Mystery Stories)
4. Another Heaven, Another Earth by Helen Mary Hoover-5/15/18-*****(MPG=Science Fiction.
5. Unicorn Tracks by Julia Ember-5/16/18-*****
(hide spoiler)]


June – (view spoiler)[ This month: Name Your Poison Day! Read 5 books from your favorite genre.
Historical Fiction

1. As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner-6/8/18-*****
2. Stranger in My Arms by Lisa Kleypas-6/11/18-****
3. Michal by Jill Eileen Smith-6/13/18-****
4. Masques of Gold by Roberta Gellis-6/16/18-****
5.Bayou Suzette by Lois Lenski-6/19/22-*****

___
(hide spoiler)]

July-(view spoiler)[ This month: The Year is Half Over! Read 5 books that either finish a series for you, get you caught up on a series, or fills in a challenge that you've been neglecting.

1. Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts-7/15/18-*****
# 4 and the last book of the Bride Quartet Series.
2.The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher-7/22/18-*****
-Neglected Series Option-
3.Desperado Who Stole Baseball by John H. Ritter-19/18-*****
-Neglected Series Option-
4. Calling Romeo by Alexandra Potter-7/15/19-*****
-Neglected Series Option-
5. Mermaid y Carolyn Turgeon-7/9/18-*****
-Neglected Series Option-
____ (hide spoiler)]

August -(view spoiler)[– This month: Romance Awareness Month! Read 5 books with at least a romantic subplot.

1. Polar Bared by Eve Langlais-8/3/18-**** MPG=Romance
2. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller-8/5/18-****MPG=Romance
3. Fledgling by Natasha S. Brown-8/8/18-*****MPG=Romance
4. Heart of the Sea by Nora Roberts-8/9/18-*****MPG=Romance
5. Buried Innocence by Terri Reid-8/10/18-*****MPG=Romance
____ (hide spoiler)]

September –(view spoiler)[ Read 5 books that have children in them.
1. Seeking the Sheriff by Calle J. Brookes-9/2/18-*****
There are little siblings under the age of 12 in this book.

2.Hit the Road by Caroline B. Cooney-9/2/18-*****
One of the MC is a 17-year-old girl

3.A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro-9/3/18-*****
The two MC are 16 year old students.

4.The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley-9/14/18-*****
The MC (Flavia) is a 12-year-old girl.

5. Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine-9/21/18-*****
The MC has two children ages 14 and 10.
(hide spoiler)]


October-(view spoiler)[ – This month: Frugal Fun Day! Read 5 books that you either got for free or super cheap.

1.The Museum of Mysteries by Steve Berry-10/13/18-***** Kindle Book-$2.99

2. Run Girl by Eva Hudson-10/25/18-***-Free Kindle Book

3. Murder Con Carne by Holly Plum-10/27/18-*** $.99 Kindle Book

4. The Glass Girls by Eric Scott Johnston-10/26/18-***** Free Kindle Book

5. Death By Honeymoon by Jaden Skye-10/26/18-**** Free Kindle Book
(hide spoiler)]



November – (view spoiler)[
This month: Fibonacci Day (1, 1, 2, 3, 5) Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence. See the examples in Message 6 if you need help!
1. (1)-The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale-11/5/18-***** Series: The Books of Bayern #1

2. (1)-Aunt Bessie Assumes by Diana Xarissa-11/6/18-****

3. (2)-Ilias by Sarah J. Stone-1/16/18-****Series-Stratham Dragonns #2

4. (3)-Wife for Hire by Janet Evanovich-11/23/18-****-Series- Elsie Hawkins #3

5. (5)_

(hide spoiler)]

December-(view spoiler)[ – This month: Happy Holidays! Time is short for a lot of us this month. Read at least 500 pages, but they must be from holiday-themed books.

1.A Christmas Case by L.B. Hathaway-12/4/18-***-126 pages

2. Caribou's Gift by Eve Langlais-12/6/18-***-100 pages

3. Miss Kane's Christmas by Caroline Mickelson-12/9/18-*****-156 pages

4. Christmas with the Sheriff by Victoria James-12/15/18-****-145pages

5.Lost and Found, Stories of Christmas by Wendell E. Mettey-12/24/18-***-106 pages


Total=663 pages
(hide spoiler)]

⚜️Trea wrote: "Laura wrote: "For the five books released in January, do they have to be entirely new releases, or could they be paperback releases (so the hardcover is already out?) Thanks!"

It is meant to be entirely new releases..."

I think that will be the hardest of the whole year! Finding and acquiring 5 new books I want to read within the month of January.

LaurLa wrote: "⚜️Trea wrote: "Laura wrote: "For the five books released in January, do they have to be entirely new releases, or could they be paperback releases (so the hardcover is already out?) Thanks!"

It is..."

Yeah, I figured that might be the case for some folks. That's why we have the substitution rule!

The Really, Really, Really, Really, Hard 2018 Challenge!
Duration: January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018
0/12

Tasks:

January – New Year = new books!
Read 5 books that were released in January 2018.
1. Another One Bites the Crust by Ellie Alexander
2. The Grave's a Fine and Private Place by Alan Bradley
3. Death by Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake by Sarah Graves
4. A Whisper of Bones: A Jane Lawless Mystery by Ellen Hart
5. Murder Borrowed, Murder Blue by Stephanie Blackmoore

February – Valentines Day!
Read 5 books where chocolate is involved.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

March –The Oscars!
Read 5 books that were made into movies.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

April – Library Week!
Read 5 books that you got from the library or were lent to you by a friend.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

May – Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo!
Read 5 books that are either Star Wars novels, set in space, or are the 5th book in a series.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

June – Name Your Poison Day!
Read 5 books from your favorite genre.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

July – The Year is Half Over!
Read 5 books that either finish a series for you, get you caught up on a series, or fills in a challenge that you've been neglecting.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

August – Romance Awareness Month!
Read 5 books with at least a romantic subplot.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

September – Baby Safety Month!
Read 5 books that have children in them.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

October – Frugal Fun Day!
Read 5 books that you either got for free or super cheap.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

November – Fibonacci Day (1, 1, 2, 3, 5)
Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence. See the examples in Message 6 if you need help!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

December – Happy Holidays!
Time is short for a lot of us this month. Read at least 500 pages, but they must be from holiday themed books.
0/500

The Really, Really, Really, Really, Hard 2018 Challenge!
January - December 2018

My The Really, Really, Really, Really, Hard 2018 Challenge! (msg 30)

✔✔🌸January: New Year = New Books!🌸 Read 5 books that were first published in January 2018. Replacement Challenge: Read 5 books first published in January of any year.

(view spoiler)[
✔Break On Through - Christie Ridgway ~ pubbed Jan 2015 - 01.19 ★★★★
✔Never Too Late - Brenda Jackson ~ pubbed Jan 2009 - 01.30 ★★★
✔Cinder - Marissa Mayer ~ pubbed Jan 2012 - 01.01 ★★★★
✔Cold Ridge - Carla Neggers ~ pubbed Jan 2003 - 01.24 ★★★★
✔Guardian For Hire - Christine Bell ~ pubbed Jan 2015 - 01.18 ★★★
(hide spoiler)]

✔✔🌸February: Valentines Day!🌸
Read 5 books where chocolate is involved.

(view spoiler)[
✔Zack - Sawyer Bennett - 02.03 ★★★★
✔Spring Rain - Jaci Burton - 02.03 ★★★
✔A Valentine Challenge - Kiru Taye - 02.09 ★★★
✔A Wedding Story - Susan Kay Law - 02.06 ★★★★
✔Abraca-Uh-Oh! - Sandra Brown Rarey - 02.23 ★★★

(hide spoiler)]

✔✔🌸March: The Oscars!🌸
Read 5 books that were made into movies.Replacement Challenge: Read 5 books from the Books That Should Be Made in Movies listopia

(view spoiler)[
✔The Siren - Tiffany Reisz ~ 3,937th on list - 03.07 ★★★★
✔Vision in White - Nora Roberts ~ 1,249 on list - 03.02 ★★★★
✔Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet - Darynda Jones ~ 25,978th on list - 03.09 ★★★★
✔Two for the Dough - Janet Evanovich ~ 415th on list - 03.13 ★★★
✔Split Second - Alex Kava ~ 7,861st on list - 03.23 ★★★★
(hide spoiler)]

✔✔🌸April: Library Week!🌸
Read 5 books that you got from the library or were lent to you by a friend.

(view spoiler)[
✔Beast Behaving Badly - Shelly Laurentston - 04.20 ★★★★
✔Scarlet - Marissa Meyer - 04.06 ★★★★
✔Castle Hill - Samantha Young - 06.10 ★★★★
✔Forsaken - Lisa Renee Jones - 06.23 ★★★★
✔Unbroken - Lisa Renee Jones - 06.27 ★★★★

(hide spoiler)]

✔✔🌸May: Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo!🌸
Read 5 books that are either Star Wars novels, set in space, or are the 5th book in a series. Replacement Challenge: Read 5 books that are either Star Wars novels, set in space OR tagged Sci-fi, or are the 5th book in a series.

(view spoiler)[
✔Cress - Marissa Meyer ~ sci-fi - 07.07 ★★★★
✔Winter - Marissa Meyer ~ sci-fi - 07.29 ★★★★
✔Darkness Unleashed - Alexandra Ivy ~ 5th in series - 05.11 ★★★★
✔The Darkness - Henry Parker ~ 5th in series - 05.19 ★★★★
✔Secrets Collide - Kathleen Brooks ~ 5th in series - 05.23 ★★★
(hide spoiler)]

✔✔🌸June: Name Your Poison Day!🌸
Read 5 books from your favorite genre -- Romantic Suspense

(view spoiler)[
✔Family Honor - Jamie Hill - 06.13 ★★★
✔Fuel for Fire - Julie Anne Walker - 06.08 ★★★★
✔Shadow Bound - Rachel Vincent - 06.15 ★★★★
✔Night's Landing - Carla Neggars - 06.12 ★★★★
✔Anything But Mine - Linda Winfree - 06.30 ★★★★
(hide spoiler)]

✔✔🌸July: The Year is Half Over!🌸
Read 5 books that either finish a series for you, get you caught up on a series, or fills in a challenge that you've been neglecting.

(view spoiler)[
✔Nobody But You - Jill Shalvis ~ finish a series - 07.29 ★★★★
✔Deadly in High Heels - Gemma Halliday ~ finish a series - 07.19 ★★★
✔Dirty Deeds - Misty Evans ~ finish a series - 07.01 ★★★
✔Beyond Pain - Kit Rocha ~ fufills neglected challenge - 07.25 ★★★★
✔Body Double - Tess Gerritsen ~ fufills neglected challenge - 07.29 ★★★★
(hide spoiler)]

✔✔🌸August: Romance Awareness Month!🌸
Read 5 books with at least a romantic subplot.

(view spoiler)[
✔Married by Monday - Catherine Bybee - 08.02 ★★★
✔Unafraid - Melody Grace - 08.04 ★★★
✔Night Heat - Brenda Jackson - 08.05 ★★★
✔A Sandcastle Christmas - J.D. Faver - 09.06 ★★★
✔All Out of Love - Lori Wilde - 08.19 ★★★★
(hide spoiler)]

✔✔🌸September: Baby Safety Month!🌸
Read 5 books that have children in them.

(view spoiler)[
✔The Forgotten Child - Lorhainne Eckhart - 09.12 ★★★
✔The Housewife Assassin's Relationship Survival Guide - Josie Brown - 10.20 ★★★★
✔The Housewife Assassin's Vacation to Die For - Josie Brown - 11.13 ★★★
✔Fairest - Marissa Meyer - 09.20 ★★★★
✔Hallowed Ground - Lori G. Armstrong - 09.24 ★★★
(hide spoiler)]

✔✔🌸October: Frugal Fun Day!🌸
Read 5 books that you either got for free or super cheap.

(view spoiler)[
✔Irresistible Forces - Brenda Jackson ~ free - 10.18 ★★★
✔True Devotion - Liora Blake ~ free - 10.03 ★★★★
✔Lethal Bayou Beauty - Jana DeLeon ~ free - 10.19 ★★★
✔Silver Serenade - Gerry O'Hara ~ cheap - 10.13 ★★★
✔The Will - Kristen Ashley ~ cheap - 10.28 ★★★★★
(hide spoiler)]

✔✔🌸November: Fibonacci Day (1, 1, 2, 3, 5)!🌸
Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence.

(view spoiler)[
✔21 Wall Street #1 ~ Hot Asset - Lauren Layne - 12.17 ★★★★
✔Brute Force #1 ~ Collision Point - Lora Leigh - 11.25 ★★★★
✔Brides & Grooms #2 ~ There Goes the Groom - Rita Herron - 11.27 ★★★
✔Julie Collins #3 ~ Shallow Grave - Lori G. Armstrong - 11.17 ★★★★
✔Cold Ridge-FBI Marshals #5 ~ Breakwater - Carla Neggers - 12.09 ★★★★
(hide spoiler)]

✔✔🌸December: Happy Holidays!🌸
Time is short for a lot of us this month. Read at least 500 pages, but they must be from holiday themed books. Replacement Challenge: Read at least 500 pages, but they must be from holiday themed books OR published in December of any year.

(view spoiler)[
✔Dirty Little Christmas - Julie Leto ~ Holiday ~ 149 pp - 12.04 ★★★
✔A MacKenzie Christmas - Liliana Hart ~ Holiday ~ 38 pp - 12.30 ★★★
✔Bjorn! on the Fourth of July - Karen Cantwell ~ Holiday ~ 20 pp - 12.08 ★★★
✔Cade - Liliana Hart ~ December pub ~ 221 pp - 12.30 ★★★
✔Closer - Dannika Dark ~ December pub ~ 89 pp - 12.27 ★★★★
(hide spoiler)]

The Really, Really, Really, Really, Hard 2018 Challenge!
Timeframe: 01 January 2018 - 31 December 2018
Completed: 60/?

January
New Year = new books! Read 5 books that were first published in January 2018.

01. Love, Hate & Other Filters by Samira Ahmed Published 16 Jan 2018) (28 Jan 2018) ****
02. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black Published 02 Jan 2018 (08 Jan 2018) ****
03. Unearthed by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner Published 09 Jan 2018 (15 Jan 2018) ****
04. The Night Trade by Barry Eisler Published 23 Jan 2018 (23 Jan 2018) ****
05. Gunslinger Girl by Lyndsay Ely Published 02 Jan 2018 (19 Jan 2018) ****



February
Valentine's Day! Read 5 books where chocolate is involved.

01. The Chocolate Cat Caper by JoAnna Carl (07 Feb 2018) ***
02. The Chocolate Bear Burglary by JoAnna Carl (11 Feb 2018) ***
03. The Chocolate Frog Frame-Up by JoAnna Carl (15 Feb 2018) ***
04. The Chocolate Puppy Puzzle by JoAnna Carl (18 Feb 2018) ***
05. The Chocolate Mouse Trap by JoAnna Carl (22 Feb 2018) ***



March
The Oscars! Read 5 books that were made into movies.

1. Red Sparrow by Jason Matthews (30 Mar 2018) ****
2. The Color Purple by Alice Walker (24 Mar 2018) ****
3. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman (22 Mar 2018) ***
4. The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth (06 Mar 2018) ****
5. The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum (26 Mar 2018) ***



April
Library Week! Read 5 books that you got from the library or were lent to you by a friend.

1. Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie (16 Apr 2018) *****
2. Renegades by Marissa Meyer (22 Apr 2018) ****
3. Guardian by Jack Campbell (24 Apr 2018) ****
4. The Archived by Victoria Schwab (25 Apr 2018) ****
5. The Baader-Meinhof Complex by Stefan Aust (20 Apr 2018) ****



May
Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo! Read 5 books that are either Star Wars novels, set in space, or are the 5th book in a series.

1. Our Dark Stars by Audrey Grey (07 May 2018) ****
2. Interim by P.K. Lentz (21 May 2018) ***
3. Star Splinter by J.G. Cressey (15 May 2018) ****
4. Zenith by Arshad Ahsanuddin (31 May 2018) *****
5. Desperate Fire by Christopher G. Nuttall (09 May 2018) ****



June
Name Your Poison Day! Read 5 books from your favorite genre.
Genre: Fantasy

1. Now I Rise by Kiersten White (10 Jun 2018) *****
2. Blackwing by Ed McDonald (03 Jun 2018) ****
3. The Sacrifice by Kristine Kathryn Rusch (17 Jun 2018) ****
4. The Briar King by Greg Keyes (27 Jun 2018) ****
5. Magic's Price by Mercedes Lackey (27 Jun 2018) ****



July
The Year is Half Over! Read 5 books that either finish a series for you, get you caught up on a series, or fills in a challenge that you've been neglecting.

1. Tyrant's Throne by Sebastien de Castell (31 Jul 2018) *****
2. Our Dark Duet by Victoria Schwab (30 Jul 2018) ****
3. Tried & True by Charlie Cochet (20 Jul 2018) ****
4. Tight Quarters by Annabeth Albert (11 Jul 2018) *****
5. Rebellion by Kass Morgan (01 Jul 2018) **



August
Romance Awareness Month! Read 5 books with at least a romantic subplot.

1. Love in Spades by Charlie Cochet (02 Aug 2018) ****
2. Be Still My Heart by Charlie Cochet (05 Aug 2018) ****
3. The Callback by Brandy L. Rivers (11 Aug 2018) ***
4. The Long Shot by Brandy L. Rivers (12 Aug 2018) ***
5. Grasp by E. Davies (14 Aug 2018) ****



September
Baby Safety Month! Read 5 books that have children in them.

1. Goodbye Malory Towers by Pamela Cox (08 Sep 2018) ****
2. One Small Thing by Piper Vaughn & M.J. O'Shea (04 Sep 2018) ****
3. Life Lessons by Kaje Harper (02 Sep 2018) ****
4. Family Unit by Z.A. Maxfield (09 Sep 2018) ***
5. Bonfires by Amy Lane (01 Sep 2018) *****



October
Frugal Fun Day! Read 5 books that you either got for free or super cheap.

1. Queen of Rebels by Karim Soliman (27 Oct 2018) ****
2. Burning Bright by Melissa Scott (20 Oct 2018) ****
3. Heroine Complex by Sarah Kuhn (05 Oct 2018) ***
4. The Midnight Sea by Kat Ross (30 Oct 2018) *****
5. The Dead of Winter by Lee Collins (09 Oct 2018) ****



November
Fibonacci Day (1, 1, 2, 3, 5) Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence.

1. One: Eve Duncan #1: The Face of Deception by Iris Johansen
2. One: Joe DeMarco #1: The Inside Ring by Mike Lawson
3. Two: The Fourth Element #2: Blood of the Prophet by Kat Ross
4. Three: Agents Irish and Whiskey #3: Barrel Proof by Layla Reyne
5. Five: Commissario Brunetti #5: Acqua Alta by Donna Leon



December
Happy Holidays! Time is short for a lot of us this month. Read at least 500 pages, but they must be from holiday themed books.

1. Better Not Pout by Annabeth Albert (288 p.)
2. Mr. Winterbourne's Christmas by Joanna Chambers (111 p.)
3. Old Acquaintance by Annabelle Jacobs (147 p.)
4. Blue Christmas by Viva Gold (151 p.)
5. A Christmas Promise by K.C. Wells (216 p.)
6. The Law of Miracles by K.C. Wells (305 p.)

Total Pages: 1218

The Really, Really, Really, Really, Hard 2018 Challenge!
Timeframe: 01 January 2018 - 31 December 2018
Completed: 0/60

January
New Year = new books! Read 5 books that were first published in January 2018.

February
Valentine's Day! Read 5 books where chocolate is involved.

March
The Oscars! Read 5 books that were made into movies.

April
Library Week! Read 5 books that you got from the library or were lent to you by a friend.

May
Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo! Read 5 books that are either Star Wars novels, set in space, or are the 5th book in a series.

June
Name Your Poison Day! Read 5 books from your favorite genre.

July
The Year is Half Over! Read 5 books that either finish a series for you, get you caught up on a series, or fills in a challenge that you've been neglecting.

August
Romance Awareness Month! Read 5 books with at least a romantic subplot.

September
Baby Safety Month! Read 5 books that have children in them.

October
Frugal Fun Day! Read 5 books that you either got for free or super cheap.

November
Fibonacci Day (1, 1, 2, 3, 5) Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence.

December
Happy Holidays! Time is short for a lot of us this month. Read at least 500 pages, but they must be from holiday themed books.

I'm in this year! #2018

Is there any page limit?

Zuzana wrote: "Is there any page limit?"

No, I didn't put one in this year, so there are no page minimums or limits. I may change that for next year, though.

That's great. Thanks, Trea.

★ Thanks for doing this challenge again this year. I'm in again too.


2018 Really, Really, Really, Really, Hard Challenge!
Timeframe: 1/1/18 to 12/31/18

Tasks:

January's --------------------------> 0/5 COMPLETED
January – This month: New Year = new books! Read 5 books that were first published in January 2018.
01.
02.
03.
04.
05.

February's --------------------------> 0/5 COMPLETED
February – This month: Valentines Day! Read 5 books where chocolate is involved.
01.
02.
03.
04.
05.

March's --------------------------> 0/5 COMPLETED
March – This month: The Oscars! Read 5 books that were made into movies.
01.
02.
03.
04.
05.

★

April's --------------------------> 0/5 COMPLETED
April – This month: Library Week! Read 5 books that you got from the library or were lent to you by a friend.
01.
02.
03.
04.
05.

May's --------------------------> 0/5 COMPLETED
May – This month: Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo! Read 5 books that are either Star Wars novels, set in space, or are the 5th book in a series.
01.
02.
03.
04.
05.

June's --------------------------> 0/5 COMPLETED
June – This month: Name Your Poison Day! Read 5 books from your favorite genre.
01.
02.
03.
04.
05.

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July's --------------------------> 0/5 COMPLETED
July – This month: The Year is Half Over! Read 5 books that either finish a series for you, get you caught up on a series, or fills in a challenge that you've been neglecting.
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August --------------------------> 0/5 COMPLETED
August – This month: Romance Awareness Month! Read 5 books with at least a romantic subplot.
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September's --------------------------> 0/5 COMPLETED
September – This month: Baby Safety Month! Read 5 books that have children in them.
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October's --------------------------> 0/5 COMPLETED
October – This month: Frugal Fun Day! Read 5 books that you either got for free or super cheap.
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November's --------------------------> 0/5 COMPLETED
November – This month: Fibonacci Day (1, 1, 2, 3, 5) Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence. See the examples in Message 6 if you need help!
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December – This month: Happy Holidays! Time is short for a lot of us this month. Read at least 500 pages, but they must be from holiday themed books.
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I have put requests for 6 books with release dates in January 2018 but I don't know is I'll get them before the end of the month. I have one on preorder from Amazon. So I should get that one before the end of the month. The hard part of this month is getting the books in time to read them.

★ gwiz ★ wrote: "I have put requests for 6 books with release dates in January 2018 but I don't know is I'll get them before the end of the month. I have one on preorder from Amazon. So I should get that one before the end of the month. The hard part of this month is getting the books in time to read them."

I had to have ONE really challenging month in there somewhere! Of course, I figured that others may have more trouble with it than I would, so that's why I included the substitution rule. Good Luck!

Trea, for "books that you got for cheap or free" would books I got as a gift be o.k.? I got them for free. ;)

Zuzana wrote: "Trea, for "books that you got for cheap or free" would books I got as a gift be o.k.? I got them for free. ;)"

Yes, that would be fine!

January – This month: New Year = new books! Read 5 books that were first published in January 2018.
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February – This month: Valentines Day! Read 5 books where chocolate is involved.

March – This month: The Oscars! Read 5 books that were made into movies.

April – This month: Library Week! Read 5 books that you got from the library or were lent to you by a friend.

May – This month: Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo! Read 5 books that are either Star Wars novels, set in space, or are the 5th book in a series.

June – This month: Name Your Poison Day! Read 5 books from your favorite genre.

July – This month: The Year is Half Over! Read 5 books that either finish a series for you, get you caught up on a series, or fills in a challenge that you've been neglecting.

August – This month: Romance Awareness Month! Read 5 books with at least a romantic subplot.

September – This month: Baby Safety Month! Read 5 books that have children in them.

October – This month: Frugal Fun Day! Read 5 books that you either got for free or super cheap.

November – This month: Fibonacci Day (1, 1, 2, 3, 5) Read 5 books from a series to form a Fibonacci sequence. See the examples in Message 6 if you need help!

December – This month: Happy Holidays! Time is short for a lot of us this month. Read at least 500 pages, but they must be from holiday themed books.

Hi !

I would like to join, but with only 6 days to go for the month to end, I will not be able to read 5 books.

Please advice?

Karishma wrote: "Hi !

I would like to join, but with only 6 days to go for the month to end, I will not be able to read 5 books.

Please advice?"

Did you read anything in this month? You can always use some of the prompts for January of the previous years this has run to make the goal. (Previous Years prompts for January included: "Start the year off right. Read 3000 pages and then list the book titles, authors, and number of pages, and date completed." (Used Jan 2013/2014), "New Year = new authors! Read 5 books that are new to you authors." (Used Jan 2015), "New Year = new series! Read 5 books that are the first book in a series." (Used Jan 2016), and "Blood Donor Month and Male Watcher’s Day! Read 5 books that either have men on the cover or blood is involved somehow (think donation or vampires, etc)." (Used Jan 2017).) You could always cobble together your own challenge for January that would fit what you've already read for the month as well.

However, if you haven't read any books this month, I wouldn't recommend starting this challenge, as the rules state that the books for the month have to be read in that month.

Karishma wrote: "Hi !

I would like to join, but with only 6 days to go for the month to end, I will not be able to read 5 books.

Please advice?"

Why don't you read childrens books published this month. There is no page limit. Maybe read short novels if you don't like kids books. I'm going to try doing that. Otherwise I'm going to have to drop out of the challenge. If I do I will probably do it as a separate personal challenge in my challenge tracker. I'll take out one or two of the reallys out of the title.

Cindy III wrote: "Why don't you read childrens books published this month. There is no page limit. Maybe read short novels if you don't like kids books. I'm going to try doing that. Otherwise I'm going to have to drop out of the challenge. If I do I will probably do it as a separate personal challenge in my challenge tracker. I'll take out one or two of the reallys out of the title."

That's a good idea, and I wish I had thought of it for my challenge! I am currently in a "life slump" and can't seem to focus on anything, so wound up doing a substitution on one book of mine to get to the target 5 for this month.

Karishma, you could even mix and match across the previous prompts I mentioned to help you achieve 5 for the month. (In other words, read 1 new release, 1 new series book, 1 book with a man on the cover, 1 book where blood is involved, and 1 book that is a new to you author.)

⚜️Trea wrote: "That's a good idea, and I wish I had thought of it for my challenge! I am currently in a "life slump" and can't seem to focus on anything, so wound up doing a substitution on one book of mine to get to the target 5 for this month."

It could still be an option in future month prompts.

Cindy III wrote: "It could still be an option in future month prompts."

And for next year's challenge! I think my "Wacky Holidays" research showed me that there is a National Children's Week or Month somewhere...just gotta find it!

⚜️Trea wrote: "Karishma wrote: "Hi !

I would like to join, but with only 6 days to go for the month to end, I will not be able to read 5 books.

Please advice?"

Did you read anything in this month? You can al..."

Hi Trea ! I can do the read 3000 pages one as I have already done double that .

Thanks!

Cindy III wrote: "⚜️Trea wrote: "That's a good idea, and I wish I had thought of it for my challenge! I am currently in a "life slump" and can't seem to focus on anything, so wound up doing a substitution on one boo..."

Thank you Cindy !

I didn't realize there were no page limits!