SBTB Goodreads Group discussion

Welcome to the Numbers Game Quarterly Challenge!

Duration: July 1 - September 30

Completion Levels:
Level 1: Complete five of the challenges.
Level 2: Complete ten of the challenges.
Level 3: Complete all of the challenges.

Instructions:
I decided to use the numbers 1-15 as my inspiration. You can complete tasks in any order. I only grouped them by five so there isn't a wall of text.

Books cannot be repeated in multiple categories and you cannot use the same item more than once. For example, you cannot use one books to fulfill two tasks.

All books must be read in the duration of the challenge. Please do not start any books you plan to use before July 1st.

If you have any questions, ask in this thread!

Tasks

New Start (one): Read a book that’s the first in a series.

Once More with Feeling (two): Reread a book of your choice.

Trilogy (three): Read a book that is part of a trilogy.

Four Letter Word: Read a book with a four word title.

Pentagon (five): Read a book where a character works in politics or in government.


Six Years: Read a book published in the last six years.

Lucky Number Seven: Read a book by your favorite author.

Octopus's Garden (eight): Read a book with an ocean theme.

A Stitch in Time (nine): Read a book with a maker (baker, knitter, etc. - someone who makes things).

Decade (ten): Read a book published in the decade you were born


Veteran’s Day (eleven): Read a book with a military character.

Calendar Year (twelve): Read a book that features a holiday.

Unlucky (thirteen): Read a book in one of your least favorite genres.

Fortnight (fourteen): Read a historical romance.

Blast from the Past (fifteen): Read a book published in 2003 or earlier.


Feel free to plan your books out in advance or fill in as you go!

Another challenge!
Thanks, Amanda!

15/15 Completed
1. New Start: The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
2. Once More with Feeling: Arabella by Georgette Heyer
3. Trilogy: Room Service by Rochelle Alers
4. Four Letter Word: You Out of Nowhere by Jay E. Tria
5. Pentagon: Bring on the Blessings by Beverly Jenkins

6. Six Years: Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
7. Lucky Number Seven: Footsteps in the Dark by Georgette Heyer
8. Octopus's Garden: Eighty Days: Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland's History-Making Race Around the World by Matthew Goodman
9. A Stitch in Time: Herbalist / Potion maker Summers at Castle Auburn by Sharon Shinn
10. Decade: Meridian by Alice Walker

11. Veteran’s Day: His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik
12. Calendar Year: Murder in the Dark by Kerry Greenwood
13. Unlucky : Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton
14. Fortnight: Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgwick
15. Blast from the Past: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Tasks
15/15 - completed 9/28

1. New Start (one): Read a book that’s the first in a series.
Firelight by Kristen Callihan. Finished 8/7 ★★★
2. Once More with Feeling (two): Reread a book of your choice.
The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner. Finished 7/12 ★★★★★
3. Trilogy (three): Read a book that is part of a trilogy.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black (first in the Folk of the Air trilogy), Finished 9/25 ★★★★★
4. Four Letter Word: Read a book with a four word title.
Johannes Cabal the Necromancer by Jonathan L. Howard. Finished 9/22 ★★★1/2
5. Pentagon (five): Read a book where a character works in politics or in government.
Playing Dirty by HelenKay Dimon. Finished 8/25 ★★


6. Six Years: Read a book published in the last six years.
Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin. Finished 8/9 ★★★★★
7. Lucky Number Seven: Read a book by your favorite author.
Magic Triumphs by Ilona Andrews. Finished 9/11 ★★★★★★★★★★
8. Octopus's Garden (eight): Read a book with an ocean theme.
The Sea King by C.L. Wilson. Finished 8/2 ★★
9. A Stitch in Time (nine): Read a book with a maker (baker, knitter, etc. - someone who makes things).
Born to Be Wilde by Eloisa James (heroine designs and sometimes sews clothes). Finished 8/16 ★★★★
10. Decade (ten): Read a book published in the decade you were born
Shards of Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold (1986) Finished 7/12 ★★★ 1/2 stars


11. Veteran’s Day (eleven): Read a book with a military character.
Chase Me by Laura Florand. Finished 8/7 ★★★★
12. Calendar Year (twelve): Read a book that features a holiday.
We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson Finished 8/22 ★★★★
13. Unlucky (thirteen): Read a book in one of your least favorite genres.
All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda (thrillers being perhaps my very least favorite genre). Finished 9/28 ★★
14. Fortnight (fourteen): Read a historical romance.
Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean. Finished 8/1 ★★★
15. Blast from the Past (fifteen): Read a book published in 2003 or earlier.
Barrayar by Lois McMaster Bujold (1991). Finished 8/1 ★★★★

Numbers Game Quarterly Challenge: July - September 2018

Duration: July 1 - September 30
8 / 15

1. New Start (one): Read a book that’s the first in a series.
Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs💻
✔️2. Once More with Feeling (two): Reread a book of your choice.
The Mane Event🎧7/18

3. Trilogy (three): Read a book that is part of a trilogy.

✔️4. Four Letter Word: Read a book with a four word title.
Whispers in the DarkO🎧7/12

✔️5. Pentagon (five): Read a book where a character works in politics or in government.
Enemies at HomeH🎧8/1

6. Six Years: Read a book published in the last six years.

✔️7. Lucky Number Seven: Read a book by your favorite author.
A Duke by DefaultH🎧8/2

8. Octopus's Garden (eight): Read a book with an ocean theme.

✔️9. AStitch in Time (nine): Read a book with a maker (baker, knitter, etc. - someone who makes things).
Mountain Man Candy (confectioner) 🎧7/20

10. Decade (ten): Read a book published in the decade you were born
Reflections🎧
11. Veteran’s Day (eleven): Read a book with a military character.

✔️12. Calendar Year (twelve): Read a book that features a holiday.
The Ides of April (Ludi Ceriales....those Romans were intense 🔥🦊☹️) H🎧7/26

✔️13. Unlucky (thirteen): Read a book in one of your least favorite genres.
The Mayflower Bride (inspirational) H🎧7/23

✔️14. Fortnight (fourteen): Read a historical romance.
Robby Riverton: Mail Order Bride📱7/26

15. Blast from the Past (fifteen): Read a book published in 2003 or earlier.
One Bite With A Stranger🎧

Yay! Thanks, Amanda! I really appreciate these challenges continuing!

15/15

1. New Start (one): Read a book that’s the first in a series.
The Tycoon by M. O'Keefe (King Family Book One) 7/20/18) **
2. Once More with Feeling (two): Reread a book of your choice. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (7/23/18) ****
3. Trilogy (three): Read a book that is part of a trilogy.
A Dangerous Deceit (Thief Takers #3) by Alissa Johnson (7/2/18) ***
4. Four Letter Word: Read a book with a four word title.
Swept Off Her Feet by Hester Browne (7/4/18) ***
5. Pentagon (five): Read a book where a character works in politics or in government.
My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan (7/12/18) *****


6. Six Years: Read a book published in the last six years. Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi (7/30/18) ***
7. Lucky Number Seven: Read a book by your favorite author.
Breaking Point by Suzanne Brockmann (7/15/18) ****
8. Octopus's Garden (eight): Read a book with an ocean theme. The Endless Beach by Jenny Colgan (7/7/18) ****
9. A Stitch in Time (nine): Read a book with a maker (baker, knitter, etc. - someone who makes things). Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe: A hilarious, fast-paced tale about starting over by Jenny Colgan (8/14/18) **
10. Decade (ten): Read a book published in the decade you were born
Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce (8/2/18) ****


11. Veteran’s Day (eleven): Read a book with a military character. Too Wilde to Wed by Eloisa James (8/18/18) ***
12. Calendar Year (twelve): Read a book that features a holiday.
All Through the Night by Suzanne Brockmann (7/12/18) ****
13. Unlucky (thirteen): Read a book in one of your least favorite genres. HORROR
Pet Sematary by Stephen King (8/24/18) ***
14. Fortnight (fourteen): Read a historical romance. Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas (8/10/18) ****
15. Blast from the Past (fifteen): Read a book published in 2003 or earlier.
In the Hand of the Goddess and The Woman Who Rides Like a Man by Tamora Pierce (8/25/18 and 9/8/18) ****

This is a good one!
14/15

1. New Start (one): Read a book that’s the first in a series. Wicked and the Wallflower
2. Once More with Feeling (two): Reread a book of your choice. First to Burn
3. Trilogy (three): Read a book that is part of a trilogy. All I Have
4. Four Letter Word: Read a book with a four word title. Born to Be Wilde
5. Pentagon (five): Read a book where a character works in politics or in government. A Lot Like Love


6. Six Years: Read a book published in the last six years. The Kiss Quotient
7. Lucky Number Seven: Read a book by your favorite author. Dr. Strange Beard
8. Octopus's Garden (eight): Read a book with an ocean theme.
9. A Stitch in Time (nine): Read a book with a maker. How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf
10. Decade (ten): Read a book published in the decade you were born This Rough Magic


11. Veteran’s Day (eleven): Read a book with a military character. Tight Quarters
12. Calendar Year (twelve): Read a book that features a holiday. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
13. Unlucky (thirteen): Read a book in one of your least favorite genres. Nailing Studs: A Contemporary Reverse Harem Romance
14. Fortnight (fourteen): Read a historical romance. A Rogue of Her Own
15. Blast from the Past (fifteen): Read a book published in 2003 or earlier. Everyday, Average Jones

9/15

1. New Start (one): Clean Sweep (7/12) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2. Once More with Feeling (two): Sweep in Peace (7/14) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3. Trilogy (three): One Fell Sweep (7/16) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4. Four Letter Word: Hurts to Love You (7/31) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5. Pentagon (five): Sleeping Giants (7/21) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


6. Six Years: Waking Gods (7/27) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
7. Lucky Number Seven: Burn for Me (8/27) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
8. Octopus's Garden (eight): Into the Drowning Deep
9. A Stitch in Time (nine): Read a book with a maker (baker, knitter, etc. - someone who makes things).
10. Decade (ten): The Hero and the Crown (1st published in 1984) (9/6) ⭐️⭐️⭐️


11. Veteran’s Day (eleven): Tight Quarters (8/18) ⭐️⭐️⭐️
12. Calendar Year (twelve): Protected Christmas and New Years (7/26) ⭐️⭐️⭐️
13. Unlucky (thirteen): Read a book in one of your least favorite genres.
14. Fortnight (fourteen): An Extraordinary Union
15. Blast from the Past (fifteen): Magic's Pawn

Exciting! I can't resist these challenges! :)

I’m in! Sounds fun!

✔ 1. New Start (one): Read a book that’s the first in a series.
Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

✔ 2. Once More with Feeling (two): Reread a book of your choice.
Passion By Lisa Valdez

✔ 3. Trilogy (three): Read a book that is part of a trilogy.
Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier

✔ 4. Four Letter Word: Read a book with a four word title.
She Tempts the Duke by Lorraine Heath

✔ 5. Pentagon (five): Read a book where a character works in politics or in government.
Something About You by Julie James



✔ 6. Six Years: Read a book published in the last six years.
Endless Knight by Kresley Cole

✔ 7. Lucky Number Seven: Read a book by your favorite author.
Burn by Linda Howard (Definitely not going into the Linda Howard Keeper Box, but still a good book)

✔ 8. Octopus's Garden (eight): Read a book with an ocean theme.
Captive Passions by Fern Michaels

✔ 9. A Stitch in Time (nine): Read a book with a maker (baker, knitter, etc. - someone who makes things).
Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen (heroine is a chef)

✔ 10. Decade (ten): Read a book published in the decade you were born
Devil May Care by Elizabeth Peters (I was born in the 70's -not an easy decade to find something that interests me! haha!)



✔ 11. Veteran’s Day (eleven): Read a book with a military character.
Targeted by Katie Reus

✔ 12. Calendar Year (twelve): Read a book that features a holiday.
The Trouble with Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis

✔ 13. Unlucky (thirteen): Read a book in one of your least favorite genres.
Embrace the Night Eternal by Joss Ware (I don't typically care for futuristic/dystopian, but I'm enjoying this series a lot!)

✔ 14. Fortnight (fourteen): Read a historical romance.
The Rake by Suzanne Enoch

✔ 15. Blast from the Past (fifteen): Read a book published in 2003 or earlier.
White Lies by Linda Howard

15/15

1. New Start (one): TRACKER HACKER by Jeff Adams (Codename: Winger #1, finished 7/5)
2. Once More with Feeling (two): LADY ISABELLA'S SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE by Jennifer Ashley (finished 7/17)
3. Trilogy (three): ALIEN QUEST by Mark Zubro (#1 in Alien Danger trilogy, finished 7/21)
4. Four Letter Word: 13 LITTLE BLUE ENVELOPES by Maureen Johnson (finished 7/9)
5. Pentagon (five): UNDERCOVER BOYFRIEND by Jacob Z. Flores (Luke is an FBI agent; finished 7/20)

6. Six Years: IN OTHER LANDS by Sarah Rees Brennan (finished 7/2)
7. Lucky Number Seven: BASEBALLISSIMO by Dave Bidini (finished 7/19)
8. Octopus's Garden (eight): SANTA CRUZ NOIR, edited by Susie Bright (finished 7/8)
9. A Stitch in Time (nine): THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL by Maurene Goo (Clara makes Korean-Brazilian fusion food for her dad's food truck business; finished 7/10)
10. Decade (ten): THE PERSIAN BOY by Mary Renault (originally published in 1972; finished 7/14)

11. Veteran’s Day (eleven): HELL & HIGH WATER by Charlie Cochet (finished 7/22)
12. Calendar Year (twelve): MEN UNDER THE MISTLETOE, edited by Angela James (finished 7/23)
13. Unlucky (thirteen): MY ZOMBIE BOYFRIEND by T. Strange (horror/zombies; finished 7/14)
14. Fortnight (fourteen): THIEF OF SHADOWS by Elizabeth Hoyt (finished 7/3)
15. Blast from the Past (fifteen): TALES OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC by James A. Michener (originally published in 1947; finished 7/25)

9/15


1. New Start (one): Read a book that’s the first in a series.
Slouch Witch by Helen Harper
2. Once More with Feeling (two): Reread a book of your choice.
Allegiance of Honor by Nalini Singh
3. Trilogy (three): Read a book that is part of a trilogy.
Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han
4. Four Letter Word: Read a book with a four word title.
Sweet on the Greek by Talia Hibbert
5. Pentagon (five): Read a book where a character works in politics or in government.


6. Six Years: Read a book published in the last six years.
The Princess Trap by Talia Hibbert
7. Lucky Number Seven: Read a book by your favorite author.
Embers by Suzanne Wright (one of my favs)
8. Octopus's Garden (eight): Read a book with an ocean theme.
9. A Stitch in Time (nine): Read a book with a maker (baker, knitter, etc. - someone who makes things).
A Duke by Default by Alyssa Cole - hero is a swords smith
10. Decade (ten): Read a book published in the decade you were born


11. Veteran’s Day (eleven): Read a book with a military character.
His Road Home by Anna Richland
12. Calendar Year (twelve): Read a book that features a holiday.
13. Unlucky (thirteen): Read a book in one of your least favorite genres.
Storm Front by Jim Butcher - fantasy minus the romance
14. Fortnight (fourteen): Read a historical romance.
15. Blast from the Past (fifteen): Read a book published in 2003 or earlier.

Finished!

1. Complete Jul 2 New Start (one): Read a book that’s the first in a series.
Silence by Michelle Sagara, book 1 of the Queen of the Dead YA paranormal series, 3.5 stars
2. Complete July 16 Once More with Feeling (two): Reread a book of your choice.
Isabella by Loretta Chase. One of my favorite Loretta Chase books and one of my favorite historical/regency romances.
3. Complete July 15 Trilogy (three): Read a book that is part of a trilogy.
Touch by Michelle Sagara, book 2 of the Queen of the Dead YA paranormal series, 4 stars
4. Complete July 19 Four Letter Word: Read a book with a four word title.
Under the Pendulum Sun by Jeanette Ng. Weird fantasy, 4 stars
5. Complete July 29 Pentagon (five): Read a book where a character works in politics or in government.
Playing Safe by Claudia Jameson. Contemporary romance, the leading lady's dad is an MP, 3 stars
6. Complete July 5 Six Years: Read a book published in the last six years.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang, published this year. Contemporary romance, 3.5 stars
7. Complete August 14 Lucky Number Seven: Read a book by your favorite author.
A Place Called Home by Jo Goodman, contemporary romance, 4 stars
8. Complete August 19 Octopus's Garden (eight): Read a book with an ocean theme.
Rolling in the Deep by Mira Grant; horrorful mermaid sci-fi 4 stars
9. Complete July 31 A Stitch in Time (nine): Read a book with a maker (baker, knitter, etc. - someone who makes things).
Sudden Fire by Elizabeth Oldfield, contemporary romance 3.5 stars. The leading lady is an artist who makes hand-painted tiles
10. Complete July 9 Decade (ten): Read a book published in the decade you were born
Heart of Marble by Helena Dawson, published 1989. Contemporary romance, 3 stars
11. Complete August 13 Veteran’s Day (eleven): Read a book with a military character.
Their Fractured Light by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner, book 3 of Starbound, YA Sci-fi, 3.5 stars, a couple of the secondary characters (who were primary characters in the earlier books) are soldiers.
12. Complete Sept 28 Calendar Year (twelve): Read a book that features a holiday.
Mistletoe Marriage by Jessica Hart; contemporary friends to lovers with a Christmas wedding 2.5 stars
13. Complete August 16 Unlucky (thirteen): Read a book in one of your least favorite genres.
Dragos Goes to Washington by Thea Harrison; paranormal romance, one of the novellas in the Elder Racers series, 3 stars
14. Complete July 25 Fortnight (fourteen): Read a historical romance.
Slightly Dangerous by Mary Balogh. This is one of my absolute, top 5 favorite romances, ever.
15. Complete July 26 Blast from the Past (fifteen): Read a book published in 2003 or earlier.
For Practical Reasons by Claudia Jameson. Published 1983, c ontemporary romance, 3 stars
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

I've only ever done the seasonal/month challenge before, can the books crossover from that challenge too, if they apply, or do they need to be totally different books?

Roberta wrote: "I've only ever done the seasonal/month challenge before, can the books crossover from that challenge too, if they apply, or do they need to be totally different books?"

You can use the same book in different challenges! You just can't use one book in different tasks for the SAME challenge. And obviously, any books you use have to be read during the challenge's timeframe.

12 September 15/15

New Start (one): Read a book that’s the first in a series. Tell Me Something Good by Jamie Wesley - 4.5 stars


Once More with Feeling (two): Reread a book of your choice. Island Love: A Romantic Comedy Set on Ireland's Aran Islands by Eva Birrane - 5 stars


Trilogy (three): Read a book that is part of a trilogy. To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han - 5 stars


Four Letter Word: Read a book with a four word title. When Katie Met Cassidy by Camille Perri - 5 stars


Pentagon (five): Read a book where a character works in politics or in government. Retrosexual by Ainsley Booth - 4 stars


Six Years: Read a book published in the last six years. Jane Doe by Victoria Helen Stone - 5 stars


Lucky Number Seven: Read a book by your favorite author. Rainy Day Friends by Jill Shalvis - 5 stars


Octopus's Garden (eight): Read a book with an ocean theme. The Savage Blue by Zoraida Córdova - 4.5 stars


A Stitch in Time (nine): Read a book with a maker (baker, knitter, etc. - someone who makes things). Neanderthal Seeks Human by Penny Reid - 4 stars


Decade (ten): Read a book published in the decade you were born Heartburn by Nora Ephron - 3 stars


Veteran’s Day (eleven): Read a book with a military character. Home by Jezz de Silva - 3.5 stars


Calendar Year (twelve): Read a book that features a holiday. Still Me by Jojo Moyes - 4 stars


Unlucky (thirteen): Read a book in one of your least favorite genres.Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse - 5 stars


Fortnight (fourteen): Read a historical romance. The Governess Game by Tessa Dare - 5+ stars


Blast from the Past (fifteen): Read a book published in 2003 or earlier. The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot - 4 stars

Koozebane wrote: "15/15

1. New Start (one): TRACKER HACKER by Jeff Adams (Codename: Winger #1, finished 7/5)
2. Once More with Feeling (two): LADY ISABELLA'S SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE ..."

Wow! Way to go Koozebane! Was there one in particular that you enjoyed?

Ah, thank you! I didn't think I was a big historical person (except for some m/m ones), but I fell hard for Winter in THIEF OF SHADOWS. I was surprised that I didn't know about THE PERSIAN BOY before (stumbled on it trying to find something from the '70s, it was mentioned in a blog post somewhere about influential gay romances). It would really appeal to fans of Madeline Miller, but I think the historical details made this one even more compelling to me. And while the first half gets bogged down in some (impressive) world-building, I liked HELL & HIGH WATER enough to want to continue with the series. UNDERCOVER BOYFRIEND and LADY ISABELLA'S SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE are pretty entertaining, too. There's a great selkie story in SANTA CRUZ NOIR (even though it wasn't really my thing overall), and (even though it's a little long, and I'd be WAY more comfortable if Elliott were a few years older) IN OTHER LANDS' inversion of sexist tropes is pretty clever...

HeatherMarie wrote: "Koozebane wrote: "15/15

1. New Start (one): TRACKER HACKER by Jeff Adams (Codename: Winger #1, finished 7/5)
2. Once More with Feeling (two): LADY ISABELLA'S SC..."

Congrats, Koozebane!

Congratulations Koozebane! I'm going to check out In Other Worlds, thanks for recommending

Koozebane wrote: "Ah, thank you! I didn't think I was a big historical person (except for some m/m ones), but I fell hard for Winter in THIEF OF SHADOWS. I was surprised that I didn't know about THE PERSIAN BOY befo..."

Welp my TBR just grew a bunch lol....

Are graphic novels and shorter-than-novellas still disallowed?

Jae wrote: "Are graphic novels and shorter-than-novellas still disallowed?"

Nope! You're allowed to use them!

Amanda wrote: "Jae wrote: "Are graphic novels and shorter-than-novellas still disallowed?"

Nope! You're allowed to use them!"

Cooooool thanks

New Start (one): Read a book that’s the first in a series. Neanderthal Seeks Human, Penny Reid 7/7
Once More with Feeling (two): Reread a book of your choice.
One Fell Sweep, Ilona Andrews 8/12
Trilogy (three): Read a book that is part of a trilogy.
Even Odds, Elia Winters
8/15

Four Letter Word: Read a book with a four word title.
The Secret of Flirting, Sabrina Jeffries 7/28
Pentagon (five): Read a book where a character works in politics or in government.
Flirting with Fire, Kate Meader 7/12 PR for Chicago Mayer’s office

Six Years: Read a book published in the last six years.
Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox, Forthright 7/26 published 2018
Lucky Number Seven: Read a book by your favorite author.
Echoes in Death, JD Robb 7/6 and Northern Lights, Nora Roberts
8/7
Octopus's Garden (eight): Read a book with an ocean theme.
A Mermaid's Kiss, Joey W. Hill
7/15
A Stitch in Time (nine): Read a book with a maker (baker, knitter, etc. - someone who makes things).
The Kiss Quotient, Helen Hoang
7/13 Taylor/Designer Hero
Decade (ten): Read a book published in the decade you were born
The Waiting Game, Jayne Ann Krentz 8/21 published 1985

Veteran’s Day (eleven): Read a book with a military character.
Iron and Magic, Ilona Andrews 8/4
Calendar Year (twelve): Read a book that features a holiday.
Someone to Care, Mary Balogh 7/19 wedding at Christmas
Him, Sarina Bowen & 
Elle Kennedy
7/9 ends with family Thanksgiving
Unlucky (thirteen): Read a book in one of your least favorite genres.
The Dark Calling, Kresley Cole, 7/29 YA Dystopian, with a love triangle
Fortnight (fourteen): Read a historical romance.
The Highlander, Kerrigan Byrne 7/7
Blast from the Past (fifteen): Read a book published in 2003 or earlier.
Rendezvous, Amanda Quick 7/23 published 1991

OK, we'll see how I do on this challenge! I think a lot that I used in the quarterly challenge will work here, too. :-)

New Start (one): Read a book that’s the first in a series. Box of Frogs, by Helen Harper, ★★★ 1/2 read 8/27. Paranormal mystery with a major cliffhanger.

Once More with Feeling (two): Reread a book of your choice. The Queen of Attolia, by Megan Whalen Turner. Re-Read 9/18 ★★★★★ and I love this series so much. Though "The King of Attolia" is my absolute favorite.

Trilogy (three): Read a book that is part of a trilogy. Dark Horse, by Michelle Diener, ★★★★ read 8/25. First and best of the "Class 5" sf/romance trilogy that I spent my whole weekend reading (I read the first to fulfill the alien' part of quarterly challenge!).

Four Letter Word: Read a book with a four word title. The Unexpected Miss Bennett, by Patrice Sarath. Read 7/8 ★★★★. Unexpectedly entertaining P&P spinoff featuring Mary (the pious middle sister).

Pentagon (five): Read a book where a character works in politics or in government. Dark Minds, by Michelle Diener. Read 8/26 ★★★. Conclusion of trilogy; hero is a captain investigating for United Council (a coalition of alien governments).

Six Years: Read a book published in the last six years. The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South, by Michael W. Twitty, ★★★★ 1/2 read 8/24. Nonfiction and amazingly educational and eloquent. I would have given it 5 stars but it was a little repetitive.

Lucky Number Seven: Read a book by your favorite author.
Maybe not my all time ever favorite author (that would be Lois McMaster Bujold!), but definitely one of my recent favorite romance authors: Talia Hibbert - Untouchable; ★★★★ for this one, read 8/22. "A Girl Like Her" and "Damaged Goods" are my favorites of hers. :-)

Octopus's Garden (eight): Read a book with an ocean theme. In Great Waters, by Kit Whitfield. Read 9/7 ★★★, because I just disliked all the characters. The whole alternate kind of Elizabethan English history with 'merpeople' was fascinating, but both the main characters were so damn unlikable that I just didn't care much what happened to them. Good court intrigue and world-building, though.

A Stitch in Time (nine): Read a book with a maker (baker, knitter, etc. - someone who makes things). A Duke by Default, by Alyssa Cole, ★★★★ 1/2 read 8/2. Features a freakin' swordsmith. So cool.

Decade (ten): Read a book published in the decade you were born. Joy in the Morning, by Betty Smith (1963 - actually the year I was born!), read 9/12. ★★★ 1/2, mostly interesting for the historical details about marriage and childbirth in 1928, when it was set. This is by the author who wrote "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" and it is similarly autobiographical, except it covers her years as a young bride and mother at a midwestern college (University of Michigan was where Smith went). The casual sexism was just painful to read, but attitudes about sex and social class were fascinating.

Veteran’s Day (eleven): Read a book with a military character. Cowboy SEAL Redemption, by Nicole Helm. ★★★★ finished 8/2. Better than the title would suggest!

Calendar Year (twelve): Read a book that features a holiday.
Love Lessons, by Heidi Cullinan, ★★★★ read 8/16. M/M romance set at a midwestern college, with several plot twists occurring on visits home to families at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Unlucky (thirteen): Read a book in one of your least favorite genres. As an atheist, one of my least favorite genres is Christian inspirational romance (though I do like Carla Kelly's books - even the Mormon ones). Took me a while to find one that I didn't hate, but Siri Mitchell's Like a Flower in Bloom was interesting, with its botanist heroine. Finished 9/22 ★★★.

Fortnight (fourteen): Read a historical romance. The Ruin of a Rake, by Cat Sebastian, ★★★★ read 7/10. M/M Regency romance.

Blast from the Past (fifteen): Read a book published in 2003 or earlier. My Life In The Maine Woods, by Annette Jackson. Memoir about being a game warden's wife in Maine in the 1930's, originally published in 1954. Read 9/12 ★★★; low key memoir mostly about hunting and fishing in Maine. Some attitudes about killing animals for sport or as pests quite different from today.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Finished!

Looking back and trying to pick my fav books make me realize that I rated His Majesty's Dragon as 4 stars, but I remember it the most fondly. I guess sometimes a little time helps clarify book feels. Probably the reason that I rated it 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the violence. Since it was not vivid enough to stay with me, the memories have faded, while the characters and story have stuck inside my head.

So His Majesty's Dragon is my fav from the group!

Way to go Alyssa and Critterbee!

SBTB Numbers Game Quarterly Challenge!
Duration: July 1 - September 30
Goal Level 2: Complete ten of the challenges.
Progress: 10/10



(view spoiler)[
1. New Start: Read a book that’s the first in a series.
* Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis

2. Once More with Feeling: Reread a book of your choice.
* Heart of Iron by Bec McMaster

3. Trilogy: Read a book that is part of a trilogy.

4. Four Letter Word: Read a book with a four word title.
* This Could Be Love by S.A. Price

5. Pentagon: Read a book where a character works in politics or in government.
* On Her Father's Grave by Kendra Elliot

6. Six Years: Read a book published in the last six years.
* Temporary by Sarina Bowen and Sarah Mayberry

7. Lucky Number Seven: Read a book by your favorite author.
* Slumber by Dagmar Avery and K. Margaret

8. Octopus's Garden: Read a book with an ocean theme.

9. A Stitch in Time: Read a book with a maker (baker, knitter, etc. - someone who makes things).
* About That Kiss by Jill Shalvis

10. Decade: Read a book published in the decade you were born

11. Veteran’s Day: Read a book with a military character.

12. Calendar Year: Read a book that features a holiday.
* The Trouble with Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis

13. Unlucky: Read a book in one of your least favorite genres.

14. Fortnight: Read a historical romance.
* The Viking's Bride by James Daniels and Aasne Daniels

15. Blast from the Past: Read a book published in 2003 or earlier.
* Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
(hide spoiler)]

New Start (one): Read a book that’s the first in a series.


Once More with Feeling (two): Reread a book of your choice.


Trilogy (three): Read a book that is part of a trilogy.

Four Letter Word: Read a book with a four word title.


Pentagon (five): Read a book where a character works in politics or in government.



Six Years: Read a book published in the last six years.


Lucky Number Seven: Read a book by your favorite author.

Octopus's Garden (eight): Read a book with an ocean theme.


A Stitch in Time (nine): Read a book with a maker (baker, knitter, etc. - someone who makes things).


Decade (ten): Read a book published in the decade you were born


Veteran’s Day (eleven): Read a book with a military character.


Calendar Year (twelve): Read a book that features a holiday.


Unlucky (thirteen): Read a book in one of your least favorite genres.

Fortnight (fourteen): Read a historical romance.

Blast from the Past (fifteen): Read a book published in 2003 or earlier.

Finished!

This ended up being a quarter that heavily featured rereads for me. Apparently, my brain wanted to revisit the tried and true these past few months. My favorite new read though was My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan.

Congrats to those who have completed the challenge and good luck to those who are finishing up!

Congrats, Laure!

Congrats Laure!

Finished! I loved a Duke by Default, the Cooking Gene, and Dark Horse (and of course my re-read, The Queen of Attolia).

Untouchable and Love Lessons were really quite good, too.

Way to go, Sandy!



I <3 Duke by Default tooooooo!

Yay, Sandy!!

Finished!!! I saved the last two book until the last minute and had to scramble a little to find books I could get through in time. I was going to read Sweet Savage Love by Rogers for my birth decade book, but I knew that 700 pages would be a bit of a challenge for me to get through with having to work and live my life.

Roberta bringing it home!

Feel like both this month's challenges came in just under the wire.

Numbers Game Quarterly Challenge: July - September 2018
1. New Start (one): Read a book that’s the first in a series. Clutch (I Am Junco Series) - JA Huss. Read July 28, 2018

2. Once More with Feeling (two): Reread a book of your choice. Drive - K Bromberg. Aug 24, 2018

3. Trilogy (three): Read a book that is part of a trilogy. Destiny’s Embrace - Beverly Jenkins. Read July 11th, 2018

4. Four Letter Word: Read a book with a four word title. Wrong to Need You - Alisha Rai. Read July 12, 2018

5. Pentagon (five): Read a book where a character works in politics or in government. Rogue Passion Anthology. Read July 18th, 2018

6. Six Years: Read a book published in the last six years. Criminal Intentions: The Cardigans (Season One, #1) - Cole McCade (pub 2018). Read Sept 3, 2018

7. Lucky Number Seven: Read a book by your favorite author. Dr Strange Beard - Penny Reid. Read Aug 26., 2018

8. Octopus's Garden (eight): Read a book with an ocean theme. Siren’s Tide - Philippa Ballantine The Sea King’s Daughters book 1 (Series by different authors about mermaids). Read Sept 30, 2018

9. A Stitch in Time (nine): Read a book with a maker (baker, knitter, etc. - someone who makes things). A Duke by Default - Alyssa Cole. Read Aug 5, 2018

10. Decade (ten): Read a book published in the decade you were born. Lady of Quality - Georgette Heyer 1972. Read Aug 11, 2018

11. Veteran’s Day (eleven): Read a book with a military character. The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband - Julia Quinn. Read July 16th 2018

12. Calendar Year (twelve): Read a book that features a holiday. Close to the Mistletoe - Suzanne Ferrell. Read Aug 13, 2018

13. Unlucky (thirteen): Read a book in one of your least favorite genres. The Belles (YA) - Dhonielle Clayton., AudioBook completed Aug 9. 2018

14. Fortnight (fourteen): Read a historical romance. Wicked and the Wallflower - Sarah MacLean. Read Sept 2, 2018

15. Blast from the Past (fifteen): Read a book published in 2003 or earlier. Trust Me on This - Jennifer Crusie Pub 1997. Read Sept 30th, 2018