Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion

I love this thread, I am so glad someone thought of it --Yz

DECEMBER MONTHLY CHALLENGE



"D" for December...................... Double Take by Catherine Coulter 12/5
Birthday (Mel)........................Because You're Mine by Lisa Kleypas 12/30
Ohio Author...........................Say No To Joe by Lori Foster 12/17
Winter Theme..........................Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas
Christmas Theme....................... When Christmas Comes by Debbie Macomber 12/6
Child in Book.........................The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
May/December..........................Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas
Challenge (read the month)............Remember When by Judith McNaught
Explore-a-genre:Harlequin.............Snowbound by Janice Kay Johnson 12/28
Pick-It Book.......................... Echo Park by Michael Connelly 12/12

READ THE MONTH CHALLENGE--DECEMBER

D: DEVIL IN WINTER Kleypas

E: ELEVEN ON TOP Evanovich

C: CARNAL INNOCENCE Roberts 12/26

E: ECHO BEACH Connelly 12/12

M: MEMORY IN DEATH Robb

B: BECAUSE YOUR MINE Kleypas 12/30

E: E IS FOR EVIDENCE Grafton

R: REMEMBER WHEN McNaught

144 BOOKS IN 2010...







January

To Love a Man by Karen Robards 01/04 ***
Remember When by Judith McNaught 01/08 ****
Vision in White by Nora Roberts 01/10 ****
Wild Fire by Nelson DeMille 01/17 ***** January Pen Pal Read--Kellie S
His Lady Mistress by Elizabeth Rolls 01/21 ***
A Nortorious Love by Sabrina Jefferies 01/23 ***
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah 01/26 ***** Buddy Read
Deal Breaker by Harlan Coben 01/30 ****
Irrisistable Forces by Brenda Jackson 01/31 ***

READ THE SEASON CHALLENGE--WINTER

12/21/09 to 3/19/10


W: Wild Fire DeMille 1/17/10
I: Interlude in Death Robb
N: A Notorious Love Jefferies1/23/10
T: To Love a Man Robards 1/4/10
E: Engaging the Enemy Roberts 2/19/10
R: Remember When McNaught 1/8/10

Bonus Book:

OF THE ROYAL LINE (QUARTERLY) CHALLENGE

Duration: Dec 1, 2009 - Feb 28, 2010

1. The Pirate Lord by Sabrina Jeffries
2. The Tarnished Lady by Sandra Hill
3. His Lady Mistress by Sabrinia Jeffereies 01/23

JANUARY MONTHLY CHALLENGE

Pen Pal Read
Duration: January 2010

Pal: Kellie R



Wild Fire by Nelson DeMille
finished 01/17/10

F.A.C.--Featured Author Challenge


January's Author: NORA ROBERTS


Immortal in Death
and
Vision in White 1/10
enjoyed this book very much, 2nd book on order

BEST OF 2010

My 5-star reads for the year:

Wild Fire by Nelson DeMille01/17
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah 01/26
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak 03/13

Read the Month Challenge

January 1-31

*J*
*A*
*N* A NOTOROIOUS LOVE by Sabrinia Jefferies 1/23
*U*
*A*
*R*REMEMBER WHEN by Judith McNaught 1/8
*Y*

From the Stacks Challenge

January 1 - December 31

Wild Fire by Nelson DeMille 01/17 *****
Judge Jury by James Paterson
The Collectors by David Baldacci
Point of Origin by Patricia Cornwell
The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
The Templar Legacy by Steve Berry
Book of the Dead by Patricia Cornwall 03/07 **1/2
Final Justice by Fern Michaels
The Last Precinct by Patricia Cornwell
Confessions of a Little Black Gown by Elizabeth Boyle
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Birthday: May 31
Fav Color: Blue
Fav Food: Pasta and Seafood
1st Romance Novel: The Promise by Danielle Steele
I was furious because as I was reading I kept knowing what was going to happen and could not figure out why. About chapter 4 it came to me; I had seen the movie about 5 yrs prior. Awesome book (and movie), I've been hooked on romance ever since.
Fav Romance Genre: Historical, Contemperary, Erotica, JD Robbs Futuristic, Suspense
Finish the line: I know I'm a book addict because... I cannot go or do anything without a book in my bag/purse. I read everywhere; checkout lines, doctor's offices, lunch and work breaks, waiting in the car to get my kids; while my dog plays at 'The Good Dog Park'...

144 BOOKS IN 2010...





February Reads


Where the Heart Leads by Stephanie Laurens 02/9 ***
To Die For by Linda Howard *** 02/12
Nature Girl by Carl Hiaasen 02/16 *** My pick for Book Club
A Will and a Way by Nora Roberts 02/18 **
Boundary Lines by Nora Roberts 02/19 ***
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks 02/22 *** Buddy Read

January BUDDY READ

week of 1/25/10: Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

finished: 1/26/10 ***** (cannot give this book enough kudos and accolades)

I finished last night and am still finding myself bursting into tears at a remembered passage.

**spoilers**
I related to this story on a multitude of levels, from the time period to my own 'best friend' relationship. I lost my best friend in 1994 at the age of 29 to breast cancer; the day before Halloween, 1 week before her daughter's 6th birthday.

I am still absorbing the story as I have never had a book have the impact on my as this one has. The relationship between Tully and Katie was no less than remarkable. Kristin Hannah told this story in such a way that it pulls you in from the first page and grips you to the very last. I could not put this book down. It took me nearly 6 hrs to read the last 60 pages or so; it is a bit difficult to read while sobbing uncontrollably. My eyes are still puffy and red, and sore lol.

I am not one given to re-read a book; this book will prove to throw that little rule of mine into the wind. This is one story I am sure I will read again and again and then again. I would, and have already, recommend this book to any and every one.

ps: I think I am in love with Johnny. Through all of Katies insecurities and self doubt he proved time and again that she was the only one he truly did love.

F.A.C.--Featured Author Challenge

February's Author: Linda Howard


To Die For 02/12 ***

Finished To Die For 02/12 (sorry for posting so late--too busy reading heheehe). Am in the 'A' category and have already picked up another of her books...Mr. Perfect. I love her humor and Linda Howard is so very good at story telling.

Pen Pal Read
duration: February 2010

PAL: Beverly

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks
finished 01/22/10

Read the Month Challenge

MARCH

M --Manhunting by Betina Krahn Joanne Rock Lori Borrill 03/27
A -- A Man of My Own by Johanna Lindsey 03/31
R --
C --
H -- Hot Pursuit by Suzanne Brockman 03/23

February Group Read

My Pick: Nature Girl by Carl Hiaasen

finished: 02/16/10 ***

I once belonged to a mystery stories book club and this book was automatically sent to me as a monthy pick. It sat on my headboard for about 3 yrs and when I was picked to choose a monthy group read I literally walked into by room and grabbed the first book my hand landed on--hence Nature Girl.

I did make the mistake of reading the jacket cover synopses and was immediately turned off. It seemed like too many characters to try to follow and so did not grab my interest in the least. I also had never read anything by Carl Hiaasen but because it was my group pick I felt obligated to read it.

I have to agree with both sides here too. As for plot and character believability, I would definately have to give a thumbs down. The story was very far fetched and downright inane at times. On the other hand though, I absolutely loved his sense of humor. As light, comedic stories go; Carl Hiaasen has a real gift of placing a humorous twist on already bizarre situation.

I would most likely pick up another of his books. Not sure if I would purposely seek one out; but if another of his books should catch my eye, I would not simply pass it over.

Actually am quite pleased to have a wide range of interest as well as disinterest in my pick. I've learned a lot in this expierence too. Next pick from me will definately involve more thought and discretion, even though I was not totally disappointed in my pick (live and learn) my future pick will have more of a (?)theme ie: mystery, hr/cr, spiritual... behind it rather than just random.

I am so much more open to trying a new author. Since joining GR's I have discovered so many new authors that I have never tried before with surprisingly wonderful results.

Thank you everyone who read my pick :)

BUDDY READ GROUP

March 9, 2010:

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak 3/13 *****

What a wonderful read. I cannot begin to wade through all of the emotions that ran through me while reading this. Truely a gripping story of love, courage and trust.
When I learned that the story was set in Nazi Germany I was tempted to pass this book over. What a mistake I would have made! This book will go in my Best Reads category. I was suprised to learn too that this book is categorized as a YA book. I'm not sure if it would have had the same impact on me (or others even) as a young adult.
But ooohhhhh, what a story this man can tell. I was also quite shocked to learn that the author was only 31 when the book was published. He has such a talent for story-telling that I would never have guessed him to be so young.
Again, I cannot say enough of this story and have and will continue to recommend it to anyone with even a passing passion for wonderfully written stories. Bravo, Mr. Zusak.

144 BOOKS IN 2010...








March

Poor Little Bitch Girl by Jackie Collins 03/03***
Book of the Dead by Patricia Cornwell 03/07**1/2
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak 03/13 *****
Hot Pursuit by Suzanne Brockmann 03-23 ****
Manhunting by Betina Krahn Joanne Rock Lori Borrill 03/27 **
Trusting a Stranger by Kerry Connor 03/28 **
Irish Eyes by Kathy Hogan Trocheck 3/29 ***
A Man of My Own by Johanna Lindsey 03/31 ****

F.A.C.-FEATURED AUTHOR CHALLENGE

March's Author: Johanna Lindsey

A Man of My Own 03/31 ****

I can't believe I nearly forgot to read a FAC book, but I did get it in just under the wire.

I got my book choice from the library (there were only a few choices that I hadn't already read) so I picked A Man of My Own and enjoyed it immensely. As I haven't read a light romance in a while it was just the story I needed to perk up my 'Will spring ever get here?' mood.

I fit in the A category and had forgotten just how much I enjoy Johanna Lindsey books. Now after finding her again I would again fit into the A category and will most definately pick up another of her stories.

144 BOOKS IN 2010...








April

Morrigans Cross by Nora Roberts 04/05 **
All Night Long by Jayne Ann Krentz 04/08 ****
The Unsung Hero by Suzanne Brockmann 04/14 ****
Purity in Death by JD Robb 04/18 ****
Revenge Wears Rubies by Renee Bernard 04/23 ****
Little Bitty Lies by Mary Kay Andrews 04/27 ***

READ THE MONTH CHALLENGE

APRIL

A -- All Night Long by Jayne Ann Krentz 04/08 ****
P -- Purity in Death by JD Robb 04/18 ****
R -- Revenge Wears Rubies by Renee Bernard 4/23 ****
I --
L -- Little Bitty Lies by Mary Kay Andrews 04/27 ***

PEN PAL READ
duration: March


PAL: Lisa

Book of the Dead by Patricia Cornwall
finished: 03/07 **1/2

Not a great read, had a lot of background (prev book) info.

PEN PAL READ
duration: April 2010

PAL: Kristie

Morrigans Cross by Nora Roberts
finished 04/05 **

Not a good one for me :(

F.A.C.-FEATURED AUTHOR CHALLENGE

April's Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon/Kinley MacGregor

I am bummed :( I'm not a big fan of paranormals so I tried to go with her aka pen name (Kinley McGregor) and pick one of those novels but to my great disappointment I could not get one either in my library (or loaning from another) or through any of our many local book stores.
I am therefore having to bow out of this months author challenge *pouting w/ foot stomp*

1. April/Starts with "A:" All Night Long by Jayne Ann Krentz 04/08 ****

2. Birthday: April Celebrant: (Michelle) Morrigans Cross by Nora Roberts 04/05 **

3. Geography: Read a book whose author, setting or character is from Iowa.

4. Spring Theme/Flowers: Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts 04/24 ****

5. Earth Day/Previous Post: The Unsung Hero by Suzanne Brockmann 04/14 ****

6. Creative Arts Theme: Read a book that has a character that is involved in any type of arts (music, dance, literature, etc).

7. With April as the fourth month, read a book that has received an average of 4 stars or more here in Goodreads.

8. Romance Genre/Fantasy: Morrigans Cross by Nora Roberts 04/05 ** (PenPal Read)

9. Of Lists and Shelves

10. Reader's Choice: Little Bitty Lies by Mary Kay Andrews 04/27 ***

2010 CHUBBY CHUNKSTER CHALLENGE

- Do These Books Make my Butt Look Big?

1. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (552 pgs)
2. Into the Fire by Suzanne Brockmann (477 pgs)
3. Gone Too Far by Suzanne Brockmann (536 pgs)
4)The Jewels of Tessa Kent by Judith Krantz (468 pgs)
5.Night Fall by Nelson DeMille (704 pgs)

Dare You To Read Challenges...

Duration: April 1-June 30
Whitney My Love by Judith McNaught

original 1985 verision:
2nd print 1987 version:
3rd/rewrite 1999 version:

READ THE SEASON CHALLENGE: SPRING


March 20-June 19

S- Seduction in Death by JD Robb 05/01 ****
P- Purity in Death by JD Robb 04/18 ****
R- Revenge Wears Rubies by Renee Bernard 4/23 ****
I- Into the Fire by Suzanne Brockmann 05/13 ****
N- Nobody's Angel by Karen Robards 05/19 ***
G- Gone Too Far by Suzanne Brockmann 05/15 *****

F.A.C.-FEATURED AUTHOR CHALLENGE

May's Author:

144 BOOKS IN 2010...







Seduction in Death by JD Robb 05/01 ****
Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard05/03 ***
Into the Fire by Suzanne Brockmann 05/09 ****
All Through the Night by Suzanne Brockmann 05/13 ****
Gone Too Far by Suzanne Brockmann 05/15 *****
Nobody's Angel by Karen Robards 05/19 ***
Yesterday by Fern Michaels 05/21 ****
The Taste of Innocence by Stephanie Laurens 05/30 ****

READ THE MONTH CHALLENGE

MAY

M: Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard 05/03 ***

A: All Through the Night by Suzanne Brockmann 05/13 ****

Y: Yesterday by Fern Michaels 05/21 ****

144 BOOKS IN 2010...








June


7 BOOKS READ




Long Lost by Harlan Coben 06/02 ****
Body Language by Suzanne Brockmann 06/04 ****
Captain Jack's Woman by Stephanie Laurens 06/07 ****
Breaking Point by Suzanne Brockmann 06/13 ****
The Jewels of Tessa Kent by Judith Krantz 06/19 ****
Night Fall by Nelson DeMille 06/25 ****
Close to Perfect by Tina Donahue 06/28 ***

READ THE MONTH

duration: June 1-30


J: The Jewels of Tessa Kent by Judith Krantz 06/19 ****

U:

N: Night Fall by Nelson DeMille 06/28 *****

E:

F.A.C.-Featured Author Challenge

June Author: Lora Leigh

July



10 BOOKS READ



Slightly Married by Mary Balogh 07/01 ***
Flashpooint by Suzanne Brockmann 07/05 ****
Up Close and Dangerous by Linda Howard 07/08 ***
Joining by Johanna Lindsey 07/11 ***
Sweet Trouble by Susan Mallery 07/12 ****
Lie By Moonlight by Amanda Quick 07/18 ***
Sweet Revenge by Nora Roberts 07/20 ****
Marriage Most Scandalous by Johanna Lindsey 07/22 ****
Eye of the Beholder by Jayne Ann Krentz 07/26 ***
The Defiant Hero by Suzanne Brockmann 07/29 ****

READ THE MONTH CHALLENGE

JULY



J: Joining by Johanna Lindsey 07/11 ***

U: Up Close and Dangerous by Linda Howard 07/08 ***

L: Lie by Moonlight by Amanda Quick 07/18 ***

Y:

READ THE SEASON CHALLENGE

SUMMER JUNE 21-SEPTEMBER 22




S- Sweet Revenge by Nora Roberts 07/20 ****

U- Up Close and Dangerous by Linda Howard 07/08 ***

M- Marriage Most Scandalous by Johanna Lindsey 07/22 ****

M- Mischief 24 7 by Kasey Michaels 09/18 **

E- Eye of the Beholder by Jayne Ann Krentz 07/26 ***

R- The Rancher and the Runaway Bride by Susan Mallery 09/20 ***

SUMMER- Summer Breeze by Catherine Anderson 08/16 ****

COVERS, COVERS, COVERS CHALLENGE


BEGINS: JULY 15
DURATION: 6 MONTHS


PEOPLE ON COVERS



Lonely Chick: 08/08 ***

Lonesome Dude: 10/26 ****

Kissing/Doing It: 12/05 ***

Body Parts: 07/22 ****


OTHER THAN PEOPLE


Animal Kingdom:

Natural World: 08/16 ****

Structures:

Objects:

Just Type: 07/20 ****



COVERS ACCORDING TO YOU



Beautiful:

Ugly: 10/10 ***

Your Favorite Color:

AUGUST



9 BOOKS READ



Over the Edge by Suzanne Brockmann 08/01 *****
First Comes Marriage by Mary Balogh 08/05 ***
Then Comes Seduction by Mary Balogh 08/08 ***
At Last Comes Love by Mary Balogh 08/11 ***
Summer Breeze by Catherine Anderson 08/16 ****
Yours Until Dawn by Teresa Medeiros 08/18 *****
Into the Night by Suzanne Brockmann 08/22 ****
Until Forever by Johanna Lindsey 08/30 **
Gone Too Far by Suzanne Brockmann 08/30 *****

READ THE MONTH CHALLENGE

AUGUST


A- At Last Comes Love by Mary Balogh 08/11 ***

U- Until Forever by Johanna Lindsey 8/30 **

G- Gone Too Far by Suzanne Brockmann 08/30 ***** this is a re-read that I absolutely loved both times I have read it. I am going back to read the series in order which is why it came up again so soon after reading it the 1st time

U-

S- Summer Breeze by Catherine Anderson 08/16 ****

T- Then Comes Seduction by Mary Balogh 08/08 ***

SEPTEMBER


6 BOOKS READ





You Don't Know Jack by Erin McCarthy 09/15 ***
Mischief 24 7 by Kasey Michaels 09/18 **
The Rancher and the Runaway Bride by Susan Mallery 09/20 ***
Smart Girls Think Twice by Cathie Linz 09/23 **
Enemy Mine by Kay Hooper 09/26 ***
The Book of Scandal by Julia London 09/29 ****

READ THE MONTH CHALLENGE



SEPTEMBER

S Smart Girls Think Twice by Cathie Linz 09/23 **

E Enemy Mine by Kay Hooper 09/26 ***

P

T

E

M Mischief 24 7 by Kasey Michaels 09/18 **

B The Book of Scandal by Julia London 09/29 ****

E

RThe Rancher and the Runaway Bride by Susan Mallery 09/20 ***

READ THE SEASON CHALLENGE

AUTUMN -- SEPTEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21


A: The Adultery Club by Tess Stimson 11/08 ***

U: Under Her Skin by Susan Mallery 10/14 ***

T: Trunk Music by Michael Connelly 10/23 ***

U:

M: Magnolia Moon by Joann Ross 11/14 ****

N: Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean 12/05 ***


BONUS AUTUMN BOOK:

READ THE MONTH CHALLENGE:



OCTOBER



O- On Fire by Carla Neggers 10/10 ***

C- Considering Kate by Nora Roberts 10/16 ****

T- Trunk Music by Michael Connelly 10/23 ***

O- Once A Cowboy by Linda Warren 10/24 **

B- Blue Bayou by Joann Ross 10/30 ****

E- Everyday Average Jones by Suzanne Brockmann 10/26 ****

R- The Rocky Road to Romance by Janet Evanovich 10/27 ***

OCTOBER = 11 books Read




Glory in Death by JD Robb 10/08 *****
Comfort by Missy Maxim 10/7 *
Overtime Pay by Brenna Lyons 10/7 *
On Fire by Carla Neggers 10/10 ***
Under Her Skin by Susan Mallery 10/14 ***
Considering Kate by Nora Roberts 10/16 ***
Trunk Music by Michael Connelly 10/23 ***
Once a Cowboy by Linda Warren 10/24 **
Everyday Average Jones by Suzanne Brockmann 10/26 ****
The Rocky Road to Romance by Janet Evanovich 10/27 ***
Blue Bayou by Joann Ross 10/30 ****

November Reads = 8 Books Read




Out of the Mist by Joann Ross 11/03 ***
Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah 11/06 ***
The Adultery Club by Tess Stimson 11/08 ***
River Road by Joann Ross 11/12 ****
Magnolia Moon by Joann Ross 11/14 ****
Immortal in Death by JD Robb 11/18 *****
Wild Card by Lora Leigh 11/23 ****
Open Season by Linda Howard 11/28 ***

Read the Month Challenge:

NOVEMBER



N:

O: Out of the Mist by Joann Ross 11/03 ***

V:

E:

M: Magnolia Moon by Joann Ross 11/14 ****

B: Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah 11/06 ***

E:

R: River Road by Joann Ross 11/12 ****