Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion

At the end of every year, I am always amazed at how many various series I have in progress. Some I have kept up with and some not so much. Last December, we held a Dare You To Read series clean up and it was full to get caught up on various series, so I dare you to do it again

Duration: December 1-31
Books: As many or as few as you want - you can list ahead of time, or as you go

Questions: When you finish each book, please answer the following questions briefly - did you enjoy this installment of the book? Will you continue reading the series?

OMG, I have too many series that I'm currently reading.

I totally agree with you, Samantha.

I just started Sabrina Jeffries's Hellions of Halstead Hall, so hopefully I'll catch up on that.

I'm going to start Larissa Ione's Demonica series. Highly doubt I'll catch up by the end of the year, but we'll see how far I get.

If, and that's a huge if, I have time, I will read Adam by Jacquelyn Frank. I loved the other books in the Nightwalker series, so I was surprised to find she had a new one out.

I can't start another series at this point if I wish to complete it before the end of the year...but I will see what series I can put to rest :)

I'm in. I've told myself that December is strictly for catching up on series I've already started so this is the perfect challenge for me. Of course, I've told myself that before.....

Hey Dee! What a fantastic idea! I got a few books I need to finish that are laying around! No challenges apart from this one for me this month!! Think I'm gonna start with Heartless x x

I'm going to start with these nine:

0/9 completed

1. Succubus Shadows by Richelle Mead
2. Succubus Revealed by Richelle Mead
3. Death Magic by Eileen Wilks
4. Heartless by Gail Carriger
5. Glory in Death by J.D. Robb
6. White Night by Jim Butcher
7. Small Favor by Jim Butcher
8. Turn Coat by Jim Butcher
9. Changes by Jim Butcher

This is my tenative list...I have a few first in series as well, but they aren't listed here

1. Rogue Angel (Archangel #3)
2. Drink Deep (CLV #5)
3. Crossed (Matched #2)
4. Ice Queen (Nature of Desire #3)
5. Immortal Rider (LoD #2)
6. A Monstrous Regiment of Women (Mary Reilly #2)
7. To Command and Collar (Shadowlands #6)
8. Cowboy Casanova (RR #2)
9. Purity in Death (In Death #14)
10. Sweet Magik (Klaus Brothers #2)
11. Silent Truth (BAD #4)
12. Cinder (Blood Nation #2)

I want to, but the thought is making me tired! *yawn* I have too many that have stalled and my work is flat out at the moment :(

...Instead, I think I'll make this a personal challenge for next year... Good luck everyone!

Here is my proposed list...

0/8

Sweet Magik
Archangel's Blade
Loving You (Candellano Family#3)
Seduction & Scandal
Pride & Passion
Comanche Heart
Indigo Blue
Comanche Magic

1 down, 8 to go!

1/9 completed

1. Succubus Shadows by Richelle Mead - finished Dec 03. It was just a three star book for me, but I can be a harsh judge. With only one book to go in the series, I'll definitely finish it.

2. Succubus Revealed by Richelle Mead
3. Death Magic by Eileen Wilks
4. Heartless by Gail Carriger
5. Glory in Death by J.D. Robb
6. White Night by Jim Butcher
7. Small Favor by Jim Butcher
8. Turn Coat by Jim Butcher
9. Changes by Jim Butcher

Just a reminder when u finish a book there are 2 questions up the top - only a sentence or so is needed ;) thanks!

Oh, I didn't notice that. LOL

I forgot about that, too. Oops! I fixed it above.

thanks!!

1/12 complete

1. Rogue Angel (Archangel #3) - 12/5/2011 - was glad to see Apollion get his HEA in this 3rd book - this is an interesting series in that each book doesn't necessarily have a specifically defined H/h, so it actually has to be read in order to understand WTH is going on
2. Drink Deep (CLV #5)
3. Crossed (Matched #2)
4. Ice Queen (Nature of Desire #3)
5. Immortal Rider (LoD #2)
6. A Monstrous Regiment of Women (Mary Reilly #2)
7. To Command and Collar (Shadowlands #6)
8. Cowboy Casanova (RR #12)
9. Purity in Death (In Death #14)
10. Sweet Magik (Klaus Brothers #2)
11. Silent Truth (BAD #4)
12. Hell's Angel (archangel #4)
13. Changeless (PP #2)

Here is a few to be getting on with!

0/8


1. Heartless (Parasol Protectorate #4)
2. Undone known in UK as Genesis (Georgia #1)
3. Breaking Silence (Kate Burkholder#3)
4. All That is Beautiful (Arrington #2)
5. Two for the Dough (Stephanie Plum #2)
6. Iron Kissed (Mercedes Thompson #3)
7. Petals on the Wind (Dollanganger #2)

2/9 completed

1. Succubus Shadows by Richelle Mead – finished Dec 03. It was just a three star book for me, but I can be a harsh judge. With only one book to go in the series, I'll definitely finish it.

2. Succubus Revealed by Richelle Mead – finished Dec 08. I gave this one four stars as it was probably the most enjoyable books of the series for me. It’s also the last in the series and I’m satisfied with how most things were resolved.

3. Death Magic by Eileen Wilks
4. Heartless by Gail Carriger
5. Glory in Death by J.D. Robb
6. White Night by Jim Butcher
7. Small Favor by Jim Butcher
8. Turn Coat by Jim Butcher
9. Changes by Jim Butcher

1/7


1. Heartless (Parasol Protectorate #4) Finished 11/12/11 - I loved this installment of the Parasol Protectorate! All of them have been great so far! If another is written I will definitely be reading it:-)
2. Genesis(Georgia #1)
3. Breaking Silence (Kate Burkholder#3)
4. All That is Beautiful (Arrington #2)
5. Two for the Dough (Stephanie Plum #2)
6. Iron Kissed (Mercedes Thompson #3)
7. Petals on the Wind (Dollanganger #2)

3/12 complete

1. Rogue Angel (Archangel #3) - 12/5/2011 - was glad to see Apollion get his HEA in this 3rd book - this is an interesting series in that each book doesn't necessarily have a specifically defined H/h, so it actually has to be read in order to understand WTH is going on
2. Drink Deep (CLV #5)
3. Crossed (Matched #2)
4. Ice Queen (Nature of Desire #3)
5. Immortal Rider (LoD #2)
6. A Monstrous Regiment of Women (Mary Reilly #2)
7. To Command and Collar (Shadowlands #6) - this one was def. much darker than the previous books in the series, but I like the progression that CS has shown from the lite playful aspects of BDSM to the M/s daily routine...there were some hints that she might go darker yet...and I can't wait to read it
8. Cowboy Casanova (RR #12)
9. Purity in Death (In Death #14) - these books just keep getting better and better....I think this one and the last one were my two favorites so far - just the depth of character development between Eve, Rourke, Peabody, McNabb...can't wait to read more and see what happens to all of them in the future
10. Sweet Magik (Klaus Brothers #2)
11. Silent Truth (BAD #4)
12. Hell's Angel (archangel #4)
13. Changeless (PP #2)

Here is my proposed list...

1/8

Sweet Magik 12/11/11 I really did enjoy this book. There were parts that dragged but otherwise it good. I can't wait for the next book...even though it will probably be another year.
Archangel's Blade
Loving You (Candellano Family#3)
Seduction & Scandal
Pride & Passion
Comanche Heart
Indigo Blue
Comanche Magic

3/9 completed

1. Succubus Shadows by Richelle Mead – finished Dec 03. It was just a three star book for me, but I can be a harsh judge. With only one book to go in the series, I'll definitely finish it.

2. Succubus Revealed by Richelle Mead – finished Dec 08. I gave this one four stars as it was probably the most enjoyable books of the series for me. It’s also the last in the series and I’m satisfied with how most things were resolved.

3. Death Magic by Eileen Wilks

4. Heartless by Gail Carriger – Dec 13. Four starts. I really enjoy this series. There’s a serious plot but such great tongue-in-cheek humor. I’m looking forward to the next (and final?) installment in 2012.

5. Glory in Death by J.D. Robb
6. White Night by Jim Butcher
7. Small Favor by Jim Butcher
8. Turn Coat by Jim Butcher
9. Changes by Jim Butcher

6/12 complete

1. Rogue Angel (Archangel #3) - 12/5/2011 - was glad to see Apollion get his HEA in this 3rd book - this is an interesting series in that each book doesn't necessarily have a specifically defined H/h, so it actually has to be read in order to understand WTH is going on
2. Drink Deep (CLV #5)
3. Crossed (Matched #2)
4. Ice Queen (Nature of Desire #3)
5. Immortal Rider (LoD #2)
6. A Monstrous Regiment of Women (Mary Reilly #2) - I kinda like this series, but it def. isn't one that I can read back to back, which is the hallmark of a great series for me. I liked the suffragette background in this one and the theology perspective that Mary was studying, so i'm sure i'll check out book 3 in the future, just not sure when
7. To Command and Collar (Shadowlands #6) - this one was def. much darker than the previous books in the series, but I like the progression that CS has shown from the lite playful aspects of BDSM to the M/s daily routine...there were some hints that she might go darker yet...and I can't wait to read it
8. Cowboy Casanova (RR #12) - this definately wasn't my favorite installment in the series...i don't necessarily think that the title fit the personality of the main character, but i'll def. keep reading them - IIRC, there are 3 left in the series before its done
9. Purity in Death (In Death #14) - these books just keep getting better and better....I think this one and the last one were my two favorites so far - just the depth of character development between Eve, Rourke, Peabody, McNabb...can't wait to read more and see what happens to all of them in the future
10. Sweet Magik (Klaus Brothers #2)
11. Silent Truth (BAD #4) - BAD is a good way to describe this series...I guess since its on indefinate hold while the author works on her millions of other ones I should be glad...but i'm pissed because she has one couple that she has been setting up since the beginning and we didn't even get to see them in action together...SK is pretty much almost on my do not buy list for all her series, not just the DH (after the mess that was retribution)
12. Hell's Angel (archangel #4)
13. Changeless (PP #2)

2/7


1. Heartless (Parasol Protectorate #4) Finished 11/12/11 - I loved this installment of the Parasol Protectorate! All of them have been great so far! If another is written I will definitely be reading it:-)
2. Genesis(Georgia #1) Finished 17/12/11 I 've read all Karin Slaughters books so far & even though quite graphic at times, I love them & this was no different! Looking forward to reading Fallen very soon!
3. Breaking Silence (Kate Burkholder#3)
4. All That is Beautiful (Arrington #2)
5. Two for the Dough (Stephanie Plum #2)
6. Iron Kissed (Mercedes Thompson #3)
7. Petals on the Wind (Dollanganger #2)

4/9 completed

1. Succubus Shadows by Richelle Mead – finished Dec 03. It was just a three star book for me, but I can be a harsh judge. With only one book to go in the series, I'll definitely finish it.

2. Succubus Revealed by Richelle Mead – finished Dec 08. I gave this one four stars as it was probably the most enjoyable books of the series for me. It’s also the last in the series and I’m satisfied with how most things were resolved.

3. Death Magic by Eileen Wilks – currently reading

4. Heartless by Gail Carriger – finished Dec 13. Four stars. I really enjoy this series. There’s a serious plot but such great tongue-in-cheek humor. I’m looking forward to the next (and final?) installment in 2012.

5. Glory in Death by J.D. Robb – finished Dec 17. I enjoyed this second installment in the ‘In Death’ series. I like seeing the progression of Eve and Roarke’s relationship and it’s nice to have a mature relationship without the standard false tension added by a couple’s failure to communicate. However, like in the first one, Eve seems too smart and too competent of a detective to not figure out who the killer is sooner.

6. White Night by Jim Butcher
7. Small Favor by Jim Butcher
8. Turn Coat by Jim Butcher
9. Changes by Jim Butcher

7/13 complete

1. Rogue Angel (Archangel #3) - 12/5/2011 - was glad to see Apollion get his HEA in this 3rd book - this is an interesting series in that each book doesn't necessarily have a specifically defined H/h, so it actually has to be read in order to understand WTH is going on
2. Drink Deep (CLV #5)
3. Crossed (Matched #2)
4. Ice Queen (Nature of Desire #3)
5. Immortal Rider (LoD #2)
6. A Monstrous Regiment of Women (Mary Reilly #2) - I kinda like this series, but it def. isn't one that I can read back to back, which is the hallmark of a great series for me. I liked the suffragette background in this one and the theology perspective that Mary was studying, so i'm sure i'll check out book 3 in the future, just not sure when
7. To Command and Collar (Shadowlands #6) - this one was def. much darker than the previous books in the series, but I like the progression that CS has shown from the lite playful aspects of BDSM to the M/s daily routine...there were some hints that she might go darker yet...and I can't wait to read it
8. Cowboy Casanova (RR #12) - this definately wasn't my favorite installment in the series...i don't necessarily think that the title fit the personality of the main character, but i'll def. keep reading them - IIRC, there are 3 left in the series before its done
9. Purity in Death (In Death #14) - these books just keep getting better and better....I think this one and the last one were my two favorites so far - just the depth of character development between Eve, Rourke, Peabody, McNabb...can't wait to read more and see what happens to all of them in the future
10. Sweet Magik (Klaus Brothers #2)
11. Silent Truth (BAD #4) - BAD is a good way to describe this series...I guess since its on indefinate hold while the author works on her millions of other ones I should be glad...but i'm pissed because she has one couple that she has been setting up since the beginning and we didn't even get to see them in action together...SK is pretty much almost on my do not buy list for all her series, not just the DH (after the mess that was retribution)
12. Hell's Angel (archangel #4)
13. Changeless (PP #2) - so I kinda sorta already bought book 3 in this series after finishing this one up today...silly kinda cliff-hanger...at least I don't have to wait for it to be released...lol! so yeah, i'm continuing

You ladies are doing good. Am I the only one not sticking to the clean up? LOL

Samantha wrote: "You ladies are doing good. Am I the only one not sticking to the clean up? LOL"


Surely not. I just realized that I may not finish mine because I threw in a few other reads that weren't on this list. Oh well, there's always next year. : D

3/7


1. Heartless (Parasol Protectorate #4) Finished 11/12/11 - I loved this installment of the Parasol Protectorate! All of them have been great so far! If another is written I will definitely be reading it:-)
2. Genesis(Georgia #1) Finished 17/12/11 I 've read all Karin Slaughters books so far & even though quite graphic at times, I love them & this was no different! Looking forward to reading Fallen very soon!
3. Breaking Silence (Kate Burkholder#3)
4. All That is Beautiful (Arrington #2)
5. Two for the Dough (Stephanie Plum #2) Finished 20/12/11 Hilariously funny, quick witted and page turning! Looking forward to reading the next in the series:-)
6. Iron Kissed (Mercedes Thompson #3)
7. Petals on the Wind (Dollanganger #2)

Here is my proposed list...

3/8

Sweet Magik 12/11/11 I really did enjoy this book. There were parts that dragged but otherwise it good. I can't wait for the next book...even though it will probably be another year.
Archangel's Blade 12/26/11 I really enjoyed this addition to the series even though the focus was not on Elena and Raphael. I will definitely continue the series.
Seduction & Scandal 12/24/11 OMG! I love Charlotte Featherstone's writing. She is so amazing. I got the 2nd one on my kindle.
Pride & Passion
Comanche Heart
Indigo Blue
Comanche Magic

Ok...so I won't complete the whole list in a week...especially with my other reads but at least I'm still working on it.

Here is my proposed list...

4/8

Sweet Magik 12/11/11 I really did enjoy this book. There were parts that dragged but otherwise it good. I can't wait for the next book...even though it will probably be another year.
Archangel's Blade 12/26/11 I really enjoyed this addition to the series even though the focus was not on Elena and Raphael. I will definitely continue the series.
Seduction & Scandal 12/24/11 OMG! I love Charlotte Featherstone's writing. She is so amazing. I got the 2nd one on my kindle.
Pride & Passion 12/27/11 I liked this one but not as much as the first. I loved the Duke but didn't care for Lucy. Took her way to long to stop acting like a brat. I HAVE to...I mean HAVE to read the next book. I need to know what happened...freaking cliffhangers.
Comanche Heart
Indigo Blue
Comanche Magic

6/9 completed

1. Succubus Shadows by Richelle Mead – finished Dec 03. It was just a three star book for me, but I can be a harsh judge. With only one book to go in the series, I'll definitely finish it.

2. Succubus Revealed by Richelle Mead – finished Dec 08. I gave this one four stars as it was probably the most enjoyable books of the series for me. It’s also the last in the series and I’m satisfied with how most things were resolved.

3. Death Magic by Eileen Wilks – Dec 23. I love this series. This book actually started out a little slow for me, but soon captured my interest. It’s always interesting to see what will happen next in the complex world of Lily Yu.

4. Heartless by Gail Carriger – finished Dec 13. Four stars. I really enjoy this series. There’s a serious plot but such great tongue-in-cheek humor. I’m looking forward to the next (and final?) installment in 2012.

5. Glory in Death by J.D. Robb – finished Dec 17. I enjoyed this second installment in the ‘In Death’ series. I like seeing the progression of Eve and Roarke’s relationship and it’s nice to have a mature relationship without the standard false tension added by a couple’s failure to communicate. However, like in the first one, Eve seems too smart and too competent of a detective to not figure out who the killer is sooner.

6. White Night by Jim Butcher – Dec 27. Another favorite series. I really enjoyed this book, although I was expecting a little more from the return of a person from Harry’s past. Jim Butcher does a great job of keeping you biting your nails on the edge of your seat one moment and laughing out loud the next. I’m starting the next in the series today!

7. Small Favor by Jim Butcher
8. Turn Coat by Jim Butcher
9. Changes by Jim Butcher

5/8


1. Heartless (Parasol Protectorate #4) Finished 11/12/11 - I loved this installment of the Parasol Protectorate! All of them have been great so far! If another is written I will definitely be reading it:-)
2. Genesis(Georgia #1) Finished 17/12/11 I 've read all Karin Slaughters books so far & even though quite graphic at times, I love them & this was no different! Looking forward to reading Fallen very soon!
3. Breaking Silence (Kate Burkholder#3) Finished 22/12/11. Great book, very imaginative & unexpected twists! Will read another in the series if written.
4. All That is Beautiful (Arrington #2)
5. Two for the Dough (Stephanie Plum #2) Finished 20/12/11 Hilariously funny, quick witted and page turning! Looking forward to reading the next in the series:-)
6. Iron Kissed (Mercedes Thompson #3) Finished 28/12/11 I love the Mercy Thompson series & although this book was about Fae (not my favourite subject by far!) I absolutely loved it! Will carry on reading the rest of the series:-)
7. Petals on the Wind (Dollanganger #2)
8. Crossed

Caroline - i'm glad you liked Genesis, I think I have it in the other title (Undone)...I was lucky enough to meet Karin early this year when she did a book signing up by me - she was supernice

9/13 complete

1. Rogue Angel (Archangel #3) - 12/5/2011 - was glad to see Apollion get his HEA in this 3rd book - this is an interesting series in that each book doesn't necessarily have a specifically defined H/h, so it actually has to be read in order to understand WTH is going on
2. Drink Deep (CLV #5) - so at the end of the 4th book most of us wanted to kill the author for what she did, so I was skeptical about this one, but it was a good read, won't say great, because you could definately tell it was a bridging kind of book, but dang what an ending..all I can say is, is it may yet, so I can get the next one??
3. Crossed (Matched #2)
4. Ice Queen (Nature of Desire #3)
5. Immortal Rider (LoD #2) - whoops, I actually finished this up the other day...this installment featured Limos, the only female in the 4 horsemen of the apolocalyse...it was good to see a kick ass female, who was paranormal, but who could also admit when she screwed up...I've already pre-ordered the next one which comes out in June-ish
6. A Monstrous Regiment of Women (Mary Reilly #2) - I kinda like this series, but it def. isn't one that I can read back to back, which is the hallmark of a great series for me. I liked the suffragette background in this one and the theology perspective that Mary was studying, so i'm sure i'll check out book 3 in the future, just not sure when
7. To Command and Collar (Shadowlands #6) - this one was def. much darker than the previous books in the series, but I like the progression that CS has shown from the lite playful aspects of BDSM to the M/s daily routine...there were some hints that she might go darker yet...and I can't wait to read it
8. Cowboy Casanova (RR #12) - this definately wasn't my favorite installment in the series...i don't necessarily think that the title fit the personality of the main character, but i'll def. keep reading them - IIRC, there are 3 left in the series before its done
9. Purity in Death (In Death #14) - these books just keep getting better and better....I think this one and the last one were my two favorites so far - just the depth of character development between Eve, Rourke, Peabody, McNabb...can't wait to read more and see what happens to all of them in the future
10. Sweet Magik (Klaus Brothers #2)
11. Silent Truth (BAD #4) - BAD is a good way to describe this series...I guess since its on indefinate hold while the author works on her millions of other ones I should be glad...but i'm pissed because she has one couple that she has been setting up since the beginning and we didn't even get to see them in action together...SK is pretty much almost on my do not buy list for all her series, not just the DH (after the mess that was retribution)
12. Hell's Angel (archangel #4)
13. Changeless (PP #2) - so I kinda sorta already bought book 3 in this series after finishing this one up today...silly kinda cliff-hanger...at least I don't have to wait for it to be released...lol! so yeah, i'm continuing

Dee wrote: "Caroline - i'm glad you liked Genesis, I think I have it in the other title (Undone)...I was lucky enough to meet Karin early this year when she did a book signing up by me - she was supernice"

Oooh! Dee you lucky thing! I'm so jealous. I have read all her books far & love them! Happy new year x x

so how did everyone end up doing with their clean-up??

I ended up with 10 of my original 13 complete, which i'm happy with. I decided to not read one because it fit a challenge category for January and I have another in progress

7/9 completed. Almost! I will finish the others soon.

1. Succubus Shadows by Richelle Mead – finished Dec 03. It was just a three star book for me, but I can be a harsh judge. With only one book to go in the series, I'll definitely finish it.

2. Succubus Revealed by Richelle Mead – finished Dec 08. I gave this one four stars as it was probably the most enjoyable books of the series for me. It’s also the last in the series and I’m satisfied with how most things were resolved.

3. Death Magic by Eileen Wilks – Dec 23. I love this series. This book actually started out a little slow for me, but soon captured my interest. It’s always interesting to see what will happen next in the complex world of Lily Yu.

4. Heartless by Gail Carriger – finished Dec 13. Four stars. I really enjoy this series. There’s a serious plot but such great tongue-in-cheek humor. I’m looking forward to the next (and final?) installment in 2012.

5. Glory in Death by J.D. Robb – finished Dec 17. I enjoyed this second installment in the ‘In Death’ series. I like seeing the progression of Eve and Roarke’s relationship and it’s nice to have a mature relationship without the standard false tension added by a couple’s failure to communicate. However, like in the first one, Eve seems too smart and too competent of a detective to not figure out who the killer is sooner.

6. White Night by Jim Butcher – Dec 27. Another favorite series. I really enjoyed this book, although I was expecting a little more from the return of a person from Harry’s past. Jim Butcher does a great job of keeping you biting your nails on the edge of your seat one moment and laughing out loud the next. I’m starting the next in the series today!

7. Small Favor by Jim Butcher - Another great read from Jim Butcher.

8. Turn Coat by Jim Butcher
9. Changes by Jim Butcher

Dee wrote: "so how did everyone end up doing with their clean-up??

I ended up with 10 of my original 13 complete, which i'm happy with. I decided to not read one because it fit a challenge category for Janua..."

Horrible! I did read some books but I wish I could have read them all :(

I managed a respectable 7 out of 9. Much as I love Jim Butcher, I forgot that they tend to be slower reads for me because of the detail in his writing. (Okay, I confess, I didn't actually finish that last one until Jan 1, but close enough for the holiday season.)