Barbara's Challenges & Reading Lists discussion
2023 Archived Challenges
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2023 My Vampire Book Obsession
Harry Potter Collection
[January]
✔ Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in HARRY POTTER
Psychic Dreams - Elizabeth Hunter 1/18
✔ Read a book where a young boy plays an important role
White is the Coldest Colour - John Nicholl (Anthony, 7) 1/18
✔ Read a book with an MPG of Magic
Song of Silver, Flame Like Night - Amélie Wen Zhao 1/28
✔ Read a book in a series that has at least 7 books
Tortured Dreams - Hadena James (17 so far) 1/31
✔ Read a book where the author uses their initials instead of a first name
The Heretic Royal - G.A. Aiken 1/25
[February]
✔ Read a book that has a title that starts with a letter in RON WEASLEY
Rhapsodic - Laura Thalassa 2/11
✔ Read a book where the MC has red hair
Just in Time for a Highlander - Gwyn Cready 2/24
✔ Read a book with magic on the cover
Silver Spells - Kate Moseman 2/8
✔ Read a book where the MC has a big family
Murder in an Irish Churchyard - Carlene O'Connor 2/28
✔ Read a book set in the UK
Moon Burning - Lucy Monroe 2/18
[March]
✔ Read a book that has a title that begins with a letter in HERMOINE GRANGER
Moment of Tooth - Lindsay Buroker 3/12
✔ Read a book where the MC is very smart
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi - S.A. Chakraborty 3/5
✔ Read a book where it takes a while to start liking the MC
Sweet Wild of Mine - Laurel Kerr (hero rude and obnoxious) 3/9
✔ Read a book where a character casts a spell
A Spell for Trouble - Esme Addison 3/22
✔ Read a book a character goes to the library
The Crossing - Kathryn Lasky (MC) 3/10
✔ Read a book with a young female character
A Dark Queen Rises - Ashok K. Banker (Krushita, 5-10) 3/3
[April]
✔ Read a book that has a title that starts with a letter in ALBUS DUMBLEDORE
Burning Bright - Melissa McShane 4/18
✔ Read a book where the MC lost his family at an early age
Broken Mate - Jen L. Grey 4/8
✔ Read a book where the MC is an older man
The Cabinet of Dr. Leng - Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child 4/28
✔ Read a book with "WAND" in the text
Of Claws and Inferno - Kyoko M. 4/10
(he withdrew a hand held metal detector wand), p118
[May]
✔ Read a book that has a title that starts with a letter in SEVERUS SNAPE
The Vanquisher of Water - Logan Young 5/7
✔ Read a book where the MC was bullied
Fire and Love - Erin Wright (Levi) 5/29
✔ Read a book where a character uses the "Dark Arts"
Raising a Demon - Amy Cissell 5/12
✔ Read a book where the MC goes under cover or is a double agent
The Cleaner, the Cat and the Space Station - Fay Abernethy (Lucy) 5/25
✔ Read a book where the MC has a very strong friendship despite their differences
Tempted - Megan Hart (James-geek; Max-goth) 5/4
✔ Read a book where the MC kills someone
The Protector - Donna Grant (hero) 5/3
[June]
✔ Read a book that has a title that begins with Minerva McGonagall
Magic Tides - Ilona Andrews 6/5
✔ Read a book where a character is a teacher or professor
Dastardly Deeds at St Bride's - Debbie Young (MC) 6/16
✔ Read a book where a character spies on someone else
Ain't Too Proud to Beg - Susan Donovan 6/11
(MC's three best friends spy on her to see if she's dating someone)
✔ Read a book where the MC fights in a battle or war
The Warrior's Call - Richard Fierce 6/6
✔ Read a book where the MC worked in law enforcement
Desperation in Death - J.D. Robb (MC is a cop) 6/9
✔ Read a book where the MC suffers a broken heart
The Dragonfly Oath - Jordan Rivet 6/15
(MCs only living relative is murdered because of her)
Harry Potter[July]
✔ Read a book that has a title that starts with a letter in DRACO MALFOY
Freefall - Tess Oliver 7/31
✔ Read a book where a character is a coward or a bully
The Psion of Darkness - Kyle West (Xara Mallis, bully) 7/19
✔ Read a book where a character is prejudice against another group of people
The Rifts of Psyche - Kyle West (everyone hates mages) 7/4
✔ Read a book where the MC is not considered a "good guy/hero"
The Burning God - R.F. Kuang (MC is an anti-hero) 7/19
[August]
✔ Read a book that has a title that starts with a letter in LUNA LOVEGOOD
Under Suspicion - Rachel Lee 8/31
✔ Read a book where the MC is kidnapped or imprisoned
Angels Rising - Harriet Carlton 8/2
✔ Read a book where the MC is from the UK
Forever Neverland - Heather Killough-Walden (hero) 8/18
✔ Read a book Read a book where the author's or MC's first and last initial are the same
Craks in a Marriage - Barbara Barrett 8/14
[September]
✔ Read a book that has a title that starts with a letter in GINNY WEASLEY
Spells for Forgetting - Adrienne Young 9/2
✔ Read a book where the MC goes by a nickname
Cold Blooded Liar - Karen Rose (Catherine "Kit") 9/13
✔ Read a book where a character gets married
The Vow - Dannika Dark (hero and heroine) 9/7
[October]
✔ Read a book that has a title that starts with a letter in BELLATRIX LESTRANGE
Night of the Witch - Sara Raasch & Beth Revis 10/14
✔ Read a book where the MC is considered a pureblood
The Girl the Sea Gave Back - Adrienne Young 10/4
✔ Read a book with a female villain
The Burning Sky - Sherry Thomas 10/15
✔ Read a book where a character is sent to jail or prison
Death, Taxes, and Hot-Pink Leg Warmers - Diane Kelly (Giles) 10/6
✔ Read a book where the MC wants revenge
Untethered Sky - Fonda Lee 10/7
✔ Read a book where the cover model is dressed in black
Down & Out Witch - Sami Valentine 10/26
[November]
✔ Read a book that has a title that starts with a letter in SIRIUS BLACK
All the Crooked Saints - Maggie Stiefvater 11/5
✔ Read a book where a character escapes captivity
Dreadful - Jana Deleon (Caitlyn) 11/18
✔ Read a book where a character shifts into an animal
Belle Manor Haunting - Cheryl Bradshaw (owl) 11/30
✔ Read a book where a character has a tragic ending
Force of Nature - Jane Harper 11/4
[December]
✔Read a book that has a title that starts with a letter in RUBEUS HAGRID
A Dawn of Onyx - Kate Golden 12/17
✔Read a book where a character is a giant
Saving Verakko - Victoria Aveline (hero is 6'6") 12/23
✔Read a book where the MC has a pet
Payback in Death - J.D. Robb (Galahad, cat) 12/5
✔Read a book where the MC works as a groundskeeper, gardener, or in security
Statue of Limitations - Kate Collins 12/17
✔Read a book where a character rides a motorcycle
Six Months - Dannika Dark 12/24
✔Read a book where the MC is hospitalized
Just the Sexiest Man Alive - Julie James 12/26
(heroine involved in a car accident, in hospital overnight)
January Monthly Challenge
READ: 11/11
✔ 1. National Time Consciousness Week is observed in the Philippines from January 1 to 7 each year..
Read a book with a time piece on the cover OR a book that is historical or time travel genre.
What Could Possibly Go Wrong? - Jodi Taylor 1/29
✔ 2. January celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings Day.
Read a 3rd in a series book OR with a 3 in the page number
The Untangled Cassie Black - Tammie Painter (Cassie Black Trilogy #3) 1/3
✔ 3. Teen Driving Awareness Month is observed every year in January
Read a book with a vehicle on the cover OR with a character that travels.
California Girls - Susan Mallery (car) 1/31
✔ 4. National Science Fiction Day is on January 2.
Read a book shelved SciFi or Space Opera or takes place in the future.
No Time Like the Past - Jodi Taylor 1/7
✔ 5. Twelfth Night is celebrated every 12 days after Christmas, either January 5 or 6
Read a book that is 12th on your TBR list. Go to your GR TBR page, set the sort at the bottom of the page to random, then pick the 12th book in the list to read. Or pick any of your shelves to randomize and select from.
Married by Morning - Lisa Kleypas 1/21
✔ 6. - India celebrates National Youth Day on January 12.
Read a book shelved NA/YA OR has a young character central to the book.
White is the Coldest Colour - John Nicholl (Anthony, 7) 1/18
✔ 7. - National Hat Day is January 15
Read a book with someone in a hat on the cover OR the letters 'H-A-T' in the title (does not have to be in order).
Shattered Souls - Delilah Devlin 1/13
✔ 8. - January 11th – Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friends Day
Read a book that has water on the cover OR is recommended by a friend.
Murder in the South of France - Susan Kiernan-Lewis 1/8
✔ 9. We celebrate Hunt for Happiness week in the third full week of January.
Read a book shelved humorous OR a celebration of some sort is central to the book.
The Heretic Royal - G.A. Aiken 1/25
✔ 10. - Appreciate a Dragon Day is celebrated annually on January 16
Read a book that has dragons OR a book that some sort of paranormal creature that flies.
The Dragon's Promise - Elizabeth Lim 1/14
✔ Bonus:
Read a book by your favorite author OR favorite series. 😊
Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone - Diana Gabaldon 1/27
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
January Theme: Year of the Rabbit
READ: 4/4
✔ 1. Read a book with a rabbit on the cover
Lavender House - Lev A.C. Rosen 1/21
✔ 2. Read a book published in 1999, 2011 or 2023
Murder in the South of France - Susan Kiernan-Lewis 1/8
(pub July 21, 2011)
✔ 4. Read a book with an MPG of humor or funny
What Could Possibly Go Wrong? - Jodi Taylor 1/29
✔ 6. Read a book with a Jade "Green" cover
The Heretic Royal - G.A. Aiken 1/25
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Word Hunter Aquarius
Duration: January 20 - February 18, 2023
READ: 35/40
Live To Tell - Lisa Gardner 1/20
9. Baggage - that kind of baggage, all mine, not his, p222
32. Blush - the patter would at first blush appear, p63
2. Earshot - but also within earshot, p259
40. Fraud - involved in some kind of healthcare fraud, p286
35. Guilty - a last-gasp effort to name the guilty party, p96
11. Knot - they had the hangman's knot from the rope, p200
33. Rocks - waterfall that flowed down to decorative rocks, p129
37. Thrill - woman used another for a warming thrill, p113
22. Trigger - if attention is one of her triggers, p69
24. Twirl - into a graceful little twirl, p178
Lavender House - Lev A.C. Rosen 1/21
14. Clientele - I'm trying to expand my clientele, p42
17. Dramatic - let's try to be less dramatic tonight, p52
28. Injury - some low life who had faked an injury, p144
7. Thunder - thunder so loud it rattled the windows, p41
38. Unless - a reliable way to kill unless no one would come looking, p30
Married by Morning - Lisa Kleypas 1/21
5. Brewing - deciding to calm the brewing squabble, p40
31. Bricks - I could see the pattern of bricks on walls, p86
34. Honesty - but honesty compels me to tell you, p96
1. Lecture - I do hate to miss his fascinating lectures, p18
29. Polish - what is it? metal polish? p108
8. Scattered - scattered with flowers, p19
15. Stream - where heavy streams cut through green hills, p44
The Heretic Royal - G.A. Aiken 1/25
20. Supreme - dragon warrior supreme of the old guard, p331
Death by the Finish Line - Alexis Morgan 1/26
3. Radar - Gil isn't even on my radar, p65
21. Valid - the number we have was no longer valid, p267
Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone - Diana Gabaldon 1/27
19. Contented - deep in contented conversation, p45
16. Paddle - with paddles applied to the chest, p295
30. Respect - but they do respect him, p286
12. Threat - the dark held the threat, p6
10. Verge - and dived for the grassy verge, p51
Love at the Northern Lights - Darcie Boleyn 1/30
23. Ballet - from music to ballet lessons, p195
Never Fade - Alexandra Bracken 2/2
6. Ripped - I ripped up the tickets, p151
That Ain’t Witchcraft - Seanan McGuire 2/4
4. Crossroads - I found myself making a bargain with the crossroads, p32
Better Late Than Never - Jenn McKinlay 2/5
36. Commute - commuting into New Haven for classes, p156
Darkness, My Old Friend - Lisa Unger 2/6
18. Transplant - a New York city transplant, p179
*******************************
26. Minty
13. Reinforced
25. Specimen -
27. Spouting
39. Swapped
Member Monthly Challenge - February
READ: 10/10
✔ 1. February 4 ~ International Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
Can you think of anything better to have for breakfast? Me neither!
Read a book where the characters have breakfast
Music Man - K.L. Montgomery (heroine makes breakfast) 2/19
✔ 2. February 5 ~ National Shower with a Friend Day
Who will you shower with this year? Will it be the same person(s) as last year, or someone entirely new? We make no suggestions, leaving this important decision up to you.
Read a book where the MC does something with a friend
The Last Beekeeper - Rebecca L. Fearnley 2/17
(keeps the existence of bees from the overlord)
✔ 3. February 6 ~ National Chopsticks Day
Ok, this one is obvious! Follow She-Hulk's example and use chopsticks to eat cheetos….no orange fingers!
Read a book with something orange on the cover
Candy Corn Murder - Leslie Meier 2/9
✔ 4. February 14 ~ Ferris Wheel Day
The purpose of this day is to celebrate the birthday of the inventory, George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr.
Read a book with something round on the cover
Silver Spells - Kate Moseman 2/8
✔ 6. February 20 ~ Hoodie Hoo Day
The main custom of this odd holiday is to go out on February 20th at noon, raise your hands over you head and yell, “Hoodie Hoo!!” for all the world to hear. It is a day to chase away winter blahs and bring in spring.
Read a book that takes place in any season other than winter
Better Late Than Never - Jenn McKinlay (in Spring) 2/5
✔ 7. February 22 ~ National Margarita Day
Todd McCalla, the creator of this day, started it to “celebrate Margaritas, plain and simple.” So, lift your glass and celebrate National Margarita Day.
Read a book with a drink of any kind on the cover
The Cure for What Ales You - Ellie Alexander 2/23
✔ 8. February 25 ~ World Sword Swallowers Day
Sword swallowing can take up to 7-years to learn. I ask…..who would want to learn this??
Read a book where the MC wields a sword
Moon Craving - Lucy Monroe 2/18
✔ 9. February 27 ~ No Brainer Day
No overthinking! Just act today!
Read the last book you added to your TBR list
The Watermight Thief - Jordan Rivet (added Jan 28, 2023) 2/27
✔ 10. February 28 ~ National Public Sleeping Day
This day encourages people to sleep in public. Wherever you choose to sleep today, we hope it is peaceful and restful.
Read a book where the MC sleeps
Found in the Lost - Tarina Deaton 2/21
✔ Bonus!
February 14 ~ Valentine's Day
Read a book which has a romance/romantic theme
Sweet Trouble - Susan Mallery 2/10
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
February Theme: Blind Date
READ: 8/8
Bachelor Number 1 - Adam Hauptman
💋 1. Read a book with werewolves
Rhapsodic - Laura Thalassa 2/11
💋 2. Read a book where the MC is or was military
Upon a Burning Throne - Ashok K. Banker 2/12
Bachelor Number 2 - Bones
💋 1. Read a book with vampires
Dark Sentinel - Christine Feehan 2/8
💋 2. Read a book where the MC goes by a nickname
Found in the Lost - Tarina Deaton (Shane goes by Ban) 2/21
Bachelor Number 3 - Curran Lennart
💋 1. Read a book with any type of shapeshifter
That Ain’t Witchcraft - Seanan McGuire (monkey shifter) 2/4
💋 2. Read a book where the MC is an alpha or pack leader
The Pearl Savage - Tamara Rose Blodgett 2/13
Bachelor Number 4 - Rhage
💋 1. Read a book that is part of a series with at least 10 books published
Reckoning - Catherine Coulter (FBI Thriller #26) 2/3
💋 2. Read a book where a character is cursed or possessed
The Ladies of the Secret Circus - Constance Sayers (MC is possessed) 2/15
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Word Hunter Pisces
Duration: February 19 - March 20, 2023
READ: 39/40
Wind Daughter - Joanna Ruth Meyer 2/19
1. Apothecary - the apothecary reeks of herbs and honey, p33
17. Humble - now I am humbled, awed, p188
26. Ledge - I pace out onto my rock ledge, p35
12. Magic - you are the only one who can collect your father's magic, p50
28. Restless - I am listless, restless, p332
33. Sear - sear through my veins, p202
27. Snow - the snow is so thick, p39
35. Spark - given sparks of magic, p92
14. Wicked - he bargained with a wicked sorceress, p129
Music Man - K.L. Montgomery 2/19
34. Haze - making my mind a haze, p83
38. Obscurity - maybe I'll just fade into obscurity, p114
18. Spawn - it's the spawn of Satan on the other end, p28
River of Darkness - Rennie Airth 2/20
40. Grunt - she heard grunts of pain, p501
8. Massacre - avoid a massacre of boy scounts, p233
36. Relish - seeming to relish the word, p395
A Bunch of Monkey Malarkey - Ann Charles 2/22
39. Shroud - I draped a velvet shroud over Ol' Blue, p6
16. Velvet - peasant blouse and long velvet skirt, p65
Lies, Damned Lies, and History - Jodi Taylor 2/22
6. Aroma - an overwhelming aroma of beer, p78
30. Tingle - making my cheeks tingle, p275
Saved by a Dragon - Lauren Lively 2/24
11. Whimper - judging by the whispers and rumors, loc732
Just in Time for a Highlander - Gwyn Cready 2/24
19. Ensnares - calculated to ensnare her, p203
29. Potent - were the least potent of her elixirs, p2
31. Skimmed - she skimmed off her chemise, p78
The Watermight Thief - Jordan Rivet 2/27
24. Chasm - the deep green and purple chasm, ch17
5. Peculiar - though she's a little peculiar, ch25
Hokuloa Road - Elizabeth Hand 2/27
23. Rancid - like the honey creeper scent, but more rancid, p78
21. Shaggy - his dark shaggy hair was mostly gray, p88
Murder in an Irish Churchyard - Carlene O'Connor 2/28
32. Cocooned - wrapping you in its cocoon, p152
7. Rowdy - rowdy laughter followed, p50
3. Spiritual - was almost a spiritual experience to her, p208
15. Sturdy - sturdy iron hands, p1
A Dark Queen Rises - Ashok K. Banker 3/3
2. Rugged - too independent minded to enjoy the rugged discipline, p75
Boogie Beach - Winnie Winkle 3/6
37. Rasped - she rasped through a ruined windpipe, p195
4. Visage - kissed the stone visage on the cheek, p282
The Crossing - Kathryn Lasky 3/10
10. Tumult - by years of watery tumult, p9
13. Vault - out of the vault of silence, p159
Moment of Tooth - Lindsay Buroker 3/12
25. Vehement - despite her vehement tone, p195
Close Your Eyes - Iris & Roy Johansen 3/13
9. Awry - things had gone a bit awry, p106
20. Incline - walked a few feet up the incline, p49
*******************
22. Mangy -
Word Hunter Aries
Duration: March 21 - April 19, 2023
READ: 35/40
A Spell for Trouble - Esme Addison 3/22
30. autopsy - the autopsy is being completed now, p43
5. privileged - it's no longer privileged, p289
2. shadow - a shadow crossed his face, p85
Partners in Lime - Bree Baker 3/23
11. champagne - and a bottle of champagne, p69
20. curb - my knees crashed against the curb, p110
And the Rest is History - Jodi Taylor 3/24
23. cue - take your cue from me, p354
15. prejudiced - yes I was prejudiced against the Time Police, p259
Dead and Gondola - Ann Claire 3/25
25. lifestyle - a healthy lifestyle, p34
32. muffins - the divine scent of chocolate chip muffins, p55
34. ominous - she added in ominous delight, p10
35. patrol - I do mountain rescue and ski patrol, p42
Turkey Trot Murder - Leslie Meier 3/26
7. ancient - spotted Zoe's ancient little Civic, p167
8. fragile - she seems all fragile and sensitive, p125
12. graveyard - follow her into the graveyard, p239
6. sailor - like a demented sailor, p159
1. temporary - that was a temporary arrangement, p6
Spooky Business - Addison Creek 3/28
9. frown - a slight frown marred his face p83
19. venture - I was tired of my venture, p68
If I Stay - Gayle Forman 3/29
16. stream - so it streams down my chest, p198
The Perfect House - Blake Pierce 3/31 (CALIFORNIA)
4. malevolent - twisted into a more malevolent smirk, ch5
Unwritten - Alicia J. Novo 4/1
14. grimaced - she grimaced, p61
38. lethal - eager and lethal, p125
39. rustling - deforming them into the rustling of leaves, p31
36. scrutiny - she straightened her back under his scrutiny, p140
The Laughing Policeman - Elizabeth J. Brown 4/3
40. conceal - a nice suite didn't conceal the simplicity in his eyes, p16
33. prospect - a very disturbing prospect, p261
37. squall - the ratting squall scattered its haul, p137
31. squint - squinted against the harsh lights, p83
Fall For Me - Ann Lister 4/5
21. confident - moving toward him with confident strides, p13
Devil of a Chance - Ciara Graves 4/5
27. plopped - I plopped a beer on the counter, p71
Hades - Candice Fox 4/8
17. shaded - a black baseball cap shaded her face p236
Of Claws and Inferno - Kyoko M. 4/10
10. scrounging - scrounging about for his next meal, p148
Zar - Alana Khan 4/12
24. stomps - as an Urlut stomps through the hallway, p41
The Rapids - Carla Neggers 4/15
28. cranky - or just be cranky, p169
3. tracking - got you into tracking mode, p89
****************************
29. extermination -
22. glared -
26. intrusion -
13. Isolationist -
18. uttering -
Member Monthly: April
READ: 9/8
✔ 1. Let's give a warm welcome to April:
Read a book published during April of any year
Kingdoms at War - Lindsay Buroker (pub April 22, 2021) 4/21
✔ 4. Did you know in april we also celebrate World rat day?:
Read a book with an unusual pet
Midnight Crystal - Jayne Castle 4/16
(MC has a magical dust bunny as a pet/familiar)
✔ 5. And World art day is also a date to celebrate on april:
Read a book with a cover that should be a work of art
The Winter King - C.L. Wilson 4/23
✔ 6. World circus day is also a thing:
Read a book with a colorful cover
Viking Warrior, Unwilling Wife - Michelle Styles 4/13
✔ 8. Let's celebrate International Guide Dog day:
Read a book with a dog in the story or in the cover
Find Her Alive - Diane Saxon 4/27
✔ 9. Global pay it forward day:
Read a book that was gifted to you
Burning Bright - Melissa McShane 4/18
✔ 10. World wish day:
- Read a book you expected for a long time
Of Claws and Inferno - Kyoko M. 4/10
✔ BONUS:
Read any book with the word vampire
Dark Illusion - Christine Feehan 4/25
(everyone knew the vampire would do anything to get his prisoner back), p258
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
April Theme: Animals Galore
READ: 4/6
✔ 1. Read a book with a domestic cat or dog on the cover
Find Her Alive - Diane Saxon (dog) 4/27
✔ 2. Read a book with a fox or a wolf on the cover
Broken Mate - Jen L. Grey (wolf) 4/8
3. Read a book with a farm animal on the cover
4. Read a book with a wildcat on the cover or other zoo animal (other than fox, bear or wolf)
✔ 5. Read a book with an animal that doesn't actually exist on the cover (such as a dragon)
Of Claws and Inferno - Kyoko M. (dragon) 4/10
✔ 6. Read a book with a bird or a bear on the cover
Ghost Ocean - S.M. Peters (bird) 4/1
Word Hunter Taurus
Duration: April 20 - May 20, 2023
READ: 39/40
Consumed - J.R. Ward 4/20
37. Anxiety - he got the full, undiluted brunt of the anxiety, p190
11. Debt - I wasn't aware we had a debt to discharge, p223
35. Grimaced - she took a deep breath and grimaced, p391
34. Horror - he was staring down at himself in horror, p344
15. Skin - the slighted deviations in skin temperature, p227
Kingdoms at War - Lindsay Buroker 4/21
25. Alliance - and make an alliance with them, p230
33. Bleak - Ferroki's face grew bleak, p217
10. Gilded - the gilded sides gleaming in the sun, p188
9. Noble - both being full of honorable and noble people, p222
30. Plume - blowing plumes of sulfuric smoke, p25
40. Sturdy - appeared as lightweight as it is sturdy, p190
If Looks Could Chill - Nina Bruhns 4/22
21. Blush - made her melt and made her blush, p52
23. Honest - honest to God, Quinn, p64
4. Oddly - his expression was oddly regretful, p139
13. Squirrel - possibly a possum or squirrel, p125
18. Towel - grabbed his towel off the rack, p160
2. Yankee - even from a Yankee female in a uniform, p30
Rebel - Cheryl Brooks 4/22
24. Courtship - wasn't well-versed in courtship rituals, p79
26. Haughty - the computer said in a haughty tone, p24
16. Stream - became a gurgling stream, p27
38. Succinct - they were all explicit, succinct contemporary terms, p8
3. Trial - how will he ever get a fair trial, p227
36. Wiggled - Ganyn wiggled through the narrow doorway, p175
The Winter King - C.L. Wilson 4/23
22. Amidst - amidst the tangled overgrowth, p20
29. Escort - allow me to escort my bride to our wedding feast, p84
12. Frolic - had no appetite for blind frolic, p85
14. Hedges - covered the fancifully carved hedges, p85
20. Laces - just help undo my laces, p117
8. Peasant - peasants bulky in furs and wool, p168
31. Pyre - prepare Gannick and the others for the funeral pyre, p18
19. Raked - as she frantically racked her memory, p169
28. Reins - from years spent holding swords and reins, p57
27. Scowling - scowling and muttering dire threats, p128
The Cabinet of Dr. Leng - Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child 4/28
7. Flush - he was stunned and felt himself flush, p166
39. Irritation - D'Agosta tried to conceal his irritation, p193
17. Marvelous - it was all so strange, so marvelous, p172
Tempted - Megan Hart 5/4
32. Broach - when I broached the subject, p31
The Butterfly Forest - Tom Lowe 5/7
5. Arraigned - Luke was to be arraigned on triple murder charges, loc3892
Come Get Me - Molly Black 5/10
1. Vindicated - Caitlin held it up, feeling vindicated, ch8
*****************************
6. Dispenser
Member Monthly Challenge: May (Namita)
READ: 10/10
✔ 🌴 May's birthstone is the emerald which is emblematic of love and success.
Read a book that starts with a letter from EMERALD
All Bets Are Off - Kristi Rose 5/20
✔ 🌴 May (in Latin, Maius) was named for the Greek goddess Maia, who was identified with the Roman era goddess of fertility.
Read a book with a mother figure in the story
Raising a Demon - Amy Cissell (heroine is a mother) 5/12
✔ 🌴 The May birth flowers are the Lily of the Valley and the Crataegus monogyna.
Read a book with flowers on the Cover
Blackbird Fly - Lise McClendon 5/29
✔ 🌴 May is Water Safety month in the USA.
Read a book with a body of water on the cover.
Believe Me - Molly Black 5/30
✔ 🌴 First Sunday of May is World Laughter Day.
Read a book that starts with any letter from LAUGHTER
Unsafe Harbor - Jessica Speart 5/16
✔ 🌴 May 5th is Cinco de Mayo
Read a book with a Spanish speaking character
Burned by Love: - Erin Wright (Carmelita) 5/31
✔ 🌴 Veterans, Navy, Firefighters are celebrated in the Month of May in different parts of the world.
Read a book where the MC is in law enforcement
Come Get Me - Molly Black 5/10
✔ 🌴 World Whiskey Day is also this month.
Read a book where characters drink alcohol in the book.
Full Moon Saloon - Aimee Easterling (set in a bar) 5/22
✔ 🌴 Rosa chinensis, the flower symbol of May.
Read a book that starts with the letter R
Rebel - Claire Delacroix 5/17
✔ 🌴 Bonus: May is Mother’s Day.
Read any book in celebration.
The Vixen and the Vet - Katy Regnery 5/5
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Word Hunter Gemini
Duration: May 21 - June 20, 2023
READ: 36/40
The Thunderbird Queen - Jordan Rivet 5/21
33. Cavern - those desperate moments inside the cavern, p5
7. Curious - I was just curious, p6
35. Element - now that she'd lost the element of surprise, p120
9. Jolt - Tamri felt an answering jolt in her belly, p19
40. Lurk - alert for any danger that might lurk in the alleys, p29
31. Oppressive - the darkness would only become more oppressive, p199
5. Puzzled - she and Tamri had puzzled over Soolen customs, p7
8. Route - her eyes focused on the route ahead, p30
15. Rumors - I've only heard rumors, p128
19. Slumber - she roused her son from his slumber, p220
Marked - Rebecca Zanetti 5/22
10. Brilliant - Kane, the brilliant brother, p73
3. Mountain - with a spectacular view of the mountains, p29
28. Promise - I didn't promise to go underground, p147
26. Shiver - a shiver rumbling through her body, p54
25. Silly - the silly kitchen blades might harm Zane, p64
18. Terrain - he eyed the terrain, p197
The Iron Wyrm Affair - Lilith Saintcrow 5/23
23. Bruised - silk slipping on her bruised arm, p29
27. Fascinated - Clare watched fascinated, p91
32. Misfortune - after Master's misfortune, p23
34. Murky - murky secret societies, p49
20. Retort - a sharp retort died on Emma's tongue, p37
Deadly Remedy - Gwen Hunter 5/24
12. Bizarre - like the slightly bizarre mix I was playing, p62
Best Laid Plans - Kristi Rose 5/27
11. Flutter - little butterflies did a shutter flutter in my stomach, ch31
The Priestess and the Dragon - Nicolette Andrews 5/27
37. Cluster - a cluster of energy not far, p56
1. Despite - despite what he might think, p22
29. Veil - the straw hat and veil she wore, p47
Abandoned in Death - J.D. Robb 5/28
30. Flickered - her north star had flickered out, p308
22. Magic - like a magic charm, p96
24. Scratch - Mommy left him some scratch, p297
Fire and Love - Erin Wright 5/29
16. Rickety - his father's rickety front step, ch3
Burn - Keri Arthur 6/3
14. Relief - relief and wonder mixed with disbelief, p49
A Curious Beginning - Deanna Raybourn 6/6
2. Divert - they were diverted instantly, p2
38. Enormity - the sheer bloody enormity of it, p36
36. Succumbed - his enter body succumbed to fatigue and he slept, p51
Crazy Love You - Lisa Unger 6/7
21. Echo - then it was the echo of laughter, p31
Hidden Pictures - Jason Rekulak 6/9
13. Steer - have warned me to steer clear, p66
*********************************
39. Acumen -
4. Peevishly -
17. Retinue -
6. Wonderment -
June Member Monthly Challenge - Carrie
READ: 11/11
✔ 1. Read a book with a colorful cover or set in Germany
Curiosity Killed the Cat Sitter - Blaize Clement 6/21
✔ 2. Read a book with an environmentally conscious character or read a book set in Asia
A Nose for Mischief - K.T. Lee 6/24
(heroine is a scientist working on clean energy uses)
✔ 3. Read a book tagged Science Fiction or Space or read a book where a character drinks beer or alcohol.
The Mages of Starsea - Kyle West 6/27
✔ 4. Read a book that includes pictures or illustrations or read a book that is tagged YA
Hidden Pictures - Jason Rekulak 6/9
✔ 5. Read a book where family is an important theme or read a book where a character borrows something from someone.
Kingdom of the Wicked - Kerri Maniscalco 6/2
✔ 6. Read a book where singing, dancing, or playing of an instrument occurs or read a book with flowers on the cover.
Encore in Death - J.D. Robb (singing/dancing at party) 6/30
✔ 7. Read the shortest book on your TBR list or read a book that has a character name used in a fairy tale.
Wings of Terror - Richard Fierce (118 pages) 6/8
✔ 8. Read a book that has an animal on the cover or as a character in the book or read a book that someone has given you.
Wrath and Ruin - Richard Fierce (dragons) 6/15
✔ 9. Read a book with a pink cover or read a book that features a poem in the text.
Ain't Too Proud to Beg - Susan Donovan 6/11
✔ 10. Read a book using an audiobook or ebook format or read a book set in The United States
Desperation in Death - J.D. Robb 6/9
✔ Bonus
* Read a book with a red cover or read a book that is set in Europe.
Dastardly Deeds at St Bride's - Debbie Young (England) 6/16
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
June Theme: Mooonstone
READ: 4/4
✔ 1. Read a book with a moon on the cover
A Curious Beginning - Deanna Raybourn 6/6
✔ 3. Read a book with one of the following colors on the cover: peach, pink, green, gray, yellow, brown, and blue
Ain't Too Proud to Beg - Susan Donovan 6/11
✔ 5. Read a book where a character is a healer either human or supernatural
Dragon Riders of Osnen: Episodes 4-6 - Richard Fierce (Kitori) 6/8
✔ 6. Read a book with an MPG of magic
Magic Tides - Ilona Andrews 6/5
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Word Hunter Cancer
Duration: June 21 - July 22, 2023
READ: 23/40
Ian's Rose - Suzan Tisdale 6/22
16. tremendous - this be a tremendous undertaking, p62
Damsel In Danger - Olivia Jaymes 6/22
7. gossip - Fran loves good gossip, p75
9. Legacy - that's Cavendish's legacy, p136
21. ritual - working on the ritual-like murder, p70
8. superstitious - she wasn't a superstitious person, p157
McKettrick's Pride - Linda Lael Miller 6/24
24. bridge - squeezing the bridge of his nose, p12
Hot on Her Heels - Susan Mallery 6/25
38. absorb - she barely had time to absorb his words, p54
Trouble in High Heels - Christina Dodd 6/2
14. brisk - setting a brisk pace down the sidewalk, p135
6. exterior - looked up at the well-lit exterior, p50
Girl in Trouble - Stacy Claflin 6/27
32. drizzle - it was windy outside with a slight drizzle, p183
12. vodka - vodka with a hint of something sweet, p369
The Mages of Starsea - Kyle West 6/27
13. radiance - schools of fish shone with radiance, ch31
The Body at Blackwell Lake - A.M. Caplan 6/29
33. coveralls - two men in blue coveralls, p206
35. crumpled - he crumpled to the ground, p278
5. edgy - Ricky seemed a little edgy, p198
40. powder - with her powder brush, p32
11. tremor - she could feel the tremor of lost things, p266
Encore in Death - J.D. Robb 6/30
39. nook - she saw a breakfast nook, ch12
Every Body on Deck - G.A. McKevett 6/30
37. whiff - got a big whiff of that meth lab, p12
Rainy Day Friends - Jill Shalvis 7/1
36. rivulets - water ran off his body in rivulets, p148
Fool's Moon - Diane A.S. Stuckart 7/2
4. serene - at Rosa's trademark serene smile, p27
Magic and Misrule - K.M. Merritt 7/8
23. deliberate - it was a deliberate gesture to prove her nonchalant she was, p28
Charmed and Dangerous - Lindsay Buroker 7/9
26. heritage - I'm learning about my heritage, p192
******************************
27. adept
17. chariot
18. detracting
22. dispersed
2. eligible
19. enhance
30. fruitcake
28. gorge
3. monarchy
31. oblige
1. palatial
34. pluck
10. seismic
15. swirled
29. sculpted
20. untenable
25. worrisome
Member Monthly Challenge: July (Jenn)
READ: 8/8
✔ 2. July's flowers are larkspur, which in the language of flowers symbolizes strong bonds of love, and water lily, which symbolizes lightness of heart and unity
🌸 Read a book tagged Romance (any type) OR a book with water on the cover
Suppression - Laramie Briscoe 7/30
✔ 4. July 6th is the time of aphelion, when Earth is the farthest it will get from the Sun for the entire year, 94,506,364 miles away
🌞 Read a book with a tiny sun visible on the cover OR with two of the following digits in the page count: 9, 6, 5, 4, 3, 0
Unnatural Causes - Leah Ruth Robinson (384 pages) 7/29
✔ 5. July 25th is Culinarians Day -- celebrate being a foodie!
🍳 Read a book with an MC who works in the food industry (chef, waitstaff, restaurant owner, farmer, cooking show contestant, FDA bureaucrat, heath inspector, etc.)
Eve of Samhain - Lisa Sanchez (MC a waitress) 7/17
✔ 6. The first ever rabies vaccine was administered by Louis Pasteur on July 6th, 1885
💉 Read a book where the MC has a pet dog OR someone sees a bat or squirrel
Vanishing Edge - Claire Kells 7/23
✔ 7. The first atomic bomb test was detonated in New Mexico on July 16th, 1945
💣Read a book set in New Mexico OR a book that you think is da BOMB! (You could also read a book that bombed, that has a GR average rating of less than 2.25, but I really don't recommend it!)
Freefall - Tess Oliver (5 star!) 7/31
✔ 8. July 2nd at 1:00 p.m. is exactly half-way through the year
📅 Read a book from the middle page of your Want to Read shelf (sort your shelf in whatever way you want, find the center point, and read something from that page)
Here and Then - Linda Lael Miller 7/23
✔ 9. Both the Tour de France and the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain (also known as San Fermín) take place in July (July 1-23 and July 6-14, respectively)
🚲Read a book set in either France or Spain OR where the MC is a cyclist or a runner OR a book with a yellow or red cover
What I'm Looking For - Karen Grey (runner) 7/27
✔ BONUS: Read a book published in July OR that takes place in July
Cold Midnight - Joyce Lamb (pub July 7, 2009) 7/28
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
July Theme - Ending and Beginning
READ: 5/5
1. Read a book that starts a series
Too Late - Rylie Dark 7/21
2. Read a book that finishes a series
The Burning God - R.F. Kuang 7/19
3. Read a book where someone gets married
Freefall - Tess Oliver (MCs) 7/31
5. Read a book where someone is born
Rainy Day Friends - Jill Shalvis (Delaney) 7/1
6. Read a book where someone dies
The Rifts of Psyche - Kyle West 7/4
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Word Hunter Leo
Duration: July 23 - August 22, 2023
READ: 27/40
Here and Then - Linda Lael Miller 7/23
40. Anxious - he wasn't anxious to cross them, p54
31. Danger - she wanted it despite the danger, p107
17. Sludge - I can't believe I'm actually drinking this sludge, p43
2. Stripped - striped off her clothes and crawled into bed, p32
Ice Song - Kirsten Imani Kasai 7/24
36. Grin - the grins of wolves always appear wicked, p29
21. Security - bit of security, p34
25. String - awash in strings of golden morab beads, p16
Blood Trinity - Sherrilyn Kenyon/Diana Love 7/26
33. Garage - that could be a garage-type mental door, ch31
The Murder Code - Ava Strong 7/28
24. Lawyer - this could only be a lawyer, ch27
Cold Midnight - Joyce Lamb 7/28
28. Façade - her calm facade mirror the aftermath, p13
37. Mood - as if mother nature shared his mood, p14
The Siege of Earth - Kyle West 7/31
39. Brutally - I will deal with anyone who questions this most brutally, p49
18. Threat - kill them before they become a threat, p159
Freefall - Tess Oliver 7/3
27. Controlling - controlling asshole that he was, ch7
The Becoming - Nora Roberts 8/6
1. Banished - banished to the Dark World, p242
3. Damned - damned determined, but scared, p23
6. Destiny - that is your destiny, p422
19. Embarrassed - she embarrassed herself, p258
26. Latched - but she latched on, p121
The Sanatorium - Sarah Pearse 8/8
30. Initially - locals initially, p187
16. Murky - thrust deep into the murky seaweed-water, p321
10. Pristine - taking pleasure in the pristine brochure, p13
20. Unlikely - it's unlikely to be the real Laure, p103
The Choice - Nora Roberts 8/12
11. Whirlwind - whirlwinds of flame, p429
Craks in a Marriage - Barbara Barrett 8/14
29. Denied - denied Carruthers his water rights, p128
34. Golf - that's one of Beau's golf days, p8
Forever Neverland - Heather Killough-Walden 8/18
9. Infamous - was infamous for its storms, p2
**************************
32. Antiquated
7. Atonement
13. Average
35. Confide
8. Enormity
15. Gouged
5. Incapable
23. Pensive
14. Repressed
22. Snuff
4. Stagger
38. Trivial
12. Twister
August Theme: Catfish Month
READ: 5/6
✔ 1. Read a book with a body of water on the cover
Death Down Under - Samantha Silver 8/15
✔ 2. Read a book with the words "cat" and "fish" or "catfish" in the text
Vanilla Vendetta - Rosie A. Point 8/19
(there was a cat on my chest), p9
✔ 3. Read a book with someone who has whiskers in it
Strawberry Sin - Rosie A. Point (Cocoa Puffs, cat) 8/19
✔ 4. Read a book where a character pretends to be something/someone they are not
Opal Smoke - Stephanie Fazio 8/28
(heroine pretends to be a castle servant to infiltrate)
✔ 5. Read a book where the MC lies about something important
Angels Defying - Harriet Carlton 8/8
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
August Monthly Challenge - Katter
READ: 7/8
✔ 1. To Adventure
To complete this task, simply just read any book that takes the MC on an action packed adventure.
Incendiary in a Kilt - Anna Durand (treasure hunt) 8/17
✔ 2. Firefly
To complete this task, read a book that captures that beauty with a cover that has fireflies on it or that begins with F.
Fractured Oak - Dannie Boyd 8/12
✔ 3. P-I-N-E-A-P-P-L-E 🍍
To complete this task, read a book with a pineapple on the cover or that mentions the fruit somewhere in the pages.
Pineapple Lies - Amy Vansant 8/21
To complete this task, finally read that one classic book you’ve been putting off forever.
✔ 5. The Ocean Blue
To complete this challenge read any book that takes place in the ocean, or that has a handsome pirate in it.
Beyond Neverland - Heather Killough-Walden 8/20
✔ 6. Hour of the Wolf
To complete this task, read a science fiction book, a horror story, or a book where the MC goes a little mad.
Sweep of the Heart - Ilona Andrews 8/27
To complete this task, read a story with elves, or that has a rather unsavory bargain involved.
✔ 8. Fresh Start
To complete this task, start a brand new book series to refresh the mind.
Vanilla Vendetta - Rosie A. Point 8/19
✔ 9. Chocolate with a dash of Murder
To complete this task, read a cozy mystery book that takes place in a bakery or any place that deals with chocolates/sweets.
Strawberry Sin - Rosie A. Point 8/19
For this task read any book that has a classic monster in it, and it has to be EVIL!
Word Hunter Virgo
Duration: August 23 - September 22, 2023
READ: 32/40
Resonance Surge - Nalini Singh 8/25
32. columns - toward the column of his throat, p259
5. forbidden - she felt like a child with a forbidden toy, p169
16. multitude - multitudes more powerful, p183
Sweep of the Heart - Ilona Andrews 8/27
19. anvil - a conscious fight against the anvil sitting on my ribs, p414
2. embroidered - an overdress of metallic brass-colored thread, p103
14. jutting - interrupted by jutting rocks with smooth tops, p213
27. monastery - all most certain he comes from Sa monastery, p175
15. pillar - leaving him trapped on top of the stone pillar, ch20
17. swords - white and sharp like swords, p28
38. wretched - this wretched abomination of an Inn knew it, p407
23. wrought - the entire affair is wrought with risk, p47
Ember X - Jessica Sorensen 8/30
3. curse - believed to be insane due to the curse, p128
10. railing - the front of my car crashes into the railing, p46
37. raven - a black raven swoops down, p12
The Witch Collector - Charissa Weaks 9/1
24. crown - of Helena wearing a golden crown, ch9
Spells for Forgetting - Adrienne Young 9/2
9. balcony - flashlight swept over the balcony, p150
Pumpkin Spice Peril - Jenn McKinlay 9/3
34. gaunt - Renee looked gaunt, ch2
You Betrayed Me - Lisa Jackson 9/5
6. investigate - if James decided to investigate, p301
21. rippled - rippled across the water, p242
The Vow - Dannika Dark 9/7
4. stained - a pillow covering the stained mattress, p250
Frozen Tides - Morgan Rhodes 9/9
7. collections - to be part of Aurano's collection, p154
18. entrance - left her there at the palace entrance, p140
30. serpents - known as the Goddess of Serpents, p25
12. weaponry - remove his weaponry and put him in chains, p173
36. whiff - caught a whiff of a strongly spiced warlag, p221
Just Haven't Met You Yet - Sophie Cousens 9/9
26. genuine - my genuine "how did you meet" story, p320
Cold Blooded Liar - Karen Rose 9/13
13. scowled - Kit scowled, p32
Under the Never Sky - Veronica Rossi 9/16
20. variation - or whatever the variation might be, p131
Forced to Flee - Terri Reed 9/17
29. bisecting - the winding path of water that bisected the city, p86
25. forge - sometimes you have to forge through a situatoin, p79
FRAGILE
8. spat - you have no right to try to control me, he spat at her, p8
11. sprawling - sprawling new Victorians, p31
****************************
31. accursed -
33. affliction -
40. bewildered -
39. gelding -
1. missive -
35. novice -
28. scripture -
22. whorls -
September Theme: Magic Users
READ: 6/6
✔ 1. Read a book where the MC is a magic user
Flea Market Magic - Bella Falls 9/2
✔ 2. Read a book with a type of magic user in the title of the book
The Witch Collector - Charissa Weaks 9/1
✔3. Read a book with an MPG of Magic
Fire Bound - Christine Feehan 9/18
✔4. Read a book with something representing magic or magic on the cover
Frozen Tides - Morgan Rhodes 9/9
✔5. Read a book with a title that starts with the letter M
Murder in the Book Lover's Loft - Ellery Adams 9/8
✔6. Read a book published in October
The Alpha - Dannika Dark (pub October 5, 2021) 9/10
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Member Monthly Challenge: September (PepperP0t)
READ: 10/10+
✔ 1) Acknowledge the month’s themes by reading a book where: the authors first and last initials are in LITERACY, OR the book was published in September, OR a team of characters have a quest to complete.
For Whom the Book Tolls - Laura Gail Black (pub September 8, 2020) 9/10
✔ 2) Celebrate the equinox by reading a book that: ends something (a series, a relationship, a death, etc.) OR begins something (a birth, a transition, a new job, etc.), OR has a Meglomaniac/Psychopath/Sociopath trying to control a McGuffin to trigger a new day/beginning.
The Vow - Dannika Dark 9/7
(a romance between hero and heroine who have known each other for years is new)
✔ 3) September 1 is Random Acts of Kindness Day, participate by reading a book where someone says ‘please’ OR a secondary character is comforted OR the MC claims they’ll give up their life for another.
Frozen Tides - Morgan Rhodes 9/9
(please, Your Highness, spare my life), p20
✔ 4) September 2 is Bring Your Manners to Work Day acknowledge the day by reading a book where someone is described as ‘nice’ OR someone is rude OR the MC says ‘I’m not good enough for you/I don’t deserve you.’
Earth Bound - Christine Feehan 9/15
("you deserve so much more than I can ever give you") ch9
✔ 5) September 8 is Pardon Day, celebrate the author’s last initial in their first name is in the word PARDON, OR where someone asks for forgiveness OR sex changes MC’s opinion of another character.
Cold Blooded Liar - Karen Rose 9/13
(heroine to suspect after being a little too rough)
✔ 6) September 9 is Dog Walker Appreciation Day, participate by reading a book: that has a pet OR someone walks OR someone sits on some else’s lap.
Murder in the Book Lover's Loft - Ellery Adams (Captain Havilland,dog) 9/8
✔ 7) September 14 is Live Creative Day, celebrate with a book that has an unusual item on the cover OR >B?has an artist OR has character that is a ‘Damsel in Distress/Dangerous Hero’.
Pumpkin Spice Peril - Jenn McKinlay (a glass artist) 9/3
✔ 8) September 17 is Big Whopper Liar Day acknowledge it with a book: with a title that begins with a letter in WHOPPER OR where a secondary character tells a lie OR the gist of the plot stems from a secret.
Spells for Forgetting - Adrienne Young 9/2
✔ 9) September 29 is International Coffee Day, celebrate with a book: where coffee is served OR the title has two sets of double letters OR the MC seeks relationship guidance from someone.
Southern Sass and Killer Cravings - Kate Young 9/6
✔ Bonus: Every day is a good day to read. Pick a any book you want, relax and enjoy!
The Witch Collector - Charissa Weaks 9/1
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Word Hunter Libra
Duration: September 23 - October 22, 2023
READ: 35/40
Benyu Born of Ash - Katie Feavel 9/23
12. altar - burned atop the temple altar, p222
16. unison - they shake their heads in unison, p66
You'd Be Home Now - Kathleen Glasgow 9/24
18. absent - you're lucky I didn't mark you absent, p254
32. awful - a very awful thing happened to you, p23
31. peace - I can go home and have some peace, p259
Unfortunate Elements of My Anatomy - Hailey Piper 9/24
38. echoed - echoed in our heads, p133
4. violence - obviously it's a symbolic rite of violence p58
The Book of Fire - Marjorie Kellogg 10/1
10. heaved - his chest heaved convulsively, p417
34. hushed - hushed voices in this temple of doom, p272
8. soldier - soldiers dead on the field, p13
14. spirit - Erde felt her spirits rise, p18
27. siege - the biggest siege engine Erde could imagine, p390
A Queen of Thieves & Chaos - K.A. Tucker 9/26
29. vile - they will do such hideous, vile things to him, p117
No Good Tea Goes Unpunished - Bree Baker 9/29
9. assist - had been left to assist and oversea, p20
23. etched - no new therapy etched in the sand, p232
15. music - music, laughter and voices rose from the festival, p202
24. needle - waiting for this moment on pins and needles, p95
19. weave - being pulled and weaved from side to side, p191
Never Lie - Freida McFadden 10/2
2. furious - he'll be furious with me, p241
Never Whistle at Night - Shane Hawk 10/2
5. delirium - it's hunger is a delirium now, p88
6. display - the display to make sure we have the right one, p170
17. loft - move hay bales around in the upper loft, p62
1. snarled - snarled up over its crossbar, p88
3. strangled - it made a strangled sound, p17
39. throb - his head to throb, p325
36. whip - my head and Tiny's whip towards the noise, p158
Malice House - Megan Shepherd 10/5
13. liquid -filled with liquid courage, p106
Ledge - Stacey McEwan 10/9
7. roiled - white wings flap beneath the roiling could, p7
Night of the Witch - Sara Raasch & Beth Revis 10/14
28. tenets - merely formed from the tenets of your religion, p125
The Burning Sky - Sherry Thomas 10/15
35. hale - she seemed to be haler than ever, ch22
The Wrath and the Dawn - Renée Ahdieh 10/16
5. glowered - he glowered at her before moving aside, p46
The Taken Ones - Jess Lourey 10/17
33. corrupt - he says they'll corrupt us p111
26. dirge - it was the perfect melodramatic dirge, p180
Chasm - Stacey McEwan 10/21
22. embossed - have red embossed on their helms, p28
40. initiate - of every other initiate guarding the gate, p121
************************************
30. bestowed -
21. brazier -
11. concentric -
20. perdition -
37. tolled -
Member Monthly Challenge: October (Scottie)
READ: 11/11
✔ 1. Skull: The skull protects the brain! Read a book with a protective character or read a book where someone wears a helmet.
Other Birds - Sarah Addison Allen (Charlotte when riding her bike) 10/12
✔ 2. Spine: Your backbone! Read a book with a character who is spineless or read a book with a character who holds everything together.
The Taken Ones - Jess Lourey 10/17
(the Bendy Man has Ehlers-Danlos disease. he can dislocate every bone in his body and contort into the smallest space - sounds rather spineless to me)
✔ 3. Ribs: They protect the thoracic organs and aid in respiration. Read a book in which a character's breath is taken away or read a book that mentions the word cage.
The Book of Fire - Marjorie Kellogg 10/1
(in the cage beside him), p342
✔ 4. Metacarpals: The hand bones! Read a book where a character is good with their hands or read a book where someone shakes hands.
Birder, She Wrote - Donna Andrews 9/30
(gave each of us a firm handshake) ch4
✔ 5. Humerus: The top of the arm bone! Read a comedy or a book that you find to be funny, or read a book with a humorous character.
Swamp Spirits - Jana Deleon 10/19
✔ 6. Pelvis: The hip bones! Read a book with a cool or "hip" character, or read a book with a mother.
23rd Midnight - James Patterson (Lindsay) 10/8
✔ 7. Femur: The upper leg bone! Read a book where a character runs, or read a book with legs on the cover.
Uncharted - Erin Cashman 10/22
✔ 8. Metatarsal: The feet bones! Read a book where someone receives a foot massage or a book that has a pair of shoes you like.
Malice House - Megan Shepherd 10/5
(Bernice gets foot massages nightly after her show)
✔ 9. Sternum: The sternum protects the heart, lungs, and blood vessels! Read a book in which a character's heart gets broken or read a book where a character is protected from harm.
Death Knells and Wedding Bells - Eva Gates (MCs cat attacks her attacker) 10/22
✔ 10. Phalanges: The finger and toe bones! Read a book with the word wiggles or read a book in which a character counts.
Death, Taxes, and Hot-Pink Leg Warmers - Diane Kelly 10/6
(MC is an accountant, counts money)
✔ Bonus: The wishbone! It can be found in birds but not humans. Read any book you wish!
The Girl the Sea Gave Back - Adrienne Young 10/4
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
October Theme: The Undead
READ: 4/4
1. Read a book with a ghost in it
Other Birds - Sarah Addison Allen 10/12
2. Read a book where "Death" is a large part of the plot
Malice House - Megan Shepherd 10/5
3. Read a book with an undead character (mummy, zombie, vampire etc)
Down & Out Witch - Sami Valentine (vampire) 10/26
5. Read a book all the letters of UNDEAD in the title
The Bone Shard Daughter - Andrea Stewart 10/28
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Word Hunter Scorpio
Duration: October 23 - November 21, 2023
READ: 35/40
Imaginary Numbers - Seanan McGuire 10/25
34. Affinity - like any of the elemental affinities, p94
38. Bruised - I'd attributed it to my bruised brain, p128
36. Circulated - had been circulated through the cabin, p33
8. Jar - taking jars of formaldehyde to show and tell, p230
31. Knuckles - Annie had been icing her knuckles, p110
11. Leather - I sank down onto the leather, p264
26. Murmur - murmuring to each other, p148
10. Pink - lit up with blooming halos of pink and red, p101
19. Pluck - to carefully pluck the chalk out of her fingers, p291
1. Ritual - do you know anything about cuckoo rites or rituals, p321
28. Tiptoe - you're tiptoeing around actually telling me, p150
Down & Out Witch - Sami Valentine 10/26
6. Bloodshot - his bloodshot eyes were a startling blue, loc327
40. Boots - peanut shells crunches under her boots, loc545
13. Cane - and used a cane to walk, loc1546
22. Provoke - no reason to provoke the Brotherhood, loc659
15. Sire - I thought my sire would notice, loc1052
7. Somber - he quipped before going somber, loc1469
Aftershock - Andrew Vachss 10/27
4. Cot - lying on a cot, p14
Heart of Fire - Bec McMaster 10/28
27. Maw - his tongue protruding from his gaping maw, p208
25. Village - the small village near Freyja's house, p67
Classics Mutilated - Jeff Conner 10/31
14. Devil - you would have thought he'd seen the devil himself, p184
30. Snarling - it was not the snarling of sled dogs, p188
Rebel Hard - Nalini Singh 10/31
21. Banner - with a plane flying a banner, ch15
Hollowthorn - Kalyn Josephson 11/1
18. Twirl - Roy twirls his fingers, p39
Grave Witch - Kalayna Price 11/3
9. Motion - it lurched into motion, p96
12. Pocked - John's wrinkled jacket was pocked with holes, p23
Force of Nature - Jane Harper 11/4
35. Discourage - discourage talking, p90
Books of Blood: Volume One - Clive Barker 11/5
37. Sermon - in Italy the sermon had been on communists, p239
2. Succumbed - the house had succumbed completely to the howling chaos, p17
20. Weave - his hands still felt the weave of his trousers, p61
Midnight Showing - Megan Shepherd 11/8
32. Pulp - carrying the scent of ink and paper pulp, p89
The Little Black Dress - Piper James 11/15
3. Possession - it was her most prized possession, loc130
The Peacock's Poison - Ruby Loren 11/18
17. Alleviate - that could alleviate some of the awfulness, loc1020
Dreadful - Jana Deleon 11/18
24. Angel - I thought she looked like an angel, p52
Hidden Huntress - Danielle L. Jensen 11/20
5. Glitter - fear glittering in his eyes, p251
***************************************
16. Distillation -
39. Fated -
23. Inflame -
29. Mongrel -
33. Seraph -
November Monthly Challenge - Genevieve
READ: 15/15
✔ 1. November 1-2 Day of the Dead (Dio De Los Muertos). Read books with colors that you would use to decorate a skull, or read a book with a skull on the cover.
Spells & Shelves - Elle Adams 11/29
✔ 2. November 5 - Guy Fawkes Day/Gunpowder Day in Britain. Read a book with fireworks or a bonfire. You could also read a historical book.
An Argumentation of Historians - Jodi Taylor 11/25
✔ 3. November 6 - Marooned without a Compass Day. Read a book where the MC is lost or on an island.
Whales and a Watery Grave - Ruby Loren (Mallora) 11/2
✔ 4. November 11 - Veteran's Day. Read a book where a character is in the military, a book set in Japan, or a book where paper is used in important/magical ways.
Abounding Might - Melissa McShane (MC) 11/22
✔ 5. November 12 - Hindu holiday called Diwali. Read a book where the MC is that light of goodness and/or evil is vanquished. You could also read a book set in India.
Belle Manor Haunting - Cheryl Bradshaw (addison, light) 11/30
✔ 6. November 13 - Hug a Musician Day. Read a book with a MC who is a musician or in love with one. Or read a book where music is important to the story.
Hidden Huntress - Danielle L. Jensen (MC is an opera singer) 11/20
✔ 7. November 14 - Young Readers Day. Read a YA book or a zombie book.
Hollowthorn - Kalyn Josephson 11/1
✔ 8. November 21, 1931 – The horror film “Frankenstein” is released. Read a book with a scientist or a book with a "monster" that ends happily.
Viking Warrior Rising - Asa Maria Bradley 11/17
✔ 9. November 29 - Saint Andrew's Day traditions and fortune telling. Read a book with fortune telling or spirits.
The September House - Carissa Orlando (ghosts) 11/6
✔ 10. November 30 - Saint Andrew's Day. He is the patron saint of Scotland, Barbados, Romania, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Poland... Read a book set in one of those locations. You could also read a book with a feast.
Intimate Enemies: A Novel - Shana Abe (Scotland) 11/23
Bonus:
Thanksgiving is on November 23rd. Do as many as you wish.
This year I am grateful for...
✔ Food-Read a book with a letter in the title from the words Thanksgiving Feast.
Force of Nature - Jane Harper 11/4
✔ Friendship-Read a book with a friend or with a side character you'd like to be your friend.
City of Ruin - Charissa Weaks (Helena) 11/15
✔ Health-Read a book with a vampire or other immortal character.
The Child of Venlet - K.C. Nuzum 11/12
✔ Pets-Read a cat/dog mystery or a book where an animal is important to the story.
Twelve Angry Librarians - Miranda James 11/6
✔ Significant Other-Read a book with a book boyfriend/girlfriend you have or want...
The Little Black Dress - Piper James (Jared Hart) 11/15
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Word Hunter Sagittarius
Duration: November 22,- December 21, 2023
READ: 39/40
Intimate Enemies: A Novel - Shana Abe 11/23
19. agony - it was agony, p212
22. blade - it seemed that one and all abandoned their blades, p173
27. blink - that Lauren had to blink away, p208
25. broad - his hands broad across her back, p291
40. chapel - all the better to escort you to the chapel, p282
6. foe - to taunt a foe in her own domain, p40
23. pinch - the other to pinch her chin, p257
An Argumentation of Historians - Jodi Taylor 11/25
7. hence - hence Dr. Bairstow giving permission, p88
4. historian - female historians confine themselves, p74
18. hoof - in the silence I could hear hoofs, p221
39. lantern - through the big glass lantern, p81
36. miracle - it was a miracle I didn't shake something loose, p297
29. pipe - soft pipe music was almost drowned out, p142
35. shin - kicked out and caught someone's shin, p374
20. skull - clearly marked with a skull and crossbones, p75
12. tilt - horses thundered at full tilt, p25
A Merciful Secret - Kendra Elliot 11/26
1. pray - and pray the road is clear, p260
Spotted at the Cemetery - Addison Moore & Bellamy Bloom 11/27
11. acquiesced - I'm acquiescing to the fact that his is your investigation, p61
16. belly - glancing down at her near flat belly, p41
15. flame - before the glow of flames catches my attention, p177
3. glorious - festooned with glorious full wreaths, p38
17. mushroom - a haunted harvest pizza with mushrooms and olives, p59
14. realm - in the realm of shadows and nightmares, p8
26. vampire - small stage where three men dressed as vampires, p56
Belle Manor Haunting - Cheryl Bradshaw 11/30
5. conflict - the articles she found were conflicting, p179
38. emboss - staring at the embossed image, p20
The City of Brass - S.A. Chakraborty 12/1
32. lion - the mythical winged lion, p65
Hollyberry Homicide - Sharon Farrow 12/3
21. elegant - Diane was an elegant older woman, p6
30. stout - the tall stout man, p9
The Book That Wouldn’t Burn - Mark Lawrence 12/9
31. carriage - would ride Crath's streets in a carriage, p311
8. quarry - her quarry sighted her before she sighted him, p254
33. scarce - no deterrent even to the scarce rats, p120
Warrior Witch - Danielle L. Jensen 12/10
28. reliant - our fates are reliant on the success of a prank, p99
2. war - I will leave you to fight this war on your own, p10
Scot Under the Covers - Suzanne Enoch 12/11
10. wager - dunna get in the way of a Scotsman's wager, p243
A Dawn of Onyx - Kate Golden 12/17
24. wincing - Ryder closed his eyes wincing, ch2
Wed, Read & Dead - V.M. Burns 12/18
37. cohort - I grinned. A cohort, p124
The Game Bird - Aidan R. Walsh 12/19
34. downcast - looked as downcast as Uriah had ever seen him, loc639
13. drizzle - it began to drizzle, loc50
*************************************
9. squalor
December Member Monthly Challenge - Namita
READ: 11/11
✔🎄 December is Eat a Red Apple Day in the USA.
Read a book with a red cover or title starts with any of the letters from RED
Let It Crow! Let It Crow! Let It Crow! - Donna Andrews 12/2
✔🎄 December birthstones are turquoise, zircon and tanzanite
Read a book with a precious stone/gem on the cover or a book with all the letters of GEM in the title
The Game Bird - Aidan R. Walsh 12/19
✔🎄 December is National Fruit Cake Month.
Read a book with cake or desert on the cover.
Wed, Read & Dead - V.M. Burns 12/18
✔🎄 December 2nd is Armed Forces Day in Cuba
Read a book where the MC is in the Military or a book with an MPG of Romantic Suspense
Rock Paper Scissors - Alice Feeney 12/16
✔🎄 December 4th is Tupou I Day in Tonga
Read a book set in the Oceania region or with Ocean on the Cover
The Year of the Fox - Merren Tait (New Zealand) 12/30
✔🎄 December 5th is Krampusnacht in Austria.
Read a book tagged Horror/Thriller or a book with a spooky cover
Voices in the Snow - Darcy Coates 12/22
✔🎄 December 7th is Day of Little Candles in Colombia
Read a book with candles in the text or fire on the cover
Warrior Witch - Danielle L. Jensen 12/10
(all the candles in the room flared bright), p55
✔🎄 December 15th is International Tea Day.
Read a book where a character drinks tea or a teapot on the cover
Payback in Death - J.D. Robb (Dr Mira drinks tea) 12/5
✔🎄 December 21 is Winter Solstice.
Read a book over 500 pages or where the Author's initials can be found in Solstice
Delicious Monsters - Liselle Sambury (512 pages) 12/22
✔🎄 December 21st is also Humbug Day.
Read a book with a Scrooge inspired character or with a character who is an old man.
The Book That Wouldn’t Burn - Mark Lawrence (Yute) 12/9
✔🎅 Bonus Christmas!! You can read any book you want to celebrate!
Just the Sexiest Man Alive - Julie James 12/26
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
December Theme: Christmas Movies
READ: 6/6
✔1. It's A Wonderful Life
Read a book set in a small town or with a black and white cover
The Year of the Fox - Merren Tait (Pukeroa, New Zealand) 12/30
✔2. Gremlins
Read a book with a monster/creature in it or a book where Midnight plays an important role
The Game Bird - Aidan R. Walsh (leviathan) 12/19
-✔3. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Read a book with reindeer in the text or on the cover
Snowed in with Grumpy - Olivia Noble 12/20
(giant sparkly, steaming reindeer crap), loc116
✔5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Read a book where the MC is "Grinchy" or with a mostly green cover
Pastrami Murder - Patti Benning 12/16
✔6. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Read a book with a a Christmas Tree on the Cover of where the MC has a dog
Hollyberry Homicide - Sharon Farrow 12/3
✔7. A Nightmare Before Christmas
Read a Christmas book that has something creepy/scary about it Or read a book with all the letters of Nightmare in the Title
The Society of Imaginary Friends - Kristen Pham 12/28
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Boggle
Game 1: Create seven 2 letter words (14 Books).
✔️1. SUPERIOR
S: [Steve Solomon] Kill All the Lawyers - Paul Levine 7/26
U: Uncharted - Adriana Anders 8/15
P: [Perry Graves] The Ballad of Perilous Graves - Alex Jennings 7/27
E: [Edward Baldwine] Devil's Cut - J.R. Ward 8/12
R: Rule of Wolves - Leigh Bardugo 7/28
I: The Ice Lion - Kathleen O'Neal Gear 8/6
O: Operation Tropical Affair - Kimberli A. Bindschatel 8/4
R: The Price of Honor - Richard Fierce 7/31
✔️2. SIDECAR
S: Shadow Fallen - Sherrilyn Kenyon 8/1
I: [Ivy Youngblood] Under Lock & Skeleton Key - Gigi Pandian 8/27
D: Devil's Own - Veronica Wolff 7/30
E: [Eamom McCarthy] Murder in G Major - Alexia Gordon 8/21
C: Cold Clay - Juneau Black 7/29
A: The Angels' Share - J.R. Ward 7/31
R: The Return - D.B. Reynolds 8/3
Game 2: Create five 3 letter words (15 Books).
✔️1. SEA
S: Blacklisted - Gena Showalter 8/31
E: Eighteen Below - Stefan Ahnhem 8/28
A: The Alpine Uproar - Mary Daheim 9/2
✔️2. ROT
R: Dance with the Devil - Kit Rocha 9/8
O: The Oceanography of the Moon - Glendy Vanderah 9/4
T: [Turner Halliday] I Want Candy - Susan Donovan 9/11
✔️3. LET
L: Lowcountry Bombshell - Susan M. Boyer 8/30
E: [Ellen Blair] The Language of Silence - Peggy Webb 9/18
T: [Tane] The Priory of the Orange Tree - Samantha Shannon 9/21
✔️4. CAP
C: Children of the Night - Zan Safra 9/3
A: [Ariq Jagungar] The Kraken King - Meljean Brook 9/6
P: [Perrie Madeline] The Priory of the Orange Tree - Samantha Shannon
✔️5. ART
A: And Then You Dye - Monica Ferris 9/9
R: Quinsey Wolfe's Glass Vault - Candace Robinson 9/13
T: Wild Irish Eyes - Tricia O'Malley 9/25
Game 3: Create four 4 letter words (16 Books).
✔️1. RAID
R: Forgotten in Death - J.D. Robb 10/5
A: A Stitch in Time - Kelley Armstrong 9/29
I: I Remember You - Yrsa Sigurðardóttir 9/30
D: Dangerous Stakes - G.K. Parks 10/2
✔️2. CAPE
C: [Carolyn Blue] Bon Bon Voyage - Nancy Fairbanks 9/26
A: The Taint of Midas - Anne Zouroudi 9/29
P: The Man Burned by Winter - Pete Zacharias 10/6
E: The Vineyard Victims - Ellen Crosby 9/26
✔️3. PURE
P: 22 Seconds - James Patterson & Maxine Paetro 9/30
U: Unforeseen Danger - G.K. Parks 10/7
R: A Rumor Of Bones - Beverly Connor 10/11
E: Marked for Life - Emelie Schepp 9/28
✔️4. SAIL or SEAL
S: Sweet Spot - Susan Mallery 10/7
E: A Nurse for the Wolfman - Eve Langlais 10/10
A: [Amira Walker] The Three Witches of Burberry - K.M. Waller 10/2
L: Leech - Hiron Ennes 10/1
Game 4: Create three 5 letter words (15 Books).
✔️WITCH
W: Wired In - Toby Neal 10/16
I: Ice Blue - Anne Stuart 10/29
T: Tattooed - Pamela Callow 11/11
C: Consumed - Rebecca Zanetti 10/18
H: Highlander's Desire - Joanne Wadsworth 10/25
✔️LANCE
L: Guarding the Mermaid - Eve Langlais 10/15
A: Relentless in a Kilt - Anna Durand 10/14
N: A Night's Tail - Sofie Kelly 10/15
C: Cursed - Lynn C. Ricci 10/15
E: Wolf Dreams - Aimee Easterling 10/27
✔️BLIMP
B: Geared for the Grave - Duffy Brown 10/21
L: The Lionman Kidnapping - Eve Langlais 10/22
I: [Illium] Archangel's Light - Nalini Singh 11/1
M: Green Eyed Envy - Kasey MacKenzie 10/17
P: The Shadow in the North - Philip Pullman 10/29
✔️HOVEL
H: Hit Me with Your Best Scot - Suzanne Enoch 11/10
O: [Olivia Sutherland] The Guilty Couple - C.L. Taylor 10/19
V: The Vampire Always Rises - Katie MacAlister 11/28
E: A Chimera's Revenge -Eve Langlais 11/1
L: Deep Sea Dead - Lori Avocato 10/30
✔️CHIRP
C: Cutthroat Cupcakes - Cate Lawley 10/23
H: Murder Walks the Plank - Carolyn G. Hart 10/17
I: Immortal Matchmakers, Inc. - Mimi Jean Pamfiloff 11/16
R: Ravenfall - Kalyn Josephson 10/13
P: [Pippa Marbury] One Good Earl Deserves a Lover - Sarah MacLean 10/30
Game 5: Create three 6 letter words (18 Books).✔️PRINCE
P: The Path of Thorns - A.G. Slatter 11/30
R: A Whisker of Trouble - Sofie Ryan 12/14
I: [Isabelle] Glimmerglass - Marly Youmans 12/5
N: Bait - Annie Nicholas 11/29
C: Crypt Suzette - Maya Corrigan 12/2
E: Stolen Fury - Elisabeth Naughton 12/11
✔️WINTER
W: Selective Spells - Willow Mason 12/9
I: It Ain't Me, Babe - Tillie Cole 12/25
N: The Sunken City - Emma V.R. Noyes 12/27
T: Their Christmas Miracle - Lynne Marshall 12/16
E: [Linda Evans] Gingerbread - Kate Morris 12/4
R: Reindeer Runes - Danielle Garrett 12/18
✔️PLANET
P: Better Haunts and Garden Gnomes - Michelle M. Pillow 12/9
L: Circus of the Dead, Book One - Kimberly Loth 12/10
A: Alaskan Holiday - Debbie Macomber 12/3
N: Nightingale's Gate - Linda Francis Lee 12/24
E: [Erik] By Their Cold Fingers - Timothy Brian 12/1
T: Buried in a Good Book - Tamara Berry 12/6
Game 6: Create three 7 letter words (21 Books).
✔️WARPATH
W: Opening Gambit - Tilly Wallace 12/28
A: The Butcher and the Wren - Alaina Urquhart 1/9
R: You Can Hide - Rebecca Zanetti 1/5
P: The Uncanny Raven Winston - Tammie Painter 12/31
A: The Darkest Minds - Alexandra Bracken 1/15
T: No Time Like the Past - Jodi Taylor 1/7
H: Double Dealer - Barbara McCafferty & Beverly Herald 1/7
✔️HAIRPIN
H: The Heretic Royal - G.A. Aiken 1/25
A: Death by the Finish Line - Alexis Morgan 1/26
I: If You Could See the Sun - Ann Liang 2/1
R: Raphael - D.B. Reynolds 1/16
P: Left To Die - Blake Pierce 1/9
I: [Ian Morris] Shattered at Sea - Cheryl Hollon 2/4
N: White is the Coldest Colour - John Nicholl 1/18
✔️TEACHER
T: The Untangled Cassie Black - Tammie Painter 1/3
E: Six Crimson Cranes - Elizabeth Lim 12/30
A: A Death in Door County - Annelise Ryan 1/19
C: The Crow Girl - Erik Axl Sund 12/30
H: Psychic Dreams - Elizabeth Hunter 1/18
E: Mermaid Fins, Winds & Rolling Pins - Erin Johnson 1/1
R: Fatal Catch - Pauline Rowson 1/6
TRILLION
T: Three Parts Dead - Max Gladstone 2/8
R: Rhapsodic - Laura Thalassa 2/11
I: Island of the Lost: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World - Joan Druett 3/8
L: Darkness, My Old Friend - Lisa Unger 2/6
L: Luck and Last Resorts - Sarah Grunder Ruiz 2/7
I: Close Your Eyes - Iris Johansen 3/13
O: Murder in an Irish Churchyard - Carlene O'Connor 2/28
N: [Natalie Payne] Murder at St Margaret - Lynn Morrison 2/15
Types of Vampires
Duration: January 1 - March 31, 2023
READ: 23/26
Seductive Sinners
✔ 1. Read a book where the MC seduces another character
Moon Craving - Lucy Monroe 2/18
✔ 2. Read a book with a sexy, seductive vampire
Dark Sentinel - Christine Feehan 2/8
Medieval Revenants
✔ 3. Read a book with an MPG of historical or history
What Could Possibly Go Wrong? - Jodi Taylor 1/29
4. Read a book where a character dies of a disease
Aristocratic Romantics
✔ 5. Read a book where the MC is an aristocrat or nobility
The Heretic Royal - G.A. Aiken 1/25
✔ 6. Read a book where the MC is a wealthy vampire
Raphael - D.B. Reynolds 1/16
Castle Dwelling Drama Queens
✔ 7. Read a book where a character is a drama queen
A Sudden Crush - Camilla Isley (heroine) 3/23
✔ 8. Read a book with a castle in it
Moon Burning - Lucy Monroe 2/18
Nocturnal Party Animals
✔ 9. Read a book where the MC is musician, actor/actress, or just likes to party all the time
Music Man - K.L. Montgomery 2/19
✔ 10. Read a book where a character is a current or former alcoholic or drug addict
Preppy: The Life & Death of Samuel Clearwater, Part Two - T.M. Frazier 3/8
Nightmare Inducing Monsters
✔ 11. Read a book with an MPG of thriller of horror
Hokuloa Road - Elizabeth Hand 2/27
✔ 12. Read a book that has a terrifying looking monster
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi - S.A. Chakraborty 3/5
Weapon Wielding Goths
✔ 13. Read a book with a weapon on the cover
The Watermight Thief - Jordan Rivet 2/27
14. Read a book with either leather pants or a leather coat/jacket on the cover
Emotionally Unavailable Hunks
✔ 15. Read a book with a gorgeous but emotionally unavailable MC
Sweet Wild of Mine - Laurel Kerr 3/9
✔ 16. Read a book where a character is trying to change another character by "loving them enough"
The Crossing - Kathryn Lasky 3/10
Highschool Heartthrobs
✔ 17. Read a book with an MPG of Young Adult
Wind Daughter - Joanna Ruth Meyer 2/19
✔ 18. Read a book with an age gap between the two romantic interests
Temptation - T.K. Leigh (heroine 13 years older) 3/16
Mortal (Renfield) Vampires
✔ 19. Read a book where the MC is a human in a paranormal or fiction book
Boogie Beach - Winnie Winkle 3/6
✔ 20. Read a book with a character that you think is strange or crazy
A Dark Queen Rises - Ashok K. Banker (Jarsun) 3/3
Cursed or Magically Created
✔ 21. Read a book with an MPG of Magic
Murder at St Margaret - Lynn Morrison 2/15
✔ 22. Read a book where a character has been cursed or who has a negative result from a spell cast upon them
Silver Spells - Kate Moseman 2/8
Sparkling Sentimentalists
✔ 23. Read a book with an MPG of humor or funny
Lies, Damned Lies, and History - Jodi Taylor 2/22
✔ 24. Read a book with a character who is in high school
XOXO - Axie Oh (heroine) 3/1
Succubus or Incubus
✔ 25. Read a book with a lot of sex scenes in it
Preppy: The Life & Death of Samuel Clearwater, Part Three - T.M. Frazier 3/9
26. Read a book with an incubus or a succubus in it
My Forever Familiar
Duration: January 1 - March 31, 2023
READ: 20/20
The Curious Cat✔ 1. Read a book in which a spell is cast.
Silver Spells - Kate Moseman 2/8
✔ 2. Read a book in which a character has lived many lives.
Dark Sentinel - Christine Feehan (immortal) 2/8
✔ 3. Read a book in which a character's curiosity causes trouble.
The Untangled Cassie Black - Tammie Painter 1/3
✔ 4. Read a book with a domestic cat on the cover.
Nine Lives Last Forever - Rebecca M. Hale 3/15
The Wise Old Owl✔ 5. Read a book with a wise character.
Forging Silver into Stars - Brigid Kemmerer 1/11
✔ 6. Read a book in which the MC seeks advice from another character.
That Ain’t Witchcraft - Seanan McGuire 2/4
✔ 7. Read a book with a MC who isolates and is described as grumpy or ornery.
Sweet Wild of Mine - Laurel Kerr (hero) 3/9
✔ 8. Read a book in with a potion is created or used.
The Ladies of the Secret Circus - Constance Sayers 2/15
The Majestic Raven✔ 9. Read a book with a powerful MC.
The Heretic Royal - G.A. Aiken 1/25
✔ 10. Read a book with a cover you would describe as striking or beautiful.
Wind Daughter - Joanna Ruth Meyer 2/19
✔ 11. Read a book with an ancient character.
Raphael - D.B. Reynolds (hero) 1/16
✔ 12. Read a book in which the MC discovers new abilities they possess.
Boogie Beach - Winnie Winkle 3/6
The Cunning Snake✔ 13. Read a book with a "Cunning" character.
Upon a Burning Throne - Ashok K. Banker (Jilana) 2/12
✔ 14. Read a book with a character who has fangs.
The Dragon's Promise - Elizabeth Lim (Seryu) 1/14
✔ 15. Read a book with a hunter seeking it's prey.
Saber Tooth - Lou Cadle 3/4
✔ 16. Read a book with a green, brown, or black cover.
Candy Corn Murder - Leslie Meier 2/9
The Fierce and Loyal Wolf✔ 17. Read a book with a secondary character who is described as loyal.
Lies, Damned Lies, and History - Jodi Taylor 2/22
✔ 18. Read a book with a courageous and fierce MC.
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi - S.A. Chakraborty 3/5
✔ 19. Read a book with a wolf on the cover.
Wanted by the Werewolf Prince - Kara Lockharte 3/14
✔ 20. Read a book tagged paranormal romance where the MC is a magic user and their partner is a shifter wolf
Moment of Tooth - Lindsay Buroker 3/12
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Connect Four
Game #1
Set One
29. With a One Word Title.
Rhapsodic - Laura Thalassa 2/11
30. With a Two Word Title.
Silver Spells - Kate Moseman 2/8
31. With a Three Word Title.
Shattered at Sea - Cheryl Hollon 2/4
32. With a Four Word Title.
Better Late Than Never - Jenn McKinlay 2/5
Set Two
31. With a Three Word Title
The Pearl Savage - Tamara Rose Blodgett 2/13
37. With a MPG of Fantasy.
Wind Daughter - Joanna Ruth Meyer 2/19
25. In which a Bow and Arrow
Upon a Burning Throne - Ashok K. Banker 2/12
19. That takes place in America.
Buffalo Jump Blues - Keith McCafferty (Montana) 2/16
Set Three
17. That takes place in a Small Town/Community.
River of Darkness - Rennie Airth 2/20
18. That takes place in Europe.
Lies, Damned Lies, and History - Jodi Taylor (England) 2/22
19. That takes place in America.
Music Man - K.L. Montgomery (Delaware) 2/19
20. That takes place in a Country that you do not live.
Found in the Lost - Tarina Deaton (Guatemala) 2/21
Set Four
31. With a Three Word Title.
The Watermight Thief - Jordan Rivet 2/27
25. In which a Bow and Arrow OR Crossbow is used.
Just in Time for a Highlander - Gwyn Cready (heroine) 2/24
19. That takes place in America.
The Cure for What Ales You - Ellie Alexander (Washington) 2/23
13. With a Main Character who is Human.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - Mark Haddon 2/26
Game #2
Set One
21. That takes place in an Alternate World
Unwritten - Alicia J. Novo (Zweeshen) 4/1
27. In which a Psychic Ability is used.
Shuttered Secrets - Melissa Erin Jackson 4/2
33. With a Five Word Title.
Daughter of the Pirate King - Tricia Levenseller 4/7
39. With a MPG of Romance.
Salty Cowboy - Elana Johnson 4/4
Set Two
39. With a MPG of Romance.
Broken Mate - Jen L. Grey 4/8
32. With a Four Word Title.
Of Claws and Inferno - Kyoko M. 4/10
25. In which a Bow and Arrow OR Crossbow is used.
Witch Hunt - Sara Bourgeois 4/8
18. That takes place in Europe.
The Ice House - Minette Walters (England) 4/11
Set Three
36. With a MPG of Paranormal.
Zar - Alana Khan 4/12
37. With a MPG of Fantasy.
Warrior's Moon - Lucy Monroe 4/16
38. With a MPG of Urban Fantasy.
Touched by Fire - Kel Carpenter 4/13
39. With a MPG of Romance.
History Is All You Left Me - Adam Silvera 4/12
Set Four
37. With a MPG of Fantasy.
Hidden Blade - Pippa DaCosta 4/18
30. With a Two Word Title.
Midnight Crystal - Jayne Castle 4/16
23. In which a Knife is used.
Burning Bright - Melissa McShane 4/18
16. That takes place in a City.
Hellbound in Vegas - Boone Brux 4/19
Most Haunted Places in the World
Duration: January 1 - June 30, 2023
READ: 42/42
✔ 1. Hoia-Baciu Forest, Romania
Read a book with a forest on the cover OR
Reaad a book with a UFO or spaceship in it
✔ 2. The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado
Read a book set at a hotel or where a LARGE part of the book takes place at a hotel
The Corpse in the Cabana - Shéa MacLeod 1/12
(setting is a convention set at a hotel)
✔ 3. Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia
Read a book set around or in the water
Luck and Last Resorts - Sarah Grunder Ruiz (on a cruise ship) 2/7
✔ 4 St. George's Church, Czech Republic
Read a book where the MC goes to church
Aunt Dimity and the Heart of Gold - Nancy Atherton 3/7
✔ 5. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Read a book with a dog on the cover
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - Mark Haddon 2/26
✔ 6. Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia
Read a book where a character goes to jail or prison
White is the Coldest Colour - John Nicholl (Dr. Galbraith) 1/18
✔ 7. Isla De Las Munecas, Mexico
Read a book with the word "doll" in the text
Double Dealer - Barbara McCafferty & Beverly Herald 1/7
(so is the doll still available), p99
✔ 8. Al Madam, United Arab Emirates
Read a book with a spooky house on the cover
Spooky Business - Addison Creek 3/28
✔ 9. St. Augustine Lighthouse, Florida
Read a book with a child on the cover
Never Let You Go - Katy Regnery 6/17
✔ 10. Gunnuhver, Iceland
Read a book with a murder in it
Candy Corn Murder - Leslie Meier 2/9
✔ 11. Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah
Read a book where the MC goes to a cemetery
Preppy: The Life & Death of Samuel Clearwater, Part Three - T.M. Frazier 3/9
✔ 12. The Forbidden City, Bejing, China
Read a book with royalty in it
A Dark Queen Rises - Ashok K. Banker 3/3
✔ 13. Leap Castle, Ireland
Read a book with blood on the cover or in the title or series name
You Can Hide - Rebecca Zanetti (blood on cover) 1/5
✔ 14. Oriental Theater, Chicago
Read a book set on an Island
Scottish Werebear: Books 1-3 - Lorelei Moone 1/17
✔ 15. Castle of Good Hope, South Africa
Read a book where a character is tortured
Preppy: The Life & Death of Samuel Clearwater, Part Two - T.M. Frazier (hero) 3/8
✔ 16. RMS Queen Mary, Long Beach, California
Read a book where someone sees a ghost
The Untangled Cassie Black - Tammie Painter (MC) 1/3
✔ 17. Larnach Castle, New Zealand
Read a book where a birthday is celebrated
Sweet Trouble - Susan Mallery (Paula's) 2/10
✔ 18. Whaley House, San Diego
Read a book where a character mentions suicide
A Death in Door County - Annelise Ryan 1/19
(that he lost the night before he committed suicide), p102
✔ 19. La Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires
Read a book where a character digs up a grave
The Butcher and the Wren - Alaina Urquhart 1/9
(MC rescues person who was buried alive)
✔ 20. Crumlin Road Gaol, Northern Ireland
Read a book set in Ireland
Murder in an Irish Churchyard - Carlene O'Connor 2/28
✔ 21. Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Canada
Read a book with the word "staircase" in the text
Close Your Eyes - Iris & Roy Johansen 3/13
(as he led her down the staircase), p226
✔ 22. Haw Par Villa, Singapore
Read a book where the MC Screams
Moment of Tooth - Lindsay Buroker 3/12
(he threw back his head and screamed), p226
✔ 23. Myrtles Plantation, Louisiana
Read a book where the MC is/was in the military
Death by the Finish Line - Alexis Morgan (hero) 1/26
✔ 24. Bhangarh Fort, India
Read a book with "Sorcerer" in the text
Shattered Souls - Delilah Devlin 1/13
(wasn't there some other sorcerer who could help her), p97
✔ 25. Tower of London, England
Read a book where the MC is a widow
Up to No Gouda - Linda Reilly 1/21
✔ 26. Catacombs of Paris, France
Read a book where the MC goes underground
Never Fade - Alexandra Bracken (in a bunker) 2/2
✔ 27. Aokighara Forest, Japan
Read a book with a demon in it
Upon a Burning Throne - Ashok K. Banker 2/12
✔ 28. Xunantunich, Belize
Read a book where a character has red eyes
The Dragon's Promise - Elizabeth Lim (Seryu) 1/14
✔ 29. Borgvattnet Haunted Vicarage, Sweden
Read a book where a character goes snowmobiling
A Sudden Crush - Camilla Isley (hero) 3/23
✔ 30. Himeji Castle, Japan
Read a book in a series that has at least 9 books
What Could Possibly Go Wrong? - Jodi Taylor 1/29
✔ 31. Ponte Sisto, Rome
Read a book with a character who is a religious figure
Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone - Diana Gabaldon (Roger MacKenzie) 1/27
✔ 32. Port Arthur, Tasmania
Read a book where the MC goes on a tour
Love at the Northern Lights - Darcie Boleyn (tour of Norway) 1/30
✔ 33. Teatro Tapia, Puerto Rico
Read a book where the MC is an actor/actress
The One You Love - Paul Pilkington 1/29
✔ 34. Ancient Ram Inn, England
Read a book where a character crawls out a window
No Time Like the Past - Jodi Taylor (Max, Tim, Markham) 1/7
✔ 35. Parador de Jaen, Spain
Read a book with "lizard" in the text
Married by Morning - Lisa Kleypas 1/21
(the discovery of a black newt, a lizard's nest or a rabbit warren), p28
✔ 36. Lawang Sewu, Indonesia
Read a book where a character is interrogated
Live To Tell - Lisa Gardner 1/20
✔ 37. Dock Street Theatre, Charleston
Read a book published in 2010
Moon Craving - Lucy Monroe (pub February 2, 2010) 2/18
✔ 38. Old Parliament House, Canberra, Australia
Read a book where the MC works in security
Found in the Lost - Tarina Deaton (hero) 2/21
✔ 39. Carl Beck House, Canada
Read a book where a character raises their siblings
The Hive Child - Rebecca L. Fearnley 4/15
✔ 40. Lord Milner Hotel, South Africa
Read a book with a trial/hearing in it
The Crossing - Kathryn Lasky 3/10
✔ 41. Burg Eltz, Germany
Read a book with a female warrior
The Heretic Royal - G.A. Aiken 1/25
✔ 42. Eden Brown Estate, Nevis
Read a book where the MC is and stays single throughout the whole book
Tortured Dreams - Hadena James 1/31
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Barbara's Challenges & Reading Lists
Books mentioned in this topic
The Wolf and the Witch (other topics)Line of Fire (other topics)
The Best of Friends (other topics)
Blood Drive (other topics)
The Year of the Fox (other topics)
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