Challenges Done

2011

The beginning
This year I've decided to participate in the m/m romance challenge, hosted in Anestheza's blog.
The link for the sign-up is here: http://iheartpaperbacks.com/the-mm-romance-challenge-2011-sign-up/
My challenge will be of 30 books this year and this is the list of authors I'll be reading. Some of them I know, but most of them will be a intro into their work.
I'll read 30 books, but I'm only posting 29, for the last one will be a surprise, even for me!
I tried to get author in alphabetical order, but of course to reach 30, I'd have to repeat some letters and as I didn't find an "X", there's 5 repeats, one of them being the surprise.
Anyway, here's the list. The books I'm not sure yet, I'll choose as I go.

Albright, Addison - Cultivating Love (read 13 April)
Beecroft, Alex - The Captain's Surrender (read 25 July)
Calmes, Mary - Trusted Bond (read 8 february)
Dahl, Kenn - Soaring with a Hawke (read 26 february)
Eastwick, Karma - Imitation of Life (read 10 July)
Ford, Catt - Extreme Bull (read 4 July)
Green, Amber - Bareback (read 5 october)
Hecht, Stephani - Offside Pass (read 12 May)
Izanaki, Miza - Riding the Tiger (read 11 november)
Johnson, Ava Rose - Breaking Ground (read 11 september)
Kimberling, Nicole - Primal Red (read 18 July)
Lane, Amy - Truth in the Dark (read 18 June)
Mitchell, KA - No Souvenirs (read 11 July)
Nichols, Zoe - As Good As it Gets (read 28 february)
Okati, Willa - Lovers, Dreamers and Me (read 12 november)
Payne, SA - Snowflakes and Embers (read 21 May)
Quinton, Chris - Dark Waters (read 22 May)
Rhodes, ML - True of Heart (read 17 september)
Sutherland, Fae - The Exceptions to the Rule (read 2 october)
Temple, Tory - Keeping Karma (read 4 february)
Urban, Madeleine (with Abigail Roux) - Warrior's Cross (read 7 August)
Veinglory, Emily - Wolfkin (read 9 june)
Winter, Mary - Riding Partner (read 12 August)
Yates, Serena - To Find and to Keep (read 11 June)
Zachary, Drew - Once Upon a Veterinarian (read 17 december)

The repeated letters
Amara, Astrid - The Archer's Heart (read 2 September)
Lanyon, Josh - Somebody Killed His Editor (read 15 october)
Langley, JL - With Abandon (read 22 february)
Martinez, Angel - Finn (read 20 november)

The surprise
Several Authors - Anthology Kegs and Dorms (read 27 december)

Summary
So, I've finally finished the challenge. It was a nice experience, a very interesting way of reading books.
I liked doing things this way, simply because I've never done it before and I wasn't sure how it would affect my reading, but thankfully everything went well. I preferred books with more romance than anything else. Of course it depends on several things like the writing style, the story itself, the characters, but usually this is what compels me the more to a book, whatever it's type or genre.
Of all the unknown authors (18 of them) some were good surprises, others weren't and to be honest, with such a big TBR list I just can't find the time to try again and again things I'll probably won't expect much of.
Of all the books, only 5 were a disappointment, whether because of the plot or the writing. This was the case of the books by Kenn Dahl, Amber Green, Ava Rose Johnson, Fae Sutherland and Serena Yates.
Then there are my favorites. My top 3 has the following books:
1. The Archer's Heart by Astrid Amara
2. Snowflakes and Embers by SA Payne
3. With Abandon by JL Langley.

I'm not repeating the experience this year, but I'll try to do it again in 2013 if possible. I think this is a great way to go through one's TBR list and even to find out about new authors.
I'm not sure what else to say about the challenge..if there's something you might want to know, feel free to do the suggestion.
The review post is here: http://iheartpaperbacks.com/the-mm-romance-challenge-2011-review-post/
I hope everyone can enjoy m/m and have as much fun as I did with this challenge!



2012

I'm a member of a book club and some ladies there saw a challenge on goodreads and are going to do it so, although I didn't plan to participate in challenges this year, I gave in and I'm going to try it.
The challenge has a theme for each month and it's like this:

January - An european author (from England)

February - Main Character Has a Name Starting With the Same letter As Mine (an "s")

March - A Book With a Blue, Red or Green Cover (green)

April - The action (or part of it) is set in Asia or Africa (Egypt)

May - Something part of a series (the Downside Ghosts)

June - Something that was or is going to be adapted to a movie (was adapted in 1999)

July - A book with more than 350 pages (it has 473 pages)

August - A book published in the year you were born (1985)

September - A book by an author already deceased (1974)

October - Something by an author from your country (Portugal)

November - A book with less than 200 pages (90)

December - Something that was a gift (Christmas)

* * *

Summary: I've finished the challenge.
I did complete it during the year, but unfortunately only now I could come and talk about it...
It was fun, the best part in all this is to actually look for the books and try to match a god one to each theme.
Of the 12 of them, I obviously had my favorites...months of June and December in particular were great, wonderful reads. Two books I'll treasure forever.
I didn't care much for the books of April and November, but the one in April was the worst of them all, because I felt the story wasn't very balanced. By clicking on the links you'll be able to reach my comments about them.
This year I wanted to do it again, with different themes...I'll check and perhaps I'll join another challenge like this one. It was really fun.




2013



TBR List Challenge 2013



This year the challenge will be about all the books that await in the pile to be read, that were purchased, given and recommended so long ago and time made sure they would remain...
I heard about it in Hilcia's blog, but it's hosted by Wendy the Super Librarian, here's the post link:  http://wendythesuperlibrarian.blogspot.pt/2012/12/come-one-come-all-tbr-challenge-2013.html

-> The schedule is the following one:

January 16 - We Love Short Shorts! (Short stories, Novellas, category romance)
February 20 - Recommended Read (something recommended by a fellow reader)
March 20 - Series Catch-Up (pick a book from a series you're behind on)
April 17 - New-To-You Author
May 15 - More Than One (An author who has more than one book in your TBR pile).
June 19 - Lovely RITA (RWA RITA nominees OR winners)
July 17 - The Classics (Something classic within the romance genre - an author, a specific book, a trope/theme - I'm open to wide interpretations here!)
August 21 - Steamy reads (Erotic romance, erotica, something spicy!)
September 18 - Western (Contemporary or historical)
October 16 - Paranormal or romantic suspense
November 20 - All About The Hype (a book that created such chatter that it was inescapable).
December 18 - Holiday themes (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, it's all good!)

I'll try to post accordingly, but I fear my weird monthly lists will ruin this, but I'll try to read and post in the right times.
I already chose some books, but not all of them, lol, to be honest I have to "study" what's in the pile because some books are a bit...sorry to say it, forgotten...yes, I'll flog myself later over this, my poor books.
I'll post soon about the books to fit each theme.

Note:  The image belongs to Wendy. 

Books Chosen

January: The Governess Affair by Courtney Milan (novella)
February: Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie (recommended by friends)
March: Embrace Me at Dawn by Shayla Black (the most recent in the Doomsday Brethren series)
April: The Wild Marquis by Miranda Neville (new author to me)
May: The Naked Duke by Sally McKenzie (more than 1 book by her to read)
June: Morning Glory by Lavyrle Spencer (it won a RITA)
July: Mansfield Park by Jane Austen (it's a classic romance alright)
August: Cooking Up the Storm by Emma Holly (erotica read)
September: Montana Man by RC Ryan (western)
October: Water Bound by Christine Feehan (paranormal suspense)
November: The Witness by Nora Roberts (a book very talked about when it was out)
December: Western Winter Wedding Bells by Cheryl St John, Jenna Kernan, Charlene Sands (in time for the holidays)

 -> The challenge is complete!
Summary: This wasn't a complicated challenge..it was more for fun, because reading isn't ever a challenge per se. I enjoyed the hunt for a book very much and it was the most funny things about this whole thing. I've tried to follow the themes because I liked the idea of looking for a specific book among the many I own.
As for my impressions, I was fairly happy with the choices I've made, except for the months of May and September which had books I didn't like much. If, in the case of May, I've wnrt with the series because I already had them and it would feel bad not to read them, I managed to find a couple of them very entertaining, but in the case of September I wasn't even a bit eager to read more, so this only one was enough for me.
The months that really made me smile were June and November, with two books perfect in their genre and something I had the most amazing time with!
The remaining months were good but not overly thrilling...maybe February...
I have good memories of this challenge, the care to pick a book, the juggling other books to make the one for the challenge ready by the time we had to post something up...all these things made it worth it and I will try again next year! 



2014


 

Another year of the TBR Challenge at Wendy's!
Here are the themes Wendy suggested for 2014:

January 15 - We Love Short Shorts! (Short stories, Novellas, category romance)  
February 19 - Series Catch-Up (pick a book from a series you're behind on)  
March 19 - New-To-You Author (an author you've never read before)
April 16 - Contemporary romance  
May 21 - More Than One (An author who has more than one book in your TBR pile)  
June 18 - Romance Classics (classic book, classic author, classic trope/theme etc.)
July 16 - Lovely RITA (past RITA winners or nominees)
August 20 - Luscious Love Scenes (erotic romance, erotica, a "sensual" read - leave those "just kisses" books alone this month!)  
September 17 - Recommended read (a book recommended to you by someone)
October 15 - Paranormal or romantic suspense  
November 19 - Historical romance  
December 17 - Holiday themes (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, it's all good!)

Can't wait to start...
As always, the image belongs to Wendy.


Books Chosen:

January - The Untamed Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley (short story)
February - Shades of Dark by Linnea Sinclair (series catch-up)
March - Devil's Honor by Debra Dier (new to you author)
April - Sex and the Single Fireman by Jennifer Bernard (contemporary read)
May - Forever and Ever by Patricia Gaffney (more than one book by the author)
June - Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas (romance classics)
July - It Had To Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (RITA winner)
August - I Never by Lena Matthews (erotic story)
September - Wife By Wednesday by Catherine Bybee (recommended read)
October - Crash Into Me by Jill Sorensen ( romantic suspense)
November - The Lotus Palace by Jeannie Lin (historical romance)
December - Snowflakes and Stetsons anthology (Christmas)

Comments:
The challenge is done. I managed to fit some interesting books into some themes and, as always happens, some unknown titles weren't as amazing as I hoped for.
My favorite months were January, July and October, although June, September and November were good too. The ones I felt disappointed in were March and December and of them all, only August was a complete failure for me.
I think this challenge is funny, it makes me think about the pile of books to read and I like to take a peek at other's lists.
The thing I like the most in this challenge is to try to find books to fit each theme because for me that is the most challenging thing in all this, reading isn't a challenge per se.
I already signed up for the next year and can't wait to start finding titles forgotten in my pile.


Challenges 2015

This year I'm joining two challenges. I don't know which titles I'll read for each but I know it will be fun to read and pick them.

1) Once again, I'm doing Wendy's TBR Challenge!
Here's the page link and rules.
Image belongs to Wendy too.



 Monthly Commentary Dates + Suggest Themes

January 21 - We Love Short Shorts! (Category romance, novellas, short stories)
February 18 - Recommended Read (A book recommended to you by another reader/blogger etc.)
March 18 - Series Catch-Up (A book in a series you are behind on)
April 15 - Contemporary
May 20 - Kickin' It Old School (Copyright date is 10 years or older)
June 17 - More Than One (An author who has more than one book in your TBR pile)
July 15 - Lovely RITA (past RWA RITA winner and/or nominees - links to lists will be provided at later date)
August 19 - Impulse Read (The book you bought because of the cover or The book you bought on impulse or The book you cannot remember why you bought in the first place!)
September 16 - Historical
October 21 - Paranormal or romantic suspense
November 18 - It's All About The Hype (a book or author that got everybody talking)

December 16 - Holiday Themes (Christmas, Valentine's Day, any holiday!)

Here are the titles:
January: Alpha and Omega - Patricia Briggs (short story)
February: The Mane Event - Shelly Laurenston (recommended read)
March: Winterblaze - Kristen Callihan (series catch-up)
April: Bad Things - RK Lilley ( contemporary)
May: Simple Jess - Pamela Morsi (Kickin' old school)
June: Jake - Beth Williamson (More than One)
July: A Kiss to Remember - Teresa Medeiros (RITA nominee)
August: The Gamble by Kristen Ashley (bought on impulse)
September: I Do, I Do, I Do, by Maggie Osborne (historical)
October: Die Again - Tess Gerritsen (romantic? suspense)
November: The Legend of Lyon Redmond - Julie Anne Long (a long time coming and awaited book)
December: Western Winter Wonderland anthology (Christmas holidays)

Challenge completed!
Summary: Again, it was so much fun to do this challenge, I love that moment when I start looking at the titles I wish to read and see which ones are better suited for each theme. This year I've read some good books, like January, October and November were, many average ones and the ones that let me down, like April and June. Part of the fun is to try to find the titles and see if, eventually, they will be good picks or not. If I were to choose only perfect books where would be the fun in that? Hopefully, though, I'll pick better ones next year because I'll definitely will be doing this again.

*  *  *


2) And this year I'm trying this challenge as well.
It's hosted here:  http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/
I knew about it through another blog. I am curious to see if I can manage to find titles to suit each letter.
Rules here.
Image belongs to Dollycas.


Alphabet Soup Challenge!


 I've decided to write down each letter and add titles and dates after reading them.
A- Alex by Sawyer Bennett (December 9th)
B- Beyond the Shadows by Jess Granger (May 7th)
C- Can't Stand the Heat by Louisa Edwards (December 24th)
D- Dear Committe Members by Julie Schumacher ( April 12th)
E- Echoes of Scotland Street by Samantha Young (September 5th)
F- Fiancé by Friday by Catherine Bybee ( March 17th)
G- Gabriel's Rapture by Sylvain Reynard (March 29th)
H- Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (January 17th)
I- In for a Penny by Rose Lerner (October 23rd)
J- Jade Temptress by Jeannie Lin (February 11th)
K- Kraken King by Meljean Brook (January 28th)
L- Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen (July 29th)
M- Mambo in Chinatown by Jean Kwok (November 25th)
N- Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper (April 29th)
O- One Night of Scandal by Teresa Medeiros (August 27th)
P- Prudence by Gail Carriger (September 22nd)
Q- Quod Tam Sitio by Am Riley (August 11th)
R- Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella (May 27th)
S- Sweet Lullaby by Lorraine Heath (April 20th)
T- Thief of Hearts by Patricia Gaffney (June 27th)
U- Unleashed by Sara Humphreys (June 15th)
V- Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers ( October 15th)
W- Wallbanger by Alice Clayton (February 10th)
X- Xibalba Murders by Lyn Hamilton (October 29th)
Y- Yellowstone Heart Song by Peggy L. Henderson (November 13th)
Z- Zeke by Beth Williamson (August 4th)


Challenge completed.
Summary: I have mixed feelings about this challenge. I liked doing it, it was fun to look for titles to suit the alphabet letters but the difficult ones were the real challenge and I had to look for out of my TBR list for them. In a way this sort of "ruined" my intent of only using books I already had and to have to go get other books on purpose - despite the fact I don't mind getting new books - spoiled part of my fun and my wish to get over the books I already got. In the end, despite the interest of picking and suiting titles, I wasn't as thrilled as I imagined. The idea is amazing and I see countless variations of the challenge everywhere but I don't feel like doing it again in 2016. Maybe after that I might feel like trying again.

Challenge 2016

 
This year I'm doing the TBR Challenge again!
Once again, Wendy, the Super librarian is hosting this amazing challenge, with some repeated themes and new ones as well. I can't wait to start picking titles!
If you don't have a challenge, try this one. it's the best :)
Here is the page about it: http://wendythesuperlibrarian.blogspot.pt/p/tbr-challenge-2016.html
And here are this year's themes:
Commentary "due dates" and themes for next year are below.January 20 - We Love Short Shorts! (category romance, short stories, novella etc.)
February 17 - Series Catch-Up (a book from a series you are behind on)
March 16 - Recommended Read (a book that was recommended to you)
April 20 - Contemporary
May 18 - Something Different (outside your comfort zone, unusual setting, non-romance etc.)
June 15 - Favorite Trope (a favorite theme - amnesia? secret baby? fairy tale? friends-to-lovers? etc.)
July 20 - Award Nominee or Winner (links to past RITA finalists and winners TBA)
August 17 - Kicking It Old School (publication date 10 years or older)
September 21 - Random Pick (a built-in off-theme month - go where your mood takes you!)
October 19 - Paranormal or Romantic Suspense
November 16 - Historical
December 21 - Holiday Themes
Many people have signed up already and part of the fun is to go and check everyone's choices for each month.
Have fun, everyone, I know I will.
Image belongs to Wendy!
Happy reading! ;)

My List

JanuaryA Mackenzie Clan Gathering by Jennifer Ashley (short story)
February: Light My Fire by GA Aiken (series catch-up)
March: The Duke's Tattoo by Miranda Davis (recommended read)
April: Country Roads by Nancy Herkness (contemporary)
May: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness (something different)
June: Hero by Samantha Young (favorite trope)
July: The Vixen and the Vet by Katy Regnery ( RITA finalist)
August: Bread Alone by Judith Ryan Hendricks ( Kicking old school)
September: Trade Me by Courtney Milan (Random Pick)
October: Savage Awakening by JD Tyler (Paranormal suspense)
November: Harper's Bride by Alexis Harrington (Historical)
December: A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas (holidays)  

Comment: Challenge is completed.
This was, again, a great challenge to be part of. I love the hunting for the book to be read in the specific month and the eagerness and expectation it will be a good one. Of course, when it isn't, it's not as fun but books are always mysteries!

This year, I've had some good reads, I was kind of expecting to like some of them and january, february, september and december were reads I wasn't surpried by.
I was positively surprised by march, august and october because I didn't think I'd end up enjoying them as much.  
I think, now that some time has gone by, that june was actually the worst read although I gave it a positive grade. It's not much that I didn't like it because I did, but I wanted more from it, that's for sure.
November and april were good reads, not wonderful. May and july were interesting new authors to me and I might read more by them in the future.

I already signed up for the 2017 edition and, hopefully, I'll read more interesting books. Can't wait to see other participant's choices!
Happy reading! 

Challenge 2017


 
The fun part of this challenge - and I repeat myself every year - is the possibility to get a book out of the never ending pile of things unread each month and, using a specific theme to do so, we get to read it.
It makes us feel pretty happy not only to have one less book to read but also to having been able to match it with a theme and that's fun, looking for a suitable title. I can't wait wait to get all my titles, some I've chosen already, others I'll see as the months advance.

 Here are the themes for this year.
As always, the image belongs to Wendy.

January 18 - We Love Short Shorts! (category romance, short stories, novella etc.)
February 15 - New-To-You Author
March 15 - Comfort Read (Favorite Author? Favorite Trope? Favorite Sub Genre?)
April 19 - Contemporary
May 17 - Something Different (outside your comfort zone, unusual setting, non-romance etc.)
June 21 - Favorite Trope (a favorite theme - amnesia? secret baby? fairy tale? friends-to-lovers? etc.)
July 19 - Series Catch-Up (a book from a series you're behind on)
August 16 - Kicking It Old School (publication date 10 years or older)
September 20 - Historical
October 18 - Paranormal or Romantic Suspense
November 15 - Recommended Read (a book recommended to you by someone)
December 20 - Holiday Themes
 



Books Chosen!

January: An Interrupted Tapestry by Madeline Hunter ( short story) 
February: Fighting Silence by Aly Martinez (new-to-you-author
March: The One Plus One by Jojo Moyes (comfort read) 
April: The Hooker and the Hermit by LH Cosway and Penny Reid (contemporary
May: The Library of Unrequited Love by Sophie Divry (Something Different) 
June: The Heir by Grace Burrowes (Favorite Trope)
July: Hasty Death by M.C. Beaton (Series Catch-Up
August: Finders Keepers by Linnea Sinclair (Kicking it old school)
September: Butterfly Swords by Jeannie Lin (Historical
October: Low Pressure by Sandra Brown ( romantic suspense)

November: Isn't She Lovely? by Lauren Layne (Recommend read)
December: Sweet Inspiration by Penny Watson (Holiday read)


Challenge completed! 
I'm very happy to have completed another TBR Challenge. I repeat myself every year I participate in, but my favorite part of this is to look at the titles in the pile and decide which one can suit the theme better. I know Wendy is not going to punish us if we don't match a suitable book to the theme but I like this part of the challenge. 

This year I think I managed to have a good average when it comes to likes and dislikes. I mean, I didn't hate any of my choices but since the point is to read unread books, sometimes one gets not-so-good surprises. 
Of the twelve books I got an average of 6.9 which to me, rounds up to a 7/10. This means my average is quite positive this year.
My favorite months were March (the best) and then June, July, October and November. There were two months where I gave the minimum positive note...the stories had potential but I just think they ended up being disappointed: February and April.

As a whole, the experience is always fun. Again, I really liked picking out books, I think I managed to always write the blog entries on time (I really like to try to be consistent) and in the end, 12 more books out of the pile.
Lol, but then, how many more come in?...
Until next year!    

Challenge 2018



As it has been part of my blog's tradition, once again I've decided to join in to participate in the TBR Challenge 2018, hosted by the creative Wendy.
http://wendythesuperlibrarian.blogspot.pt/p/tbr-challenge-2018.html
Themes!
January 17 - We Love Short Shorts! (shorter reads)
February 21 - Backlist Glom (author with multiple books in your TBR)
March 21 - Sugar or Spice (closed door romance or spicy romance)
April 18 - Kicking It Old School (original publication date older than 10 years)
May 16 - Contemporary
June 20 - Comfort Read
July 18 - Favorite Trope
August 15 - Series (book that's part of a series)
September 19 - Historical
October 17 - Paranormal or Romantic Suspense
November 21 - Cover Girl (a book with a pretty cover - or a horrid one)
December 19 - Holiday (any holiday!)

As always, the themes are optional.  Don't like 'em, don't have to use them.  See how easy this is?  I mean really, how could you not want to join in on the fun?
Happy reading! 

The Books!

January: One Part Human by Viola Grace (shorter read) 
February: Eidolon by Grace Draven ( backlist glom) 
March: Protecting What's His by Tessa Bailey (spice romance)
April: Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught (kicking it old school) 
May: Manwhore by Katy Evans (Contemporary) 
June: Duke of Midnight by Elizabeth Hoyt (comfort read) 
July: Heroes Are My Weakness by SEP (Favorite Trope) 
August: Immortal Ever After by Lynsay Sands (Series) 
September: Slightly Shady by Amanda Quick (historical) 
October: Death Is Not Enough by Karen Rose (romantic suspense) 
November: The Chateau on the Lake by Charlotte Betts (beautiful cover) 
December: Anthology A Victorian Christmas by several authors (holidays) 

Challenge done!

Summary: Once more, I've joined this challenge for the fun of it. I wouldn't deceive myself thinking I'd actually accomplish any reduction in the size of my TBR list with these twelve titles because for each one read I'm likely to add two or three more... but it's always nice to tell ourselves that it is "one less book in the pile..."

This year the books I've picked were pretty average in terms of being good enough for me to have liked them. All stories were at least a 6 in my grade until 10 except for the May read, which was only a 3 in my radar. I've come to realize certain new adult tropes/styles just aren't for me, which I regret because often the premises are so promising and alluring.
Of all the titles, the one I enjoyed the most - although it has a grade of 8, just like other four titles - was July's, simply die to the emotional content, which I liked how was dealt with.

Of course, if one only chooses books whose genre we know we will like, things would be easier but the fun is the promise of surprise, of the unexpected.
I really hope next year will also provide surprises. Hopefully, good ones. 


Challenge 2019



Time for the 2019 TBR Challenge!
As always, Wendy, the SuperLibrarian hosts the challenge:
https://wendythesuperlibrarian.blogspot.com/p/your-mission-should-you-choose-to.html






The image belongs to Wendy!

And here are 2019's themes:

January 16 - We Love Short Shorts! (shorter reads)
February 20 - Series (book that is part of a series)
March 20 - Favorite Trope
April 17 - Something Different (unusual setting, sub genre you don't read all the time, etc.)
May 15 - Backlist Glom (author with more than one book in your TBR)
June 19 - Historical
July 17 - Contemporary
August 21 - Random Pick
September 18 - Kicking It Old School (original publication 10+ years ago)
October 16 - Paranormal or Romantic Suspense
November 20 - Sugar or Spice (closed door "just kisses" or super steamy!)
December 18 - Holiday (any holiday!)


Let's see how it goes and happy reading!! 


List of books!

January: Once Upon a Moonlit Night - Elizabeth Hoyt (short story) 
February: In the Eye of the Storm - Robert Thier (part of a series) 
March: The Matrimonial Advertisement - Mimi Matthews (favorite trope)
April: In the Days of Rain - Rebecca Stott (something different) 
May: The Year We Fell Down - Sarina Bowen (backlist glom)
June: The Game and the Governess - Kate Noble (historical)
July: Can't Buy Me Love - Molly O'Keefe (contemporary) 
August: A House Without Windows - Nadia Hashimi (Random Pick) 
September: Homeward Hearts - Alexis Harrington (kicking it old school) 
October: Do or Die - Suzanne Brockmann (romantic suspense) 
November: The Heiress of Winterwood - Sarah E. Ladd (sugar)
December: Christmas at the Comfort Food Cafe - Debbie Johnson (holiday)

Challenge complete!


Interesting facts:

I liked January and September the best and, of these two, September must win simply because it was a full length story and made it possible for me to have longer with the characters.

The one I didn't like that much was November because it was really poorly done, in my opinion.

All these books were in my pile because they have tropes or blurbs I was interested in and I can accept the idea that not all will be amazing just because their premises start well. In fact, it can be rather disappointing that not more of the books I have to read won't be even better for me, or more appealing to my tastes. Everything can be relative I know, but the hope to only get amazing reads is always there.



I can also say that of my reading year, most of the books I read were in the 7 or 8 category (out of 10) so I'm doing something well, but very few perfect grades and this average sort of reflects on the challenge picks too. Many 6 and 7, two 8, one 4 but no 1 nor 10.
 
 
 
TBR Challenge 2020!

From Wendy's site:


Your mission, should you choose to accept it: once a month pull a dormant book out of your TBR pile and read it.  On the 3rd Wednesday of the month, talk about that book.



Sound good?  Of course it does!  So what are the themes for 2020?  So glad you asked!


January 15 - We Love Short Shorts! (shorter reads)
February 19 - Friends
March 18 - Seasons
April 15 - Freebie
May 20 - Old School
June 17 - Getaway
July 15 - Family Ties
August 19 - Backlist
September 16 - Dress for Success
October 21 - Danger
November 18 - Series
December 16 - Festive


The concept for 2020 is to have more open-ended themes. Literally, make this challenge your own!  However you want to interpret these prompts? It's all good.  But if this sort of thing isn't your jam, that's OK too.  As always, the themes are optional.  Don't like 'em, don't have to use them.  See how easy this is?  I mean really, how could you not want to join in on the fun? 


I'm eager to choose the books and start!


January: Unchained by Elisabeth Naughton (short story)

February: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton (friends)

March: Fourteen Summers by Quinn Anderson (seasons)

April: Don't Speak by Katy Regnery (freebie)

May: Foxfire Bride by Maggie Osborne (old school)

June: Starless by Jacqueline Carey (getaway)

July: Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (family ties)

August: Ghost Hunter by Jayne Castle (backlist)

September: The Dress by Jane L. Rosen (dress for success) 
 
October: Withering Hope by Layla Hagen (danger)
 
November: Out of Nowhere by Roan Parrish (series) 
 
December: Regency Royal Navy Christmas by Carla Kelly (festive) 


It was interesting to note that this challenge, even with slightly different (broader) themes comparing to the previous years, was still as diverse as it could. It's true I might not have as much luck as I wanted in how well I liked some of the choices but they all offered something to think about.
I see I only disliked one ( March) although two were close to be negative for me ( January and April). To make me feel better, two were very good (July and November) and one (September) was a very good surprise!
The ones I liked less were, mostly, due to how weak the writing as a whole felt like to me. I kept thinking something more could have been done to make those stories feel stronger/better.
 
It's fun to do this challenge, to let myself be immersed in the bookish stuff I surround myself with, to feel I'm doing something to occupy my time, to focus on things I like, to have something extra to do when it comes to my reading world.
Here's to more good reads next year!!
 
 
Challenge 2021
 
 From Wendy's site:

 

Want to let your blogging freak flag fly?  If you have a blog and want to post TBR commentary there, drop me a comment on this post with a link to your blog or hit me up on Twitter.  I like to post links to the various blogs on my TBR Challenge page so those who follow along can start following you.

Sound good?  Of course it does!  So what are the themes for 2021?  So glad you asked!


January 20 - Comfort Read
February 17 - New-To-You Author
March 17 - Book by a Favorite Author
April 21 - Old School
May 19 - Fairytale / Folktale
June 16 - Book with One Word Title
July 21 - Secrets and Lies
August 18 - Author with More Than One Book in TBR
September 15 - Unusual (Time/Location/Profession etc.)
October 20 - Gothic
November 17 - Competition
December 15 - Festiv
e

All of these themes, save one (yes, it's December's Festive theme....) were suggestions culled from the survey - and yes, some of these were suggested more than once.  Some of these are going to require a bit of planning on my part (for a change!), but remember - if it all seems like too much bother - the themes are always optional. The goal of this challenge isn't so much what you read, so long as you're reading something (anything!) out of your TBR.

 Have fun! 

Books!

January: Alpha Night - Nalini Singh (comfort read) 

February: Lakeshire Park  - Megan Walker (new to me author) 

March: Smoke Bitten  - Patricia Briggs (favorite author)

April: Falcon's Fire - Patricia Ryan (old school) 

May: Den of Wolves - Juliet Marillier ( fairytale, folk tale) 

June: Heartsight - Kay Springsteen (one word title)

July: The Perfect Husband - Lisa Gardner (secrets and lies)

August: Wicked - Elisabeth Naughton (more than one book by an author)

September: The Girls at 17 Swann Street - Yara Zgheib (unusual)

October: Airs Above the Ground - Mary Stewart (gothic) 

November: Take the Lead - Alexis Daria (competition)

December: The Christmas Bookshop - Jenny Colgan (festive)

Challenge completed!

Summary: All in all, as it ever happens, I've liked some things more abut happily, there was a majority of reads I liked than the opposite.

My favorite was May and the one I liked the least was April. Most of my picks were contemporary settings, only two being set in historical periods. Five of these reads were in paperback format, all the others as ebooks. Interestingly, all were by female authors.
I'm very glad I was able to do the challenge and will certainly do it again next year.

-//-

TBR Challenge 2022!


From Wendy's site:

 

 

 

What is the #TBRChallenge?

Your mission, should you choose to accept it: once a month pull a dormant book out of your TBR pile and read it.  On the 3rd Wednesday of the month, talk about that book.

Participation is as easy as being on social media!
  • If you're on social media all you need to do is use the #TBRChallenge hashtag - there's no need to sign-up and your participation can vary throughout the year.
  • You can use this hashtag on any day, at any time - but we're still going to concentrate on the 3rd Wednesday of every month to kick our commentary into high gear.  
  • The idea is to have at least one day a month where we can always count on there being book chatter.

Want to let your blogging freak flag fly?  If you have a blog and want to post TBR commentary there, drop me a comment on this post with a link to your blog or hit me up on Twitter.  I like to post links to the various blogs on my TBR Challenge page so those who follow along can start following you.

Sound good?  Of course it does!  So what are the themes for 2022?  So glad you asked!

January 19 - Quickie
February 16 - Fairy Tale
March 16 - Grumpy
April 20 - Location, Location, Location
May 18 - Tales of Old
June 15 - After the War
July 20 - Vintage
August 17 - Blue Collar
September 21 - Animals
October 19 - Flirting with Danger
November 16 - Lies
December 21 - Festive

 

Good luck and happy reading! 

January: The Darkest Destiny by Gena Showalter (novella)

February: The Sisters of the Winter Wood by Rena Rossner (fairy tale)

March: Battle Royal by Lucy Parker (grumpy)

April: Float Plan by Trish Doller (location)

May: Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik (tales of old)

June: To Taste Temptation by Elizabeth Hoyt (after war)

July: No Man's Bride by Shana Galen (vintage trope)

August: The Bottom Line by Sandy James (blue collar)

September: Extreme Honor by Piper J. Drake (animals)

October: Eat, Pray, Die by Chelsea Field (flirting and danger)

November: Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain (lies)

December: Christmas by the Book by Anne Marie Ryan (festive)


Challenge completed!!

Some notes:
- I had a good time going through most of them, as usually happens because, after all, the books in our TBR pile tend to be things we likely will enjoy or that we are interested in. What we can't guess is how the overall work will feel to us, whether it will be appealing or not.
- I've chosen different genres and authors to fit each theme and my average is definitely positive. There was only one entry to which I gave what, in my grading system, I consider a "negative" mark.
- Six of my choices were by authors new to me, so I have that one balanced with the other six being authors whose work I had tried before.
- Seven of the stories are set in contemporary worlds, the others are mostly fantastic and I have two historical picks.
- I don't tend to mind the themes, since they are vague enough to be interpreted at will, but this year they were a little extra vague. I don't really mind it; in fact, for me it works so much better, it's easier to fit to the list of books from which I'd choose the title.


-//-

TBR Challenge 2023

As I've said in the summary of the 2022 TBR challenge, I'm obviously doing it again this year!

For me, this is always fun, especially when it's time to pick the books and later on, after people post, to check their choices.

Wendy, the SuperLibrarian is hosting again and here is what she wrote this time around:



"What is the #TBRChallenge?

Your mission, should you choose to accept it: once a month pull a dormant book out of your TBR pile and read it. On the 3rd Wednesday of the month, talk about that book.

Participation is as easy as being on social media!If you're on social media all you need to do is use the #TBRChallenge hashtag - there's no need to sign-up and your participation can vary throughout the year.
You can use this hashtag on any day, at any time - but we're still going to concentrate on the 3rd Wednesday of every month to kick our commentary into high gear.
The idea is to have at least one day a month where we can always count on there being book chatter.

Want to let your blogging freak flag fly? If you have a blog and want to post TBR commentary there, drop me a comment on this post with a link to your blog, hit me up on Twitter or Mastodon. I like to post links to the various blogs on my TBR Challenge page so those who follow along can start following you.

Sound good? Of course it does! So what are the themes for 2023? So glad you asked!

January 18 - Starting OverFebruary 15 - GetawayMarch 15 - BaggageApril 19 - Unusual HistoricalMay 17 - FreebieJune 21 - Love is LoveJuly 19 - Opposites AttractAugust 16 - Tropetastic!September 20 - New AuthorOctober 18 - Danger ZoneNovember 15 - Once Upon a Time...December 20 - Festive"

(Image belongs to Wendy)



Here's hoping for a great challenge!!
Happy reading!

January: The Illegal Gardener by Sara Alexi
February: The Suite Spot by Trish Doller
March: Scandal With a Prince by Nicole Burnham
April: Untamed by Anna Cowan
May: Two in a Bush by Judith Hale Everett
June: The Purveli by Dianne Duvall
July: Evan and Darcy by Melanie Coles
August: Rafe by Rebekah Weatherspoon
September: Last Song Before Night by Ilana C. Meyer
October: Hide From Evil by Jami Alden
November: The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow


Completed!


 

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