Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion

May 1 - May 31 2018
Super excited to guest-host this challenge for May!

1. 'M' is for May:
READ a book that starts with 'M' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'M'.

2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses - ATHENA Athena was the Goddess of War, the female counterpart of Ares. She is one of three virgin goddesses; the other two were Hestia and Artemis. Athena served as a guardian of Athens, where the Parthenon served as her temple.
READ a book with a parent/guardian character OR a book that is part of a trilogy OR a goddess in the story.

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Ilona Andrews. Read one book written by Ilona Andrews or any author with her first or last name. Link to Ilona Andrew’s backlist- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Fun Facts about Ilona Andrews -
* ‘Ilona Andrews’ is a pseudonym for the husband-and-wife writing team, Ilona and Gordon.
* Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the US Army.
* This dynamic duo writes bestselling urban and romantic fantasy.
* Ilona and Gordon live in Texas with two kids, three dogs and a cat.

You may also READ a book by an author who is from Texas. You can also read any book shelved as Fantasy, or a book with an animal or child on the cover. Or you may read a book with a team in the story.

4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day: Also known as Labour Day or Workers’ Day in some countries, and often referred to as May Day, is the celebration of labourers and the working classes that is promoted by the international labour movement which occurs every year on May Day (1 May), an ancient European spring festival.
READ a book with a ‘Springy’ cover OR the main character is of the a working class OR has a 5 and 1 in the page count.

5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA: “Barbeque” originally referred to pork cooked over a high smoke fuel source like wood or charcoal. The term has now come to include other meats and foods and refers to more to the cooking method rather than the specific dish. The method is commonly believed to have originated from aboriginal peoples in the Caribbean and Florida, where the word “barbeque” first entered the English language as “barbacoa”, which translated as “sacred fire pit.”
READ a book that has a chef/baker/cook character OR is set in the Southern United States (where BBQ is king!) OR features a hunk of ‘beef’(naked person) or fire on the cover.

6. May 4th is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!): Celebrated and observed by fans of George Lucas’ epic Star Wars franchise. The date was chosen for the pun on the catchphrase “May the Force be with you”. Some fans also recognize the next day, May 5th as ‘Revenge of the Fifth”, a play on “Star Wars Episode III – Revenge of the Sith,” which celebrates the Sith Lords and other villainous characters from the franchise.
READ a book that has a star on the cover or in the title OR features opposing groups of heroes and villains in the story (like the Jedi and Sith) OR has all the letters of STAR WARS in the title and author's name (any order and yes ‘S’, ‘R’ and ‘A’ must be counted twice).

7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day: The Red Cross provides humanitarian efforts and disaster relief around the world, wherever it is needed. May 8th remembers and recognizes the efforts of the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide. Worldwide efforts to advocate for the relief of human suffering, whether from disease, famine, disaster or war. In America on May 8th, the American Red Cross puts special focus on US programs that keep children healthy and safe around the globe.
READ a book with RED or a CROSS on the cover OR has a character who is a doctor/nurse/volunteer OR is tagged as a YA.

8. May 13th is Mother’s Day: The first Mother’s Day in the US was on May 10th, 1908 in Philadelphia. Everybody has a mother and absolutely no one is more special than mom. Sure, dad is really important. And, grandparent's too. But moms, well they are just the greatest. Often taken for granted, they are always our strongest supporter. You can't do wrong in Mom's eyes.
READ a book with a prominent ‘mom’ character (good or bad) OR with flowers on the cover OR the numbers ‘1908’ in the page count and publication date (any order, can be combined).

9. May 22nd is World Goth Day: Originated in the United Kingdom in 2009, World Goth Day has quickly spread and is now celebrated in many countries around the world. Goth is not just about wearing black clothing. It’s a whole culture!
READ a book with a ‘goth’ or a ‘bad boy/girl’ character OR with music or fashion in the storyline OR an author born in the UK.

10. Reader's Choice:
READ any book of your choice.

I'm in!

...10/10 Completed May 31

1. 'M' is for May: Medic on Approval by Laura MacDonald May 31, 4 stars

2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses: Red Lily by Nora Roberts May 27, 4 stars

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author : Cat On Cover: Silence of the Lamb's Wool by Betty Hechtman May 31, 5 stars

4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day: Stealing Home by Sherryl Woods May 8, 5 stars

5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA: Legend by Jude Deveraux May 14, 4 stars

6. May 4th is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!): The Midnight Watch: A Novel of the Titanic and the Californian by David Dyer May 31, 5 stars

7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day: Insatiable by Meg Cabot May 20, 4 stars

8. May 13th is Mother’s Day: Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr May 22, 4 stars

9. May 22nd is World Goth Day: Passion by Lauren Kate May 23, 4 stars

10. Reader's Choice: Real Justice: Sentenced to Life at Seventeen: The Story of David Milgaard by Cynthia J. Faryon May 22, 3 stars

May Monthly Challenge – 2018
Duration: May 1, 2018 - May 31, 2018

completed: 10/10 👑 Finished


✔1. READ a book that starts with 'M': My Not So Perfect Life May 25, 2018 ★★★★★

✔2. READ a book part of a trilogy: Born in Fire May 2, 2018 ★★★★★

✔3. READ a book by an author who is from Texas: I Do -- But I Don't May 21, 2018 ★★★★★


✔4. READ a book with a ‘Springy’ cover: Spring Fever May 28, 2018 ★★★★★

✔5. READ a book that has a chef/baker/cook character: Destination Murder May 22, 2018 ★★★★★

✔6. READ a book that has a star on the cover or in the title: Once Upon a DreamMay 11, 2018 ★★★★★

✔7. READ a book with RED on the cover: The Red Box May 4, 2018 ★★★★★

✔8. READ a book with flowers on the cover: Prince Charming May 13, 2018 ★★★★★

✔9. READ a book with a music or fashion in the storyline OR an author born in the UK: Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns May 26, 2018 ★★★★★

✔10. Reader's Choice: The One May 20, 2018 ★★★★★

Count me in as well.

Done!

10/10 completed

Somehow this became a Nora Roberts kind of month for me.

1. 'M' is for May: Read a book that starts with 'M' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'M'. Max: Cold Fury, Sawyer Bennett, 5/2/18

2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses - ATHENA: Read a book with a parent/guardian character OR a book that is part of a trilogy OR a goddess in the story. Born in Fire, Nora Roberts, 5/13

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Ilona Andrews: Read one book written by Ilona Andrews or any author with her first or last name. You may also read a book by an author who is from Texas. You can also read any book shelved as Fantasy, or a book with an animal or child on the cover. Or you may read a book with a team in the story. Animal Attraction, Jill Shavlis, 5/6

4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day: Read a book with a ‘Springy’ cover OR the main character is of the a working class OR has a 5 and 1 in the page count. Bed of Roses, Nora Roberts (flowers), 5/3

5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA: Read a book that has a chef/baker/cook character OR is set in the Southern United States (where BBQ is king!) OR features a hunk of ‘beef’(naked person) or fire on the cover. Savor the Moment, Nora Roberts, 5/7

6. May 4th is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!): Read a book that has a star on the cover or in the title OR features opposing groups of heroes and villains in the story (like the Jedi and Sith) OR has all the letters of STAR WARS in the title and author's name (any order and yes ‘S’, ‘R’ and ‘A’ must be counted twice). Issued to the Bride: One Sniper, Cora Seton, 5/9

7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day: Read a book with RED or a CROSS on the cover OR has a character who is a doctor/nurse/volunteer OR is tagged as a YA. Beneath These Shadows, Meghan March, 5/10

8. May 13th is Mother’s Day: Read a book with a prominent ‘mom’ character (good or bad) OR with flowers on the cover OR the numbers ‘1908’ in the page count and publication date (any order, can be combined). Happy Ever After, Nora Roberts (flowers), 5/10

9. May 22nd is World Goth Day: Read a book with a ‘goth’ or a ‘bad boy/girl’ character OR with music or fashion in the storyline OR an author born in the UK. Falling from the Sky, Sarina Bowen, 5/14

10. Reader's Choice: Read any book of your choice. Pucked, Helena Hunting, 5/14

2018 May Monthly Challenge

10/10 completed

✓ 'M' is for May: Make Me by Tessa Bailey (05/05) ★★★★

✓ Olympian Gods and Goddesses - Athena: Runaway Groom by Lauren Layne (10/05) ★★★★★

✓ Featured Author Challenge (FAC): Rookie Move by Sarina Bowen (01/05) ★★★★★

✓ May 1st is International Worker’s Day: The Marriage Arrangement by Jennifer Probst (01/05) ★★★

✓ May is National Barbecue Month in the USA: Need Me by Tessa Bailey (05/05) ★★★★

✓ May 4th is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!): Archangel's Shadows by Nalini Singh (08/05) ★★★★

✓ May 8th is World Red Cross Day: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling (17/05) ★★★★

✓ May 13th is Mother’s Day: The Wright Brother by K.A. Linde (09/05) ★★

✓ May 22nd is World Goth Day: One Night of Sin by Elle Kennedy (12/05) ★★★

✓ Reader's Choice: Diamonds and Dirt Roads by Erin Nicholas (03/05) ★★★★

2018 May Monthly Challenge


0/10 Completed


01. 'M' is for May: Read a book that starts with 'M' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'M'.
Midnight Wolf by Jennifer Ashley
OR
The Duchess War by Courtney Milan
02. Olympian Gods and Goddesses ~ ATHENA: Read a book with a parent/guardian character OR a book that is part of a trilogy OR a goddess in the story.
Real Men Will by Victoria Dahl
OR
Rule's Bride by Kat Martin
OR
It's a Wonderful Wife by Janet Chapman
03. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author ~ Ilona Andrews: Read one book written by Ilona Andrews or any author with her first or last name.
You may also read a book by an author who is from Texas or read any book shelved as Fantasy, or a book with an animal or child on the cover. Or you may read a book with a team in the story.
Never Marry a Cowboy by Lorraine Heath
OR
Highland Dream by Tess Mallory
OR

04. International Worker’s Day (May 1): Read a book with a ‘Springy’ cover OR the main character is of the a working class OR has a 5 and 1 in the page count.

05. National Barbeque Month in the USA: Read a book that has a chef/baker/cook character OR is set in the Southern United States (where BBQ is king!) OR features a hunk of ‘beef’ (naked person) or fire on the cover.
Just A Taste by Deirdre Martin
OR
The Best of Me by Elisabeth Barrett
OR
Scrimmage Gone South by Alicia Hunter Pace
06. Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with You!): Celebrated and observed by fans of George Lucas’ epic Star Wars franchise. The date was chosen for the pun on the catchphrase “May the Force be with you”. Some fans also recognize the next day, May 5th as ‘Revenge of the Fifth”, a play on “Star Wars Episode III – Revenge of the Sith,” which celebrates the Sith Lords and other villainous characters from the franchise.
Read a book that has a star on the cover or in the title OR features opposing groups of heroes and villains in the story (like the Jedi and Sith) OR has all the letters of STAR WARS in the title and author's name (any order and yes ‘S’, ‘R’ and ‘A’ must be counted twice).
Shooting Star by Colby Hodge
OR
To Touch the Stars by Tess Mallory
OR
Stargazing by Susan Kearney
07. World Red Cross Day (May 8): Read a book with RED or a CROSS on the cover OR has a character who is a doctor/nurse/volunteer OR is tagged as a YA.
Call Me Wild by Robin Kaye
OR
Anne of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery
08. Mother's Day (May 13): Read a book with a prominent ‘mom’ character (good or bad) OR with flowers on the cover OR the numbers ‘1908’ in the page count and publication date (any order, can be combined).
Swan Point by Sherryl Woods
OR
Simply Love by Mary Balogh
09. World Goth Day (May 22): Read a book with a ‘goth’ or a ‘bad boy/girl’ character OR with music or fashion in the storyline OR an author born in the UK.
Sweet Southern Bad Boy by Michele Summers
OR
Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas
OR
The Summer He Came Home by Juliana Stone
10. Reader's Choice: Read any book of your choice.


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I'm in

Obviously the host is in! :D

Expected: 5/10
Actual: 6/10

1. 'M' is for May:
Part Time Cowboy by Maisey Yates


2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses - ATHENA-
Death on Tap (Parent)


✓3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Ilona Andrews.
Love of the Game (Baseball Team) ★★★

4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day:
Next Year in Havana (Springy/working class)


5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA:
Cream of the Crop (South/beefy cover) or
On Broken Wings (South/beefy cover)


✓6. May 4th is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!):
Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord (STAR WARS) ★★★★★

✓7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day:
Mr. Perfect (red on cover)★★★★

8. May 13th is Mother’s Day:
Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers mother/flowers/1908)


✓9. May 22nd is World Goth Day:
Wrong to Need You (Bad boy)★★★★

✓✓10. Reader's Choice:
Nowhere Near Respectable★★★
What a Difference a Duke Makes★★★★★
Delicious or
A Daring Arrangement or
Playing Dirty or
Broken (Search Team)


Books Actually Read:
, , , , ,

~2018 May Monthly Challenge~
Finished 5/18

Going for only 6 this month.

Challenges Completed: 6/6

1. M is for May:
Murder Notes by Lisa Renee Jones (5/5) ★★★★


2. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Ilona Andrews: (Fantasy genre)
Lover Mine by J.R. Ward (5/14) ★★★★★


3. May 1st is International Worker’s Day: (5 & 1 in page count)
Claiming His Mate by Aspen Grey (154 pages) [5/16] ★★★


4. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA: (Hunk of beef on cover *wink wink*)
Filthy Gods (5/18) ★★★★


5. May 4th is Star Wars Day: (All the letters of Star Wars in title/author name)
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren (5/1) ★★★★


6. Reader's Choice:
The Night Masquerade by Nnedi Okorafor (5/3) ★★★★★

May Monthly Challenge
Timeframe: 5/1/18 to 5/31/18
9/10

1. 'M' is for May - Author's last name starts with M - Author Laurelin McGee - Love Struck - 5/9/18 ♥♥♥♥♥


2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses - Part of a trilogy - Body Shot by Kelly Jamieson - 5/2/18 ♥♥♥♥

This is #1 of 3 in this series.

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Ilona Andrews - With a team in the story - Unlawful Contact by Pamela Clare - 5/11/18 ♥♥♥

Sophie is part of the I-Team newspaper group. And Julian is part of the police SWAT team.

4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day: Also known as Labour Day or Workers’ Day in some countries, and often referred to as May Day, is the celebration of labourers and the working classes that is promoted by the international labour movement which occurs every year on May Day (1 May), an ancient European spring festival.
READ a book with a ‘Springy’ cover OR the main character is of the a working class OR has a 5 and 1 in the page count.

5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA - Features a hunk of ‘beef’ (naked person) on the cover - Until Trevor by Aurora Rose Reynolds - 5/4/18 ♥♥♥


6. May 4th is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!) - Features opposing groups of heroes and villains in the story - The Illusion of Separateness by Simon Van Booy - 5/12/18 ♥♥♥♥

The two main characters are on opposing sides of WWII, John is an American while Mr. Huge is a Nazi.

7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day - Tagged as a YA - Soar by Alyssa Rose Ivy - 5/19/18 ♥♥♥♥

Tagged by 21 readers as Young Adult

8. May 13th is Mother’s Day - Prominent ‘mom’ character - Love Me Again by Jaci Burton - 5/7/18 ♥♥♥♥

Loretta has returned home to Hope with her daughter Hazel.

9. May 22nd is World Goth Day - Author born in the UK - Author Agatha Christie - The Secret Adversary - 5/3/18 ♥♥♥♥


10. Reader's Choice - Any book - The Unexpected Duchess by Valerie Bowman - 5/5/18 ♥♥♥♥

10/10 completed

1. 'M' is for May: Read a book that starts with 'M' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'M'.

Fever by Maya Banks - 5/8/18

2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses - ATHENA: Read a book that is part of a trilogy

Rush by Maya Banks 5/1/18

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Ilona Andrews: Read one book written by Ilona Andrews

Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews - 5/11/18

4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day: Read a book with a 5 and 1 in the page count.

Spellbound by Sylvia Day - 5/1/18

5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA: Read a book that features a hunk of ‘beef’ on the cover.

Covet by J.R. Ward - 5/5/18

6. May 4th is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!): Read a book that features opposing groups of heroes and villains

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare - 5/18/18

7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day: Read a book with RED on the cover

The Chalk Man by C.J. Tudor - 5/12/18

8. May 13th is Mother’s Day: Read a book with a prominent ‘mom’ character

Chasing Christmas Eve by Jill Shalvis - 5/10/18 (even though MC is not a mom, she has taken on all mothering duties of her brothers as well as her mom; this is a prominent part of the story line)

9. May 22nd is World Goth Day: Read a book with an author born in the UK.

Magically Blended: An Urban Fantasy Novel by Rachel Medhurst -5/21/18

10. Reader's Choice: Read any book of your choice.

Burn by Maya Banks - 5/14/18

I am in!

10/10

****1. READ a book that starts with 'M' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'M'.

This Man 5/9/18

****2. READ a book with a parent/guardian character OR a book that is part of a trilogy OR a goddess in the story.

Island of Glass 5/24/18

****3. Read one book written by Ilona Andrews or any author with her first or last name. You may also READ a book by an author who is from Texas. You can also read any book shelved as Fantasy, or a book with an animal or child on the cover. Or you may read a book with a team in the story.

A Walk in the Woods 5/4/18

****4. READ a book with a ‘Springy’ cover OR the main character is of the a working class OR has a 5 and 1 in the page count.

Naked in Death 5/29/18

****5. READ a book that has a chef/baker/cook character OR is set in the Southern United States (where BBQ is king!) OR features a hunk of ‘beef’(naked person) or fire on the cover.

Torch: A Second Chance Romance 5/11/18

****6. READ a book that has a star on the cover or in the title OR features opposing groups of heroes and villains in the story (like the Jedi and Sith) OR has all the letters of STAR WARS in the title and author's name (any order and yes ‘S’, ‘R’ and ‘A’ must be counted twice).

Stars of Fortune 5/21/18

****7. READ a book with RED or a CROSS on the cover OR has a character who is a doctor/nurse/volunteer OR is tagged as a YA.

Losing Hope 5/2/18

****8. READ a book with a prominent ‘mom’ character (good or bad) OR with flowers on the cover OR the numbers ‘1908’ in the page count and publication date (any order, can be combined).

Dance Upon the Air 5/31/18

****9. READ a book with a ‘goth’ or a ‘bad boy/girl’ character OR with music or fashion in the story line OR an author born in the UK.

Roman 5/18/18


****10. READ any book of your choice.

Breathless 5/16/18

Welcome all! Was everyone stalking for the May challenge or what? Surprised and excited to see so many already in!

May 2018 Challenge
1/5/18 – 31/5/18
0/10

1 - 'M' is for May:
READ a book that starts with 'M' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'M'.

2 - Olympian Gods and Goddesses - ATHENA Athena was the Goddess of War, the female counterpart of Ares. She is one of three virgin goddesses; the other two were Hestia and Artemis. Athena served as a guardian of Athens, where the Parthenon served as her temple.
READ a book with a parent/guardian character OR a book that is part of a trilogy OR a goddess in the story.

3 - Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Ilona Andrews. Read one book written by Ilona Andrews or any author with her first or last name. Link to Ilona Andrew’s backlist- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Fun Facts about Ilona Andrews -
* ‘Ilona Andrews’ is a pseudonym for the husband-and-wife writing team, Ilona and Gordon.
* Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the US Army.
* This dynamic duo writes bestselling urban and romantic fantasy.
* Ilona and Gordon live in Texas with two kids, three dogs and a cat.

You may also READ a book by an author who is from Texas. You can also read any book shelved as Fantasy, or a book with an animal or child on the cover. Or you may read a book with a team in the story.

4 - May 1st is International Worker’s Day: Also known as Labour Day or Workers’ Day in some countries, and often referred to as May Day, is the celebration of labourers and the working classes that is promoted by the international labour movement which occurs every year on May Day (1 May), an ancient European spring festival.
READ a book with a ‘Springy’ cover OR the main character is of the a working class OR has a 5 and 1 in the page count.

5 - May is National Barbeque Month in the USA: “Barbeque” originally referred to pork cooked over a high smoke fuel source like wood or charcoal. The term has now come to include other meats and foods and refers to more to the cooking method rather than the specific dish. The method is commonly believed to have originated from aboriginal peoples in the Caribbean and Florida, where the word “barbeque” first entered the English language as “barbacoa”, which translated as “sacred fire pit.”
READ a book that has a chef/baker/cook character OR is set in the Southern United States (where BBQ is king!) OR features a hunk of ‘beef’(naked person) or fire on the cover.

6 - May 4th is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!): Celebrated and observed by fans of George Lucas’ epic Star Wars franchise. The date was chosen for the pun on the catchphrase “May the Force be with you”. Some fans also recognize the next day, May 5th as ‘Revenge of the Fifth”, a play on “Star Wars Episode III – Revenge of the Sith,” which celebrates the Sith Lords and other villainous characters from the franchise.
READ a book that has a star on the cover or in the title OR features opposing groups of heroes and villains in the story (like the Jedi and Sith) OR has all the letters of STAR WARS in the title and author's name (any order and yes ‘S’, ‘R’ and ‘A’ must be counted twice).

7 - May 8th is World Red Cross Day: The Red Cross provides humanitarian efforts and disaster relief around the world, wherever it is needed. May 8th remembers and recognizes the efforts of the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide. Worldwide efforts to advocate for the relief of human suffering, whether from disease, famine, disaster or war. In America on May 8th, the American Red Cross puts special focus on US programs that keep children healthy and safe around the globe.
READ a book with RED or a CROSS on the cover OR has a character who is a doctor/nurse/volunteer OR is tagged as a YA.

8 - May 13th is Mother’s Day: The first Mother’s Day in the US was on May 10th, 1908 in Philadelphia. Everybody has a mother and absolutely no one is more special than mom. Sure, dad is really important. And, grandparent's too. But moms, well they are just the greatest. Often taken for granted, they are always our strongest supporter. You can't do wrong in Mom's eyes.
READ a book with a prominent ‘mom’ character (good or bad) OR with flowers on the cover OR the numbers ‘1908’ in the page count and publication date (any order, can be combined).

9 - May 22nd is World Goth Day: Originated in the United Kingdom in 2009, World Goth Day has quickly spread and is now celebrated in many countries around the world. Goth is not just about wearing black clothing. It’s a whole culture!
READ a book with a ‘goth’ or a ‘bad boy/girl’ character OR with music or fashion in the storyline OR an author born in the UK.

10 - Reader's Choice:
READ any book of your choice.

May Monthly Challenge
10/10

1. 'M' is for May: READ a book that starts with 'M'
by Annie Bellet, read May 12, ★★★

2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses - ATHENA: READ a book with a parent/guardian character
by Kasie West, read May 1, ★★★

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Ilona Andrews. Read any book shelved as Fantasy
by Marie Brennan, read May 11, ★★

4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day: READ a book with a ‘Springy’ cover
by Morgan Matson, read May 9, ★★★

5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA:READ a book set in the Southern United States (where BBQ is king!)
by Becky Albertalli, read May 2, ★★★★

6. May 4th is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!): READ a book that has a star on the cover or in the title
by Ashley Herring Blake, read May 17, ★★★★★

7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day: READ a book tagged as a YA
by Becky Albertalli, read May 3, ★★★★

8. May 13th is Mother’s Day: READ a book with a prominent ‘mom’ character (good or bad)
by Peter Swanson, read May 20, ★★★

9. May 22nd is World Goth Day: READ a book with a ‘bad boy’ character
by Charlie Cochet, read May 15, ★★★★

10. Reader's Choice:READ any book of your choice
by Brent Hartinger, read May 4, ★★★1/2

I'm in!

1. 'M' is for May - Most Valuable Playboy - Lauren Blakely - 5 MAY
2. part of a trilogy - Blame It On Texas - Christie Craig - 17 MAY
3. a team in the story - Sweet Spot - Kate Angell - 10 MAY
4. ‘Springy’ cover - Frisky Business - Tawna Fenske - 2 MAY
5. a hunk of ‘beef’on the cover - Egomaniac - Vi Keeland - 4 MAY
6. stars on the cover - A Grave Mistake - Leighann Dobbs - 3 MAY
7. RED on the cover - Very Valentine - Adriana Trigiani - 6 MAY
8. prominent ‘mom’ character - Written in My Own Heart's Blood - Diana Gabaldon - 8 MAY
9. author born in the UK - Burn - Suzanne Wright - 19 MAY
10. Reader's Choice - The Rebel - Rhonda Nelson - 12 MAY

Read 10/10

1. 'M' is for May. Read a book whose author's first name starts with 'M': The Suitor 19/5

2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses – ATHENA. Read a book with a parent/guardian character: The Raven Boys 5/5

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Ilona Andrews. Read a book shelved as Fantasy OR a book with a team in the story: Blood Fury 2/5

4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day. Read a book with a ‘Springy’ cover: Then Came You 19/5

5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA. Read a book that features a hunk of ‘beef’ on the cover: Tapping the Billionaire 12/5

6. May 4th is Star Wars Day. Read a book that features opposing groups of heroes and villains in the story: The Thief 11/5

7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day. Read a book with a character who is a doctor/nurse/volunteer: Dearest Ivie 7/5

8. May 13th is Mother’s Day. Read a book with flowers on the cover: A Duke in Shining Armor 16/5

9. May 22nd is World Goth Day. Read a book by an author born in the UK: All I Am: Drew's Story 13/5

10. Reader's Choice. Read any book of your choice: Back River Quiver 6/5

May 1 - May 31 2018
Super excited to guest-host this challenge for May!

1. 'M' is for May:
READ a book that starts with 'M' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'M'.

2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses - ATHENA Athena was the Goddess of War, the female counterpart of Ares. She is one of three virgin goddesses; the other two were Hestia and Artemis. Athena served as a guardian of Athens, where the Parthenon served as her temple.
READ a book with a parent/guardian character OR a book that is part of a trilogy OR a goddess in the story.

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Ilona Andrews. Read one book written by Ilona Andrews or any author with her first or last name. Link to Ilona Andrew’s backlist- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Fun Facts about Ilona Andrews -
* ‘Ilona Andrews’ is a pseudonym for the husband-and-wife writing team, Ilona and Gordon.
* Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the US Army.
* This dynamic duo writes bestselling urban and romantic fantasy.
* Ilona and Gordon live in Texas with two kids, three dogs and a cat.

You may also READ a book by an author who is from Texas. You can also read any book shelved as Fantasy, or a book with an animal or child on the cover. Or you may read a book with a team in the story.

4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day: Also known as Labour Day or Workers’ Day in some countries, and often referred to as May Day, is the celebration of labourers and the working classes that is promoted by the international labour movement which occurs every year on May Day (1 May), an ancient European spring festival.
READ a book with a ‘Springy’ cover OR the main character is of the a working class OR has a 5 and 1 in the page count.

5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA: “Barbeque” originally referred to pork cooked over a high smoke fuel source like wood or charcoal. The term has now come to include other meats and foods and refers to more to the cooking method rather than the specific dish. The method is commonly believed to have originated from aboriginal peoples in the Caribbean and Florida, where the word “barbeque” first entered the English language as “barbacoa”, which translated as “sacred fire pit.”
READ a book that has a chef/baker/cook character OR is set in the Southern United States (where BBQ is king!) OR features a hunk of ‘beef’(naked person) or fire on the cover.

6. May 4th is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!): Celebrated and observed by fans of George Lucas’ epic Star Wars franchise. The date was chosen for the pun on the catchphrase “May the Force be with you”. Some fans also recognize the next day, May 5th as ‘Revenge of the Fifth”, a play on “Star Wars Episode III – Revenge of the Sith,” which celebrates the Sith Lords and other villainous characters from the franchise.
READ a book that has a star on the cover or in the title OR features opposing groups of heroes and villains in the story (like the Jedi and Sith) OR has all the letters of STAR WARS in the title and author's name (any order and yes ‘S’, ‘R’ and ‘A’ must be counted twice).

7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day: READ a book with RED or a CROSS on the cover OR has a character who is a doctor/nurse/volunteer OR is tagged as a YA. Mark of the Plague, Kevin Sands...03 MAY 2018

8. May 13th is Mother’s Day: The first Mother’s Day in the US was on May 10th, 1908 in Philadelphia. Everybody has a mother and absolutely no one is more special than mom. Sure, dad is really important. And, grandparent's too. But moms, well they are just the greatest. Often taken for granted, they are always our strongest supporter. You can't do wrong in Mom's eyes.
READ a book with a prominent ‘mom’ character (good or bad) OR with flowers on the cover OR the numbers ‘1908’ in the page count and publication date (any order, can be combined).

9. May 22nd is World Goth Day: Originated in the United Kingdom in 2009, World Goth Day has quickly spread and is now celebrated in many countries around the world. Goth is not just about wearing black clothing. It’s a whole culture!
READ a book with a ‘goth’ or a ‘bad boy/girl’ character OR with music or fashion in the storyline OR an author born in the UK.

10. Reader's Choice:
READ any book of your choice. Raspberry Danish Murder, Joanne Fluke...06 MAY 2018

OMG did I get spot 21? My birthday is May 21!!!!! Stats 10/10

✔ 1. 'M' is for May: Midnight Soul: Volume 5 (Fantasyland 05) Kristen Ashley • Read 05/31/18 3.5*
✔ 2. ATHENA: Trilogy Radio Silence (Off the Grid 01) Alyssa Cole • Read 05/10/18 4*
✔ 3. FAC Ilona Andrews: Sweep of the Blade (Innkeeper Chronicles 03.5) online serial read up-to-date Chapter 9 Part 1 • Read 05/09/18 4*
✔ 4. International Worker’s Day: Studly Period (The Ivy Years 05.5) Sarina Bowen • Read newsletter serial 05/19/18 4*
✔ 5. National Barbeque Month: Blaze Erupting (Scorpius Syndrome 04.5, 1001 Dark Nights #75) Rebecca Zanetti • Read 05/04/18 4*
✔ 6. Star Wars Day: Interstellar Diplomacy to Avoid War Shenanigans! A Mere Formality Ilona Andrews • Read 05/17/18 5*
✔ 7. World Red Cross Day: Doctor Tryst (Sexual Education 02) S.L. Jennings • Read 05/13/18 4.5*
✔ 8. Mother’s Day: Three Day Fiancée (Animal Attraction 02) Marissa Clarke • Read 05/16/18 4*
✔ 9. World Goth Day: Music, Dance, Art Salacious A. Zavarelli • Read 05/03/18 4*
✔ 10. Reader's Choice: Rough Edge (The Edge 01) CD Reiss • Read 05/21/18 4.5*

Hi, Sonja! Thanks for another great challenge ;)
I've got a question....

I'm just finishing up book three of Ilona Andrew's Hidden Legacy series for this month, so I wasn't planning on starting up Kate Daniels for a while.
But I have been following along, reading Maud's online serial read from the author's website for Sweep of the Blade (Innkeeper Chronicles 03.5)
My Goodreads link

Was wondering if I could use this online serial read for my #3: Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Ilona Andrews?

2018 May Monthly Challenge
10/10

Tasks:
1. 'M' is for May: Read a book whose author's first name starts with 'M'.
A Single Thread Marie Bostwick 5/3/18

2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses - ATHENA: Read a book with a parent/guardian character.
Right Where We Belong Brenda Novak 5/6/18

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Ilona Andrews: Read one book written by Ilona Andrews.
Magic Strikes Ilona Andrews 5/31/18

4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day: Read a book the main character is of the a working class.
Under Locke Mariana Zapata 5/5/18

5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA: Read a book that has a chef/baker/cook character.
Man Hands Sarina Bowen 5/7/18

6. May 4th is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!): Read a book that features opposing groups of heroes and villains in the story.
Dark Queen Faith Hunter 5/2/18

7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day: Read a book that has a character who is a doctor/nurse.
Alone Lisa Gardner 5/10/18

8. May 13th is Mother’s Day: Read a book with a prominent ‘mom’ character.
Porch Lights Dorothea Benton Frank 5/4/18

9. May 22nd is World Goth Day: Read a book with a ‘goth’ character.
Stillhouse Lake Rachel Caine 5/6/18

10. Reader's Choice: Read any book of your choice.
Until You Loved Me Brenda Novak 5/5/18

10/10

Finished 5/16

1. 'M' is for May: Read a book that starts with 'M' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'M': Legally Mated by Ann-Katrin Byrde - 5/6 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses - ATHENA: Read a book with a parent/guardian character OR a book that is part of a trilogy OR a goddess in the story: The Dragon's Forbidden Omega by Connor Crowe - 5/14 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Ilona Andrews: Read one book written by Ilona Andrews or any author with her first or last name. You may also read a book by an author who is from Texas. You can also read any book shelved as Fantasy, or a book with an animal or child on the cover. Or you may read a book with a team in the story: Alpha Ablaze by Susi Hawke - 5/16 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day: Read a book with a ‘Springy’ cover OR the main character is of the a working class OR has a 5 and 1 in the page count: Whisper by Garrett Leigh - 5/14 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA: Read a book that has a chef/baker/cook character OR is set in the Southern United States (where BBQ is king!) OR features a hunk of ‘beef’(naked person) or fire on the cover: Until the Stars Fall by Abigail Kade - 5/9 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
6. May 4th is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!): Read a book that has a star on the cover or in the title OR features opposing groups of heroes and villains in the story (like the Jedi and Sith) OR has all the letters of STAR WARS in the title and author's name (any order and yes ‘S’, ‘R’ and ‘A’ must be counted twice): Grabbed by Susi Hawke & Crista Crown - 5/6 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day: Read a book with RED or a CROSS on the cover OR has a character who is a doctor/nurse/volunteer OR is tagged as a YA: Shield by Max Hawthorn - 5/12 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
8. May 13th is Mother’s Day: Read a book with a prominent ‘mom’ character (good or bad) OR with flowers on the cover OR the numbers ‘1908’ in the page count and publication date (any order, can be combined): Sin and Tonic by Rhys Ford 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
9. May 22nd is World Goth Day: Read a book with a ‘goth’ or a ‘bad boy/girl’ character OR with music or fashion in the storyline OR an author born in the UK: Dream by Garrett Leigh - 5/8 ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
10. Reader's Choice: Read any book of your choice: Inside Darkness by Hudson Lin - 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

1. 'M' is for May:
READ a book that starts with 'M' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'M'. Isla Madden-Mills - I Dare You 5.1

2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses - ATHENA Athena was the Goddess of War, the female counterpart of Ares. She is one of three virgin goddesses; the other two were Hestia and Artemis. Athena served as a guardian of Athens, where the Parthenon served as her temple.
READ a book with a parent/guardian character OR a book that is part of a trilogy OR a goddess in the story.  Cruise by Drew Elyse 5.2

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Ilona Andrews. Read one book written by Ilona Andrews or any author with her first or last name. Link to Ilona Andrew’s backlist- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

You may also READ a book by an author who is from Texas. You can also read any book shelved as Fantasy, or a book with an animal or child on the cover. Or you may read a book with a team in the story.  Raphael by DB Reynolds 5.2 (Fantasy)

4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day: Also known as Labour Day or Workers’ Day in some countries, and often referred to as May Day, is the celebration of labourers and the working classes that is promoted by the international labour movement which occurs every year on May Day (1 May), an ancient European spring festival. 
READ a book with a ‘Springy’ cover OR the main character is of the a working class OR has a 5 and 1 in the page count. Love Beyond Opposites by Molly E Lee 5.9

5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA: “Barbeque” originally referred to pork cooked over a high smoke fuel source like wood or charcoal. The term has now come to include other meats and foods and refers to more to the cooking method rather than the specific dish. The method is commonly believed to have originated from aboriginal peoples in the Caribbean and Florida, where the word “barbeque” first entered the English language as “barbacoa”, which translated as “sacred fire pit.” 
READ a book that has a chef/baker/cook character OR is set in the Southern United States (where BBQ is king!) OR features a hunk of ‘beef’(naked person) or fire on the cover Booze O Clock by Bijou Hunter 5.13.

6. May 4th is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!): Celebrated and observed by fans of George Lucas’ epic Star Wars franchise. The date was chosen for the pun on the catchphrase “May the Force be with you”. Some fans also recognize the next day, May 5th as ‘Revenge of the Fifth”, a play on “Star Wars Episode III – Revenge of the Sith,” which celebrates the Sith Lords and other villainous characters from the franchise. 
READ a book that has a star on the cover or in the title OR features opposing groups of heroes and villains in the story (like the Jedi and Sith) OR has all the letters of STAR WARS in the title and author's name (any order and yes ‘S’, ‘R’ and ‘A’ must be counted twice). The Coven by Chrissy Lessey 5.9

7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day: The Red Cross provides humanitarian efforts and disaster relief around the world, wherever it is needed. May 8th remembers and recognizes the efforts of the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide. Worldwide efforts to advocate for the relief of human suffering, whether from disease, famine, disaster or war. In America on May 8th, the American Red Cross puts special focus on US programs that keep children healthy and safe around the globe. 
READ a book with RED or a CROSS on the cover OR has a character who is a doctor/nurse/volunteer OR is tagged as a YA.  Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone by JK Rowling 5.18

8. May 13th is Mother’s Day: The first Mother’s Day in the US was on May 10th, 1908 in Philadelphia. Everybody has a mother and absolutely no one is more special than mom. Sure, dad is really important. And, grandparent's too. But moms, well they are just the greatest. Often taken for granted, they are always our strongest supporter. You can't do wrong in Mom's eyes. 
READ a book with a prominent ‘mom’ character (good or bad) OR with flowers on the cover OR the numbers ‘1908’ in the page count and publication date (any order, can be combined). Hooked On you by Kate Meader 5.9

9. May 22nd is World Goth Day: Originated in the United Kingdom in 2009, World Goth Day has quickly spread and is now celebrated in many countries around the world. Goth is not just about wearing black clothing. It’s a whole culture! 
READ a book with a ‘goth’ or a ‘bad boy/girl’ character OR with music or fashion in the storyline OR an author born in the UK. A Night of No Return by Sarah Morgan5.3

10. Reader's Choice:
READ any book of your choice. Kissing Micky by Ellen Devlin 5.7

May Challenge

READ: 10/10

✔ 1. 'M' is for May:
Midnight's Kiss - Thea Harrison 5/4

✔ 2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses:
Blackberry Pie Murder - Joanne Fluke (parent character) 5/17

✔ 3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author:
Angels Of Darkness - Ilona Andrews (+others) 5/29

✔ 4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day:
A Clockwork Fairytale - Helen Scott Taylor (spring cover) 5/24

✔ 5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA:
The Spider - Jennifer Estep (mc owns/runs a BBQ restaurant) 5/31

✔ 6. May 4th is Star Wars Day:
The Knife of Never Letting Go - Patrick Ness (opposing forces) 5/20

✔ 7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day:
Ready Player One - Ernest Cline (YA) 5/29

✔ 8. May 13th is Mother’s Day:
Rattling the Heat in Deadwood - Ann Charles (heroine is a mom) 5/14

✔ 9. May 22nd is World Goth Day:
The Traitor's Bride - Alix Nichols 5/26

✔ 10. Reader's Choice:
Discount Armageddon - Seanan McGuire 5/10



CHALLENGE COMPLETE

8/10

1. 'M' is for May:
READ a book that starts with 'M' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'M'.
5/13/18
2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses - ATHENA
READ a book with a parent/guardian character OR a book that is part of a trilogy OR a goddess in the story.
5/8/18
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Ilona Andrews.
You may also READ a book by an author who is from Texas. You can also read any book shelved as Fantasy, or a book with an animal or child on the cover. Or you may read a book with a team in the story.
5/31/18
4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day:
READ a book with a ‘Springy’ cover OR the main character is of the a working class OR has a 5 and 1 in the page count.
5/21/18
5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA:
READ a book that has a chef/baker/cook character OR is set in the Southern United States (where BBQ is king!) OR features a hunk of ‘beef’(naked person) or fire on the cover.
5/25/18
6. May 4th is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!):
READ a book that has a star on the cover or in the title OR features opposing groups of heroes and villains in the story (like the Jedi and Sith) OR has all the letters of STAR WARS in the title and author's name (any order and yes ‘S’, ‘R’ and ‘A’ must be counted twice).

7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day:
READ a book with RED or a CROSS on the cover OR has a character who is a doctor/nurse/volunteer OR is tagged as a YA.
5/9/18
8. May 13th is Mother’s Day:
READ a book with a prominent ‘mom’ character (good or bad) OR with flowers on the cover OR the numbers ‘1908’ in the page count and publication date (any order, can be combined).
5/17/18
9. May 22nd is World Goth Day:
READ a book with a ‘goth’ or a ‘bad boy/girl’ character OR with music or fashion in the storyline OR an author born in the UK.
5/5/18

In for the usual 10!

May Monthly Challenge
10/10 READ

✔️1. 'M' is for May: More Than Water by Renee Ericson (title starts with "M") ☆☆☆☆½ 05/20

✔️2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses - ATHENA: On the Island by Tracey Garvis-Graves book with a parent/guardian character) ☆☆☆☆☆ 05/13

✔️3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Ilona Andrews: Burn by Suzanne Wright (book shelved as "Fantasy") ☆☆☆ 05/08

✔️4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day: We Were Here by Daisy Prescott ("springy" cover) ☆☆☆☆ 05/19

✔️5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA: Long Hard Ride by Lorelei James (book features a hunk of ‘beef’) ☆☆ 05/28

✔️6. May 4th is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!): When It's Real by Erin Watt ("star" on the cover) ☆☆☆ ½ 05/03

✔️7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day: The Studying Hours by Sara Ney (red on the cover) ☆☆☆ ½ 05/30

✔️8. May 13th is Mother’s Day: Most of All You by Mia Sheridan (flowers on the cover) ☆☆☆☆☆ 05/10

✔️9. May 22nd is World Goth Day: Thief by A. Zavarelli (bad boy/girl character) ☆☆☆ 05/27

✔️10. Reader's Choice: I Dare You by Ilsa Madden-Mills ☆☆☆☆ 05/04

Yes, I’m in!


May 1 - May 31 2018
5/10

1. 'M' is for May:
READ a book that starts with 'M' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'M'.

2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses ~ READ a book with a parent/guardian character OR a book that is part of a trilogy OR a goddess in the story.

✔️3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Ilona Andrews. Read one book written by Ilona Andrews or any author with her first or last name.

You may also READ a book by an author who is from Texas. You can also read any book shelved as Fantasy, or a book with an animal or child on the cover. Or you may read a book with a team in the story.

Look For Me ~ 5/25/18 ~ Team theme

4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day ~ READ a book with a ‘Springy’ cover OR the main character is of the a working class OR has a 5 and 1 in the page count.

✔️5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA ~ READ a book that has a chef/baker/cook character OR is set in the Southern United States (where BBQ is king!) OR features a hunk of ‘beef’(naked person) or fire on the cover.

Ain't He Precious? ~ 5/26/18 ~ Southern U.S.

6. May 4th is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!) ~ READ a book that has a star on the cover or in the title OR features opposing groups of heroes and villains in the story (like the Jedi and Sith) OR has all the letters of STAR WARS in the title and author's name (any order and yes ‘S’, ‘R’ and ‘A’ must be counted twice).

7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day ~ READ a book with RED or a CROSS on the cover OR has a character who is a doctor/nurse/volunteer OR is tagged as a YA.

✔️8. May 13th is Mother’s Day ~ READ a book with a prominent ‘mom’ character (good or bad) OR with flowers on the cover OR the numbers ‘1908’ in the page count and publication date (any order, can be combined).

The Echo Killing ~ 5/8/18 ~ mom character

✔️9. May 22nd is World Goth Day ~ READ a book with a ‘goth’ or a ‘bad boy/girl’ character OR with music or fashion in the storyline OR an author born in the UK.

Close to Home ~ 5/4/18 ~ bad boy/girl

✔️10. Reader's Choice ~ READ any book of your choice.

The Broken Girls ~ 5/14/18

2018 May Monthly Challenge
10/10 Complete

✔︎ 1. 'M' is for May: The Chocolate Touch by Melissa McClone
📖 May 20th, 2018 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

✔︎ 2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses - ATHENA: Long Way Home by Katie McGarry
🎧 May 16th, 2018 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

✔︎ 3. Featured Author Challenge – Ilona Andrews: Darkest Journey by Heather Graham
🎧 May 10th, 2018 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

✔︎ 4. May 1st - International Workers Day: Must Love Otters by Eliza Gordon
🎧 May 29th, 2018 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✔︎ 5. May is National Barbecue Month in the USA: Returning Pride by Jill Sanders
🎧 May 31st, 2018 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️

✔︎ 6. May 4th - Star Wars Day: The Friends We Keep by Susan Mallery
🎧 May 27th, 2018 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✔︎ 7. May 8th - World Red Cross Day: The Doctor's Recovery by Cari Lynn Webb
📖 May 25th, 2018 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✔︎ 8. May 13th - Mother’s Day: Because of the Baby... by Cat Schield
📖 May 15th, 2018 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️

✔︎ 9. May 22nd - World Goth Day: Some Kind of Wonderful by Sarah Morgan
📖 May 31st, 2018 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✔︎ 10. Reader's Choice: Trail of Evidence by Lynette Eason
📖 May 16th, 2018 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

I'm in!

May 1 - May 31 2018

1. 'M' is for May:
READ a book that starts with 'M' Mackenzie's Mountain, Linda Howard 5/20/18

2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses

READ a book with a parent/guardian character How Dare the Sun Rise: Memoirs of a War Child, Sandra Uwiringiyimana 5/13/18

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Ilona Andrews.

Read one book written by Ilona Andrews or any author with her first or last name. Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon , Donna Andrews 5/31/18

4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day

OR the main character is of the a working class Air Awakens Elise Kova 5/13/18

5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA:

READ a book that has a chef/baker/cook character Beneath the Sugar Sky, Seanan McGuire 5/16/18 (the Baker)

6. May 4th is Star Wars Day
READ a book that has a star on the cover or in the title The Service of the Sword, David Weber 5/3/18


7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day:

READ a book
OR has a character who is a doctor/nurse/volunteer The Mountain Between Us, Charles Martin 5/20/18

8. May 13th is Mother’s Day:

READ a book with a prominent ‘mom’ character (good or bad) Black Sands Colleen Coble 5/23/18

9. May 22nd is World Goth Day:

READ a book with music or fashion in the storyline Once More With Feeling, Nora Roberts 5/13/18

10. Reader's Choice:

READ any book of your choice. Laughing Gas, P.G. Wodehouse 5/16/18

I'm in!

1. Title starts with 'M – Making Up by Lucy Parker ★★★★★ May 28

2. Parent/guardian character – The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton ★★ May 23

3. Book by Ilona Andrews – Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews ★★★★★ May 24

4. Main character is of the working class – Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis ★★★★★ May 14

5. Chef/baker/cook character – Lost and Found Sisters by Jill Shalvis - ★★★★ May 3

6. Star on the cover or in the title – Beneath Wandering Stars by Ashlee Cowles

7. Character who is a doctor/nurse/volunteer – Virgin River by Robyn Carr ★★★ May 16

8. Prominent ‘mom’ character – Worth the Fall by Claudia Connor ★★★★ May 17

9. Music in the storyline – Idol by Kristen Callihan ★★★★★ May 18

10. Book of your choice – Rebel Heir by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward ★★★★ May 25

Jujubee wrote: "Hi, Sonja! Thanks for another great challenge ;)
I've got a question....

I'm just finishing up book three of Ilona Andrew's Hidden Legacy series for this month, so I wasn't planning on starting up..."

Hi Jujubee! I'd say if it qualifies for any of the other options for the Featured Author category that you're good to go! From the looks of it, the Fantasy option would apply, am I right?

Also think it's totally fate you got the 21st spot for your birthday! (Happy early birthday!) Happy reading!

Kristen,
I see five books on your TBR that I've read already! Really hope you like and . I also enjoyed , even with all the jack-rabbiting... LOL! Happy reading!

Hi again to all and looking forward to May already - despite having a tough month reading-wise in April!

Sonja wrote: "Kristen,
I see five books on your TBR that I've read already! Really hope you like and . I also enjoyed [bookcover:The Perfect Play|834..."

thanks Sonja! here's hoping I like them all, I've had a few duds lately. Jack-rabbiting? uh-oh.. sounds not great lol

Kristen wrote: "Sonja wrote: "Kristen,
I see five books on your TBR that I've read already! Really hope you like and . I also enjoyed [bookcover:The Pe..."

OH no, Kristen! Me too, but I'm pretty confident about Worth the Fall and, depending on your love of rock music, definitely confident of Idol.
As for the jack-rabbiting... you'll see what I mean... The story is good but whew.... LOL!

May Monthly Challenge

10/10

1. 'M' is for May: starts with 'M' Murder in the House of Beads Mary Jane Forbes 5/4 ★★★
2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses - ATHENA: part of a trilogy Police Protector Elizabeth Heiter 5/12 ★★★
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author –animal on cover. Agatha Ball 5/4 ★★★

4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day‘Springy’ cover 5/16 Meera Lester ★★

5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA: chef/baker/cook character Maple Syrup And Murder Kathryn Lin 5/5 ★★
6. May 4th is Star Wars Day letters of STAR WARS The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao Junot Díaz 5/25 ★★★★
7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day: character who is a volunteer A Manifestation of Monstrosities Alisa Kester 5/8 ★★★
8. May 13th is Mother’s Day: prominent ‘mom’ character (bad) Twice Bitten Lynsay Sands 5/14 ★★★★
9. May 22nd is World Goth Day:‘bad boy/girl’ character Cave of Bones Anne Hillerman 5/3 ★★★★
10. Reader's Choice: Not If I Save You First Ally Carter 5/23 ★★★★

Sonja wrote: "Kristen wrote: "Sonja wrote: "Kristen,
I see five books on your TBR that I've read already! Really hope you like and . I also enjoyed [..."

lol can't wait ;)

2018 May Monthly Challenge

1. 'M' is for May:
20/5/18 ★★★★

2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses - Athena.
23/5/18 ★★★★

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Ilona Andrews.
24/5/18 ★★★★★

4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day.
24/5/18 ★★★★★

5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA.
27/5/18 ★★★★★

6. May 4th is Star Wars Day.
25/5/18 ★★★★★

7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day.
28/5/18 ★★★★★

8. May 13th is Mother’s Day.
29/5/18 ★★★★

9. May 22nd is World Goth Day.
29/5/18 ★★★

10. Reader's Choice:
30/5/18 ★★★★

May Monthly Challenge
Completed: 10/10

1. 'M' is for May: READ a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'M'.
The Rancher's Baby by Maisey Yates 5/5

2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses - ATHENA: READ a book with a parent/guardian character
Not Quite Crazy by Catherine Bybee 5/11

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author: READ a book by an author who is from Texas.
Hopeless by Colleen Hoover 5/16

4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day: READ a book that has a 5 and 1 in the page count
Lazy Love by Kirsten Osbourne 5/4

5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA: READ a book that has a chef/baker/cook character
Lost and Found Sisters by Jill Shalvis 5/15

6. May 4th is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!): READ a book that has all the letters of STAR WARS in the title and author's name (any order and yes ‘S’, ‘R’ and ‘A’ must be counted twice).
It Started With a Kiss by Marina Adair 5/7

7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day: READ a book that is tagged as a YA.
Happily Ever After by Kelly Oram 5/12

8. May 13th is Mother’s Day: READ a book with a prominent ‘mom’ character (good or bad).
Nerd in Shining Armor by Vicki Lewis Thompson 5/3

9. May 22nd is World Goth Day: READ a book with music or fashion in the storyline .
Finding My Way by Heidi McLaughlin 5/19

10. Reader's Choice: READ any book of your choice.
Chasing Christmas Eve by Jill Shalvis 5/2

Count Me In

0/10

May 1 - May 31 2018

1. 'M' is for May:
READ a book that starts with 'M' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'M'. - or other

2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses - ATHENA Athena was the Goddess of War, the female counterpart of Ares. She is one of three virgin goddesses; the other two were Hestia and Artemis. Athena served as a guardian of Athens, where the Parthenon served as her temple.
READ a book with a parent/guardian character OR a book that is part of a trilogy OR a goddess in the story.

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Ilona Andrews. Read one book written by Ilona Andrews or any author with her first or last name. Link to Ilona Andrew’s backlist- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Fun Facts about Ilona Andrews -
* ‘Ilona Andrews’ is a pseudonym for the husband-and-wife writing team, Ilona and Gordon.
* Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the US Army.
* This dynamic duo writes bestselling urban and romantic fantasy.
* Ilona and Gordon live in Texas with two kids, three dogs and a cat.

You may also READ a book by an author who is from Texas. You can also read any book shelved as Fantasy, or a book with an animal or child on the cover. Or you may read a book with a team in the story.

or other

4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day: Also known as Labour Day or Workers’ Day in some countries, and often referred to as May Day, is the celebration of labourers and the working classes that is promoted by the international labour movement which occurs every year on May Day (1 May), an ancient European spring festival.
READ a book with a ‘Springy’ cover OR the main character is of the a working class OR has a 5 and 1 in the page count.

5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA: “Barbeque” originally referred to pork cooked over a high smoke fuel source like wood or charcoal. The term has now come to include other meats and foods and refers to more to the cooking method rather than the specific dish. The method is commonly believed to have originated from aboriginal peoples in the Caribbean and Florida, where the word “barbeque” first entered the English language as “barbacoa”, which translated as “sacred fire pit.”
READ a book that has a chef/baker/cook character OR is set in the Southern United States (where BBQ is king!) OR features a hunk of ‘beef’(naked person) or fire on the cover.

- 5 stars - 14 May

6. May 4th is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!): Celebrated and observed by fans of George Lucas’ epic Star Wars franchise. The date was chosen for the pun on the catchphrase “May the Force be with you”. Some fans also recognize the next day, May 5th as ‘Revenge of the Fifth”, a play on “Star Wars Episode III – Revenge of the Sith,” which celebrates the Sith Lords and other villainous characters from the franchise.
READ a book that has a star on the cover or in the title OR features opposing groups of heroes and villains in the story (like the Jedi and Sith) OR has all the letters of STAR WARS in the title and author's name (any order and yes ‘S’, ‘R’ and ‘A’ must be counted twice).
or or or other

7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day: The Red Cross provides humanitarian efforts and disaster relief around the world, wherever it is needed. May 8th remembers and recognizes the efforts of the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide. Worldwide efforts to advocate for the relief of human suffering, whether from disease, famine, disaster or war. In America on May 8th, the American Red Cross puts special focus on US programs that keep children healthy and safe around the globe.
READ a book with RED or a CROSS on the cover OR has a character who is a doctor/nurse/volunteer OR is tagged as a YA.

8. May 13th is Mother’s Day: The first Mother’s Day in the US was on May 10th, 1908 in Philadelphia. Everybody has a mother and absolutely no one is more special than mom. Sure, dad is really important. And, grandparent's too. But moms, well they are just the greatest. Often taken for granted, they are always our strongest supporter. You can't do wrong in Mom's eyes.
READ a book with a prominent ‘mom’ character (good or bad) OR with flowers on the cover OR the numbers ‘1908’ in the page count and publication date (any order, can be combined).

9. May 22nd is World Goth Day: Originated in the United Kingdom in 2009, World Goth Day has quickly spread and is now celebrated in many countries around the world. Goth is not just about wearing black clothing. It’s a whole culture!
READ a book with a ‘goth’ or a ‘bad boy/girl’ character OR with music or fashion in the storyline OR an author born in the UK.

10. Reader's Choice:
READ any book of your choice.

May Monthly Challenge
Completed: 8/9

1. 'M' is for May: READ a book whose author's first name starts with 'M'.
Michelle Conder - The Italian's Virgin Acquisition 5-3-18

2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses - ATHENA: READ a book with a parent character.
Her Wickham Falls SEAL - Rochelle Alers 5-12-18

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Ilona Andrews. Read one book written by Ilona Andrews or any author with her first or last name. You may also READ a book by an author who is from Texas. You can also read any book shelved as Fantasy, or a book with an animal or child on the cover. Or you may read a book with a team in the story.


4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day: READ a book with a 5 and 1 in the page count.
You've Got Tail (315 pages)- Renee George 5-10-18

5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA: READ a book that has a baker character.
The Tycoon's Marriage Deal - Melanie Milburne 5-9-18

6. May 4th is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!):
READ a book that has a star on the cover or in the title OR features opposing groups of heroes and villains in the story (like the Jedi and Sith) OR has all the letters of STAR WARS in the title and author's name (any order and yes ‘S’, ‘R’ and ‘A’ must be counted twice).


7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day: READ a book with a character who is a doctor.
The Trouble with Paradise - Jill Shalvis 5-5-18

8. May 13th is Mother’s Day: READ a book with a prominent ‘mom’ character.
Return to Me - Jacquelin Thomas 5-13-18

9. May 22nd is World Goth Day: READ a book with an author born in the UK.
Valdez's Bartered Bride - Rachael Thomas (born in Wales) 5-20-18

10. Reader's Choice: READ any book of your choice.
An Honorable Seduction - Brenda Jackson 5-8-18

I'm in

0/10

1. 'M' is for May:

2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses - ATHENA:

3. Featured Author Challenge – Ilona Andrews:

4. May 1st - International Workers Day:

5. May is National Barbecue Month in the USA:

6. May 4th - Star Wars Day:

7. May 8th - World Red Cross Day:

8. May 13th - Mother’s Day:

9. May 22nd - World Goth Day:

10. Reader's Choice:

May
Completed: 4/10

1. Exquisite Karma by Ann Mayburn
2. Tainted Rose by Abby Weeks
3. Magic Steals by Ilona Andrews 05/01/18
4. When Lightning Strikes by Brenda Novak
5. Withstanding Me by Crystal Spears 05/10/18
6. The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
7. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan 05/12/18
8. Futures and Frosting by Tara Sivec
9. A Gift of Time by Beth Flynn
10. Creation in Death by J. D. Robb 05/05/18

May Monthly Challenge
May 2018

MY May Monthly Challenge (msg 47)

10 of 10 Completed



✔1. 'M' is for May:
🌸READ a book that starts with 'M'
🌸Marriage of Inconvenience - Penny Reid
🌸Read: 05.24 ★★★★★
✔2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses - ATHENA:
🌸READ a book that is part of a trilogy
🌸How to Date a Nerd - Cassie Mae
🌸Read: 05.02 ★★★
✔3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Ilona Andrews:
🌸READ one book written by Ilona Andrews
🌸Magic Gifts - Ilona Andrews
🌸Read: 05.08 ★★★★
✔4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day:
🌸READ a book where the main character is of the a working class
🌸Too Much Temptation - Lori Foster
🌸Read: 05.06 ★★★★
✔5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA:
🌸READ a book that is set in the Southern United States
🌸Love at First Sight - Lori Wilde
🌸Read: 05.02 ★★★★
✔6. May 4th is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!):
🌸READ a book that has a star on the cover or in the title
🌸First Star I See Tonight - Susan Elizabeth Phillips
🌸Read: 05.20 ★★★★
✔7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day:
🌸READ a book with RED or a CROSS on the cover
🌸Destined for an Early Grave - Jeaniene Frost
🌸Read: 05.05 ★★★★
✔8. May 13th is Mother’s Day:
🌸READ a book with flowers on the cover
🌸Welcome to Last Chance - Hope Ramsay
🌸Read: 05.09 ★★★
✔9. May 22nd is World Goth Day:
🌸READ a book with a ‘goth’ or a ‘bad boy/girl’ character
🌸Three to Get Deadly - Janet Evanovich
🌸Read: 05.13 ★★★
✔10. Reader's Choice:
🌸READ any book of your choice
🌸Eternity in Death - J.D. Robb
🌸Read: 05.01 ★★★★

Welcome welcome to all!
Looking forward to seeing what everyone picks for May. I'm still puzzling over my own picks and trying to finish two more for April. Time sure does fly!

KRISSY'S SPOT

01. M Title: Murder Takes the High Road
02. Trilogy: Just Here for the Pain
03. Fantasy: A Destiny of Dragons
✓04. Working Class: The Elevator Mechanic, 5/01 ★★
05. Beefy Cover: Sleeping With the Wolf
06. Star on Cover:
07. Red Cover: Third Grave Dead Ahead
08. Flowers on Cover:
09. UK Author: Wake Up Call
✓10. My Choice: Dare to Love Forever, 5/02 ★★★★

1. M book - The Chief by Monica McCarty
10. Any book - Love Me Sweet by Tracy Brogan

That’s all I got right now.

Romance Readers Reading Challenges
2018 May Monthly Challenge
Duration: May 1 - May 31 2018

Progress: 10 out of 10

1. 'M' is for May:
READ a book that starts with 'M' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'M':
John Adams by David McCullough - **** - 5/1/2018 - 751 Pages

2. Olympian Gods and Goddesses - ATHENA Athena was the Goddess of War, the female counterpart of Ares. She is one of three virgin goddesses; the other two were Hestia and Artemis. Athena served as a guardian of Athens, where the Parthenon served as her temple.
READ a book with a parent/guardian character OR a book that is part of a trilogy OR a goddess in the story:
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo - **** - 5/18/2018 - 358 Pages - Part of a Trilogy

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Ilona Andrews. Read one book written by Ilona Andrews:
On the Edge by Ilona Andrews - ***** - 5/4/2018 - 309 Pages

4. May 1st is International Worker’s Day: Also known as Labour Day or Workers’ Day in some countries, and often referred to as May Day, is the celebration of labourers and the working classes that is promoted by the international labour movement which occurs every year on May Day (1 May), an ancient European spring festival.
READ a book with a ‘Springy’ cover OR the main character is of the a working class OR has a 5 and 1 in the page count.
Kim Reaper Vol. 1: Grim Beginnings by Sarah Graley - ***** - 5/5/2018 - 112 Pages - 1 in page count

5. May is National Barbeque Month in the USA: “Barbeque” originally referred to pork cooked over a high smoke fuel source like wood or charcoal. The term has now come to include other meats and foods and refers to more to the cooking method rather than the specific dish. The method is commonly believed to have originated from aboriginal peoples in the Caribbean and Florida, where the word “barbeque” first entered the English language as “barbacoa”, which translated as “sacred fire pit.”
READ a book that has a chef/baker/cook character OR is set in the Southern United States (where BBQ is king!) OR features a hunk of ‘beef’(naked person) or fire on the cover.
Raven CursedFaith Hunter - ***** - 5/17/2018 - 353 Pages - Evie was a chef

6. May 4th is Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you!): Celebrated and observed by fans of George Lucas’ epic Star Wars franchise. The date was chosen for the pun on the catchphrase “May the Force be with you”. Some fans also recognize the next day, May 5th as ‘Revenge of the Fifth”, a play on “Star Wars Episode III – Revenge of the Sith,” which celebrates the Sith Lords and other villainous characters from the franchise.
READ a book that has a star on the cover or in the title OR features opposing groups of heroes and villains in the story (like the Jedi and Sith) OR has all the letters of STAR WARS in the title and author's name (any order and yes ‘S’, ‘R’ and ‘A’ must be counted twice).
The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig - ***** - 5/11/2018 - 400 Pages - English vs. French

7. May 8th is World Red Cross Day: The Red Cross provides humanitarian efforts and disaster relief around the world, wherever it is needed. May 8th remembers and recognizes the efforts of the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide. Worldwide efforts to advocate for the relief of human suffering, whether from disease, famine, disaster or war. In America on May 8th, the American Red Cross puts special focus on US programs that keep children healthy and safe around the globe.
READ a book with RED or a CROSS on the cover OR has a character who is a doctor/nurse/volunteer OR is tagged as a YA.:
Bitten by Kelley Armstrong - ***** - 5/8/2018 - 436 Pages - Red Cover

8. May 13th is Mother’s Day: The first Mother’s Day in the US was on May 10th, 1908 in Philadelphia. Everybody has a mother and absolutely no one is more special than mom. Sure, dad is really important. And, grandparent's too. But moms, well they are just the greatest. Often taken for granted, they are always our strongest supporter. You can't do wrong in Mom's eyes.
READ a book with a prominent ‘mom’ character (good or bad) OR with flowers on the cover OR the numbers ‘1908’ in the page count and publication date (any order, can be combined):
My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding by P.N. Elrod - ***** - 5/3/2018 - 310 Pages - Mother of the Brides

9. May 22nd is World Goth Day: Originated in the United Kingdom in 2009, World Goth Day has quickly spread and is now celebrated in many countries around the world. Goth is not just about wearing black clothing. It’s a whole culture!
READ a book with a ‘goth’ or a ‘bad boy/girl’ character OR with music or fashion in the storyline OR an author born in the UK.
The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole - *** - 5/16/2018 - 125 Pages - Born in the UK

10. Reader's Choice:
READ any book of your choice.
Burn Bright by Patricia Briggs - ***** - 5/9/2018 - 308 Pages