Finished Monthly Challenges

January Monthly Challenge
Goodreads



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

2. Member of the Month - Tiff: Tiff has been a member of the RRRC since March 2013. Here is the link to Tiff's shelves. Please read a book from any of Tiff's shelves, a book published in 2013 or a book published in March of any year.

3. Featured Author Challenge -Shelly Laurenston: Read a book written by this month's Featured Author, Shelly Laurenston, or by any author with her first or last name.
Fun Facts about Shelly:
Shelly Laurenston was a GR Choice Nominee in 2011.
She published her first novel in 2004.
She writes Paranormal Romance.
Shelly also writes under the pseudonyms G.A. Aiken.
So you may also read any book that was a GR choice nominee in any category. You can also read any book published in 2004, or that is shelved as Paranormal Romance. Or you can read a book written by G.A. Aiken.

4. Festival of Sleep Day (January 2): Read a book with a bed or blanket on the cover or one where the MCs end up in a bed during the story.

5. Male Watcher's Day (January 8): Read a book with a good looking male specimen (hot guy) on the cover!

6. Feast of the Fabulous Wild Men Day (January 12): Read a book with a bad boy hero, a strong alpha hero or one featuring food.

7. Make Your Dream Come True Day (January 13): Read a book with a happy ending.

8. National Hugging Day (January 21): Read a book with an embrace, a kiss, a caress or clasped hands on the cover.

9. Spouse's Day (January 26): Read a book featuring a married or engaged couple in the story.

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




February Monthly Challenge
Goodreads





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

2. Member of the Month - Tammie: Tammie has been a member of the RRRC since April 2014. Here is the link to Tammie's shelves. Please read a book from any of Tammie's shelves or a book published in 2014 or a book published in April of any year.

3. Featured Author Challenge - Shannon Stacey: Read a book written by this month's Featured Author, Shannon Stacey, or by any author with her first or last name.

Fun Facts about Shannon:
 She writes primarily Contemporary Romance
 Her first full-length novel was published in 2006
 She lives in New England
 She loves four-wheeling
You may also read a book set in New England or by an author from New England, a book published in 2006, any contemporary romance, or a book with a character who enjoys outdoor recreational activities.

4. Feb. 3 - The Day the Music Died: Read a book set in the music world or with a musician as a main character, or a book where a death plays an important part in the plot.

5. Feb 7 - Super Bowl Sunday: Read a sports romance or a book with an athletic MC, or a book set in California (location of this year's Super Bowl)

6. Feb 13 - Get a Different Name Day: Read a book in which a character uses a name other than their legal name (nicknames count!) or is hiding or on the run, or a book with a marriage in the storyline.

7. Feb 20 - Love Your Pet Day: Read a book with an animal on the cover or in the storyline, or a shifter story.

8. Feb 28 - Oscar Night: Read a book that has been or is in the process of being made into a movie or TV series, or a book (or book from a series) that you think would make a really great movie or TV series.

9. Feb 29 - Leap Day: Take a leap of faith...read a book by an author you've never read before, or a book that has been recommended to you that you've been avoiding.

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



5. Rules of the Game - Lori Wilde (Avon - June 2015) (baseball player) - Feb 3
8. The Fiery Cross - Diana Gabaldon (Delacorte - Sept 2005) (Outlander series/Starz) - Feb 28




March Monthly Challenge
Goodreads




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

2. Member of the Month: Kelly- Kelly has been a member of the RRRC since January, 2013. Here is the link to Kelly's shelves- Kelly'sBooks.
☘ Read a book from any of Kelly's shelves OR
☘ Read a book published in 2013 OR
☘ Read a book published in January of any year.

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC): Courtney Milan.
☘ Read one book written by Courtney Milan or any author with her first or last name. Link to Courtney Milan's backlist.

Fun Facts about Courtney
Courtney writes historical romance
 She has a graduate degree in theoretical physical chemistry and also went to law and was a law professor
 She lives in the Rocky Mountains
 Her debut novel was published in 2010

☘ Read a historical romance or historical fiction book OR
☘ Read a book set in Colorado or in the mountains OR
☘ Read a book that has an MC who is a scientist, a lawyer, works in the judicial system or considered highly intelligent OR
☘ Read any book published in 2010

4. National Craft Month: March is National Craft Month in the US. Created by the Craft & Hobby Association in 1994, it was designed to help people learn about and re-discover the joy of crafting and all its many benefits.
☘ Read a book where someone is crafty/artistic or uses their hands in their profession or has a hobby OR
☘ Read a book published in 1994 OR
☘ Read a book with a 9 or 4 in the page number

5. National Peanut Month: March is also National Peanut Month in the US. George Washington Carver is considered the “Father of the Peanut Industry” and developed over 300 uses for the peanut. In the US, peanuts are grown mostly in the Southeast and makes up about 10% of the world’s production. Other countries with major peanut exports are Argentina, Brazil, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Sudan.
☘ Read a 'peanut-sized book' (a shorter book) OR
☘ Read a book set in the US South or in any of the other regions mentioned OR
☘ Read a book by an author with a first or last name of George, Washington or Carver.

6. March 8 – International Women's Day: International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It is currently sponsored by the United Nations but was first organized by the Socialist Party of America in February of 1928.
☘ Read a book written by a woman OR
☘ Read a book with an international setting (international to you) OR
☘ Read a book that deals with politics or has a political character or has a strong female character.

7. March 15 – The Ides of March: The Ides of March is the first day of the Roman New Year. It also marks the first day of spring in the Roman calendar. On this day in history, Julius Caesar was warned by soothsayers to "beware of the Ides of March". Apparently, he did not heed the warning strongly enough as he was stabbed by Marcus Brutus on the Ides of March in 44 BC.
☘ Read a book set in Rome or Italy OR
☘ Read a book published in March of any year OR
☘ Read a book where someone gets stabbed.

8. March 20 – International Francophonie Day: International Francophonie Day is observed within the International Organization of La Francophonie's 77 member states to celebrate the French language and Francophone culture. There are over 274 million French speakers on Earth.
☘ Read a book set in France OR
☘ Read a book with a character who is French or can speak French OR
☘ Read a book with a 7 in the page number.

9. March 25 – International Waffle Day: This holiday originated in Sweden. It is called VĂ„ffeldagen. This day was also considered the start of spring in Sweden and Europe. It became a custom for Swedish families to celebrate the two events by making waffles on this day. Waffle also means to be indecisive about something.
☘ Read a book set Europe OR
☘ Read a book where someone eats waffles or other breakfast food or has food on the cover OR
☘ Read a book with a character who is indecisive and waffles back and forth about something (or everything!).

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


8.



April Monthly Challenge
Goodreads




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

2. Member of the Month - Diane ~Firefly~: Diane ~Firefly~ has been a member of the RRRC since February, 2010.. Here is the link to Diane ~Firefly~'s shelves... Please read a book from any of Diane ~Firefly~ 's shelves or a book published in 2010 or a book published in February of any year.

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author- Julia Quinn: Read one book written by Julia Quinn or any author with her first or last name. Link to Julia Quinn's backlist

Fun Facts about Julia:
* Her books have been translated into twenty-eight languages
* She writes historical romance
* She won her third RITA in 2010
* She lives in New York

You may also read a book that has been translated, or a historical romance. You can also read any book published in 2010, a book by any author who has won a RITA award, or a book set in New York or by an author who lives in New York.

4. April 1 – April Fools Day: Read a humorous book or a book with someone smiling on the cover.

5. April 4 – School Librarian Day: Read a book with a character who is a librarian or a teacher or a book you received from the library.

6. April 14 – Reach as High as You Can Day: Read a longer book (250+ pages) or a book that’s been on your TBR longer than a year (if you don’t have any, then read one that’s been there the longest)

7. April 22 – Earth Day: Read a book with an outdoorsy character, or a book with an outdoorsy cover or a book you’d take to read and relax outside.

8. April 23 – Lover’s Day: Read a romance book.

9. April 23 – Take a Chance Day: Read a book from a new to you author or series or genre.

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


5.
9. Extreme Honor - Piper J. Drake (Forever - Feb 2016) (new to me author) - Apr 1
10. Once a Family - Tara Taylor Quinn (HS #1930 - June 2014) - Apr 28




May Monthly Challenge
Goodreads




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. Member of the Month: Becca has been a member of the RRRC since March, 2013 . Please read a book from any of ​​Becca's Shelves​ or a book published in 2013 or a book published in March of any year.

​​3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author-Dakota Cassidy
Read one book written by​ Dakota Cassidy:​ Dakota's Backlist Link or any author with her first or last name.

​​Fun Facts about Dakota​:
-writes laugh-out-loud romantic comedy, grab-some-ice erotic romance, hot and sexy alpha males, paranormal shifters, contemporary kick-ass women, and more.
-lives in Portland, Oregon
-RT Reviewers Choice Award for Kiss and Hell
-​​BravoTV featured "Bravoholic"

You may also read a book: set in Oregon, a book with 'Fantasy', 'Shapeshifters', or 'Humor' genres, or a book that's received an award from the Romantic Times.

4. "May the 4th be with you!"
*Read a romance book with the additional 'science fiction' or 'time travel' genre
*In honor of the Jedi read a book that has a 'knight in shining armor' or any other hero for a MC

5. Cinco de Mayo Day! The Mexican army defeated the French army at the Battle of Puebla. This single military battle signified defeat of a European colonial power, and a victory for the Mexican people.
*Read a book set in Mexico or has an Hispanic person as a MC
*Read a book that includes a 'battle' of any kind
*Read a book with the number '5' in the page count

6. Mother's Day is May 8
*Read a book involving a mother or person who serves as a 'mother figure' for others as a MC
*Read a book written by a woman

7. International Nurse Day is celebrated on May 12, because this it's the birthday of Florence Nightingale
*Read any book involving the MC in health care
*Read a book with MC first or last name starting with 'F' or 'N'

8. Friday the 13th occurs only once in 2016. Considered by most as a day of 'back luck' or omen.
*Read a book that involves MC who is a 'witch', 'vampire' or other mystical character
*Read a book that is part of a series with at least 13 books within the series
*Read a book with 13 or more chapters

9. Memorial Day is May 30 and a day to celebrate and recognize those who serve(d) in our Armed Forces in addition for us to remember our loved ones who have died.
*Read a book with Armed Forces MC​ (present or retired)​
*Read a book where someone dies during the read
​*Read a book where there is red, white and/or blue on the cover​

10: Read a book of your choice


3. Western Spring Weddings - Lynna Banning, Kathryn Albright, Lauri Robinson (HH #1275 - Apr 2016) - The City Girl and the Rancher by Lynna Banning (Smoke River, OR) - May 4
5. Brody - Emma Lang (Brava - July 2012) (Mexico) - May 21
9. Deadly Obsession - Elle James (HRS #1897 - May 2016) (former Army Ranger) - May 7
10. A SEAL to Save Her - Karen Anders (HRS #1902 - June 2016) - May 23




June Monthly Challenge
Goodreads




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

2. Member of the Month: Ranzes Ryne- Ranzes Ryne has been a member of the RRRC since February 2014. Here is the link to Ranzes Ryne's shelves-Ranzes' Shelves
Please read a book from any of Ranzes Ryne's shelves or a book published in 2014 or a book published in February of any year.

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author- Pamela Clare. Read one book written by Pamela Clare or any author with her first or last name. Link to Pamela Clare's backlist- Pamela's Link
Fun Facts about Pamela-
* Pamela Clare lives in Colorado.
* She published her first novel in 2003.
* She writes Historical Romance & Contemporary Romantic Suspense
* Pamela is a two-time RITA finalist for Surrender, Defiant and a three-time Daphne du Maurier finalist for I-Team.
You may also read a book set in Colorado, or by an author who is from Colorado. You can also read any book published in 2003, or is shelved as Contemporary Romance or a book by any author who is a RITA finalist or a Daphne du Maurier finalist.

4. June 1st- National Doughnut Day- Read a book with a dessert or something round on the cover and/or a recipe for magic/spells (witch, wizard, etc.)

5. June 8th- Best Friend Day- Read a book with best friends or a book recommended by a friend.

6. June 12th- Red Rose Day – Read a book that has something red on the cover or that is HOT (your choice on what hot is.)

7. June 15th- Smile Power Day- Read a book with lips on the cover or a couple kissing.

8. June 20th- First day of Summer- Read a book with a summer theme on the cover or in the setting of the story (island, tropical, beach setting, etc.)

9. June 27th- Sunglasses Day- Read a book with sun or sunglasses on the cover or a character who is blind or has another disability.

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





July Monthly Challenge
Goodreads




1. "J" is for "July": Read a book that starts with "J" or a book whose author's first or last name starts with "J".

2. Happy Anniversary!: Read a book that was published in July of any year or read a book of a RRRC member who joined in July of any year.

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) Janet Chapman:
Read one book written by Janet Chapman or any author with her first or last name.

Other interesting facts about Janet Chapman:
•             Janet Chapman has written 22 novels, all set in her home state of Maine.
•             She lives in a cozy little log home with her husband.
•             She’s best known for her Highlander Series
•             Her books have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
•             Janet Chapman started writing for publication in 2003.

Select a book written by Janet Chapman or you can also read a book that takes place in Maine, a book about Highland clans, or a book published in 2003.

4. July 3rd: Disobedience Day:
Read a book with a sassy MC. Someone who knows his/her own mind and doesn’t mind sharing it with others. MC’s that’ll just “let loose” with their words. It could even be a MC who suffers from “verbal diarrhea”. (This is not to be confused with Challenge #8. " Sassy" is what a person says; "adventuresome" is what a person does!)

5. July 4th: Sidewalk Egg Frying Day:
It’s July and, in the Northern hemisphere, at least, the temperatures are in the triple digits. Read a book that’s sizzling hot. You can pick a cover that steams you up or perhaps the words inside are panty-melting hot. Either one will work!

6. July 15th Cow Appreciation Day:
Leather, cheese, filet mignon…. what would we do without cows? Let’s celebrate cattle by reading a book with a western theme. The book may take place on a ranch or farm or perhaps a MC is a cowboy or cowgirl, maybe even a rodeo star. Your choice!

7. July 20th Moon Day:
All of us are affected by the phases of the Moon to some extent but no one more the shapeshifters who live among us. Read a book with a shapeshifter in it or you can read any PNR book. If PNR isn’t quite your thing, you can also read a book with a dark cover, a cover with a moon on it or a cover with a naked/undressed person(s) on it (Come on, you remembering mooning, right? Not that any of us ever did such a thing).

8. July 24th Amelia Earhart Day:
(Per Wikipedia) Earhart was an aviation pioneer and author. Earhart was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She received the U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross for this record. She set many other records, wrote best-selling books about her flying experiences and was instrumental in the formation of an organization for female pilots. During an attempt to circumnavigate the globe in 1937 in an airplane, Earhart disappeared over the central Pacific Ocean; her remains have never been found.

Read a book with an adventuresome MC who likes to do dangerous and exciting things. This can either be his/her career or hobby, etc. You can also select a book with a pilot MC, or a book with a character who travels in the story. (This is not to be confused with Challenge #4. Adventure-some is what a person does; sassy is what a person says!)

9. July is a great month to celebrate Europe:
July 14th is Bastille Day (France), July 18th is Caviar Day (Russia) and July 29th is Lasagna Day (Italy). Read a book that is either set in Europe or has a MC from Europe or who visits Europe. Or find an author from Europe!

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


9. Deep Secrets - Beverly Long (HI #1644 - June 2016) (hero working in Italy) - July 19



August Monthly Challenge
Goodreads



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

2. Happy Anniversary!: Read a book that was published in August of any year or read a book of a RRRC member who joined in August of any year. The list for 2015 begins at the link, go further back for other years.

3. Featured Author Challenge - Teresa Medeiros: Read a book by this month's Featured Author, Teresa Medeiros or by any author with her first or last name.
Fun Facts about Teresa:
Teresa Medeiros was a 8 time RITA finalist.
 She published her first novel in 1989.
 She primarily writes Historical Romance.
 Teresa lives in Kentucky with her husband and two cats.
So you may also read any book that was a RITA finalist in any category. You can also read any book published in 1989, or that is shelved as Historical Romance. Or you can read a book set in Kentucky.

4. Summer Olympics (August 5-21): Read a sports romance or a book where a MC is an athlete or is physically active.

5. Book Lover's Day (August 9): Read a best seller or a book rated higher than 4 on GR.

6. Relaxation Day (August 15): Read a perfect beach/deck book.

7. National Tell a Joke Day (August 16): Read a humorous or lighthearted book.

8. Senior Citizens Day: Read a book with an older hero/heroine.

9. More Herbs, Less Salt Day (August 29): Read a spicy book or a book with a spicy cover.

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


4. Fugitive Fiancee - Kristin Gabriel (HQN - June 2004) (physically active/rancher) - Aug 3
7.
10. Out Rider - Lindsay McKenna (HQN - May 2016) - Aug 13



September Monthly Challenge
Goodreads


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

2. Happy Anniversary!
READ a book
published in September of any year or
from an RRRC member that joined in September of any year. Here is a link to the member list, beginning with September 2015.

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author - Mari Carr:
READ a book written by Mari Carr or any author with her first or last name (link to Mari Carr's backlist).

Fun Facts about Mari:
Mari is from the state of Virginia
Mari is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller for contemporary erotic romance
Writing a book was the top item in Mari’s bucket list
Mari has nearly 80 published works
READ a book
set in the US or
tagged erotic or
a best seller from any listing or
where someone strives for or achieves a life goal or dream or
with 8 or 0 in the page count

4. International Square Dancing Month: Since its beginning in the days of early America, square dance has been a popular pastime and excuse to party hard in the barn. It was brought over from England with the first settlers in the form of folk dances, which included the quadrille, jigs, reels, and the minuet. During the Revolutionary War, young America shunned anything British and thus many terms still used today in traditional square dancing are French in origins, such as promenade and do-si-do (dos-Ă -dos).
READ a book
that includes dancing or has a character that is a dancer or
that is a historical romance set in America or
that includes French characters or characters of French descent.

5. Hispanic Heritage Month: This observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.
READ a book
set in any Central or South American country or
where an important character is Hispanic or of Hispanic descent.

6. September 7 - Neither Rain Nor Snow Day: This day is a celebration of the opening of the New York Post Office building in 1914 where this inscription was included on the building: "Neither snow nor rain not heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." While that motto is widely recognized as the US Postal Service motto is in fact NOT the official motto. It was borrowed from a motto used by the Pony Express which was not (as many believe) a predecessor to the US Post Office – it was more Fed Ex than USPS!
READ a book
that shows rain or snow on the cover or
where the delivery of something plays an important part of the story or
that has a horse on the cover.

7. September 11 - Grandparent's Day: This holiday originated in 1978. Then President Jimmy Carter declared it to be the first Sunday after Labor Day.
READ a book
with any character that is a grandparent or an older person or
set in or published in the 1970’s or
whose author initials can be found in GRANDPARENT.

8. September 19 - International Talk Like A Pirate Day: Ahoy, Matey! This day is a day just for fun, a day to let out the pirate in each of us. John Baur and Mark Summers created the concept of International Talk Like a Pirate Day on June 6, 1995. While playing racquetball, they began to talk to each other in Pirate-speak. After leaving the court, they decided that there was a need to create this day. After much thought, Mark Summers selected September 19th as the date. This was his wife's birthday. So, he thought it would be an easy date to remember. To extend the fun, take this test, Pirate Personality Test.
READ a book
with a pirate character or
with author first or last names of John Baur or Mark Summers or
with a character name of John or Mark or
with 6, 1, 9 or 5 in the page count.

9. September 27 - Oktoberfest begins in Germany: This is a two-week festival held in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. While it is a giant world festival in Germany, Oktoberfest celebrations are held around the world during this time. These festivals also celebrate the rich heritage of the German people. The first festival was held in 1810.
READ a book
set in Germany during any time period or
that is a historical romance or
includes a festival of any kind or
set in any beverage making industry (beer brewery, vineyard or winery, distillery, etc.).

10. Reader's Choice:


6. Into Dust - B.J. Daniels (HQN - Aug 2016) (horse on cover) - Sept 18
10. Fighting Dirty - Lori Foster (HQN - Feb 2016) - Sept 3



October Monthly Challenge
Goodreads





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

2. Happy Anniversary!- Read a book that was published in October of any year or read a book of an RRRC member that joined in October of any year. Link to member list, beginning with October 2015- 

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author- Suzanne Enoch: Read one book written by Suzanne Enoch or any author with her first or last name. Link to Suzanne Enoch's backlist

Fun Facts about Suzanne-
 Suzanne Enoch currently resides in Placentia, California with several hundred guppies and various other tropical fish, and handful of very loud, spinach-loving finches. .
 She published her first book, The Black Duke’s Prize, from Avon Books in the Spring of 1995.
 She writes historical romance.
 Suzanne is known for her humorous characters, sexy bad boys, and whip-sharp, witty dialogue. 
So you may also read any book that was published by Avon Books. You can also read any book published in 1995, or that is shelved as Historical Romance or you can read a book set in California or it can also be about an MC that is humorous characters, sexy bad boys, whip-sharp, or has a witty dialogue.

4. October is Breast Cancer month. Read a book with pink in the cover.

5. October 7th is World Smile Day. Read a book where someone is smiling on the cover.

6. October 10th is Columbus Day. Read a book that has water or any mode of transport and/or shoreline or coastline on the cover.

7. October 16th is Boss Day. Read a book that has a boss in the book or has a bossy character, or a character who likes to take charge.

8. October 18th is Chocolate Cupcake Day. Read a book with a type of food on the cover and/or someone in the food industry.

9. October 31st is Halloween. Read a PNR book or a book with a witchy character.

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


7. The Watson Brothers - Lori Foster (Zebra - April 2016) - My House, My Rules - Oct 7
8.

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