Do any of these fit our own definitions perfectly? Probably not.
As romance readers, we get to see more facets of love than most. Since we get to see so many sides of what love is, we are probably better qualified than most to define the phases and faces of love. This challenge is to do just that.
Number of Books: 12
Duration: 120 days
EDIT: I know I didn't put a time frame in place, but I think everyone should be wrapped up by June 1st which means if you are in, must start by Feb 1 (if you want the full 120 days)**
Pick any 12 categories but no duplication allowed. At least one book must be from the early stages, one from the middle stages, and ,yes all things end, so one from the end too. Choices from Other Loves are optional but may be used to fill the quota. 12 books in 120 days should be easy for most of you. I'm not declaring that they have to be read in order or anything. If you want a REAL challenge though, do all 25 categories.
It should be noted that so many of the categories are contingent upon things that happen in the book. So you are going to have to rely on the suggestions and reviews of others to know if the book qualifies. Good Luck and ENJOY!
Early Stages:
Puppy Love - Read a book where the h/H knew each other as kids and one of them had a crush on the other.
Young Love - Read a YA book with a significant romance theme.
Love at First Sight - Read a book where the h/H have an instant attraction or read a book that you bought because of the cover without knowing the author or reading any reviews (that's right. Just walk into a book store and buy a book with a cover you like. Don't even bother to read the blurb or the back. Come on, try it.)
Love's First Kiss - Read a book by an author you've never read before.
Blind Date - Read a book that a friend recommends. Unlike the PIFM challenge, you only get one pick.
Friends First (More Later) - Read a book where the h/H are friends for a long time before they become romantically involved.
Summer Lovin' - Read a book where the h/H meet on vacation.
Middle Stages:
Love and Marriage - Read a book where the h/H begin the book married.
A Serious Commitment - Read a book with at least 750 pages.
We're Comfortable - Read a book where the h/H have dated for more than three years but have never gotten married.
Keeping Things Interesting - You knew if I was putting a challenge together there had to be an erotica book in there somewhere. Well, you've found it.
Finding a New Home - Most families once they really start to get established, move/buy/build homes. Read a book that has a house building/refurb/rehab/real-estate as a significant plot element.
First comes love, second comes marriage, then comes Joey in a baby carriage! - Read a book that has a child between the h/H as a major plot element.
I love my job! - Read a book where something about either the h/H job is a significant issue.
The End and Beyond:
Sometimes we have to say goodbye to the ones we love - Read a book where either h/H is a widow/widower.
Death isn't always the end - With the wonderful world of PNR, the h/H don't even have to be alive! Ghosts, vampires, and zombies all qualify here.
My ex isn't dead. I just wish they were - Read a book where the h/H are divorced. Either one is fine.
I didn't know what I had until you were gone - Read a book where h/H had a relationship, were separated for a significant length of time, and re-connected later in life. They don't have to have been married the first time.
We've been together forever - Read a book from an author that you have read (and rated) at least 10 of their books.
The Golden Years - Read a book where the h/H are retired, a grandparent is a significant character, or one of the characters is over 100 years old (yeah, another nod to those PNR folks).
This can't be all there is! - Read the most recently released book in a series that you love.
Other Loves
Love thy God - Read a book where the h/H is an officer of a religion (priest, pastor, rabbi, high priestess of the goddess Boo - whatever).
Filial Love - Read a book where a parent of the h/H plays a significant role in the story.
Love thy neighbor - There is always the girl next door or boy next door stories. Maybe they grew up next door to each other. Maybe they just moved in next door. Either way, they end up doing more than just borrowing a cup of flour.
Love your pets - There is a pet in this story that is a major player in the story. Maybe the h/H is a vet. In any event, pets and animals are a major focus of this one.
Example:
Early Stages:
Love's first kiss (new to me author): The Phantom of the Opera
Puppy Love (one had crush on other as kids): Romancing Mister Bridgerton
Friends first (more later): Last Night's Scandal
Love at first sight (chosen for cover): Girl with a Pearl Earring
Middle Stages:
I love my job! (H is a spy): Dancing on the Wind
Keeping things interesting (erotica): Wicked Intentions
The End and Beyond:
We've been together forever (author I've read and rated 10+ books): Dreamfever
This can't be all there is! (most recently released book of a series I love): Shadowfever
Sometimes we have to say goodbye to the ones we love (H is widower): The China Bride
The Golden Years (Grandmother main character): The Lost Duke of Wyndham
Death isn't always the end (Vampire H): A Discovery of Witches
Other Loves:
Love your pets (dog of H is a main character): I Am the Messenger
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