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If one walk down the aisles of bookstores, paranormal elements seem to have seeped into almost every genre, exploding like a supernova into the general fiction shelves.

I call August's reading challenge: Paranormal Summer Explosion. The challenge is to read one book from each genre I have selected that has paranormal elements in the story. (Now, if I have to tell you what are paranormal elements...hmm..you might be hanging out in the wrong group...LOL)


1. Romance (the story has a definite happily-ever-after between the main hero/heroine...this is popularly known as PNR)

2. Urban Fantasy (dark, gritty tale that follows a strong female lead, almost always narrated from a first person point of view, and is set in contemporary urban or modern environment)

3. Fantasy (stories set in an alternate universe created by the writer's imagination)

4. Historical (stories set in the past)

5. Futuristic/Sci-Fi (stories set either in the future or in outer space)

6. Young Adult (main protagonist in the story is a teen)

7. Chick-Lit (less dark in theme than Urban Fantasy, usually has a single, working female, either in her twenties or thirties as the main character)

8. Erotica (sex defines the genre..lots of sex..adjust level of steaminess to one's taste *grins*)

9. Suspense/Thriller/Horror (I think these names pretty much explain themselves)

There is it, folks. Happy choosing!

P.S.: My description per genre is mine alone, and may not be all conclusive for everyone. I'm not going to nitpick the books selected per category, so everybody, just use your own discretion. The goal, as always, is to have fun reading!

Again, you may post your list anytime soon, but no reading until August 1.

Sweet sounds like another great challenge Yz, can't wait to start picking out my books!

Sounds good. I'll have to decide what to read. These challenges help me reduce my to read pile but then I see what everyone else is reading and it grows again.

Want to participate, but better not. If I'm taking the month off the day job to finish a book, I'd better focus on writing the book...

Arcadia's Challenge List:

1. Romance: How To Marry a Millionaire Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks
2. Urban Fantasy: Night Life by Caitlin Kittredge
3. Fantasy: Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr
4. Historical: Shadow's Kiss by Joan Hohl
5. Futuristic/Sci-Fi: Gate of Ivrel by C.J. Cherryh
6. Young Adult:Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause
7. Chick-Lit: Awaken Me Darkly by Gena Showalter
8. Erotica: Thorn Queen by Richelle Mead
9. Suspense/Thriller/Horror: Touch the Dark by Karen Chance

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I'm in. will look over the bookshelves here at home when I feel a bit better. Had a cyst removed yesterday and its KILLING me today. Not really able to do much of anything, and I hate typing with only 1 hand (I'm a touch typist, and can't do that with only 1 h and.)

Ann in VA

Gail said, "If I'm taking the month off the day job to finish a book, I'd better focus on writing the book... "

Yes, Gail, finish the book! They you can play with us again in September and we'll have another fun book to look forward to. I'm selfish :-) Good luck!

Ann: Feel better! Take it easy for a while, we'll be here whenever you are ready *hugs*

As for the challenge, I'll have to think about it. I don't do historical much, or suspense, although the horror aspect is do-able. Plus I'm not sure I have any sci-fi with paranormal elements lined up, I have to think about that one.

Yz's Challenge List:

Romance - Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh
Urban Fantasy - Skin Trade by Laurell K. Hamilton
Fantasy - Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder
Historical - The Cursed One by Ronda Thompson
Futuristic - Hope's Folly by Linnea Sinclair
Young Adult - Betrayed by P.C. Cast
Chick-Lit - Damsel Under Stress A Novel by Shanna Swendson
Erotica - Addicted by Lydia Parks
Suspense/Thriller - Fool Moon by Jim Butcher

Melissa's Challenge List:


Romance - Zen and the Art of Vampires by Katie MacAlister
Urban Fantasy - Urban Shaman by C.E. Murphy
Fantasy - Dagger-Star by Elizabeth Vaughan
Historical - As Shadows Fade by Colleen Gleason
Sci-Fi - Grimspace by Ann Aguirre
Young Adult - Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Chick-Lit - Bled Dry by Erin McCarthy
Erotica - My Immortal by Erin McCarthy
Suspense - Darkness Calls by Marjorie M. Liu

Cool, I'll have to go through my books and make my list!

So would you say that any book containing aliens is considered Sci-fi?

I'm on vacation for half of August but I will still participate in the challenge as much as I can. There will be lots of plane trips so I will be taking a few books to get me through those (I'm not a big fan of flying), and of course, will be hitting the book stores while I'm away :)

I'm currently re-organising my bookshelves so I will start gathering my books for August while in the process.

1. Romance: Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night by Kresley Cole

2. Urban Fantasy: Poison Sleep by T.A. Pratt

3. Fantasy: Magic Lost, Trouble Found by Lisa Shearin

4. Historical: Enchanting the Lady by Kathryne Kennedy

5. Futuristic/Sci-Fi: Grimspace by Ann Aguirre

6. Young Adult: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

7. Chick-Lit: Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper

8. Erotica: Swallowing Darkness (Meredith Gentry, #7) by Laurell K. Hamilton

9. Suspense/Thriller/Horror: Proven Guilty by Jim Butcher

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Looking at my bookshelves I think I might struggle with this one. Having trouble finding something for Historical (would Frankenstein work?) and Sci fi (think I've only got The Host that would cover it and it would probably take me the whole month just to read that one!!!).

I'll have another look!!!

1. Romance � Beneath A Darkening Moon � Keri Arthur
2. Urban Fantasy � Urban Shaman � C E Murphy
3. Fantasy - Thief of Lives � Barb & JC Hendee
4. Historical � Dark Angel � Lucy Blue
5. Futuristic/Sci-Fi � Shards of Crimson - Liz Maverick et al.
6. Young Adult � Tantalize - Cynthia Leitich Smith
7. Chick-Lit � Over Hexed � Vicki Lewis Thompson
8. Erotica � Trinity Broken � Jamie Craig
9. Suspense/Thriller/Horror � Memory Zero � Keri Arthur

Here is my list for August:

Romance: Storm of Visions by Christina Dodd
Urban Fantasy: Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning
Fantasy: Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
Historical: When Twilight Burns by Colleen Gleason
Futuristic: Gabriel's Ghost by Linnea Sinclair
Young Adult: Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
Chick-Lit: Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson
Erotica: Taming the Fire by Sydney Croft
Horror: Dracula by Bram Stoker

Jan--as long as there are aliens in it, yes, its scifi. Could be Invasion (BEM's invading earth) BEM for those who are not serious SciFi fans means Bug Eyed Monster. Lol, its so much a convention that I know of a couple of stories where the AUTHOR refers to the aliens as BEMS or BEMMIES. One they even do that to the face of the aliens. That book tho is set in the far future and the aliens and humans have a working/friendship type relationship.
Another author (Phillip Jose Farmer) actually makes one set of HIS aliens "Bug Eyed Monsters" i.e. giant insectoid type aliens. And of course, who can forget the first Men in Black movie with the giant cockroach. :oP

Oh--and for modern day invasions stories, might I suggest John Ringo. He has a series that has Earth invaded and there is a FINAL battle of Fredericksburg (little nod to the Civil War battles that were fought here with that one) that everyone here in the 'Burg LOVES. I'll have Oz let you know which series that is, since she has my copies of the series.

Ann in VA

I have to go with what I already have on hand...

Romance - Dark Needs at Night's Edge - Kresley cole
Urban Fantasy - Magic to the Bone - Devon Monk
Fantasy - Something from the Nightside - Simon R. Green
Historical - Beyond the Highland Mist - Karen Marie Moning
Futuristic/Sci-Fi - Gabriel's Ghost - Linnea Sinclair
Young Adult - The Awakening - Kelley Armstrong
Chick-Lit - Undead and Unwelcome - MaryJanice Davidson
Erotica - Skin Trade - Laurell K. Hamilton
Suspense/Thriller/Horror - Storm Front - Jim Butcher

I'm going to attempt my hardest to follow through with this...these are my choices so far :)

Romance - Lover Enshrined
Urban Fantasy - Thorn Queen
Fantasy -
Historical - The Gargoyle
Futuristic/Sci-Fi - The Host
Young Adult -
Chick-Lit - Undead and Unappreciated
Erotica - A Caress of Twilight (Meredith Gentry, #2)-
Suspense/Thriller/Horror-

Ok, I have to go ahead a swap out a title already. Just finished Succubus On Top and it was freakin' fantastic! So I have to change Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night to Succubus Dreams.

1. Romance: Succubus Dreams by Richelle Mead
2. Urban Fantasy: Unshapely Things by Mark Del Franco
3. Fantasy: Magic Lost, Trouble Found by Lisa Shearin
4. Historical: Enchanting the Lady by Kathryne Kennedy
5. Futuristic/Sci-Fi: Grimspace by Ann Aguirre
6. Young Adult: Meridian by Amber Kizer
7. Chick-Lit: Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper
8. Erotica: Swallowing Darkness (Meredith Gentry, #7) by Laurell K. Hamilton
9. Suspense/Thriller/Horror: Poison Sleep by T.A. Pratt

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My very tentative list (based solely on books I have - got to get through some!!!)



Romance - Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris
Urban Fantasy - Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton
Fantasy - Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
Historical - The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
Sci Fi - Soon I Will Be Invincible by Austin Grossman
Young Adult - Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder
Chick Lit - Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson
Erotica - Witch Fire by Anya Bast
Suspense/Thriller/Horror - Black Magic Woman by Justin Gustainis

8/9 Completed

1. Romance: Passionate Thirst by Cameron Dean 8/2
2. Urban Fantasy: Cast in Fury by Michelle Sagara 8/22
3. Fantasy: Ain't Myth-Behaving - Katie MacAlister 8/7
4. Historical: The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss 8/3
5. Futuristic/Sci-Fi: In the Midnight Hour by Patti O'Shea 8/6
6. Young Adult: Marked by P.C. Cast 8/17
7. Chick-Lit: Real Vampires Have Curves by Gerry Bartlett
8. Erotica: Eternal Pleasure by Nina Bangs 8/9
9. Suspense/Thriller/Horror: Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz 8/27

Here's my list for August

Romance: Over My Dead Body by Michele Bardsley
Urban Fantasy: Skinwalker: A Jane Yellowrock Novel by Faith Hunter
Fantasy: The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett
Historical: Topper by Thorne Smith
Futuristic/Sci-Fi: Grimspace by Ann Aguirre
Young Adult: Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
Chick-Lit: Sucker For Love by Kimberly Raye
Erotica: Fangs for the Memories by Kathy Love
Horror: Night Life by Ray Garton

1.Romance Bad Moon Rising - Sherrilyn Kenyon
2.Urban Fantasy Holy Smokes - Katie MacAlister
3.Fantasy Grimspace - Ann Aguirre
4.Historical Beyond the highland Mist - Karen Marie Moning
5.futuristic/Sci-Fi Enslave Me Sweetly - Gena Showalter
6.Young Adult Untamed - PC Cast
7.Chick-Lit Undead & Unreturnable - Mary Janice Davidson
8.Erotica Elizabeth's Wolf - lora Leigh
9.Suuspense/Thriller/Horror The Turning - Jennifer Armintrout

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I want to participate but I can't seem to get away from my M/M books right so I'm going to try and make them fit. My "strong female lead" will be a strong male lead and for chick-lit...it will be boy-lit LOL. I know, I know, there is no such thing but I'm taking a little bit of creative license with this month's challenge.

I wanted to do it to but i been slacking on all my challenges cause i have been too busy with the anita blake series. my cousin let me borrow most of the books for Anita and some from Merry too. Im on burnt offerings and i just can't stop reading them!

Lauren wrote: "I wanted to do it to but i been slacking on all my challenges cause i have been too busy with the anita blake series. my cousin let me borrow most of the books for Anita and some from Merry too. Im..."

Well, you've got about 5 categories covered with both the Anita and Merry books so you just need to find 4 for the others!

very true hahaha

My List :D

1.Romance: Bad Moon Rising - Sherrilyn Kenyon
2.Urban Fantasy: Thorn Queen - Richelle Mead
3.Fantasy: Poison Study - Maria V. Snyder
4.Historical: The Gargoyle - Andrew Davidson
5.futuristic/Sci-Fi: The Host - Stephenie Meyer
6.Young Adult: My Soul to Take - Rachel Vincent
7.Chick-Lit: Undead & Unwed - MaryJanice Davidson
8.Erotica: Witch Fire - Anya Bast
9.Suuspense/Thriller/Horror: Nightlife - Rob Thurman

Here's my list for the August challenge:

1. Romance: Visions of Heat by Nalini Singh

2. Urban Fantasy:Working for the Devil by Lilith Saintcrow

3. Fantasy: Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder

4. Historical:The Vampire Who Loved Me by Teresa Medeiros

5. Futuristic/Sci-Fi: Parallel Attraction by Deidre Knight, or The Legend of Banzai Maguire by Susan Grant

6. Young Adult: Blood Promise(I can't wait until this one comes out on 8/25!) by Richelle Mead

7. Chick-Lit: You Slay Me by Katie Macaliser

8. Erotica: Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur

9. Suspense/Thriller/Horror:Blue Diablo by Ann Aguirre, or Witch Way to Murder by Shirley Damsgaard


Michelle in TN

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1. Romance
Gideon by Jacquelyn Frank
2. Urban Fantasy
Skin Tradeby Laurell K. Hamilton
3. Fantasy
Sourcery by Terry Pratchett
4. Historical
The Reluctant Viking by Sandra Hill
5. Futuristic/Sci-Fi
Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
6. Young Adult
Untamed by P.C. % Kristin Cast
7. Chick-Lit
Fire Me Up by Katie MacAlister
8. Erotica
The Waterlord by Dawn Thompson
9. Suspense/Thriller/Horror
Ashes of Midnight by Lara Adrian

Great Challenge Yz. Harder this time to find books that fit, so i'm interpreting this loosely:
Here's mine

1. Romance: Dark Challenge - Christine Feehan

2. Urban Fantasy: Up in Smokes - Katie MacAlister

3. Fantasy: Masques (Sianim,#1) by Patricia Briggs

4. Historical: Beyond the Highland Mist - Karen Marie Moning

5. Futuristic/Sci-Fi: Slave to Sensation - Nalini Singh

6. Young Adult: Vampire Academy � Richelle Mead OR City of Bones by Cassandra Claire

7. Chick-Lit: Undead & Unwed - Mary JaniceDavidson

8. Erotica: Dark Elves IV Dissent - Jet Mykles

9. Suspense/Thriller/Horror: Iron Kissed - Patricia Briggs OR Nightlife - Rob Thurman

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Here's my list so far"

1. Romance- Heart Of The Dragon, Gena Showalter

2. Urban Fantasy- Darkfever, Karen Marie Moning

3. Fantasy-Ghost Hunter, Jayne Castle

4. Historical- To Tame a Highland Warrior, Karen Marie Moning

5. Futuristic/Sci-Fi �Abduction, Robin Cook

6. Young Adult Twilight, Stephanie Meyer

7. Chick-Lit Date Me, Baby, One More Time, Stephanie Rowe

8. Erotica Acheron, Sherrilyn Kenyon

9. Suspense/Thriller/Horror Monster, Johnathan Kellerman

Subject to change:
Romance-Destined for an Early Grave, Jeaniene Frost
Urban Fantasy-Moon Called, Patricia Briggs
Fantasy-Magic Strikes, Ilona Andrews
Historical-Knight of Darkness, Sherrilyn Kenyon
Sci-Fi-Beyond the Highland Mist, Karen Moning
Young Adult-The Hunter's Moon, O.R. Melling
Chick-Lit
Erotica-Laughing Corpse, Laurell K. Hamilton
Suspense/Thriller-Possession, Jennifer Armintrout

Shannon wrote: "Lauren wrote: "I wanted to do it to but i been slacking on all my challenges cause i have been too busy with the anita blake series. my cousin let me borrow most of the books for Anita and some fro..."

Which categories would those be? Which ones could Laughing Corpse fit into?

Lenore wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Lauren wrote: "I wanted to do it to but i been slacking on all my challenges cause i have been too busy with the anita blake series. my cousin let me borrow most of the books for An..."

probably urban fantasy.

Lenore wrote: "Which categories would those be? Which ones could Laughing Corpse fit into?"

I'd think that any of the Anita Blake books would fit in Urban Fantasy, Erotica, or even Suspense. Merry Gentry could fit under Romance, Fantasy, or Erotica. So, 5 categories covered.

Hi all :)
I'm new in this reading challenge and this is my list :P

1 ROMANCE: Lover revealed by J.R. Ward
2 URBAN FANTASY: Black magic woman by Justin Gustainis
3 FANTASY: Master of dragons by Angela Knight
4 HISTORICAL: Night falls darkly by Kim Lenox
5 FUTURISTIC: After dark by Jayne Castle
6 YOUNG ADULT: Tithe: A modern faerie tale by Holly Black
7 CHICK LIT: Dead end dating by Kimberly Raye
8 EROTIC: A kiss of shadows by Laurell K. Hamilton
9 SUSPENSE: Black magic by Caitlin Kittredge

Have to make a change already cause I'm still not anywhere near the top of the list for Skin Trade.

Romance - Dark Needs at Night's Edge - Kresley cole
Urban Fantasy - Magic to the Bone - Devon Monk
Fantasy - Something from the Nightside - Simon R. Green
Historical - Beyond the Highland Mist - Karen Marie Moning
Futuristic/Sci-Fi - Gabriel's Ghost - Linnea Sinclair
Young Adult - The Awakening - Kelley Armstrong
Chick-Lit - Undead and Unwelcome - MaryJanice Davidson
Erotica - Wicked Nights - Nina Bangs
Suspense/Thriller/Horror - Storm Front - Jim Butcher

Brandyw wrote: "Hi all :)
I'm new in this reading challenge and this is my list :P

1 ROMANCE: Lover revealed by J.R. Ward
2 URBAN FANTASY: Black magic woman by Justin Gustainis
3 FANTASY: Master of dragons by Ang..."

Welcome Bradyw! Hope you'll enjoy the challenge!

I'm going to try again with the Aug. challenge, becuase I know I will not get all my books read for the July challenge (sighing)... I do not have my list yet, need to check out my books at home first.

OK I'm in I have all my books ready and waiting here we go!

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Romance-----Midnight Rising by Lara Adrian

Urban Fantasy-----Kissing SinbyKeri Arthur

Historical -----Night Falls Darkly by Kim Lenox

Futuristic----- The Devil's Right Hand byLilith Saintcrow

Young Adult-----Vampireville byEllen Schreiber

Chicklit-----Bit the Jackpot by Erin McCarthy

Erotica----- Desire Untamed by Pamela Palmer

Suspense/Thriller----- The Strain byGuillermo Del Toro

Fantasy -----Up In Smoke byKatie MacAlister

here's my list

Romance--Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian

Urban Fantasy--One Foot in the Grave by Jeanine Frost

Fantasy--Second Skin by Caitlin Kittredge

Historical--Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning

Futuristic/Sci-fi--

Young Adult--City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Chick Lit--Undead and Unemployed by Mary Janice Davidson

Erotic--Kissing Sin by Keri Arthur

Suspense/Thriller--The Strain by Guillermo Del Torro

Michelle(karenshell)

hello Namesake (Ann) I haven't posted a list yet either. I have 7 of the 9 books (possibly) picked out. Altho I have found that my picks can change radically from the start of the challenge til I finish. I think one month I didn't read a single thing in my original list that month (Shakes head.) Part of that is because as I get new books (my Amazon addiction is almost as expensive as a crack addiction) that I have either bought or that I've signed up for at the library and where my name has finally reached the top of the list. I have a couple of books where I've been waiting for a month to a month and a half and I'm STILL not at the top yet. The weird thing is--the one that had the longest line wasn't even a new book. It was at least 5 or 6 years old, but there were still 23 people signed up for it when I went in to reserve it. Last time I checked (yesterday) I was down to #15, so I'm slowly, slowly, slowly working my way up the list.

Of the books I've laid out, I'm fairly sure I'll be reading at least 3 of, but that's mainly because I just got them in and am dieing to read them anyway.

Which reminds me--for Tanya Huff fans, she has just started a new series, the first book of which is called The Enchantment Emporium. That's probably going to be the first book I read. (Hurry up August 1, I really want to read that book)

Ann in VA

Maybe I'll be able to do August. I'm so disappointed with myself for July! But I've just been so busy. With three camps going on this month, it was just too crazy.

So I'm in!

Though I don't read one category so I'm not sure what to do about that. Hmmmm. Then again if I get a book in that and skip all the TMI scenes I could probably finish it in like 45 minutes... LOL I know some of you guys like that, but I'm really more of a PG sort of girl!

I couldn't help but read Thorn Queen so...I'll just have to pick another urban fantasy later on :P

1.Romance: Bad Moon Rising - Sherrilyn Kenyon
2.Urban Fantasy: --- To be determined.
3.Fantasy: Poison Study - Maria V. Snyder
4.Historical: The Gargoyle - Andrew Davidson
5.futuristic/Sci-Fi: The Host - Stephenie Meyer
6.Young Adult: My Soul to Take - Rachel Vincent
7.Chick-Lit: Undead & Unwed - MaryJanice Davidson
8.Erotica: Witch Fire - Anya Bast
9.Suuspense/Thriller/Horror: Nightlife - Rob Thurman

Hey Kyle, I was supposed to read Thorn Queen for July's challenge but read Darkfever instead b/c I couldn't wait for Thorn Queen to be released. I'm going to get Thorn Queen sometime today. I just wanted to know which one you like better, Storm Born or Thorn Queen?



Kyle wrote: "I couldn't help but read Thorn Queen so...I'll just have to pick another urban fantasy later on :P

1.Romance: Bad Moon Rising - Sherrilyn Kenyon
2.Urban Fantasy: --- To be determined.
3.Fant..."

this is my first time so I'm going to give it a shot.This is what I got so far.

Romance- Jacob by Jacquelyn Franck
Urban Fantasy- Cry Wolf by Patrica Briggs
Fantasy- Poison Study by Maria Snyder
Historical- Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning
Futuristic/Sci-Fi-
Young Adult- Chosen (House of Night #3) by P.C. Cast
Chic-Lit-
Erotic-
Tempting the Beast (Breed Series, #1)by Lora Leigh
Suspense/Thriller/Horror-

Here's my list so far"

1. Romance- The Dark Highlander, Karen Marie Moning

2. Urban Fantasy- Darkfever, Karen Marie Moning

3. Fantasy-Ghost Hunter, Jayne Castle

4. Historical- To Tame a Highland Warrior, Karen Marie Moning

5. Futuristic/Sci-Fi –Abduction, Robin Cook

6. Young Adult Twilight, Stephanie Meyer

7. Chick-Lit Date Me, Baby, One More Time, Stephanie Rowe

8. Erotica Acheron, Sherrilyn Kenyon

9. Suspense/Thriller/Horror Monster, Johnathan Kellerman

Tentative List


1. Romance:
2. Urban Fantasy: Bitten to Death by Jennifer Rardin
3. Fantasy:
4. Historical:
5. Futuristic/Sci-Fi: Mona Lisa Awakening by Sunny
6. Young Adult: Blood Promise by Richelle Mead
7. Chick Lit:
8. Erotic:
9. Horror: