Meet & Greet Challenge Round 2: Discussion Thread

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Congrats on finishing Penney and Jojo :)

[Nadine Bookaholic]

I finished my 17th and final book for this challenge.


Jane Doe - Too Wilde to Tame this was a great story, I'm glad you have me the push I needed to finally read it.

[Nadine Bookaholic]

Dami wrote: "I'll admit to drowning in a flood of Lynn Hagen & Marcy Jacks MM romances at present. I'm really hoping I can refocus on this challenge *real* quickly"

You have a few days left :)

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Nadine wrote: "I finished my 17th and final book for this challenge.


Jane Doe - Too Wilde to Tame this was a great story, I'm glad you have me the push I needed to finally read it."

Congrats Nadine!!

[Jane]

Nadine wrote: "I finished my 17th and final book for this challenge.


Jane Doe - Too Wilde to Tame this was a great story, I'm glad you have me the push

Glad you enjoyed it.

[Aarati]

Joyce, I finished and I gave it 3 stars. I haven't read a lot of books by Nora Roberts and I think I have only completely read 2 trilogies. I have read a few of her romantic suspense stand-alones which I really enjoy. I read quite a few reviews of this book where people said she has just merged the stories of a few of her books and re-named the characters. I thought since I haven't read a majority of Nora Roberts, I won't face that problem.

But alas!. I did find similarities in this book to her Sign f Seven trilogy, esp. the first book . And believe it or not Iona from this book was very much like Quinn from Blood Brothers. Both of them were perky, vibrant characters who spoke their mind. Neither of them had a filter and said exactly what they felt.

Then there was also a resemblance to the Key Trilogy. In that particular series there was a lot of talk about connections. How one thing lead to another and formed different connection. That was very much the case with this book too.

But despite it all, it was a good read. Like some of her earlier series, Roberts has already paired up her characters in the very first book itself. We already know who is going to end up with whom. I wish that were not the case. I would have liked to find that out as we went and not within the first half of the book.

[Aarati]

I finished . It was a a wonderful read. Though there were quite a few typos and grammatical errors which I'm willing to chalk up to this being the author's debut novel. But it was thrilling and not all predictable which made me enjoy it more. Thanks for the pick.

[Kristina Simon]

I just managed to finish the 5 required books to complete this challenge last night. It may not sound like much, but it's actually not bad considering work prevented me from finishing a single book in February! I know we have about a week left in the challenge, but I need to concentrate on a few other challenges and, alas, there's no overlap between those challenge and this one. So this is it for me.

I may not have read very many books for this challenge, but the ones I did read I really, really liked. I managed to fit in:

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes ★★★★★ ~ Thanks for the pick, Kitten! I really loved this one. Quite thought provoking. My face-to-face book club loved it, too.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion ★★★★★ Thanks, Gea! This was just so adorable. ;-)

The Inn at Rose Harbor by Debbie Macomber ★★★★☆ ~ Thanks, Donna!

Dark Witch by Nora Roberts ★★★★☆ ~ Thanks, Jaime!

One Reckless Summer by Toni Blake ★★★★☆ ~ Thanks, AndaM!

The books I didn't finish got tossed into the picking for Round 3 and I've chosen several of them again. This challenge is so much fun! Thanks for hosting, Ty, and thanks to all the participants for many truly enjoyable reading hours! See you next round.......

[Ty]

I have The Rosie Project on my TBR - definitely looking forward to reading it!

[MountainKat, Moderator]

I stayed up too late last night to finish Once in a Lifetime by Jill Shalvis. Loved it! Thanks Karla!

I started My Roommate's a Jock? Well, Crap! this morning and hope to finish it quickly enough to get to my last book!

[Penney]

LOVED The Rosie Project!!

[Becca]

I finished beautiful creatures last night and loved it!! I can't wait to read the next one!!! :)

[Rachel-RN]

Figured I would post this here too since I didn't do updates as I read each book....

The Meet & Greet Challenge
Duration: 1 February - 31 March
Completed: 17/17
Group 4
1. Shelley Cover Me 2/18
2. Gianna Noble Intentions 3/3
3. AndaM Protecting What's His 3/2
4. Gea To Seduce a Sinner 3/23
5. Katie Mako's Bounty 2/9
6. Jaime Changeling Moon 2/3
7. Kitten Hard Evidence 3/5
8. Donna Tempting Acquisitions 2/16
9. Shelby Lover Avenged 3/20
10. Kristy Soulless 3/9
11. Fran Angelfall 2/23
12. Lauren A Lady by Midnight 3/16
13. Joanne Beast 2/16
14. Tina Bone Crossed3/25
15. Jojo Trouble in Mudbug 2/20
16. Ezinwanyi Shades of Gray 2/10
17. LethalLovely Magic Bleeds 2/15

[Cathy]

RRRC Meet and Greet
GROUP 2 post 64
Feb 1-Mar 31, 2014
Completed 16/17

1. Beth – Storming the Castle 3/1/14
2. Penney – Good Girls Don't3/24/14
3. Dragana - Lush 3/13/14
4. Pam – Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart 3/21/14
5. Christina – Eternal Prey
6. Aarati – A Mackenzie Family Christmas: The Perfect Gift 3/15/14
7. Chris - Mackenzie's Mountain 2/13/14
8. Joyce - Hexed 2/24/14
9. Carrie – Wicked Ties 2/23/14
10. Tina W – Immortal Ever After 2/16/14
11. Amie –Rumor Has It5810107] 3/4/14
12. Juliet – Vampire in Atlantis 3/8/14
13. Mandy B Wild Ride2/20/14
14. Bre – Down to You 2/1/14
15. Hadley – Club Shadowlands 3/22/14
16. Ty – 3/6/14
17. Becky – White Night 2/9/14

[Lauren]

Finished my 6th book - . A quick and entertaining read and my favorite in this particular series. Thanks for the pick, Tina!

[Ty]

Just realized I hadn't updated since my SIXTH read. crazy! hold on, here goes! 'scuze the long post.

1. Beth - - Maya Banks - 3/25
Love love love the Kellys. But felt like there was just waaaay too much talking in the book. Still, the smexy scenes were hawt as heck. had I known this was the last book narrated by this narrator, I would've slowed it down since he always does a fantastic job. *grumble*

3. Dragana - - Marissa Meyer - 3/12
I really really really want to read Cress IMMEDIATELY. great read!

4. Pam - - Kristen Ashley - 3/8
snifffff. the last of the Rock Chicks. It was great to read them all getting together. sniff

5. Christina - - Jim Butcher - 3/5
another great Harry Dresden book. James Marsters is sex in the ear.

8. Joyce - - Sandra Harris - 3/23
This one made my eyebrows lift at how much I liked it! What a surprise! The beginning was a tad confusing at first cuz, BAM, you're immediately in the action. But really, the witty writing and occasional humorous scenes were great. Read this if you like your space operas!

14. Mandy B - - Jessica Day George - 3/5
love love fairytale retellings. The sequel wasn't as awesome, but I'm a fan of the author so will definitely return.

15. Bre - - Aurora Reynolds - 2/15
Interesting. I liked it, but you can definitely tell the author is heavily influenced by Kristen Ashley (she admits it in her profile!). So, it's like New Adult meets KA Train. like I said, interesting. definitely reading the sequel.

16. Hadley - - Vi Keeland - 3/1
a decent read for my MMA obsession. tortured hero + sassy lawyer = good times

I have three more books to finish out my group by the end of the month. I can do it, right? Right? I can do it. I can do it. I can do it......

[Lauren]

Couldn't agree with you more, Ty. James Marsters IS definitely sex in the ear, lol!

[Ezi]

Rachel~goodbye: was a disappointing. I had huge hopes for this one but the heroine bordered on pathetic and the hero was just so clueless and self-absorbed. Thank you for getting to read it. I will try book 2 before I make up my mind about the series...but narrator Abby Craden left much to be desired.

Katie: was very interesting. Wow. Very conflicted characters and complex societal pressures. I will definitely continue with the audiobook 2. Thank you.

Kristy (Passion): I finished and it was one of my least favorite in the series...but with that said, it was still a good book. I just didn't really connect with Ali & Luke. thank you for getting me to move forward on the series.

[Kristina Simon]

Ezinwanyi~still loves Spartacus wrote: "Kristy (Passion): I finished It Had to Be You (Lucky Harbor, #7) and it was one of my least favorite in the series...but with that said, it was still a good book. I just didn't really connect with Ali & Luke. thank you for getting me to move forward on the series."

I have to agree. It's been my only 3 star rating in a solid 4 to 4.5 star series. I'm holding out hope that #8's going to be better, though!

[Ezi]

Kristi (Passion for the Page) wrote: "Ezinwanyi~still loves Spartacus wrote: "Kristy (Passion): I finished It Had to Be You (Lucky Harbor, #7) and it was one of my least favorite in the series...but with that said, it was still a goo..."

I am reading Book 8 right now and ALREADY like it much better. I am on chapter 3 but Jack is more attentive to Leah and it's already a better story.

but Sawyer and Chloe are still the best!

[Skandia]

I finished my last and 10th book for this challenge -
Good regency romance with slightly different setting than the usual. 3 stars.

Now waiting for the 3rd round to start!

[Christina]

Ok, here are the books that I finished. I finally made it to 5. I had a harder time this month than in other months apparently. Usually I read a lot more.

Days of Blood and Starlight - Just finished this and absolutely loved it. I think it was better than the first.
Lover Unbound
Iron Kissed
Surrender
Midnight Rising

The only one that I didn't love was Surrender. I just thought it was ok.

[Turtlecollector Dennis]

I didn't manage to keep updating in this thread so I am posting my whole list here too. I finished all 17 books and enjoyed most of the them. I am really looking forward to the next round.

Timeframe: Feb - Mar 2014
Completed: 17/17

1. Turtlecollector ME!
2. ~Melissa~ Wild Man by Kristen Ashley 2/4/14 4.5♥
3. Sallie(Shuga) Fool Moon by Jim Butcher 2/25/14 3.5♥
4. MountainKat Flat-Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy 2/1/14 4♥
5. Melissa Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh 2/12/14 4♥
6. Dami Cold Snap by Allison Brennan 3/24/14 4♥
7. Angi Hot Zone by Catherine Mann 3/1/14 3♥
8. Nadine Game For Love by Bella Andre 3/16/14 3.5♥
9. Grace Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas 2/16/14 3.5♥
10. Larissa Onyx by Jennifer Armentrout 2/28/14 3.5♥
11. Karla Stand-In Groom by Kaye Dacus 3/21/14 3♥
12. Jane Holiday in Death by J D Robb 2/26/14 3.5♥
13. Sassafrass Good Girls Don't by Victoria Dahl 3/21/14 3.5♥
14. Breann A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole 2/24/14 4♥
15. Anayh The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton 2/1/14 4♥
16. Nikita Hard Evidence by Pamela Clare 2/25/14 4♥
17. Skandia Red's Hot Cowboy by Carolyn Brown 2/6/14 4♥
18. Valerie To Tame A Highland Warrior by Karen Marie Moning 2/24/14 3.5♥

[MountainKat, Moderator]

I finished my 16th pick! Thanks ~Melissa~ for picking My Roommate's a Jock? Well, Crap!. I enjoyed it!

I still have one more to go and I hope I finish it before the end of the month!

[Nichole]

I finished my last 2 picks.

Beppy- Feral Sins~4 Stars! I really enjoyed this. The battles between Greta and Taryn were hilarious. And the steamy parts, whew!

Becca- Magic Study~3 stars! While I enjoyed some of it more than the first book, the kidnapping got old. Still, I enjoyed it and will be reading the next one at some point.

Thanks for all of the great picks! I can't wait to start the next round.

[Valerie]

So pathetic - I read more than 20 books between 2/1 and today. Only 6 from my MnG recommendations. I kept getting side tracked by books others had read that looked good. I guess the books are always more interesting on someone else's list. :P

[Ezi]

@AndaM: I finished and gave it ★★★★. I really liked it and enjoyed it more than the previous Lucky Harbor Installment.
Thank you!

[Megan L]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "Megan L - I read for my 5th book and it was much better than I expected. Thanks for the rec!"

Glad you enjoyed it!

[UnusualChild{beppy}]

all right, all right, all right! i've finished up 4 more, which means i only have 1 more to go. i'll get to it today or tomorrow.

jane(ps) 4 stars - i was nervous to read this, because i've seen a lot of people not be able to finish it lately, but i really enjoyed it. (it might help that i read the latest version of it.) i liked how protective mitch was of sam.

meganL 5 stars - i liked how seth, who had pretty much been a loner all his life, immediately made room for raine. i also liked that although he had a few moments of doubt about raine, he never really treated her horribly or sent her away.

kaileigh 5 stars - i liked the world building and i absolutely loved kitty as a h. she was strong, smart, loving and willing to ask for help. she kind of reminded me of blair mallory, but without the cocky attitude and less vanity, for like of a better word. i do like blair, but i could relate more with kitty.

zara 3 stars - this was amusing, and I enjoyed it.

all in all, this has been a great round. i'm looking forward to the next one.

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Valerie wrote: " I guess the books are always more interesting on someone else's list. :P ..."

...Until they make your list?? LOL. I know how easy it is to get sidetracked!

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

beppy wrote: "all right, all right, all right! i've finished up 4 more, which means i only have 1 more to go. i'll get to it today or tomorrow.

jane(ps) 4 stars - i was ner..."

Glad you enjoyed it beppy!

[Karla]

I finished my five books, other challenges got in the way. I hope I can do better next round!

[Kai]

I tried to read all the books but found my job got in the way. Managed eight of the books and am on the ninth one now. Missed the sign up for the next meet and greet so will join the next one and try to complete all of the books.
xxx

[Valerie]

Ty wrote: "Shelby wrote: "Kristi just wanted to say thank you so much for finally getting me to read Storm Front! I don't know what my problem was the first time around, but I absolutely loved i..."

So... funny story that I just have to share. Based on these comments, I rushed to my local library to pick up an audio version of any of The Dresden Files. You should also note that I have yet to read any of the books in this series but, James Marsters?! Come on, I just had to do it. The library only had one - Ghost Story - so I picked it up. This is THE ONLY book in the series NOT narrated by James Marsters!! Seriously? What are the chances of that? (1 in 14, I guess :D)

[Ty]

oh no! something I do not look forward to!

[Ezi]

LOL @Valerie. Sorry dear. Cosmic joke, huh?
I liked the narration of the Dresden files but the books are kind of boring to me:O(

[Hadley]

Okay, so I cant' remember when last I updated here, but I have managed to finish 16 of the books. The 17th one, Dead Witch Walking, I just can't finish it :-(. Thanks to everyone in group 2 for the recommendations, that was a lot of fun. Looking forward to Tuesday to start the next round.

[UnusualChild{beppy}]

and scene!
finished emma. 3stars I enjoyed this one, but the h reminded me a LOT of the h in with the way they both spouted random facts and were socially awkward, smart and good looking. the only difference was that the h in "Neanderthal" wasn't as confident in herself. thank you, everyone for the lovely picks.

[~Melissa~]

Finished my 13th book and probably last one I'll get to.

Dami finished Kaleidoscope - loved this book. 5♥ Loved Jacob/Deck and Emme. Fabulous. I want my own Jacob:D He was an awesome KA hero. Thanks for the pick!

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Phew! I finished my last pick this evening! I loved Hard as It Gets! I don't know why I was reluctant to start it because it was really good! Thanks Dami, if I hadn't been trying to finish this challenge, I might have continued to put it off and I'm so glad I didn't!

Can't wait for April to get here!

[Ty]

I have 1 left!! hopefully will finish by the end of the day. I'll update when I get home...

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Go Ty - you can do it! You really aren't supposed to work or anything right?!

[Becky]

I need to read one more book to have read one rec from each person in my group. And I just can't get into this book. Argh!

[Amie]

I finished my fifth pick yesterday, Edge of Midnight by Shannon McKenna. I've enjoyed reading this series and looking forward to see where it goes. Thanks for you the pick, Mandy B!

[Ty]

woohoo! finally finished! it's been a scramble to squeeze these in during an incredibly stuffed weekend (zombies, oyster roasts, bacon/wine/choco parties, zombies, and more zombies). thank goodness for my wicked mad reading skillzzz. heh.
(what is this work you speak of, MK?)

6. Aarati - - J.Lynn - 3/30
Another POV of the same story can sometimes be stale but I just loved the original story so much that I wasn't too bothered by the rehashing. great read!

7. Chris - - Rebecca Zanetti - 3/29
an interesting premise, but this was just too much of a rollercoaster ride of drama llamas! still debating reading the 2nd book, tho my sis did say it was better than the first. hmm.

13. Juliet - - Gaelen Foley - 3/31
a wobbly 4 star read until the rushed buildup to the climax. Still, the Knight Miscellany are pretty entertaining, as equally entertaining as reading a starched bluestocking putting a man in his place. :)

Thanks for the great picks, Group 2. See y'all for the next round :)

[Melissa]

I am SO impressed that so many finished ALL of their picks! Wow!

I finished Dark Peril earlier today, my 11th pick, and hope to finish the last 100 or so pages of Shadow Kiss before the day is through so that my official total will be 12 books read.

I am eager to start the next round tomorrow!

[Shelley]

I finished 9 out of my 17 books which is better than I thought I would do!

Here are the ones I finished:

1. 3/14 with 4 stars. I love this author. Thanks Rachel!

2. 3/11 with 3 stars Thanks Gianna!

3. 2/25 with 5 stars. Love, love, love this series. Thanks Katie!

4. 3/30 with 4 stars. This was a new author for me and I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series. Thanks Kitten!

5. 3/27 with 3 stars. Not my favorite in this series but I hear the next one is really good. Thanks Fran!

6. 2/24 with 4 stars. Another new author and I will be reading the next one in April. Thanks Lauren!

7. 3/12 with 4 stars Another new author. Loved it. Thanks Joanne!

8. 3/6 with 5 stars. New favorite author! Thanks Tina!

9. 3/14 with 4 stars. Will be reading more of this series as well. Thanks Lethallovely!

Can't wait for tomorrow.

[Shelby]

So at the end of the day I managed 10/17 this go round. Though I've got at least 2 or 3 more that I want to get to this week.

Thank you all for my great picks!!!

[Larissa]

I *just* made it to 5 books. Of course, I read many others in between and around these, so I kept messing up my progress. This was a great challenge. Thanks, everyone.

[Pam]

I actually thought I had not finished this challenge. It's been so crazy the last few months that I have been reading super slowly. I went to update and realized that I had actually finished which makes me happy; I was depressed to think I hadn't finished five books in two months. I had forgotten to check one off. Still only five but it is five from the stack! Sad that it has taken me two weeks to realize it but that's how crazy everything has been.