Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
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PtP - Frozen In Fantasyland (5)
Week 9 Selection PostThe Wedding Gift
110 pages per GR
Option 2: Read by Sandy on Oct. 16 and rated 3 stars
Week 9: Disney's characters and movies generally epitomise innocence - Read a book from our virginal heroes lists.Selection Post
The Lightning-Struck Heart by T.J, Klune, 400 p. per GR#227 on the Best Gay "Virginal" Characters List.
Pam wrote: "Short and free on amazon :)"I went the opposite way, mine is probably the longest book I've ever read in the PtP. But I've heard such good things about it and the audio is supposed to be wonderful too! I'm just glad this isn't the last week or I wouldn't be able to get it off my list.
And don't worry, I'm sure I'll be done before the next call anyway - that is the good thing about audios for me!
Selection Post: Week 9:Option 1
Beauty and the Billionaire, Jessica Clare
From Virgin Hero List, entry #9
Completion Post Week 9
***
This was a cute little story by Bella Andre writing as Lucy Kevin...book 1 in a series written around Rose Chalet, a wedding venue. Julie is a chef who had to close her restaurant. She goes to work for Rose Chalet and ends up planning a wedding menu with the man she blames for the demise of her restaurant. I didn't particularly care for Andrew at first. It seems silly to taste a menu without sitting down and planning for it first. HEA though.
Hey guys - if anyone is still looking for something, the book I chose is free right now and is pretty highly rated (More Than Forever)
I'm going to change my pick for week 9 - it turns out the book I originally picked is part of a series and I should read the first 3 before this one. So my new choice is:Week 9 - Selection Post
The Duchess War by Courtney Milan
271 pages
#16 on Books With Virgin Heroes
Sandy wrote: "I'm going to change my pick for week 9 - it turns out the book I originally picked is part of a series and I should read the first 3 before this one."I enjoyed the Brothers Sinister series - very good in audio! But I almost never read historical, I always prefer to listen.
MountainKat wrote: "Sandy wrote: "I'm going to change my pick for week 9 - it turns out the book I originally picked is part of a series and I should read the first 3 before this one."I enjoyed the Brothers Sinister..."
I struggle with listening to audio versions of romances. I can read a sex scene with no problem, but I get cringey when I try to listen to one. I don't listen to audio much since I quit the daily commute, but when I did, Jenny Crusie was a favorite. Lots of snappy dialog, fewer and less graphic sex scenes.
Week #9: Read a book from our virginal heroes listsBookcover/link: Beggars and Choosers by Mia Kerick
Page numbers: 284
How the book qualifies: #619 on the Best Gay "Virginal" Characters list
I'm with Becky. I struggle with audio and sex scenes. I tend to listen to romantic thrillers the most. I like the "...In Death" series, the Richard Castle Nikki Heat and Evanovich's Matthew Fox series the most.
MountainKat wrote: "Week 9: Disney's characters and movies generally epitomise innocence - Read a book from our virginal heroes lists.Selection Post
[book:The Lightning..."Hope you love this as much as I did Kat!! The audio was so masterfully narrated :D
Another team with a very clean week - only this week's books outstanding! Great work.
Week 9 - Completion Post
The Duchess War by Courtney Milan
271 pages
#16 on Books With Virgin Heroes
Completed: 11/7/16
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review: This book had a lot of ups and downs for me. It started off great! I loved how Wilhelmina Pursling and Robert Blaisdell first meet. Winnie is a young woman who has a big secret she's been hiding for years, and she's in a tough position. Her elderly aunts took her in and have been supporting her, but when Caro (not really her aunt) dies, she'll have no where to live. And her only marriage opportunity is a distasteful one. When she's accused of distributing inflammatory handbills, she decides to get to the bottom of it to clear her name. Robert Blaisdell, Duke of Clermont, is trying to right all the wrongs his father, the former Duke, inflicted on various people. When he meets Minnie, he sees something in her that most people overlook - she's very intelligent and interesting. And he's intrigued.
The story itself had an interesting premise, but there was too much time spent in the character's head - the book seemed to drag on and on in parts. I did enjoy finding out Winnie's secret and the last 25% of the book was great - lots of exciting as well as some sexy times I didn't expect. 3.5 stars.
(I may have enjoyed this more listening :D)
Two pages in, and I know Beggars and Choosers is absolutely not happening. I'll pick something else and repost soon.
Pam wrote: "I'm with Becky. I struggle with audio and sex scenes. I tend to listen to romantic thrillers the most. I like the "...In Death" series, the Richard Castle Nikki Heat and Evanovich's Matthew Fox ser..."I am fine as long as I am alone or have earbuds in, but there are some narrators who make it uncomfortable even then! Especially lately, I am doing much better listening than reading though - even some smuttier books. As long as there is a good narrator. =)
The In Death series is wonderful in audio though - I NEVER want to read them!
Jane (PS) wrote: "Hope you love this as much as I did Kat!! The audio was so masterfully narrated :D"You were the one who recommended this one to me - I'm loving it! Just about 2/3 and it is so bizarrely wonderful!
Week #9- repickBookcover/link: Lovers Leap by JL Merrow
Page numbers: 202
How the book qualifies: #454 on the Best Gay "Virginal" Characters list
Week #9: Read a book from our virginal heroes listsBookcover/link: Lovers Leap by JL Merrow
Rating: 4 stars
Review: OK, this was a *much* better pick for me this week. Michael is, in the slang of the country where the book is set, a bit of a tosser. He doesn't mean any harm, but he's not exactly sensitive to the feelings of the people around him. (Although he shows a surprisingly sweet side when interacting with kids and little old ladies.) He's on holiday with the girl he's been dating for a few weeks, walking down the pier and tuning out her annoying chatter, when he bursts out with "Sorry, love, but we gotta split up." Then he does a quick rewind on the chatter, and realizes she just proposed to him. So she does the only thing a callously dumped girl can do, she chucks him off the end of the pier.
Rufus is a total sweetheart, taking a walk on his 5th birthday, when a hottie comes strolling out of the ocean. (Don't worry, Rufus was born on Leap Day, so he's 20 years old, even if this is only his 5th birthday.) And it becomes the best birthday ever when said hottie gives him the best, and so far only, shag of his life.
The story is by turns funny, sweet, and sincere, with a tiny bit of angst in the form of Michael's difficulties coming out to his mother as bi. The body of the story only takes place over the course of a few days, but an epilogue set on Rufus's 6th birthday makes it clear that this is a Happily Ever After for both guys.
Completion Post: Week 9
Beauty and the Billionaire, Jessica Clare
11/10/16
★★★
Review: The virgin hero (Hunter) plays the part of 'beast' and his beauty (Gretchen) is a red head, poor, and a ghost writer. Hunter decides he must have her, but because of his scars/low self esteem he crafts a story where-by Gretchen is to write a fictional tale utilizing letters from a private family collection. The hermit Hunter is seduced by Gretchen's beauty and smarts while Gretchen finds Hunters scars and love for roses endearing.
Took me awhile to read, but the story line was creative enough that I overall...just liked it.
Week 9: Disney's characters and movies generally epitomise innocence - Read a book from our virginal heroes lists.
The Lightning-Struck Heart by T.J, Klune, 400 p. per GR#227 on the Best Gay "Virginal" Characters List.
Completed 11.11.16 *5 Stars*
I'll just start with saying that any book that could keep my attention and make me laugh this week has to be wonderful! This book did both delightfully! It was quirky and fun. And funny with fabulous sidekicks. It was bizarre and awesome and I loved it!
I listened to the audio, and here it comes -another expletive, it was magnificent! The narrator, Michael Lesley, made the story even better with the characters and emotions he put into the reading. The whole thing was such a joy to listen to and I would go out of my way to recommend this and listen to more he has narrated!
There are so many brilliant reviews of this book out there - go read them, just for the joy of it. Here, I'll help, start with Shelby's review!
MountainKat wrote: "Week 9: Disney's characters and movies generally epitomise innocence - Read a book from our virginal heroes lists.[book:The Lightning-Struck Heart|24..."So pleased you loved it!! The audio is just amazing. I don't think it would matter what genre you read, so long as you enjoy a good laugh, this would have to hit the mark :D
Totally up to date. I think you are be out in front by a nose ;)Remember, next week is the last week. (I promise to remember to post the theme on time ;)
Selection Post: Week 10Option 1
Suite Française, Irene Nemirovsky
448 pgs
Qualification: Set in France, 675,417km
I've just updated things and checked Jane's master list and we are indeed, at this point in time, in the lead because we have all finished week 9. Clear the decks and be ready on Friday. So you can choose your books, the themes left are#3 Title starting with letter D
#4 Books set in winter (optional list)
#9 Adventure (mandatory list)
#10 Book set in California
#11 Road trip (mandatory list)
#12 Drawn/painted cover
#13 Close Friends/Family (mandatory list)
#16 Actor/actress
#18 Uniform (mandatory list)
#20 Standalone book that is not part of series
For Option 2 we will be given a team we can choose from so if you can't find a book for each you might want to peruse other team shelves.
Have to change my book--turns out that while the first third takes place in the Bahamas, it doesn't meet the 50% rule. I have changed it in Message 228
Pam wrote: "I've just updated things and checked Jane's master list and we are indeed, at this point in time, in the lead because we have all finished week 9. Clear the decks and be ready on Friday. So you can..."Ooh! Good idea, Pam! Once I get this week's book knocked out, I'll start looking at the remaining themes and making plans.
Week #10: It's a Small World - read a book set in a small country ~ less than 1 million square kms or 600,000 square miles.Bookcover/link: When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare
Page numbers: 384 pages
How the book qualifies: takes place in Scotland, part of the UK, which is 243,610 square km according to the official chart
Week 10: It's a Small World - read a book set in a small country.Selection Post
Deadly Descent by Kaylea Cross, 192 p. per GRSet in Afghanistan with an area of 647,500 square kilometers.
Thanks for that work Pam! I'll be ready to go come Friday, hoping to have some option 2 ideas figured out too. =)
Week 10: It's a Small World - read a book set in a small countrySelection Post
The French for Christmas by Fiona Valpy
304 pages
Set in France - 675,417 sqkm
Thanks for the info for the last week Pam. I'll start looking it over to get some ideas to be ready. BTW, what is the minimum page count we need for books for this challenge? Thx!
It is 100 pages. I always try to find something shorter for the last week!
Week 10: It's a Small World - read a book set in a small countryCompletion Post
The French for Christmas by Fiona Valpy
304 pages
Set in France - 675,417 sqkm
Completed: 11/13/16
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Evie is still trying to recover from the death of her baby a year ago, along with the loss of her marriage and career. She can't face Christmas this year, and is so thankful when her friends offers her vacation home in southwest France. Evie expects a quiet month to reflect on her life but her neighbors happily intrude on her peace. Dieder, the doctor who has recently moved in next door, has his own sorrows that haven't healed. I really enjoyed this book - it was sweet and, at times, so sad. Evie is a chef and it was so interesting reading about all her recipes (you may want to skip this book if you're a vegetarian.) What I loved most about this book was how Evie and Dieder were able to help heal each other (with the help of Eliane, who I loved!) Great story!
Week #10: It's a Small World - read a book set in a small countryBookcover/link: When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare
Rating: 5 stars
Review: I just discovered Tessa Dare a few months ago, and I'm loving her books! Maddie Gracechurch is in a predicament of her own creation. At 16, cripplingly shy and facing her first London season, she made up a suitor. One in the army, so she doesn't actually have to produce him. One from Scotland, so she's got an excuse for never having to produce his family. And because her family insists, she writes this make-believe fiance letters. Unfortunately, there's a real Captain Logan MacKenzie, and even though she intentionally wrote to a fake regiment, and Logan was only a Private when she first started writing the letters, somehow they ended up being delivered to him anyway. Years later, when the war is over and Logan and his men go home to Scotland, there's nothing there for them. Some of them have lost sweethearts, who got sick of waiting and found someone else. Some have lost their homes, stolen by English aristocrats, who razed whole villages and displaced all the people. And some lost to disease, like Typhus. So he shows up on Maddie's doorstep, ready to blackmail with those letters if he has to, to marry her and provide his men with a home. That sounds coldblooded, and in the hands of another author, Logan could have been a harsh, alphole-type character. But Dare managed to make him charming and relateable.
The one thing this story was really missing was Maddie's family. She has a rather stock bossy old aunt, who lives in the castle with Maddie, but she's strangely absent, except for a few important scenes. And we hear about her father and stepmother, who want her to have her season and get married like any other young lady, but it's almost completely second hand from Maddie. I think the stepmother has a line or two of dialogue, and I don't remember the father having any at all. Maddie doesn't even have any particular female friends. She basically exists in a bubble, until Logan shows up.
Completion Post: Week 10
Suite Française, Irène Némirovsky
11/14/16
★★★★ Review: This books was highly recommended by a friend who read this for a bookclub. The author died in Auschwitz Concentration Camp before she could finish it...it's fiction, but without a doubt the story was taken from first hand experience during WWII.
An account, if you will, of life during the occupation of France. German soldiers you can 'feel for'...young captors who have relationships with poor teenage girls, citizens who prosper during wartime sheltering German soldiers...
It's a two part story with an Appendix that is the most interesting. The appendix gives you an account of the author, her family, the story behind this book and how it camp to be via the manuscript held by her daughter for many years...letters written even the last send to her husband describing the fact she's being sent to a concentration camp.
A recommended read for anyone who like wartime historical but isn't frustrated by lack of perfection. This book is a bit frustrating at times because of it's incompleteness.
I'll be late checking in Friday but I've got all my books lined up/checked out from the library...so I'm ready for whatever team/category comes our way!
Wow, you are organized!I've finished my book for this week, just need to write up the review!
Week 10: It's a Small World - read a book set in a small country.Completion Post
Deadly Descent by Kaylea Cross, 192 p. per GRSet in Afghanistan with an area of 647,500 square kilometers.
Completed 11.15.16 *4+ Stars*
I had forgotten how much I enjoyed Kaylea Cross books! She writes wonderful characters and puts them in tense situations and does it so well. I really liked this story, Cam and Devon were wonderful hero and heroine. I loved seeing them get their HEA. It wasn't easy to get there, but it was worth it and the ending was very sweet. Definitely looking forward to more in the series!
I listened to the audio and loved it! Kaleo Griffith is wonderful and I just wish he was narrating the rest of the series!!
Completion Post Week 10
** 1/2
This was a cute little story taking place in England. Phillipa Damson runs away so she doesn't have to marry the boy next day. She finds a job as a nursemaid and falls in love with the butler who happens to be the illegitimate brother of the prince she is working for. They fall in love but he doesn't think he is good enough for her. There is an HEA but it's not really explained how it all works out.
You guys are awesome! The waiting begins.......
It's possible that this was the whole point, and I was too thick to figure it out until now. But did everyone know that Friday, the day of the final theme call in this Disney themed PtP, is Mickey Mouse's birthday? He made his debut in Steamboat Willie on November 18, 1928.
I don't think that was planned, but way cool!You should put that in the Q&A thread so everyone sees it! =)
Becky wrote: "It's possible that this was the whole point, and I was too thick to figure it out until now. But did everyone know that Friday, the day of the final theme call in this Disney themed PtP, is Mickey ..."I wish I was so organised Becky!! How serendipitous!
Jane (PS) wrote: "Becky wrote: "It's possible that this was the whole point, and I was too thick to figure it out until now. But did everyone know that Friday, the day of the final theme call in this Disney themed P..."The spirit of Disney was guiding you! :P
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
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Thanks...I'm going to set the alarm on my calendar so I don't forget to check in...is the 'theme call' usually right on time for the last week? I think it's 5pm?