Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
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PtP - Hunting Wabbits (7)
message 151:
by
Louise
(new)
Apr 12, 2017 12:10AM
I've finished my Week 5 book, will get my review up shortly
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Completion post Week #4
Bookcover/link :
Rating (1-5) : 4
Review : Final book in the Playboy series. Alison hires Brandon as her matchmaker. He is just borrowing his business from his grandma so that he can scam some money to continue his real estate business. The dates he fixed for her were funny and it was a good read
Early theme call in honor of Easter! :) You can start reading as soon as you would like...Week 6
Option 1
12. We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen has a lot of rhyming and repetition in it. Read a book where the title has at least two words in a row starting with the same letter (excluding A, An and The). Eg Power Play, Red River etc.
Option 2
Key date: 12 October 2016
Please ensure you follow the format shown in msg 3 of your team threads.
Notes: Ok to count hyphenated words as one word (i.e. Stuck-Up Suit would count). Also, you can have the words "and", "but", "or", "if", "because", "for" or "when" between the two consecutive words and it still counts (i.e. Blood and Betrayal would count).
Jane's original post
Selection Post Week #5
Bookcover/link :
| 404 pagesHow the book qualifies - #48 in Favorite Western/Cowboy Romance Novels
[*book:Pieces of Sky|7174468]
Completion PostWeek 5
Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
Date Read: 12/04/17
Rating: 4*
How It Fits: Read by Rachel 17th Feb 4*
Review:
I really enjoyed this book it was light hearted with a romance twist. My historical fiction has always leaned towards WW2 but I found this a refreshing change. I think I may have found another author
Week Six Completion Post
Taking Turns by J.A. Huss
How it fits: Consecutive T's
Pages: 337
Date: 4/14
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
Interesting take on m/m/m/f but not nearly as spicy as I was expecting. It had an actual plot! The horror!!! I'm intrigued as to where she takes the next book especially because we spent all of the first book dancing around the character that the second book appears to focus on. I want to know what happens next for Chella.
Becky's Completion Post Week # 5 ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖
Title/Link A Kiss At Midnight by Eloisa James
Date Read Apr 14, 2017
My Rating: ★★
My Review :
I've been hooked on fairytale romance lately and I love all things Cinderella so I've been excited about reading A Kiss at Midnight for some time now. Parts of the story were very good and I especially liked Gabriel's character and the relationship he develops with Kate. Unfortunately, the rest of this book came across as a disappointment. There are cute parts, the dogs are adorable, the connections to the original fairy tale are fun, but I need more than witty banter in my stories to hold my interest. I was hoping for an element of danger, or some obstacle that would be nearly impossible to overcome. Without using spoilers I'll just say that the last few chapters and a horrendous Epilogue took this book from a solid four stars to two. I may feel differently in a few days, but I doubt it.
I'll give the author another chance and try another book as I've heard fabulous things about her writing. This book just didn't work for me.
Becky's Selection Post - Week # 6 ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖
Option 1: (12) Read a book where the title has at least two words in a row starting with the same letter
Title/Link Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis
Pages: 384
How it qualifies: "L" Alliteration in Title
I honestly can't even pick a book until I'm finished with this series. I CAN'T THINK OF ANYTHING ELSE! There's no more room in my brain!
Selection Post Week #6
Bookcover/link :
I Dared the Duke| 320 pagesHow the book qualifies - Consecutive D in title
[*bookcover:I Dared the Duke|32453780]
Anna Serene wrote: " honestly can't even pick a book until I'm finished with this series. I CAN'T THINK OF ANYTHING ELSE! There's no more room in my brain! "Which series, Anna? :)
Rachel C. wrote: "Anna Serene wrote: " honestly can't even pick a book until I'm finished with this series. I CAN'T THINK OF ANYTHING ELSE! There's no more room in my brain! "Which series, Anna? :)"
The Allie Beckstrom series. Starts with this:
Maybe you can try it for an option 2 :)
Anna Serene wrote: "The Allie Beckstrom series. Starts with this: Magic to the Bone (Allie Beckstrom, #1) by Devon MonkMaybe you can try it for an option 2 :)"
LOL. Maybe for Week 7... I've actually been putting off my Week 6 book for a while, so don't want to put it off more. But definitely for Week 7 if the interlibrary loan comes in by then (my library doesn't seem to have it) :)
Rachel C. wrote: "Anna Serene wrote: "The Allie Beckstrom series. Starts with this: Magic to the Bone (Allie Beckstrom, #1) by Devon MonkMaybe you can try it for an option 2 :)"
LOL. Maybe for Week 7... I've actua..."
Stupid library. I can loan you the ebook if you'd like :)
Or my local bookstore apparently. If only I liked reading on Kindle more... I find that I tend to rate kindle books less simply because I like the feel of a real-life, paper book in hand way too much and I don't want to do that to this book since it's apparently awesome XD
LOL just refreshed and saw your comment... thanks for the offer, but I think I'll wait for paper since that's out of the bag now...
Rachel C. wrote: "LOL just refreshed and saw your comment... thanks for the offer, but I think I'll wait for paper since that's out of the bag now..."Lol you're good
Anna Serene wrote: "Lol you're good":)
Completion PostWeek #6: Read a book where the title has at least two words in a row starting with the same letter (excluding A, An and The).
Book:
by Tenaya JayneHow it qualifies: Consecutive F's
Pages: 236
Rating: 3 stars
Review: It was alright. It wasn't great. I got the distinct feeling of an author just starting out. It started out pretty good, but as it went on, it felt more and more like the build up was much easier to write for her than the actual event, you know? I'll probably try the next one. See how it goes.
Week 6 (Completion)
4 stars
I'm torn between wanting another book involving Dante and Griff or a book involving Tommy and (view spoiler). Hell, just give me both. I had a really hard time putting down this book. I loved both characters, although I have to admit that I wish they had been a tad more developed, particularly Dante. The idea was fun although it really does leave you wanting more. I really want to figure out what happens next; the mystery of how things might progress remains (*sigh* annoyingly) unsolved.
Updated to here. I have outstanding:Week 4 - Louise's completion post
Week 5 - Poongothai's completion post
Week 6 - Louise, Poongothai and Becky's completion posts
Let me know if I missed a post along the way :)
Completion Post Week #5
Bookcover/link :
| 404 pagesHow the book qualifies - #48 in Favorite Western/Cowboy Romance Novels
Date read : Apr 14
Rating : 4
Review : It was a good western romance between two opposite characters . Though it had violence, tragedy and a cruel villain, it had its funny moments.
Completion Post Week #6
Bookcover/link :
I Dared the Duke| 320 pagesHow the book qualifies - Consecutive D in title
Date read : Apr 16
Rating : 3
Review : A cute story about a wallflower and the duke. Their banter was interesting to read. It can be read as a standalone. There was a small mystery revolving around the murder attempts on the duke.
Hey Teamies!Finishing up Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis now. I'll post my book for next week shortly. I've been under the weather this week, but I'm back on track and catching up now. : )
Louise... I don't know how I did it, but I somehow missed your Week 6 selection until now... sorry about that! All selection/completion post links should now be updated :)
Week 7Option 1
5. Seeker. Read a book published for the first time in the last 6 months.
This means new releases only. Please show the publication date in your selection post.
Option 2
Key date: 19 October 2016
Please ensure you follow the format shown in msg 3 of your team threads.
Week 7 (Selection)
Title: The Chosen
Pages: 521 pages
How it qualifies: Published April 4, 2017 (less than 6 months ago)
Week 7 Selection PostOption One
Book: Turning Back J.A. Huss
Pages: 378
How it fits: published April 12, 2017
Week 7 (Selection Post)Option 1
Book:
by Kylie ScottPages: 288
How it qualifies: Published April 11th, 2017
Selection Post Week #7
Bookcover/link :
| 298 pagesHow the book qualifies - Published April 1st 2017 Published
[*bookcover:SEMMAARI செம்மாரி |32931884]
Completion Post Week 6
Shadow Study by Maria V. Snyder
Date Read: 22/04/17
Rating: 5*
Review:
Wow, I forgot how much I enjoyed this series. It was good to see Valek's past and how he became the King Killer and how he becamethe Commanders 2nd in command. There were so many twists and turns in this story and the twist at the end makes you want more. I can't wait to read the next installment to see how Yelena's and Valek's story pans out.
Becky wrote: "Hey Teamies!Finishing up Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis now. I'll post my book for next week shortly. I've been under the weather this week, but I'm back on track and catching up now. : ) "
I'm glad you're feeling better, Becky! :)
Completion PostWeek #7: Seeker. Read a book published for the first time in the last 6 months.
Book:
by Kylie ScottHow it qualifies: Published April 11th, 2017
Pages: 288
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Honestly with these two Dive Bar installments Kylie Scott has really blown me away not with her male heroes, but with her heroines. I loved Alex's character. Her neuroses were so real. Honestly, she was just so me–presents a lot of problems lol. If only I could find a gentle sexy giant manbeast like Joe–but I agree with Alex on his hair-thing in part: he can keep the beard if he cuts his hair. I just cannot get behind guys with long hair.
Also, I just want to give a shout-out to the TRANSGENDER BFF in this one! I loved Val's character and I hope we get to see more of her in future installments. Trans men and women should show up more in popular books, movies, TV, etc.
Week 7 Completion PostOption One
Book: Turning Back J.A. Huss
How it fits: published April 12, 2017
Pages: 378
Rating: 2 stars
Date: 4/24
Review:
Ugh. I liked the first one but this one just made some of the characters seem whiny and childish. We get, your feelings got hurt but grow a pair and move on. All the sexy smuttiness from the first one just got turned into domesticated nonsense that usually I would be fine with but I don't like the way it was done in this one. Every caharacter annoyed me and yet I will still probably read the 3rd one because cliffhanger.
Becky's Completion Post Week # 6 ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖
Title/Link Sweet Little Lies by Jill
Date Read Apr 24
My Rating: ★★★½
My Review:
3 1/2 Fluffy Stars
Sweet Little Lies is a fluffy contemporary romance, first in Jill Shalvis's new Heartbreaker Bay series. Despite taking a long time for me to get through the book, I still enjoyed it and laughed hard and often during Finn and Prue's tremulous relationship. The humor is spot on as usual and was enhanced dramatically by Thor, Prue's small dog with a personality to match his namesake.
I only have two complaints, my first being the main characters. We really don't get to know Prue and Finn very well, except within the parameters of their relationship. In this case it wasn't enough for me to get a good picture of either of them. If you asked me what Finn's likes and dislikes are outside of Prue, I could only tell you one thing. Prue's character was just flat. I understand she's grieving over her parents and has a lot on her plate, but I know next to nothing about her save her job, grief, and athleticism. Could be I'm just in need of a tear-jerker to remind me that fluff is as connected as I want to be with fictional characters, so take this with a grain of salt.
My second issue is with the story structure, primarily Shalvis's formulaic writing. Again. Hence the 3 1/2 star rating. I could see the "big misunderstanding" coming from the story summary. While the outcome isn't as important (or as entertaining) as the journey, sometimes it's nice to be surprised.
So...
If you're looking to bond with great characters, this won't strike your fancy. However, it is a feel good romance with a happily-ever-after and makes for a great read while relaxing at the beach or enjoying a quiet afternoon. I'll continue with the series as time allows.
Rachel C. wrote: "I'm glad you're feeling better, Becky! :)"Thanks, Rachel! Now if I can just catch up. Lol! I'm finally making some decent progress. WOOHOO!
Becky's Selection Post - Week # 7 ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖
Option 1: (5.) Seeker. Read a book published for the first time in the last 6 months.
Title/Link Vicious Circle by C. J. Box
Pages: 384
How it qualifies: Publication Date is March 21, 2017
Completion PostWeek #4: Option 1
Read a book starting with the letter H for Hunt
Bookcover/link:
Page numbers: 376
How the book qualifies - starts with H
Date Read: 24/04/17
Rating: 4*
Review;
I enjoyed this book, but nowhere near as much as Percy Jackson. I think this had a lot to do with the references to events that have happened between the Percy Jackson series and this Series. Despite that this had all the same elements that made me binge on Percy Jackson. Off to hunt out the series before this so that I can catch up with the characters.
Becky's Completion Post Week # 7 ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖
Option 1: Published March 21, 2017
Title/Link Vicious Circle by C. J. Box
Date Read Apr 28
My Rating: ★★★★★
My Review:
Wow! I cannot get enough of this series! Each book is completely unique, bringing a new mystery with a very real danger for our main character. This time, it's personal. Joe witnesses a murder and is caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Someone is targeting his family and Joe is forced to work meticulously to bring charges against a cunning threat while simultaneously protecting his family.
The glimpse we get of Joe's girls is interesting as they've grown so much over the series. I also enjoy watching Marybeth and Joe work together as a team. Of course, Nate makes an appearance...much to my delight. The pace is quick, with a clear prose that provides visual cues which made me feel like I was right beside Joe for the duration of this intense thriller. Big changes are coming for the Pickett family. It'll be a painful wait for the next installment!
This series gets my highest recommendation to all adult Crime & Thriller fans!
New theme is up! I'll update all the links later, but for now here is Jane's post with the included linksWeek 8
Option 1
10. We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen is a well-known children's book. Read a book featuring kids/children from one of the following lists:
Best Gay Books Dealing With Children
Children in Romance
Best Romance with Children Characters
Romance with Kids in Tow
Historical Romance with Children in the Plot
PNR Urban Fantasy Books w Kids (not YA)
These are compulsory lists. Your selected book MUST come from one of these lists. You must link to the list and note which page/which number it is on that list.
Option 2
Key date: 26 October 2016
Please ensure you follow the format shown in msg 3 of your team threads.
Just a few outstanding from last week. Good work!
Week 8 Selection PostBook: Worth the Fall Claudia Connor
How it fits: #1 on Children in Romance
Pages: 312
sigh... had the post all ready and then realized that Magic to the Bone was read before the key date :( Sorry to have missed that Anna! I read at some point though :)
Week 8 (Selection) Option 2
Title: Magic to the Bone
Pages:
How it qualifies: Magic for a Price read and rated 4 stars by Anna Serene on April 15, 2017
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
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