Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
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PtP - Hunting Wabbits (7)
Stacie wrote: "Week #10 Option 2Bookcover/link:
"I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did! I even made The Hubster listen to it on Audio this year! LOL! (He loved it too!)
Happy reading!
Jane (PS) wrote: "You just need to put your week # in there Becky :).Whoops! Sorry about that! Fixing it now. : )
Week #10 - SelectionOption 1
Book:
by J.D. RobbHow it qualifies: #170 on Kick Ass Female Sleuths list
Pages: 519
Completion PostWeek #9 - Recommend a book to another member in your team that they haven't read but that you think they should.
Book:
by Jim ButcherHow it qualifies: Recommended by Becky
Pages: 352
Rating: 3 stars
Review: This was all right. It wasn't great though. I liked it well enough, but there were definitely places that it dragged. I feel like not a ton happened until around 50% of the way through. Plus, I just think that Harry needs more friends. I kept thinking throughout the last 35% that there were numerous better ways to go about things than what Harry ended up doing. I'll probably continue with this series since I've heard good things.
But bottom line: Harry needs to make more friends.
Great review, Anna! I agree, at this point in the series, Harry definitely needs more friends. Book two is a little better, but book three is where everything clicks together and the series takes off. The secondary characters are wonderful...or wonderfully evil depending on their particular role. Whatever you do, don't read the story summary for the next books! There is a HUGE spoiler after Turn Coat about Changes. Other than that, you never know what Butcher is going to do next!It's become our favorite UF series (well...one of them anyway). The Hubster asks me at least once a month if Butcher has a release date for the next book. We've been waiting a looooooooong time.
Week 10 (Selection) PASS
Week 10 Selection Option 1
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich
Pages: 337
How It Fits: #17 Kick-Ass Female Sleuths
Becky's Completion Post Week # 10 ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖
Title & Author: An Artificial Night by Seanan McGuire
Date Read: May 14, 2017
Rating: ★★★★★
My Review:
Wow! My favorite changeling has got it together! In this installment, Toby is hired by distraught parents to find their two missing children. Before she even begins working the case, she learns that even more children have disappeared, both changeling and human-kind. To make matters even more interesting, she has a visit from death. Working this case does not look like it will end well for Toby.
I loved this book from start to finish! The writing is spot on...which I've come to expect from Seanan McGuire...and the plot was fast paced, but clearly thought out. I always knew what was going on, where they were physically, and which character was speaking. I'm a stickler about that, especially in fantasy. The visuals were fascinating and sometimes a little spooky, which only enhanced the excitement and suspense of the story. One thing it is not? Predictable.
An Artificial Night is a huge emotional roller-coaster. I laughed, I cried, I chewed my fingernails to the quick. Anytime you have children in harms way, it tugs at my heartstrings. Add in worried parents, young boyfriends, etc., and for me it gets very real...very fast. I also read this on Mother's Day, so there's that, too.
It was good to see Toby begin to let go of some issues that happened in the first two books. She certainly finds her footing and then some, even if she wasn't quite prepared:
"Damn it, when did I become the hero?"
If you enjoy Urban Fantasy or stories about the Fae, this is definitely your series. With An Artificial Night, McGuire has just taken October Daye to the next level! I'll be moving on to book four!
Rachel C. wrote: "Thank you again, Stacie! :)"Anytime!
Week #10 Option 2 Completion PostBookcover/link:
Mr. Perfect Linda Howard
352 pages
Read by Becky, November 18, 2016. Rated 5 stars
Completed: 5/15
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review: Talk about going viral! This was like pre-Facebook viral. Four friends write a list, the list gets out and while some find it funny, one person not so much and that's when the murders began. I liked how the author managed to keep it light even when people were dying. Sam was a yummy alpha male and I'm just glad the cat is okay. I guessed the killer pretty early but that did not take away from my enjoyment of the story.
I just want to share this because I'm excited but I GOT AN INTERVIEW FOR A JOB I REALLY WANT!!(Also I'm currently tipsy which makes me a major sharer)
Stacie wrote: "Last call is this Friday!" LOL. I'm working on finishing off my last two books in preparation for Friday :)
Anna Serene wrote: "I just want to share this because I'm excited but I GOT AN INTERVIEW FOR A JOB I REALLY WANT!!(Also I'm currently tipsy which makes me a major sharer)"
Go, Anna!! :)
Anna Serene wrote: "I just want to share this because I'm excited but I GOT AN INTERVIEW FOR A JOB I REALLY WANT!!(Also I'm currently tipsy which makes me a major sharer)"
WOOHOO! Congrats and best of luck to you, Anna! The Hubster just got a call about an interview for an engineering position, too! (He's been waiting MONTHS).
By God's Grace, maybe we can both celebrate soon! *praying*
Becky ♡The Bookworm♡ wrote: "Anna Serene wrote: "I just want to share this because I'm excited but I GOT AN INTERVIEW FOR A JOB I REALLY WANT!!(Also I'm currently tipsy which makes me a major sharer)"
WOOHOO! Congrats and be..."
Rachel C. wrote: "Anna Serene wrote: "I just want to share this because I'm excited but I GOT AN INTERVIEW FOR A JOB I REALLY WANT!!
(Also I'm currently tipsy which makes me a major sharer)"
Go, Anna!! :)"
Stacie wrote: "Yay!!!! Major happy thoughts!!"
Thank you all! I hope it goes well!
Completion Post
Week #10
7. Read a book from one of the following lists: Kick Ass Female Sleuths
Book:
by J.D. RobbHow it qualifies: #170 on Kick Ass Female Sleuths list
Pages: 519
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I liked this one, but I stand by my opinion that everything would have been wrapped up much sooner if Peabody's brother, Zeke, hadn't pussy-footed about reporting the domestic abuse going on. Everything really hinged on Zeke not telling his sister about what he'd witnessed/heard. Otherwise it would have been over much quicker. AND Zeke would have retained my respect, which he completely lost by not reporting it and being hung up on being "in love"
Week #10 : Option 2Bookcover/link :
Page numbers : 388
Becky read it on Nov 17, 2016 and rated it 5 stars
[*bookcover:Magic Bleeds|6479550]
Completion Post Week #9
Bookcover/link :The Bourbon Thief | 432 pages
Date read : May 7
Rating : 4
Review : This is the first book by Tiffany Reisz that I have read and I enjoyed it. The story spans different eras with lots of secrets, betrayal and revenge. The saga was dark as we see how the heiress Tamara learns some harsh truths about life and there was some happiness after it. Hope to see a book about Paris. Thanks for the recommendation Stacie.
Completion Post Week #10
Bookcover/link : Magic Bleeds | 388 pages
Date read : May 15
Rating : 5
Review : The series is getting better and better. Finally we some action between Kate and Curran. Also we get some insight into Kate's family. The pacing was right with lots of action, humour and friends.
Poongothai wrote: " Completion Post Week #9
Bookcover/link : Magic Bleeds | 388 pages
Date read : May 15
Rating : 5
Review : The series is getting better and better. Finally we some action between Kat..."
Hi Poongothai - you need to change your week# :)
Louise wrote: "Week 10 Selection Option 1
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich
Pages: 337
How It Fits: #17 Kick-Ass Female Sleuths"
Hi Louise - you need to post a completion post before tomorrow 6pm. You will be more than 2 books behind if you don't. Good luck!
Completion PostWeek: #10
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich
Date Read: 18/05
Rating: 3*
Review:
This was a really fun read. I've not read any of this series before bb but I will definitely be delving into the mis-adventures of Stephanie Plum bounty hunter again. The writing was witty and I loved the premise that the crime rate was low in the berg as the criminals of the berg, commited crime elsewhere. A good light-hearted read with a little bit of a love triangle thrown in. What's not to like.
Anna Serene wrote: "I just want to share this because I'm excited but I GOT AN INTERVIEW FOR A JOB I REALLY WANT!!(Also I'm currently tipsy which makes me a major sharer)"
Good luck Anna, everything crossed for you 😃
Anna Serene wrote: "I just want to share this because I'm excited but I GOT AN INTERVIEW FOR A JOB I REALLY WANT!!(Also I'm currently tipsy which makes me a major sharer)"
Good luck and congrats Anna
Completion PostWeek #9
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Date Read: 14/05
Rating: 4*
Review
This is was a surprisingly good read. I'm not sure what I expected but it wasn't a mystery wrapped up with the politics of school life. I loved the fact that the story starts with a monumentous event in the present and then takes us back to where it all begins. The story is cleverly written, the author definitely has a flair for taking an ordinary concept and turning it info extraordinary.
Hey guys, do you mind if I change my selection for this week and take the pass, since we have a bit of time left? I'll be able to finish my Week 9 book tonight, but I'm running a bit behind otherwise
Rachel C. wrote: "Hey guys, do you mind if I change my selection for this week and take the pass, since we have a bit of time left? I'll be able to finish my Week 9 book tonight, but I'm running a bit behind otherwise"Everyone else is finished so there's no way you'd be stepping on anyone's toes :)
lol true, but figured I'd ask anyways... I'll go ahead and switch it just so I don't miss the opportunity. If anyone objects for some reason, please let me know! :)
Week 9 (Completion)
4 stars
There's no getting around it, I just love Lisa Kleypas. I think there's been only one book that I didn't really like by her. I loved Kathleen and Devon as well as all of the other characters ((view spoiler)), although I do have to say that it sometimes bothers me how Kleypas books tend to switch between characters (the last one in a series is sometimes my favorite for this reason). Still, it wasn't enough to ruin it. I'm really looking forward to Helen and Rhys's book next!
The list of selection and completion posts should now be completely updated up until here. Please let me know if you see anything amiss with the links or if I missed a post somewhere.
Rachel C. wrote: "The list of selection and completion posts should now be completely updated up until here. Please let me know if you see anything amiss with the links or if I missed a post somewhere."Hey Rachel!
On Week 8 of your tracking post, the book covers 2 and 4 are switched. The links are correct, the images are just in the wrong slots. Not a big deal since the links are more important but I thought I'd mention it in case you want to change it. : )
The rest looks good! Thanks for keeping up with everything! I know it's a lot more work!
Week 11 Selection PostOption 2: November 16, 2016
Must use a book from Bearing Souls
Book: His Hostage Anna Adler
Read by Carmen Booty Shaker on March 21, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 187
Becky wrote: "Hey Rachel!On Week 8 of your tracking post, the book covers 2 and 4 are switched..."
Thanks, Becky! All fixed now :)
Thank you again Stacie! Work is so inconvenient... XD
Becky's Selection Post - Week # 11 ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖
Option 2: End Date, November 16, 2016
Title & Author: Second Grave on the Left (Charley Davidson #2) by Darynda Jones
Pages 318
Read by: Carmen of Bared Souls Team, read Third Grave Dead Ahead (Charley Davidson #3) on Dec 28, 2016, 4 Stars.
Week 11 (Selection) - Option 2
Title: Dark Domination
Pages: 158
How it qualifies: read and rated 4 stars by Carmen The Bootyshaker Temptress, of the Beared Souls, on Feb 28, 2017
Week 11 Selection Option 1
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
Pages: 363
How It Fits: #77 Books That Sound Much More Interesting If One Removes The Last Letter Of The Title
Selection Post Week #11 : Option 1
Bookcover/link :
| 240 pagesHow the book qualifies - #258 in Books That Sound So Much More Interesting If One Removes the Last Letter of the Title
[*bookcover:Fiance by Fate|26462914]
Week 11 (Completion)
4 stars
The ending made this book, hands down. I have to admit I wasn't all that thrilled with it until the very last page (definitely more of a two star until that point), then I read that last bit and instantly went to Amazon and bought the next 3 books. I'm suddenly very, very interested in how this will turn out. I can't decide if it will be good or bad (well, obviously it's probably good in the end, but I mean in the meantime) and how much angst is going to be involved... I secretly hope for a lot, which is odd for me (particularly since that's why I often avoid YA). Ultimately I really enjoyed this book and I'm bummed I have to wait for a couple books until I can pick up book 2. (view spoiler)
Heads up, Artemis VI just came in at first place. I'm hoping we can still finish the challenge out though :) I think we've got this!
Becky's Completion Post Week # 11 ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖
Title/Link Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones
Date Read May 20, 2017
My Rating: |★★★|
My Review :
I'm stuck on the fence about this book. I admit, it is absolutely hilarious. I laughed hard and often over Charley's one-liners and sarcasm. She is the queen of snark. However, I have no idea exactly where the plot is going. What I "thought" would be the main plot ... Mimi's disappearance ... slipped into the background and Reyes's story took center stage. The writing didn't flow well. It twisted, turned and made sudden stops that made it difficult to keep up. I also don't understand Charley's actions. There is a lot more at risk than her relationship with Reyes, so in many ways the lighthearted feel of those sections of the book didn't feel quite right to me. There's a time for humor and a time to get "deadly" serious. The author needs to work on matching the emotion to the theme of each particular scene.
To summarize, I felt that there wasn't enough direction or substance to either plot until the last quarter of the book and then ... cliffhanger ending. Argh! My pet peeve! I know these books are wildly successful and I do try to give new-to-me series three books before I give up on them. I'll withhold final judgement until I've read the next book and see if things improve.
How the hell did they do that?! Did they all just read through the night??
Rachel C. wrote: "Heads up, Artemis VI just came in at first place. I'm hoping we can still finish the challenge out though :) I think we've got this!"Holy Carp! That was fast! It was a fun round anyway and I enjoyed playing with all of you!
Congrats to Artemis VI!
Week 11 Completion PostOption 2: November 16, 2016
Must use a book from Bearing Souls
Book: His Hostage Anna Adler
Read by Carmen Booty Shaker on March 21, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 187
Date: 5/20
Review: Meh. I picked it because it was short and it was not good and felt loooog.
My rating: 1.5 stars
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
When You're Ready (other topics)The Iron King (other topics)
His Hostage (other topics)
Second Grave on the Left (other topics)
Dark Domination (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
J.L. Berg (other topics)Julie Kagawa (other topics)
Anna Adler (other topics)
Julie Kagawa (other topics)
Anna Adler (other topics)
More...
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Option 2: End Date, November 9, 2016
Title & Author: An Artificial Night (October Daye #3) by Seanan McGuire
Pages: 368
Read by: Anne Serene (October Daye #8) on April 28, 2017, 4 stars.