Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
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PtP - Whistle While We Read (1)
Week 6 | Theme 10 | Option 1 ~ Selection PostBook link: Red Dirt Heart
Page numbers: 162
How the book qualifies: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/6...
Hi Whistle While We Readers! Please review the selection and completion posts overview section and let me know if I'm missing any of your postings. Please add the link to the post that I'm missing. This will keep me from having to search for it. Thanks :o)Week 3: Missing completion posts from Suzanne and Plethora
Week 4: Missing completion posts from Pam
Week 5: Missing Completion posts from Pam, Plethora, Suzanne and Lauren
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Week 6 - Theme 10 - Option 1 - Selection Post
Radio Silence
Pages: 167
How the book qualifies: On the Cabin Romance list (#40)
Ugh, total reading slump. The weather here can't decided if it's spring or still winter (high on Monday was 81F, high today was 58F) and it's making me cranky! Hoping to catch up this weekend, and I chose a shorter one for this current week.
Selection PostWeek 6 - Option 1
Book link: Miss Fix-It
Page numbers: 336
How the book qualifies: #1 on https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Pam wrote: "Oh no not a team slump. I'm dying over here between the end of the quarter and an adult child having an existential life crisis (truly real). Can't remember when I read last...Sunday? Monday?"I'm in a slump too, I've two more weeks left of the semester and my brain is just fried! I'm getting some reading done today but it's slow!
So we should be Whistle While We Don't Read?
LOL! I spewed coffee out of my nose, Pam. That is hilarious.Lauren, I don't remember where you live, but here in GA the weather is schizophrenic too.
Completion PostWeek 6 - Option 1
Book link: Miss Fix-It
Rating: 5
Review:
My first book from Emma Hart and I love it. The book is so funny and those kids are adorable. It's not an insta attraction, love story. No, the MC is falling in love with the guy and his children step by step and this I really enjoyed reading.
oh my everyone is having troubles finding time to read :-(There is still the possibility of using a pass. As I understood it every week one can use this option (except in week 11.
Weather is crazy in Germany too, two weeks ago we had snow and now we have over 70 which is not that common for April.
Selection PostWeek 6: Called April 13, 2018
Option 1
10. Read a book set in the woods or featuring a home/cottage from one of the compulsory list.
Book: Stately Pursuits
Author: Katie Fforde
Pages: 303
Fits: #60 on So You're a Homeowner list.
completion PostWeek 5: Called April 6, 2018
Week 5-Option 1
13. Read a book with an MC as the housekeeper or similar. Must select a book from one of the lists in Jane's post found here: Link to Jane's Compulsory Lists
Book: The Remains of the Day
Author: Kazuo Ishiguro
Pages: 352
Read: 04/18/18
Rating: 4
Review: This is the kind of book I think you need to be in the mood for. Had I gone in with a different mindset I likely would have not enjoyed the story. There really isn't a plot to hook you in. We follow Stevens along on a road trip while he reflects on moments in his history as a butler. One can immediately guess the results that await him at the end of his trip. Stevens, in his reflections shows how he maintained his strict gentleman's butler attitude towards episodes. This leaves his social aspect a bit stuff and a tinge humourous as you get over his awkwardness. Giving my rating a bump to 4, feeling generous this morning.
Fits: #101 on: Servant Heroes/Heroines In Romance List.
Hey i finally got a post in before the nth hour of Thursday! Yea me...lolThe small things in life right now.
Still working on getting completely caught up!
Stefanie wrote: "oh my everyone is having troubles finding time to read :-(There is still the possibility of using a pass. As I understood it every week one can use this option (except in week 11.
Weather is craz..."
Same here in Indiana, it was 70 degrees on Saturday and then it snowed Sunday night/Morning morning. My allergies are not happy...
Selection Post
Week 6: Called April 13, 2018
Option 1
10. Read a book set in the woods or featuring a home/cottage from one of the compulsory list.
Book: The Way Back Home
Author: Barbara Freethy
Pages: 384
Fits: #26 on "Nature Lover-Romances With Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Backpacking, Mountain Climbing And More"
Completion PostWeek 5 - Option 1
Destiny's Embrace
Rating: 4
Review:
Every time I read a Beverly Jenkins book I remember why I need to read more of her books! I haven't read many historicals set in America, and it was especially fascinating reading one set in 1880s California. I loved Mariah and her fearless attitude - she didn't take crap from anyone! I also love the threads of humor running through the book, like the series of highly unsuitable suitors Mariah receives once the locals realize she's looking for a husband. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
Completion PostWeek 6 - Option 1
Radio Silence
Rating: 4
Review:
I have the vague recollection of reading this book ages ago, too. While it's not as good as Cole's recent works - the pacing, in particular, is uneven - it's still got the flashes of brilliance I expect from her work. It's a post-apocalyptic romance, but it is annoying that we never find out what exactly happened to cause the power grid to fail, though since this is the first in a trilogy, I'm hoping it's covered later. Besides the first and last chapter, there's very little action, just lots of them sitting around in their cabin worrying about missing family members and trying to stay positive (oh, and the growing attraction between Arden and her roommate's brother). In all honesty, though, I think that's a pretty realistic view of what most people would do when faced with that sort of a disaster. I've added the next book in the series to my TBR!
Hi There. I know I've been a little absent. I'm frustrated with the book rut that I'm in. But I'm playing GR catch up today. I should have the thread updated before the next theme call.
Week 6 | Theme 10 | Option 1 ~ Completion PostBookcover/link: Red Dirt Heart
Rating (1-5): 💖💖💖
Review: My first M/M read. Audible (the narrator has a great accent). Thanks Jane for the rec!
I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it. I consider this significant progress given my current reading circumstances.
I may have felt differently if the book was longer. It was less than 200 pages and I have difficulty connecting with short stories.
Charlie owns a large ranch in Australia and has people in his employ. He sometimes takes on interns to assist with the work. Travis is studying agriculture and joins Charlie’s team for a few weeks. This Texan is breaking down Charlie’s imposed barriers of solitude.
The problem, Charlie’s staff doesn’t know that he is gay and Charlie is battling some demons from his father. Pair that with a carefree, confident Texan who is not ashamed of his sexuality and you have some decent angst and chemistry.
It took some adjusting, going from strictly F/M to testing out an M/M novel. Please don’t condemn me because I want to be honest –
I initially felt a little uncomfortable and a bit embarrassed. When I stumbled upon the first intimate scene, I stopped reading. I waited until I was alone to read it. Being alone helped me to process what I was feeling instead of wondering if someone was looking at me or reading over my shoulder.
That scene was difficult to read. The short story didn’t give the author time to build up a connection between Travis and Charlie. This is a problem for me even in F/M novels. There has to be substance to the relationship.
However, as the story went on I became a little more invested in the characters. Ma was my favorite character. She had a fierce love for Charlie. I could feel it coming off of the pages.
I’m not sure if I’ll continue with Red Dirt Heart because I cannot get into short stories, but I’ll definitely try another M/M story.
Update. Let me know if I'm missing a post:Week 3: Missing completion posts from Plethora & Suzanne
Week 4: Missing completion posts from Pam
Week 5: Missing completion posts from Pam & Suzanne
Week 6: Missing selection post from Pam; Missing completion posts from Pam, Plethora & Suzanne
Week 4 Completion Post
Rating ***
Review: Typical historical romance with some unusual elements. Edgar has two illegitimate children by who he is trying to the right thing. They keep chasing off governesses until Mari (rhymes with starry) lucks into the job. Of course they don't run her off, the duke is attracted to her and then there are two subplots. It was a good book.
How the heck did I miss an entire week. I better take the PASS. This is awful. So sorry.
Pam wrote: "How the heck did I miss an entire week. I better take the PASS. This is awful. So sorry."No worries, Pam. Can you create a clean post as if you are posting for a book and instead of typing selection, type PASS.
Week 6 Selection PostGoing to use the Pass this week
Week 7 | Theme 6 | Option 1 ~ Selection PostBook link: Hero
Page numbers: 410
How the book qualifies: The window the man is standing in front of is reflecting the city
Chan wrote: "Update. Let me know if I'm missing a post:Week 3: Missing completion posts from Plethora & Suzanne
Week 4: Missing completion posts from Pam
Week 5: Missing completion posts from Pam & Suzanne
We..."
Suzanne has posted week 3 here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
So there's one off the list :)
Selection PostWeek 5: Called April 6, 2018
Week 5-Option 1
Fits: #51 on: Servant Heroes/Heroines In Romance List
Book: Scandal Wears Satin
Author: Loretta Chase
Pages: 372
Read: 4/20/2018
Rating: ****
Review: This is the second book in the series about three sisters who are french dressmakers in London. This book is about Sophy and she's the sales woman of the trio. She witty and a schemer and I really liked her! I didn't care for the Earl because he always seemed like he was 2 steps behind her and she was constantly having to catch him up. I like this series, it reminds me of Sarah Maclean's Scoundrel series which was one of my favorites.
Selection Post - Week 7Option 1
6. Read a book with something from the list below found on your bookcover: body of water
Book: Summer by the Sea
Author: Susan Wiggs
Pages: 408
Selection PostWeek 7 - Option 1
Book: Steel Scars
Pages: 100
How the book qualifies: crown of water which reflects
Jane (PS) wrote: "Chan wrote: "Update. Let me know if I'm missing a post:Week 3: Missing completion posts from Plethora & Suzanne
Week 4: Missing completion posts from Pam
Week 5: Missing completion posts from Pam..."
Thanks, Jane! What would we do without you?! Oh I know, have theme calls at 5pm....he he he.
I'll get my selection post up this weekend. Have to look at my covers.
I've started my week 6 book and have week 3 download.
Completion PostWeek 7 - Option 1
Book: Steel Scars
Rating: 3
Review:
Nice addition to the series. This is how Shade and Farley meet and plays in paralell to the first book.
Completion PostWeek 6: Called April 13, 2018
Option 1
10. Read a book set in the woods or featuring a home/cottage from one of the compulsory list.
Book: Stately Pursuits
Author: Katie Fforde
Pages: 303
Read: 4/22/18
Rating: 4
Review: At the start I thought I would find Hetty to be an eldery lady for some reason. Instead she is a young naive 24 year old that had had her heart crushed by having an affair with her boss. Yes I said naive, in spades here. Get mother sends her off to house edit what should be a stately house, only to arrive and find it in disarray. Fun cast of characters in this small village. I was having reservations if i would enjoy this at that start fearing Hetty would spend the entire book wallowing in self pity. Thankfully that didn't happen, it does pop-up from time to time as she tries to come into her own.
Fits: #60 on So You're a Homeowner list.
Plethora wrote: "I've started my week 6 book and have week 3 download."Another one down!
Selection PostWeek 7: Called April 20, 2018
Option 1
6. Read a book with something from the list below found on your bookcover:
*a mirror
*a shiny/reflective surface (eg glass, sheet metal, body of water)
*an item that would shine if the sun or a light was directed on to it (eg knife blade, spurs, watch, jewellry).
Book: Crowned and Dangerous
Author: Rhys Bowen
Pages: 307
Fits: Metallic purse is shiny surface that would shine in sunlight
Wow Plethora. you are blasting through. Has your job let up on the OT?
Week 7 | Theme 6 | Option 1 ~ Selection Post
Book: Blind Trust
Page numbers: 336
How the book qualifies: The skyscraper windows are shiny and reflective
OK, finding a book on my TBR that fit this week's theme took a LOT longer than I thought! Hope everyone's reading slumps are over!
Chan wrote: "Wow Plethora. you are blasting through. Has your job let up on the OT?"
No. But if i don't starry reading more i might go mad. I don't sleep well if I'm not reading. And being i typically only sleep 4 hours a night...i need my sleep to be restful.
Week 7 | Theme 6 | Option 1 ~ Completion PostBookcover/link: Hero
Rating (1-5): 💖💖💖
Review:
Writing: I enjoy Samantha Young’s writing style.
Characters: I wasn’t really feeling the characters. Caine was a jerk. And Alexa was a doormat.
Storyline: Meh. It was okay.
My attention kept diverting to other things. I found myself checking the Packers pre and reg season schedule, looking up the weather, etc.
I did like the small element of danger. But I didn’t buy into the whole issue with Alexa’s side of the family. I wasn’t feeling it and that was the basis of the book.
Intimacy Scenes: My attention was never diverted during these scenes :oP
Overall: In order to enjoy this book you have to really feel the injustice that Young presents. I didn’t and that hindered my enjoyment. But I will continue to read other stories by this author.
Ugh, realizing I should've reread the first book before jumping into the second in the series. Chan, if I decide to switch my selection for the week, I need to do it before the next week is called, right? Do I make a new selection post or just edit the first one?
Lauren wrote: "Ugh, realizing I should've reread the first book before jumping into the second in the series. Chan, if I decide to switch my selection for the week, I need to do it before the next week is called,..."Hey Lauren. New selection post and it has to be done before the new call.
The same thing sometimes happens to me too if I read books in a series too far apart.
I turned in my last paper of the semester last night at 2am sorry my post is late!Completion Post
Week 6: Called April 13, 2018
Option 1
10. Read a book set in the woods or featuring a home/cottage from one of the compulsory list.
Book: The Way Back Home
Author: Barbara Freethy
Pages: 384
Fits: #26 on "Nature Lover-Romances With Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Backpacking, Mountain Climbing And More"
Review: This was a cute book about a loner marine that finds love. Turns out this is a spin-off of another series that she has written, first one is Suddenly One Summer. I'll have to read that series so I have a better context for this story. I wish I had more words, but I used them up last night...
Hey Team Whistle While We Read-Sadly I am going to be eliminated and I apologize. Since Easter, I have finished one book. This week I think I read 20 pages. One of my children is having a crisis and I'm not sleeping and can't concentrate. I love this challenge and have never not finished one but there is a first time for everything I guess. Best of luck to the team for the duration.
Oh Pam! I'm so sorry to hear that you are experiencing such a hard time. I was beginning to worry about you because I hadn't seen a post in a while. I'm sending you and your family positive thoughts and deep hope that everything will work out soon.
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
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Oh goodness, an adult child existential life crisis?!. Pam, you win! Lol. My book slump is nothing compared to that.