Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
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PtP - Heigh Ho! It's Off to Read We Go (2)
COMPLETEWeek #3: 5&3
Option 1
Manbot by Scarlet Blackwell
Rating: 3.6 Stars
Review:
Well, I was really enjoying this up until that entirely too unrealistic ending. Don't get me wrong, given the events leading up to them running away it was probably the only solution...BUT I wanted answers. Was Grey's love what made Kavan a "real boy" or was he programmed differently? Was Kavan feeling emotion a spontaneous mutation, a learned response or something else entirely? Did the government respond to using the android sexually occur as a way to stop the practice...or were they covering up that some of the robots were actually exhibiting human-like reactions, were enjoying it and possibly evolving in some unexpected - and uncontrollable - way?
I've always loved stories where androids develop emotions; that's one trope I can firmly lay at the feet of Philip K. Dick & Isaac Asimov. And in the future, I think the more our robots look like humans the harder it will be for many to see them as anything but...which raises interesting questions when they are programmed to learn on their own. (Skynet-disaster notwithstanding.) Will they learn to feel? If so, which emotions? Fear of death and the ability to love are IMHO what makes us human - so if an android can experience those things, are they any less "human" for being created from silicone and wire?
And there are even now companies trying to create the perfect sex-bot. This creeps me out...because a flesh-jack or a vibrator are one thing. To give the sex toy human characteristics but not empower them with the ability to say no? *shivers* Again, IMHO, that is just one bridge too far. Actual HUMANS are seen as disposable, abusable sex toys already...I can only imagine what an android would suffer. (Actually, I don't have to imagine it; there was a show where the sex-bot ALSO had a violent response to sexual abuse and killed their "customer" - aka rapist...it was programmed for sentience to evolve but I still think the potential for it to occur naturally is possible.)
Again, a great story that had more potential than was explored...
I LOVE Rosalyn Landor. Whenever there is an audiobook option narrated by her, I just go for it instead of reading the book.
COMPLETEWeek #4: Historical
Option 1
Conall by Samantha Kane
Rating: 3.8 Stars
Review:
So much better, IMHO, than the last one. We still start out with Conall already in love/lust with Avril, so we don't get to see that part of the romance, but a lot more time and effort is spent to lay out the story of them all coming together. I especially liked how scared but determined Conall was when realizing his attraction to Graeme, and how - given she was a widow who had liked sex with her husband - Avril was unapologetic for the most part about her attraction to both of them.
I'm not sure when (or if) the others in this series are due to be released, but I did like the excerpt for the next one. Should be interesting given the woman in the triad seems to be younger and inexperienced, and relatively high-born as well.
(Also, it was mentioned in both 1 & 2 that the Fletcher family boys might come by their bisexuality via their parents as it seems they were also part of a Triad. I need to go back and read/listen to the early Brothers in Arms series, and finish the rest, to see if they're the MCs of one of those books...and if not, I'd REALLY like SK to write their story as well!)
Completion PostOption 1
Week #4
Bookcover/link
An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia QuinnPage numbers 384
How the book qualifies - Historical is a MPG
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This Bridgerton book had a total Cinderella theme. Sophie is the illegitimate daughter of an earl, and is practically enslaved by her evil stepmother and stepsisters. She meets Benedict Bridgerton at a masquerade ball and they fall in love, but she has to flee at midnight. The rest of the story takes place a few years later when they meet again. It was good and the narrator was excellent. The standout character in this to me was Violet Bridgerton - I really like her!
How did it get to be Friday already??? Not that I'm complaining, Fridays are always good, but this one got here quicker than I expected! =PIs everyone ready for a new theme? We're all caught up through week 3 and just some completions for this week still outstanding, so we're in good shape!
CompletionWeek #4
The Art of Sinning
Date Read: 4/5/18
Rating: ★★★★
I have no idea why I put off reading Sabrina Jeffries' books for so long. I think she will be another favorite historical author for me. This book was an enjoyable start to the Sinful Suitors series. Jeremy is an American artist who finagles a commission to paint Yvette's portrait when he sees her at a wedding and realizes she would be a perfect model. I liked Jeremy and Yvette and the banter between the two of them and their families as well. It was fun to watch their relationship develop as they both tried to deny their attraction to each other. The idea of a gentleman's club comprised of men who want to protect their sisters and other female relatives from bad suitors is interesting and I look forward to seeing it play out through the rest of the series.
Week 5Option 1
13. Read a book with an MC as the housekeeper or similar from one of the following lists:
Helping Hand Romance Hero Or Heroine Hired As Butler, Housekeeper, Cook, Chauffeur, Maid and More
Feather Duster: Housekeepers in Contemporary Romance
Better Homes: Housekeepers in Historical Romance
MM bookshelf "Profession - Servant'
Manny MM
Servant Heroes/Heroines In Romance
Nanny Governess Romances
If you use Option 1 your book MUST be chosen from one of the above lists.
Option 2
Key date: 6 Ocotber 2017
Please ensure you follow the format shown in msg 3 of your team threads. when you post your selection and completion posts.
Week 4: COMPLETIONOption 1: Read a book with the main page genre 'historical'
Romancing Mister Bridgerton370 pages/GR
How it fits: Historical is MPG
Date completed: 4/5/18
Rating: *4 STARS*
I want to be all about the love story in this one, but honestly, I wasn't overwhelmed with Colin. I'm glad he finally saw what was right in front of his eyes the whole time, but that wasn't the main thing that had me glued to this book. Even when Colin went all sexy seducer on Penelope, nothing could keep me from being focused on solving the mystery. The mystery of Lady Whistledown's identity.
I got so absorbed in that, I think I forgot I was supposed to be swooning over Colin Bridgerton. LOL, I thought the romance was sweet but there were a lot of little things in this book that to me overshadowed the romance. Obviously, Lady Whistledown was one, but then there was Lady Dansbury as well. She was quite the surprise in this one.
I wanted to slap Penelope's mother silly when she couldn't get it in her head that Colin wanted to marry Penelope and not her younger sister.
The absolute highlight of the whole book though was the great Rosalyn Landor. I swear, I could listen to her read anything and be entranced. I will definitely be continuing on with this series.
Week 5 Selection PostOption 1
Week # 5
Bookcover/link
More Than a Mistress by Mary BaloghPage numbers 384
How the book qualifies - #12 on the list for Servants, Heroes, Heroines in Romance https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Note: I've never read this author, but the book fits this challenge AND works for a Red 5 for Uno AND is at my library - it is meant to be!
Selection PostWeek # 5
Book: Where Dreams Begin
Pages: 384
How the book qualifies: #3 on the Nanny Governess Romances list
Selection Post - Week #5Option 1
Book:
Final LapPages: 304 (Kindle version)
How the book qualifies: #60 on Helping Hand Romance Hero Or Heroine Hired As Butler, Housekeeper, Cook, Chauffeur, Maid and More
Week 5Book Title:
Deefur Dog by RJ ScottPages: 109 pgs/GR
How the book qualifies: Book is number eight on the Manny MM list.
Week 5Option 2:
To Sir Phillip, With Love372 pages/GR
How it fits: ~KarenH~ read book #6 in the series, When He Was Wicked, on 4/2/18 and rated it *4 STARS*
Dang it! The book I want to read wasn't on the Servant shelf until I put it there, today...I hate when that happens.
(I'd have added it last month but I didn't know I wanted to read it until this week!)
Week #5: Servant/MannyOption 1
Desert Ice by Rose Maefair
Pages: 457
How Book Qualifies: On MMRG "Profession-Servant" bookshelf
Week #4 Completion PostBook:
Bloodline by Jordan L HawkRating: 5 Stars
Review:
I love this series. It just seems like the author loves to write and give it her all. The storyline is fun and fast paced. There aren't dull parts. You can kind of guess what is happening, but there are always twists you didn't see coming until they are there.
I think what makes this book and series great though are the characters. It isn't just the main characters. It is all of them. They all have a role and fulfill it wonderfully.
I have to say that I can't wait to see what is still to come. I keep thinking that sooner or later the series will start to get boring or repeat itself. Each successful new title makes me happy that I am wrong.
Week #5 Completion PostBook Title:
Deefur Dog by RJ ScottRating: 4 Stars
Review:
This was a sweet story about a father that has lost his partner and been left to raise there daughter and dog. He is buckling under the work and challenges. Then he just happens to find the perfect manny.
I liked the book quite a bit and enjoyed reading it. It was a quick read. The biggest problem I had with it was that I was expecting a bunch more humor. I got a few giggles, but thought this book had the potential for so much more. I kinda wish it would be revised and lengthened to add to everything.
I guess I found myself comparing this book to other manny books I've read. I like it when you get to see more mischief from the kids. Then you have this huge dog and he seems to just calm right down. I know I shouldn't compare books. I should base my opinion on this one. That is why I gave the book four stars. I do feel this book was good in its own right.
Overall, I had fun reading. There were parts that were emotional and heartwarming. I just feel that it needs fleshed out more for a five star review.
Week 5: COMPLETEDOption 2:
To Sir Phillip, With Love372 pages/GR
How it fits: ~KarenH~ read book #6 in the series, When He Was Wicked, on 4/2/18 and rated it *4 STARS*
Date completed: 4/9/18
Rating: *4 STARS*
I really liked this one despite, Phillip being completely clueless at times. The kids, Eloise and Phillip really made such a great family. I loved it when the Bridgerton Brothers made it into the story. Hilarious. And something I could totally see happening today.
And as usual, Rosalyn Landor's narration was impeccable and had me so into the story, I didn't want it to end.
I'm definitely going to continue this series. I'm actually looking forward to Francesca's book since we don't get a chance to really get to know her because she's usually in Scotland.
Completion Post - Week #5Option 1
Book:
Final LapFinished: 4/11/18 - 3.5 stars
Review: This book was a bit of a disappointment for me. I've loved the rest of the series, and while it was fun to revisit the characters from the previous books and the ending tied the series up nicely, I wasn't particularly impressed by the main storyline. Much of the conflict/miscommunication (starting with the whole twin-swap thing and moving on from there) seemed very immature...something you'd be more likely to see between teen-agers than adults ranging from late 20s to 40s. I did like all the characters, even if they did act a bit silly at times, so it was good to see everyone get their HEAs.
I will try to get my book done by tomorrow - sorry - I'm finishing another very long book first, and its the last 3 weeks of classes so aaaagh. But I'm about 1/3 done and haven't forgotten :) Sorry!
Suzanne wrote: "I will try to get my book done by tomorrow - sorry - I'm finishing another very long book first, and its the last 3 weeks of classes so aaaagh. But I'm about 1/3 done and haven't forgotten :) Sorry!"No worries, Suzanne! While it's great that everyone is staying current, and it will make things easier when we get to the end if we want to try to go for the win, being a little bit behind at this stage of the game isn't a problem at all...but thanks for checking in! =)
I finished my book 3 days ago; should probably post a review for it, eh? Sorry! I'll get on that tonight...
⚣❣☙ Michaelle ❧❣⚣ wrote: "I finished my book 3 days ago; should probably post a review for it, eh? Sorry! I'll get on that tonight..."Been there, done that... ;-)
Week 6Option 1
10. Read a book set in the woods or featuring a home/cottage from one of the following lists:
Nature Lover-Romances With Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Backpacking, Mountain Climbing And More
Cabin Romance
Gay Romance that Takes Place in the Woods
Gay Romance Featuring Sex in the Great Outdoors
So You're a Homeowner
Renovation Romance
If you use Option 1 your book MUST be chosen from one of the above lists.
Option 2
Key date: 13 Ocotber 2017
Please ensure you follow the format shown in msg 3 of your team threads when you post your selection and completion posts.
Week # 6 - Selection PostOption 2
Bookcover/link
Hello Stranger by Lisa KleypasPage numbers 400
How it fits: KarenH read this book on 24-Mar-2018 and gave it 5 stars.
Week 6Option 2:
Good Boy269 pages/GR
How it fits: ~KarenH~ read this book on 11/7/17 and rated *4 STARS*
Selection Post - Week #6Option 1
Book:
Holding the DreamPages: 337 (Kindle version)
How the book qualifies: #74 on Renovation Romance
Week #6Bookcover/link:
Guarding Morgan by RJ ScottPages: 233 pgs/GRs
How the book qualifies: Number 39 on the Gay Romance that Takes Place in the Woods List
Week 6: COMPLETIONOption 2:
Good Boy269 pages/GR
How it fits: ~KarenH~ read this book on 11/7/17 and rated *4 STARS*
Date completed: 4/14/18
Rating: *4 STARS*
I thought this was adorable. Blake was so perfect. I had no idea he had all that under the surface though. I, like Jessica, thought he was just a big lovable oaf. But, many times there's a method to his madness and he was just so delicious.
My only real complaint with this one was that I would have liked to have some sort of epilogue. Things just ended and without having the closure I usually like to have. I hope that means we'll see more of these two in future books.
Completion Post - Week #5Option 1:
More Than a Mistress by Mary Balogh
How it fits: #12 on the Servants, Heroes, Heroines in romance list
Date Read: 4/14
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review: I have never read this author before, and it took me awhile to get into the book, I think because her use of language and phrasing was not what I'm used to. It wasn't bad at all, just....more formal maybe. However, I ended up really enjoying the book. The characters were both good - they each had weaknesses, but I loved how their relationship developed and was more about friendship than sex. I'm sure I'll read another book by the author.
COMPLETEWeek #5: Servant/Manny
Option 1
Desert Ice by Rose Maefair
Rating: 3.9 Stars
Review:
Okay, this one was hard to rate. Parts of it reminded me of Captive Prince and other parts would make me think of the Free Men series. Add in a touch of Avatar (the cartoon)...and yeah, lots of similarities.
But that said I was still very much engrossed in the story. I loved the beginning with the language barrier making things difficult to explain; I loved how that created a lot of tension, misconceptions and amped up the frustration. I very much wanted to see how Lysander would work to stay true to his initial plan and to see how Wyl would react when he realized that the "owner" he had built up in his head, who he had made wrong assumptions about and acted horribly toward...well, wasn't that man at all.
Great drama, great character growth (Wyl) & great world-building as well. Another new-to-me author that I'd be happy to read from again.
Week #6: Woods, Home/CottageOption 1
Book Link: Strong Enough by Cardeno C.
Pages: 247
How Book Qualifies: #12 on Renovation Romance List
Completion Post - Week #6Option 1
Book:
Holding the DreamFinished 4/15/18 - 4 stars
Review: This was pretty typical for a NR trilogy, and for me that's not a bad thing! I enjoyed the various relationships between the characters, although there was a time or two when I wanted to smack someone in the head for acting stupid. Not too much of that though, and some of it may have just been due to changing times. The book was written over 20 years ago and while it mostly holds up pretty well, there were some things that really felt dated...most notably in the area of technology. I listened to the audiobook, and I thought the narrator (Sandra Burr, who has been among my favorites for years) did a very good job.
CompletionWeek #5
Where Dreams Begin
Date Read: 4/14/18
Rating: ★★★★
I don't think I have ever read a Lisa Kleypas book that I didn't like. Her historicals are her best works to me. This one had a little bit of a slow start, but it picked up as I became more interested in the lives of the characters. I loved Zachary's pursuit of Holly, despite their differences in social standing and her reluctance to fall in love again after her husband's death. I did not feel the events at the end were necessary but I am glad they got their HEA through it all. I will read anything Lisa Kleypas writes in the future.
Selection PostWeek # 6
Book: The Space Between
Pages: 350
How the book qualifies: #59 on Renovation Romance list
Week # 6 - Completion PostOption 2
Bookcover/link
Hello Stranger by Lisa KleypasPage numbers 400
How it fits: KarenH read this book on 24-Mar-2018 and gave it 5 stars.
Date Read: 4/17
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I agree with Amanda about Lisa Kleypas books. One thing I really liked about this one is that neither of the main characters is aristocracy - that was just a refreshingly different take. Garret is the only women doctor in England, and Ethan is a policeman/agent. I liked their relationship and the way they communicated, and I really liked how Ethan communicated love by deed and words the entire book - there wasn't a lot of stupid non-communication, fighting, etc. I will continue to look for this author when I get a chance!
Week 7Option 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).
Please show the bookcover and note the item in your selection and completion post.
Option 2
Key date: 20 Ocotber 2017
Please ensure you follow the format shown in msg 3 of your team threads when you post your selection and completion posts.
Week #7 - Selection PostOption 1
Book:
Starship Grifters by Robert Kroese
Pages: 250
Task: *a shiny/reflective surface (eg glass, sheet metal, body of water)
How it fits: The glass on his head is reflective, as is the robot, the armor, and the starship in the background.
(I'm like 99% sure this fits, but if it doesn't just let me know! )
Suzanne wrote: "(I'm like 99% sure this fits, but if it doesn't just let me know! ) ..."Excellent example :D
Phew - thanks - I'm glad that works!
CompletionWeek #6
The Space Between
Date Read: 4/19/18
Rating: ★★★★
I loved Patrick and Andi together. Patrick is a possessive hero and Andi is a strong heroine so it was fun to watch the progression of their relationship. Their chemistry was great and I enjoyed the humorous banter. I really liked that Andi was not afraid to stand up for what she wanted in her career. The Walsh siblings are entertaining characters and I enjoyed catching up with Matt and Lauren from the first book. Looking forward to Sam's story in the next book.
Week 7Option 1:
Promises in Death435 pages/GR
How it fits: Glass in the windows of the buildings are reflective
If the glass in the windows of the buildings don't work, I can use option 2 for this one as well.
Week #7: Shiny/Reflective SurfaceOption 1
Book Link: Red Fish, Dead Fish by Amy Lane
Pages: 352
How Book Qualifies: Metal morgue doors, Knife blade & Water are all either shiny or reflective.
Week #7Book:
The Placebo Effect: A Mpreg Yaoi Romance by Amelita RaePage: 125 pgs/GR
How the book qualifies: Something shiny or reflective found on book cover. (belt buckle & window)
Week #6 Completion PostBook:
Guarding Morgan by RJ ScottRating: 3 Stars
Review:
This book starts out with quite a bit of action. I enjoyed the parts where Morgan was running for his life and when he first meets up with Nik. It just felt like there should have been more.
Morgan and Nik were great characters. Even though I thought Nik was a jerk in the beginning, he kinda grew on me as the story progressed. I liked Morgan the whole time. He just seemed like a nice person to be around.
I even liked the setting. The thought of a secret, high-tech cabin in the woods is my dream. Thinking of being able to get internet and everything while being away from crowds, sign me up.
The biggest problem I had with the book was the lack of action/suspense throughout. It was hit and miss in places. While I enjoyed the read, it just wouldn't make my top list. I am hoping that the next book in the series continues to tell what happens to Morgan and the Bullen family. I plan giving the series a couple of more books to see if there is something I missed in the first one.
Week 7: COMPLETIONOption 1:
Promises in Death435 pages/GR
How it fits: Glass in the windows of the buildings are reflective
Date completed: 4/21/18
Rating: *5 STARS*
Narration was perfect as always, but I loved this one for the personal aspect that Eve was willing to feel on this one. Acknowledging both her feelings for Morris and her less than welcoming behavior toward Coltrane added a layer to the story that made it more raw and deep.
And the mystery, the way Eve worked the case was so interesting. I loved how it all came together in the end. I really didn't think the killer was the killer. But, I guess that's why I could never be Eve Dallas.
It's amazing to me that this series is so far in with so many books and it's still so good. I can't wait to get to the next book. So much so that I think I'm just going to start on that right now!
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Compromised (other topics)Torn (other topics)
Torn (other topics)
The Duchess Deal (other topics)
Bright Water, Dark Sky (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Bailey Queen (other topics)Tessa Dare (other topics)
Tessa Dare (other topics)
Bailey Queen (other topics)
Martha Wells (other topics)
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Option 1
Book Link: Conall by Samantha Kane
Pages: 142
How Book Qualifies: Set during Crimean War (1853-1856) with Main Page "Historical" genre.