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 #6: Woods, Home/Cottage
Option 1
Book Link: Strong Enough by Cardeno C.
Rating: 4.2 Stars
Review:
One of the best Cardeno C books I've read/listened to. Sure, Emilio seems a bit too perfect but just like Spencer I quickly fell in love with him anyway. He was quick to anger and hella jealous...and yet sweetly sexy. His young, brash, pushy behavior started off a bit annoying but the way he read Spencer's reactions and continued to pursue him (if less strongly but more determinedly & for more than just sex) was so romantic. He was kind of the guy you wish was knocking on your door, wanting to go out with you. Even for those of us who sort of don't believe in this kind of romance much anymore.
And Spencer. Gah, he was just so clueless. I adored how he was honestly confused at how much Emilio wanted him, how Emilio desired him. Sure, that lack of confidence was hammered home with entirely too many appearances by his Ex (and that horrific experience in college) but soon he became more assertive. But the best part was how his ED was addressed. It's not something you expect to see happening to a 38 year-old MC (and definitely not something that comes up often in a romance novel!) ("comes up" *snerk* pun not intended) but it was a major part of the romance plot. Spencer is ashamed of it and it gives him so much anxiety with how he thinks Emilio will react (as he expects to be dumped) and yet it doesn't define their sexual encounters. And it's not healed by Emilio's Magic Peen or whatever. They talk about it, they work around it. *sigh* I don't know if this is in any way based on RL but it felt real, the kind of real that is totally based in fantasy, in how you hope a partner would react...but still.
So, yeah, sometimes it was a bit OTT and cheesy and unbelievable...but it was the kind of hopeful OTT and adorable cheesy and romantically unbelievable story that occasionally hits all the right buttons and stabs you in the feelz.
(Also, I loved every. single. member of Emilio's family. More of that kind of acceptance in my romance books please.)
Edited to add: I forgot to mention how good a job I thought Aaron Pickering did! He's only got a few titles credited to him but I am definitely more likely to listen to those books after hearing his narration here. His Hispanic accent was soft and sexy and I could listen to that all day.
Sassafrass wrote: "If the glass in the windows of the buildings don't work, I can use option 2 for this one as well."That's fine :)
⚣❣☙ Michaelle ❧❣⚣ wrote: "COMPLETEWeek #6: Woods, Home/Cottage
Option 1
Book Link: Strong Enough by Cardeno C.
Rating: 4.2 Stars
Review:
One of the best Cardeno C books I've read/listened..."
My memory is hazy on this book but looks like I could be in for a reread :D
Completion Post - Week #7Option 1
Book:
Immortal UnchainedFinished: 4/23/18 - 4 Stars
Review: I've always enjoyed this series, and even after 25 books they're still fun. This one solved a lot of the issues of the story arc running through the last several books, but also opened a new and even scarier set of problems...well, not really new I guess, still related to the whole Mad Scientist Dr. Dressler situation, but different and definitely scarier! I listened to the audio version and I thought the narrator, Julian Durant, did a very good job.
CompletionWeek #7
On the Edge
Date Read: 4/23/18
Rating: ★★★★
This series is totally different from Kate Daniels but I enjoyed it. The world is intriguing with the different aspects of it - The Broken, The Edge and The Weird. Rose is strong and stubborn and I really liked her. I admired her for taking care of her family too. Declan grew on me and I enjoyed his banter and challenges with Rose. They were fun characters and their romance was an entertaining slow burn. I will continue with the series and look forward to the next book.
Completion Post Week #7
Starship Grifters by Robert Kroese
Date Read: 4/26/18
Rating: 4 stars
This was over the top silly , super cheesy, and still quite fun. Rex is a con-man who gets in over his head, and Sasha is his trusty robot sidekick. It's full of puns and craziness, and a lot of twists and turns.
One of my favorite lines: “But has money ever made you truly happy?” “No,” said Rex. “But the lack of it has made me unhappy, and I’m pretty good at extrapolating."
Anyway, I'm glad I read it - I didn't LOVE it but I certainly enjoyed it.
Week #7 Completion PostBook:
The Placebo Effect: A Mpreg Yaoi Romance by Amelita RaeRating (1-5): 4 Stars
Review:
I started out this book intrigued about a couple having a pregnancy kink. The book started out being all about that and how both partners figuring out what the other liked strengthened the relationship.
I loved the pregnancy part of the book. I didn't mind the kink and loved the ending. The only thing about the book I had a little bit of a problem with was that it read more like a fairy tale. You felt like someone was reading you a story. I prefer feeling like I am in one of the characters heads and having a specific point of view. That is probably the only thing I didn't like though.
Overall, I enjoyed what happened. I love the subjects that were dealt with. I loved the ending. I just wish it had been written in one or the other main characters views.
Week 8Option 1
15. Read a book that has 2,000 or more ratings.
Option 2
Key date: 27 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 #8Book:
Lovers Like Us by Krista Ritchie & Becca RitchiePages: 440 pgs/GR
How it fits: Has 2,217 ratings.
Selection Post - Week #8Option 1
Book:
The GoalPages: 350 (Kindle version)
How the book qualifies: Has 21,972 ratings
Selection Post - Week #8Option 1
Book:
HunterPages: 384 (Kindle version)
How the book qualifies: It has 4506 ratings
Week 8: COMPLETEDOption 1:
The Fix Up343 pages/GR
How it fits: Has 6,297 Ratings
Date completed: 4/28/18
Rating: *4 STARS*
I thought this was cute. I'm happy for the HEA even though I thought both Cameron and Sterling were being idiots by not talking about their true feelings. Glad it worked out in the end though because the those two were super hot together and seemed to really get each other.
The male narrator's sexy British accent really made this book for me. I think I would have felt the same if he just started reading names out of the phone book though. LOL
Week #8: 2000+ratingsOption 1
Book Link: The Magpie Lord by K.J. Charles
Pages: 222
How Book Qualifies: 7,761 ratings so far
I'll have my Week 7 book review up soon; my keyboard crapped out and I'm having to do everything via my even crappier (and older/slower) laptop. Waiting for the SigO to bring me one home, hopefully in a couple hours!(This is why I should post a review as soon as I am done with the book; I finished it last week, too!)
COMPLETEWeek #7: Shiny/Reflective Surface
Option 1
Book Link: Red Fish, Dead Fish by Amy Lane
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Review:
I really, really want to read this,
I held out for the audio and it was soooooo worth the wait.
I'm having to type this up using my crappy, ancient, slow laptop because my keyboard might have had an accident wherein it collided with a glass of Kool Aid and couldn't be saved...so, forgive horrible formatting, grammar, spelling and whatnot because I can't be bothered to fix it right now.
Once again I found myself having to remember that this is an Amy Lane book. For most of it I kept spacing out thinking it was Rhys Ford...and then one of the characters would do or say something and the differences would stand out. One thing that really stands out in this book was my confusion on why a Defense firm would spend so much money, waste so many resources, and devote so much time to a case where they have no real billable hours. Sure Ellery does a bit of pro-bono, and given that Jackson was their in-house PI it would seem a likely scenario. I guess since investigating this would once again stick it to the police in some way it would look good...for future clients to see what kind of representation and effort they're paying for? (Basically, Rhys always does a good job of outlining the who is doing what for whom and why portions of her stories, so the whole plot here made it slightly easier to remember this was AL's book.) (Even if the snark and banter sounded right out of each others' wheelhouse.)
But I do love the banter; the characters are FAR from perfect and their revelations and emotional growth really had me by the heart-strings. Not sure if there are any plans for another one as it felt pretty complete, unlike at the end of book 1 with its unresolved bits dangling all over the place. I wouldn't mind a 3rd installment...or maybe cross these guys over with another series, again.
The additional stories that followed the main book (in my audio version) were an interesting touch. I know I've read Racing for the Sun, but I think I may need to go back and refresh my memory, then listen once more. And as ALWAYS Greg knocked this out of the park. His narrations make everything better, not even gonna lie.
Great review, Michaelle! Did you get your new computer yet? You didn't do bad at all on your old laptop though. LOL
That took SO LONG to type and have it post.And I'm just waiting for the SigO to bring me a new(ish) keyboard. Hopefully soon because I don't know how much longer I can deal with page loads taking a minute or more to complete! Gah!!
⚣❣☙ Michaelle ❧❣⚣ wrote: "I'll have my Week 7 book review up soon; my keyboard crapped out and I'm having to do everything via my even crappier (and older/slower) laptop. Waiting for the SigO to bring me one home, hopefully in a couple hours!(This is why I should post a review as soon as I am done with the book; I finished it last week, too!)"
Wow Michaelle, that sounds like a pain! I'm glad you got it posted, and hope you have your new keyboard by now.
I'm horrible about putting off posting my completions, too. Trying to do better this round, but finished my book Saturday night and haven't posted my completion yet, so it's obviously still a work in progress!
Completion Post - Week #8Option 1
Book:
The GoalFinished: 4/28/18 - 4 stars
Review: I think this was my favorite book of this series. It seemed to have more substance to it than the previous books, and it was nice to get to know Sabrina and Tucker better, and to see things between Sabrina and Dean get cleared up. Also, the timeline of this book overlapped the previous book by quite a bit (maybe half the book or more), so it was interesting to see certain events from a different perspective. I listened to the audio version, and thought the narrators did a very good job.
Change in SelectionWeek # 8
Book: Chasing Christmas Eve
Pages: 384
How the book qualifies: 2,990 ratings
COMPLETEWeek #8: 2000+ratings
Option 1
Book Link: The Magpie Lord by K.J. Charles
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Review:
I've always said that a good audio version of a book can make the experience so much richer and this is no exception. In fact, I think that Cornell Collins' vocal performance actually made the spooky scenes even scarier, gave the dramatic scenes even more tension. Oh and of course the sex scenes even were hotter. (I love that desk bit even more now than I did before and that's saying something!)
This was very much a horror story, and one I can actually see aired on BBC (minus the porny bits). They do this kind of thing so well over there in the UK and if ever there was a series I'd watch it in a heartbeat. The characters are so intriguing; I love Crane's backstory and how it weaves with Stephen's (through their fathers)...and I love that Stephen is absolutely nothing like a typical romance hero MC. I adore that while they are attracted to each other and are willing to slake their lusts with each other, that there were no dramatic pronouncements of affection, no insta-love - even if the circumstances could almost excuse it.
So glad I decided to listen to the story...it was a great read the first time around but an even more amazing experience via audiobook.
Completion PostWEEK 8 - 2000+ Ratings
Book: Hunter
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Date Read: 5/2/18
Pages: 384
How it fits: 4527 ratings
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I have been pretty burned out on YA, but this one didn't push any of my "what I hate about YA" buttons - there was no angst, no love triangle, etc.
This book is set in a dystopian future where creatures are coming through from somewhere and attacking people and hunters keep regular people safe, using both magic and weapons. Hunters all have special hounds that aid them. They also are basically reality tv stars.
The main character in the story is great - she is pretty humble, and thinks very clearly. I just really enjoyed the setup, and I'm already starting book 2.
Week 9Option 1
16. Read a book with an actor or entertainer in the storyline.
Hollywood Romance Novels
Romance With Actors/Actresses/Acting
Actor and Actresses in Category Romance
Romance with Extra Drama!
Best Gay Romance Involving Performing Arts
MM bookshelf 'Profession - Actors'
If you use Option 1 your book MUST be chosen from one of the above lists.
Option 2
Key date: 3 November 2017
Please ensure you follow the format shown in msg 3 of your team threads. when you post your selection and completion posts.
Selection Post - Week 9Option 1
Book:
The Naked Duke by Sally MacKenzie
Pages: 320 (Kindle edition)
How it fits: #181 on the list Romance with Extra Drama!
Link: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/4...
CompletionWeek #8
Chasing Christmas Eve
Date Read: 5/2/18
Rating: ★★★★
Jill Shalvis is one of my favorite romance authors. I love her sense of humor and quirky characters. The group of friends that is featured in the Heartbreaker Bay series is wonderful and I enjoy catching up with all of them in each book. Spence has been an intriguing character in this series and it was fun to learn more about him and watch him fall for Colbie. They had great chemistry and were perfect for each other. Elle's protectiveness of Spence was sweet too. I will continue with this series and plan to read the next book soon.
Selection PostWeek #9
Book: Happily Ever After
Pages: 342
How the book qualifies: #101 on Hollywood Romance Novels
Week 9Option 1:
The Real Thing288 pages/GR
How it fits: #88 on the Romance with Actors/Actresses/Acting list
Week 9Book:
Acting Up by John InmanPages: 200 pgs/GR
How it fits: On the MM bookshelf profession-actor
Selection Post - Week #9Option 2
Book:
Wrapped and StrappedPages: 352 (Kindle version)
How the book qualifies: Sassafrass read book #3 in the series, Wrangled and Tangled, on 3/4/18 and rated it *4 STARS*
Lioness7 wrote: "Week 9Book:
Acting Up by John InmanPages: 200 pgs/GR
How it fits: On the MM bookshelf profession-actor"
Hey Jenny, can you please add a link to the bookshelf in your selection post? Thanks!
Week 9: Actor/PerformerOption 1
Book Link: Deal Maker by Lily Morton
Pages: 335
How Book Qualifies: Currently #133 on Best Gay Performing Arts list.
~KarenH~ wrote: "Lioness7 wrote: "Week 9Book:
Acting Up by John InmanPages: 200 pgs/GR
How it fits: On the MM bookshelf profession-actor"
Hey Jenny, can you please a..."
Okay, I just made the update. Sorry about that.
Completion Post - Week 9Option 1
Book:
The Naked Duke by Sally MacKenzie
Pages: 320 (Kindle edition)
How it fits: #181 on the list Romance with Extra Drama!
Link: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/4...
Date Read: 5/6/18
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I had read a novella by this author before (and liked it), and I'd bought these books when they were on sale because they had colored covers - which is often useful for challenges. But I ended up really liking this book! The main characters were excellent - they communicated well, and I was really rooting for both of them. The side characters were good too. I'll read the rest of the series - even before I need the colored covers.
COMPLETEWeek 9: Actor/Performer
Option 1
Book Link: Deal Maker by Lily Morton
Rating: 4.4 Stars
Review:
I really enjoyed the previous book in this series Rule Breaker (that for some reason is not linked as a book in this series, yet has lots of the same recurring characters) but this one was even more engaging. I literally didn't stop reading it...well, I fell asleep with the Kindle in my hand last night and when I woke up I immediately picked up where I left off...but that still counts.
Anywho, I adored the intro fan-letter responses and while I was confused by them at first, finding out that Jude was deliberately playing up to a stereotype made them even funnier.
I adored Billy - who acted and sounded age-appropriate...and Asa was a dream come true. Perhaps a little too perfect? I mean, other than his jumping to conclusions about Jude he didn't seem to have any flaws whatsoever! And Jude. Ah Jude. He was a bit of a mess, eh? But not really.
Both of these guys were perfect for each other (as Peggy was quick to spot) and I'm glad they acted human by crying, being upset, being scared, caring...you know, the antithesis of the macho stuff that permeates a lot of stories. Of course, there was still that problem with communication...*sigh*
I loved the side characters and really, really hope the next one we get will focus on Henry.
Just a quick check-in. I will have one of my books posted tomorrow. I'm just running a little behind.
Week #8 Completion PostBook:
Lovers Like Us by Krista Ritchie & Becca RitchieRating: 5 Stars
Review:
Wow, I am definitely going to keep with this series. I find myself invested in knowing how all the characters end up. Sure, the story is mainly about Maximoff and Farrow. The other people just play such a major role that you want to learn more about them also.
The thing I love most about this book is that it takes you behind being famous. You don't just read about the good things like huge houses, expensive cars, etc. You get to read about the nasty rumors and stalkers. The author did a good job in portraying what I feel it would be like to constantly have paparazzi after you. I like that she even included a mention of drones.
Overall, I think the book is well written. I know that unless you are famous, you don't truly understand the lack of privacy. I feel the book did a good job of imagining what it would be like though. I also know that I can't wait for more.
Completion Post - Week #9Option 2
Book:
Wrapped and StrappedFinished: 5/5/18 - 4 stars
Review: I'm a big fan of Lorelei James, and this book just reinforced that opinion. I loved watching Hugh and Harlow overcome their negative history and find a way to solve their current problems to be together. I listened to the audio version, and the narrator (Scarlet Chase) did a very good job.
Lioness7 wrote: "Okay, I just made the update. Sorry about that."Thanks! =)
Suzanne wrote: "Completion Post - Week 9Option 1
Book:
The Naked Duke by Sally MacKenzie
Pages: 320 (Kindle edition)
How it fits: #181 on the list ..."
Hi Suzanne...will you pleas add your rating to your completion post? Thanks!
Stupid hotel internet took like 5 min, but it is finally added. Sorry about that.I'll be driving pretty solidly Friday-Sunday, so my selection post for the coming week will be late.
Suzanne wrote: "Stupid hotel internet took like 5 min, but it is finally added. Sorry about that.I'll be driving pretty solidly Friday-Sunday, so my selection post for the coming week will be late."
Thanks for battling horrible internet to fix it! =) And thanks for letting me know about your pick being late, too.
Week 9Option 1:
The Real Thing288 pages/GR
How it fits: #88 on the Romance with Actors/Actresses/Acting list
Date completed: 5/10/18
Rating: *4 STARS*
I thought this was cute. Some of the dialogue was extra cheesy though, so I was rolling my eyes more than a few times. I also hated how they were supposed to be such good friends but Willow and Zane didn't talk to each other making for some unnecessary drama between them. I'm glad everything eventually came out. I was really glad they got their HEA.
I liked the town and I want to visit them again and will continue on with the series. I thought the male narrator did a decent job with the story and all the voices as well. I'd listen to him again.
Easy theme this week!Week 10
Option 1
11. Read a shorter book with 100-200 pages.
Option 2
Key date: 10 November 2017
Please ensure you follow the format shown in msg 3 of your team threads. when you post your selection and completion posts.
Selection Post - Week #10Option 1
Book:
Whiskey EyesPages: 150 (Kindle version)
How the book qualifies: Page count between 100-200 pages (150).
This one was a no brainer for me...I started this book this morning, but didn't even make it through the first chapter, so I'll just restart it.
Week #10Book:
Bright Water, Dark Sky by Augusta LiPages: 101 pgs/GR
How the book qualifies: Page count is between 100-200 pages.
Week 10: 100-200pgsOption 1
Book Link: Priddy’s Tale by Harper Fox
Pages: 159
How it Qualifies: Page count is between 100 & 200 pages.
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:
Pages: 337 (Kindle version)
How the book qualifies: Light is reflecting off the chain