Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
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PtP - The 7 Reading Dwarfs (7)
Jane wrote: "I could imagine myself being turned into compost. ..."LOL - exactly what my mother wants. Be planted in a pine/cardboard box, upright, with a tree planted over her :D
Jane (PS) wrote: "Jane wrote: "I could imagine myself being turned into compost. ..."LOL - exactly what my mother wants. Be planted in a pine/cardboard box, upright, with a tree planted over her :D"
Yup, that's exactly what they do. They freeze you, shake you to bits, remove the water and then all the metal we have in us. Then they put you in a biodegradable coffin / box and then we should turn into compost in 6-18 months. I went and researched it after reading the book and I loved the idea.
Jane wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: "Jane wrote: "I could imagine myself being turned into compost. ..."LOL - exactly what my mother wants. Be planted in a pine/cardboard box, upright, with a tree planted over her ..."
Will let her know and check it out :D
Week 8 Completing Post
Festive in Death
# of Pages: 389
Theme: 2,000 + ratings
How the book qualified 15,634 Ratings
5/3 Completed
4.5 Stars
By now, one would think that I would tire of this series. After all, this is book 39! I am still rolling through to the finish line. I absolutely love the narrator and could listen to these installments daily, I feel that I know all of the main characters and would love to sit down with Eve, Roarke, Peabody, and so many others!
Even though the victim is a mean spirited and apparently evil man, Eve and Peabody do their best to determine who the culprit is. There are so many funny and uplifting moments in this plot. Eve is growing as a person thanks to Roarke and is patient heart. After all, it is Christmas and once again, Eve has shopping and a party to attend!
Week 8 CompletionRead a book that has 2,000 or more ratings
Book: Never Smile at Strangers by Jennifer Jaynes
Pages: 310
How the book qualifies: 6,486 Ratings
Date Read: 5/4/18
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review:
This was an interesting book, but I struggled to keep reading. I'm not sure if this was because of me or the book, but I didn't connect with any of the characters, which there were plentiful, so it was probably the book.
The book did keep me guessing, even though I was sure I knew who the killer was it made me question myself a lot which is good in a mystery.
All in all, I liked the book but it wasn't great.
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.
Week 9 SelectionRead a book with an actor or entertainer in the storyline
Book: Happily Ever After by Kelly Oram
Pages: 342
How the book qualifies: #101 on Hollywood Romance Novels list
Week 9 SelectionMegan-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Rachel-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Jane-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
GreenFairy-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
LaurLa-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Debbie (Doc)-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Week 9 CompletionsMegan-
Rachel-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Jane-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
GreenFairy-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
LaurLa-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Debbie (Doc)-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
So excited to read this one! I loved the first book so much! Happy this was called. :)
Week 9 selectionTheme: Read a book with an actor or entertainer in the storyline
Somewhere I'll Find You by Lisa Kleypas
Pages: 384 ebook
How does it fit. #14 on Romance With Extra Drama list
I am still reading on last challenge book. I will post review as soon as I get done reading. Hopefully be in a day or two.
Selection Post: Option 2Week #9:
Bookcover/link:
Dead Heat by Patricia BriggsPage numbers: 336
Read by: GreenFairy January 10th 2018 and she gave it ★★★★
Jane, can you add Option 2 to your selection post please?
Megan, did I miss your Week 7 Completion?
GreenFairy wrote: "Megan, did I miss your Week 7 Completion?"No, haven't finished it yet. Hoping to get it finished this weekend.
Week 9 SelectionTheme: Actor or Entertainer
Option 2
392 pages
How it fits: LaurLa read
on November 9, 2017 and rated it 4 stars
Megan wrote: "GreenFairy wrote: "Megan, did I miss your Week 7 Completion?"No, haven't finished it yet. Hoping to get it finished this weekend."
Thanks. I just wanted to make sure.
Week 9 - Selection -- Option 2Call: 16. Read a book with an actor or entertainer in the storyline.
Book: Magic Gifts - Ilona Andrews
How it fits: Substitute for Magic Strikes read by Debbie (Doc) on 12.10.17; rated 4 stars
Pages: 160
Week 9 Selection - Option 1Theme: Read a book with an actor or entertainer in the storyline
by Samantha TowleThe Mighty Storm
# of Pages: 442
How the book qualifies: #214 on Hollywood Romance Novels List
Week #8 CompletionTheme: Theme: Read a book with 2000 + rating
How does it fit: Has a rating of 5,582
Completed: 5/6
Duchess in Love By Eloisa James
Pages: 400 ebook
Rated: 2 stars
Review: This is the first book in Eloisa James "Duchess Quartet series". All I can say that I have read better books by this author. There was somethings that I like about this book. But for me there was more bad things then good. I think that Eloisa James had a good idea on her hands but she executed it badly. One, I think she had to many storylines going on at once. I think that this was taking away from the original pairing. Plus, I was finding it hard to keep track of all that was going on. There was a lot of scenes that didn't need to be there and didn't add to the story. Plus, the book was heavy infidelity/mistresses themes. I'm not a prude, I just don't find that stuff amusing. I guess, I just wanted a more light hearted romance. Not romance developed out of betrayal. Plus, I found the main character in this annoying. I thought Gina was an airhead in this, think that I would have respected her more had she grown more a spine and stood up to obvious abuse from those who supposedly care for her. The leading male figure in this was no better. He abandons his wife for years and then wonders why she doesn't trust him? I could go on forever with this. I like the author, but like I said earlier, this was not her best work. Hopefully the rest of the books in this series is not as bad.
Week 9 - Completion Post -- Option 2
Call: 16. Read a book with an actor or entertainer in the storyline.
Book: Magic Gifts - Ilona Andrews
How it fits: Substitute for Magic Strikes read by Debbie (Doc) on 12.10.17; rated 4 stars
Pages: 160
Date Read: 05.08
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
Short and sweet Kate Daniels novella - if you can call anything Kate Daniels short and sweet! The events in this book were happening simultaneously to the events in Gunmetal Magic but should probably have been read prior to that book as it explains some things from that book a bit. As for this story, it was one of Kate's easier adventures and we had lots of good banter between Curran and her, which I love. There was a small argument between Kate and Jim that I didn't quite get but it ended up okay in the end. Kate seems to be getting involved with the running of the Mercenary Guild, so that should be interesting. All in all a fun short story!
Week 9 Completion Post5/8
2 Stars
Theme: Read a book with an actor or entertainer in the storyline
by Samantha TowleThe Mighty Storm
# of Pages: 442
How the book qualified: #214 on Hollywood Romance Novels List
Review
Apparently, I am in the minority of this book on the love factor. I did not like the characters, especially Tru. She was annoying, winey, and the narrator didn’t help solidify my opinion of her. The storyline was full of angst when I felt that it did have a promising start. I did like Jake but not to the point of wanting more. Needless to say, I will not be continuing with this story.
Completion PostWeek #: 9
Bookcover/link:
Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs 5/9-18Rating: ★★★★★
Page numbers: 336
How the book qualifies: Read by GreenFairy January 10th 2018 and she gave it ★★★★
Review:
This was a re-read and I added a star since last time. I read this 3 years ago but have been re-reading the whole series so I can read the 5th book in the series that has just been published.
As usual I loved the relationship between Anna and Charles. There are so many people who think Anna is a weak under the thumb wife and I like the way these people are proven wrong all the time.
The is a dangerous Fae on the loose who has targeted a grandchild of a werewolf and Anna and Charles just happen to be visiting and are drawn into the investigation.
I also like this because we meet some very old human friends of Charles. It shows another vulnerable side of Charles.
Week 9 CompletionTheme: Actor/Entertainer
Option 2
392 pages
5/7/18
4 stars
This one was a ride. It was interesting to watch Eve in a different relationship setting. For a woman who can handle anything, a kid scares the crap out of her. She fumbled a lot...she's not perfect. But, she worked it all out and the kid was appreciative. It was an elaborate story that had different twists. Once those started to unravel, you could see how it all came about. I was disappointed in the ending. (view spoiler)
I can honestly say that in all the times this challenge has been going on, I haven't used Option 2 so much. Not complaining because I'm working through this series and it helps a lot.
GreenFairy wrote: "I can honestly say that in all the times this challenge has been going on, I haven't used Option 2 so much. Not complaining because I'm working through this series and it helps a lot."I've been doing the same! I love this series especially on audio!
Week 7 CompletionTheme: shiny/reflective surface
Book: I Heard That Song Before by Mary Higgins Clark
Pages: 318
How the book qualifies: reflective water on cover
Date Read: 5/11/18
Rating: 2 stars
Review:
This book was a bit of a chore to read, unlike any of the other MHC's books I've read. I was between two characters from the beginning for the murderer, but was leaning more toward one of them and that one ended up being the culprit.
The romance part was too sudden, I felt as though several chapters were missing because I was confused at first by what had happened.
The ending wrapped everything up, but I didn't enjoy this story much at all. Not a book I'd recommend.
Week #9 CompletionTheme: actor or entertainer in storyline
Completed: 5/11
Somewhere I'll Find You by Lisa Kleypas
How does it fit: #14 on Romance With Extra Drama list
Rated: 5 stars
Review: Lisa Kleypas is not a new author for me. I have yet to read a books of hers that I have not been happy with. I think this books really goes well with this theme for this past week. This is the first book in her Capitol Theatre series. Both Julia and Damon married as children. Not wanting to be stuck in a loveless marriage that brought about by their conniving fathers. Damon and Julia lead separate lives. Julia or Jessica as she calls herself goes to become successful actress. She is reunited with her husband who has no idea who she really is and is wanting make her his mistress. I love Lisa Kelypas writing, she has a way of pulling you into the story. I thought this story plot was really good. Julia struggle in trusting her husband, and her eternal debate on whether she wanted her career or family. Aside from the main characters, I loved all the character portrayals in this. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series. Great book.
Week 10Option 1
11. Read a shorter book with 100-200 pages.
Option 2
Key date: 10 November 2017
Week 10 SelectionsGreenFairy-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Megan-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Jane-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Rachel-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Debbie (Doc)-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
LaurLa-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Week 10 CompletionsGreenFairy-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Megan-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Jane-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Rachel-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Debbie (Doc)-
LaurLa-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Week 10 SelectionTheme: 100-200 pages
104 pages
How it fits: 104 pages
Week 10 SelectionTheme: Read a shorter book with 100-200 pages
Book: A February Bride by Betsy St. Amant
Pages: 120
How the book qualifies: 120 pages
Week 10 CompletionTheme: Read a shorter book with 100-200 pages
Book: A February Bride by Betsy St. Amant
Pages: 120
How the book qualifies: 120 pages
Date Read: 5/11/18
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
A February Bride was a sweet and heartwarming read, but it was just a little too rushed to be get a full 5 star rating.
The story begins with Allie in the dressing room just before her wedding to Marcus, deciding whether or not she should go through with the wedding. Her decision? She leaves him at the altar, because she's afraid her family is cursed to have failed marriages. At first I wondered why she felt this way, but once her family (mom, aunt, & grandma) are shown it's no wonder she feels this way.
I loved how parts of the story were handled, but felt that some things were more dramatic than they needed to be.
I'm glad to have read A February Bride and would recommend it to those looking for an easy contemporary read.
Rachel wrote: "Week # 10 selectionTheme: Theme: Read a shorter book with 100-200 pages
The Misfit Marquess by Teresa DesJardien
Pages: 214
How does it fit: 2..."
Rachel, I wonder if you have written the wrong page count? The book is supposed to be less than 200 pages and you have it at 214 which doesn’t fit the theme.
Selection PostWeek #10: 11. Read a shorter book with 100-200 pages.
Bookcover/link:
Beauty and the Goblin King by Lidiya FoxglovePage numbers: 154
How the book qualifies: 154 pages
Jane wrote: "Rachel wrote: "Week # 10 selectionTheme: Theme: Read a shorter book with 100-200 pages
The Misfit Marquess by Teresa DesJardien
Pages: 214
How..."
No, I misunderstood the challenge, Thought it was less then 300 pages. thanks for letting me know.
Week #10 SelectionTheme: Read a shorter book with 100-200 pages
The Ice Princess By Elizabeth Hoyt
Pages: 120 ebook
How does it fit. 120 pages
Completion PostWeek #: 10
Bookcover/link:
Beauty and the Goblin King by Lidiya Foxglove 5/12-18Rating: ★★
Page numbers: 154
How the book qualifies: 154 pages
Review:
I liked the fairytale part of this and I especially liked that the Goblin King, stayed as an ugly goblin after the curse was broken. My problem with the book was I prefer romances with not too much sex in them and I kind of missed this was actually tagged erotica. The series name should also have warned me: Fairy Tale Heat.
Week 10 SelectionTheme: Read a shorter book with 100-200 pages
by Shirley JumpSummer Love: Take Two
Number of Pages: 139
How the book qualifies: 139 pages
Week 10 Completion PostCompleted 5/12
Theme: Read a shorter book with 100-200 pages
by Shirley JumpSummer Love: Take Two
Number of Pages: 139
How the book qualifies: 139 pages
4 stars
This is a good start to the Paradise Key series and can even be read as a stand a lone. This is a story of second chances for both the hero and heroine. I really enjoyed the twist and turns of this book even as short as the plot was. The book kept me engaged and had a nice wrap up of an ending. I will definitely continue with this series.
Week 10 - Selection Post -- Option 1Call: 11. Read a shorter book with 100-200 pages
Book: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - L. Frank Baum
How it fits: between 100-200 pp
Pages: 136
Debbie (Doc) wrote: "Week 9 Completion Post5/8
2 Stars
Theme: Read a book with an actor or entertainer in the storyline
by Samantha Towle[book:The Mighty Sto..."
I was with you on this one! Totally 2 stars from me as well.
Debbie (Doc) wrote: "Week 10 Completion PostCompleted 5/12
4 stars
This is a good start to the Paradise Key series and can even be read as a stand a lone. This is a story of second chances for both the hero and her..."
Hi Debbie - could you please add the book to this post? :)
Jane (PS) wrote: "Debbie (Doc) wrote: "Week 9 Completion Post5/8
2 Stars
Theme: Read a book with an actor or entertainer in the storyline
by Samantha Towle..."
I read this book a few years ago. Hated everything about it. The characters, the story, the writing... So glad I'm not the only one that didn't like it after seeing so many that do.
Jane (PS) wrote: "Debbie (Doc) wrote: "Week 10 Completion PostCompleted 5/12
4 stars
This is a good start to the Paradise Key series and can even be read as a stand a lone. This is a story of second chances for ..."
Thank you. I was about to post that for her :)
Week #10 Completion PostTheme: Read a shorter book with 100-200 pages
How does it fit: 120 pages
Completed: 5/13
The Ice Princess By Elizabeth Hoyt
Pages: 120 ebook
Rated: 5 Stars
Review: This is part of the Princes series by Elizabeth Hoyt. The main female character, Coral, runs a brothel. She is known as Aphrodite and always wears a gold mask. She drawn and has frequent runs ins with Isaac wargate who is a sea captain and comes to the brothel to gather up his men. Isaac is both disgusted and lust after Coral. One -night one of the co owners of the brother Cruelly offers up coral in a card game. The winner gets 7 nights with Coral. Isaac enters the game and wins Coral. I really enjoyed this book, there was apart of me that wished that this was longer. One of things I liked about this story that it was a story in a story. There was an excerpt of a fairytale called "the Ice princess" I liked how the fairytale seemed to go along with the story, even though they were two different stories. I really liked the main character. Coral had one idea of what love and physical intimacy was. She always looked at sex as a business transaction, not surprising given her profession. But Isaac taught her that love and intimacy more then just a business transaction. Plus I liked how Isaac was able to love and look at the woman that she was and not what she did for a living. Highly recommend this story.
Week 10 CompletionTheme 100-200 pages
104 pages
2 stars
5/14/18
This is one of the "of course" books. Of course the main male characters are geeks and built like gods. Of course their secretary has been lusting after them for over a year. Of course they have wanted her all this time but didn't want to scare her off. Of course... Of course... You can predict every single thing about this story. There was no substance to it. No relationship development. No plot. Lots of sex. At least it was a quick read. I almost DNF'd it and searched for something else.
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Summer Love: Take Two (other topics)Yellowstone Heart Song (other topics)
Sunset Embrace (other topics)
Scenes from the Hallway (other topics)
Neanderthal Seeks Human (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Shirley Jump (other topics)Samantha Towle (other topics)
Samantha Towle (other topics)
Shirley Jump (other topics)
Samantha Towle (other topics)
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Completed 4/28
Theme: shiny/reflective surface
A Wrinkle in Time
# of pages 232
How the book qualifies: Bright shi..."
LOL - I remember the author's narration of this book was dreadful! Such a shame since it really impacted on my impression ~ I hadn't read the book as a child...