Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
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PtP - The 7 Reading Dwarfs (7)
Week 1 CompletionTheme: Set in Europe
386 Pages
How it fits: Set in London, England
Completed 3/13
3 Stars
One minute Michael Lawler, the Marques of Bourne had it all – land, money, and a decent reputation. The next minute he lost everything in a simple game of cards. Fast forward eight years, and Michael was given the opportunity to destroy the man who practically destroyed him.
Penelope was dubbed a spinster since her engagement was broken. However, now that Lawler is back in the picture, she is offered an adventure that she can’t refuse. However, in order to make a life for the two of them, Lawler must give up his obsession for revenge. If not, his relationship with Penelope could forever be sealed.
While I enjoyed the writing style of this installment, I did not love it. I have heard that the audio is much better than the book. Perhaps, I will attempt audio for the next installment. I did enjoy both characters, but the relationship between the two just wasn’t fleshed out enough for me.
Week #1 completionTheme: Read a book set in Europe
How it fits : Set in London, England
completed: 3/14
Rating: Three stars
Pages: 369
Review:
This is the first book in the Dear Lady Truelove series......I had read the second book in this series first. I think that I liked the second book in the series better then this one honestly. I found the main character ( Irene) extremely annoying in this. The character itself felt like a modern day woman in 19th century clothing. I am all for strong women, but at the same time if your going to write a woman from another time period. She needs to represent that time period and be realistic. Overall, it was okay, but felt a little let down, because I was expecting this to be good as the other book in the series.
Week 1 - Completion Post -- Option 1
Call: 1. Read a book set in Europe
Book: The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine - Jayne Fresina
How it fits: set in England
Pages: 384
Date Read: 03.15
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
I rounded up on my rating. There were times I felt the book dragged a little but by three quarters the way through, I it picked up and I didn't want to put it down. Some of the language was overly flowery - not really purple just, well, flowery. But that didn't really bother me except at the beginning because of the slowish start. I did find myself getting frustrated with the h because she took so long to stop caring about what she 'should' feel and admit what she did feel and want. But in the end, she more than made up for it which is why I rounded up in my rating :-)
Completion PostWeek #: 1
Bookcover/link:
Lines We Forget by J.E. WarrenRating: ★★★
Page numbers: 359
How the book qualifies: Set in UK
Review:
I was actually a bit disappointed with this. I kept waiting for something to happen but it was just a long-winded love story.
A love story: how they meet and their relationship develop. How, after she loses her job, it all falls apart and they end up breaking up as she moves away from London. After a long while she returns to London, they meet again and get back together. The end.
It still gets 3 stars because I didn't dislike it.
I should have my book finished soon, only 15% left. :)
Week 2Option 1
7. Snow white was 'fair' - read a book with an MC with blonde hair and/or fair skin. You must either quote the optional list used OR include in your post the sentence that qualifies that the MC is fair or blonde.
Optional lists in case you need to know your book's MC is 'fair'.
Sexy Blonde Heros Historical Contemporary and Paranormal Romance
Best Blonde Heroes of Contemporary Romance
Sunlight Blonde Heroines in Contemporary Romance Novels
Blonde on the cover
MM readers - you'll have to do a word search if a book isn't already added to a list!
Option 2
Key date: 15 September 2017
Please ensure you follow the format shown in msg 3 of your team threads. when you post your selection and completion posts.
Week 2 SelectionTheme: Snow white was 'fair'
Book: When Tides Turn by Sarah Sundin
Page: 401
How the book qualifies: #63 on Blonde on the cover list
Week 2 SelectionTheme: Snow White was 'fair'
Book: The Water is Wide by Natalie Banks
# of pages: 244
How the book qualifies: The MC has blonde hair. Page 10 …Blake was only 5 when Thomas died. Both boys were blonde like me.
Week 2 - Selection -- Option 1
Call: 7. Snow white was 'fair' - read a book with an MC with blonde hair and/or fair skin
Book: Searching For Moore - Julie A. Richman
How it fits: She looked like an angel—long silky blonde hair flowing down her back, wide cornflower blue eyes and a pouty pink glossed mouth.
Pages: 378
Week #2 selectionTheme: Snow White was fair
Book: Lord of Wicked Intentions by Lorraine Heath
Pages: 370
How it fits: The woman on the cover has blond hair. Page 17....
"Wortham's sister was the most exquisite creature Rafe had ever seen. Her hair, a shade that rivaled the sun in brilliance, was piled up to reveal a long graceful neck that sloped down to alabaster shoulder's that begged for a man's lips to make their home there. "
Thank you, Megan! I'm really behind. Been a little under the weather. Finally starting to feel better.
Week 2 SelectionsMegan-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Debbie (Doc)-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
LaurLa-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/...
Week 2 CompletionsMegan-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Debbie (Doc)-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
LaurLa-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/...
Still looking for a book for this week. Will add the selection post as soon as I find something.
Selection PostWeek #2: read a book with an MC with blonde hair and/or fair skin.
Bookcover/link:
Taylor Davis and the Flame of Findul by Michelle IsenhoffPage numbers: 237
How the book qualifies: Page 17: Or why I’m the only blond in a family of brunettes. (said by the MC)
I haven't even started searching yet. At least it's still early in the week. I've been under the weather. Caught a stomach bug. I have so much to do to get caught back up with everything.I hope everyone is doing ok. Anyone going to be dealing with this Nor'Easter? Besides me.
Week 1 CompletionTheme: Set in Europe
Book: A Most Noble Heir by Susan Anne Mason
Page: 369
How the book qualifies: set in Derbyshire, England
Date Read: 3/19
Rating: 2.5 stars
Review:
When I started the book I was immediately caught up in the story and was loving it. However that didn't last too long, maybe at most 35%, before I started to feel annoyed with Hannah as well as finding the behaviors of others strange for that time period or just in general.
I don't want it to seem like I hated the book, I didn't. It just was that for several parts I was shaking my head or rolling my eyes, because it was just so ridiculous or too modern feeling for this time. The ending was obvious and slapdash in its execution.
All in all, this was an okay story but not one I'd recommend.
GreenFairy wrote: "I haven't even started searching yet. At least it's still early in the week. I've been under the weather. Caught a stomach bug. I have so much to do to get caught back up with everything.I hope e..."
I am sorry that you are under the weather. I hope that you feel better soon!
Completion PostWeek #: 2
Bookcover/link:
Taylor Davis and the Flame of Findul by Michelle Isenhoff 3/20-18Rating: ★★★
Page numbers: 237
How the book qualifies: MC has blonde hair. Page 17: Or why I’m the only blond in a family of brunettes. (said by the MC)
Review:
This is very Young Adult. The MC is 13 years old and he is the reason I didn't like it as much as I had hoped. He whines a lot about being the young one in the family and not gifted at anything like his siblings are. He also whines about moving to the Caribbean because of his father's job.
Basically, I like all the other characters more than the MC and he is suppose to be the hero. I'm not reading more of this series
Week 2 SelectionTheme: Blond(e) hair or fair skin
Option 2
372 pages
Debbie (Doc) read
on January 9, 2018, and rated it 4 stars (series substitution)
GreenFairy wrote: "Week 2 SelectionTheme: Blond(e) hair or fair skin
Option 2
372 pages
Debbie (Doc) read
on January 9, 2018, and rated i..."Yeah! I love this series. If you like audio, you should give this one a try. I can't wait to hear what you think of it!
Jane wrote: "Completion PostWeek #: 2
Bookcover/link:
Taylor Davis and the Flame of Findul by Michelle Isenhoff 3/20-18Rating: ★★★
..."
Wow - Jane, sorry, you didn't like your book and are done with the series. I have a few that I am debating on moving forward or dropping the series!
Week 2 Completion PostDate Completed: 3/21
Book: The Water is Wide by Natalie Banks
# of pages: 244
How the book qualifies: The MC has blonde hair. Page 10 …Blake was only 5 when Thomas died. Both boys were blonde like me.
5 Stars
Review:
Another 5 star read from Natalie Banks! I loved both The Dark Room and The Water is Wide and can’t wait until she publishers another one. I sat down for an hour to read and ended up reading the entire book in one sitting. Both of her books are set in Wilmington, NC but each book is totally different. Normally, I have the entire premise figured out very early on, but not this time. I kept changing my mind and ended up pleasantly surprised. Right at the moment when I had an answer, I had to reevaluate and change my mind!
All of the characters were well developed, and I felt that by the end of the book Sarah was my BFF. This was such a fantastic love story that I did not want it to end. I will truly miss both Sarah and Collin. Family is so powerful! This is an emotional love story that proves love never dies. I highly recommend this book to all of my romantic book loving friends, but be prepared for some ugly crying!
I'm feeling much better now. Still haven't gained all my energy back but I'm working on that. I've shorted my working out because of that. And some aches that I feel from this weather. I love the In Death series. I'm just so far behind on it. I may eventually get caught up on it. Maybe if she takes a couple year break on it? LOL I could probably get a lot more reading done if I listened to books. I may get into that again.
Week 2 CompletionTheme: Snow white was fair
Date completed: 3/22
Lord of Wicked Intentions
Pages: 370
Rating: 5 stars
Review
I loved this book! This is the third book in The lost Lords of Pembroke series. The story centers around the youngest brother, Rafe Easton. Who is battling demons from his past...which prevents him from opening his heart to anyone, including his own brothers. He is drawn to Evelyn Chambers who is the illegitimate daughter of some Lord and his mistress. After her father dies, her brother who resents her existence, intends to sell her off to the highest bidder. But due to his gambling debts.....he reluctantly hands her over to Rafe....who is the owner of gaming hall ( aka....casino) .
I thought this book was very well written. I had a hard time putting this one down. I thought that the characters were all well written. This is the first book I read from this series. I don't think you have to read the series in order. I was able to pick what was going on through this book. I intend to read the other books as well. I highly recommend this.
Week 3Option 1
3. Read a book with a 5 AND 3 in the book publication date and/or the page numbers (any combination) on the GR page for the book you choose. You cannot substitute a month for a number (3 = March; 5 = May).
Please note how this qualifies in your selection post.
Option 2
Key date: 22 September 2017
Please ensure you follow the format shown in msg 3 of your team threads. when you post your selection and completion posts.
Week 3 SelectionTheme: Tale 53
Book: Keturah by Lisa Tawn Bergren
Pages: 354
How the book qualifies: page count includes both a 3 & 5
Selection PostWeek #3: Read a book with a 5 AND 3 in the book publication date and/or the page numbers (any combination)
Bookcover/link:
Christmas Lovebirds: The Hart Family by Rachelle Ayala Page numbers: 314
How the book qualifies: 314 pages and Published November 6th 2015
Out of curiosity, Rachel, is the book you are reading a mass market paperback? It would be noted either on the title/copyright page and/or where the barcode is.
Week 3Theme: 5&3 in publication date or page count (any order)
pages: 120
How it fits: Publication date is August 15, 2013
Week 3 SelectionsMegan-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/...
Rachel-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Debbie(Doc)-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Week 3 CompletionsMegan-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/...
Rachel-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Debbie(Doc)-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
GreenFairy wrote: "Out of curiosity, Rachel, is the book you are reading a mass market paperback? It would be noted either on the title/copyright page and/or where the barcode is."It is a mass paperback, I tried looking up the isbn number......and that lead me to Amazon...which does state that the book is 368 pages. But that is not how long my book is? which is weird to me. Unless I have a defective book that is missing some pages? Because the story itself ends on 354 and then there is an author note afterwards.
Do you think I should find a different book?
Quick question, because I am thinking of changing my book, can the Isbn # count if I see a 3 &5 combo?
Week 2 - Completion Post -- Option 1
Call: 7. Snow white was 'fair' - read a book with an MC with blonde hair and/or fair skin
Book: Searching For Moore - Julie A. Richman
How it fits: clear blue eyes and thick, fair hair with just a slight wave,
Pages: 378
Date Read: 03.23
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
AAARRGH!! This ended on a cliff-hanger. I was not prepared for that! That always leaves me slightly angry at the author, no matter how much I liked the book. Only saving grace is that it wasn't too bad of a cliff-hanger, though it did leave the door open for the MC couple to maybe not continue their HEA, because they were there. Having a happy ever after, at a party, something bad happens and boom, the book ends. As far as the actual story, it was compelling enough that I read it in one sitting but to be honest, I'm not sure I want two more books of these 2. Maybe because I thought we were at a good place to end their story happily but the author wants to continue and give them more problems. Not sure I really want that. Who am I kidding? I won't stop reading, it's not in me to abandon a series after just one book. Can't leave it unfinished! One big issue I had with this book was the handling of the female MC's rape. I felt like it was glossed over a little too easily. It was used as a story prop, a catalyst for the couple. And I feel like if an author is going to use that kind of attack in the story, it should not be treated as if she simply got attacked in a mugging and that is sort of how it was treated. Anyway, beyond that and the cliff-hanger, I really enjoyed the story and the second chance aspect.
Rachel wrote: "Week 3 selectionTheme: Tale 53
Once Upon a Tower
Pages: 404
How does it fit: It was published in May 2013 (5/13)"
Rachel, I'm pretty sure we can NOT substitute the month for a number. Jane addresses this in the Q&A thread.
Week 3 - Selection -- Option 1
Call: 3. Read a book with a 5 AND 3 in the book publication date and/or the page numbers (any combination) on the GR page for the book you choose. You cannot substitute a month for a number (3 = March; 5 = May).
Book: With a Twist - Deirdre Martin
How it fits: 368 pp and pubbed on May 5, 2009
Pages: 368
LaurLa wrote: "Rachel wrote: "Week 3 selectionTheme: Tale 53
Once Upon a Tower
Pages: 404
How does it fit: It was published in May 2013 (5/13)"
Rachel, I'm..."
Megan wrote: "Week 3
Option 1
3. Read a book with a 5 AND 3 in the book publication date and/or the page numbers (any combination) on the GR page for the book you choose. You cannot substitute a month for a num..."
LaurLa wrote: "Rachel wrote: "Week 3 selection
Theme: Tale 53
Once Upon a Tower
Pages: 404
How does it fit: It was published in May 2013 (5/13)"
Rachel, I'm..."
I thought they said that page or the publication date?
Week 3 selectionTheme : Tale 53
Book: Merely a Marriage
Page: 352 Mass market paperback
How does it fit: Has a 3 & 5 in the page number.
Week 3 Selection
Book: Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn
Kenyon
# of Pages: 352 Hardcover book
How does the book qualify: Has a 3 & 5 in the page number
Rachel wrote: "LaurLa wrote: "Rachel wrote: "Week 3 selectionTheme: Tale 53
Once Upon a Tower
Pages: 404
How does it fit: It was published in May 2013 (5/13..."
It can be either the page or the pub date or both but can't use May as 5.
Week 3 - Completion Post -- Option 1
Call: 3. Read a book with a 5 AND 3 in the book publication date and/or the page numbers (any combination) on the GR page for the book you choose. You cannot substitute a month for a number (3 = March; 5 = May).
Book: With a Twist - Deirdre Martin
How it fits: 368 pp and pubbed on May 5, 2009
Pages: 368
Date Read: 03.25
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
This is set in Dierdre Martin's New York Blades series world - the female MC is the sister of the MC in Just A Taste. I enjoyed the cameos of characters from those books. The MCs in this book both had some changes to make in their expectations and perceptions of people and each other. There were some spots where I thought the reactions were a little over the top but overall, it was fun to watch the couple grow and change before they could be together. I look forward to the next book since it will be about the brother, Liam, which happens to be my son's name ;-)
Completion PostWeek #: 3
Bookcover/link:
Christmas Lovebirds: The Hart Family by Rachelle Ayala 3/26-18Rating: ★★★
Page numbers: 314
How the book qualifies: 3 in pagenumber and 5 in publication date - 314 pages and published November 6th 2015
Review:
This was a sweet romance and I will most likely read more from this author. I liked the MC but I found the whole of her family a bit too protective. Also it portrayed firemen as big muscular guys that weren't too smart. But I will still read on as the next book is about one of these firemen and hope he won't seem as stupid.
Rachel wrote: "GreenFairy wrote: "Out of curiosity, Rachel, is the book you are reading a mass market paperback? It would be noted either on the title/copyright page and/or where the barcode is."It is a mass pa..."
The additional pages showing on Amazon are probably including all pages after the end of the story. Which I don't think should be included. Same goes for anything that isn't the story itself.
Let me verify for you.
LaurLa wrote: "Rachel wrote: "Week 3 selectionTheme: Tale 53
Once Upon a Tower
Pages: 404
How does it fit: It was published in May 2013 (5/13)"
Rachel, I'm..."
No, the month number cannot be substituted for the numbers. Only the actual date and year.
GreenFairy wrote: "Rachel wrote: "GreenFairy wrote: "Out of curiosity, Rachel, is the book you are reading a mass market paperback? It would be noted either on the title/copyright page and/or where the barcode is."..."
thanks for clarifying. I have noticed with this challenge that a lot of books are a lot shorter, but have more page count due to advertisement or author not.
Rachel wrote: "LaurLa wrote: "Rachel wrote: "Week 3 selectionTheme: Tale 53
Once Upon a Tower
Pages: 404
How does it fit: It was published in May 2013 (5/13..."
page count and/or publication date
This is my first update for selections and completions that are outstanding. Please go over it and make sure it is correct.Week 1:
Selections-all made
Completions Outstanding-
Week 2:
Selections-all made
Completions Outstanding-
Week 3:
Selections-all made
Completions Outstanding-Megan,
If my information is correct, Megan, you need to have one of your completions posted before the theme call on Friday. I'm about to post my Week 2 Completion now. If I am missing someone's completion post, please let me know. I am not perfect and sometimes things slip by me.
Week 2 CompletionTheme: Fair Hair or Skin
Option 2
Date Read: 3/27/18
Rating: 4 1/2 stars
When I first started reading this series originally, I didn't read them order. I have no idea why. So, I have been re-reading them. This is one that I haven't read before. I love J.D. Robb. It's not all about the cop work, though that is the main theme of each book. There are other story arcs going on. And in some way or other, they all weave together. She creates a world that you can visualize, characters that you can see and hear. Then you have the plot. Detailed, answers the book's story arc questions, adds more questions to other arcs. While each one revolves around a murder, or murders, she manages to make each on unique. Different victims, different ways to be murdered, different suspects. And there are always twists. I love seeing Peabody grow, the different facets of Eve, and that Roarke isn't always perfect.
Rachel wrote: "GreenFairy wrote: "Rachel wrote: "GreenFairy wrote: "Out of curiosity, Rachel, is the book you are reading a mass market paperback? It would be noted either on the title/copyright page and/or where..."And then if you read ebooks, there is page stuffing a lot of times. I don't know if other sites have this issue but Amazon does. That affects the word count and I have gotten into the habit of reporting to Amazon whenever I come across one.
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
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Week #1: Read a book set in Europe
Bookcover/link:
Page numbers: 359
How the book qualifies: Set in UK