Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
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PtP - The 7 Reading Dwarfs (7)
Week 5 - Selection/Completion Post -- Option 2Call: 13. Read a book with an MC as the housekeeper or similar
Book: Pleasure of a Dark Prince - Kresley Cole
How it fits: substitute for No Rest for the Wicked read by Debbie Doc on 11.21.17, rated 3 stars
Pages: 452
Date Read: 04.14
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
I enjoyed this latest installment in the series although I did get frustrated with Lucia and her stubbornness to keep her secrets from Garreth. A lot of the bad probably could have been avoided if she had but then again, we might not have a book if she had! I didn't like the way that she found out her abilities weren't taken away and therefore that made everything okay. I would rather have seen her either choose Garreth in spite of the threat. Of course, all's well that ends well and, as always, we have a great set up for further adventures.
Week 6 SelectionsMegan-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/...
Debbie(Doc)-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
GreenFairy-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Week 6 CompletionsJane-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Debbie (Doc)-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Rachel-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Megan-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
LaurLa-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
GreenFairy-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
My week got away from me. I have so much to get caught up on now. I need a day where I have no responsibility whatsoever so I can just veg.
Selection PostWeek #6:
Bookcover/link:
Fair Game by Patricia BriggsPage numbers: 317
Read by: GreenFairy January 14th 2018 and she gave it ★★★★
I am still searching for a book for week 6. I'll have something by tomorrow.
Week 6 SelectionTheme: Woods or Cottage/Cabin
Option 2
513 pages
How it Fits: LaurLa read
on 11/9/17 and rated it 4 stars (series substitution)
Week 5 Completion
396 pages
3 stars
I was utterly bored. You read a lot about what other people say happened. Then there is a little bit of actual hauntings. The main female character denies, denies, denies that there is actually a haunting. Yet she experiences it herself. None of the characters are really interesting to me. The story dragged.
Week 6 Selection Post
Virgin River
# of Pages - 386
How the book qualifies: #15 Nature Lover-Romances With Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Backpacking, Mountain Climbing
Completion PostWeek #: 6
Bookcover/link:
Fair Game by Patricia Briggs 4/16-18Rating: ★★★★★
Page numbers: 317
How the book qualifies: Read by GreenFairy January 14th 2018 and she gave it ★★★★
Review:
This is one of my favourite series. Anna is an Omega wolf and a lot stronger than she seems. To others she appears weak and they feel they have to protect her. Her husband Charles is the outward strong one, the assassin of the pack. But this book shows how his heritage makes him doubt himself and also how much he really needs Anna. There are some awful villains in this book but they all get the punishment they deserve.
Week 6 Completion PostCompleted 4/19
Virgin River
# of Pages - 386
How the book qualifies: #15 Nature Lover-Romances With Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Backpacking, Mountain Climbing
4 Stars
Review
This is the first book in the Virgin River series and is a reread for me. Melinda Moore answered an ad for a community looking for a nurse/midwife. At first glance, Melinda decides this is exactly what she needs to move forward. She has recently lost her husband and needs a new start in a place where no one knows her. She wants the time to heal and not answer any questions.
Sitting in a ditch in the middle of nowhere, Melinda begins to wonder what possessed her to accept the Virgin River job. The cabin offered to her is an absolute dump, and the old doctor wants her as far away from him as possible. She vows to leave at first light. However, a new mother has other plans for Melinda when leaving a new born baby at the small office/makeshift hospital. Melinda decides to stay and attempt to locate the mother. She also is enjoying the company of Jack, the local (and only) owner of a small tavern.
This was such a fun series. I listened to the entire series on audio, and the narrator is outstanding! Although you can read each installment out of order, I suggest that you do read in the series order since new characters are introduced and then re-introduced in future installments.
Week #6 CompletionTheme: Home/Cottage
How does it fit: #30 on the "Renovation Romances" list
Completed: 4/20
A Duchess in Name by Amanda Weaver
Pages: 237 ebook
Rated: 4 stars
Review: This is the first book in the Grantham Girls series by Amanda Weaver. I really enjoyed this book, I will be continuing on in this series. This story centers around Victoria who is not eager to marry, but at the same wants to marry because it will get out of thumb of her parents who seemed to care more about their ambitions then that of their daughter's.
Little does Victoria know that her father tricked and swindled a prominent Lord who is on the verge of ruin to have his son marry her.
I really liked it this plot. I thought this was very well written. I have to admit that the hero in this story was a "jerk" ( This was the kindest word I could come up for him) for the better half of this story. Once he gets to know his wife, he eventually starts to become more bearable. I like the message in this book that a house is not home- its the people inside it that make it a home. I would definitely recommend adding this to your tbr.
Week 6 CompletionTheme: Home/Cottage
Book: A January Bride by Deborah Raney
Pages: 120
Date Read: 4/20/18
How the book qualifies: #37 on "Renovation Romance" list
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
A January Bride was a fun and fast read. I loved how Maddie and Art got to know one another through notes they left for one another, before meeting each other in person. This led to both of them assuming things about the other person, including both of them thinking the other was elderly - lol!
Even though the story is on the short side, it didn't feel hurried or stilted and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
If you enjoy clean contemporary romance and are looking for a shorter book, you should give this book a try.
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 selectionTheme: shiny/reflective surface
A Daring Arrangement by Joanna Shuppe
Page # 372 Mass market paperback
How does it fit: There is a window in the back ground with rain drops running down it. Glass, water, are reflective. Plus, there is a blazing fire in background, I would consider that shiny and sometimes reflective.
Selection PostWeek #7: 6. Read a book with something from the list below found on your bookcover: *a shiny/reflective surface (eg glass, sheet metal, body of water)
Bookcover/link:
Summer at The Cosy Cottage Cafe by Rachel Griffiths Page numbers: 179
How the book qualifies: 4 big windows in the house which will reflect the sun
Completion PostWeek #: 5
Bookcover/link:
Just for Now by Rosalind James 4/21-18Rating: ★★★★
Page numbers: 312
How the book qualifies: # 104 on the list: Helping Hand Romances-Hero or Heroine Hired As Butler, Housekeeper, Cook, Chauffeur, Maid And More
Review:
It was cute with the kids and sad because of misunderstandings. The romance took some time to develop which was nice. I enjoy this series Escape to New Zealand which is stand alone romances.
Week 7 - Selection -- Option 1
Call: 6. Read a book with something from the list below found on your bookcover
Book: The Cove - Catherine Coulter
How it fits: body of water is reflective - the building has windows as well, though they are hard to see.
Pages: 388
Week 7 SelectionTheme: shiny/reflective surface
A Wrinkle in Time
# of pages 232
How the book qualifies: Bright shiny light is reflecting the girl.
Completion PostWeek #: 7
Bookcover/link:
Summer at The Cosy Cottage Cafe by Rachel Griffiths 4/21-18Rating: ★★★★
Page numbers: 179
How the book qualifies: Windows in the house are reflective
Review:
This was a short nice romance about second chances and finding out the truth of the past. I felt sorry for the MC when we actually got the truth about the past and her dead husband but she coped well.
Good morning, Dwarfs!Softball season has kicked off. Today is the first tournament. We'll be heading out in about a half hour and won't be back until mid-evening. Going to be a long day for me.
So, later this evening (or tomorrow) I'll have us all updated again. Thank you, Megan, for being on top of things. It's been a huge help.
Week 7 SelectionsRachel-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Jane-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
LaurLa-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Debbie (Doc)-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
GreenFairy-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Megan-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Week 7 CompletionsJane-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
LaurLa-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
GreenFairy-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Megan-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Rachel-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Debbie (Doc)-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Week 7 SelectionTheme: Something shiny/reflective on cover
362 pages
How it fits: body of water along the NYC cityscape
Week 6 - Completion Post -- Option 2
Call: 10. Read a book set in the woods or featuring a home/cottage from one of the following lists
Book: Creation in Death - J.D. Robb
How it fits: substitute for Purity in Death read by GreenFairy on 12.19.17, rated 4 stars
Pages: 364
Date Read: 04.22
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
What can I say? If I didn't love the characters so much, I'd say it's just another serial killer in NYC book. But I do love the characters, watching them grow and change. It's what keeps me coming back. I enjoy the police procedural and suspense - those are interesting - but it's Eve and Roarke, Peabody and Ian, and the rest who I come to read about. I wasn't disappointed this time around, either. I love to watch Eve struggle to balance her growing acceptance of feelings/emotions she has for others with her need to be a by the book cop. Good stuff.
Week 7 - Completion Post -- Option 1
Call: 6. Read a book with something from the list below found on your bookcover
Book: The Cove - Catherine Coulter
How it fits: body of water is reflective - the building has windows as well, though they are hard to see.
Pages: 388
Date Read: 04.22
Rating: ★★★1/2
Review:
I was pleasantly surprised, in some ways, with this book. It was originally written back in the 90s but didn't feel dated to me. There were probably times when a cell phone would have come in handy, but for the most part, it could have taken place now. Maybe a little too much awe in the ability of one of James' fellow agents to ferret info from his computer, but even in the current world, a lot of us stand in awe of just what hackers are capable of. There were 2 mysteries within this story, only peripherally related, and it lent a nice twist to the suspense because for awhile you are sure how, if, they related so they sort of acted as red herrings. There was a lot of evil in this book, it could have easily turned into a horror story, but I appreciate that it didn't. The fact that these types of people exist was enough, I didn't need to read gritty details of what they did. In all, I liked the tone of the book and will probably continue to read the series. I may never catch up, but I'll read them as I can.
All complete through Week 4Week 5 Completion-Megan (I've looked over 3 times and haven't located it. If it's there, please let me know.)
Week 6 CompletionOption 2
513 pages
4 stars
4/21/18
Because Roarke either owns most everything or has a piece of nearly everything, the majority of the stories are tied to him in some way. Which makes them tied to Eve. Reva works for Roarke in a high security position. Reva's mother is also Roarke's assistant. So this one is very closely connected to Roarke. There's some confusion in what is going on until the story starts getting worked out. And even as the story gets worked out more questions arise. But, like all In Death books, by "The End" you have the full story.
Week 7 SelectionTheme: shiny/reflective surface
Book: I Heard That Song Before by Mary Higgins Clark
Pages: 318
How the book qualifies: reflective water on cover
GreenFairy wrote: "All complete through Week 4Week 5 Completion-Megan (I've looked over 3 times and haven't located it. If it's there, please let me know.)
Week 6 Completion-GreenFairy (posting shortly)"
I'm still working on this book. Hopefully I'll finish it by tonight. :)
I should have week 7 completed tomorrow before the next theme is called.
I'm not sure If I am going to be done by tomorrow. I am planning on reading a good chunk of it tonight. But If I don't get done by tomorrow, aiming towards Sunday. Saturday I have to work. that is not a good reading day for me.
Week 5 CompletionTheme: Housekeeper
Book: A Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibbotson
Pages: 383
How the book qualifies: #29 on "Helping Hand Romance Hero Or Heroine Hired As Butler, Housekeeper, Cook, Chauffeur, Maid and More" list
Date Read: 4/27/18
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
This was a predictable story, I guessed how it would end very early, but there were still enjoyable moments. I particularly liked the wedding scene, it was humorous and similar to Jane Eyre but with a twist. The way the story is told was too wordy/description heavy for my liking, I found myself zoning out and having to re-read sections because I was bored. However, the parts with the characters speaking were very good. All in all, this was an okay read but probably not one I'd recommend.
Week 7 CompletionTheme: Reflective/Shiny Surface
4/26/18
4 stars
Another great thriller/mystery. It did get a little confusing but that didn't last long. I was able to pick up on a couple things that didn't fit the original profile. But I wasn't able to connect those dots. And poor Peabody! I don't think there is a single main character that I don't like. Which is rare.
We're all updated! We are 100% complete through Week 6. No stress on getting Week 7 done. As you can. No one is in fear of being removed.
Week 8Option 1
15. Read a book that has 2,000 or more ratings.
Option 2
Key date: 27 Ocotber 2017
Week 8 SelectionsGreenFairy-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Megan-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Debbie (Doc)-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
LaurLa-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Jane-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Rachel-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Week 8 CompletionsGreenFairy-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Megan-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Debbie (Doc)-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
LaurLa-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Jane-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Rachel-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Week 8Option 1
Theme: Read a book with 2000+ ratings
288 pages
How it fits: Has 41,303 ratings
Week #8 SelectionTheme: Read a book with 2000 + rating
Duchess in Love By Eloisa James
Pages: 400 ebook
How does it fit: Has a rating of 5,582
Week 7 Completion PostCompleted 4/28
Theme: shiny/reflective surface
A Wrinkle in Time
# of pages 232
How the book qualifies: Bright shiny light is reflecting the girl.
Review:
3.25 Stars
I read this book back in the 80’s and had forgotten about it until the movie was released. Normally, I steer clear of children’s and young adult books. I thought the storyline was ok and to me resembled Narnia. I attempted to listen to the audio which was horrendous. After an hour, I wanted to literally throw my Ipod across the room. The narrator, who happened to be the author, has the worst screeching voice that reminded me of scraping a chalkboard with one’s bear hands. I will continue with the series since I purchased the boxed set for my daughter. She clearly preferred this book more than I did.
Week 8 Selection Post
Festive in Death
# of Pages: 389
Theme: 2,000 + ratings
How the book qualifies: 15,634 Ratings
Week 8 CompletionTheme: 2000+ ratings
4/28/18
3 1/2 stars
I didn't like this one as much as the beginning of the series. Melanie was turned into a whiny, needy heroine. Greyson was just an ass. Neither were really redeeming. The story was mainly sex or about the Underground, even this lacked. Not much about the relationship forming. Hopefully the series will get better again.
Week # 7 Completion Theme: shiny/reflective surface
A Daring Arrangement by Joanna Shupe
Completed: 4/28
Pages: 372 Mass Market paperback
Rated: 5 Stars
Review: This is first book in the Four Hundred series by Joanna Shupe. I absolutely loved this book. I have read some good books for this challenge. But this is the best for me so far. This book takes place during the gilded age. The main character Nora was sent away to live with her Aunt and Uncle in America ( New York) after her father discovered that she was involved in an inappropriate relationship with an artist name Robert. Hoping to get back to Robert. She devises a scheme to create a bigger scandal....that her father will be forced to bring her back home. Hence, having the scandalous Julius Hatcher pose as her fiancé. Julius goes along because he wants a way to get into society and find the men responsible who ruined his father during the great stock market crash. But things get complicated as feeling develop between Nora/Julius. I thought all the characters in this book was written very well. I thought that Nora was bratty at first, but she grew one me. I have to say that I never thought I find the stock market interesting. I highly recommend this book.
Selection PostWeek #8: 15. Read a book that has 2,000 or more ratings.
Bookcover/link:
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary RoachPage numbers: 320
How the book qualifies: 138,303 Ratings
Completion PostWeek #: 8
Bookcover/link:
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach 4/29-18Rating: ★★★
Page numbers: 304
How the book qualifies: 138,342 Ratings
Review:
This was a difficult book for me. I found it quite interesting but at the same time I just about fell asleep every time I tried to read it. I think my problem was that even though I found the subject fascinating it was dry and there were so many names of all the Doctors and other medical professionals who worked with the cadavers. I did like the part where it tells about how a person can be turned to compost after they died. In the book it is not quite there yet but looking at the internet it seems it is now possible. I could imagine myself being turned into compost.
Week 8 - SelectionPost -- Option 1Call: 15. Read a book that has 2,000 or more ratings
Book: Gunmetal Magic - Ilona Andrews
How it fits: 26,213 Ratings
Pages: 448
Week 8 - Selection/Completion Post -- Option 1Call: 15. Read a book that has 2,000 or more ratings
Book: Gunmetal Magic - Ilona Andrews
How it fits: 26,213 Ratings
Pages: 448
Date Read: 04.28
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
I was surprised at the level of emotion in this book, especially at the beginning when Raphael and Andrea are seeing each other again for the first time. I like that in the end they both had to work at repairing their relationship but they didn't let their pride and previous pain override their desire to work it out. The magic storyline was a little convoluted to start out but I stuck with it and finally figured it out. I also liked seeing Kate from another person's perspective. That was kind of fun.
Week 8 SelectionRead 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
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
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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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Theme: Home/Cottage
A Duchess in Name by Amanda Weaver
How does it fit: #30 on the "Renovation Romances" list
Page: 237 ebook