Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
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PtP - Fairest of Them All (9)
Alexa wrote: "Selection PostWeek #5
Bookcover/link
Burn for You
Page numbers: 348
Qualifies:
Loriidae read read on Dec. 17, 2017 and rated 5 stars."
Loriidae, Could you just add Option 2 to your selection Post?
thanks
Selection PostWeek #5 - Option 1
Book: Maid to Match - Deeanne Gist
Pages: 368
How it Fits: #11 on the Helping Hand Romance Hero Or Heroine Hired As Butler, Housekeeper, Cook, Chauffeur, Maid and More list
Linda C wrote: "Loriidae, Could you just add Option 2 to your selection Post?thanks
..."
I haven't actually written my selection post for week five as I haven't made up my mind. I will definitely write which option then.
Linda C wrote: "Alexa wrote: "Selection PostWeek #5
Bookcover/link
Burn for You
Page numbers: 348
Qualifies:
Loriidae read read on Dec. 17, 2017 and rated 5 star..."
Hope you like it as you can see I did :)
Loriidae wrote: "Linda C wrote: "Alexa wrote: "Selection PostWeek #5
Bookcover/link
Burn for You
Page numbers: 348
Qualifies:
Loriidae read read on Dec. 17, 2017 ..."
I'm excited to start it tonight. I'm always a sucker for the fake fiance trope, and had never heard of this one before.
Selection Post Week Five: Snow White becomes the housekeeper for the dwarfsOption One
Task: Read a book with an MC as the housekeeper or similar
Nobody's Angel Karen Robards
Pages: 416
How it Fits: #19 Servant Heroes / Heroines in Romance
Loriidae wrote: "Linda C wrote: "Loriidae, Could you just add Option 2 to your selection Post?thanks
..."
I haven't actually written my selection post for week five as I haven't made up my mind. I will definitel..."
Sorry, Loriidae, I replied to Alexa and wrote your name. All is fine now.
All good Linda, no wonder I was confused. :)
Linda C wrote: "Maddison wrote: "40 pages into part of a series"Maddison, part of a series is not in this challenge, but the SOS Bingo challenge
Your book may work for both but our category is Historical"
Yeah that's the one XD
I'll search for my next book when I get home from work in 6 hours.
Completion Post Week Five: Snow White becomes the housekeeper for the dwarfsOption One
Task: Read a book with an MC as the housekeeper or similar
Nobody's Angel Karen Robards
Pages: 416
How it Fits: #19 Servant Heroes / Heroines in Romance
Review:
The hero is convicted of attempted murder and sent to the American colonies in 1769 as a bond slave. He is purchased by the daughter of a Baptist Reverend without her father's knowledge. Despite being a convicted criminal he is accepted without question. The heroine has been strictly reared in a society where church attendance lasts the entire day every Sunday and dancing and parties are strictly forbidden, yet she has sex with the hero within the first fortnight. At 60% the subject of the hero's innocence had still not arisen. There are no conversations or questions about the circumstances of the crime, or even who he attempted to murder. What I felt should be a main focus (proving his innocence) was ignored for the majority of the book and easily resolved.
Read: Apr 11
Rating: ★★✰✰✰
Ah yes I need to find this book. I'll do that now.
Am I able to pass this week? I have no books that fit on that list, and am super busy with my other reads. I don't tend to read books like that.
If I need to find something though I will.
Does anyone else think they will need to pass this week? If not, I'll put Maddison down as a Pass. I do not need it.
Completion Post - Option 2Week # 5
Bookcover/link:
Burn for You
Rating (1-5): 3.5 stars
Review:
I found this to be a really funny and enjoyable read. Definitely glad I found it on Loriidae's shelf to read this week. I adored all of the characters. The main characters were both very well developed, and the side characters were such a blast to read about. The book was much more than I'd expected from the summary. I just loved it all. I will definitely need to read more by this author. So, thank you Loriidae for helping me find a new author to watch!
OK. I've put Maddison down as a PASS for week 5So, how we stand :
Maddison, you just have your book for week 4 to complete
Sarah and I have week 5
Can I still change my historical book? Sorry I'm in 2 different challenges exactly the same and I can't remember the separate rules for each.
No, Maddison, you can only change it in the week it is called. Once the next call is made, no more changes.
Completion Post
Week 5 - Option 1
Book: Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer
Read: 4/12/18
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review:
I first heard about this novel a number of years ago when it was nominated for best cover for the Annual Cover Contest on the Cover Cafe website. The beautiful cover is what drew me in first, that sweet looking girl with her nose buried in a book (how many of us haven’t been there). I know we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but I knew right away I wanted to read this book, I wanted to know more about this girl and her story. When it showed up last week in a list I was to use for a challenge, it was time for me to finally read it. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to the beautiful cover.
I want to state right away that I did enjoy this story quite a bit, but there were a number of things in the book that I found lacking.
First off, this is listed as a Christian Historical Romance, and while not being a Christian myself, I can still enjoy and appreciate these types of stories. The problem I found with this one was that it was a little too preachy. The characters relied on God a little too much to make their decisions. They didn’t have a mind of their own in most cases, simply stating they were ‘going to leave it in God’s hands’ instead of acting. I understand the need to pray and turn to your faith in a time of need, but one should also rely on oneself and family and friends.
I also had some major issues with Adelaide, our main character. She was perfect, at least that is how the author wrote her. She was the best teacher, best at riding a horse, most wonderful personality. I fully expected to see bluebirds and squirrels following her around, as if she was a Disney princess. It was a little nauseating. I like characters who have flaws. It makes them seem more human and I can relate to them a lot more.
Also, this is a historical novel that takes place in the the early 1800’s in the American West, but some of the words and phrases that Adelaide used seemed very out of place for the time period. It was jarring and pulled me out of the story for a moment. At times she sounded that a modern girl in modern times.
The last thing that really bothered me was the villain of the story. From the first moment he appeared in the book, I half expected him to be twisting his black mustache (actually, I think he was) and trying to figure out his devious plan. He was very much that old school evil character type.
All that being said, I did enjoy the story. It was an interesting premise of that of a English gentlemen named Gideon living and working in the American west and the rancher’s daughter he falls in love with. The secondary story involving Gideon’s adopted daughter Isabelle, was interesting and keep the story going at a good pace. Her evil uncle wants her for her inheritance and will stop at nothing to get her. There were several tense moments in the story (one involving rape, so if that is a trigger for you, please keep that in mind).
Overall, I am happy I finally got to read this, even if I did find some issues with it. I gave it three stars which is a perfectly acceptable rating from me. I did feel the need to add the extra half star rating because I do still love that cover.
Week 5 - Option 1
Book: Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer
Read: 4/12/18
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review:
I first heard about this novel a number of years ago when it was nominated for best cover for the Annual Cover Contest on the Cover Cafe website. The beautiful cover is what drew me in first, that sweet looking girl with her nose buried in a book (how many of us haven’t been there). I know we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but I knew right away I wanted to read this book, I wanted to know more about this girl and her story. When it showed up last week in a list I was to use for a challenge, it was time for me to finally read it. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to the beautiful cover.
I want to state right away that I did enjoy this story quite a bit, but there were a number of things in the book that I found lacking.
First off, this is listed as a Christian Historical Romance, and while not being a Christian myself, I can still enjoy and appreciate these types of stories. The problem I found with this one was that it was a little too preachy. The characters relied on God a little too much to make their decisions. They didn’t have a mind of their own in most cases, simply stating they were ‘going to leave it in God’s hands’ instead of acting. I understand the need to pray and turn to your faith in a time of need, but one should also rely on oneself and family and friends.
I also had some major issues with Adelaide, our main character. She was perfect, at least that is how the author wrote her. She was the best teacher, best at riding a horse, most wonderful personality. I fully expected to see bluebirds and squirrels following her around, as if she was a Disney princess. It was a little nauseating. I like characters who have flaws. It makes them seem more human and I can relate to them a lot more.
Also, this is a historical novel that takes place in the the early 1800’s in the American West, but some of the words and phrases that Adelaide used seemed very out of place for the time period. It was jarring and pulled me out of the story for a moment. At times she sounded that a modern girl in modern times.
The last thing that really bothered me was the villain of the story. From the first moment he appeared in the book, I half expected him to be twisting his black mustache (actually, I think he was) and trying to figure out his devious plan. He was very much that old school evil character type.
All that being said, I did enjoy the story. It was an interesting premise of that of a English gentlemen named Gideon living and working in the American west and the rancher’s daughter he falls in love with. The secondary story involving Gideon’s adopted daughter Isabelle, was interesting and keep the story going at a good pace. Her evil uncle wants her for her inheritance and will stop at nothing to get her. There were several tense moments in the story (one involving rape, so if that is a trigger for you, please keep that in mind).
Overall, I am happy I finally got to read this, even if I did find some issues with it. I gave it three stars which is a perfectly acceptable rating from me. I did feel the need to add the extra half star rating because I do still love that cover.
Great review Sarah I see what you mean about the cover.
Completion PostWeek #5 - Option 1
Book: Maid to Match - Deeanne Gist
Pages: 368
How it Fits: #11 on the Helping Hand Romance Hero Or Heroine Hired As Butler, Housekeeper, Cook, Chauffeur, Maid and More list
Read: 4/12/18
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Tillie is head parlormaid at the Biltmore castle in 1898. When Mrs. Vanderbilt's French maid decides to return to France Mrs. Vanderbilt decides that she will award the position to Tillie or Lucy, head chambermaid, and each will do some of her maid's duties for the next few months while she decides. Tillie is excited, since this is what she has been working toward. Even though she must travel and she gets carriage sick and it means she won't be able to marry. When mountain man Mack joins the staff and she is assigned to give him a crash course in footman duties she is put to the test. The attraction is evident for both. Mack considers his work there temporary, just while he saves money to get his sister out of the orphanage. He is drawn to helping all of the children at the orphanage which seems to have a hidden dark side. Each of these characters has a difficult decision to make. A well written romance.
Today is all day rain, which will turn into a blizzard tonight for me. I finished a book last night and am waiting to start another one until the theme gets called tonight.But it is hard! The weather has me just wanting to curl up today!
If anyone else is in the path of this storm, please try to stay home and safe this weekend.
Also, we will have blizzard winds.. so there is a chance I lose power and won't be able to get online for a few days. Hopefully that doesn't happen. We lost power for a day back in December for a smaller storm though.
Loriidae wrote: "Great review Sarah I see what you mean about the cover."
Thanks :)
Thanks :)
Hope you stay safe Alexa! Blizzard.... April.....mother nature knock it off lady.
Selection- Week 6 
Northern Lights by Nora Roberts
637 pgs
How the book qualifies: Nature Lover Romances... #158
How disadvantaged would you be if I were to pull out of the challenge? Am I able to do that anyway? I never find anything on those lists because I don't read romance/smut books like that.
Maddison,I don't think there would be much of a disadvantage. If you want to drop out put your wishes in the Q&A section, in case Jane has some back ups that are interested in stepping in
Selection Post - Week 6 - Option 1
Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey
Pages: 322
How It Qualifies: Book #45 in Nature Lover Romance...
Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey
Pages: 322
How It Qualifies: Book #45 in Nature Lover Romance...
Selection Post Week Six: Snow White finds a cottage set in the woods, filled with dwarfs.Option 1
Task: Read a book set in the woods or featuring a home/cottage
Jane Eyre Charlotte Brontë
Pages: 507
How it Fits: #2 So You're a Homeowner
Selection PostWeek #6
Bookcover/link
Double Full
Page numbers: 275
How it Qualifies: Gay Romance Featuring Sex in the Great Outdoors - number 5
Maddison has officially dropped out. I contacted Jane to see how we proceed (as 5 member team or if there is a replacement)
New Selection Post - can't find the book I originally selectedWeek 6
- Mary KingsleyPages: 255
How it Fits: #55 on Renovation Romance list
Linda C wrote: "New Selection Post - can't find the book I originally selectedWeek 6..."
That's a pity, when I saw your post, it made me think about rereading it. I am pretty sure I still have the paperback.... somewhere. Missing and The Chosen are two of my favourite Sharon Sala reads from years ago.
Loriidae wrote: "Linda C wrote: "New Selection Post - can't find the book I originally selected
Week 6..."
That's a pity, when I saw your post, it made me think about rereading it. I am pretty sure I still have th..."
Missing was the first Sharon Sala I ever read. I think I got an ebook copy.
Week 6..."
That's a pity, when I saw your post, it made me think about rereading it. I am pretty sure I still have th..."
Missing was the first Sharon Sala I ever read. I think I got an ebook copy.
Sarah wrote: "Loriidae wrote: "Linda C wrote: "New Selection Post - can't find the book I originally selectedWeek 6..."
That's a pity, when I saw your post, it made me think about rereading it. I am pretty sur..."
I recently moved and all the books were boxed and noted in a database I have of what's where. However, all the Sala books were supposed to be together (I had 4) and none are in the box noted. So I have it but I am not going to go thru all 30 boxes to locate them. When they show when I am looking for something else, I'll fix the database. So something else for now.
Linda C wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Loriidae wrote: "Linda C wrote: "New Selection Post - can't find the book I originally selectedWeek 6..."
That's a pity, when I saw your post, it made me think about rereading it. I..."
Definitely not worth the hassle. :)
I'm changing my pick. I really just can't seem to get into my original.Selection Post
Week # 6
Bookcover/link:
Run to You
Page numbers: 368
How the book qualifies: #2 on nature lover romances..
Completion Post
Week 6 - Option 1
Book: Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey
Read: 4/17/18
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review:
This is the first book in the Kowalski family series and it was a great start to the series. This is the story of Joe and Keri.
Joe and Keri are high school sweethearts who broke up after graduation. Keri moved clear across the county from New Hampshire to California to pursue a career in journalism. She now works for a celebrity gossip magazine. Joe became a writer in his own right, working his way to becoming a very famous author of thriller novels (one of which is about to become a movie). When Keri’s boss finds out that her and Joe have a history, she blackmails (there is no nicer way to say it) Keri into getting an exclusive interview with Joe (who has also become a media recluse). If Keri can’t get some good gossip, she’s out of a job.
Joe proposes a trade off of sorts. He is about to leave with his whole family on a two week camping trips and drags Keri along. For every day that she survives the trip, she gets to ask him one question.
This story was so much fun, I just loved it!
The Kowalski’s are a large, boisterous family and it was so fun that everyone seemed to be included in this story. All the siblings had some personal back story going on. Joe’s twin sister Terri was dealing with the separation of her husband. Older brother Mike was going through a rough patch with his wife Lisa; and younger brother Kevin was dealing with a divorce (Kevin’s book come next so there wasn’t as much, just enough to make you interested).
I adored Joe and Keri together, how much they did still care for each other after twenty years. How Joe shares some of his secrets with her, trusting her enough not to use them to her advantage for his work.
Some of my favorite scenes in this book dealt with Mike and Lisa’s four young boys and the antics they get into involving the family, but especially Keri (I have to wonder how long it took to get the marshmallow out of her hair).
If you enjoy a great second chance romance filled with lots of fun and laughter, then I highly recommend this book.
Week 6 - Option 1
Book: Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey
Read: 4/17/18
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review:
This is the first book in the Kowalski family series and it was a great start to the series. This is the story of Joe and Keri.
Joe and Keri are high school sweethearts who broke up after graduation. Keri moved clear across the county from New Hampshire to California to pursue a career in journalism. She now works for a celebrity gossip magazine. Joe became a writer in his own right, working his way to becoming a very famous author of thriller novels (one of which is about to become a movie). When Keri’s boss finds out that her and Joe have a history, she blackmails (there is no nicer way to say it) Keri into getting an exclusive interview with Joe (who has also become a media recluse). If Keri can’t get some good gossip, she’s out of a job.
Joe proposes a trade off of sorts. He is about to leave with his whole family on a two week camping trips and drags Keri along. For every day that she survives the trip, she gets to ask him one question.
This story was so much fun, I just loved it!
The Kowalski’s are a large, boisterous family and it was so fun that everyone seemed to be included in this story. All the siblings had some personal back story going on. Joe’s twin sister Terri was dealing with the separation of her husband. Older brother Mike was going through a rough patch with his wife Lisa; and younger brother Kevin was dealing with a divorce (Kevin’s book come next so there wasn’t as much, just enough to make you interested).
I adored Joe and Keri together, how much they did still care for each other after twenty years. How Joe shares some of his secrets with her, trusting her enough not to use them to her advantage for his work.
Some of my favorite scenes in this book dealt with Mike and Lisa’s four young boys and the antics they get into involving the family, but especially Keri (I have to wonder how long it took to get the marshmallow out of her hair).
If you enjoy a great second chance romance filled with lots of fun and laughter, then I highly recommend this book.
Completion Post Week Six: Snow White finds a cottage set in the woods, filled with dwarfs.Option 1
Task: Read a book set in the woods or featuring a home/cottage
Jane Eyre Charlotte Brontë
Pages: 507
How it Fits: #2 You're a Homeowner
Review:
I have no idea what to write, I feel rather unworthy of the task, when so many have written so much before me. I guess I will start by saying I loved Jane. She was able to make her way through her world in her own determined way. She remains strong despite a dismal and humiliating early childhood. She stays firm to her principles and upbringing. I love the latter stages of the novel. This adds complexity and depth to Jane’s character.
I also love that Mr Rochester is so imperfectly ugly. The only criticism is my dislike of the 20 year age gap, however even as a child, Jane was infinitely mature beyond her years.
Events occur naturally that in many other novels would feel forced and too coincidental. I think it truly amazing that such a novel is still so insightful and entertaining even though it was written 170 years ago.
Read: Apr 20
Rating: ★★★★★
I'll post officially if it is needed once the theme has been posted, but, if no one is adverse, would it be possible for me to use a pass for week 7?My school's spring musical is next Saturday, and I am director for it. It is going to be such a busy week between work, dress rehearsals, and life. I know I'm not going to have any reading time. Actually I've barely had any time this week even. I'm hoping to finish week 6 this weekend before the completely crazy week begins.
Maddison wrote: "How disadvantaged would you be if I were to pull out of the challenge? Am I able to do that anyway? I never find anything on those lists because I don't read romance/smut books like that."Definitely you should leave this team challenge Maddison.
I have asked our final alternate to replace Maddison. Am yet to hear back.Sorry - only realised today that M had pulled out. Life has been a bit hectic.
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All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a fluffy cupcake of a book with lots of heart- after a tough week, it was just what I needed. The heroine works in advertising/marketing in suburban Vermont & is in unrequited love with her boss. Her boss is a tool.
Two things I didn't like about the book were that she was stalkerishly obsessed with her schumck of a boss & the heroine was very catty with other characters (too fat/too thin= terrible, horrible gross human being by her thinking). She wasn't like this with every interaction- it was just obnoxious at times. The hero is a "Mr. Darcy-like" veterinarian. Really liked the background characters too. Also she grew up in family's funeral home business which was a nice detail for lots of dark humor.