Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
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PtP - The Challenge Executioners (5)
COMPLETION POSTWeek #3 - Option 1: Magic
Book cover/link: Salt Magic, Skin Magic
# of pages: 241 pgs
Read: 9/24/18
Rating: 5 stars
Review: Wow! This was so good. I need Lee Welch to write more books please! Such creative world building, two really well rounded, well developed characters and a delicious enemies to lovers romance plus a really exciting mystery. Excellent!
COMPLETION POSTWeek #4 - Opt 1: Social Status
The Duchess Deal
-9/30 ★★★★★
-This book was so much fun! I loved the humor and banter between the MCs. I also enjoy a good story with a wounded/scarred hero. I was expecting a little more angst but this stayed pretty light. Great secondary characters as well.
Hey Everyone,We made it through the hurricane with only losing a few shingles and some tree limbs. We were out of electric for five days, out of phone for a week and a half, and just got out internet back up and running late this afternoon. There was a lot of flooding around us though. There are still quite a few roads that are closed. Everywhere that was lowland or near a river got hit. We are just now able to get to most of the surrounding towns.
I hope everyone here is doing good. I will try to get choices for all the weeks called listed by tomorrow or the next day at the latest. I have week one read and will post it. Talk to you all soon.
Yay! So glad you made it through ok, Lioness!
Completion Post- Week 4, Option 1: Sinders and Ash by Tara Lain
read 9/28/18
rated 4 stars
I loved this modern and M/M version of Cinderella. Mark Sintorella (Sinders) is a housekeeper at a luxury resort and usually cleaning the fireplaces. He tries to be inconspicuous because of his looks and his past on the streets of New York City when he was a teen kicked out by his relatives after his mother died. Ashton Armitage is a billionaire's son who has to be married by the time he is 25 or he loses his inheritance from his grandfather, one small problem Ash is gay. He uses the resort where Mark works as the place where he will meet his potential bride. Through out this book there are hints of the Cinderella story. Ash sees Mark first as Sinders. Then later as Mariel, Mr Pennymaker's niece.
He is attracted to both not knowing that they are the same person. It is a fairy tale so we know true love will win out.
Lioness7 wrote: "Hey Everyone,We made it through the hurricane with only losing a few shingles and some tree limbs. We were out of electric for five days, out of phone for a week and a half, and just got out inte..."
Welcome back so glad you are safe.
Completion Post:Week #4 - Read a book with MCs at different ends of wealth or social status from one of the following lists: Best Gay Cinderfella’s
Bookcover/link: Sub for Hire by Claire Thompson
Rating (1-5): ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: Okay I liked the story to a certain extent. I liked Michael and Josh. What I totally disliked with the sub for higher was, there was no aftercare what so ever. You go in a room for an hour and the Dom basically beats the shit out of you and then walks away. If there would have been someone to tend to the sub after a scene the I could have probably lived with that. Also, after an hour of intense flogging, whipping, etc. you are all marked up and exhausted and you’re supposed to turn around and do it again with another Dom, really? I could see a light scene of humiliation and light bondage being able to do a deep scene with a little downtime, but not norm than one heavy scene in my opinion. And what Sam did was inexcusable! He is taking advantage of his employees and needs to be put taken care of, and not in a good way. Even with Michael and Josh together, there was no real holding while coming out of subspace, ointments on the marks, etc. I haven’t read the other books in this series but I will be.
Completion PostWeek 1 - Read a book with a MC who was an orphan or is homeless
Book Cover/Link -
High Contrast by Tess BoweryRating - 4 Stars
This book turned out to be more cute than anything else. I went in thinking there would be a lot of action and the description kinda made you think there would be some comedy. There was a slight amount of action and a couple of parts to laugh at, but mostly it was about Jacob and Cody.
Don't get me wrong. I had fun reading this. The characters were all unique, even the non-main ones. I liked how they interacted and constantly gave each other crap. It is what I would expect to see amongst friends. That was probably my favorite thing about the book.
Sure, the book wasn't quite what I expected, but it was a nice romance. You have two people that shouldn't work but do. I love that. I can say that this book makes me curious about what else will happen with the series. I will definitely check out the next one.
Selection PostWeek 2 - Read a book with a Nerd/Geek MC from one of the lists.
Book Cover/Link -
Blame It on the Mistletoe by Eli EastonPages - 102 pgs/GRs
How the Book Qualifies - #4 on Best gay romance with bookish, nerdy or geeky characters list
Selection PostWeek 3 - Read a book tagged with 'magic'.
Book Cover/Link -
The Magpie Lord by K.J. CharlesPages - 222 pgs/GRs
How the Book Qualifies - Tagged "Magic"
Selection PostWeek 4 - Read a book with MCs at different ends of wealth or social status from one of the lists.
Book Cover/Link -
Duck! by Kim DarePages - 255 pgs/GRs
How the Book Qualifies - #12 on Best Gay Cinderfellas list
Thanks everyone. I am working on catching up computer stuff now. I think I have everything posted that I have read and am choosing. I plan on getting started with the reading tonight.
Selection PostWeek #4 - Read a book with MCs at different ends of wealth or social status
Bookcover/link: New York Christmas by R.J. Scott
Page numbers: 227
How the book qualifies: #94 on the Best Gay Cinderfellas list
Liz (Bugetta) wrote: "Selection PostWeek #4 - Read a book with MCs at different ends of wealth or social status
Bookcover/link: New York Christmas by R.J. Scott
Page numbers: 227
How ..."
Great book.
Week 4Galaxies and Oceans
4 stars
Read: 10/4/18
I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book. The premise sounded really good and I was so happy that the author had her MC walking into the fire and then out the other end and we didn't have to suffer through pages and pages of him being in the fire and trying to survive.
Aubrey is running away from an abusive lover and ends up on Kangaroo Island where he meets lighthouse keeper Patrick who in turn is dealing with the death of his lover 4 years previously.
I really liked the 2 of them together and the town sounded like a pretty cool place despite the fact that everybody knew everybody else's business.
Week #5 - Read an anthology or a book written by two authors
Bookcover/link: Alpha Victorious by Susi Hawke Piper Scott
Page numbers: 152
How the book qualifies: written by two authors
I documented the wrong book it was supposed to be book 3 not 4
Selection Post Corrected PostWeek #5 - Read an anthology or a book written by two authors
Bookcover/link: Alpha Deceived by Susi Hawke and Piper Scott
Page numbers: 186
How the book qualifies: written by two authors
Selection PostWeek 5 - Read an anthology or a book written by two authors.
Book Cover/Link -
End of the Line by Lynn Hagen & Stormy GlennPages - 142 pgs/GRs
How the Book Qualifies - Written by Two Authors
Completion Post:Week #5 - Read an anthology or a book written by two authors.
Bookcover/link: Alpha Deceived by Susi Hawke and Piper Scott
Rating (1-5): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: I kind of had Sana figured out since the beginning, there were just small like things. Another really good installment to this series. We finally get confirmation on the traitor and the why of it. Greed, it always comes down to greed. I can’t wait to see him taken down! What he did to Sana had me worried that something really bad was going to happen. I’m glad it turned out okay though. In the end, we find the omega for the last dragon and I hope in the last book we get to see maybe a time jump in the epilogue showing how everyone is doing.
Selection Post Week 5: Option 2
By Fairy Means or Foul 252 pages/GR (series rule Book 2 Be Fairy Game read by Diane August 16, 2018 and rated 5 Stars
SELECTION POSTWeek #5 - Opt 1: Anthology/2 Authors
My Choice: Grabbed
Page numbers: 127
How the book qualifies: Written by 2 authors
Week 5Dead of Night
5 stars
Read: 10/7/18
So this was book 8 in a series, that in my opinion just keeps getting better and better.
I love how Ronan and Ten aren't always a perfect couple. I love their group of friends and how close everybody is.
This book deals with Ronan trying to help a local group of Salem witches and for the first time Ten is unable to help because somebody has put on a blocking spell.
Local witches are being killed and local law enforcement doesnt believe they are not accidents so Ronan is on his own.
I dont know what to say except I am not ready for this to end. I want to see Ten and Ronan with Everly once she is an actual person.
COMPLETION POST Week #5 - Opt 1: Anthology/2 Authors
Grabbed
-10/07 ★★★★
-Typical mpreg shapeshifter insta love book. But I love em so it's all good. I liked the secondary characters as well so I look forward to more of this series
Completion PostWeek 4 - Read a book with MCs at different ends of wealth or social status from one of the lists.
Book Cover/Link -
Duck! by Kim DareRating: 5 Stars
Review:
I loved this book. It was Ori that made it so great. You couldn't help but become connected to him while reading and want him to have a wonderful life. I'm not saying Raynard was a slouch. He was responsible and caring. You could tell he loved Ori and wanted the best for him. I just connected with Ori more.
The other thing about this book that got me was the dominant/submissive relationship that Ori and Raynard had. It felt true. You could tell right from the beginning that Ori liked serving people. That is what made him feel safe and comfortable. Raynard understood that. Sure, there were some parts of the book that were a little off in regards to this type of relationship like the lack of safe words. There really wasn't heavy play that made you think Ori was being forced and I think Raynard would have stopped if Ori said he couldn't do anymore. Therefore, I let that part go and had fun reading.
A final thing I will say about this book was that it could be a real tearjerker in parts. I know that at about the 3/4 mark, I started crying and didn't finish until close to the end. I won't say why, but it was sad to read. I like when a book can do that. It makes it memorable for me.
I noticed that this book was part of a series. I am definitely going to check out the next book. If it is anything like this one, I will have a lot of fun reading.
Completion PostWeek 2 - Read a book with a Nerd/Geek MC from one of the lists.
Book Cover/Link -
Blame It on the Mistletoe by Eli EastonRating: 4 Stars
Review:
I wasn't sure if this book would be one that really caught me. It didn't sound like it would be anything but a cutesy romance. Sometimes I like that and sometimes I don't. It all depends on how the story is written. This was written well.
I absolutely loved Fielding. I kept thinking of him and comparing him to Sheldon from "The Big Bang Theory." I loved how excited he would get when trying anything new. It made me happy to think of winter traditions through the eyes of someone that hasn't done them before.
Mick was okay. I tended to get irritated with him. He always seemed to be hot and cold in the book. I will say that he was a great friend to Fielding for the most part. I just didn't really get what Fielding saw.
Overall, this was a fun read. It had a lot of romance and holiday spirit. I loved Fielding and could have given or taken Mick.
I know I read a little out of order when catching up. It was because of another challenge. I am working on The Magpie Lord right now. I should have it posted in a couple of days and then will start this week's book.
Completion PostWeek #4 - Read a book with MCs at different ends of wealth or social status
Bookcover/link: New York Christmas by R.J. Scott
Read: 10/6/18
Rating: 3 stars
Review: I have mixed feelings about this book. I really liked Daniel, the cop from a wealthy family who fell for Chris in college but didn’t think he was good enough for him at the time (he was a bit of a man slut, and thought Chris deserved better). Chris was Daniel’s tutor and thought there was no way someone like him could ever be interested in a geeky guy like him. On top of that Chris has been let go of his teaching job based on false allegations of improper behavior with a student and he refuses to fight the allegations.
He’s working at his best friend’s bakery when Daniel comes in and here’s where things didn’t work so well for me. I know Chris is at a really low point in his life and just kind of awkward in general but I really wanted him to believe in himself and Daniel’s love for him by the end and I didn’t get that. Also, I know this was a cinderfella story but I like it better when a couple works together rather than one “saving” the other.
Completion PostWeek 3 - Read a book tagged with 'magic'.
Book Cover/Link -
The Magpie Lord by K.J. CharlesRating: 4 Stars
Review:
I've been putting this book off for a while, mainly due to it being historical. Sometimes I like them and sometimes not. Anyways, I wish I hadn't. This book was a fun read with a lot of action, magic, and mystery.
I loved the fact that Stephen was willing to get over what Lucien's family did and see him as an individual. I also loved that Lucien wasn't perfect and was willing to own that. They made a great pair.
The story wasn't super romantic. I really don't mind that if there is a good plot. This book had that. I loved how the magpies fit into the storyline. I kinda wondered how that would work when I read the title. It was very interesting.
I feel that this story had a well thought out storyline that kept a steady but somewhat suspenseful pace. It was a great start to a series because you find yourself wanting to know what happens next. You don't get left with a cliffhanger, but you can see that there is more to come. I love when books are written that way. I can't wait to try the next one.
Week 5 Completion Post: Option 2 series rule By Fairy Means or Foul by Meghan Maslow
Rated 5 Stars
Read 10/08/18
Review: I loved this book of upending a lot of stereoytpical fantasy beliefs. Twig is a Half fairy and dragon hybrid who is also a PI. Quinn is a human trained to use magic but because he doesn't respond to any of the five traditional familiars he can't actually channel it so he is sold into indentured servitude to a Unicorn who with the use of his unicorn brand of magic charms every to get his way and is actually a scheming conniving bastard of a being. we also have a sprite that is a follower of death Magic and a fury Demon who is quite civilized. This is a kind of story that II love because one of the plot bunnies I have in my head is a world where the fantasy good guys are evil and the evil guys are good.
Great 'catching up' Jenny!!! Hope you weren't hit a second time with 'Michael'!
We were a little bit. It was mainly that we lost electric for about 10 hours. The other part of one of our trees fell on the corner of our garage also. There wasn't much damage luckily. I'll be glad when hurricane season is over this year.
Its been a monster season all over!
Selection Post Week #6 - On your full TBR ~ your 'want to read'/'to read' list, not a cut down list ~ do the following steps:
* sort your books by 'date added' with the oldest showing at the top of the page
* at the bottom of the screen set the list to 100 books per page
* select a book in the first 100 results
* note the date when the book was added to your TBR
Bookcover/link: No Boundaries by S.E. Jakes
Page numbers: 187
How the book qualifies: 10/29/2014
I’m so glad for Option 2! I have been on Goodreads since 2007 so my first 100 books are not books I actually want to read anymore and I haven’t had time to clean up my tbr.
Completion PostWeek 5: Option 2
Twisted and Tied by Mary Calmes read by Diane 8/13/18 and rated 5 stars, 266 pgs
Read: 10/12/18
Rating: 2 stars
Review: I kind of wish I’d let the last book be my last Miro and Ian book. This book was a mess. Too many different stories and characters to keep track of. It felt more like a bunch of short stories stitched together to create a novel than a real cohesive novel. I hated Ian for a good bit of the book and got tired of being stuck in Miro’s head. I think me and Mary Calmes just aren’t compatible. ☹️
Liz (Bugetta) wrote: "Completion PostWeek 5: Option 2
Twisted and Tied by Mary Calmes read by Diane 8/13/18 and rated 5 stars, 266 pgs
Read: 10/12/18
Rating: 2 stars
Review: I kind of..."
I’m so sad that this book didn’t work for you :(. I loved this series
Diane wrote: "Liz (Bugetta) wrote: "Completion PostWeek 5: Option 2
Twisted and Tied by Mary Calmes read by Diane 8/13/18 and rated 5 stars, 266 pgs
Read: 10/12/18
Rating: 2 st..."
Thanks, Diane. I did enjoy this series at the beginning. Oh well, they all can’t be winners. 🤷🏻♀️
Selection PostWeek #6 - On your full TBR ~ your 'want to read'/'to read' list, not a cut down list ~ do the following steps:
* sort your books by 'date added' with the oldest showing at the top of the page
* at the bottom of the screen set the list to 100 books per page
* select a book in the first 100 results
* note the date when the book was added to your TBR
Book Cover/Link -
Inheritance by Lissa KaseyPages - 176 pgs/GRs
How the Book Qualifies - In 100 oldest books on TBR. Date added 06/28/2012
SELECTION POSTWeek #6 - Opt 1: TBR
My Choice: Highlander Most Wanted
Page numbers: 352
How the book qualifies: Shelved 4/09/2013
I'm glad I recently cleaned out all the old books on my tbr!
Selection PostWeek 6: Option 2
Craft Brew by Layla Reyne
Pages: 304
Qualification: Read by Diane 8/13/18 and rated 5 stars.
Week 6Private Charter
Read 10/14/18
Rated 4 stars
Really enjoyed this book with lovely descriptions of places along the Queensland coast that I wish I could visit.
Stuart, who works in finance, is instructed by his doctor to take a break before he has a heart attack. He books a 2 week private charter to cruise the coast but the guy he was taking with him backs out at the last minute.
That leaves him alone with Foster, the captain of the yacht.
I liked the 2 men together even if it was a little too insta love for me, but a nice tale and beautiful scenery.
Completion PostWeek 6: Option 2
Craft Brew by Layla Reyne
Read: 10/14/18
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review: I liked this so much more than the first book. There was still a lot going on but I didn't feel like I stepped in in the middle of the story. I really like the MCs and how much their relationship has moved forward. I liked getting to meet more of Cam's family and spend some time in his hometown. I thought the mystery was really great (though there were a few things that seemed a little to easy for them to figure out). Now I'm really excited for the last book to find out how things work out with Nic's dad.
COMPLETION POST Week #6 - Opt 1: TBR
Highlander Most Wanted
-10/14 ★★★★
-I love Maya Banks' historical romances. Way more than her contemporaries. This one was great. Loved Genevieve's parents. They are exactly how parents should be
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
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Week #4 - Read a book with MCs at different ends of wealth or social status from one of the following lists:
Best Gay Cinderfella’s
Bookcover/link: Sub for Hire by Claire Thompson
Page numbers: 125
How the book qualifies: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/4... #55