Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
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PtP - Backstage Antics (12)
Fran wrote: "Selection PostWeek 4- Option 1
"Looks like you and Danielle Gypsy are BookBuddies this week!
(Makes it hella easy for me to track since all I have to do is copy/paste, too!)
Selection PostWeek 4: Cinderella/Fella or Social Class Gap
Option 1
Book: Alien 'n' Outlaw by K.C. Burn
Pages: 126 (GR)
How it fits: Currently #206 on Best Gay Romance with Characters Coming from Different Backgrounds list.
COMPLETION POSTWEEK 4
OPTION 2
Changed: Mated to the Alien Alpha by Robin Moray
209pp/GR
How it Fits: Michaelle read date: 9/28/18
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Purple Alien Erotica.....What's not to love?
This was fun!!
Hot
Sexy
Purple
Eco-friendly
Voyeuristic
Completely devoid of scientific accuracy.
Editing errors all over the place,
But who really cares?
Just let those niggling thoughts about science and grammatical realism fade away while you sink into lush alien sex.
Enjoy this insta-xeno-love fest. Growing wombs, swinging sex, knotting, and MPREG included for your reading pleasure......you're going to want a seven foot tall alien with retractable claws for your very own. Doubt me knot!!
Completion PostWeek 4- Option 1
Taxes and TARDIS
Rating- 3*
Review- This was very cute, a little cheesy, but I like that :)
I wish we didn't have to read that Logan 'pushed his glasses back up on his nose' so many times. I wanted to take him to the eye glass store and tighten the damn things after a while!
Logan and Brent make an adorable couple, each with their own insecurities, but they make it work. It's an opposites attract/coming from completely different backgrounds sweet story. Logan is 'geeky' and Brent is 'macho' but under some interesting circumstances the tables turn ;)
COMPLETION POSTWeek 4 Option 1
Taxes and Tardis
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review: 3.5 Stars. This was a really sweet story with two likable MCs. It was a bit cheesy and the relationship developed pretty quickly. I think it could have used about another 50 pages so that it didn't feel quite so rushed. However, despite that I really did enjoy the book. I love a geeky guy and Logan was adorable. Brent was definitely his polar opposite but somehow they worked together. The secondary characters added - especially Brent's roommate and best friend although I wanted someone to tell him it's "Live Long and Prosper" not "Beam me up Scotty." Overall a light, easy romance.
Would it be okay with you all if I took my pass this week? I'm feeling kind of meh about this category.
I’m ok with it. I already posted. I didn’t feel the category either, that’s why I went with option #2 and was very happy I did!
Logan wrote: "Would it be okay with you all if I took my pass this week? I'm feeling kind of meh about this category."Not a problem! I definitely wish I could pass on one of the BINGO categories I've got to read books for.
⚣❣☙ Michaelle ❧❣⚣ wrote: "Logan wrote: "Would it be okay with you all if I took my pass this week? I'm feeling kind of meh about this category."Not a problem! I definitely wish I could pass on one of the BINGO categories ..."
Which one???
Hahaha! Read some good YA. FT Lukens stuff is great!
This one....I’m on the stupid app and can’t link properlyCheck out The Rules and Regulations for Mediating Myths & Magic by F.T. Lukens
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
I don't think I saw that one on the shelf...No, just checked and it's not even on the MM Group shelf at all.
Very little of the YA I want to read or have access to is on the shelf. (And it was linked as the category, so we have to choose from it.)
⚣❣☙ Michaelle ❧❣⚣ wrote: "I don't think I saw that one on the shelf...No, just checked and it's not even on the MM Group shelf at all.
Very little of the YA I want to read or have access to is on the shelf. (And it was l..."
what about Carry On it's take on HP
I guess I should actually look at the shelf. I hate picking from shelves!
Completion PostWeek 4: Cinderella/Fella or Social Class Gap
Option 1
Book: Alien 'n' Outlaw by K.C. Burn
Date read: 10/1
Rating: 4
Review: This was different, but not in a bad way. I really enjoyed the whole story and For such a short read it sure was packed. Lots of fun times and giggle moments. Even if it didn't quite reach the 5-star mark it really was worth every minute!
EARLY CALL!!!WEEK 5
Option 1-
15. In honour of such a successful duo, read an anthology or a book written by two authors. Eg Ilona Andrews (Ilona and Andrew Gordon).
Guidance only:
Best MM books written by two authors
Sorry - no list found for the MF readers!
Option 2-
Key date: 4 April 2018
Please ensure you follow the format shown in msg 3 of your team threads. when you post your selection and completion posts.
Selection Post Week 5 - In honor of such a successful duo
Option 1
Prickly Business
280 pages
How it fits: Written by 2 authors; Piper Vaughn & Kenzie Cade
Well, I have quite a few books that aren't on that list...so I know what I'm going to be doing as I narrow down my choice.
I found this list if someone needs inspirations that isn't MM:There are only 20 books on this list, but the books should have 2 or more authors.
Best Co-written Books
Might provide some ideas...
I've also added some of the books that I had that came to mind... I'm sure there are many more.
I’m still deciding.....waiting on the bingo call, but right now I’m leaning toward Of Sunlight and Stardust
Selection Post - Week 5Option 1
Book: Save the Date by Annabeth Albert and Wendy Qualls
Pages: 153 GR
#53 on best MM books written by 2 authors
Hmmm...decisions decisions. I think I may try to make this and SciFi (BINGO) the same book...now to go through my shelves.
I almost went with Dantès Unglued but I already own the book I chose and I'm trying to read some of the over 1000 books I own but haven't read yet :)
Danielle Gypsy Soul wrote: "I almost went with Dantès Unglued but I already own the book I chose and I'm trying to read some of the over 1000 books I own but haven't read yet :)"And I almost picked Save the Date that you picked, but I’ve had the book I choose a bit longer plus it had a hedgehodge shifter that I needed for the shifter challenge.
HEDGEHOG SHIFTER??!!?? That’s like crazy adorable!!! (Although I’m having a tough time with hedgehog = sexy!! 😂😂
Eugenia wrote: "HEDGEHOG SHIFTER??!!?? That’s like crazy adorable!!! (Although I’m having a tough time with hedgehog = sexy!! 😂😂"You and me both. We’ll see how sexy it gets...
Selection PostWeek 5: Successful Duo
Option 1
Breaker by Kelly Wyre & A.F. Henley
Page Count: 342pgs/GR.
How it Fits: 2 Authors
Eugenia wrote: "HEDGEHOG SHIFTER??!!?? That’s like crazy adorable!!! (Although I’m having a tough time with hedgehog = sexy!! 😂😂"That is different and I'm looking forward to find out what Myzan thinks about it.
Danielle, we're twinsies again this week :)
Selection PostWeek 5- Option 1
Save the Date by Annabeth Albert and Wendy Qualls
Pages- 153
How it fits- #53 on this shelf- https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3...
MyzanM wrote: "Eugenia wrote: "HEDGEHOG SHIFTER??!!?? That’s like crazy adorable!!! (Although I’m having a tough time with hedgehog = sexy!! 😂😂"You and me both. We’ll see how sexy it gets..."
I can’t wait!
SELECTION POST WEEK 5, Option 1
Of Sunlight and Stardust by Riley Hart and Christina Lee
269pp/GR
How it fits: Two authors
COMPLETION POST WEEK 5, Option 1
Of Sunlight and Stardust by Riley Hart and Christina Lee
269pp/GR
How it fits: Two authors
4+ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
The FEELS!!!!! I can't even.....
I can't even find the words!
Tears.
Tears are running down my face.
I ridiculously happy. And devastated.
Overwhelmed because of the LOVE in this story.
Because of the LOVE that transcends the physical and becomes magical.
Is this book about reincarnation? You can choose to believe so and cry your heart out while you sing for joy.
You can also simply believe that this is a book with two parallel stories set 70 years apart. One with a devastating end. One with an HEA.
I like the first choice. The one that imagines that love can transcend all planes and live on forever.
Beautiful
Sexy
Loving
Simple
Sweet
Tears of joy and sadness
But, oh so worth it!
Fran wrote: "Danielle, we're twinsies again this week :)"Cool - I was laughing like crazy when I read your review about him pushing up his glasses all the time in last weeks book.
Completion PostWeek 4: Cinderella/Fella or Social Class Gap
Option 1
Book: Handyman by Claire Thompson
Pages: 191 (GR)
How it fits: Currently #17 on Best Gay Cinderfellas list.
3.2 Stars
Egads. I wanted to like this one more than I did; it has all the ingredients for a story that should make me salivate and swoon. Unfortunately, it didn't come together well and instead seemed very bland & formulaic.
Maybe I'd have liked it more had I read this when it first came out and hadn't been deluged with so many more well-written and more deeply explored older, first-time gay virgin stories? Maybe had the narration been anything other than "meh"? IDK, but the chemistry was just not well-portrayed on page.
And OMG that scene comparing anal vs. vaginal sex? Cringeworthy. Argh.
Still, I would have given the short Valentine's Day novella a whirl but alas, I cannot find it. I can't find it on Claire's website or Amazon. I bought the ebook FOREVER ago but I don't have automatic updates enabled; anyone know if it is included in the most recent edition?
Completion PostWeek 5- Option 1
Save the Date
Rating- 4*
Review- How adorable! This story was the geek/astrophysicist and the hunky/army dude done right! Randall and Hunter are both fleshed out really well for a shorter book. I loved them both. I really enjoy when the chapters alternate perspectives and I can get in both characters' heads. Tiny angst towards the end (as usual). Randall is brainy and inexperienced but doesn't want to be treated like a child. He knows his mind. Hunter has some residual army stuff to deal with, and also happens to like brainy, geeky types. They meet cute and then meet awkward.....not going to give away the details ;)
It's also free on Amazon right now.
Danielle Gypsy Soul wrote: "Fran wrote: "Danielle, we're twinsies again this week :)"Cool - I was laughing like crazy when I read your review about him pushing up his glasses all the time in last weeks book."
There are glasses for our newest geek, but no constant pushing them up on his nose! They fit!
Selection PostWeek 5 Option 1
Magic Triumphs
Pages: 336
How it fits: Author Ilona Andrews is a writing duo
Completion PostWeek 5 Option 1
Save the Date
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review: A short story with a military guy and a geeky nerd that has some very hot and awkward moments. So check on likable MC's, cute story, humor and some hot sex. I enjoyed this book but it did feel a bit rushed to me since they only knew each other over a 3 or 4 day period. There wasn't a lot of angst although there was some miscommunication which is pretty common in a lot of books. For a short book this one packed quite a bit in but still felt a bit instant to me.
Completion PostWeek 5: Successful Duo
Option 1
Breaker by Kelly Wyre & A.F. Henley
Page Count: 342pgs/GR.
How it Fits: 2 Authors
Review: 4.3 Stars
I didn't quite know what to expect from this book, but I enjoyed it immensely. The setting is very dystopian; global plagues wiped out huge swaths of the population...and afterwards the fight to avoid that fate ever again led to a cure for almost all diseases and illnesses (other than what the Cure itself caused), and surviving the Cure means Humanity is now on track to live longer lives than is definitively known. Sometimes, though, that Cure causes a sickness and once healed people are bestowed* abilities and powers that make them dangerous...or useful if the government wants to control that gift. Sometimes people disappear; sometimes they run, escaping to an island where they can live (or not) on their own terms. One thing that I noticed? That gift always comes at a price; whether using it ages a person, saps their strength, or hurts someone else, that price is costly. (*I'm assuming it's some sort of genetic mutation or a recessive gene that is finally expressed?)
Doesn't sound like a normal "super-power" or "super-hero" type situation, does it? Admittedly I am not the comic nerd some of you guys are but the only comparable character I can think of is maybe Rogue, who can only ever touch a handful of people without causing them harm (one of whom IS NOT WOLVERINE so I'm not even sure why that's a ship, just sayin'[Remy/Rogue 4evah]); I am not sure I could go through life without ever touching another human being - which brings us to...
Honestly, at first the almost too-frequent mention of suicide made me uncomfortable. It wasn't referred to flippantly...and it didn't seem like an option many people chose. But it was discussed, in depth. I've lost loved ones to suicide and (open book here, please don't judge) I was angry they took their lives. I thought it was selfish. I thought it was wasteful. I couldn't imagine what could be so bad that ending it all sounded like a viable alternative. Thinking about it, sure, might be a temporary reprieve, like letting the weight off a pressure cooker...but DOING it is permanent.
And yet at some point in reading THIS story I could see they "why" of such a decision...especially when I put myself in their places and considered: What if it were me and my abilities were going to be used against my will, to hurt people - or if I would never truly be free again...faced with a literal eternity (possibly) imprisoned? It took some reflection, but yeah, I'm not sure I'd want that either. Still makes me uncomfortable and I'm not sure how to apply this thought process to now (rather than a bleak, depressing future), but I think having our world-views challenged is a healthy thing.
So, I didn't completely engage with the characters, or the romance aspect (if I had I would have given this an even higher rating)...but part of the disconnect could be me struggling with the details I mentioned above. I might need to do a re-read. Or, were the authors to consider an audio version (pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease) then a re-read via listening. I DEFINITELY want a sequel. It's labeled "Book 1" so I'm going to assume that a "Book 2" is in the works? Damn, I certainly hope so. This installment ended with a decent HFN, but given what is happening on the mainland and the threat this entire island of people might be to any government that views them as such (or that wants to control their powers)...yeah, I'm thinking we've only seen the tip of the drama iceberg. (Also, I kinda want to know that one guy's story...the one who rigged a bike/bicycle/whatever to get Eddie to the coast.)
Anyone have a status on Book 2? The story was still so enthralling that I'mma need it it soon-ish. Thanks!
Eugenia wrote: "SELECTION POSTWEEK 4
OPTION 2
Changed: Mated to the Alien Alpha by Robin Moray
209pp/GR
How it Fits: Michael..."
Hi Eugenia - could you please add Mich's rating for this book? Needs to be at least 3 stars :) (msg 97)
⚣❣☙ Michaelle ❧❣⚣ wrote: "Completion PostWeek 3: Cinderella/Fella or Social Class Gap
Option 1
Book: Handyman by Claire Thompson
Pages: 191 (GR)
How it fits: Curr..."
You totally confused me! This book is your week 4 book ack to your tracking posts. Could you please amend your post Mich? Thanks :)
Week 5Option 1
Completion Post
Finished: 10/12/18
Rating: 5 stars
Review: Wow. I still can’t believe my time with Kate is over. This book started off with a bang and didn’t let up and I loved every second of it. Conlan is the best child ever and seeing Kate interact with so many of these amazing characters and work to save her city was bittersweet. I’m glad there will be more in this world and I’m definitely anxious to read Hugh’s books now.
Completion Post Week 5 - In honor of such a successful duo
Option 1
Date read: 10/9
Rating: 3
Review: Interesting, but uneven. Some sections were well paced others dragged. The plot was interesting with two fated mates that initially don't like each other. Dylan is a blue-collar type of guy. Avery is the black sheep socialite. They clash and never really get to know each other. Then Avery gets in trouble and Dylan has to rescue him...
There are some misunderstandings throughout the book, which sort of got tedious. It felt like way too much drama sometimes. When one misunderstanding was averted another one appears. Why they just didn't try to communicate is beyond me.
I really liked that the mating wasn't a quick road to HEA, but that it still required hard work just like normal relationships. I don't have anything against insta-mate and insta-love, but the twist made for an interesting starting point.
There was some hot times, but you have to hold on for more than half the book before they get that far, which, IMO, fit the story.
There is also a bit of a mystery, but if you want a resolution you need to read the sequel. I'm not sure I want to put that much energy into that...
The concept of a hedgehog shifter was new to me and sounded adorable. Avery wasn't adorable. He was self centered and bratty. I kept waiting for him to change and grow up, but in my eyes, he never truly did.
Still, not a bad book, but I expected something more from Piper Vaughn.
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Week 4- Option 1
Taxes and TARDIS
Pages- 120
How it fits- #89 on this list- https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...