Romance Across The Ages - 2019 Challenge

[Jan]

Darbella wrote: "Jan130 wow 27 percent and still no romance....yikes! bummer!"

ikr?

[Jan]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Is it interesting? When I started the Jeannie Lynn one I have, it was just so different from the usual fare that I had difficulty getting into it."

I'm still feeling unsure. I feel a bit like you did about the Jeannie Lin one. Hopefully when the romance bit finally starts (!) it will improve.

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

I have started reading Love is Blind for my Georgian January Challenge

[Jennie-Lee~abookishwonderer~]

My Book Challenge Tracking Post 2019
6/12

January:
Around the World-
Gypsy Jewel by Patricia McAllister 1/31/2019 ⭐⭐⭐

February:
Ancient World/Prehistorical-
Counted With the Stars by Connilyn Cossette 2/15/2019 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

March:
Viking-
Captive of the Viking by Juliet Landon 3/4/2019 ⭐⭐⭐


April:
LGBTQ-
The Soldier's Scoundrel by Cat Sebastian

Native American-
Navajo Night by Carol A. Didier 5/17/2019 ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

May:
Regency-
The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare 5/18/2019 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Civil War / Antebellum-
Chasing the Sun by Tracie Peterson

June:
Americana/Gilded Age-
A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano

Time Travel-
Dark Seduction by Brenda Joyce


July:
Your Choice-
The Bridegroom Wore Plaid by Grace Burrowes▪️13 September,2019▪️⭑⭑⭑⭑

Pirate-
The Pirate Prince by Galen Foley

August:
Medieval-
Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks

Western-
Redemption's Edge by Shirleen Davies

September:
Victorian-

Bodice Ripper- Once and Always by Judith McNaught

October:
World Wars I to WWII-

American Revolution-

November:
Diversity-

Renaissance-

December:
HIstorical TBR-

Scottish / Highlander-

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Hi all! We have 20 participants so far and there are links to each tracking posts. If I missed any, let me know. A couple people expressed excitement, but I wasn’t sure if they were meant to be tracking posts. Happy reading all!

[Priya]

I started reading These Old Shades for Georgian subgenre but with the story set in France, I am thinking if it would be better to put it under 'Around the World'.

I am enjoying it so far, despite all the french words I had to google:)

[Jan]

Priya wrote: "I started reading These Old Shades for Georgian subgenre but with the story set in France, I am thinking if it would be better to put it under 'Around the World'.

I am enjoying it s..."

It does move to England. Hang in there!

[Priya]

Jan130 wrote: "Priya wrote: "I started reading These Old Shades for Georgian subgenre but with the story set in France, I am thinking if it would be better to put it under 'Around the World'.

I am..."

Thanks, Jan! It moved to England.

[Jan]

Priya wrote: "Thanks, Jan! It moved to England. "

Ha ha :)

[Shannon]

Darbella wrote: "Just finished Flowers From the Storm. Thanks for all the encourgement! I will have to reread it again some day. I could not slow myself down and savor it I had to know what happend. LOL Ended up en..."

Yay!!! :D
Darbella, you've been on my mind while I read, wondering if you were liking it and hoping so. I'm so happy that it turned out so well for you. I swear I'm starting this book over every month this year! I loved even more the second time around. This time I did the audio version and it was absolutely wonderful.

[Shannon]

I need to pick for next month but I struggle with ancient world/ prehistorical. I need to check the lists.

Suggestions are welcome!

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Shannon wrote: "I need to pick for next month but I struggle with ancient world/ prehistorical. I need to check the lists.

Suggestions are welcome!"

Laura Lee Ghurke has an Edwardian series if you like her.

I am going to try ancient world. Transcendence is one that seems to be well liked.

[Shannon]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Shannon wrote: "I need to pick for next month but I struggle with ancient world/ prehistorical. I need to check the lists.

Suggestions are welcome!"

Laura Lee Ghurke has an Edwardian series if y..."
Thank you Joanna. I've been wanting to read more from Laura Lee Ghurke. Transcendence looks interesting. I can't wait to see what you think of it. The reviews are amazing. I'm not sure I'm ready for a caveman... LOL, but who knows. There is an audio version.

[Shannon]

Darbella wrote: "Shannon, I am so happy that I was encouraged to restart Flowers From the Storm. It was worth it.
I really could feel the Heros struggle to comunicate after his stroke. I could really feel the Heroi..."

I know completely what you mean.
Undone, is the only thing that seems to fit to describe what this book does to me. I love that his language skills were never restored and that she never gave up her ethics and religion and yet they both changed. This is a true love story. I couldn't read for a few days after finishing. I love the part where they're lying on the floor and looking at the ceiling when his aunt walks in.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

I had a slow start to this month but have started my Around the World Challenge book, Butterfly Swords, which I tried last year. I think I must have tried when I had too much on my plate because I am finding it easy to get into now.

I also lined up either Heartless and The Parfit Knight for my Georgian read from the Audible romance package. I will probably go with the short per book, the Parfit Knight, but not sure. I am sort of interested in giving Balogh another try right now.

[Shannon]

Could someone tell me what year or era is considered as ancient? I get prehistoric, but what is ancient world?

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Shannon wrote: "Could someone tell me what year or era is considered as ancient? I get prehistoric, but what is ancient world?"

I think it would be considered civilizations that we have history on but from BC or early AD, pre-dark ages: the Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, etc.

[Shannon]

Darbella wrote: "In message 4 of this thread Joanna Loves Reading posted links for all the subgenres. I did not pick prehistoric or ancient world to read so I did not click on that subgroup links in December. Today..."

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Could someone tell me what year or era is considered as ancient? I get prehistoric, but what is ancient world?"

I think it would be considered civilizations that we have history on..."

Thank you both! I've been looking at the lists for an hour! LOL. I've found maybe 2 possibilities. It's hard because what some consider ancient is really post dark ages.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

The lists can have some erroneous inclusions. Some of them are broader than what our themes are also.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Darbella wrote: "In message 4 of this thread Joanna Loves Reading posted links for all the subgenres. I did not pick prehistoric or ancient world to read so I did not click on that subgroup links in December. Today..."

Thanks for mentioning that. It’s a good place to start. I keep referring to them when gathering ideas.

[Jan]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Could someone tell me what year or era is considered as ancient? I get prehistoric, but what is ancient world?"

I think it would be considered civilizations that we have history on..."

I'm going to read a Jayne Castel book. You could have a look at some of hers for "ancient world" if interested. Dark Ages Scotland. Battle Eagle

[Priya]

I completed my Georgian book These Old Shades and I enjoyed it a lot, especially the conversations between the MCs.

[Jan]

Glad you enjoyed TOS Priya. It's a classic.

I'm struggling a bit with my January book (around the world). The Man Who Won the World. Not sure whether I'll even finish it. Not enough romance in it for me :(

On the up side, the book I chose for June (Gilded Age) is on sale today on amazon australia for 99 pennies. Yay! *click* Duchess by Design

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Priya wrote: "I completed my Georgian book These Old Shades and I enjoyed it a lot, especially the conversations between the MCs."

Avon is a personal favorite as is this book, but this book is not among the books I would recco to someone who wants to try Georgette Heyer for a first read of her titles. Also, I’ve seen some HR readers around the GR streets who don’t care for 18 C male attire (wigs, heels etc.).

[Jan]

That's true, Andrea. Personally I love all the costumes and paraphernalia and still find the H can be very masculine with it all ;)

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

I decided to listen to Heartless, and the hero is fashion setting, wears cosmetics and uses a fan. He still comes across as masculine. It does seem ridiculous when I picture in my head, though.

[Jan]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I decided to listen to Heartless, and the hero is fashion setting, wears cosmetics and uses a fan. He still comes across as masculine. It does seem ridiculous when I picture in my hea..."

Ooh I LOVE that book. Luke is one of my book husbands :)

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Jan130 wrote: "Glad you enjoyed TOS Priya. It's a classic.

I'm struggling a bit with my January book (around the world). The Man Who Won the World. Not sure whether I'll even finish it. Not enoug..."

Yay for the 99c book! My pick for Around The World, Butterfly Swords, was one I tried before but it is clicking much this time. They are on the run, so close and intimate situations.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Jan130 wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I decided to listen to Heartless, and the hero is fashion setting, wears cosmetics and uses a fan. He still comes across as masculine. It does seem ridicu..."

It has started really well, and I like Luke so far. He has substance beneath the facade.

(view spoiler)[I thought it a bit strange he assumed she loved her first “lover” considering her fear for the act. But he hasn’t really held it against her.

The villain seems a bit cartoonish at this point.

Otherwise good story telling and interesting characters. (hide spoiler)]

[Jan]

Their love story, and Luke's redemption, is so beautifully developed in this book. IMO one of Balogh's best.

[Tanya]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I decided to listen to Heartless, and the hero is fashion setting, wears cosmetics and uses a fan. He still comes across as masculine. It does seem ridiculous when I picture in my hea..."

Audible just came to India so this is the first book I bought. It's sooooo long and I'm having trouble adjusting to listening to a book as opposed to reading.

But since it seems to be a good one I'm going to persevere!

[Midniteillusion]

Tracking Post 11/12
Subgenres & Schedule

January:
Around the World (other than Britain or American) -
Georgian - Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord

February:
Edwardian A Rogue by Any Other Name
Ancient World / Prehistorical

March:
Restoration / Stuarts
Viking - Viking Passion

April:
LGBTQ
Native American Chieftain

May:
Regency - Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake
Civil War / Antebellum

June:
Americana/Gilded Age A Stockingful Of Joy
Time Travel

July:
Your Choice Just Like Heaven
Pirate

August:
Medieval The Striker
Western

September:
Victorian
Bodice Ripper The Duke

October:
World Wars I to WWII
American Revolution

November:
Diversity (featuring at least one lead character with diverse racial/ethnic background) The Dove: The Second Day
Renaissance

December:
Any historical from your TBR/already own pile! His Perfect Bride
Scottish / Highlander

[Priya]

Andrea (Catsos Person) is a Compulsive eBook Hoarder wrote: "Priya wrote: "I completed my Georgian book These Old Shades and I enjoyed it a lot, especially the conversations between the MCs."

Avon is a personal favorite as is this book, but th..."

I had problem imagining a man with a fan, but wigs and heels weren't a problem.

[Priya]

Tanya wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I decided to listen to Heartless, and the hero is fashion setting, wears cosmetics and uses a fan. He still comes across as masculine. It does seem ridicu..."

Audible in India! I didn't know about that. Thanks!

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

I am glad to hear Audible is in India now. If you get the option to try to Romance package, I think it’s worth it. When starting out listening to audio, I think it’s a good idea to try books you know. Also there’s good and bad narrators. If you like Loretta Chase, most of hers are narrated by Kate Reading, who is very good, and I would recommend.

[Priya]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I am glad to hear Audible is in India now. If you get the option to try to Romance package, I think it’s worth it. When starting out listening to audio, I think it’s a good idea to try books you kn..."

Thsnk you for the tips. I am not sure if we have a Romance package, but I will look out for it.

[Tanya]

Priya wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I am glad to hear Audible is in India now. If you get the option to try to Romance package, I think it’s worth it. When starting out listening to audio, I think it’s a ..."

I didn't see a Romance Package. I was looking for something the equivalent of KU because I use that a LOT. You do however get a credit every month and can buy any book with that.

I have one credit and Heartless loaded up, just have to convince myself to keep the kindle down and listen

[Jan]

Well, I finished my January book, but I was a bit disappointed - I gave it 2 stars.
I didn't realise it was only a Part 1, and there was very little romance in it :( Mainly just adventure.
I have changed my February book to
I've read Bk 2 in this Dark Ages trilogy, and was going to read Bk 3 for the challenge, till I realised I hadn't read Bk 1 yet LOL. So I've changed my challenge book to Bk 1. Will start in the next few days.

[Lover of Romance]

Tanya wrote: "Priya wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I am glad to hear Audible is in India now. If you get the option to try to Romance package, I think it’s worth it. When starting out listening to audio, I..."
The audible romance package is similar to KU, only BETTER!! It has a solid mix of traditionally published audiobooks and self published too. There are so many good books on there. I use it all the time and they have some great historical romances in it too.

[Sally906]

During January I finished my September book for Bodice Ripper because I used our January discussion book
Splendid by Julia Quinn and it was on the Bodice Ripper list - I enjoyed it, wasn't the best Quinn book - so gave it 3★s

I had RNWMP: Bride for Joel by Amelia C. Adams (set in Canada) scheduled for my January Genre of around the world - will read it later this month

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Jan wrote: "Well, I finished my January book, but I was a bit disappointed - I gave it 2 stars.
I didn't realise it was only a Part 1, and there was very little r..."

That is frustrating on the part 1. And thanks for the warning. It doesn’t look like anyone has read the second part. There are no reviews.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Lover of Romance wrote: "Tanya wrote: "Priya wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I am glad to hear Audible is in India now. If you get the option to try to Romance package, I think it’s worth it. When starting out listeni..."

Yes, I agree. I don’t find KU to be worth it, but have been impressed with the selection in the romance package.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Sally906 wrote: "During January I finished my September book for Bodice Ripper because I used our January discussion book
Splendid by Julia Quinn and it was..."

Oh I am surprised one of hers is on a BR list, must be based on published year. Did it seem like a Bodice Ripper?

[Shannon]

Lover of Romance wrote: "Tanya wrote: "Priya wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I am glad to hear Audible is in India now. If you get the option to try to Romance package, I think it’s worth it. When starting out listeni..."

Oh, I absolutely love the audible romance package. I've found so many gems in it. And audible will take back a purchased credit book you don't like with no questions. It's a great package.

[Shannon]

Tanya wrote: "Priya wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I am glad to hear Audible is in India now. If you get the option to try to Romance package, I think it’s worth it. When starting out listening to audio, I..."

Tanya, the romance package is an added $7 and well worth it! I purchased an extra 3 credits on audible last month and I share it with my daughter. I have the app on my ipad and she has it on her phone. It works out wonderful. That way we've been able to read books together.

[Jan]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "That is frustrating on the part 1. And thanks for the warning. It doesn’t look like anyone has read the second part. There are no reviews. "

I'm not even sure whether part 2 has been published yet! I'm sure I read a rec for this book from one of my GR friends, but I can't remember who. Anyway, it was a let-down.

BTW I'm reading quite a bit on KU at the moment, but it's early days yet. The shine might wear off once I've picked the eyes out of the ku library.

[Tanya]

Shannon wrote: "Tanya wrote: "Priya wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I am glad to hear Audible is in India now. If you get the option to try to Romance package, I think it’s worth it. When starting out listeni..."

There aren't any romance packages yet. I'm guessing since audible is still fairly new in India they'll wait before starting that. I'll definitely look at buying that once it's available.

P.S - I just used my 2 credits to purchase The Raven Prince (As you suggested Joanna to take a book I already know, I thought I'll go with one of my absolute favs) and Someone to Trust

[Priya]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Sally906 wrote: "During January I finished my September book for Bodice Ripper because I used our January discussion book
Splendid by [author:Julia Quinn|..."
I too was surprised. I didn't think any of the Julia Quinn's books would be on a BR list.

[Lover of Romance]

Priya wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Sally906 wrote: "During January I finished my September book for Bodice Ripper because I used our January discussion book
[book:Splendid|11..."

Yeah that surprises me too. I usually think of Bodice Rippers as the Zebra historicals'.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

This month is:

Edwardian
Ancient World / Prehistorical

What does everyone have planned for this month reading?