Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
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PtP - Reading on the Rails (3)
Week 6 Completion Post
Night Broken by Patrica Briggs
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: Overall I really enjoyed this entry in the series, but it wasn't my favorite. I felt it spent too much time with the werewolves (which were not my favorite) and less with the fae and vampires. I really wasn't a big fan of Christy, who is the perfect example of the evil witch of an ex. That is a trope I really don't like, and the book would have worked fine if Christy was less evil and more someone who just needed help. I found myself really disliking the pack and Adam's treatment of Mercy. I don't know what Mercy has to do to prove herself to this pack, but I wish it would happen soon. Also, Adam felt like a doormat to Christy and gave into her way too much for my liking. I just wished once he would have stood up for Mercy. It would have worked better if Mercy had more allies in the story, but she was largely isolated in this book from her friends. I did like learning more about Coyote and the introduction of Gary and I thought the fantasy elements were well done.
Completion Post: Week 7Book: Bite Of Winter
Rating: 3 stars
Date Read: 23rd April
Review:
Meh. I'm still in my reading slump and nothing is feeling better than okay at the moment, as is the case with this book. While we do get a few answers in this it still managed to feel like a filler in the series so lacked the umph the first book had for me. I'll still read the third book to finish things up but I'm not expecting a great deal from it.
Week 7 - Completion PostOption 1
Wilde FireFinished: 4/20/19 - 4 Stars
Review: I've enjoyed every Lucy Lennox book that I've read, and this one was no exception. I'm a sucker for a good "second chance" love story, and Seth and Otto were great together. Both did some stupid things that kind of made me want to smack them, but since in both cases their actions were brought about by their desire to help and/or protect someone they loved, it was pretty easy to look past it. I'm glad I have the next book in the series planned for next month!
Week 7: CompletionOption 1
Just Not Mine380 pages/GR
How it fits: added to list on 3/8/19 ~ 42 days ago
Date completed: 4/23/19
*4 STARS*
This was so sweet. I really fell in love with Hugh. He may not have seen it but he was doing a great job with those kids. It's not easy to do what he did at his age. I loved the interaction between the kids and Hugh and Josie the best and they really made the story for me. But man, that ending had my bawling like a baby. It was like a calming balm to the soul.
Hey everyone, Jane has posted the new theme but I'm away from my computer for a few hours. If someone else wants to post the new theme here that would be great, otherwise I'll do it a bit later.
Week 8Option 1
2. Read a book with a 'servant' as the MC from one of the following lists:
Servant Heroes/Heroines in Romance
Helping Hand Romances
Nanny Governess Romances
Manny MM
Best Gay Slaves
Romance novel leads who were slaves
You must select from one of the lists. Please quote the list and page number where the title is found. A link would be even better!
Option 2
Book chosen from a team member's shelf that was read on the date below or more recently and rated at least 3 stars.
Key Date: October 26, 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 - Option 1Week # 8
Bookcover/link: Sweet Nothings by Catherine Anderson
Page numbers: 456 pages
How the book qualifies - #20 on Helping Hand Romances
Week 8: SelectionOption 2
Magic Shifts342 pages/GR
How it fits: #8 in Kate Daniels Series and Grace read Iron and Magic, book 9.5 in the series on 3/20/19, and rated it *5 STARS*
Week 8 Selection post option 1Tiger Eye
342 pg/GR
How it fits - #57 on Romance novel leads who were slaves
Week 8 - Selection PostOption 2
The Kiss QuotientPages: 336 (Kindle version)
How the book qualifies: Read by Sassafrass on 3/7/19, rated 4 stars
Selection Post:Week: 8
Book: A Wife For Big John
Page count: 240
How it qualifies: #22 on the Helping Hand Romances list
Week 8: CompletionOption 2
Magic Shifts342 pages/GR
How it fits: #8 in Kate Daniels Series and Grace read Iron and Magic, book 9.5 in the series on 3/20/19, and rated it *5 STARS*
Date completed: 4/28/19
Rating: *5 STARS*
I just love this series and the rereads are definitely holding up to the test. The depth in this one was great. There was a lot there to unravel and a lot of foreshadowing. I read my previous review and all the things I loved the first time were spot on this time and the things that ripped my heart out were there too. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I'm in a little bit of a reading slump and nothing I'm finding is really appealing to me, so I'm hoping it's okay if I take the pass this week. If no one has any objections, I'll post a selection post with pass tomorrow.
Completion Post: Week 8Book: A Wife for Big John
Rating: 4 stars
Date Read: 30th April
Review:
This was a nice fluffy read that I really enjoyed. The setting and descriptions were a highlight along with Big John's tightening loins. Part of me (the pervy part) wishes we got to see them together after it taking so long to admit their feelings, but it didn't take anything away from the story that it wasn't, I'll just use my imagination 😉
Completion PostWeek # 7
Bookcover/link: Lighthouse Bay by Kimberley Freeman
Rating (1-5): 3
Completion Date: 5/1
Review: This was an enjoyable book with a dual storyline (1901 and 2011). I enjoyed both stories. Neither was really centered on romance, more about personal struggles and it was interesting to see how the characters persevered. Both of the main characters had a bit of an open ended but happy and hopeful conclusion which is probably more realistic than tying things up in a neat little bow.
Grace wrote: "I'm in a little bit of a reading slump and nothing I'm finding is really appealing to me, so I'm hoping it's okay if I take the pass this week. If no one has any objections, I'll post a selection p..."Sorry I didn't see this sooner, Grace...I'm glad you went ahead and claimed the pass. I'm so behind this week!!!
Week 9Option 1
15. Read a book where the word 'friend' or 'friends' is included in the GR book's summary/precis. Expansions on 'friend' is acceptable, eg friendship, friend-with-benefits, boyfriend, girlfriend.
To show how it qualifies, please quote the relevant sentence from the book's main page on goodreads.
Option 2
Book chosen from a team member's shelf that was read on the date below or more recently and rated at least 3 stars.
Key Date: October 26, 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 - 9Book: The Dean's List
Page count: 341
How it qualifies:
"While seeking advice from her best friend Jade, she found..."
Selection Post - Option 1Week # 9
Bookcover/link: A Fine Romance by Christi Barth
Page numbers: 376 pages
How the book qualifies - “Her friend Ivy is depending on her to run a new romance store...”
Week 8 - Completion PostOption 2
The Kiss QuotientFinished: 4/27/19 - 4 Stars
Review: This was very cute! I loved both Stella and Michael, and Michael's whole family for that matter. It was interesting to watch Stella learn to cope with issues related to her Autism, especially knowing that the author has been diagnosed with Autism so one can assume that it's an accurate portrayal. Of course, Autism covers a huge range of issues and I'm sure no two cases are exactly the same, but it does give a good glimpse into some of the things people with the disorder have to overcome to function well in "normal" society. It was a little sad (although unfortunately often still true) that Stella was so sure that if anyone were to become aware of her diagnosis, that would be all they would see. Hopefully books like this will become more common, and will help to change that. This was an amazing debut novel for Helen Huang, and I'm looking forward to reading (listening to) more from her!
Week 9 - Selection PostOption 1
Birthday SuitPages: 306 (Kindle version)
How the book qualifies: From precis - "There is no rule in the Man Code as unbreakable as this: no matter how beautiful, smart, clever, and witty she is, do not—under any circumstances—fall in love with your best friend’s woman."
Week 9 - Selection PostOption 1
Groomzilla
Pages: 160/GR
How it fits: In precis - "agrees to plan the wedding of his childhood friend"
Week 9: SelectionOption 1
Storm of Locusts321 pages/GR
How it fits: "...she's lost her only friend..."
Week 8 Completion post option 1Tiger Eye
Rating: ****
Date read: 5/4/19
Review: I'm not sure why I never got around to reading this. I read one of the books in the series awhile back and enjoyed it, but didn't connect it to the series. Now starting with book one, i'd like to read more. This book was a great introduction to the series. There's a number of interesting characters that can carry their own books.
BarbaraAnn wrote: "Week 8 Selection post option 1Tiger Eye
Rating: ****
Date read: 5/4/19
Review: I'm not sure why I never got around to reading this. I read one of the book..."
Hey BarbaraAnn, can you please change this post to say completion instead of selection? Thanks!
~KarenH~ wrote: "BarbaraAnn wrote: "Week 8 Selection post option 1Hi - i've made the change
Week 9 - Completion PostOption 1
Birthday SuitFinished: 5/4/19 - 4 Stars
Review: This was so much fun! Leo and Lulu were great together, and it was so nice to see them overcome the issues like adults, actually making the effort to see each other's point of view and get past...well...their past 😋 without a huge, drawn-out drama. The narration for this audiobook was AMAZING. Two of my favorite narrators, Sebastian York and Andi Arndt, joined by a whole bunch of very talented narrators so that almost every character was voiced by a different performer. I understand completely why projects like this are rare, between the cost of having so many different narrators involved and the logistics of it all, but I sure wish there were more - it was a pleasure to listen to.
BarbaraAnn wrote: "~KarenH~ wrote: "BarbaraAnn wrote: "Week 8 Selection post option 1Hi - i've made the change"
Thanks! 😊
Week 9: CompletionOption 1
Storm of Locusts321 pages/GR
How it fits: "...she's lost her only friend..."
Date completed: 5/5/19
Rating: *4 STARS*
I liked this one but it didn't have the "certain something" the first book did. Maybe because the first book was so original and that the sequel had no choice but to not be as good because the first book already exists. Does that make sense? I can't explain it.
The story was interesting, Maggie was still being Maggie. There were some new characters introduced and some old ones who made a reappearance. And overall I really liked it. But I wasn't in awe of it like I was with the first one. Maggie is on a whole new quest in this one and it turns up some really interesting places outside of the wall. It was quite disturbing at times.
I had this on audio and a kindle copy but I definitely prefer the audio so I returned the kindle copy. I loved the narrating and hope she does the whole series. And yes, I will be continuing on with this series because I truly enjoy this world that Ms. Roanhorse has created and can't wait to get sucked back into whenever the next book comes out.
The one thing that may happen is having a little distance between this book and the next may give me back that wow factor I had with the first book. I read books 1 and 2 only weeks apart and that may have taken the shine off this book a bit. We'll see.
Week 9 Selection Option 1
Over the Top by Rebecca Zanetti
174 pages
Qualification: "She's his best friend's little sister, and that means hands-off."
Are we allowed to skip week ten? If so, I'd like to claim the pass...I'm am starting a class and it's like three books a week, so I need to pause to get all caught up with the two books I have going here and those books. It's week 11 we can't pass, right? I'll be back for that.
NewSelection Post: Week - 9 - Option 2
Book: Cry Wolf
Page count: 294
Read by BarbaraAnn on March 18th 2019 and rated 5 stars
Completion Post: Week 9Book: Cry Wolf
Rating: 4 stars
Date Read: 6th May
Review:
I'm sure I tried to read this a few years ago and didn't get very far in before giving up but this time I ended up enjoying it. It did take a while to settle into the story as I'm used to stronger heroines and her questioning herself all the time was frustrating, but things improved a lot when they went into the mountains and I became hooked. I do think the sex was disappointing but again I'm a perv and like details.
Mary-Megan wrote: "Are we allowed to skip week ten? If so, I'd like to claim the pass...I'm am starting a class and it's like three books a week, so I need to pause to get all caught up with the two books I have goin..."I think you're right Mary-Megan. Good luck with your class
Completion Post: Week 9Book: Groomzilla
Rating: *****
Date Read: 5/7/19
Review: I really loved this book. Daniel and Ander had been friends since they were roommates at a boarding school and it was nice to see that their friendship remained constant. Ander was a designer and signed up for a reality wedding show for publicity. of course he wanted his best friend to be his best man and help coordinate things. Owen, who worked for the show, was the main contact for Daniel and they fell in love. It was a very sweet story.
Completion PostWeek # 8
Bookcover/link: Sweet Nothings by Catherine Anderson
Rating (1-5): 3
Completion Date: 5/7
Review: This was a nice romance that was as much about the female main character rebuilding her life and believing in herself as it was about the romance. The hero might be a little too perfect to be real, but that’s what makes him wonderful. Add to it a little suspense and you have an enjoyable read.
Week 9 Completion
Over the Top by Rebecca Zanetti
Rating: 3 star
Review: This was an okay read, but nothing really special, especially for the last book. This was the couple that was mentioned through all the other books and it just lacked the extra sparkle. Hawk was a little too macho man do it myself that he became kinda stupid. I don't think Rebecca Zanetti is the best contemporary romance writer, and this series backs that up. She really does shine with her paranormal series though.
Mary-Megan wrote: "Are we allowed to skip week ten? If so, I'd like to claim the pass...I'm am starting a class and it's like three books a week, so I need to pause to get all caught up with the two books I have goin..."Agh! Sorry I didn't see this sooner! Can I just say I HATE the new notification emails? I read the message and if it doesn't require action I then forget to go to the thread, so I don't get subsequent emails and miss stuff. 😣
Ok, rant over...you have it right, you can pass for week 10 but not week 11. After the theme is announced tomorrow just make a selection post stating that you want the pass. Thanks for answering, BarbaraAnn!
Ok, I've updated the tracking post through here, and I have us all completely current except for a completion post from Grace for week 7 and one from Mary-Megan for the current week. Does that look right to you all?
Looks good to me and thank you both KarenH and BarbaraAnn for clarifying the pass. We're almost done! The time flew by.
Week 10Option 1
11. Read a book with two 1s in the publication date. Eg Oct 1, 2017. (Do not convert the month to numbers.)
To show how it qualifies, please specify the publication date.
Option 2
Book chosen from a team member's shelf that was read on the date below or more recently and rated at least 3 stars.
Key Date: November 2, 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 - 10Book: Sweep in Peace
Page count: 316
How it fits: Published November 13, 2015
Week 10: CompletionOption 1
Wreck You237 pages/GR
How it fits: Publication May 1 8, 20 1 4
Date read: 5/10/19
3+ stars (just not enough to round up to 4)
I really liked this story in the beginning then it started to go off the rails for me. When Maura was missing the explanation was just too much of an eye roll for me to really be gripped any more. I mean what was she thinking?
Then the fact that their relationship was so new and she was making some serious decisions for Corbin. (won't tell you why). I just thought that was a bit unbelievable too.
It's also going to be hard for me to see Daws as a redeemable character so I'm not sure if I will continue on with the series. If I do it will be later when the crap he pulled isn't so fresh cuz he pulled some right douchey crap.
The narrator was pretty good. She did a great job with the accents.
Week 10 - Selection PostOption 1
Born to Be WildePages: 384 (Kindle version)
How the book qualifies: Publication date July 31, 2018
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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Hidden in Darkness by Alice Winters
rating **
completion date: 4/23
review: I've just finished Hidden in Darkness and it just wasn't the book for me. It sounded perfect - a good mystery plot with some snark attached. The plot was ok, but everything was so far over the top that i couldn't even laugh with it. I might try the second book in the series at some point, but for now, I think I'll leave this author alone.