Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
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PtP - Nellie Bly Did It Faster (10)
Week 6: POC MC City WolfRating: ★★★★
Review:
Low 4 star
I was really loving seeing Axton and Leander navigate a relationship in the city. I love them together and separately so much. The humor in this series is so spot on. It's funny without being too yuk yuk wink wink nudge nudge. I really really really really love the female supporting cast. That's always worth note in this genre. Now, the reason it's a low 4 star, I hate the ending. I'm sorry. It's bull crap. There's no nobility in giving the villain what they want. It solves nothing and just irks me. Now I'll still read the series, it's not a deal breaker. But I'm left feeling really annoyed at Axton which I hate.
Ok so I'm finally getting caught up on things. Now that I've completed the baby blanket I was knitting for my best friends baby shower I can get back to reading more regularly. I've got one of my books read and I'm going through and updating all my past reads right now. Should be back later today with the first review and should have my second book finished tomorrow. :)
Shelby wrote: "Ok so I'm finally getting caught up on things. Now that I've completed the baby blanket I was knitting for my best friends baby shower I can get back to reading more regularly. I've got one of my b..."No worries Shelby. You have plenty of time.
Week 5Conspiracy in Death by J.D. Robb
Read: (4/17)
Rating: ★★★★★
I really loved this one! I'm enjoying this series as a whole immensely, but Eve ripped my heart out in this one. The mystery was good and interesting, but the really arresting part of this story was Eve facing everything thrown at her. This tore at the soul of what makes Eve, Eve. She had to pull herself together and find a new strength to go on.
Of course the Scooby gang here wasn't going to let Eve drown. They were all behind her and willing to bend the rules to clear her name. I love this team. They're so fantastic.
This world is just so interesting. I'm never bored when reading about these characters. Can't wait to dive in to more.
Week #6 Completion Post
Strong EnoughRating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.5)
Review:
Sugary sweet!
After only a few eye contacts during the last two weeks, Emilio, a young construction worker, rushes into Spencer's life like a whirlwind. Spencer, a 38-year-old, college math professor, is absolutely overwhelmed but nonetheless grabs his chance with Emilio.
While it was definitely awesome how Emilio patiently helped Spencer to leave his fears and insecurities (view spoiler) behind, the whole story was too insta- everything and Emilio just too perfect for my liking.
Week 6The Engineered Throne by Megan Derr
Read: (4/19)
Rating: ★★★★
This isn't my favorite of Megan Derr's fantasy worlds, but I still enjoyed the story a lot. I actually really liked Vell and felt for him as his world was turned upside down. The reason this fell just that little bit short to me is it felt like a lot of the events were place markers and we didn't get to go as deep into the characters and what was going on as we often do in Ms. Derr's books. I felt like I skimmed a little more on the surface than I wanted to and so it didn't tug at my heartstrings at times as much as I felt the circumstances might have warranted.
I really enjoyed Vell and his brother's relationship the most I think. It felt the most fleshed out. I also really liked Dean and Bertin as well. Honestly the weakest link as far as characters go was unfortunately Perdith. He was the character I connected with the least and so while I was happy for him and Vell and didn't fell like I got to really understand them as a couple.
I will definitely be reading the rest of the series though. It's an interesting world and anytime there are dragons (yes Krisanta was fabulous) I'm happy.
Week 7Option 1
5. Read a book added to your TBR shelf in the last 80 days.
Hint from before the game started: the challenge lasts 11 weeks, roughly 77 days depending on when I make the first call (Wednesday or Friday in the first week). A book added the day before the challenge starts will qualify for this category throughout the full length of the game.
To show how it qualifies, you must note the date that the book was added to your TBR list and how many days it has been on your list from today (19 April 2019).
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 19, 2018
Please ensure you follow the format shown in msg 3 of your team threads. when you post your selection and completion posts.
Anything added after March 5th counts
Week 7Option 1
Book: Fully Ignited
Page numbers: 384
How Fits: Added March 16, 2019 - 35 Days
[*book:Fully Ignited|25125272]
Shelby wrote: "Week 7Option 1
Book: Fully Ignited
Page numbers: 384
How Fits: Added March 16, 2019
[*book:Fully Ignited|25125272]"
Can you add how many days that is?
Week 7 Option 1Book: Witchbane by Morgan Brice
Length: 246 pages
How it Fits: Added March 31, 2019, 20 days ago
[*book:Witchbane|38657329]
Week #7 Selection Post
Criminal Intentions: Junk Shop Blues by Cole McCadePages: 245
How it qualifies: Added March 14, 2019 - 37days
[*book:Criminal Intentions: Junk Shop Blues|40111423]
Selection Post ~~ Week 7Option 1
Task: 5. Read a book added to your TBR shelf in the last 80 days
Book: Take My Breath Away ~ Christie Ridgway
How it fits: added March 28 ~ 23 days ago
Pages: 380 pp
[*book:Take My Breath Away|18168516]
Week 7Winterblaze by Kristen Callihan
422 pages
Qualification: Added to my TBR on March 7, 2019 - 44 days ago (if my math is right)
[*book:Winterblaze|13389546]
Week 7Fully Ignited by Shannon Stacey
Read: (4/20)
Rating: ★★★★
This was sweet and simple love story. I've always liked Scott even if he's a little bit of a hot head. Jamie was a good match for him. They deserved to get over the obstacles they threw in their own way. Really most of the trouble in this story was of the character's own making. They had to figure out that what they had was more than either of them expected but was everything they both wanted.
Fun little story and I'm enjoying this series as a whole.
Week #7 Completion Post
Criminal Intentions: Junk Shop BluesRating: ⭐⭐⭐
Review:
Well, this is the second book in this series and I'm still not convinced. 😬
I think that the criminal case of this part was less interesting than that of the previous part. It took me forever until I got a bit captivated by the story and then it wasn't by the mystery but solely by the main characters behavior and interactions. Nonetheless, I still felt no real connection to Malcolm and Seong-Jae, whose personalities somehow confused me.
Still, I'm curious enough about how their characters and relationship will develop to give book 3 a chance.
Week 7: Added To TBR In Last 80 Days - Catch MeRating: ★★★★
Review:
*Received A Copy To Review From The Author*
This clicked with me so much more than book one (which I still enjoyed but was just a bit lacking). The dynamic between the characters was much more my tastes. The fake relationship trope is turned on it's head a bit, I love the twist of having Wyatt refuse to go along with it until he decided to use it to "catch" Ryan. I could've really done without the big even that happens towards the end. I think the set for conflict was already enough without the big drama. It felt shoehorned in. I really loved the supporting characters, they were sprinkled in just enough. I don't mind that the culinary aspect (there is still some nice chunks) was kind of focused on less. I like the focus on the relationship and the characters. So all in all, I really really liked this story. I was more invested in the romance and the characters themselves. I'm totally looking forward to the rest of the series.
Completion Post ~~ Week 7Option 1
Task: 5. Read a book added to your TBR shelf in the last 80 days
Book: Take My Breath Away ~ Christie Ridgway
How it fits: added March 28 ~ 23 days ago
Pages: 380 pp
Date Read: 04.25
Rating: ★★★
Review:
I really expected to love this book and I can't really put my finger on why I don't. I didn't not like it, I just did't love it. I know I just kept feeling frustration with the MCs because they kept pushing each other away. I think it's because they both kept giving up without trying too hard to reach the other person. There was a lot of mixed signals being given by both. Anyway, we got our HEA but it wasn't as satisfying as I wanted it to be. There were other things I really liked about the book - there was a side romance that was satisfying, and there were some really good humorous scenes as well. I'll keep on with the series but maybe not as eagerly as I might have been.
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 ~~ Week 8Option 1
Task: 2. Read a book with a 'servant' as the MC from one of the following lists
Book: Again the Magic ~ Lisa Kleypas
How it fits: #2 on Servant Heroes/Heroines In Romance listopia
Pages: 421 pp
[*book:Again the Magic|674220]
Sorry all! Doing some major catch up - 30th birthday + Easter + Avengers: Endgame has eaten up my time.
Week 8 SelectionYours Until Dawn by Teresa Medeiros
373 pages
Qualification: #22 on Servant Heroes/Heroines in Romance
[*book:Yours Until Dawn|40720861]
I'm not sure yet for this week's bookand I just started reading my Week 7 book today - I'll get caught up asap!
Ha! I'm behind too so you know, no worries. I'll message you if it's time to start worrying.
I actually stayed up all night reading my slave book, it was amazing. On my tbr shelf for years, I'm so glad this challenge pushed me to finally read it!
Week 8Option 1
Book: Fantasy Lover
Page numbers: 337
How Fits: #4 on Free Romance Novel Leads who were Slaves
[*book:Fantasy Lover|84136]
Trio wrote: "I actually stayed up all night reading my slave book, it was amazing. On my tbr shelf for years, I'm so glad this challenge pushed me to finally read it!"....are you gonna tell us what book it was? =P
Week 8Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Read: (4/28)
Rating: ★★★★½
I do so love the ancient Greek references in this book and really the entire series. As someone who studied classic history that particular time period is always of interest to me and well I love the way it's woven into this paranormal series. Granted of course this story is less of the paranormal elements than the rest. This barely sets up the world with Julien of Macedon having been trapped in a book as a sex slave for two millennia. But it does introduce the idea of the ancient Greek gods all still existing and walking around in todays modern world.
I liked Grace and Julien together. She's truly a good soul who wants nothing more than to help people. Julien in his calm confidence is also able to help Grace learn to trust herself again, to trust in the bonds with another person. Both of them have had some real doozies of past issues, but they're definitely stronger together.
Calila wrote: "Trio wrote: "Anchored....are you gonna tell us wh..."
Yes, I meant to post right away but my day flew away from me. I read Anchored.
Selection Post Week 8Option 1 - Slave
by Rachel Haimowitz204 pages
How it Fits: #17 on Best Gay Slaves list
[*book:Anchored|23125508]
Week 8Option 1
Anchored
Read 4/28, 5 Stars
A stunning novel, this one blew me away. Once I started it I stayed up all night to finish it, couldn't put it down.
I think the best part is the world Rachel Haimowtiz builds to explain all the aspects of slavery and how it fits into society. Cleverly revealed through discussions about genetics, and the history of slavery - how it evolved and what it's like in different countries.
Daniel's journey is amazing.
Week #8 Selection Post
Prince of Silk and Thorns by Cherry DarePages: 280
How it qualifies: #118 on Best Gay Slaves
[*book:Prince of Silk and Thorns|18292515]
Just FYI - I'm struggling with my reading this week so may not get my book done on time :-( I'm going to try but we have a lot going with sports with the boy this week.
LaurLa wrote: "Just FYI - I'm struggling with my reading this week so may not get my book done on time :-( I'm going to try but we have a lot going with sports with the boy this week."It's okay. it doesn't really have to be finished by Friday. You just can't be more than two books + current week behind, which you're not, so you're all good.
Week 5: Rich MC - American FairytaleRating: ★★★★★
Review:
Received an ARC via Netgalley
I liked this even more than American Dreamer. I liked Camilo and Thomas together overall just a tad bit more I think. They worked together so well. I also liked the setup and how the potential problems of the power dynamic were addressed and confronted. It also didn't feel preachy. I really only have one thing that bugged me and that was towards the end. Like always. There's always that one last grasp for drama and conflict and it always irks me. I totally understand why Camilo had an issue with what Thomas did, that it was behind is back. However, I hate that no one held a mirror up to Camilo and called him out on his pride and refusal to ask for or accept help, especially given his job. He of all people should understand that sometimes people need help. I get what he was afraid of and why it was a difficult situation for him, but everyone raked Thomas over the coals and ALL the characters got to voice an opinion on what he did (which wasn't bad, it was how he went about it that was the issue) and I was expecting Camilo's friends to at least be like, "Dude, take a step back, are you upset at him going behind your back or are you upset because this hurts your pride?" and it never happened. I don't like when things feel unbalanced. The story and romance are still great aside from that. I think they were really caring together and made sense for each other. I like that Thomas also spent time alone with Camilo's mother, he forged a separate bond with her. I also appreciate the bond developed between Camilo and Thomas' daughter. I can't wait for the next book. I'm so happy to have found this author.
Week 7 CompletionWinterblaze by Kristen Callihan
422 pages
Qualification: Added to my TBR on March 7, 2019 - Added 44 days ago (if my math is right)
Rating: ★★★
Review: I was iffy on this one because, while I love the series, this has a couple tropes that aren't my favorite. However, it was still a solid addition despite not being my catnip. Winston is so supportive of his ass-kicking wife and I really appreciated that he didn't try to coddle her from danger. He knows she can handle herself, and I loved that about him.
Week #8 Completion Post
Prince of Silk and ThornsRating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.5)
Review:
I don't think I ever would have read this book if it hadn't been for this challenge. So it was a nice surprise that I actually liked this story a lot. Yes, I definitely could have forgone the humiliation and torture (though those were kept relatively light and short) but the story contained so much more good elements. There were intrigues at the palast, fights, pain and grief. A medicus's work, the relief of self dicovery and foremost the lovely romance between prince Alar and his slave, the innocent but quite reckless farm boy Garin.
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.
Week 9: "Friend" In BlurbSavor Me
342 pages
Qualifies: "But when he befriends the stranger viciously tearing up his own vineyard, Xander discovers something inexplicable."
Week 9 SelectionFix Her Up by Tessa Bailey
400 pages
Qualification: And then there's Georgie, his best friend’s sister...
[*book:Fix Her Up|39854434]
Week 9 - Friend in Blurb Selection Post
by Quinn Anderson300 pages
How it Qualifies: "As best friends, they’ve shared so much over the years..."
[*book:The Long Way Around|40169158]
Week 9Option 1
Book: Hungry, Hungry, Hoodoo
Page numbers: 191
How Fits: From Description: "To save one of her friends from a gruesome death, she must expose who she was and put more than just her life on the line"
[*book:Hungry, Hungry, Hoodoo|17700237]
Caipi wrote: "Week #7 Completion Post Criminal Intentions: Junk Shop BluesRating: ⭐⭐⭐
Review:
Well, this is the second book in this se..."
Hi Calila - could you please correct the week #? Thanks :)
Jane (PS) wrote: "Caipi wrote: "Week #7 Completion Post Criminal Intentions: Junk Shop BluesRating: ⭐⭐⭐
Review:
Well, this is the second b..."
Jane, I'm confused. That is Caipi's Week 7 book.
And if you meant my post below that one, Catch Me was my Week 7 book. (in case you replied to the wrong one)
Calila wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: "Caipi wrote: "Week #7 Completion Post Criminal Intentions: Junk Shop BluesRating: ⭐⭐⭐
Review:
Well, th..."
Ooops - too much going on. Ignore me :)
Jane (PS) wrote: "Calila wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: "Caipi wrote: "Week #7 Completion Post Criminal Intentions: Junk Shop BluesRating: ⭐⭐⭐
Re..."
No worries. I know I sometimes forget to check the week #s
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Ravensong (other topics)Ravensong (other topics)
Illuminate the Shadows (other topics)
Illuminate the Shadows (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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Elyse Springer (other topics)
Eli Easton (other topics)
Liz Schulte (other topics)
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Option 1
Task: 8. Read a book with an MC that is not caucasian from one of the following lists
Book: Magic Shifts ~ Ilona Andrews
How it fits: #560 on Non-Caucasian Protagonists in Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, and Paranormal Romance
Pages: 352 pp
Date Read: 04.16
Rating: ★★★★★
Review:
Things are heating up! I hate knowing the series is almost over... I hate Kate and Curran aren't part of the pack but I'm excited to see how they manage going forward. I'm nervous over the Roland threat and yet I know (because the series is coming to a close) that all will be well, but what if it gets worse before it gets better?? Anyway, I loved this one and can't wait to dig into the next.