Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
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PtP - Cloudy with a Chance of Romance (6)
Week #2 Completion Post
Just a Bit TwistedPages: 160
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review:
Okay, this was definitely an inappropriate abuse of power.....
Professor Derek Rutledge, a feared and hated college teacher, accepts (and then demands more and more) sexual favors in exchange for better grades from his desperate student Shawn Wyatt.
I may have had to tune down my sense of moral during a great part of this book but I've to admit that this story was hot and in the end it thankfully turned into something sweet.
Yep, I really enjoyed reading it. :)
Week 1 Completion Post
Finished: 3/16/20
Rating: 3 stars
Review: My only real complaint is that I could see the setup from outer space. I knew what was going to happen with the jewels and then it took forever for the story to finally use them.
Meanwhile the romance seemed too easy. They meet, fall in love, and then some minor obstacles delay their HEA. I didn’t buy that Judith was so dense to think she was ugly, and her insecurities annoyed me.
But I did love the two of them together, and it had a satisfying ending when they manage to foil the antagonist.
Completion PostWeek #2: Chosen from a specific list
Bookcover/link: A Tooth For a Fang by Liv Olteano (#157 from Gay Romance with Crazy Jealous Partner/s)
Rating (1-5): 4 stars
Review: Well I disliked Travis in the beginning as I didn't like him just biting Rick and leaving him. Rick has a really shitty ex & I would have liked some type of confrontation. Anyway, Rick is thrown into the deep end in the paranormal world. It turns out that he is a "tracker". Even though he was thrown in, Travis doesn't let him sink. He is there every step of the way. Before Rick can get any type of training, he & Travis are thrown into an investigation of paranormals that are being killed off. One of the issues is that they are alphas and sires. The strongest of the paranormal world. I enjoyed the investigation and I didn't figure out who was behind this all. Even though Travis was a total tool, he is very insecure and is so afraid that Rick is going to reject/leave him. The sexy times were hot and I loved these two really fall in love. I can't wait to continue with the series.
I’ve finished my book but have had limited computer time to add links and a review. When I get home from work tonight then I’ll add the completion post.
I’m running behind this week again but I’ll be mostly reading this weekend so should catch up. I thought about taking the pass but I really want to read my book for this week so I can finally watch the movie too. :)
Yeah I’ve been reading but my issues are more they took away my good reads access on my work computer which has been a problem and I haven’t had much time at home at night to get on the computer due to trying to make sure we have things in place just in case they lock down us in the next week.
Completion Post ~~ Week 2Option 1
Task: 5. Cyclone/Hurricane - read a book from the following list: Villains Need Love Too!
Book: Lothaire
How it fits: #14 on list
Pages: 481
Date Read: 03.20 ★★★★
Review:
This started out a bit slow for me. I felt like Lothaire was just a big baby acting petulant and throwing tantrums. Then again, he's half insane... I loved Ellie, she was definitely kick-ass! About half-way through it picked up for me and I then couldn't put it down and thoroughly enjoyed the rest of it!
Week 2 Completion PostOption 1: Villans Need Love Too
Book: Vicious
Author: V.E. Schwab
Pages: 339
Date Read: 3-17-2020
Rating: 4 Stars
How it fits: #1 on the Villans Need Love Too
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Review:
I really liked this book! I wasn't quite sure at the beginning how I was going to feel about it. Let's be honest, Vicious can be a total asshole but watching the sparks and relationship between Vicious and Emilia was good. I really liked the other characters that were brought into the storyline. The flashbacks were good to build the story. I actually finished reading the second book in this series this week because I liked the first one so much.
Selection PostWeek #3
Option #1: 300 pages or more
Bookcover/link: Doll Baby by Kayleigh Sky
Page numbers: 339 pgs
How the book qualifies: >300 pgs
Selection Post ~~ Week 3Option 1
Task: 9. Heat wave - read a book with 300pp or more
Book: Twenty-Nine and a Half Reasons
How it fits: 353 pp
Week #3 Selection PostOption 1: Heat wave - read a book with 300pp or more
Beyond The Music by Ann ListerPages: 454
How it qualifies: >300 pgs
[*book:Beyond The Music|29093607]
Completion PostWeek 2 - Option 1: Book on Vilains Need Love Too list
Rating: 4 Stars
Completed: 03.16.20
Review:
It's funny how my tastes have changed over the years. In the past I would've jumped at reading a dark suspenseful erotica but it's not really what I gravitate towards now. That's not to say I didn't enjoy this. The tone of the story was pretty dark, and the sense of unease throughout kept me riveted. The whole rape fantasy part wasn't really necessary in my opinion, though I guess that was the reason the hero Garrett was isolated in a house in the woods. And it was a lot rougher than anticipated.
I liked the MCs for the most part, though I almost dropped a star from my rating because of her stupidity towards the end. I didn't figure out one of the major villains of the story, though I did have a feeling early on one of the others, so it kept me guessing and when he was revealed, it surprised me.
All in all, it's not a book for everyone but I enjoyed it for the atmosphere, the mystery and suspense.
Selection PostWeek 3
Option 1: Heat wave - read a book with 300pp or more
by Patricia BriggsHow it fits: 343 Pages
Completion Post ~~ Week 3Option 1
Task: 9. Heat wave - read a book with 300pp or more
Book: Twenty-Nine and a Half Reasons
How it fits: 353 pp
Date Read: 03.22 ★★★★
Review:
This was cute and had some LOL moments. I see the author setting up a love triangle. Not sure how I feel about that. Not sure how I feel about the series as a whole. I like Rose the MC, but there's a lot of OTT drama, overly emotional aspects to the writing that for me takes away from authentic relationship building. I'll probably try at least one more in the series.
Completion PostWeek 2 Option 1
Finished: 3/24/20
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This was a fascinating and mostly fun romp through the ultra-rich lifestyles of several Singapore families. I loved the insider sneak peek from an author who it seems has lived this life. It manages to also feel very Austenian with money and social status often taking precedence over all interactions and life choices.
Rachel and Nick are the heart of the story, but the side characters like Astrid and the rest of the cousins steal the show. I found the beginning of the story a little slow as we learn who these people are, but once everyone arrives in Singapore the story is unleashed into bonkers overdrive and it gets fun.
The end is a bit heartbreaking, but it’s still a romance so a HEA is still there to save the day.
Completion PostWeek 3: 300 pages or more
Bookcover/link: Doll Baby by Kayleigh Sky
Rating (1-5): 3 stars
Review: I hate to say it, but I think this book was way too long. Bliss was attacked, cut up & left for dead. He is badly scarred and has taken to hiding from the world. He won’t let anyone see his face. He is a former rent boy working for his lover Sid. I never can get over letting a lover continue to sleep with others for money, and cheat on their wife also. Todd is still so hung up with his lover who died, that all his focus on is fulfilling his promise to open a bar like they talked about. He is heavily tattooed, and they are all for Van. Yes, losing someone that you love is a horrible thing and it takes a long time to be able to start moving forward, but he was so single minded about it that it drove me kind of nuts. Bliss has a stalker that not everyone believes is real. But he is real. Todd is working for Sid at one of his bars and Sid wants to hire as a kind of babysitter/keeper/gofer for Bliss. Of course, Bliss doesn’t want to go for it. We are then taken into a twisted path to falling for each other, trying to keep Bliss safe and fulfilling his promise. There was so much information and twisted paths that at some points, I just didn’t care anymore. I think that the book could have been cut down and the plots tightened up and it would have been so much better.
Completion PostWeek 3 - Option 1: Heat wave - read a book with 300pp or more
Rating: 4 Stars
Completed: 03.24.20
Review:
When I first started Frost Burned, I thought "Oh my god, please tell me Adam did NOT get kidnapped AGAIN!" It happened in the first 2 books and I was disappointed that the author went there. Again. But luckily the series of events is different, and doesn't last nearly as long as in the others. Plus, I liked that we got to see Mercy more with Ben and Kyle - I just love them and loved that they had more screen time. I did not expect the vampires to play a part in it so the climax/ending took me by surprise.
This was a re-read for me, but it has been 7 years since I first read it so there was a lot that I did not remember. I gotta say that I'm loving my re-read of this series, and so needed it after reading the last one last year and not remembering much about the various characters. I just need to read these faster so that I can get to the newest one!
Completion PostWeek 3
Finished: 3/27/20
Rating: 3 stars
Review: Loved all the twists and turns. Some I could see coming, and some I *thought* I could see but then went even further to surprise me. Lots of fun and a quick read. I can see why it was optioned for TV as it has a great episodic feel to it and lots of characters in different situations. I can’t wait to watch it all unfold!
My biggest complaint is that because there are so many individual stories to follow with their own escalating problems, the overall book lacked a sense of conflict. I read it more to get to the endgame than to enjoy the journey. I didn’t really care about any of the characters or their happiness, I just wanted to know how their plots would resolve. It’s unfortunate the author couldn’t devote the time to draw us in and really invest in these people.
Selection Post Week 3Option 1: Heat wave - read a book with 300pg or more
Book: Dead Heat
Author: Patricia Briggs
Pages: 324
Completion Post Week 3Option 1: Heat wave - read a book with 300pg or more
Book: Dead Heat
Author: Patricia Briggs
Pages: 324
Date Finished: 3-27-2020
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
I have been working on finishing up this series. At first I didn't like this series as well as the Mercy books, but I have to admit that Charles and Anna are seriously growing on me. This story starts off with Charles deciding to get Anna a new horse because she asked for a baby. I mean that's a reasonable exchange right? Of course, the story takes off and they find themselves in a few situations. I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the last book.
Week #3 Completion Post
Beyond The MusicRating: 4 stars
Review:
It's been more than two years since I read the previous part of this series, so it took quite some pages for my old brain to remember all the characters. But it all came back to mind and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the guys again! :)
This part is about Lincoln, the bass player of Black Ice. He's been dealing with debilitating health issues for two years already, when he gets to the point where he can't ignore it any longer. Reluctantly he agrees to work with an in-home nurse.
For Aaron, being a nurse, is much more than just a job! He loves helping people!
I'll be your strength, if you let me.
I really enjoyed Lincoln and Aaron's story, the way their relationship grew, how Lincoln slowly let his walls down and started to trust Aaron. Especially awesome was how patiently Aaron was waiting for Lincoln to learn to accept his disease and to work on getting better. He was Lincoln's rock during this difficult time.
The only point of this story that I didn't like was Lincoln's refusal to tell his band mates what was going on with him.
Selection PostWeek #4
Option #1:14. Whirly Wind - read a book from the designated list.
Bookcover/link: Omega in the Shadows by Zoe Perdita
Page numbers: 254 pgs
How the book qualifies: #32 from Best MM Romance with True Soul/Fated Mate
Selection PostWeek 4
Option 1: Whirly Wind
by Eli EastonPages: 231
How it fits: #34 on Best MM Romance with True/Soul/Fate Mate List
Selection Post Week 4Option 2
Book: Silence Fallen (Mercy Thompson, #10) by Patricia Briggs
Pages: 371
Teammate: Cathy M.
Teammate’s book: Frost Burned (Mercy Thompson, #7)
Teammate’s rating: 4 stars
Teammate’s date read: 3/24/20
Completion PostWeek #4: Chosen from a specific list
Bookcover/link: Omega in the Shadows by Zoe Perdita
Rating (1-5): 3 stars
Review: I'm not sure if I really liked it or not. The only real issue I had, and it's a big one to me, is that Elijah breaks Rowan's one-night-stands arms, both of them, because Rowan had sex with her. Apparently Rowan is a man-whore and sleeps with just about every woman he comes across. He keeps denying he is gay. Well I have to agree with him, he's not gay he's "bi". Someone who is gay wouldn't have the track record with women. The CIA even knows his track record with women. And that is kind of embarrassing that your employer knows you have lots of sex with lots of women. Yes I understand that Elijah recognized the fact that Rowan was his mate, but Rowan didn't know as his pack had all been killed by hunters and he had turned away from that side of his nature. He goes so far as to deny his wolf and thinks of the wolf as the alpha and himself as human. Elijah and is brother were living on the streets and taken in by their mentor who taught them how to be assassins. Anyway, that initial scene really bothered me, to the point where I couldn't really fall into the story. Also, I'm not sure what the reasoning behind Elijah taking Rowan to the place where he has to kill the bad guy, other than to use him as bait to get close to his mark to kill him. He could have gotten his mate killed & almost did. Apparently in most places, shifters are not allowed to cross into human territory and when they do, hunters are there to kill them. Even though I had issues with this one, and again in my opinion it was pretty big, I will probably read the next book as there is unfinished business in this one.
Cathy M. wrote: "Selection PostWeek 4
Option 1: Whirly Wind
by Eli EastonPages: 231
How it fits: #34 on Best MM Romance with True/Soul/Fate Mate List"
I loved that series
Week #4 Selection PostOption 1:
14. Whirly Wind - Read a book with Insta love from one of the given lists.
Forgive and Forget by Charlie CochetPages: 194
How it qualifies: #7 of the Dreamspun Desires label published by Dreamspinner Press
[*book:Forgive and Forget|29099425]
Diane wrote: "Completion PostWeek #4: Chosen from a specific list
Bookcover/link: Omega in the Shadows by Zoe Perdita
Rating (1-5): 3 stars
Review: I'm not sure if I really lik..."
"...is that Elijah breaks Rowan's one-night-stands arms, both of them, because Rowan had sex with her...."
Oh no, that really doesn't sound good! I don't think that I would enjoy a romance story with an MC that behaves like that. It definitely would bother me too.
Hi team, how are you all doing during this frightening time? Hope everyone is safe and healthy!
Here in Germany almost everything is locked down, only basic services are allowed to open.
My hubby and my younger daughter are able to work from the home office but my older daughter is working for a member of the parliament and needs to go to the office at least once a week currently and my son is a nursing pupil, so he has to work his normal shift at the hospital.
Selection Post ~~ Week 4Option 1
Task: 14. Whirly Wind - Read a book with Insta love from one of the following lists: Book published by Harlequin
Book: Starting Over
How it fits: originally publish by Harlequin
I'm checking on this book in Q&A. May have to change it.
Caipi wrote: "Hi team, how are you all doing during this frightening time? Hope everyone is safe and healthy!
Here in Germany almost everything is locked down, only basic services are allowed to open.
My hubby..."
Here is northeast Ohio, we have been under a "shelter at home" for about 2 weeks now. I have been working from home going on 3 weeks now. We are one of the lower states with only 29 deaths, yes that is 29 too many. People have hoarded so much stuff, that even going into a name brand store, the shelves are empty, or near to being. I don't remember when I last saw paper products. So far none of my family or close friends, have contracted this virus and I'm hoping they don't. My husband is retired and I'm able to work from home. My youngest daughter works for a company called Home Depot, they sell construction items, plumbing, electrical etc and they are considered an essential store. I worry about her going to work everyday. My eldest has advanced MS & was already confined to her home. Her boyfriend is taking all the precautions he can to make sure he doesn't get it & give it to her. Hope everyone else is doing well and staying healthy!
Diane wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Selection PostWeek 4
Option 1: Whirly Wind
by Eli EastonPages: 231
How it fits: #34 on Best MM Romance with True..."
Me too! They are a little silly but they have a lot of heart :D I thought the last one was the last but was happy to see the author wrote another one!
Caipi wrote: "Hi team, how are you all doing during this frightening time? Hope everyone is safe and healthy!
Here in Germany almost everything is locked down, only basic services are allowed to open.
My hubby..."
I'm in LA and am now going on Week 3 of working at home. I do have to go into the office at least 1x/week to check mail and deposit checks so that we can still make payroll and pay bills but other than that, trying to stay indoors as much as possible. People are so inconsiderate. The hoarding makes me so mad! But I recently found that the more expensive grocery stores seem to have more items so I've been able to do my weekly shopping when I go into the office (it's behind my office building). I have to pay a lot more but it's worth having access to more items than the Ralphs or Target by my house. Plus waiting in line, usually 30 minutes or more just to enter the store, doesn't help.
I'm still in a bit of shock how this has all played out. I'm especially wishing that I still lived in Korea because they have handled this outbreak so much better than here in the US. But really really hoping these orders to stay in does help, though it's making me anxious that they say the worst is yet to come.
Stay safe everyone!
I'm in the Louisville area and we are locked down pretty much. I go in to the office one day a week and the rest I'm at home. It's such a crazy time for sure. My husband is off work also. Looks like we get to do this lovely schedule for the entire month of April. I'm going to be glad when some normalcy comes back. We have hoarding problems here also. I've learned to get to the grocery store right when it opens to the general public after the special hour. That helps.
Selection Post Week 4Option 1 Whirly Wind - Read a book with Insta love from one of the following lists:
Book: Rock Chick
Author: Kristen Ashley
Pages: 398
#30 on the following list Insta Love Romance Books
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/8...
Completion Post ~~ Week 4Option 1
Task: 14. Whirly Wind - Read a book with Insta love from one of the following lists: Book published by Harlequin
Book: Starting Over
How it fits: originally published by Harlequin: Starting Over
Date Read: 03.29 ★★★
Review:
Wasn't sure what to expect with this one from the e-version cover, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. I liked how the heroine showed her inner strength for her unborn baby - determined to save the company rather than stay with her parents. Maybe there was a little too quick reliance on the hero, a stranger, but it's a romance, so that was to be expected and she went with her instincts. Even though the book was written in 1991, it didn't really feel dated except for a few times I expected them to use a cell phone or internet. All in all a nice little surprise found on my TBR.
Week #4 Completion Post
Forgive and ForgetRating: 4 stars
Review:
Cute story, just as sweet as an apple pie. ;)
Joe is the owner of a lovely little shop, serving his customers delicious homemade pies.
One day, he finds an injured, unconscious stranger in his garden and takes him in. This stranger can't remember anything, he's suffering from amnesia but knows in his gut that he can't go to the police or a hospital. So Joe lets him stay and calls him by the name of Tom.
Joe and "Tom" are great together, slowly getting closer. :)
And with a bit of action, Tom's story comes to light towards the end of the book.
I listened to the audio, great narrated by John Solo!
Week #5
Option #1: read a book with no people or animals on the cover
Bookcover/link:
by Sherryl D. HancockPage numbers: 264
How the book qualifies: no people or animals on the cover
Selection Post ~~ Week 5Option 1
Task: 1. Drought - read a book with no people or animals on the cover
Book: The Trouble with Twelfth Grave
Pages: 304 pp
How it fits: no people, no animals
Completion PostWeek 4 - Whirly Wind: #34 on Best MM Romance with True/Soul/Fate Mate List
Rating: 4 Stars
Completed: 04.03.20
Review:
I love this series and was happy to see that the author continued it with another lovable dog shifter story with all the feels and heart that this series is known for.
I loved Zeus with his gentle giant demeanor, though I didn't soften to Timo quite as much. I felt like their romance wasn't as prominent, and I didn't find it quite as funny as in past stories, but that could also be that I was more interested in the Alaskan quickened (Two-Skinned) and their heartbreaking and dire situation with their dwindling pack. I couldn't wait to get back to that! So...
This book was just too short. I wish it was longer and included more of what happened when Zeus & Timo went back to Alaska. BUT I heard that there is a spin-off (?) featuring the Alaskan group so if that's true, I will definitely be reading them!
Selection PostWeek 5
Option 1: Drought - read a book with no people or animals on the cover
by J.D. RobbPages: 400
How it fits: No people or animals on cover
Cathy M. wrote: "Selection PostWeek 5
Option 1: Drought - read a book with no people or animals on the cover
by J.D. RobbPages: 400
How it fits: No people or a..."
I love this series! Susan Erickson does an amazing job narrating this series.
Completion Post Week 4Option 1 Whirly Wind - Read a book with Insta love from one of the following lists:
Book: Rock Chick
Author: Kristen Ashley
Pages: 398
Rating: 3 Stars
Date Read: 3-31-2020
#30 on the following list Insta Love Romance Books
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/8...
Review:
Okay, so I have wanted to read this book for awhile but when I started reading it, I wasn't that impressed. I gave it a 3 stars because it was funny at times but the relationship between Indy and Lee was annoying at times also. I liked the sneaking around that Indy did but sometimes Lee was so over the top. I probably at some point will read the next couple books so I can figure out how all these characters end up but it wasn't one of my favorite reads.
bamaace83 wrote: "Completion Post Week 4Option 1 Whirly Wind - Read a book with Insta love from one of the following lists:
Book: Rock Chick
Author: Kristen Ashley
Pages: 398
Ratin..."
You either love or hate Kristen Ashley's style of writing. Almost all her male MCs are the same OTT protective alphas. And even when you love her, sometimes you're not in the right head space for her... kinda like the whole Insta Love trope anyway.
Yeah, I liked Sweet Dreams but that's the only other book that I have read of hers. Even that one had some parts that I shook my head, but overall it was more interesting than this one.
Diane wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Selection PostWeek 5
Option 1: Drought - read a book with no people or animals on the cover
by J.D. RobbPages: 400
How it fit..."
Its like a comfort read/series. I'm determined to catch up this year! And totally agree about the narrator - this is probably one of my fave audio series (along w/Dresden of course) though i've been reading the last couple due to not having time for audios lately.
I started the In Death series a couple years ago and was hooked. It’s now one of my favorites. In fact, I have one from the library right now so I may choose that this week too!
I need to reselect my Week 5 as I thought it was a MM but it’s an FF.
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
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Selection Post Option 1
Book: Crazy Rich Asians
Pages: 527
How it fits: #197 on the Crazy Love list