Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
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PtP - Cloudy with a Chance of Romance (6)
Completion 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
Date Read: 04.05 ★★★★
Review:
Charley was as fun and crazy as ever! I learned several books ago not to try and learn/understand the supernatural world Darynda Jones had created because it just kept morphing on us - I just learned to go with the crazy ride she was taking us on. But with this book, she finally gave us a road map, so to speak, on how it fits together. I liked it. It helped me put all the books together. So anyway, we're left with a little cliffhanger for the last full book. I'm sure gonna miss this series!
Completion PostWeek 4 Option 2
Finished: 4/6/20
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I kind of fell back in love with Mercy in this one. She spends nearly the entire book on the run, fighting for her life and freedom. She has to navigate foreign countries and hostile groups of supernaturals. Everything is politically complex and nothing is conducive to her penchant for chaos and trouble.
I loved seeing Mercy making tough calls and battling through tricky situations without the pack. We got new insights into her nature and the true force of her powers. We also learn some pretty interesting things about some previously tangential players. Really curious about how dynamics may change in the Tri-Cities, and even in relations with the Marrok.
My only minor complaint is that the author makes a lot of references up front to the need to pay attention to the competing timelines, and by the end I found it really didn’t matter. Everything gets explained anyway so why was I supposed to be paying such close attention? Felt a little weird to break the 4th wall to such little effect.
Selection Post Week 5 Option 1No people or animals on the cover
Book: One Night for Love
Author: Mary Balogh
Pages: 375
How it fits: no people or animals on the cover
Completion PostWeek 5
Option 1: Drought - read a book with no people or animals on the cover
by J.D. RobbRating: 4 Stars
Completed: 04.06.20
Review:
I can't believe after 44 books I still love this series! They can be a bit formulaic and predictable, but I don't mind one bit. What really makes this series for me are the personal relationships between the characters, even the cheesy moments between Rourke and Eve. I think that's one of the main reasons I keep coming back again and again.
But the plot also has to keep me entertained. This case was another difficult one, dealing with rape, assault, and murder. It does trigger some memories for Eve, but also showed how much she has grown over the series. I didn't really catch on to the villain (though I admit I wasn't really looking either), and didn't see the little twist at the end coming. All I know is that I was sucked into the story and it was over before I knew it!
Once again another fast-paced solid mystery. I think I'll need a little break before I read the next one but I will soon be all caught up!
Week #5 Selection PostOption 1: Read a book with no people or animals on the cover
Adulting 101 by Lisa HenryPages: 225
How it qualifies: No people or animals on the cover
Completion PostWeek #5: Read a book with no people or animals on the cover
Bookcover/link:
by J.S. StrangeRating (1-5): 3.5 stars
Review: I enjoyed the first book more then this one. I just really didn't care about the Dirty Dollys and why they were doing what they were doing. I also didn't much care for Ashley. I knew he was up to no good from the moment that we met him but didn't know what he was up to. I have no clue why Ben would even care to stay with him. I didn't like Tomos either and really think that Jordan should either end up with Mark or Lloyd. I also would like for Jordan to get hooked up with someone, nice.
Completion PostWeek 5 Option 1
Finished: 4/9/20
Rating: 5 stars
Review: Sigma Force never disappoints and this one was no exception. The stakes are super high when the families of two agents are attacked and one is left for dead. We are quickly whisked off to track down the people responsible as well as a related string of murders in Portugal.
The blend of science and fiction here is truly terrifying, and I plan to read a few of the source materials the author cites at the end. AI really does have the capacity to ruin us, perhaps even sooner than climate change or other global catastrophes waiting in the wings.
I loved the twists and turns, steady pacing, and well written action sequences. Great, as always.
Completion Post Week 5 Option 1No people or animals on the cover
Book: One Night for Love
Author: Mary Balogh
Pages: 375
Read: 4-6-2020
Rating: 4 Stars
How it fits: no people or animals on the cover
Review:
One of my goals this year is to try to finish up some series that I've been working on over the years. This book was in one of those series. I liked the story build-up between Lily and Neville. The flashbacks between their first encounters to present helped to move the story along. I will say I didn't like a couple of the side characters but I'm sure they meant well in some of the things that they did. The twist at the end was interesting. I don't always like historical romance but this series is pretty good.
Selection PostWeek 6 Option 1
Book: Brightly Burning
Author: Alexa Donne
Pages: 394
How it fits: X in author name
Rather than having to search for the task, I've copied it below.Week 6
Option 1:
13. Clexit Coalition (International Climate Denial group) - read a book with an X in the Title, Series, Author's Name, MC's Names and or Narrator's Name.
Option 2:
Key date - 11 October 2019
A book on your team mates 'read' list AND rated at least 3 stars and read on or after the key date.
Option 3:
Pass
This can only be used once each 5 weeks. Only one team mate can use this option each week.
Selection PostWeek #6
Option #1: Read a book with an X in the Title, Series, Author's Name, MC's Names and or Narrator's Name
Bookcover/link: Charlie Sunshine (Close Proximity #2) by Lily Morton
Page numbers: 78k words
How the book qualifies: X in this series name
bamaace83 wrote: "Selection Post Week 5 Option 1No people or animals on the cover"
Hi Anna - could you please update to show 'completion'? Thanks!
That would make more sense! I copy and paste my selection posts because it's easier than typing all that again. Oops!
Selection Post ~~ Week 6Option 1
Task: 13. Clexit Coalition (International Climate Denial group) - read a book with an X in the Title, Series, Author's Name
Book: His Biggest Secret
Pages: 136 pp
How it fits: author Xander Collins
Completion PostWeek #6: Read a book with an X in the Title, Series, Author's Name, MC's Names and or Narrator's Name
Bookcover/link: Charlie Sunshine (Close Proximity #2) by Lily Morton
Rating (1-5): 4 stars
Review: This was a sweet friends to lovers story with really no real angst. Charlie has trauma educed epilepsy that he is struggling with. Misha hasn't been in a relationship, he is all about the one-night-stand, love them & leave them. But one thing that is consistent is his friendship with Charlie. When Charlie's roommates from college move out, Misha talks Charlie into moving in with him. When they are living together, they start seeing each other in a different light, but are afraid of giving in to their feelings. Besides, Charlie has a boyfriend who is a major jerk and is only looking for arm candy, and one upping Misha. We are taken on a ride with these two friends trying to make a life together as a couple. I didn't read the first book in the series and need to go back and read it. I hope we get Felix and Max in the future and them making their way back to each other.
Completion Post ~~ Week 6Option 1
Task: 13. Clexit Coalition (International Climate Denial group) - read a book with an X in the Title, Series, Author's Name
Book: His Biggest Secret
Pages: 136 pp
How it fits: author Xander Collins
Date Read: 04.11 ★★★
Review:
I've never read an Omegaverse book before and even had to look it up beforehand. So it's a world where men can get pregnant and have babies. Huh. This story wasn't that far out there, considering the trope. It read like an MM romance where maybe the 'bottom' in the relationship had to come to terms with realizing he wanted to be the bottom. There was a little more to the characters than that, but strictly speaking the men having babies wasn't the focus of the storyline. Well, not men having babies, just this particular one. As far as that went, the emotional growth and development was pretty good and the story ended up being very sweet. What I found though, is I wanted to understand the science or biology behind men having babies and sadly, this book didn't really go into that. Maybe future books in the series delve into it. I may come back to it when I need an MM book for a challenge, but I double I'll go looking for it otherwise.
Completion PostWeek 6 Option 1
Finished: 4/12/20
Rating: 3 stars
Review: An interesting retelling of Jane Eyre in space. I wish I had connected more with Stella, but overall I liked the adaptation. Hugo was moody and broody as any good Rochester should be. The plot adjustments for the YA ages of our leads and the obstacles standing in the way of their union made the story feel fresh. But I did not find Hugo to be fully redeemable and the awkward pacing left the ending feeling rushed. I felt like the bit with Bianca dragged on too long in the middle, and the visit to Stella’s dying aunt felt too convenient - only included as a nod back to the original and to provide a not-very-plausible run-in with Jon.
It was a light, quick read, but I do wish we had been given more opportunities to love the characters and understand their world.
Selection PostWeek 6
Option 1: Clexit Coalition - read a book with an X in the Title, Series, Author's Name, MC's Names and or Narrator's Name
by Annette MariePages: 314
How it fits: Series The Guild Codex: Spellbound
Week #5 Completion Post
Adulting 101Rating: 3.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐
Review:
Phew, I listened to the audio and although it's only 6 hours long and Nick J. Russo did an awesome job with his narration, it took me ages to listen it.
Nick Stahlnecker is an adorable character, I really liked his antics and his mouth without any filters, LOL moments guaranteed. But he's only eighteen and his behavior is more like a sixteen years old. Same thing for Jai Hazenbrook. He's twenty-five but behaves like a much younger guy.
So besides some sex scenes, this book felt to me like a YA read and that's just not my thing.
Week #6 Selection PostOption #1: Read a book with an X in the Title, Series, Author's Name, MC's Names and or Narrator's Name
How to Vex a Vampire by Alice WintersPages: 360
How it qualifies: X in the title
[*book:How to Vex a Vampire|51091136]
Week #6 Selection PostOption #1: Read a book with an X in the Title, Series, Author's Name, MC's Names and or Narrator's Name
Book: Six Degrees of Scandal
Author: Caroline Linden
Pages: 371
How it qualifies: X in the title
Completion PostWeek 6
Option 1: Clexit Coalition - read a book with an X in the Title, Series, Author's Name, MC's Names and or Narrator's Name
by Annette MarieRating: 4 Stars
Completed: 04.15.20
How it fits: The Guild Codex: Spellbound series
Review:
Talk about unexpected surprise! Though it took me a little bit to really get into it, this ended up being a really fun read. It was fairly fast-paced, with plenty of action, an engaging plot, and amusing and likable characters.
Our MC Tori was thrust into a world of magic and mages and for
a mere human, she took it really well. I loved how feisty and funny she was, and how she didn't back down even when she was clearly in over her head. The other three main characters, Aaron, Kai and Ezra (the "Three Mages") were charming and their abilities were interesting. Tori's attraction to all three was touched on, but I think at this stage, she could end up with any of them. Am just hoping it's not a love triangle/square because I really loved how tight those three were.
I will definitely be continuing on with this series. I'm excited to read where it goes, and really hoping that they are just as good as this one!
Week #6 Completion PostOption #1: Read a book with an X in the Title, Series, Author's Name, MC's Names and or Narrator's Name
Book:
Author: Caroline Linden
Date Read: 4/16/2020
Pages: 371
Rating: 2 Stars
How it fits: There's an X in the title.
Review:
Okay, I really didn't like this historical book. Some of them I like more than others. I think James started off on a bad foot with me after a situation early in the book. Olivia ends up married to not such an awesome person who dies at a younger age. The story continues between Olivia and James. I may have liked it a little more if I had read a few other books in the series first.
New Tasks!Week 7
Option 1:
12. Greta Thunberg (Climate Activist) - Read a book set in Europe.
Option 2:
Key date - 18 October 2019
A book on your team mates 'read' list AND rated at least 3 stars and read on or after the key date.
Option 3:
Pass
This can only be used once each 5 weeks. Only one team mate can use this option each week.
Selection PostWeek #7
Option 1: Read a book set in Europe
Bookcover/link: Falling by Barbara Elsborg
Page numbers: 282
How the book qualifies: Leeds, Yorkshire England
Selection PostWeek 7
Option 1: Greta Thunberg (Climate Activist) - Read a book set in Europe
by Ben AaronovitchPages: 392
How it fits: Set in UK (London)
Selection ~~ Week 7Option 1
Task: 12. Greta Thunberg (Climate Activist) - Read a book set in Europe
Book: Because of Miss Bridgerton
Pages: 387 pp
How it fits: set in UK
Week #6 Completion Post
How to Vex a Vampire by Alice WintersRating: 4 stars
Review:
This was fun!!
Okay, the banter between Finn and Marcus and Finn's general behavior were definitely way over the top, verging on ridiculous.
And yes, I had to take reading breaks on and off so the whole story wouldn't get too annoying but in the end I had a great time with a lot of LOL moments!
I'll definitely read the next book, especially since there's this tiny still unsolved problem of someone unknown.....
Completion Post ~~ Week 7Option 1
Because of Miss Bridgerton
Task: 12. Greta Thunberg (Climate Activist) - Read a book set in Europe
Book: Because of Miss Bridgerton
Pages: 387 pp
How it fits: set in UK
Date Read: 04.20 ★★★★
Review:
So fun! This was a great start to the series, the banter between the MCs was perfection. Julia Quinn can make you feel the growing chemistry and emotions between her MCs with repartee alone. She is definitely a master at that. I am so glad to be back in the Bridgerton world and look forward to the 2nd book.
Selection PostWeek 7 Option 1
Book: Chasing Cassandra
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Pages: 384
How it fits: Set in London according to Goodreads
Completion PostWeek #7: Read a book set in Europe
Bookcover/link: Falling by Barbara Elsborg
Rating (1-5): 3 stars
Review: This story was heartbreaking. Harper was jailed for a rape he never committed, for 10 years. Malachi was thrown away by his lover Conrad. Initially I disliked Conrad, never hated him, but then at the end I totally fell for him & can't wait for his book. Harper goes to the only place he feels free, his home. His father is in a home & the house has fallen into extreme disarray. Malachi left Conrad and Conrad totally ruined his life & he ends up living in a closet like home in his sister's house with her homophobic husband. When they meet sparks fly and Malachi starts helping Harper fix up the house. Along the way, the house is vandalized and Malachi almost dies when the house is set on fire. Malachi also asks Conrad to help clear Harper's name. But of course it comes with strings that Malachi agrees to as he has fallen hopelessly fallen in love with Harper. About half way through I figured out the "mastermind" behind everything but it didn't take away from the story. We also find out the reason why Conrad did what he did and he does redeem himself. I can't wait to start the next book.
Week #7 Selection PostOption 1: Read a book set in Europe
Lessons in Love by Charlie CochranePages: 200
How it qualifies: Set in UK
[*book:Lessons in Love|5942455]
Week #7 Completion Post
Lessons in Love by Charlie CochraneRating: 3 stars
Review:
Sadly another book that just isn't the right one for me. Honestly, for a great part I found it quite boring. Even though the story isn't very long there are pages where nothing notable happens, whether on the romance nor the mystery part.
Jonty Stewart is very charming and outgoing while Orlando Coppersmith is his opposite, an introvert, also smart but naive. Orlando can't resist Jonty's charme and so these two become friends and finally even lovers. Unfortunately I didn't feel any of the attraction, which of course could be caused by the time period the story is set in.
Sorry guys I didn’t get week 8 posted yet. I’m on my iPad and it takes so much longer, and is harder, to do the individual links (and there are 7 of them). I’ll put them under the theme in the morning.
I'll post it Diane!Week 8
Option 1:
4. Snow storm - read a book set in autumn or winter from one of the following lists:
Romances Set in Autumn
Best Seasonal Romance Christmas Winter
PNR Fantasy Christmas Winter Romance
Suspense Set in Winter and Cold
Winter Time Action and Romance
Best Gay Winter/ish Holiday Romance
Best Gay Winter Themed Romance
If you use Option 1, your book MUST come from one the lists above. Please quote the list and the book's number on it.
Option 2:
Key date - 25 October 2019
A book on your team mates 'read' list AND rated at least 3 stars and read on or after the key date.
Option 3:
Pass
This can only be used once each 5 weeks. Only one team mate can use this option each week.
Selection PostWeek 8
Option 1: Book set in autumn or winter from one of the lists
by JD RobbPages: 381
How it fits: #32 on Winter Time Action and Romance list (set in February in NY=winter)
Cathy M. wrote: "I'll post it Diane!Week 8
Option 1:
4. Snow storm - read a book set in autumn or winter from one of the following lists:
Romances Set in Autumn
Best Seasonal Romance Christmas Winter
PNR Fantas..."
Thanks Kiddo!
Selection PostWeek #8
Option #1: 4. Snow storm - read a book set in autumn or winter from the designated list.
Bookcover/link: Archangel's War by Nalini Singh (audio version)
Pages: 478
How the book qualifies: #21 from Winter Time Action and Romance
Competion PostWeek 7 Option 1
Book: Chasing Cassandra
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Pages: 384
Date Read: 4/24/2020
Ratings: 4 Stars
How it fits: Set in London according to Goodreads
Review:
So, I really like this historical series. I loved seeing the old characters pop up throughout the story. This story centered around Cassandra and Tom. Tom wasn't born into money and had to work his way up. It was funny reading how many people tried so hard to keep Tom away from Cassandra, who was born into money and should pick a suitor in her class. My favorite part was the negotiations. If you like historical series, y'all should read this one. I'm sad to see this series end.
Well crap, didn't realize that I missed posting my review for last week's book :/ I'll post shortly!!
Diane wrote: "Selection PostWeek #8
Option #1: 4. Snow storm - read a book set in autumn or winter from the designated list.
Bookcover/link: Archangel's War by Nalini Singh (audi..."
That one was really good!!!
Completion PostWeek 8
Option 1: Option 1: Book set in autumn or winter from one of the lists
by JD RobbRating: 4 Stars
Completed: 04.26.20
How it fits: #32 on Winter Time Action and Romance list
Review:
Another solid entry in the In Death series. Heavy on the police procedural but with plenty of scenes with the characters and relationships we all love.
I must admit that I didn't find this case as interesting as some of the past cases. This one revolved around a gossip reporter who blackmailed others to keep their secrets. I didn't feel that sense of urgency and felt that it moved a bit slower in pace. In a way it reflected how the characters were getting burned out at the job. Everyone needs to take a break once in a while!
Once again loved the moments between Eve and Rourke, Eve and Peabody (when it veered to the more personal and funny moments), Eve and Mira. Just can't get enough of those moments! It's what brings me back again and again.
Completion PostWeek 7
Option 1: Greta Thunberg (Climate Activist) - Read a book set in Europe
by Ben AaronovitchRating: 4 Stars
Completed: 04.21.20
How it fits: Set in UK (London)
Review:
I didn't really know what type of book this would be when I picked it, and hadn't heard a whole lot about it either, so had no idea what to expect. It was definitely a pleasant surprise!
I had a lot of fun reading it. The plot kept me guessing where it would go next, loved the humor which wasn't blatant but more subtly sarcastic (dry British humor), and loved the voice of the story (our MC Peter Grant). One thing I did feel it was missing was a bit more of the world building. I get that it was based in modern day London but would've liked more on this secret side. Though in a way I do get it - our MC was oblivious to this side and was learning little by little.
I wish I would've heard about this series sooner because it reminded me a little of the Dresden Files which I love. Would definitely have helped fill that long void we had! So will definitely be continuing on with this series. I already got the next one ready to go :)
Cathy M. wrote: "Diane wrote: "Selection PostWeek #8
Option #1: 4. Snow storm - read a book set in autumn or winter from the designated list.
Bookcover/link: Archangel's War by [author:Nalini Sing..."
Even though I read mostly MM, that is one series that is on auto buy. That & JD Robb, I love those characters so much!
Selection PostWeek 8 Option 1
Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor
Pages: 211
How it fits: #3 on the Best Seasonal Romance {Christmas, Winter} list
I’m still finishing up my week 7 book but hope to have it up tomorrow
Selection Post ~~ Week 8Option 1
Book: The Christmas Kite
Pages: 320 pp
How it fits: #283 Best Seasonal Romance {Christmas, Winter} pg 4
Task: 4. Snow storm - read a book set in autumn or winter from one of the following lists
Book: Happy Ever After
Pages: 368 pp
How it fits: #13 Best Seasonal Romance {Christmas, Winter} pg 1
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
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Week #5
Option #1: read a book with no people or animals on the cover
Bookcover/link:
Page numbers: 285
How the book qualifies: no people or animals on the cover