Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
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PtP - Cloudy with a Chance of Romance (6)
Week #8 Selection PostOption 1:
Snow storm - read a book set in autumn or winter from one of the following lists
Red Dirt Heart 2 by N.R. WalkerPages: 352
How it qualifies: #86 on Best Gay Winter'ish Holiday Romance
[*book:Red Dirt Heart 2|22957237]
Completion PostWeek #8: Read a book set in autumn or winter from the designated list.
Bookcover/link: Archangel's War by Nalini Singh (audio version)
Rating (1-5): 5 stars
Review: There was so much that happened in this one. We have Elena and Raphael waking & breaking free of the chrysalis. Elena is saddened that she woke without wings but all is not lost. And of course that batshit crazy Lijuan is not gone and is back for the final battle. We have ancients that woke long before it was their time & one that is so cocky that I'm so glad that he wasn't around for very long. The Legion, yes I thought that was going to happen, but it still tore me up. It was a very bloody battle with loss of life. I'm not sure where we are going from here but I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I needed to change my selection - updated post 150 with new selection.
Week #8 Completion Post
Red Dirt Heart 2Rating: 4 stars
Review:
Just like the first time around I immensely enjoyed this second part of the Red Dirt Heart Series! :)
The first half of it is a bit slow going but it's the perfect setup for the more emotional second half. There's a lot of character and relationship development going on. Charlie is so cranky and stubborn but thankfully easygoing Travis is gifted with a sweet patience.
And in the end Charlie can't say no to Travis's anyway! ;)
Diane wrote: "Completion PostWeek #8: Read a book set in autumn or winter from the designated list.
Bookcover/link: Archangel's War by Nalini Singh (audio version)
Rating (1-5): ..."
Ugh, yes the Legion. I had come to love them so much so it tore me up too. Glad that the Lijuan series arc is done now, and am also looking forward to where it will go next!
Completion Post ~~ Week 8Option 1
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 per GR page
How it fits: #13 Best Seasonal Romance {Christmas, Winter} pg 1
Date Read: 04.30 ★★★★
Review:
A lovely close to a lovely series. It was pure Nora Roberts and the perfect thing for me to read during this stressful time. Easy, non-angsty and even soothing to watch the MCs get together and learn how to give up control to each other.
Completion Post: Week 8 Option 1Option 1:
Snow storm - read a book set in autumn or winter from one of the following lists:
Book: A Wallflower Christmas
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Pages: 213
Rating: 4 Stars
Date Read: 5-1-2020
How it fits: # 2 on the following list https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3...
Review:
I really liked this book. I loved seeing all the previous wallflowers show up in this book. I realized that I missed one so I'll have to go back and read that one. The book is centered around the main character of Rafe who is destined to become married to Natalie per an arranged marriage of sorts. I can't give too much of the book away but I will say that I really like Travers and Hannah also. I loved all the interactions around the Christmas Tree, especially the toupee incident. It was a really quick and easy read and I loved how all the relationships ended up at the end.
Week 9Option 1:
15. Dust/Sand storm - read a book that has been on your TBR for more than 1 year OR read a book written before 1 January 2010.
Option 2:
Key date - 1 November 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 9
Option 1: Dust/Sand storm - Read a book written before 1 January 2010.
by Molly HarperPages: 355
How it fits: Published on 03/31/2009
Selection PostWeek #9
Option #1: 15. Dust/Sand storm - read a book that has been on your TBR for more than 1 year OR read a book written before 1 January 2010.
Bookcover/link: Double Talk by Pandora Pine
Page numbers: 316
How the book qualifies: Added to my shelf on 4/9/2019
Selection Post ~~ Week 9Option 1
Task: 15. Dust/Sand storm - read a book that has been on your TBR for more than 1 year OR read a book written before 1 January 2010
Book: Found
Pages: 229 pp per GR page
How it fits: shelved July 13, 2016 per GR
Selection Post Week 9 Option 1Task: 15. Dust/Sand storm - read a book that has been on your TBR for more than 1 year OR read a book written before 1 January 2010
Book: A Merciful Fate
Author: Kendra Elliot
Pages: 359
How it fits: shelved April 4, 2019 on my tbr on goodreads
Completion PostWeek 8 Option 1
Date Finished: 5/3/20
Rating: 5 stars
Review: I put this one off for a long time despite all the good reviews because the single parent plot isn’t my favorite. But Holly is so sweet and the first scene with her in Maggie’s toy shop made me cry. This was easy, no frills, and pure chemistry. I devoured it in one sitting. So sweet and just what I needed.
Logan wrote: "I’m still finishing up my week 7 book but hope to have it up tomorrow"Don't forget your Week 7 review. Have a great rest of your week!!
Completion Post ~~ Week 9Option 1
Task: 15. Dust/Sand storm - read a book that has been on your TBR for more than 1 year OR read a book written before 1 January 2010
Book: Found
Pages: 229 pp per GR page
How it fits: shelved July 13, 2016 per GR
Date Read: 05.03 ★★.5
Review:
Not sure what to say. I only had this on my TBR because it was the last of a series and I am OCD enough to can't stand that but I didn't have a lot of interest in reading it. The first book of the series interested me because it was such a different take on the Cinderella story. And it was okay and peaked my curiosity enough to have me read the second. Which was less okay but left a bit of a cliff-hanger. So while I wanted to find out what happened to Cinderella's daughter and how the story arc concluded, as I said, there wasn't a ton of interest. So now I know how things end. And it was kind of a drudge for me to get through. Then I find out there's a fourth book. But I'm not doing it. Things ended well enough here...
If no one else needs it, I’d like to pass this week.
Completion PostWeek 9
Option 1: Dust/Sand storm - Read a book written before 1 January 2010
by Molly HarperRating: 4 Stars
Completed: 04.06.20
Review:
This was a cute book. I liked, and expected, that it would be silly and not too serious or bogged down with drama. Jane was pretty hilarious (which upped my rating to a 4 instead of a 3). Oh my god I was dying when I read about her unicorn room! I didn't really like Gabriel all that much but since he's her maker/sire/future lover, I'll keep an open mind. There were some other great secondary characters but I think the humor throughout was what kept me reading.
But I also have to say that as I was reading I kept waiting for something to happen. More action or evolving into a more complex storyline. Unfortunately that didn't happen. I'll be interested in reading another one just to see where the series goes but for a one-off, it was entertaining and kept me laughing late into the night.
Week #9 Selection PostOption 1:
15. Dust/Sand storm - read a book that has been on your TBR for more than 1 year OR read a book written before 1 January 2010.
Hexbreaker by Jordan L. HawkPages: 259
How it qualifies: added to my shelf in May 2016
[*book:Hexbreaker|29505845]
Week #9 Completion Post
Hexbreaker by Jordan L. HawkRating: 4 stars
Review:
It's always a delight to come back to Jordan L. Hawk's Hexworld series with its great world building. I especially love this part featuring cat shifter Cicero, a familiar and his witch, Irish patrolman Tom Halloran.
Ah, Cicero! He's such an awesome character. You just have to love his teasing humor and elegance! But Tom is just as wonderful, always calm and steady, building the perfect counter balance of Cicero.
This was my third time reading/listening to this story and I enjoyed it just like the first time.
I can't believe that only 2 more picks and we are finished :) I won't have my week 9 review posted until this weekend, even though I'm working from home still, it has been insane this week. If you have a past due review, please get it posted as soon as you can. Have a great weekend!
Completion Post Week 9 Option 1Task: 15. Dust/Sand storm - read a book that has been on your TBR for more than 1 year OR read a book written before 1 January 2010
Book: A Merciful Fate
Author: Kendra Elliot
Pages: 359
Rating: 3 Stars
Date Read: 3-5-2020
How it fits: shelved April 4, 2019 on my tbr on goodreads.
Review:
Let's just say I probably should've paid closer attention that this was book 5 in the series. I know that the books can be read stand-alone but I would've liked to know a little more back story and followed the characters a little more. I'll work on catching that up hopefully this year. So many books on my TBR! I liked reading about Mercy and Truman. I enjoyed following the twists and turns of the old police case that has been reopened. I also liked the relationship between Mercy and Truman. They have great chemistry. I think one of my favorite characters was Ollie, who is a side character but played a big part in and out of the story. I enjoyed how the book ended and will definitely keep this series in mind to learn more about the characters. It's been awhile since I read a good romantic suspense.
Logan wrote: "If no one else needs it, I’d like to pass this week."Please do up an official post for the pass, Logan :)
Completion PostWeek #9: Dust/Sand storm - read a book that has been on your TBR for more than 1 year OR read a book written before 1 January 2010.
Bookcover/link: Double Talk by Pandora Pine
Rating (1-5): 3.5 stars
Review: First I have to say is that I love Ms. Pine's books, this one, not so much. I loved Caine and he has done an awesome job of rebuilding himself after the scandal that cost him everything. Darwin, not so much & let me tell you why. Darwin was raised in a very strike catholic home where being gay is a mortal sin, and his "nana" tells him this all the time because he is gay. I can't remember how old Darwin is but I believe he is in his early 30's. He has never had any sexual encounters, ever. He is for the candidate that shall not be named, who is unfortunately our current real life president, even though he is against same sex marriage. And he justifies this as he will never get married because he is never going to give in to his feelings for another man. So after 30 whatever years within like two or three days of meeting Caine, his views & beliefs are thrown out the window. No real soul searching. I don't feel like he ever struggled with it. But if you get past that, I did like them together & thought they made a cute couple. And there is a major drama filled portion and that was a huge blow up and I liked that all wasn't forgiven immediately. I know that Rhett and Sam's book is going to gut me, but I can't wait to start their book.
Selection PostWeek #10
Option #1: 6. Beautiful day - read a book from the designated list.
Bookcover/link: So Into You by S.E. Harmon
Pages: 326 pgs/Goodreads (audio version)
How the book qualifies: #128 from Gay Beach Summery Reads
Selection PostWeek 9
I am using the pass this week.
Week 10 Option 2
Born in Death
Pages: 338
Book read by teammate: Echoes in Death (same series)
Teammate: Cathy M.
Date read by teammate: 4/6/20
Rating by teammate: 4 stars
Selection PostWeek 10
Option 1: Beautiful day - read a book from one of the Summer lists
by NR WalkerPages: 217
How it fits: #6 on Gay Beach Summery Reads
Cathy M. wrote: "Selection PostWeek 10
Option 1: Beautiful day - read a book from one of the Summer lists
by NR WalkerPages: 217
How it fits: #6 on Gay Beach Summery Reads"
So good!
Diane wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Selection PostWeek 10
Option 1: Beautiful day - read a book from one of the Summer lists
by NR WalkerPages: 217
How it fits: #6 on Gay Beach Sum..."
Yes it was! I stayed up last night reading the whole thing. GAH loved it! Will post my review later tonight.
Completion PostWeek 7, Option 1
Date Finished: 5/10/20
Rating: 5 stars
Review: I don’t quite know where to start. That was heartbreaking and tragic and cruel, yet also beautiful and inspiring and romantic.
The two sisters at the heart of the book spend lots of time apart so it’s hard to connect with them at the start. Yet as the story moves along and they are tested in so many ways, you really start to bond very deeply with their stories. They each have crosses to bear and roles to play in the resistance, and the most satisfying part of the story is seeing how they change and adapt.
If you can stick with the slow start, this one will richly reward you in its finish.
Completion PostWeek 10
Option 1: Beautiful day - read a book from one of the Summer lists
by NR WalkerRating: 5 Stars
Completed: 05.10.20
How it fits: #6 on Gay Beach Summery Reads
Review:
I've loved several of NR Walker's books so it was no surprise I loved this one too! It had a ton of feels - giddiness and happiness for most of it (I swear I had a smile on my face for at least the first half), tons of laughs, a couple tears, a few moments of angst and disappointment. All in all, it was a satisfying and super sweet romance.
I absolutely loved Carter! He was a great guy, ever patient and kind, so was a fantastic MC. But Isaac did not make it easy to love him. His temper tantrums and moodiness got a little tiresome but at the same time, I could understand his insecurities. Hannah and Mark were great secondary characters, but the other stars of the book have to be Brady and Missy. Especially Brady. My heart ached at the way Isaac treated Brady. I so want a smiling golden retriever like him!
As much as I want to read the next one, I'm a little apprehensive to read more angst and problems between our guys, and this did end with an end that I was more than satisfied with. I'll probably eventually give in but I want to bask in the positive highs of this one for a while.
I haven't picked my book yet because I was waiting for a couple challenges to get released today to see if I could double something up. I'll have it picked in the morning. :)
Selection Post ~~ Week 10Option 1
Task: 6. Beautiful day - read a book from the following lists
Book: Perfect for the Beach
Pages: 324 pp per GR page
How it fits: #23 on Best Summer Romance Books
Week #10 Selection PostOption 1: Beautiful day - read a book from the following lists
Spencer Cohen, Book Three by N.R. WalkerPages: 202
How it qualifies: #296 on Best Gay Summery Reads
[*book:Spencer Cohen, Book Three|28599180]
Selection Post Week 10 Option 1Option 1: Beautiful day - read a book from the following lists
Book: Summer Nights
Author: Susan Mallery
Pages: 378
How it qualifies: #138 on the Best Summer Romance Books list
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3...
I’m changing my selection for this week.
Selection PostWeek 10 Option 1
A Summer to Remember
Pages: 361
How it fits: #125 on the Best Summer Romance Books list
Completion PostWeek #10
Option #1: 6. Beautiful day - read a book from the designated list.
Bookcover/link: So Into You by S.E. Harmon
Rating (1-5): 2
Review: Okay well I guess this series is just not for me. I felt absolutely not chemistry between these two and was pretty bored with it. I listen to a ton of audiobooks and I zoned off on this one and then would have to back it up to see what I missed and then I didn’t really miss anything
Week #10 Completion Post
Spencer Cohen, Book ThreeRating: 5 stars
Review:
This was my second time reading this series and I enjoyed it just as much as the first time! :)
While most romance stories end when the couple finds together, the peculiarity of this series is that the two find each other at the end of part one, engage in their relationship in part two and now in part three we get to see how their relationship develops and deepens. It's about Spencer and Andrew really getting to know each other, about life, about overcoming insecurities. They're there for each other during difficult times, giving strength. It's just beautiful to see how perfect they're for each other! Aw, and the epilogue, it was everything!!!
I laughed and cried with them.....
I'm sure this wasn't the last time that I read their story.
......and I also enjoyed listening to Jeff Buckley's music while writing this review ;)
Completion Post Week 10 Option 1Option 1: Beautiful day - read a book from the following lists
Book: Summer Nights
Author: Susan Mallery
Pages: 378
Rating: 3 Stars
Date Read: 5-13-2020
How it qualifies: #138 on the Best Summer Romance Books list
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3...
Review:
So, let's just say I think this Fool's Gold book was not totally my cup of tea. I gave it a 3 rating because it was written well but it just didn't hold my attention that well. This book centered around the lives of Shane and Annabelle. Both characters came in with pasts that were hard to let go. The story also had a lot of characters that could be found in other books which makes me want to check out a few more to find out more about the characters. I think Annabelle was too quick to jump to judgement because of her past and I think Shane didn't take the initiatives he could because of his past. Given that, I think that the story between the two of them was a little lacking at times. I think one of my favorite part of the story was actually finding the elephant a friend to keep her company which happened to be a pesky donkey that kept breaking loose.
Caipi wrote: "Week #10 Completion Post Spencer Cohen, Book ThreeRating: 5 stars
Review:
This was my second time reading this series and I enjoyed ..."
OMG - I love Jeff Buckley's music!! He was so talented. And needless to say, I love this series ;)
Looking great heading into the final week. Only three books to finish from last week :)
Completion Post ~~ Week 10Option 1
Task: 6. Beautiful day - read a book from the following lists
Book: Perfect for the Beach
Pages: 324 pp per GR page
How it fits: #23 on Best Summer Romance Books
Date Read: 05.15 ★★★
Review:
I actually enjoyed reading through this anthology. I usually avoid them or just reading the individual stories as they relate to series they belong to. But this was fun - like little bites of fun and happy romances. No angst or undue conflict. Didn't get a lot of character development but in most of these stories, they weren't cardboard characters, either. My least favorite was My Thief. I felt like there was no real relationship arc, the characters were just a bit too quirky to believe in the insta-love. But over all, I felt like each story had it's pay-off and I was satisfied after each.
I won’t be done before the shelf call but will be reading all night to finish my week 10 and 11 books!
I can't believe that this is the last call. Where has 11 weeks gone??
I didn't realize it was the last week. I thought it was longer for some reason...It really has gone by so quick!
Week #11 Selection PostOption 1: Cold snap - read a book with less than 300 pages (below 30 Fahrenheit)
The book must still be at least 100 pages.
Taxes and TARDIS by N.R. WalkerPages: 120
How it qualifies: less than 300pp
[*book:Taxes and TARDIS|38719088]
Selection PostWeek #11
Option 1: 8. Cold snap - read a book with less than 300 pages (below 30 Fahrenheit). The book must still be at least 100 pages.
Bookcover/link: Aftershock by Tanya Chris
Pages: 229 pgs/Goodreads
How the book qualifies: 229 pgs, <300
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Kate's Crew (other topics)Kate's Crew (other topics)
Kate's Crew (other topics)
A Summer to Remember (other topics)
Aftershock (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Tanya Chris (other topics)Mimi Barbour (other topics)
L.J. Shen (other topics)
Martha Wells (other topics)
L.J. Shen (other topics)
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Option 1:
Snow storm - read a book set in autumn or winter from one of the following lists:
Book: A Wallflower Christmas
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Pages: 213
How it fits: # 2 on the following list https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3...