Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
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PtP - Not the Droids You're Looking For (8)
Can I confess that for the first time in YEARS, I have not read or listened to a book in over a week? I’ve been in a major funk with returning to school (distance) and can’t pick up a book. I’ve been bingeing in past episodes of Drag Race even though I’ve seen them all. 😱🤷🏻♀️
Cathy M. wrote: "Selection PostWeek 1: #8
A Killing Frost by Seanan McGuire
Pages: 362
How the book fits: MPG Science Fiction Fantasy (approved by Jane)
(The ..."
Its already dropped off but i believe you :) You'd already asked about the genre phrasing...
Jane (PS) wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Selection PostWeek 1: #8
A Killing Frost by Seanan McGuire
Pages: 362
How the book fits: MPG Science Fiction Fantasy (approve..."
Thank you :) Figured it wouldn't last...
Completion PostWeek 1: #8 Option 1
A Killing Frost by Seanan McGuire
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review:
Okay so... I love this series but it's been a year since I read the last one so maybe wasn't as in the mood for it? Or maybe I'm still in a bit of a reading funk? All I know is that it took a lot longer to read this than it should've.
Once again Toby plays hero, running into danger without thinking about the consequences. *sigh* There were times that I just wanted to slap her. Her quest to find the evil "lost" Simon went about as expected, but there were definitely some surprises thrown in.
There wasn't nearly enough of Tybalt for my liking (his part was so small!), and I greedily wanted more Luidaeg (one of my fave characters in this series). At first I thought there wouldn't be much in the way of progress in the series but then a huge revelation was made towards the end. That got me excited for what is to come in this series.
Before the next book comes out, I'll have to re-read this one and The Unkindest Tide because I cannot remember what happened with the Selkies/Roane. But I will for sure keep reading on!
I've read my book I'm just behind on updating as my work schedule this weekend is a little bonkers. I should be able to post my selection and completion posts when I get home from the bar tomorrow night. But now I'm off to bed as I have to be back for my next shift in less than 8hrs. :-p
Completion PostWeek 1
Choosing Theo
Rating: ★★★★★
Review:
I was a bit apprehensive picking this up. Brand new author, only one book out, tons of positive reviews? I've been burned before under similar circumstances.
But this book! This book was so good.
How good? Well, I'm a mom with two kids under six who averages about six hours of sleep a night, and I GAVE UP SLEEP for this book. That's how good it is. I started reading it last night, and I literally could not stop. I had to find out what happened next! So, I stayed up til 3 am to get it done.
Jade gets kidnapped from Earth and is transported to another planet that happens to be full of many aliens not too different from humans. She escapes the clutches of whoever had sent for her, runs to the nearest city, and learns that it's an interplanetary law that she must stay on the planet for a year to acclimatize herself to living on another planet, and then she can go wherever she wants (but not back to Earth because it is supposed to be a no-contact zone).
She learns that the aliens are having breeding issues, and there are tons of hot guys looking for ladies because there aren't enough women to go around. So, she is entered into a bride program, and she gets to pick the man she'll stay with to learn about the planet.
When she spots Theo, she's immediately attracted to him. He's covered in what she assumes are black tattoos, but later learns are actually scars. No woman has ever wanted to marry Theo because his scars are considered ugly among his people. Because of this, it takes him a while to believe Jade really cares for him.
Honestly, Theo is what made this book for me. He was such a well-written hero with so many different sides to his personality. I loved how he was a big, tough alpha who was also a great cook, and a man who looked gruff but was starved for affection. He was really just so great. And I think the idea of an outsider finding something commonly held to be unattractive attractive was such a nice part of the story.
I don't want to give too much away, but this book was really just so fun to read. The characters were great, and the world building was interesting. There were a few little eye-rolling things here and there, but overall, I'm super impressed. I don't think I've ever read a debut novel from a self-published author that felt so well thought-out and well written. Definitely looking forward to the rest of the series. The author has set things up so well that there are a lot of other characters I'm looking forward to reading about.
Courtney wrote: "Completion PostWeek 1
Choosing Theo
Rating: ★★★★★
Review:
I was a bit apprehensive picking this up. Brand new author, only one book out, tons..."
Great review - definitely made me want to read the book!
Danielle Gypsy Soul wrote: "Courtney wrote: "Completion PostWeek 1
Choosing Theo
Rating: ★★★★★
Review:
I was a bit apprehensive picking this up. Brand new author, only o..."
I agree, you totally sold it :)
RE-Selection WEEK 1: Sci Fi MPG
Option 1
Blind Space by Marie Sexton
200 pp/GR
How it qualifies: Science-fiction MPG
Eugenia wrote: "RE-Selection & COMPLETION POST WEEK 1: Sci Fi MPG
Option 1
Blind Space by Marie Sexton
200 pp/GR
How it qualifies: Science-fiction..."
I think Jane will want a separate post for selection and completion, but I will ask to make sure.
I finally got the tracking updated. We are only missing Shelby's selection post, but she said she had finished her book already and will post when this crazy (for her) weekend ends. We already have three completion posts too. I have an hour left in my book but between the heat and smoke hubby has been in the house all day, so we got caught up with the Tour and are watching The Empire Strikes Back tonight. In other words, watching stuff all day and no listening time... Oh well, I'll still finish tonight - I never get to sleep without listening for at least an hour! I'm not sure that's a good thing. 🤷🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
Cathy M. wrote: "I agree, you totally sold it :)"Danielle Gypsy Soul wrote: "Great review - definitely made me want to read the book!"
It really was just such a fun book! It's hard finding sci-fi that isn't super dark (not that dark is bad, but sometimes I'm in the mood for something lighter) or just a rehash of something I've read before, so I really appreciated that this had something different. I'd say it's a bit similar to Ruby Dixon's alien stories in feel, but with a bit more focus on the world outside the couple and a more fleshed out and diverse male lead. I always love when an author gives the man insecurities to work through, too.
I hope you guys like it if you pick it up. When I finished it, I really wanted to start reading books about Rhaego and Fejo, too. It looks like book two runs at the same time as book 1, though, so it's about one of Theo's brothers that isn't introduced in this one.
COMPLETION POST WEEK 1: Sci Fi MPG
Option 1
Blind Space by Marie Sexton
200 pp/GR
How it qualifies: Science-fiction MPG
Rating: 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review:
This is my second or 3rd read/listen & I still love it. Original review:
Love, Love, Love this Book!!!
This book! This AUDIO! Gahhhh! I want to be in the middle of a Tristan and Valero sandwich. Blindfolded. I’m OK with my hands being tied and having my stockings ripped to get to the good parts. Of course, Tristan will be wearing his own lacy, silky underthings which Valero will uncontrollably rip away at.
Oh, I’m writing a review. Guess I got a little off track there in my space pirate/space captive fantasy. Sadly, I’m not in the book. Just Valero, the pirate, and Tristan, his blind and bound captive. The stocking thing? Ya, that happens. The panty thing, too. Damn, if only JCP’s mnems were a real thing, I would be so down with inserting this fantasy into my mental playground!!
Aside from making me lustfully wish I were aboard this pirate ship, this book kept me going vía characters and, wait for it....plot. Yes, one action led to another, eventually culminating in a climax (heh heh) and flowing into a nice warm pool of resolution. Yay, Marie Sexton!
My favorite part of this book was seeing Valero slowly wear Tristan down. Told from Tristan’s POV, I saw him struggle to restrain himself from giving himself over to Valero. When he finally does, it’s not just because he’s horny (although he is) it’s because of plot. It makes it so worth it and that much more real. Well, as real as being wined and dined by a pirate on a spaceship can be.
Audiobook fans: BUY THIS! Valero’s voice is dreamy and playful—and that’s all we know about him because Tristan is blind at present.
OK, I’m off to meditate about the vastness of space and pirate sandwiches!
Kat, I divided up my selection and completion posts for you 😉
Kat, do you want us to post broken links for the book titles to make your life easier?
Eugenia wrote: "Kat, I divided up my selection and completion posts for you 😉"Thanks Eugenia!
And I don't care about broken links. It doesn't hurt, but I'm fine without them too. Whatever is easier for you all. 😊
COMPLETION POST
Book: My Fair Captain
Author: J.L. Langley
Pages: 244/GR
How it qualifies: Science-fiction MPG
Rating: 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: The combination of sci-fi and Regency together is fascinating and unique. This book has so many great things going for it: a big age and size difference, a rebellious virginal prince, a dominant, scary space captain with a big heart, intrigue, fleshed out characters and of course as I mentioned a unique combination of science fiction and regency.
This book did a great job blending the science fiction aspects including the technology, space travel with the values and "rules" of a regency book. I found it fascinating. I also liked the suspense that was mixed in and although not everything was solved in this book I'm sure we will learn more in the future books.
The romance is sweet and there isn't much angst there but I liked that. I really liked how Nate didn't quite know what to do about his attraction to the younger, virginal prince. I also loved that Nate was the temptation for Aiden that got him out of his head and the scene where he sneaks in to get a better look at Nate was fantastic. The sex is hot but you can also get the feelings between the two. There's a hint of BDSM but really just a hint of it. The artistic Aiden who loses sight of everything and everyone around him when he gets caught up in his art fit perfectly with the protective soldier perfectly!
The secondary characters are highly entertaining and I really loved them as well. Aiden's brothers, his fathers and of course Trouble. I love the way snarky, outgoing, rebellious Trouble is fascinated with the ever responsible, rule following Rexley. I can't wait to read more in this series!
Danielle Gypsy Soul wrote: "COMPLETION POSTBook: My Fair Captain
Author: J.L. Langley
Pages: 244/GR
How it qualifies: Science-fiction MPG
Rating: 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐..."
This is one of my favorite series! Love it so much. Can't wait to read this new book that just came out. It's on my list for some time in the next couple of weeks. Hopefully getting back to a more normal schedule this week. This weekend was bonkers.
Posted my selection post, but still have my review to write. I've got a day off tomorrow though so I'll have it up then.
Week 1: 8. The Star Wars movies are a major attraction to the streaming service.Completion Post
The Rise of Magicks by Nora Roberts, 454 p. per GRScience Fiction > Dystopian is MPG. (Screenshot available if necessary.)
Completed 9.7.2020 *5- Stars for the book, only because there was so much happening there wasn't a lot of detail, but 5+ Stars for the trilogy!*
Loved this!! This trilogy was fabulous, but not your typical NR trilogy where you have six people focused on a situation or problem and they each pair off in their own story. This trilogy focuses primarily on one girl, The One, but is really about the whole community that supports her and it spans from before her birth to the end of the battle she was born to fight. This was not a role she chose, but a role she accepted - not always easily though. Because of design of this trilogy, it is difficult to review just one book rather than all of them. It was tough reading these books this year with everything going on - way too close to reality right now, but through it all the light and the hope shined through. That is something we definitely need to rely on, especially now. I would highly recommend this trilogy, but maybe wait until the pandemic is over.
I listened to the audio of this book (trilogy) with Julie Whelan narrating and it was great!
Great job everyone! I double checked all the books and they show the qualification, so as soon as Shelby gets some down time to post her completion we are complete for Week 1! With probably too much time to spare. 😂
Week 1 - Sci-fiHonor Lost by Rachel Caine
Read: (9/5)
Rating: ★★★★★
First of all this was an incredibly satisfying conclusion to this series, though it does leave potential for more stories within this world. I really loved this whole series. The characters were wonderful and I enjoyed all of them.
Zara, Bea, and Nadim are such a great team. I loved all of them together. They're all young, but they are determined to do the right thing and save the world in the process. There were some crazy twists in this one I didn't see coming. Some them were of the rip your heart out variety. I thoroughly enjoyed even the sad parts in this story.
All of the characters in this story are strong and unique. There's plenty of action and adventure to go around in this one. They're in pursuit of the Lifekiller, but Zara's past is out to get her too. I loved seeing everyone working together and trying to find a way to destroy the undestroyable. I would continue reading anything else that came out in this world.
Hi team! I will be away today when the new theme is called, so if someone wants to post it that would be great! Honestly life is still a bit of a time warp here, so anyone can post the theme any week. I'm often shocked when I look at the clock and see what time it is! Don't feel obligated to post all the links if it is a task with required lists, but a link to Jane's post where the links can be found is helpful to everyone. 😊
NEW THEME!!Week 2
Option 1:
2. Disney+ debuted in the USA, Canada and the Netherlands on November 12, 2019.
* Read a book published in November 2019.
You must quote the date of publication - any edition's date of publication will count.
Option 2:
Key date - 11 March 2020
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
Never mind, I was still home! I even have several options - I'll decide when I get home. 😊
I was thinking about doing
off Eugenia's shelf since it's been on my TBR for a while. She did two reads this year, though. January for the ebook and June for the audio book. Is it ok to use the audiobook run-through to fit in the Key Date?
Courtney wrote: "I was thinking about doing off Eugenia's shelf since it's been on my TBR for a while. She did two reads this year, though. January for the ebook and June for the audi..."Yes, just link to her review that shows that date or both dates.
Danielle Gypsy Soul wrote: "COMPLETION POSTBook: My Fair Captain
Author: J.L. Langley
Pages: 244/GR
How it qualifies: Science-fiction MPG
Rating: 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐..."
Interesting mix ( Regency and Sci-Fi)!
Selection PostWeek 2: #2 Option 1
The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams
Pages: 352
How the book fits: Published November 5, 2019
Week 2: 2. Disney+ debuted in the USA, Canada and the Netherlands on November 12, 2019.Selection Post
Vengeance by Sloane Kennedy, 494 p. per GROption2: On Danielle Gypsy Soul's read shelf, read 7.23.2020, rated 4 stars.
I decided to check out everyone's shelves for Option 2 - I really need to bring down my M&G list! I had a couple published in November 2019, but they were bonus picks and if they carryover to the next round it's ok, but I really wanted to finish all my group picks. And WOW! You all have great shelves for my M&G books - I think I found an option from everyone. That is so nice, I've played rounds where Option 2 wasn't an option at all!
Selection Post Week 2: Published November 2019
Option 1
The Gentleman’s Guide to Getting Lucky by Mackenzi Lee
128 pp/GR
How it qualifies: Pub. November 26, 2019
[*book:The Gentleman’s Guide to Getting Lucky|40742905]
Eugenia wrote: "What’s M&G books?"Hi Eugenia - Its the Meet & Greet challenge and is almost the same as the Gang Bang challenge over in MMR...
MountainKat wrote: "I decided to check out everyone's shelves for Option 2 - I really need to bring down my M&G list! I had a couple published in November 2019, but they were bonus picks and if they carryover to the n..."I might need to look at this option too. I usually try not to use Option 2 for some stupid person twitchy reason that has absolutely no validity. But the only two books I have as options for Nov 2019 I need to save until next week as they're long books and work in conjunction with a challenge I'm doing over in NBRC that doesn't start until next Saturday.
*** COMPLETION POST ***Week 2: Pub November 2019
The Gentleman’s Guide to Getting Lucky by Mackenzi Lee
128 pp/GR
How it qualifies: Pub November 26, 2019
Read 9/22/20
[*book:The Gentleman’s Guide to Getting Lucky|40742905]
Review: 4 Stars
Adorable, awkward, and hilarious! This novella is a must for those of you who read the first amazing novel in this series!
See as Monty and Percy stumble around the reality of a physical relationship in Santorini, Greece.
The audiobook for this is STELLAR!
My rec? Read The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue and then pick this up!
Eugenia wrote: "What’s M&G books?"Jane's Meet & Greet Challenge - signups are open for the next round! One of my favorites. 😊
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Option 2
Tough Guy
Pages: 262 (Kindle Edition)
How it qualifies: From Eugenia's read list
Rated 4 stars, last read on Jun 16, 2020
Oops, forgot to write Selection Post 🤦
I really had to take option 2 because I've already finished my 19 2019 books for the Countdown challenge 🤣. Need to fill up some other years! Though Guy is so super adorable, though, so it worked out for the best. 😄
Week 2 - Selection Post Option 2
Tough Guy
Pages: 262 (Kindle Edition)
How it qualifies: From Eugenia's read list
Rated 4 stars, last read on Jun 16, 2020
Week 2Option 2
Book: Best Man
Page numbers: 234
How Fits: On Danielle's Read List - Read: June 12, 2020 / Rated: 4 Stars
Week 2 - Completion PostOption 2
Tough Guy
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
First, I have to admit, the only reason I picked up his book was because it has my cover boyfriend on it. Seriously, isn't he gorgeous?
Is it weird I buy every book he's on the cover of? Other people do that, right? 🤣
Anyway, I basically went into this book completely blind. I've never read anything else by this author, and I don't really read much m/m romance. But I should have known my man wouldn't steer me wrong! This book was totally adorable.
Ryan is an NHL enforcer who gets traded pretty much every year. He's super lonely, doesn't have any real friends, and suffers from anxiety. Shortly after settling into a new city, he comes across the guy who he had had his first crush on, Fabian. Ryan goes way outside his comfort zone and starts meeting Fabian at places where he performs, and pushes through his shyness to join Fabian's circle of friends. Although it takes him a while to believe it, Fabian eventually realizes that Ryan has feelings for him, and despite his negative feelings about hockey, he decides he wants a relationship with Ryan.
Ryan was such an amazing character to follow. I loved how the author created this man who looked big and tough on the outside, but was facing some big demons on the inside that no one could see. I thought how she handled his anxiety and body issues was just top notch. I've read a few romances where the authors say a character has anxiety, but they just have them crying all the time and then they're magically fixed by having a significant other. Ryan's experience felt much more real and true. And the fact that this rugged lumberjack viking man could worry that he wasn't attractive was such a nice change to all the usual cocky alpha males in romance.
And his awe of and devotion to Fabian! It was seriously the cutest. I love how Ryan has a type, and that type is an artsy, over-the-top guy like Fabian. It was really a great coupling. I loved how their relationship gave Ryan the push to polish himself up and make friends, and helped Fabian feel better about his experiences not being the perfect hockey son to his parents. And I loved how patient Fabian was with Ryan's sexual performance issues. It was so refreshing reading about a couple that didn't always have perfect sex all the time.
The only thing that held me back from a five star rating for this is that the back end has a much different feel compared to the first 75%. The majority of this book has so many laugh out loud moments and is full of super sweet interactions that you can't help smiling over while reading, but the last bit of the book completely loses that. Fabian's reactions over some of Ryan's rougher hockey moments are just too overdone, and his walk out/break up seemed like ridiculous drama for drama's sake.
Overall, I was really impressed, especially considering I haven't found many m/m romances that have two such distinct and different MCs. Definitely planning to go back and start from the beginning of the series (even though my book cover boyfriend isn't on the other covers 🤣).
Week 2: 2. Disney+ debuted in the USA, Canada and the Netherlands on November 12, 2019.Completion Post
Vengeance by Sloane Kennedy, 494 p. per GROption2: On Danielle Gypsy Soul's read shelf, read 7.23.2020, rated 4 stars.
Completed 9.15.2020 *4- Stars*
I enjoyed this, but... OMG - THE TEARS!! Someone was always crying - wracking sobs, silent streaming tears, and absolutely everything in between! Honestly, it kept me from really caring about the characters - oh, they're crying again. 🤷🏻♀️ I also thought the conflict was too easily resolved, basically it was 'get it together' and 'ok'. Not really some therapy was involved, but that was behind the scenes and mentioned after the fact. Nonetheless, I will continue this series - I get that some books are better than others and I know my mood plays into that in a big way.
I listened to the audio of this book with Michael Dean narrating and enjoyed it. He does a good job differentiating the many characters and added to the story.
Courtney - your review is great! Especially your reason for choosing that book. 😂 Even though I could never read a series out of order, cover model boyfriend or not. 😳
I may have a thing for big, bearded gingers 😉
🤣🤣
I usually don't like jumping into the middle of a series either, but this one worked fine as a standalone. Not any overlapping plots from the other books except mentioning there were players on other teams who came out.
Eugenia wrote: "Selection PostWeek 2: Pub November 2019
The Gentleman’s Guide to Getting Lucky by Mackenzi Lee
128 pp/G..."
Eugenia, just wanted to clarify since you have a review included here. It says it is your selection post and there is no date finished, so I'm guessing it's a reread? And you haven't finished the reread yet? If not let me know so we can make sure the posts are correct. 😊
Finally updated the tracking! I've been a little busy between getting TART challenge going and hubby's birthday. I have no clue how I can be so busy when I don't do anything anymore!Anyway, everyone has make their selection post, assuming Eugenia's was her selection post. And a couple of us have made out completions as well. Still plenty of time, just doing a status update. 😊
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WEEK 1
Option #3
Better Than People by Roan Parrish
Pages: 239
How it qualifies: Read by Danielle on August 26, Rated 4 Stars