TART Challenge2 - Still Loitering Layabouts - The Goid Edition (3)

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

I'm already done with the second one. The first one was putting me to sleep so I needed a break.

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Selection/Completion Post - Book 2

Task 19: Author with more than 10 letters in their name

Stray by Crystel Greene
Page Count: 157
How it Qualifies: 13 letters
Date Completed: 20Oct2020
Rating: 3 Stars
Review: Rounding up to 3 stars.

I adore the Fake Boyfriend trope and the precis made this one sound interesting. And it was, but I never quite connected with the characters or the romance. It felt like too much crammed into one novella; lots of subjects touched on that I would have loved to be explored deeper (slut-shaming, societal expectations, consent, etc.), and the world-building was a little lack-luster.

Quite a few editing issues, mainly with word usage and sentence construction. Too many references to conversation and interactions without the actual dialogue as well. Also, since this is my first book by this author, I can't tell if it was a stylistic choice to have the characters act and sound so young...but if not, then this needs even more polishing.

That said, I might give the second one a go because it's the older brother's book.

[*book:Stray|48550052]

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Completion Post - Book 1

Task 19: Author with more than 10 letters in their name

Witchbane by Morgan Brice
Page Count: 248
How it Qualifies: Name has 11 letters.
Date Completed: 20Oct2020
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review: So, before writing my review I had to check to see if anyone else came to the same conclusion: A less Wincesty Supernatural. Thankfully, at least a few of my friends thought so, too.

That's not a bad thing, per se, because...well, Supernatural. But it didn't live up to my expectations. Could be because this is the series starter and all the groundwork has to be laid for the next one? The world-building was really good, but after an exceptional start the story fell flat for me. TBH, if it weren't for Kale Williams' narration I might have just put this one off for another day about half-way through. (And, well, I actually got halfway through and to start another book for my challenge would have been pointless. So, this is going on the re-read shelf.)

I've got lots of Morgan's books on my TBR shelf, so I'm not giving up. Yet.

[*book:Witchbane|38657329]

[Shannon]

Task 19 Book 2 Completion
Read 8 books by authors with more than 10 letters in their name.


Down Low by Parker St. John
Pages: 236
Qualification: Parker St. John (12 Letters)
Read: 10/20/20
Rating: ★★★★

Really enjoyed this one. Cowboys, sheriffs, small town atmosphere and second chance romance...sign me up. These two were so angry I didn't see a way for them at first. Felt bad for Cal but did see how his choices affected everyone else. Lots of feels, definitely worth a read.

[*book:Down Low|55506379]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 19: (97) Read 8 books by authors with more than 10 letters in their name.
COMPLETION #2


Just Like in the Movies by Ann-Katrin Byrde
Pages: 251
Qualifies: 14 letters in author's name
Read: 20 Oct
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
Standard sweet mpreg Alpha/Omega story. Easy to listen to, but not a great deal going on beyond the expected. Read this when you don't want to think too much!

Narrated by John Solo - 4 stars. His voice definitely suits the omega...

[*book:Just Like in the Movies|42844338]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 19: (97) Read 8 books by authors with more than 10 letters in their name.

1. Shannon - Press - msg 494
2. Jane - Down on the Farm - msg 496
3. Lisa - Ghost Walk - msg 498
4. Lisa - The Man Everybody Was Afraid Of - msg 499
5. Michaelle - Stray - msg 502
6. Michaelle - Witchbane - msg 503
7. Shannon - Down Low - msg 504
8. Jane - Just Like in the Movies - msg 505

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Posted in Q&A thread :)

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Seriously, how did you read those books that fast?! 😵

On the list to get your task in the morning.

[Shannon]

For me dedication and boredom. Mostly boredom and a lack of need to do anything at all productive. Oh wait, I cooked a desert to eat while reading so that totally counts!

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

MountainKat wrote: "Seriously, how did you read those books that fast?! 😵"

Actually got to listen the whole time at work + motivated to get through a less than great book quickly.

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Sheer determination on my part - listening when I'm doing boring stuff at work or when I'm exercising and cooking dinner ;)

[Lisa]

I think we are the only team who have completed 19 tasks. Two other teams have just been given task 19.
If we can keep to schedule, hopefully we will only have to read 4 books for the last task instead of the 37 from last time.

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

JFC, did we actually read that many? I can't remember but I know it was a push!

[Shannon]

That would be nice but I'm ready either way dammit!!

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Here is Task 20:

105. Each teammate lists two favorite authors. Select books written by the authors on two different teammate's list and read books by those authors. (Two books each per teammate.)
So each of you provides a list of two favorite authors. Then you each select an author from two different teammates' lists read books by both authors. Make sure you select from different teammates for each book selected! Include the teammate selected in your completion posts.

I hope that makes sense - no food or caffeine yet... 🤷🏻‍♀️

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

I think I understand. I'm on app so no links but 2 favorite authors are:

Josh Lanyon
Gregory Ashe

[Lisa]

2 authors
Amy Lane
Pandora Pine

[Lisa]

Task 20.

Selection Post Book 1
This Rough Magic
152 pages / GR
How it fits. Josh Lanyon - Michaelle's favorite author. Read by her 9/14/16. Rated 4 stars

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Lisa, did you read Crocus? I can't check your read shelf.

[Lisa]

⚣Michaelle⚣ wrote: "Lisa, did you read Crocus? I can't check your read shelf."

Yes, 4/21/18 and 5 stars

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Nvm, I found your review on the book page. I'm listening to that first.

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

lol, thanks!

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Two fav authors:

Mary Calmes
NR Walker

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Current list of authors to select from:

Michealle -
* Josh Lanyon
* Gregory Ashe
Lisa -
* Amy Lane
* Pandora Pine
Jane -
* Mary Calmes
* NR Walker
Shannon -
* Lily Morton
* Sloane Kennedy

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Just FYI - they don't have to have read your selected book. They only have to be written by two other teammates' favorite author. 😊

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Ugh, that makes it too easy!

*JUST KIDDING

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

MountainKat wrote: "Just FYI - they don't have to have read your selected book. They only have to be written by two other teammates' favorite author. 😊"

So now I'm confused! 🤣

We read two books, one book each from a separate team mates fav author (as listed). But we also have to note a time they read that author, but not specifically the book that we plan to read?

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Damn - I don't understand this at all :(

I picked I Buried a Witch to read as one of Michaelle's fav authors. But she hasn't read it. (Lisa has.)

So it doesn't count?

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 20 : (105) Each teammate lists two favorite authors. Select books written by the authors on two different teammate's list and read books by those authors. (Two books each per teammate.)
Selection - book 1 2


Dead Ringer
Pages: 281
Qualifies: Pandora Pine nominated by Lisa
Read by Lisa 10 July 2018, rated 5 stars.

[*book:Dead Ringer|40051777]

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Sorry this has been confusing, I didn't mean it to be.

●Each of you lists two favorite authors.

●Then each of you select a book written by a teammate's favorite author. The author's entire library is available to you, not just the ones your teammate has previously read. Post your completion post listing the teammate that you used for this book.

●Then select a different teammate and read a book written by one of their favorite authors. Post your second completion listing the teammate you used for this book.

I hope that helps. 😊

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Thanks Kat! I get it now and I’m right to go ahead with my original choice as well 🥰

[Shannon]

Sorry, I had my eyes dilated and couldn't read until just now. My two fav authors are...

Lily Morton
Sloane Kennedy

[Shannon]

Task 20 Book 1
Each teammate lists two favorite authors. Select books written by the authors on two different teammate's list and read books by those authors. (Two books each per teammate.)


In a Fix by Mary Calmes
Pages: 324
Qualification: Jane's Fav Author

[*book:In a Fix|55010414]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Shannon wrote: "Sorry, I had my eyes dilated and couldn't read until just now. My two fav authors are...

Lily Morton
Sloane Kennedy"

Hope your eyes are OK! Sounds dreadful...

[Lisa]

All the better to see the body farm with......

[Shannon]

You've never had that done? Where they put the drops in so they can see into your eyeball then you get real sensitive to light and your pupils are huge?

[Lisa]

Shannon wrote: "You've never had that done? Where they put the drops in so they can see into your eyeball then you get real sensitive to light and your pupils are huge?"

No, never

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Shannon wrote: "You've never had that done? Where they put the drops in so they can see into your eyeball then you get real sensitive to light and your pupils are huge?"

Me neither - but I've only just started to need glasses...

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

I've had it done so often I bedazzled a pair of the shades they give you after. The staff still lols when I whip them out.

Was it just a check up or is the doctor concerned about something?

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Oh, and my second book is going to be Lily Morton's Spring Strings.

[Shannon]

⚣Michaelle⚣ wrote: "I've had it done so often I bedazzled a pair of the shades they give you after. The staff still lols when I whip them out.

Was it just a check up or is the doctor concerned about something?"

Just a checkup but I have diabetes so they have to check pretty often. I've gotta get me a pair of those bedazzled glasses!! Super dark ones of course. I had to wear two pair to drive home....which sounds pretty bad when I say I couldn't see. Hmmm, distance seemed not too bad. Reassuring, I know. Good thing you don't live out by the body farm!!

[Shannon]

Lisa wrote: "Shannon wrote: "You've never had that done? Where they put the drops in so they can see into your eyeball then you get real sensitive to light and your pupils are huge?"

No, never"

Maybe they do it some other way in other countries? Other than my kids, I don't know anyone that hasn't had it done. Weird!

[Shannon]

Task 20 Book 1 Completion Post
Each teammate lists two favorite authors. Select books written by the authors on two different teammate's list and read books by those authors. (Two books each per teammate.)


In a Fix by Mary Calmes
Pages: 324
Qualification: Jane's Fav Author
Read: 10/21/20
Rating: ★★★★

Loved this book. Hard to imagine the bulk took place over a couple of days so that would make it insta-love but it didn't feel like that. I don't know why. Maybe all the things going on in the story or the sweet way Dallas fell asleep on Croy, not sure but it felt authentic. Loved when Croy met Dallas' mom and sister, loved the crime plot and loved these two as a couple. Another winner from MC IMO.

[*book:In a Fix|55010414]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

I finished my Josh Lanyon book first and now listening to Pandora Pine :)

[Shannon]

Task 20 Book 2
Each teammate lists two favorite authors. Select books written by the authors on two different teammate's list and read books by those authors. (Two books each per teammate.)


Ship Happens by Pandora Pine
Pages: 159
Qualification: Lisa's Fav Author

[*book:Ship Happens|50854413]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 20 : (105) Each teammate lists two favorite authors. Select books written by the authors on two different teammate's list and read books by those authors. (Two books each per teammate.)
COMPLETION - book 1


I Buried a Witch
Pages: 230
Qualifies: Josh Lanyon nominated by Michaelle
Read: 22 Oct
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
I love MC Cosmo and his convoluted world. I had read this one earlier in the year but I was a little hazy on the details so wanted to read it again before the third book in the series is released.
Have to say MC John is very difficult to like. I really don't like him although he sort of redeems himself - in an extremely minor way in that he stopped being a complete douche-bag by the end...

Narrated excellently by Kale Williams. Love his narrations.

[*book:I Buried a Witch|52238878]

[Lisa]

Task 20.

Completion Book 1
This Rough Magic
152 pages / GR
How it fits. Josh Lanyon - Michaelle's favorite author. Read by her 9/14/16. Rated 4 stars
Date read: 10/22/20
4 stars

A good beginning to another new series that I probably wouldn't have found if it had not been for this challenge.
Neil a PI hired by Brett to find a manuscript stolen at his engagement party. The mystery was fun and I like Brett and Neil together.

[*book:This Rough Magic|20499487]

[Lisa]

Task 20
Selection Post book 2

The Summer of Us
228 pages / GR
How it fits: Shannon's favorite author

[*book:The Summer of Us|32731789]

[Lisa]

Task 20
Completion Post book 2

The Summer of Us
228 pages / GR
How it fits: Shannon's favorite author
Date read: 10/22/20
4 stars

A nice GFY and enemies to friends story. Most of the story takes place over the course of 3 months in a villa in Cannes. I did think it was a little insta-love and Matt calling John, Johnny kept me thinking he was a 10 year old boy.

[*book:The Summer of Us|32731789]

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Selection/Completion Post - Book 2

Task 20: Teammate Favorite Author

Spring Strings by Lily Morton
Page Count: 154
How it Qualifies: Lily Morton one of Shannon's Favorites
Date Completed: 22Oct2020
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Review:I picked this one because I needed it to fit a challenge category and I can see why this Lily is one of Shannon's favorite authors.

For a novella, this story packs quite the punch. We get ridiculous levels of characterization and a wonderfully detailed setting. It made my heart go UwU more times than I expected given how vicious Mal could be and how crotchety Cadan typically was. But their edges fit and made for a never boring romance.

Often I complain that shorter books just don't have the space to create a realistically quick "in love" arc, but there was a quote that made me smile: "...sometimes you fall in love first and then add the liking later." Lily took this one quite literally: You could feel the attraction and emotion, and then see them slowly learn to like each other more. I am also not a fan of the jump-cuts (time gaps) but other than wanting to see those moments portrayed in the book (like, really really wanting that), using them didn't get in the way of the story.

I've got a lot of LM's books on my TBR - looks like I need to get to them more quickly!

[*book:Spring Strings|53307636]