Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
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TART Challenge2 - Still Loitering Layabouts - The Goid Edition (3)
Fine by me. I'll find books either way.
Just for clarification, when each of you has completed a book for this task you will have completed 28 tasks. Team 11 will be given this same task tomorrow or as soon as they finish their current task (27) whichever is later. If they complete the task, they will have also completed 28 tasks and it would come down to a tie breaker. I will be doing a page count adjustment depending on team size - in this case since they are a team of 3, 75 pages for them would equal 100 pages for you.
I'm wondering I can read several shorter books faster than I can one long one...
Lisa wrote: "What do you think?I have 5 books which fit a-m."
You do not have to decide on first half or second half as a team. Each book just needs to fall into one or the other to work.
Last taskSelection Post -Book1
Breaking News by Ella Frank
202 pages /GR
How it fits: Author is Ella Frank. Both initials in the first half of the alphabet.
[*book:Breaking News|53341950]
Final Task Book 1
Snow Way Out by Nora Phoenix
Pages: 282
Qualification: N, P Last half of alphabet
[*book:Snow Way Out|50004835]
Final Task Book 2
What Remains by Leigh Garrett
Pages: 248
Qualification: L,G First half of alphabet
[*book:What Remains|30837325]
Final Task Book 3
Off Balance by Jay Hogan
Pages: 396
Qualification: J,H First half of alphabet
[*book:Off Balance|55208012]
MountainKat wrote: "Lisa wrote: "What do you think?I have 5 books which fit a-m."
You do not have to decide on first half or second half as a team. Each book just needs to fall into one or the other to work."
Oh - that's better. So one or the other, they both work :)
Task 28 - Read a book written by an authors whose initials are both in the first half of the alphabet (A-M) or both in the second half of the alphabet (N-Z). No pass for this task.
Adam's Song
Pages: 472 Kindle GR
Qualifies: Spencer Spears (S, S) - second half of the alphabet
[*book:Adam's Song|35340444]
I'm going long up front :) May as well. If I can squeeze in another one I will...
Last taskCompletion Post -Book1
Breaking News by Ella Frank
202 pages /GR
Date read: 11/6/20
4 stars
How it fits: Author is Ella Frank. Both initials in the first half of the alphabet.
This picks up from where book 1 leaves off. Sean has been stabbed whilst protecting Xander at the news awards.
The book deals with the aftermath of the stabbing and the recovery of both men. Loved how their relationship came together.
[*book:Breaking News|53341950]
Last taskSelection Post - book 2
Gutter Mind: Smoke Valley MC by K.A. Merikan.
297 pages /GR
How it fits: K, A , M in first half of alphabet
[*book:Gutter Mind: Smoke Valley MC|55344413]
Also reading The High King’s Golden Tingue - fits bingo call 😊
Completion Post - Book 1Last Task: Initials A-M/N-Z
North to Zombieville by Meg Bawden
Page Count: 200
How it Qualifies: M & B - First Half of Alphabet
Date Completed: 06Nov2020
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review: Although written in 2016 I feel like the story was very timely considering the state of the world right now. Lots of mistrust and fear, but doing what's necessary to protect themselves and those they love...some of whom don't make it.
I didn't really think I'd give this more than at most 3 stars; I wasn't fond of the writing style. But about half-way in, the story got more engaging, the characters more interesting, if still very flat. The coincidences kept piling up...but I guess this relatively big city isn't really that big? IDK. Whatever, fueled the plot so I let it go. We also got 2 new characters with Raleigh's stupid stunt, so I'll forgive him if they're the focus of the next book. (EDIT: WHAT THE F*CK? No next book, of course. Damnit.)
Check my notes and highlights for some of the things that I didn't vibe with...and other observations.
North to Zombieville
Task 28 - Read a book written by an authors whose initials are both in the first half of the alphabet (A-M) or both in the second half of the alphabet (N-Z). No pass for this task.COMPLETION
Adam's Song
Pages: 472 Kindle GR
Qualifies: Spencer Spears (S, S) - second half of the alphabet
Read: 7 Nov
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
I enjoyed this and I liked the MCs but it also felt about 200 pages too long. I wasn't bored exactly - but I kept wondering where the story was going at the 50% mark (with 5 hours remaining). Basically not really anywhere other than where you might expect. I think it just needed to be a bit tighter in its construct - but I'm no expert... *shrugs* Still - a 'feel good' read.
Narrated by Michael Fell - a new narrator for me I think and he did a good job. 4 stars
[*book:Adam's Song|35340444]
Task 28 - Read a book written by an authors whose initials are both in the first half of the alphabet (A-M) or both in the second half of the alphabet (N-Z). No pass for this task.Book 2
The High King's Golden Tongue
Pages: 412 Kindle GR
Qualifies: Megan Derr (M, D) - first half of the alphabet
[*book:The High King's Golden Tongue|27422811]
Last taskCompletion Post - book 2
Gutter Mind: Smoke Valley MC by K.A. Merikan.
297 pages /GR
How it fits: K, A , M in first half of alphabet
Date read: 11/7/20
3 stars
This was really difficult to rate. I wanted to finish the series but although I liked Arden, I just don't get the lace and feminine lingerie that men wear for other men. Sorry, manties don't really do it for me.
This was though I would say is a GFY as Mike had always identified as straight until he saw the fem boy. The story was ok and I guess now this was the end of the series.
Last TaskSelection Post - Book 3
Santa Claus & His Unexpected Mate by Candi Kay
332 pages / GR
How it fits: C, K in the first half of the alphabet.
[*book:Santa Claus & His Unexpected Mate|55294254]
Final Task Book 1 Completion
Snow Way Out by Nora Phoenix
Pages: 282
Qualification: N, P Last half of alphabet
Read: 11/7/20
Rating: ★★★★
Poor Mac. That's what I felt throughout most of this book. People can be such asshats! Until the couch scene. Holy cow. Loved the dynamics of this couple and how Quentin was the dominant partner. Really sweet read with an underlying message. Very entertaining.
[*book:Snow Way Out|50004835]
Last TaskCompletion Post - Book 3
Santa Claus & His Unexpected Mate by Candi Kay
332 pages / GR
How it fits: C, K in the first half of the alphabet.
Date read: 11/7/20
5 stars
I am really sad that this was the last book in this great series.
While it focuses on Santa and Drew getting their HEA, there is a lot of Willy in it, making a nuisance of himself with Mary Claus.
Fab.
[*book:Santa Claus & His Unexpected Mate|55294254]
Last taskSelection Post - book 4
Delivering Dante by Lucy Lennox
290 pages / GR
How it fits: L,L is in the first half of the alphabet.
[*book:Delivering Dante|35045667]
Please note this challenge ends Sunday 8th November at midnight eastern. We need to make sure all books which are read have their completion posts posted before that time.MK, also says no need for a post with links to completed books in the q&a thread, she going to check threads herself.
Final Post Book 2 Completion
What Remains by Leigh Garrett
Pages: 248
Qualification: L,G First Half of Alphabet
Read: 11/6/20
Rating: ★★★★
I can't believe I haven't read this sooner but after reading it, I can see why. I was afraid it would be an emotional drain and it was. Boy, it was. I think I leaked through most of the damned thing. What a beautiful, heartfelt story. Loved both of these guys so much.
[*book:What Remains|30837325]
If a writer goes only by one name...can we still use it? All letters of the name fall into one of the allowed groupings, if that helps.
You’ll have to ask Kat...
Task 28 - Read a book written by an authors whose initials are both in the first half of the alphabet (A-M) or both in the second half of the alphabet (N-Z). No pass for this task.Book 2 - COMPLETION
The High King's Golden Tongue
Pages: 412 Kindle GR
Qualifies: Megan Derr (M, D) - first half of the alphabet
Read: 8 Nov
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
A favorite reread of mine which fit my bingo book needs for war; not a happy romance topic for me but in this case, I love it. Our MC Sarrica is slightly bat-shit crazy, and MC Allen is so prim and proper. How could they not suit?
[*book:The High King's Golden Tongue|27422811]
Michaelle, MK said no to a one name author.
Task 28 - Read a book written by an authors whose initials are both in the first half of the alphabet (A-M) or both in the second half of the alphabet (N-Z). No pass for this task.Book 3 - COMPLETION
His Consort
Pages: 384 Kindle GR
Qualifies: Mary Calmes (M, C) - first half of the alphabet
Read: 8 November
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
I wanted to reread this prior to reading His Prince which recently came out on audio. I really enjoyed it - a bit of friction, interesting characters and some manipulative greedy bastards. It is more focussed on MC Jason than on the Prince so I'm looking forward to reading book 2.
[*book:His Consort|42620054]
Last taskCompletion Post - book 4
Delivering Dante by Lucy Lennox
290 pages / GR
How it fits: L,L is in the first half of the alphabet.
Date read: 11/8/20
4 stars
Learning about Dante's past was said and I knew when he found out AJ was his angel, there would be angst, and there was.
Lots of cameos by other Marians.
[*book:Delivering Dante|35045667]
Thanks for asking in the Q&A thread Lisa re the single initial - I was mustering and only had time to briefly check the thread.I don't have a lot of time left in this Sunday to keep reading so doubt I'll get another book in :(
Last taskSelection Post - book 5
Saxon's Savior by Pandora Pine
259 pages /GR
how it fits: P, P in second half of the alphabet.
⚣Michaelle⚣ wrote: "If a writer goes only by one name...can we still use it? All letters of the name fall into one of the allowed groupings, if that helps."Lisa asked, and the answer was NO :)
Task 28 - Read a book written by an authors whose initials are both in the first half of the alphabet (A-M) or both in the second half of the alphabet (N-Z). No pass for this task.Book 4 - COMPLETION
Mating the Omega
Pages: 170 Kindle GR
Qualifies: Ann-Katrin Byrde (A, B) - first half of the alphabet
Read: 8 November
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
I thought this might be a bit dull like some of the more recent mpregs I've read lately, but I was in fact interested throughout the telling and really enjoyed it! Its been sitting on my shelf for some time, so I'm really pleased I read it - and seriously thinking of book 2.
Narrated by Nick J Russo - terrific as usual.
[*book:Mating the Omega|29635743]
Review:
Managed one more this evening, but I've now pulled up stumps :)
Last taskCompletion Post - book 5
Saxon's Savior by Pandora Pine
259 pages /GR
how it fits: P, P in second half of the alphabet.
Date read: 11/8/20
4 stars
The story of the 3rd brother. This one is Dallas who starts a relationship with Saxon, the new paramedic at his firehouse.
The pairing is not without issues especially when Saxon has to take care of his nieces.
I lived this family.
Last taskSelection post - book 6
Unnatural by Joanna Chambers
230 pages / GR
How it fits: J,C in first half of the alphabet
Last taskCompletion post - book 6
Unnatural by Joanna Chambers
230 pages / GR
How it fits: J,C in first half of the alphabet
Date read: 11/8/20
4 stars
This book is about Iain and James, who meet as young children and then as they grow up start to fall in love with each other, although Iain doesnt admit it.
There is quite a bit of angst here and at some points I wanted to bang their heads together.
Last taskSelection post - book 7
Restored by Joanna Chambers
287 pages /GR
How it fits: J, C in first half of the alphabet
Last taskCompletion Post - book 7
Restored by Joanna Chambers
287 pages /GR
How it fits: J, C in first half of the alphabet
Date read: 11/8/20
5 stars
I liked this book the best of the series so far. Loved Kit and how he got over his broken heart and making something of himself and Henry of course who worked to get Kit back.
Last taskSelection Post - book 8
Marked by Death by Kaje Harper
173 pages / GR
How it fits: K, H both in first half of the alphabet.
Last taskCompletion Post - book 8
Marked by Death by Kaje Harper
173 pages / GR
How it fits: K, H both in first half of the alphabet.
Date read: 11/8/20
4 stars
Darien, a man who hears voices and has tattoos appear on his body goes to seek help from Silas, the local necromancer.
A quick read with a great familiar cat Grim.
A good start to a new series.
Final Post Book 3 Completion
Off Balance by Jay Hogan
Pages: 396
Qualification: J,H First Half of Alphabet
Read: 11/7/20
Rating: ★★★★
This was a fabulous read featuring an MC with a disease I've never heard of before. Love learning new things while reading about love and romance. Absolutely loved Judah and Morgan and their love story was just everything. Not easy but worth it. Didn't love the mystery portion but that's just me. Great read!!
[*book:Off Balance|55208012]
Completion Post - Book 2Last Task: A-M
Stolen by Claire Cullen
Page Count: 168
How it Qualifies: C&C - First Half of Alphabet
Date Completed: 07Nov2020
Rating: 3 Stars
Review: This installment picks up where the last one left off with non-shifting Seth finding the Red-Fang Alpha's pregnant Omega. As with book 1, mating an Omega gives the wolf (and the rest of his pack, eventually) the ability to shift again.
At first I worried that Dara was maybe jumping into the relationship; these aren't mate-on-site shifters, so his agreeing to mate Seth felt a little like he was making the best of a bad situation & doing what he had to do to save his brother (just as having sex with Zane was). Thankfully, the author addressed that later, and laying to rest the question of such a quickly escalated romance.
Jensen and Liam are up next, so I'll definitely be putting Book 3 on the TBR.
[*book:Stolen|37772380]
Completion - Book 3Last Task: N-Z
Smolder by Nora Phoenix
Page Count: 258
How it Qualifies: N&P - Second Half of Alphabet
Date Completed: 07Nov2020
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: Literally picks up where the last left off, like the same sweetly tender romantic scene.
And it's kinda weird because I'm so used to dystopian/post-apocalyptic stories being more gritty, more raw. Not this one, though. So far, both books have been very much a life or death every day scenario, with the guys trying to evade the CSU soldiers (to avoid conscription & being sent back to the camps for being gay) and battling the alien bots & soldiers...but there is an emphasis on tender kisses, frotting and such. We see our friendly alien again, which I think will become an important character in the next book. Not sure how, but their assistance has saved our heroes several times; it would be a shame for them to be just a throw-away Deus Ex Machina.
Anywhooo, a couple things I really loved:
The survival aspect was detailed and just about every concern I could think of was addressed. From how to hide their presence in a supposedly abandoned farm to protecting their supplies...it's actually given me some tips on how to be a good prepper.
The developing romance between the 3 MCs. No one is the pivot; this is an equilateral triangle and I am here for it. Lots of working Mack into the sexual aspect as he's an absolute innocent. Lots of "couple" time, too, where they get to know each other better. Lots of communication - but not always when it's needed as Tan is closed off...for good reason. ADORED how Mack shut him down on the offer of an Appreciation Blow Job. Really liked how the big, strong, capable Austin ceded leadership to Mack since Mack had more experience living off the grid given his upbringing.
We finally learn what the aliens are after and of course it's oil. Why not? But even humans aren't removing it as quickly as they are and know that to do so can cause geological issues. (Well, except the frackers in OK; an exponential increase in earthquakes for them evidently isn't an issue.)
Can't wait to see how this plays out.
[*book:Smolder|50234077]
Completion - Book 4Last Task: A-M
Oz by Lily Morton
Page Count: 274
How it Qualifies: L&M - First Half of Alphabet
Date Completed: 07Nov2020
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Review: Well, shit. I listened to this one before I finished the Mixed Messages series and accidentally spoiled myself for Henry's story. You know, the one I wanted most? *sigh*
Oh well, guess that means it's on the short list now.
I loved our sassy & smart Oz. I loved our down to earth, normal (though noble) Silas. Their interactions were hilariously fun, and the sex hella hot.
Silas' mom can take a long walk off a short pier. (Seriously, is "breeding" and lineage still so important nowadays? If so, then MAD RESPECT for Harry!)
Joel Leslie's delivery of Oz's scathing comebacks and smart mouth were top notch, and his performance of Silas' quiet but warm personality was a perfect foil. (Although, that heated argument Silas had with his mom was *chef's kiss* spot on in it's delivery.) I love it when an author picks the perfect narrator for their book, and JL isn't always a hit with me. I couldn't imagine anyone else doing it.
Now, if only I can remember to go back to MM3 before reading FH2!
[*book:Oz|42840413]
Completion - Book 5Last Task: A-M
After the Crash by Emma Alcott
Page Count: 265
How it Qualifies: E&A - First Half of Alphabet
Date Completed: 08Nov2020
Rating 4.5 Stars
Review: First off, having J.F. Harding narrate automatically pre-disposes me to like a book. I could listen to him all day, every day. There are not enough of his audios so I tend to space them out...and since Emma Alcott was a new-to-me author, I was willing to wait.
I'm kicking myself as I type because I loved this one.
Loved how all of the angst was externally driven. Fox repeatedly stated that he wasn't attracted to men, that he was straight, and yet when he found himself attracted to and falling in love with Marshall...he just accepted it. How refreshing. Wish there were more of this kind of romance.
LOVED all the nerdy, current pop-culture references. And Sam was the KING of those. (I mean, he is Umbrella Nobility, so...) I had NO IDEA what he and Marshall were talking about with all the programming stuff, but I just rolled with it.
ADORED that Fox recognized he had a problem and faced it head on. That scene where he realized what he did (hurting Marshall) was heart-breaking but the necessary wake-up call.
Again, we have another royal bitch for a mom, but she's so unimportant that I didn't care to get worked up over it.
Finally, did I say anything JF Harding? Yes? Well, he deserves the second mention.
It looks like Michael F narrates the second one which...I am not all that upset about. I mean, I'd rather it was JF but he's also amazing.
Oh, and I will DEFINITELY be putting the rest of this series on my TBR. I loved the quiet, romantic relationship she's written here. Don't get me wrong, it was still hella hot. But it felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket, and it was so much less (overly) dramatic than many books with this trope.
[*book:After the Crash|48713685]
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
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Edit: Just thought of another one.
Yeah, A-M works