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

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

LOL Shannon, I have that book on my TBR and I'm not even sure I read the precis before putting it there. Now that I have I totally see why "bad version of Top Gun" made me laugh. Also, because of the title I've got the song stuck in my head.

[Shannon]

Take 5 Selection Post Book 2
2500+ Ratings


Unwritten Law by Eden Finley
Pages: 220
Qualification: 2923 Reviews

[*book:Unwritten Law|41638074]

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Completion Post - Book 2

Task 5: 2500+ Ratings

Just a Bit Unhealthy by Alessandra Hazard
Page Count: 180
How it Qualifies: 5408 Ratings
Date Completed: 21Sep2020
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review: I wasn't sure I was going to like this one at all given the way Jared and Gabriel were portrayed in the previous installment. Gabriel was an entitled, self-centered little shit and I thought Jared was either delusional or pathetic and had no self-respect. For a relationship to develop between them seemed unlikely, and if it did I knew it was going to be unhealthy. So, yeah, perfect title is perfect.

After reading, I'm still not all that fond of the characters and the romance was all kinds of fucked up and weird. But evidently fucked up and weird is my jam (like I didn't know that already) because I did end up liking this, a lot more than I expected.

Also, Tristan is an evil, two-faced dick so I'm expecting not to like him either...which of course means I'm gonna read that one, too.


[*book:Just a Bit Unhealthy|55218464]

[Shannon]

Take 5 Completion Post Book 2
2500+ Ratings


Unwritten Law by Eden Finley
Pages: 220
Qualification: 2923 Reviews
Read: 9/22/20
Rating: ★★★★

Really enjoyed this book as a whole. Didn't really love that the entire book was based on deception so there was always that level of "waiting for the ball to drop" but otherwise great character development. Loved Law and Anders relationship. Loved Law and Reed's relationship, both sides! Fun read.

[*book:Unwritten Law|41638074]

[Shannon]

⚣Michaelle⚣ wrote: "LOL Shannon, I have that book on my TBR and I'm not even sure I read the precis before putting it there. Now that I have I totally see why "bad version of Top Gun" made me laugh. Also, because of t..."

You might love it but it didn't work for me. And thanks, now I have that song stuck in my head as well!!

[Lisa]

Task 5 - Completion Post
2500+ ratings

Until Forever Comes
204 pages /GR
how it fits: 3709 ratings
Date read: 09/22/20
3 stars

I love a good Vamp story but this one was just meh.
Ethan, the wolf shifter came across to me as childish and I didnt really warm to him.
I found myself just wanting the story to end

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 5 - 2500+ ratings
COMPLETION


Risk Taker
Pages - 286
Qualifies - 2,753 ratings
Read: 23 September
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
Lily Morton can't write a book I don't enjoy. There's plenty of humour, but its from a natural perspective of MCs' nark and personality, rather than feeling forced and maximising.

I didn't love this quite as much as the earlier two; MC Ivo's obtuseness and life actions are difficult to accept and rationalise in my mind. But he's a great match for the ever-upbeat and forgiving MC Henry.

[*book:Risk Taker|40849061]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 5: Read 6 books with over 2,500 ratings

1. Michaelle - Just a Bit Obsessed - msg 147
2. Shannon - Danger Zone - msg 150
3. Michaelle - Just a Bit Unhealthy - msg 153
4. Shannon - Unwritten Law - msg 154
5. Lisa - Until Forever Comes - msg 156
6. Jane - Risk Taker - msg 157

[MountainKat, Moderator]

I have your complete for this task, you will get the next one in the morning. 😊

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Here is Task 6:

28. Each teammate reads a book from a teammate's to-read shelf, no pass for this task.

Please include a link to the teammate's to-read shelf in your completion post.

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

I'll pick one when I get home. I got a new phone but the app still sucks.

[Lisa]

Task 6 - Selection Post
Read a read from a teammate's tbr

Cabin Fever
160 pages /GR
Shannon's want to read shelf

[*book:Cabin Fever|53863860]

[Shannon]

Task 6 Selection Post
Read a book from teammates TBR


Better Than People by Roan Parrish
Pages: 239
Qualification: Michaelle's TBR

[*book:Better Than People|53038198]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 6 - Read a book from teammate's TBR
Selection


Free Hand
Pages: 203 Kindle GR
Qualifications: Michaelle's TBR
#3515 full list Michaelle's TBR

[*book:Free Hand|44752509]

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Selection Post

Task 6: Read a book from teammate's TBR

Soul on Fire by Tal Bauer
Page Count: 280
How it Qualifies: #1880 on Lisa's TBR

[*book:Soul on Fire|52475441]

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Completion Post

Task 6: Read a book from teammate's TBR

Soul on Fire by Tal Bauer
Page Count: 280
How it Qualifies: #1880 on Lisa's TBR
Date Completed: 23Sep2020
Rating: 5 Stars
Review: This was a tough read for many reasons, especially Elliot's battles, within himself, with the way he's marginalized because he's black, with a war between his conscience and his duty. But it's also a stark look at the way Africa, and her people, are either exploited or ignored unless there's a profit motive involved or something happens that threatens the comfortable lives of Westerners, and it's no wonder some groups have been radicalized to take action against who they see as their oppressors when they've been treated that way for so long. They've learned from the best worst.

As with Whisper, this book is well researched and Tal has done an incredible job with the characterization of Elliot and Ikolo. I truly think that were the MCs not gay men (and black) this would be made into a movie. Maybe in 10 or so years it could be...not because the love story wouldn't be all that controversial, but because it will take a while for more people to realize that to a lot of the world the US - and it's Western allies- are sometimes the bad guys. And many times we deserve that disdain.

Tal Bauer writes the stories that break me and give me hope at the same time. And if in this story, the US military has to save the day, at least it's a black sailor who does it. No white saviors here.

[*book:Soul on Fire|52475441]

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

I am so glad you had that book on your TBR Lisa. Given so much of Elliot's inner monologue, it was definitely a timely read.

[Lisa]

Task 6 - Completion Post
Read a read from a teammate's tbr

Cabin Fever
160 pages /GR
Shannon's want to read shelf
Date read: 09/24/20
3 stars

I had to really push throuh this book. I can just about take daddy kink ( although I dont understand it) but I really, really hate dirty talk. There is just so much of it here.
At around 80% it did get better but not enough to redeem it.

[*book:Cabin Fever|53863860]

[Lisa]

⚣Michaelle⚣ wrote: "I am so glad you had that book on your TBR Lisa. Given so much of Elliot's inner monologue, it was definitely a timely read."

Most books go on the tbr but not always read.

[Shannon]

Task 6 Completion Post
Read a book from teammates TBR


Better Than People by Roan Parrish
Pages: 239
Qualification: Michaelle's TBR
Read: 9/24/20
Rating: ★★★★

I don't know that I've read a book about this level of social anxiety before and it was very interesting to see. Super sad but still interesting. Jack was quite the moody SOB at first but watching his and Simon's relationship develop was a true treat. Not as angsty as some other by this author but still great. Hot virgin smexing and all the feels. Yes, please.

[*book:Better Than People|53038198]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 6 - Read a book from teammate's TBR
Selection


Free Hand
Pages: 203 Kindle GR
Qualifications: Michaelle's TBR
#3515 full list Michaelle's TBR
Read: 24 September 2020
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
I really enjoyed learning more about the disabled and Deaf communities, their real challenges and disappointments. In this book we mix one MC who is deaf and one with PTSD; and end with a beautiful outcome. This isn't a gripping story or one you can't put down. Its a gentle journey without an end. I would have enjoyed more resolution to this story, but of course that may not be real life either. We don't always get that line under the sand.

Narrated by Scott Alford - a good job.

[*book:Free Hand|44752509]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

I'm having a heap of trouble saving comments with links in them. Will keep trying... :(

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 6: Read a book from teammate's TBR
Jane - Free Hand - msg 171
Shannon - Better Than People - msg 170
Lisa - Cabin Fever - msg 168
Michaelle - Soul on Fire - msg 166

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

There's something going on with the edit function on GR at the mo. I'll update our tracking thread on the first page once they sort it out.

But for now, you can't go back end edit a post. It just shows as an error. When you reload the page, the post is back at its original setting...

[MountainKat, Moderator]

I've noticed that too Jane - so annoying!! I've got you complete for this task and will assign your next one tomorrow. I am home all day so it should be late morning - my time.

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Hey guys, I might have some connectivity issues in the coming week. I'll try to figure out how to post completions on the app.

My BIL died this morning and SigO and Kid aren't taking it well. Completely unexpected...

[Shannon]

I'm so sorry Michaelle, that's awful!! Thoughts are with you.

[Lisa]

I am sorry Michaelle.
If its easier to email a short review, we can always copy your selection post and add a review.
Let me know if you want to try that and Ill send you my email.

[MountainKat, Moderator]

So sorry Michaelle, take care of your family - that matters most. Don't worry about how your post is formatted or links, if you can just get me enough info to check it will work out. Or there is always a pass if needed.

I struggle with the app, but find I can do most things in the browser on my phone - if you scroll to the bottom of a page you can select desktop rather than mobile.

[MountainKat, Moderator]

And after that, here is Task 7:

45. Read 6 books with 3 word titles.

Articles and ampersands count as words for this task.

[Lisa]

Task 7.
Book 1 - Selection Post
Strays and Lovers
165 pages / GR
How it fits: 3 word title

[Lisa]

Task 7
Book 2 - Selection post
Shortbread and Shadows
158 pages / GR
how it fits: 3 word title

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Looks like they're gonna have to do an autopsy, so I won't be leaving until at least Monday but more likely Tuesday. SigO doesn't want to go down and deal with the half of his family who will be squabbling over stupid stuff and I don't blame him. Gonna pick a book now...

[Shannon]

Task 7 Selection Post
3 Letter Title


Above and Beyond by Lucy Lennox
Pages: 358
Qualification: 3 Words in Title

[*book:Above and Beyond|50357747]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

⚣Michaelle⚣ wrote: "Hey guys, I might have some connectivity issues in the coming week. I'll try to figure out how to post completions on the app.

My BIL died this morning and SigO and Kid aren't taking it well. Comp..."

I'm so sorry to hear this Michaelle. Please let us know whatever we can do to help - and don't stress on this. We can do work arounds, as everyone has noted 🌼

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 7 - Three Word Title
Selection


Better Than People
Pages: 239
Qualification: Three words in title

[*book:Better Than People|52739474]

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Selection/Completion Post

Task 7: Three Word Title

Business As Usual by Alison Hendricks
Page Count: 219
Date Completed: 25Sep2020
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: Very sweet, sexy and at times a little heart-breaking.

I do have to admit that by the 3/4 mark I was hovering around a 3.5 star rating, but then something happened that I didn't expect, and I loved it.

(view spoiler)[See, I thought for sure that Darren would just ride out the storm and take back control of his company when the Epsilon failed. Only, I didn't see the double-cross coming. And that move royally pissed me off. It also really irked me that he didn't fight it, didn't go off script with the resignation press-conference, putting the blame at the feet of the board members and telling them off for ruining the image of a once well-respected brand just to get rid of him.

I didn't expect him to wash his hands of the company as a way to start fresh. Trying to keep that endeavor alive, to keep Ethan's legacy alive, was actually keeping him from moving on. And I kinda ended up loving that he staked a claim for the patents he and Ethan filed in order to start a new company. Taking some of the good work they'd accomplished and then building a new computer, a new company with Jamie.

I think it was a brilliant move by the author, because otherwise it would always seem like Jamie was the Epsilon to Ethan's Zephyr - something lesser, a stand-in instead of a separate and new thing equally worthy of love. Jamie deserved that.

The one thing I wish we'd gotten more of was Jamie's struggle with starting a new company again, how he dealt with the doubt and insecurity after failing on his own so long ago and letting his father down. But after thinking on it, that extra bit would have slowed down the pacing. (hide spoiler)]

[*book:Business As Usual|34374741]

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

I'm gonna read another one...not sure yet which.

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Just checking, but do hyphens make one word?

Something like The Half-Wolf's Omega. I'm gonna read that for Speedy Bingo anyway so I thought I'd see if it counts. If not, I've also got Taboo for You on deck for PtP.

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

⚣Michaelle⚣ wrote: "Just checking, but do hyphens make one word?

Something like The Half-Wolf's Omega. I'm gonna read that for Speedy Bingo anyway so I thought I'd see if it counts. If not, I've also ..."

I don't know... I'll ask in the Q&A thread.

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Duh, I could have done that! Thank you!!

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

I just used the list we started for the last round to help out my speedy team to help them find authors that use other names. Took me a minute to find it so if that's a category again, here's the link in case we need it again.

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

⚣Michaelle⚣ wrote: "I just used the list we started for the last round to help out my speedy team to help them find authors that use other names. Took me a minute to find it so if that's a category again, here's the l..."

I have them under a spoiler in the summary theme posts on the first page as well (msg 10) :)

[Shannon]

Task 7 Completion Post (Book 1)
3 Letter Title


Above and Beyond by Lucy Lennox
Pages: 358
Qualification: 3 Words in Title
Read: 9/25/20
Rating: ★★★★

I wish I read these closer together so I could remember all the players. I do remember Lucky from the first book but didn't remember Zach. I did enjoy their story but not as much as the previous books. Really loved all the long-line rescue info though. So thrilling sounding.

[*book:Above and Beyond|50357747]

[Shannon]

Task 7 Selection Post (Book 2)
3 Letter Title


Breaking Logan's Laws by Cameron Dane
Pages: 348
Qualification: 3 Words in Title

[*book:Breaking Logan's Laws|11293470]

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Putting this here in case it counts. Ignore if the hyphen disqualifies it.

Selection/Completion Post - Book 2

Task 7: 3 Word Title

The Half-Wolf's Omega by L.C. Davis
Page Count: 204
Date Completed: 25Sep2020
Rating: ~3 Stars
Review: Not quite 3 stars but I'm rounding up.

The set-up reminded me a bit of the Silver Tip series by Megan Erickson, only here we don't get the more in-depth world building a post-apocalyptic/zombie shifter story needs to really be engaging. So much is just glossed over, from what happened to start the zombie apocalypse, to the the canine pack's raiding of the cat shifters' compound to get the vehicles they need to rescue Sean, to the details necessary to understand just what made Eden so tempting and yet ultimately a place Guy felt the need to leave. Yes, we get some backstory about a cult, but as with the world-building it just wasn't enough.

I have a feeling a lot of that would have been addressed in a sequel (as it seemed there was some seeds planted for one with the David/Henley romance, which would have been set in Eden), but alas, there isn't a follow-up.

Quite a few editing issues (spelling and word usage) and there seemed to be some weird quirks of geography. The cats had vehicles to get them from somewhere in Tennessee to Indianapolis, but there was also a mention of Albany? I'm assuming NY, but if not a clarification would have been appreciated...because early in the story there was a mention of fuel being an issue and all of those cities are a fair distance apart. (Plus, a house cat RAN from Indianapolis to wherever Holbrook was, in the space of a day?) Also, at the beginning of the story there was a passage about the blanket covering the cage Sean was in helping to keep out the "nip" of colder air (talking about how winters were milder in the Southeast) but then just a few days later (maybe a couple weeks) it was the middle of summer, with windows open to let in a breeze in the hotel in Indianapolis (which was how Sean escaped)?

So, yeah. I liked the story but it could definitely use a re-edit. Maybe if there is a second book in the works the authors could revisit this one and fix some of the discrepancies and whatnot.

[*book:The Half-Wolf's Omega|43435908]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Hyphenated words count as one word 😅

Our 6 books are now all selected and/or read :)

[Lisa]

Does this mean I only need to read 1 then?

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 7 - Three Word Title
COMPLETION


Better Than People
Pages: 239
Qualification: Three words in title
Read: 26 September 2020
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
Another book highlighting disabilities, and again I really enjoyed that aspect. In this case, I preferred the storyline as well compared to my last book (reviewed above). It felt a lot deeper and connected for the MCs and their circumstances.

I love RPs books with a more emotional/gentle plot line; not those with the aggression or hard-line lives.

Narrated by James Cavenaugh - a new narrator for me, but he did a good job. No complaints at all :)

[*book:Better Than People|52739474]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Lisa wrote: "Does this mean I only need to read 1 then?"

Yep - assuming Shannon posts her second one :)