Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
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TART Challenge2 - Still Loitering Layabouts - The Goid Edition (3)
Completion Post - Book 2Task 9: Set Outside the Us/Team Decide UK
The Innocent Betrayal by Victoria Sue
Page Count: 157 (Although the KU link at Amazon says 262pgs)
How it Qualifies: London 1811. Can love withstand the ultimate betrayal? (From precis)
Date Completed: 29Sep2020
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: This one was so much better than the previous installment! No, Will didn't actually stand up to his father as I mentioned wishing for in my review of Book 1, but - given the era and Will's personality - what we did get fit so much better. The romance took time to build; we see a previously privileged Will rising to the occasion, taking over Alex's care and household, helping him get better and we see them both learning to forgive themselves for what they saw as past failures. (Beau for Will and his wife for Alex.)
Some Historicals feel like a contemporary book set in a past era, with a few period-appropriate words thrown in, but not this one. The setting, the language, the history...everything sounded right in this one. Parts of it reminded me of the Brothers in Arms series (with the wounded Peninsular vets and trying to build lives with the men and/or women they loved) which I adored, and I also loved how a plausible HEA was established.
I really wish this one had been released on audio, too!
[*book:The Innocent Betrayal|30428452]
Task 9 : Read a book set outside the US - Team using UKSelection / COMPLETION BOOK 1
It Takes Two to Tumble
Pages: 384 Kindle GR
Qualifies: From precis - "Phillip can’t wait to leave England’s shores and be back on his ship, away from the grief that haunts him. But his children have driven off a succession of governesses and tutors and he must set things right."
Read: 30 September
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review:
I enjoyed this so much more than I anticipated. The set up in the precis didn't really press my buttons but soon after the opening credits I was hooked. The MCs were so well fleshed out, and in the end, incredibly likeable along with their families and friends. The issues and problems were real and relatable to that era.
Narrated beautifully by Joel Leslie.
[*book:It Takes Two to Tumble|35285117]
Task 9 : Read a book set outside the US - Team using UKSelection - book 2 if needed :)
Unfit to Print
Pages: 154
Qualifies: precis - "When crusading lawyer Vikram Pandey sets out in search of a missing youth, his investigations take him to Holywell Street, London’s most notorious address. "
[*book:Unfit to Print|39944805]
(I have about an hour to go on audio which I can finish tomorrow :)
⚣Michaelle⚣ wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Anyone heard from Shannon?Ive sent her a pm. I hope she is nowhere near the fires"
No...now I'm worried. Jane has my phone number but maybe, if everyone is amenable, we could all exc..."
I have everyone's contacts but good idea to swap since I'm often asleep when everyone else is online :)
I was checking the thread after the call, but darn GR doesn't show the full comments on my iphone for some reason :( I hadnt seen Lisa's comment re the fires unfortunately...
Must say - I also thought Shannon had posted?!
Shannon wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Ok, just worried. I thought I had seen on the tv that there were some new Oregon fires and wasnt sure how close you were to them."I was close to the last fires but nothing too close ..."
Glad you are safe this time around. Such a scary prospect 😱
Task 9 : Read a book set outside the US - Team using UKSelection - book 2 if needed :)
Unfit to Print
Pages: 154
Qualifies: precis - "When crusading lawyer Vikram Pandey sets out in search of a missing youth, his investigations take him to Holywell Street, London’s most notorious address. "
Read: 30 September
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
An enjoyable stroll into scrubby side of early century England - not exactly sure of the time frame, but definitely gentlemen in history :)
The two MCs were well crafted and explained.
Narrated: Vikas Adam - excellent narration
[*book:Unfit to Print|39944805]
Task 9 -Completion PostA book set outside of the US. Team decide (UK)
The Isle of... Where?
250 pages
How it fits: (from precis)
When Liam Marshall’s best friend, Alex, loses his fight with colon cancer, he leaves Liam one final request: buy a ticket to Ryde, on the Isle of Wight.
Date read: 10/01/20
4 stars
This story was very insta love. The 2 MCs meet and then like 5 days later they are pledging undying love to each other.
I had read book 2 in the series in which these guys made appearances but it was nice to see their story.
Task 9: (55) Read 6 books set in the same country outside the US, teams decide country. Team chose UK.1. Michaelle - Camwolf - msg 245
2. Shannon - Gay on a Train - msg 249
3. Michaelle - The Innocent Betrayal - msg 252
4. Jane - It Takes Two to Tumble - msg 253
5. Jane - Unfit to Print - msg 257
6. Lisa - The Isle of... Where? - msg 258
Several next in series books have come out in the last few days, I hope I can work one of them into tonight's category.
I'm holding off on more books - reading Sterek fics - until the category call.
How is it already October? Or should that be - it's finally October! This whole year has just been weird...Anywho, here is Task 10:
26. Read a minimum of 750 pages in books featuring shifters.
Qualification can come from title, series, precis, tags or lists. Remember to tell me how you know the book qualifies - 'MC is a shifter' is not enough! Please include links or other info as needed. Don't forget to use the first edition Kindle page count!
Task 10 - Selection PostMinimum 750 pages featuring shifters
Mind Magic
200 pages
Tagged shifter x111. page 1 tags
[*book:Mind Magic|16061480]
Task 10 Selection Post750+ Pages Shifters
Hell on Earth by Macy Blake
Pages: 219
Qualification: MPG Paranormal/Shapeshifters
[*book:Hell on Earth|42359596]
Selection PostTask 10: Shifters
Captive Mate by Eliot Grayson
Page Count: 207
How it Qualifies: MPG Shapeshifters
[*book:Captive Mate|55129651]
Jane, for each member reads a book in the same series,you have Cabrini Law down but I thought we had discussed and agreed Annabeth Alberts Out of Uniform series.There is only 4 books in Cabrini Law, I would need to read book 3, if we go with that series, does 1,2 and 4 suit everybody else?
I've already read 1 and 2. I don't want to skip to 4. I'd have to read 3 for something else first. I'd rather do Out of Uniform. Lots of those left for me (I'm at #5) and unlike the Cabrini books, I read the first couple a long time ago so I wouldn't mind a reread.
Lisa wrote: "Jane, for each member reads a book in the same series,you have Cabrini Law down but I thought we had discussed and agreed Annabeth Alberts Out of Uniform series.There is only 4 books in Cabrini La..."
I think I just forgot to update? I had thought Annabeth Albert as well...
Task 10 - Read 750+ pages in books with shiftersSelection
How to Run with the Wolves
Pages: 231
Qualifies: MPG Paranormal > Shapeshifters
[*book:How to Run with the Wolves|49543954]
Lisa wrote: "Jane, for each member reads a book in the same series,you have Cabrini Law down but I thought we had discussed and agreed Annabeth Alberts Out of Uniform series.There is only 4 books in Cabrini La..."
Which task are you referring to Lisa? I already had:
82. Each teammate reads a different book from the same series.
- Annabeth Albert Out of Uniform
in msg 11
Maybe there is a second one I've missed as I have skimmed through?
Is it this one?9. Each player reads a book in the same series, teams decide. No pass for this task.
- Parker St John Cabrini Law
For this, we are allowed to read the same book within that series :) So you and Michaelle can both read book 3.
Completion PostTask 10: Shifters
Captive Mate by Eliot Grayson
Page Count: 207
How it Qualifies: MPG Shapeshifters
Date Completed: 01Oct2020
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: OOoh, I liked this one even more than I did the first one.
Morally ambiguous MCs are just so much more interesting (to me) than the ever-good ones. We're told what made Arik into the defensive, self-centered, selfish loner he was - and we also get to see one of those reasons up close and ugly with Taft. I don't blame if that's what he's been running from his whole life.
But despite his natural inclination to scratch and claw and run and use people for his own ends, we also got to see him struggle with that side of his nature. (Typing that sentence just emphasized how perfectly he was characterized, what with him being a cat.) He's not tamed, not by far, and Matthew doesn't want him to be. Loved that.
Can't wait for the next (2?) books! I hope Colin is the LI in one of them. Maybe for that elusive adopted brother Arik kept referencing? Also, what the hell is that supernatural cabal up to? Nothing good, for certain, if Hawthorne and his ilk (like the Shaman that force-mated Arik to Taft) are involved.
[*book:Captive Mate|55129651]
Jane (PS) wrote: "Is it this one?9. Each player reads a book in the same series, teams decide. No pass for this task.
- Parker St John Cabrini Law
For this, we are allowed to read the same book within that series..."
Yes, that one. Thats fine then.
Task 10 - Completion PostMinimum 750 pages featuring shifters
Mind Magic
200 pages
Tagged shifter x111. page 1 tags
Date read: 10/02/20
4 stars
Sometimes it takes a challenge to get you to read a book that wasn't on your radar before. This was a nice start to a new series for me. A Mage rescues some wolf cubs and starts a 'relationship' with the Alpha. They then battle to defeat evil and get the Mage's magic back.
Cute kids involved and a vampire so I will certainly be reading more of this series.
[*book:Mind Magic|16061480]
We have visitors at the moment so reading is very intermittant. But I will get my book finished by tomorrow afternoon, well before Kat would make the next call :)
Task 10 Completion Post750+ Pages Shifters
Hell on Earth by Macy Blake
Pages: 219
Qualification: MPG Paranormal/Shapeshifters
Read: 10/2/20
Rating: ★★★★
I don't think I've read this author before and I definitely didn't read whichever series came before this one. I don't think it was necessary but I'm guessing some of the characters were from that series. Not my usual cup of tea but really entertaining. Hellhounds, magic, dryads, werewolves....all kinds of magical creatures. And of course the goddess and the alpha of all creatures. Whew, it was a bit of an info dump. Loved the dynamics and the relationships. I'll probably keep reading this series. It really was a good time.
[*book:Hell on Earth|42359596]
Task 10 - Read 750+ pages in books with shiftersSelection
How to Run with the Wolves
Pages: 231
Qualifies: MPG Paranormal > Shapeshifters
Read: 3 October
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review:
So sweet with a great general plot line. I always enjoy the dog parallels and interpretations. Loved the humbleness of MC Zeus; the assertiveness of MC Timo that hides uncertainty. A great mix, who address the needs of the Quimmiq pack.
[*book:How to Run with the Wolves|49543954]
Task 10: (26) Read 750+ pages in books with shiftersMichaelle - Captive Mate - msg 272 207pp
Lisa - Mind Magic - msg 274 200pp
Shannon - Hell on Earth - msg 276 219pp
Jane - How to Run with the Wolves - msg 277 231pp
Total pages = 857
Is it just me or have your read book ratings disappeared? Will be interesting if we have a new category where you need to read a book rated a certain star rating or over?
I can see my book ratings but I'm not getting any notifications.
Shannon wrote: "I can see my book ratings but I'm not getting any notifications."Tal says notifications are turned of by GR as apparantly porn sites are trying to spam gr members.
Lisa wrote: "Shannon wrote: "I can see my book ratings but I'm not getting any notifications."Tal says notifications are turned of by GR as apparantly porn sites are trying to spam gr members."
I am still seeing ratings, but only checked to see if there were any comments on a whim. I saw I didn't have any emails and assumed no comments... I guess I need to be proactive about this for while. I usually am anyway for challenges I'm managing, but there are times when I'm feeling lazy and I just see if I've gotten any emails.
Here is Task 11:50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location.
Could be major city, state within the US or country outside of the US. Please include how you know where the book is set - book details, precis, title, tags or lists, with links and other info as necessary.
Task 11 - Selection PostSet in New York.
A Company of Players
152 pages
How it fits: Leaving romantic wreckage behind him, Nick Charles and his best friend Barb Anderson use Nick’s sizable inheritance to fly to one of the most exciting places in the world—New York City—with plans to open their own theater.
Yes - I'm missing all notifications. My ratings seem to be ok.
Task 11 Selection PostSet in New York
Billy and the Beast by Eli Easton
Pages: 205
Qualification: Series "Ever After, New York"
[*book:Billy and the Beast|55502728]
Task 11: Read a book set in the same location - New YorkSelection
Little Squirrels Can Climb Tall Trees
Pages: 200
Qualifies: precis "Kyle realized young that he had to escape rural America. Now he’s living in New York City,"
Little Squirrels Can Climb Tall Trees
Task 11 - Completion PostSet in New York.
A Company of Players
152 pages
Date read: 10/03/20
3 stars
How it fits: Leaving romantic wreckage behind him, Nick Charles and his best friend Barb Anderson use Nick’s sizable inheritance to fly to one of the most exciting places in the world—New York City—with plans to open their own theater.
After coming into
some money Nick and best friend Barb go to NY to open their own theater.
A strange book because Barb is more of an MC than Ross, Nicks boyfriend. The romance takes a back seat here to the story od opening the theater company and an odd abrupt ending spoilt it for me.
Task 11 Completion PostSet in New York
Billy and the Beast by Eli Easton
Pages: 205
Qualification: Series "Ever After, New York"
Read: 10/4/20
Rating: ★★★★
I don't know what I was expecting but it was this. It was kind of like of retelling of Beauty and the Beast but not really. This had corporate intrigue, amnesia, a grumpy, scarred millionaire and Billy. The sweetest guy around. It really was just a good love story with all the other things thrown in there but they kept it interesting for sure. Fun read.
[*book:Billy and the Beast|55502728]
Okay, what's going on with GR? I got no notifications. Shouldn't take me long to read my book...
Selection PostTask 11: Same Location/NY
Billy and the Beast by Eli Easton
Page Count: 205
How it Qualifies: Series Title = Ever After, New York
[*book:Billy and the Beast|55502728]
Found another one for the Pseudonym list:Chloe Gray = C.W. Gray
Task 11: Read a book set in the same location - New YorkCOMPLETION
Little Squirrels Can Climb Tall Trees
Pages: 200
Qualifies: precis "Kyle realized young that he had to escape rural America. Now he’s living in New York City,"
Read: 4 October
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
This book has a definitely different slant to its audience and content. It was more focused on (perhaps?) how gay men really see each other? There's a LOT of focus on penis size and packages. And I didn't believe in Kyle's mother at all. But there's a bit of a story as well. In the end I enjoyed it
Admirably assisted by Nick J Russo as narrator. I wouldn't have made it past 20% without him :)
[*book:Little Squirrels Can Climb Tall Trees|19230279]
Ok - so we didn't specify if we were using New York City or New York State. So we will go with New York State which encompasses New York City.😁
⚣Michaelle⚣ wrote: "Found another one for the Pseudonym list:Chloe Gray = C.W. Gray"
Done :)
And yes - notifications have been turned off temporarily. Lisa noted it above via Tal - evidently porn sites are spamming GR members or something!
Another dual author - AP Eisen/Felice Stevens
Shannon wrote: "Another dual author - AP Eisen/Felice Stevens"On the list :)
Oh man, I thought I found a new one!!
Completion PostTask 11: Same Location/NY
Billy and the Beast by Eli Easton
Page Count: 205
How it Qualifies: Series Title = Ever After, New York
Date Completed: 04Oct2020
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: I really liked this retelling of BatB. Definitely more along the lines of Disney than the Original version, but it worked really well for the story being told. Billy was bright and adorable, too curious for his own good, and completely loveable. ADORED how he looked everything up on YouTube. (I'm not hip with the interwebz speak but I think that's totally a mood.) Aaron was grouchy and stand0ffish, until he couldn't help but want to do things for Billy and was eventually drawn in by Billy's light. I LOLd every time he mentally complained or refused to do something when it came to Billy, but then did it anyway.
At the end of the book, Eli asks what other stories we'd like for her to write; I'm thinking Rapunzel is right up her alley. I don't do Facebook so if someone would suggest that, I'd appreciate it. Also, maybe she and Tara could ask for someone really good at the MM Reverse Harem thing to write Snow White? Who needs a Prince when there are 7 (potentially hot) miners/mechanics/blue-collar workers right there? (I'm looking at you Macy Blake - consider yourself voluntold.)
[*book:Billy and the Beast|55502728]
I'll check back in a couple hours to see if Jane's here to do the summary post. If not, I'll do a completion entry with individual links.
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I was close to the last fires but nothing too close right now. Thank god for our hated rain. Not so hated now!!