TART Challenge2 - Bookin' It (17)

[Katelyn]

I just have to say again how much I love this challenge. I sometimes would go days between books because I just could not decide what to read. I have now read 7 books this month which does not seem like a lot, but is the most I have read in a while.

[Busy Right Meow]

@Katelyn Your book sounds like a perfect read! I really like this challenge too since it forces me to clear through my tbr and also find more books to add from everyone's reviews haha

I posted our completion! Hopefully we get the task tonight.

[Busy Right Meow]

Looks like we just missed mkat since she is logging off due to a headache. Hopefully she feels better soon since headaches are the worst. 🥺 I think we will probably get our task tomorrow morning instead so a great way to start off the Sunday!

[Hayde]

@Kitty, Pink flamingos in the lawn! I want to read it just for that.

I love books where characters are developed in previous books and you get to see those couples later on. I think my favorite books are all in these type ord series. It’s just so hard to do full character development in just a couple hundred pages.

[Katelyn]

sorry guys! I was hopping to have it earlier, but I worked today.

[Busy Right Meow]

@Hayde The pink flamingo scene actually happened in the second book and I remember reading it and really looking forward to reading the next couple haha

@Katelyn Don't apologize!

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Katelyn - my TBR is growing with this challenge too! 🤦🏻‍♀️

Jans, if you like sports romance Sawyer Bennett's books are quite good! I would suggest starting with the Cold Fury series first, there is a little crossover between the series, but you would be ok with either. 😊

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Here is Task 6 for you:

19. Each teammate reads a book another teammate read and rated 4 Stars or higher in the last 3 months. No pass for this task.

The books your choose need to be read on or after 6.26.2020 and rated at least 4 stars. Please include a link to the teammate's review or read shelf in your completion. The series rule applies to this task.

[Busy Right Meow]

In honor of my husband who will be obsessively focused on his fantasy football team tomorrow, I think I will read which Katelyn rated as 5 stars back in July.

[J]

@MKat: I haven't really tried many sports romance but I have a varied palette, so I definitely look up to the cold fury series. I guess, sometime later, I will dig into Katelyn's shelf. She has plenty of them.

Because of fae fever, I have, I am going to read and rated 4 stars Darkfever that Hayde had read, on Sep 16. So, excited now!

[Katelyn]

I am trying to decide between 3 different books from Kittys shelf. Captain, Legend, or After We Fall. I guess I will let you know once I decide. I just am not sure what I am in the mood for. lol

[Katelyn]

I think I might read Legend because I can use it for my other challenge as well.

Of course, I am reading this series out of order. I still have not finished Cold Fury which I was reading out of order as well.

[Busy Right Meow]

@Katelyn I think I read Bishop within the challenge timeframe if you are able to use that for your other challenge and want to start from the series beginning. I actually need to go back and read the cold fury series hahah

Edit: JK I'm a liar. I thought I rated it but I guess I didn't. I went back and rated it just in case you are able to use it.

[Busy Right Meow]

Task 6 Completion Post

Task: Each teammate reads a book another teammate read and rated 4 Stars or higher in the last 3 months. No pass for this task.
Book/cover link: Intercepted
Page numbers with source: 320 Pages, Kindle GR
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Read by Katelyn on July 29th, 2020 and she rated it 5 stars.
Katelyn's Review
Date Completed: September 27th, 2020
Rating/Review: 4.5 Stars

Honestly, I was angry reading this book maybe 75% of the way through. I guess it makes this a really great book because I felt so deeply focused in this book and couldn't get over some of the rage I was feeling.

Marlee (h) has the patience of a saint. Marlee has been with Chris, her NFL football high school sweetheart for the past 10 years until she found proof that he's been cheating on her. Not only is her ex super terrible, she's spent the past few years of their relationship trying to integrate herself with the WAGS (Wives and Girlfriends of sportsperson) who clearly look down on her girlfriend status. Four years prior to the events of the book, Chris asked for a break and she had a fling with an "investment broker" Gavin (H) in Chicago until she realized the next day he is actually a superstar NFL quarterback. The story really kicks off when Gavin moves to Denver to play on the same team with Chris and reunites with Marlee.

As a reader I was about to throw my phone reading through all the antics these WAGS put her through. Look, I'm not ashamed to admit I watched the WAGS reality TV show on E! and a huge part of that show was highlighting the hierarchy of the Wives and then the girlfriends. A major plot line of that show was literally about the girlfriends trying to get a ring so they can elevate to wife status. Since the author, Alexa Martin, is a former NFL wife, I'm sure her book is exposing some parts of that deep underbelly of the WAGS life. I think what truly made me angry about the wives (minus Naomi who is the best girlfriend Marlee could have had) is their actions are not justified in anyway. Marlee is feisty and doesn't fit the mold of the typical NFL wife the group is portraying. Maybe I'm reading too much into it but the racial undertones of why those women dislike Marlee, a biracial woman, just made me extremely angry on her behalf. Ugh, even thinking about those women make me angry.

Gavin has this uncanny ability to literally step in everytime and save Marlee even if she doesn't want to be saved. Gavin is a fine hero but ultimately, this book is about Marlee and her growth to be her own person. I could imagine how easy it is for her to lose her sense of self to Chris and how she probably molded the previous ten years of her life to fit neatly into his life. While I know Gavin wouldn't maliciously take advantage of Marlee, I always worried Marlee was going to lose her sense of newfound self to Gavin. It worried me that everytime Gavin stepped in that it was impeding her growth so I'm glad Marlee spoke up often to tell him to let her fight her own battles.
(view spoiler)[When Marlee put her foot down to say she isn't moving to NY and uproot her life for Gavin, that was really when the book really shined for me. I truly believe she needed time to be alone; to feel ok with being alone. (hide spoiler)] I thought the conflict at the end was extremely realistic given their relationship and I'm glad we didn't have to deal with some OW/OM drama.

Overall, this is a solid start to this series. The writing style (stop with the hashtags please) irked me in the beginning but I got sucked into the story and I was able to get used to it. I feel like any book that can illicit such a strong reaction to me from the plot/characters is great despite how angry I may feel. Now, I'm going to read something that will make me less angry. :)

[Hayde]

I’m reading The Cruel Prince 😉

@Jans, let me know what you think about Barrons.

[Hayde]

So I changed my mind and read Bishop. 🙈 I realized I haven’t fully processed Darkfever yet and need some break from fantasy.

Completion post

Task: Each teammate reads a book another teammate read and rated 4 Stars or higher in the last 3 months. No pass for this task.
Book/cover link: Bishop
Page numbers with source: 221 Pages, Kindle GR
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Read by Busy Right Meow on July 23rd, 2020 and she rated it 4 stars.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Date Completed: September 28th, 2020
Rating/Review: 4 Stars

It was really interesting to get the majority of the book’s POV from Bishop. I’m so used to either an even split or mostly from the heroine that hearing Bishop was refreshing.

I didn’t really read the synopsis of this book so I was surprised to see the couple jump from one night stand to engaged! I still think lying about the engagement was a bit too much and I was surprised Bishop went along with it. The story line involving Nanette felt a bit forced into this book. It was never fully explained why Nanette acted the way she did.or at least not explained in a way that satisfied me. I wonder if she is a character from a previous book or we’ll hear more from her in later books. I’m not sure if I’m just reading into it and looking for an explanation to her actions.

I’m jumping into book two mainly to read about the pink flamingos 🦩🦩🦩

[Busy Right Meow]

@Hayde The Nanette storyline sorta threw me off too and that's why I just rated it a four since I really didn't care for her/that storyline. I didn't read the previous series but I don't think she is a character from that book but happy to report her name is not mentioned in the 3rd book. She's briefly mentioned in the 2nd.

Pink flamingos happen like 1/3 of the way through Erik. :)

Also, I feel like I'm just reading through the series in anticipation for Tacker's book.

[J]

Awesome guys! I read Forbidden by Tabitha two days back and I became quite sick after it. Kinda panic attack. Still processing. I couldn't take another book. But today I will try to finish Darkfever.
Did any of you read that book?

[Busy Right Meow]

@Jans I never read the book but just checking out the reviews and it seems like you are not the only one that needed time to process. All the reviews seem to feel very passionately about the book.

[J]

Yeah, definitely a heavy read and more importantly it took a part of me. I never had been in this state and am quite shocked it is going on for 3 days in row now. Have taken off for the day. Cried the whole night. I don't even know if I want this feeling to stop.

It's going to be forever there with me. if you ever read, let me know, I am here to listen to you. Brilliant book

[Busy Right Meow]

It's sorta crazy that it is marketed as a YA book! Do you think because you are an adult that you process it more deeply than teens? I am honestly a little hesitant to read, not so about the topic since I'm an only child, but not sure I am ready for my heart to be ripped out....maybe I just need to be mentally prepared. I will definitely let you know if I am ever brave enough to read it!

Also I hope you are able to pick a lighter read next just to balance it all out.

[Hayde]

Oh wow that book looks intense. I looked up other reviews as well and it seems other ppl are also questioning the Young Adult label.

[J]

Definitely not a teen read. I too had no problem about the incest. It seemed too natural and good. infact their love story was flawless than many love stories I read.

It just is a heavy read. Probably because I have gone through some tough phase and as I never processed it, now I feel so anxious and restless. It's definitely a heavy subject but as a mature adult, i would ask anyone to read that story. it's thought provoking too.

i read my husband last chapter and he also hasn't slept. Or smiled since then. I shared the story with my mom and she became silent and numb. I guess its just so raw and real.

You guys have to read it but you will need someone to share and express those feelongs.

[Busy Right Meow]

It definitely sounds really intense but thought provoking. It definitely takes time to process books like that and I can tell it is going to stick with you.

Don't force yourself to read if you need more time by the way!

[J]

Thanks Kitty!
I need a light read for sure.

[Katelyn]

Hopefully you can find something in our shelves. I usually don't have anything too dark. I prefer a lighter read usually.

[Katelyn]

I love Legend so far, but I am having such a hard time reading! I just started back to working full 40 hr weeks that as soon as I get off, I am exhausted. Its like I pick up my tablet to read and my eyes decide to close haha

[Busy Right Meow]

@Katelyn I'm glad you like Legend so far! I think the series is totally up your alley given how you enjoy sports romances. Like we told Jans, don't pressure yourself to read! It's suppose to be fun and enjoyable even though I know you're competitive. :)

@Jans If you need any future book recommendations, the book I'm currently reading has two alpacas called Chewpaca and Too-Pac. It's a very light read haha.

[Katelyn]

Hey Guys! Sorry it is taking me so long. It has been a crazy week. I am hoping to have it done tonight or tomorrow.

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Katelyn wrote: "I think I might read Legend because I can use it for my other challenge as well.

Of course, I am reading this series out of order. I still have not finished Cold Fury which I was ..."

This just made me cringe!! 😵

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Busy Right Meow wrote: "Task 6 Completion Post

Task: Each teammate reads a book another teammate read and rated 4 Stars or higher in the last 3 months. No pass for this task.
Book/cover link: Intercepted
..."

Please correct to the first edition Kindle page count. 😊

[MountainKat, Moderator]

I accidentally clicked on your team, so I just figured I would check what had already been posted. 😊

[Busy Right Meow]

MountainKat wrote: "I accidentally clicked on your team, so I just figured I would check what had already been posted. 😊"

Woops thank you! 😅

[J]

Task 6 Completion Post

Task: Each teammate reads a book another teammate read and rated 4 Stars or higher in the last 3 months. No pass for this task.
Book/cover link: Wait for Me
Page numbers with source: 299 Pages, Kindle GR
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Read by Katelyn on Sep 17th, 2020 and she rated it 4 stars.
Katelyn's Review
Date Completed: October 1st, 2020
Rating/Review: 3 Stars

Romance in smalltown, village folks support each other through tough times, Akela from The Jungle Book to rescue babies, heartbreak, going through tough times, finding a new family, giving second chances in life -- all amazing layers for the plot.

I was so drawn to the story. But unlike, T.J.Klune, who had the exact same premise for WolfSong, I wasn't able to connect with either Noel or Taron like I was in love with Ox.

It isn't the insta love that threw me off. I feel a lot of issues are brushed over and thrown off. Both MCs had gone through tough times, but the author didn't make an effort for me to feel their pain, I guess the major problem lies in the number of pages. I needed more inner monologue, more humane processing of the brain. A lot of fierce nature could have been developed into a plot, and a storyline with more words and communication.

As Katelyn mentioned a child in the plot was super nice, and Akela, the dog was brilliant. I liked the world-building and characters. Especially Leon and Sawyer. I wanted more time to know them. Overall it was a light read that I needed so much now.

[Katelyn]

Task 6 Completion Post

Task: Each teammate reads a book another teammate read and rated 4 Stars or higher in the last 3 months. No pass for this task.

Book/cover link: Legend

Page numbers with source: 227 Pages, Kindle GR

How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Read by Kitty on Sep 25th, 2020 and she rated it 4 stars.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Date Completed: October 2nd, 2020

Rating/Review: 4 Stars

I really liked this one. I read it out of order so of course there are some characters that I haven't fully met yet. I felt like this did not take anything away from the story though. I love a single dad romance especially when he is a hockey player. The only thing is I wish there was a little more back and forth between Legend and Pepper before they got together. I'm sure if I read them in order I would have gotten that. I look forward to reading the other ones in this series.

[Busy Right Meow]

@Jans Glad you were able to pick and read a lighter book!

@Katelyn I think you'll appreciate more of the banter in the second book for Legend and Pepper! Glad you liked it despite reading out of order.

I posted our completion post. :)

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Here is Task 7:

29. Read over 750 pages in books about the same profession, teams decide which profession.

Professions such as law enforcement officer, musician or athlete are acceptable. Just don't try to pass off a rancher and a chef as both being in the food industry - they simply aren't close enough! Remember to use the first edition Kindle page count.

[Katelyn]

Well, after going back to the beginning we had chosen athlete. Now to choose out of my hundreds of sports romance lol

[Katelyn]

Also, trying to make sure the player is on a professional team and not in college.

[Katelyn]

So I think I am going to read . I guess I am continuing on this hockey train.

It is 358 pages, so hopefully it doesn't take too long. I do have the whole weekend off which is going to be nice.

[Hayde]

Good thing I waited to start Legend. I’ll read that 😁

[Busy Right Meow]

@Hayde you are on a roll with the series!

I think I will go with Hot as Puck. I have been really liking the author after reading the Happy Cat series.

[J]

Busy Right Meow wrote: "Task 6 Completion Post

Task: Each teammate reads a book another teammate read and rated 4 Stars or higher in the last 3 months. No pass for this task.
Book/cover link: Intercepted
..."

Wow, going right away to my shelf. That is so many feelings, Kitty! Sometimes the best of books get to our nerves and we badly want to throw dynamite at people who keep messing up, right? I like female characters stepping up. Looks like Marlee definitely deserves to be heard!

[J]

Hayde wrote: "So I changed my mind and read Bishop. 🙈 I realized I haven’t fully processed Darkfever yet and need some break from fantasy.

Completion post

Task: Each teammate reads a book ano..."

I have no idea what Pink Flamingos is, but I have been planning for some time to read Sawyer Bennett. And all of you have touched one of her books. Maybe I will do it too.

I tried with Darkfever, but Moning's world-building was totally contrasting with Holly Black's fae world. I guess I too need a break before I jump in with this world. Besides, I found Mac to be as annoying as hell. I hope she grows up in the book. Barrons is a refreshing character and he is the saving grace for the first half.

[J]

Katelyn wrote: "Task 6 Completion Post

Task: Each teammate reads a book another teammate read and rated 4 Stars or higher in the last 3 months. No pass for this task.

Book/cover link: Legend

Pag..."

Another Sawyer Bennett! I definitely need to get in.

[J]

@Kitty: You have read about raccoon romance and alpacas now? Can you attach the book link for alpacas? I will read it when I go into dark mode. Now, I speak like Dexter!! Haha...

[J]

I am planning on reading this book It Had to Be You for the athlete profession in the book. I am definite Susan would add too much sexist plot in it and I am going to end up giving 3 stars. But her humor is on par and so excellent, so I truly want to read this book.

[Busy Right Meow]

@Jans If you are looking for a light read next time, this was the book I was talking about Hitched. It's a marriage of convenience over an alpaca Chewpaca🤣. It's very silly but very heart warming. I appreciate it's not just about romantic love, but also love for your family (blood or not) and animals. It is the third book in the series that I previously read for this challenge so the raccoon George Cooney makes lots of appearances!

[Busy Right Meow]

@Jans I remember someone saying that book It Had To be You really popularized the sports romance genre, at least back in the day. Curious to see how it resonates now especially given it published almost 20 years ago.

[Busy Right Meow]

Task 7 Completion Post

Task: Read over 750 pages in books about the same profession, teams decide which profession.
Profession: Athlete
Book/cover link: Hot as Puck
Page numbers with source: 330 Pages, Kindle GR
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Hero is an NFL hockey player.
Date Completed: October 3rd, 2020
Rating/Review: 4 Stars

Can a shark and a goldfish really make it work or are they just too different?

A solid start to a new hockey series kicking off with a friends to lover story. Libby (h) and her sister Laura grew up with Justin (H) and have all been best friends for years. Libby is a sweet, innocent, virgin kindergarten teacher who has a not so secret crush on the vice principal of her school. She is anxious and a nervous wreck around him and enlists a reluctant Justin to help get over her awkwardness. She considers herself a goldfish and Justin is definitely a big bad shark. Justin is a star NFL hockey player who has no qualms about jumping from relationship to relationship to avoid dealing with the emotional fallout of them ending. As they decide to take a more "hands on" approach to their lesson plan, sparks definitely fly.

Libby is an extremely relatable heroine. Libby struggles to fit in sometimes and I think we can all admit we are at the mercy of our fears and our desire to be accepted by others. Her vulnerability is endearing; she is just a goldfish trying to do right in the world and making it in her own little ways.

While Libby was fine, I have to admit Justin stole the show for me. He is such a surprise from the usual hard partying athlete I have read in some other books that end up falling for their best friend. Sure he is a relationship rebounder and I wish we did explore why he is this way but he is also very grounded. He meditates before his games and crochets as a hobby (which Libby taught him back when they were younger). He has a charity called Hookers for the Homless (🤣) that provides caps, gloves, etc to those in need. He may seem like a shark but he has a lot of goldfish in him too. Libby brings a sense of normalcy and calmness in his life while he is able to bring some feistiness to Libby.

Overall, this is a great start to the series. There were some open lingering plot points which I wished could have been addressed but it doesn't detract from my reading enjoyment. I can already tell I am going to love the next story in the series about Laura, Libby's sister, and Brendan, the team captain.