TART Challenge2 - Bookin' It (17)

[Katelyn]

How is everyone doing? I should finish my book tonight. This has been the fastest I have gotten a book done in a while.

[Busy Right Meow]

Katelyn wrote: "How is everyone doing? I should finish my book tonight. This has been the fastest I have gotten a book done in a while."

Finished my book this morning but didn't have time to write a review until now. You'll have to tell me which holiday books you enjoyed! I'm planning to go full holiday reading mode starting middle of Nov. lol

[Busy Right Meow]

Task 10 Completion Post:
Task: Each teammate reads a different book by the same author, no pass for this task.
Book/cover link: Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend
Page numbers with source: Kindle Edition, 300 pages
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Read a different book by the same author, Lauren Blakely
Date Completed: Oct 24th, 2020
Rating/Review: 4.5 stars

Is it crazy this is my first Lauren Blakely book ever? I feel like I've just been missing out! I read this book with a smile on my face from beginning to end. It's a light hearted, little to no angst, friends to lover rom com.

Summer (h) and Oliver (H) have been best friends since Oliver and his family moved next door when they were younger. They've always felt a pull to each other but neither wanted to risk their friendship. Oliver, especially, has dealt with some loss in his life and Summer, along with her brother, has been a constant dependable source in his life. Due to a contest letter that Summer submits that accidentally goes viral for all the wrong reasons, Oliver and Summer pretend like they're engaged to change public opinion of poor Oliver. #AmercicasWorstBoyfriend to #AmericasBestFiance.

Summer, like her namesake, is an eternal optimist, sunny, upbeat and positive. On the other hand, Oliver is a realist but somehow they just work so well together. Their characters felt well fleshed out with their human flaws. Their banter and friendship over the years make their fake relationship so believable, but it does give so much additional context why they have always been afraid. They're just two people that are perfect for each other that never took that leap of faith until circumstances force it.

I found Lauren Blakely's reading style very enjoyable and I just got lost in her story telling. There are actually so many tropes in this one book: friends to lover, fake relationship, best friend's sister but this book felt uniquely itself. I just thought it was refreshing that EVERYONE was rooting for them to be together even before anything happened, especially Summer's brother Logan. Usually, a big source of drama is dealing with the fallout of dating your best friend's sister but Logan was basically like "Dude, took you long enough!" I just adored how everyone knew they were perfect for each other.

The only reason I knocked this book down slightly was because I felt the end was a little rushed after the main conflict. I wish we knew more about the aftermath but that's just me nitpicking. This is the perfect light rom-com read and it definitely had me smiling from beginning to end. I can't wait to finish up this series.....which I will do right now!

[J]

Task 10 Completion Post:
Task: Each teammate reads a different book by the same author, no pass for this task.
Book/cover link: Big Rock
Page numbers with source: Kindle Edition, 244 pages
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Read a different book by the same author, Lauren Blakely
Date Completed: Oct 25th, 2020
Rating/Review: 2 stars

I was disappointed. First chapter was impressive. But as it proceeded, I was fed up. Hero brags all about his awesome long cock, that is specifically designed for women. He emasculates rest of the men because he feels they don't par with his strength and stamina in satisfying women. One time you tell it, then its confidence. If you brag about it for three chapters long, you are just being shallow and so in your head. Character development or character arc means so less in the book. Charlotte seemed interesting in the beginning but she too became predictable. I didn't enjoy this book.

[Katelyn]

Task 10 Completion Post:
Task: Each teammate reads a different book by the same author, no pass for this task.
Book/cover link: The Sexy One
Page numbers with source: Kindle Edition, 270 pages
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Read a different book by the same author, Lauren Blakely
Date Completed: Oct 25th, 2020
Rating/Review: 3 stars

To be honest, this book was just average. I can't say I loved it, but I didn't hate it either. I really felt the pacing was off a bit. I felt like we went from Nanny and Employer, forbidden/we cannot do this to lets do this. I think this may just be a personal problem and I my taste just may be changing. I just wish we got to see the relationship grow more before they jumped each others bones. I also think the conflict was just silly and rushed.

[Hayde]

Sorry team, had a swamped weekend. I should be done in a few hours.

[Busy Right Meow]

No worries at all Hayde! Take your time. :)

I'm going to be out of pocket the rest of the day. If you finish today, do you mind just posting the completion post to Mkat?

I updated the main post and I think you can just separately link to your post as well in the submission. :)

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

[Katelyn]

I started reading this short Halloween romance in the meantime and the girls name is Kandi Cornne and she owns a candy store!

[Hayde]

Katelyn wrote: "I started reading this short Halloween romance in the meantime and the girls name is Kandi Cornne and she owns a candy store!"

I never thought of reading a Halloween romance. 🤔 I will look into one!

[Hayde]

Task 10 Completion Post:
Task: Each teammate reads a different book by the same author, no pass for this task.
Book/cover link: Best Laid Plans
Page numbers with source: Kindle Edition, 300 pages
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Read a different book by the same author, Lauren Blakely
Date Completed: Oct 25th, 2020
Rating/Review: 2 stars

This book was meh, average. Pretty much had to force myself to finish the book. I was never able to get invested on the characters. I could care less of they got together or not. Story was not there, conflict was silly and it wrapped up sillier. The conflict would be a chapter long and it would get clear up, in two sentences. All the various plots for suspense where honestly pathetic. At one point every single character knows what is going on except the reader. We find out in the next chapter that they are going to a sex shop.

I will not be reading another book from Lauren, specially given how Katelyn and Jans had low reviews as well.

[Hayde]

Busy Right Meow wrote: "No worries at all Hayde! Take your time. :)

I'm going to be out of pocket the rest of the day. If you finish today, do you mind just posting the completion post to Mkat?

I updated the main post..."
Sure can do...if I figure how to do it......I’ll keep you posted

[Hayde]

I posted our completion post!

Kitty, have I ever said thank you so much for doing these post? If I haven’t then...THANK YOU!

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Here is Task 11:

44. Read 6 books by authors who use initials in their name.

Read a total of 6 books by authors who use initials in their name. Examples would include J.D. Robb, Jennifer L. Armentrout and J.R. Ward.

[J]

Hayde wrote: "I posted our completion post!

Kitty, have I ever said thank you so much for doing these post? If I haven’t then...THANK YOU!"

I haven't either. Just now I found how you have tracked every messages and posted in the group. Thanks a lot, Kitty :)

[J]

I will read by T.J. Klune for the Task 11.

[Katelyn]

I have a few on my tablet that could work. I am just going to see which ones suck me in.

[Busy Right Meow]

No problem! Figured it just makes life easier for mkat. I’m usually a slave to my computer for work and can update and post but I was out and didn’t want to delay getting us an assignment.

I think I’m going with The Foxe & the Hound by R.S. Grey. Sucker for animals in books haha

[Katelyn]

So it seems like we have to read 6 books, so 2 of us will have to read an extra book. I am off this whole week so I can probably get an extra book in.

[Busy Right Meow]

I totally missed the 6 books part! I guess we can just see who finishes their book first and see if they can pick up an extra as well.

[Katelyn]

That is exactly what I was thinking, too.

[Katelyn]

Also, I can't believe there is only 2 weeks left of the challenge!

[Hayde]

I just started the second HP audiobook, and realized it can count for this task. This works perfectly has I can do house chores/work and get this task completed.

[Hayde]

Also since I already read many times HP, I’ll also pick another book to read. 😉 I have many in my TBR, it’s just a case of which one to choose.

[Katelyn]

For some reason, my goodreads on my computer isn't updating my timeline. When I get on my phone or tablet is shows me current stuff people are reading, but my computer shows stuff from yesterday. So weird.

[Busy Right Meow]

Task 11 Completion Post:
Task: Read 6 books by authors who use initials in their name.
Book/cover link: The Foxe & the Hound
Page numbers with source: Kindle Edition, 330 pages
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Book is written by R.S. Grey who uses initials in her name
Date Completed: Oct 27th, 2020
Rating/Review: 3.5 stars

A light hearted rom com that has noticeable plot holes. I really wanted to love this book because the premise was so cute and I always love when pets play a huge part in a book. I liked this book but it was hard to ignore some of the blatant flaws in the storyline.

Madeline (h) is a dysfunctional twenty seven year old real estate agent. Not only is she sorta failing at her real estate career by only selling one house (to her brother/sis in law) a few months ago, her dating life is abysmal as well. Prior to the book, Madeline impulsively adopts a cute puppy at the shelter and named him Mouse only to find out later Mouse is actually a Bernese mountain puppy who soon outweighs her. Mouse playfully “attacks”/“licks” a handsome stranger, Adam, on the street which is where the meet cute happens.

Lucky for Madeline and Mouse, Adam (H) is the new veterinarian in town and he is grumpy af. Adam moved from Chicago to Texas after a particularly bad breakup where his fiancé was cheating on him with his best friend. He has a lot of baggage and a foul mood that poor Madeline is sometimes in the crossfire for. Adam gets better as the book progresses when he acknowledges and realizes that he is extremely contradictory with his actions and words with Madeline. He tells her one thing and does another so of course the girl is super confused with the mixed signals. Ultimately he realizes his newfound insecurity shouldn’t play into his relationship with Madeline and I begrudgingly accept this character development.

My main issue with this book is the inconsistency in Madeline’s character. We are told how smart and driven she is and other characters have mentioned she was intimidating to the men in town given how she was an overachiever back in school. The only explanation for her “dysfunctional” life is she just fizzled out?!? Um what? She is apparently sarcastic and crass but none of this seems to translate into her professional life. If I was looking for a real estate agent, I am not sure I would hire someone that is constantly late to work meetings and who is so docile. Also was it really a smart financial decision to adopt a dog when you are barely making rent? It’s a rom com so it all works out for Madeline in the end but I can’t help but feel a bit unsatisfied with Madeline.

Overall it was a light easy read and Mouse was undoubtedly the best part of the book....as all dogs are. 🐶

[Busy Right Meow]

I finished my book before work. I can start a new one after work/tomorrow morning if no one else starts a new book by the time I begin. I will post if/when I start a new one for the challenge. I may be a glutton for punishment but I might read the related book to the one I just read about the heroines brother and sister in law and how they got together.....

[Katelyn]

Sounds good. I was hoping to get this one done quick, but I had to go to the store this morning and I am going to the doctor this afternoon. I am still having some troubles from my ear infection that I need to get checked out.

[Katelyn]

I wonder when the race is over, which other challenge they are going to do.

[Hayde]

Audiobooks are so slow!!!! I been ‘reading’ for hours and barely halfway. I might have made a mistake doing audiobook on this one. 😫

[Hayde]

@Katelyn, been wondering the same.

[Katelyn]

Yea, I listen to my audiobooks on 1.5 speed, 2 if their normal speed is slower.

[Hayde]

Task 11 Completion Post:
Task: Read 6 books by authors who use initials in their name.
Book/cover link: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Page numbers with source: Kindle Edition, 357 pages
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Book is written by J.K. Rowling who uses initials in her name
Date Completed: Oct 27th, 2020
Rating/Review: 5

[Hayde]

Katelyn wrote: "Yea, I listen to my audiobooks on 1.5 speed, 2 if their normal speed is slower."

I tried listening at 1.5x, but it’s too fast for me. Apparently I can read fast but not listen fast. 🤷🏽‍♀️

I think I’ll start reading The Blacksmith Queen it’s written by G.A Aiken.

[J]

Task 11 Completion Post:
Task: Read 6 books by authors who use initials in their name.
Book/cover link: The House in the Cerulean Sea
Page numbers with source: Kindle Edition, 393 pages
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Book is written by T.J. Klune who uses initials in his name
Date Completed: Oct 28th, 2020
Rating/Review: 5 stars

Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant!

I want all the six kids in my home! I want to hug Chauncey and tell how awesome bellhop he was. I want to tell my grave size to Talia. I want to tell Phee to make me into a mango tree. I want to hear all the poems Sal had written. I want to pluck all the buttons in the world for Theodore. I want to plan the end of world with Lucy!

The fact that such six small children have unique behavioural traits and everyone gets stuck to heart proves, Klune's amazing world building and amazing creation.

There are impactful messages said throughout the story. I guess, Klune wanted to convey a message and he built a world full of tiny, little, sweet, adorable monsters(monsters because we perceive them to be), not because what they actually are. And the message is strong.

There are savage lines like the below:

“And he should be found at fault for existing? What choice did he have in the matter?”

“Why can’t life work whatever way we want it to? What’s the point of living if you only do it how others want you to?”

“I am but paper. Brittle and thin. I am held up to the sun, and it shines right through me. I get written on, and I can never be used again. These scratches are a history. They’re a story. They tell things for others to read, but they only see the words, and not what the words are written upon."

I loved it. It has humor. It has pain. It has family. It has fun. It has everything! I loved it.

[Busy Right Meow]

I will start the 6th book and I will read Anything You Can Do.

[Busy Right Meow]

@Jans your book sounds so interesting! Definitely going on my tbr.

[Hayde]

I remembered that I have a team virtual get together this evening. I probably won’t be able to start the book today. We might need a backup person to start a book.

[Katelyn]

I still have to finish my first one, but I have some running around to do today. I found an audiobook that is 6 hrs but I can get it done a bit faster than that. I will start that while I am shopping and driving.

[J]

I guess I can fill for the second book, then. I ll read Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens

[J]

Ah, I am going to change the book. My kindle shows 15 hours for the 500 pages book.

So, I ll read, Sparrow by L.J. Shen

[Katelyn]

Sounds good! I am going to knock out this book today as well.

[Hayde]

Task 11 Completion Post:
Task: Read 6 books by authors who use initials in their name.
Book/cover link: The Blacksmith Queen
Page numbers with source: Kindle Edition, 304 pages
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Book is written by G.A. Aiken who uses initials in her name
Date Completed: Oct 28th, 2020
Rating/Review: 5 stars... can I give it 10

I love this book! This Book is about a magical world were the old king has died and his sons are fighting for the throne. They are brutal and the book is full of gore. Multiple killings on the first page. The sons think they only have to fight among themselves but they are wrong, the witches prophesy a pheasant queen will rise to the thrown. Come in Keenly, she’s a blacksmith that loves her family and the animals near her family farm. When her sister is proclaimed the future queen, she would do everything to protect her. And Keenly is a BADASS! Nothing will stop her. What follows is a mismatched up group of quirk characters, you have humans, monks, demon wolves, and wild horse fighting to get their queen to the throne. Along their journey, they encounter witches, dwarves, elves, dragons. Keenly’s love of all animals is a running joke throughout the book, specially when more than one tries to kill her. And still she tries to rescue them.

If you liked game of thrones, definitely read this book. You see most of it except the incest. It is also similar to Lord of the Rings but way more bloody and goring. Definitely rated, just on that language the characters use Keenly also reminds me of Thor. She carries her hammer everywhere.

I also love that very few paragraphs the POV changes. Every character gets a chapter.

[Katelyn]

Sorry it is taking me so long just to finish one guys. I really thought I would get a lot done with having this week off, but I have just been in a weird head space. If we get to 6 books without me, you can always put me down for a pass if you need to. I am about 40% into my book.

[J]

Hayde wrote: "Task 11 Completion Post:
Task: Read 6 books by authors who use initials in their name.
Book/cover link: The Blacksmith Queen
Page numbers with source: Kindle Edition, 304 pages
How ..."

I already have it my tbr. Can't wait to devour Hayde. And that cover! Wow, that is the coolest cover.
It has been so long since I read a badass girl who can do her own bidding. Thanks for that wonderful review, Hayde:)

[J]

Katelyn wrote: "Sorry it is taking me so long just to finish one guys. I really thought I would get a lot done with having this week off, but I have just been in a weird head space. If we get to 6 books without me..."

Kat, take your time. We will definitely wait for you to finish the book. There is no fun if we just keep reading, for the sake of finishing it. Take all your time, Kat!

[J]

Busy Right Meow wrote: "@Jans your book sounds so interesting! Definitely going on my tbr."

You shouldn't miss this Kitty. Tell me who you would like the most, when you ll read. Talia or Chauncey.

[J]

Katelyn wrote: "I wonder when the race is over, which other challenge they are going to do."

If there is no other challenge, whenever we are available, we should do buddy read. We could always get different perspectives and enjoy the process.

[Katelyn]

I think one of the reasons I am struggling is because I didn't have a book I reallllly wanted to read right now to fill this task, so I just had to pick something. I have an eye appointment today, but I should get it done.

[Busy Right Meow]

Totally agree to just take your time! When you have a really good book you want to read it just makes everything go faster.

[Busy Right Meow]

Task 11 Completion Post:
Task: Read 6 books by authors who use initials in their name.
Book/cover link: Anything You Can Do
Page numbers with source: Kindle Edition, 277 pages
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Book is written by R.S. Grey who uses initials in her name
Date Completed: Oct 29th, 2020
Rating/Review: 4 stars

I accidentally read this series in reverse so Lucas and Daisy was married already when I met them, but following their love story from the beginning was still such a treat.

Lucas and Daisy have been competing against each other since they were born. Literally they were born minutes apart and the rivalry has not let up ever since. Despite going to opposite coasts for college and their medical residency, both move back to their hometown to work in the same family clinic with hopes of taking over. Their close working proximity, their banter and the tension all comes to a head in their explosive relationship.

Lucas has loved Daisy ever since he knew what love was and he is just perfect. He is so patient, waiting for Daisy to finally realize what’s been in front of her the entire time. As the story was primarily told in Daisy’s POV, we didn’t get much of Lucas but the unsent emails he has drafted to Daisy were so sweet and such a great insight to his character. Undoubtedly he was my favorite character from the book...and apparently look like Clark Kent with his glasses.

Daisy is a little OTT and there are so many times you just want to shake her and tell her to see what’s in front of her. I do appreciate that her change felt organic and true to form. I wish Lucas made her grovel a bit more but I can understand Lucas is just such a big softie for Daisy. I am going to assume it was done on purpose by the author but I really liked how Daisy ended her first email to Lucas with Love, Daisy. She already knew then and there she loved him even when they were fighting but maybe she didn’t even realize it (or so I like to pretend).

Now that I have read both books in the series, this was undoubtedly my favorite of the two. I actually think I would have been even more upset with Madeline’s book if I read it in order since I actually really liked Madeline in this book.