Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
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TART Challenge2 - Bookin' It (17)
Task 11 Completion Post:Task: Read 6 books by authors who use initials in their name.
Book/cover link: Nothing But Trouble
Page numbers with source: Kindle Edition, 292 pages
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Book is written by P. Dangelico who uses initials in her name
Date Completed: Oct 29th, 2020
Rating/Review: 2 stars
Goodness, this book was a major struggle for me. The pacing of this book was just absolutely awful. I get a slow burn and banter, but this was just not it. First of all, she let this guy walk all over her. He was a jerk so many times and she just forgave him for everything. They actually on't get together until literally the last bit of the book and the author tries to shove as much in at the end as possible. So much drama in the last bit, it was just so rushed. Had they gotten together a lot earlier the ending could have been spaced out and every storyline could have gotten flushed out more. This book has good reviews, but this was just not for me.
Cleaning out some books from my goodreads to read shelf while we are waiting for a new task!
Jans wrote: "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 p..."
Between this challenge, the Bachelor Challenge and even on my team for the PtP - I can't tell you how many times I've seen 5 star reviews for this book! I STILL haven't read it yet, but it will definitely be on my M&G shelf for the next round!!
Here is Task 12:80. Read 4 books initially published in different decades.
Remember to use the initial publication date for this task. If there is one listed at the top of the editions page use it, otherwise the qualification would come from the earliest dated English language edition. Because I'm nice, we will say decades start at 0 rather than end - so 2020 is in the decade of the 20s. You can select any decade, but they all have to be different.
Since we all have to do a different decade, the easiest seems like 1990s, 2000s, 2010s and 2020s. Anyone have a preference for which decade they do?Edit: 1980s - Kitty
2010s - Katelyn
So I will take 2010-2019 decade.I will be reading I Hate You by Ilsa Madden-Mills which came out in August 2019.
Actually I will do the 1980s. I have been meaning to read Howl's Moving Castle before watching the movie. Jans and Hayde, that still leave you both with 1990s, 2000s and 2020. Hopefully you can find something interesting...or can always default to HP haha
I have something for 70s, 2000s and for 2020. Jans, which one would you like? I’m ok with any. So you pick and I’ll choose from what is left.
So, I changed it up and I am reading
Of course it does not fit into my other challenge, but I have a list of fall reads I want to read before I start my winter/christmas books.
I’ll be continuing with reading paranormal romance books with...Magic Bites. Let’s see if I stick to this book. I normally don’t like reading to different paranormal series back to back, but the second book of The Blacksmith Queen is not out yet.
Task 12 Completion Post:Task: 80. Read 4 books initially published in different decades.
Book/cover link: Pumpkin Everything by Beth Labonte
Page numbers with source: Kindle Edition, 194 pages
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Book was published in 2018 which falls in the 2010-2019 decade I chose.
Date Completed: Nov 1st, 2020
Rating/Review: 4.5 stars
This book was just too cute! I loved being pulled into this small town and I wish I had one near me. I was pulled right into the fall season and I loved that. We have Amy who is an author who ends up going back to her hometown to help take care of her grandfather. This is the first time she has been back since she left for college because of a certain somebody. Kit Parker was her best friend turned high school sweetheart and this is their second chance. I look forward to reading the other books that are set in the same small town of Autumnboro.
Task 12 Completion Post:Task: 80. Read 4 books initially published in different decades.
Book/cover link: Howl's Moving Castle
Page numbers with source: Kindle Edition, 448 pages
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Book was first published in 1986 which falls in the 1980-1989 decade I chose.
Date Completed: Nov 1st, 2020
Rating/Review: 5 stars
A classic fantasy novel with so many surprises, plot twists and clever storytelling. While I haven't watched the movie yet (next on my list of to do), I am so glad I started off with the book. This is one of those books where you have to reread again. Now that I do know the twist at the end (which I won't spoil), I am thinking back to all the hints the author dropped along the way. Everything in this book was so cleverly done and so much thought was put into it. I love the themes revolving around destiny and courage. It's hard to explain how great this book is without spoiling it because everything was just pieced together so well!
Also, in the spirit of this romance reader's reading challenge, it made me giggle halfway through when I realized this book is an age gap romance. You know, just your casual 90 year old heroine and her relationship with a 20 something year old man. Sure, Sophie was 18 and cursed by the evil witch to become 90 years old but I'd definitely consider this an age gap romance. :)
Jokes aside, the fantasy elements and storytelling for this book is stellar and highly recommend if you haven't read this book and/or watched the movie.
Can I say that it has taken me all day to pick out my next read and I still haven't decided. Not having a prompt to pick my book has been a struggle lol
I picked a slow read. I keep reading and reading and not getting anywhere. I’m considering switching books. I just can’t get into this story and start reading fast. I read a few paragraphs and get distracted. 😔
I hate when that happens. That is why I have learned that I can only do challenges that allow me to change books. I hate forcing myself to read a book I am not into.
Hayde wrote: "I picked a slow read. I keep reading and reading and not getting anywhere. I’m considering switching books. I just can’t get into this story and start reading fast. I read a few paragraphs and get ..."Did you decide to switch it up?
I am plowing thru :) I think it’s finally getting better.
Good! I know with some books you just have to get past the first quarter of it.
Task 12 Completion Post:Task: 80. Read 4 books initially published in different decades.
Book/cover link:Magic Bites
Page numbers with source: Kindle Edition, 386 pages
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Book was first published in March 29th 2009 by Ace (first published March 27th 2007) which falls in the 2000-2009 decade I chose.
Date Completed: Nov 3rd, 2020
Rating/Review: 3 stars
Take two....
Disclaimer: I do plan on continuing reading this series even after giving it 3 stars.
Frustration #1: World building was tough in this book. I, used to the authors technique as I have read another for their series but that one came after this one, so more time to perfect it. Normally fantasy books give you small recaps/101 paragraphs about the world. This one never does. They just mention things and you have to take them for granted, use context to understand and be ok this world has that. And move on. Other times creatures will be introduce and you just need to continue reading for more info about on what that creatures is. And when I mean keep reading, I mean chapters later. It started getting difficult to determine what was a true mystery vs what I was to dumb to infer. Felt like I was a detective in a mystery. I really almost got a notebook and started taking notes. It took me more than half the book to determine that the authors really hasn’t mention what paranormal creature the heroine was and that it was meant to be a mystery that no one knows. It wasn’t until the last chapter when the hero is asking her what she is that I was ah ok so I’m not just lost.
Frustration 2 that might be a strength. For most of the book you don’t know who the hero is. You don’t even know who to cheer for as they are suspects of a crime as well. Based on the authors’ other series, I knew it would be a slow burn, but boy was it slow.
So what is this book about?
This is an apocalyptic world, where the world is going thru magic/technology waves. The world is described to be in a constant pendulum between magic and technology. Last time the world was magic, was back before the Bronze Age. Since then, the world moved towards technology until about 30 years ago when the pendulum started moving back towards magic. Since then, the world is transitioning and goes thru waves. During a technological wave, most of magic doesn’t work, during a magic wave most of technology doesn’t work. This results in all characters needing to carry double weapons, cars, has they need them to work on either one, or getting creative in finding one that works on both.
Kate (heroine) is a badass mercenary. At no point does she really need help. She makes mistakes but overall she’s the smartest of the pack. Story starts with someone close to her being murder. She storms in demanding information and for her to investigate the murder. She is fearless, even when she should be scared. When she meets the Lord Beast of shapeshifters she calls out to him with “Here Kitty, Kitty”. Later on, when they pump into each other at a restaurant, she sends him a bowl of milk. Mind you, he shifts into a massive lion.
Creatures in this book: mages, shapeshifters (both human to animal and animal to human), vampires (not the myth we are used to), necromancers and many more. It is implied in the book that more creatures are to come as the world moves more towards magic.
I finished! I’ll write the full review tomorrow. I wanted to post something tonight in case Jans was able to finish.
Oh, I am still in my 50% mark. I hope will finish it by tonight :)
Task 12 Completion Post:Task: 80. Read 4 books initially published in different decades.
Book/cover link: The Guest List
Page numbers with source: Kindle Edition, 319 pages
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Book was first published in June 2nd 2020 which falls in the 2020 decade I chose.
Date Completed: Nov 3rd, 2020
Rating/Review: 4 stars
This was an interesting read. Each character has a depth and I enjoyed knowing each one of them. They are all faulty but had their own reasons to be. While the multiple POVs brought so much perspective on table, it also made a slow read for me. The mystery was well put together that it all fell into place when revealed. The most amazing thing about this book was, it made me relate and retrospect. It made me feel compassionate for them. And every one has a beautiful depth.
Arghh,! I wrote a 5 paragraph review and accidentally deleted it!
Hayde wrote: "Arghh,! I wrote a 5 paragraph review and accidentally deleted it!"Oh, no! Sorry, Hayde.
Busy Right Meow wrote: "Task 12 Completion Post:Task: 80. Read 4 books initially published in different decades.
Book/cover link: Howl's Moving Castle
Page numbers with source: Kindle Edition, 448 pages
How b..."
Oooh Reverse gap romance, adding this to my TBR!
Do you recommend book or movie first?
Jans wrote: "Task 12 Completion Post:Task: 80. Read 4 books initially published in different decades.
Book/cover link: The Guest List
Page numbers with source: Kindle Edition, 319 pages
How boo..."
I saw this book and was curious to see how suspenseful it was. Glad you liked it. Will add to my list.
Hayde wrote: "Task 12 Completion Post:Task: 80. Read 4 books initially published in different decades.
Book/cover link:Magic Bites
Page numbers with source: Kindle Edition, 386 pages
How book quali..."
If you look at my review for this book, I felt much the same way as you did. Followed the advice of many GR friends whose tastes I trust that said it really gets going in book 3, ending up LOVING it!! So I will give you the same advice - this series is worth making it through the first couple of books. The payoff in the end is wonderful!
Here is Task 13:84. Pick a category from the current RRRC Monthly Challenge and read 6 books for that category. Reader's Choice is exempt from this task.
For this task you would use a category from the RRRC's November Monthly challenge and read 6 books that fit that category. (You are lucky, pretty easy tasks this month. 😊) You can not select Reader's Choice though. 😉 Remember to let me know how you know the books fit - precis, title, tags, lists, whatever - I need to know where to look to confirm your books. Don't forget to use the first edition Kindle page count!
MountainKat wrote: "Hayde wrote: "Task 12 Completion Post:Task: 80. Read 4 books initially published in different decades.
Book/cover link:Magic Bites
Page numbers with source: Kindle Edition, 386 pages
..."
A couple 😭 I was hoping it was just the first. 🤣 but I’ll carry on. Thanks for the advice.
Well we really did get an easy one this time around. There is something for all of us. At least for me the hard part will be pick one.1. Happy November Birthday! Read a book published in November, or read a book with yellow on the cover in honor of November's birthstone, the Topaz.
2. Flower of the Month - Chrysanthemum: The Chrysanthemum symbolizes Loyalty, Optimism, Joy, and Long Life. Read a book in which someone has a dog as a companion (pet or working dog), OR a book with a character that has lived a long life (doesn't have to be a main character, and paranormal characters count!), OR a book that just makes you happy.
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Amy Lane: Read a book written by Amy Lane or any author with her first or last name. Link to Amy Lane's backlist - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
Fun Facts about Amy Lane:
* Amy writes fantasy, urban fantasy and gay romance
* Her books have won several awards and nominations, including multiple Rainbow awards and two RITA nominations
* She has been married for over twenty-five years and has four kids
* Amy loves to knit and has WAY too much yarn!
You may also read any book shelved as Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, or LGBTQ (or other shelves with similar meaning), OR a book that has been nominated for or won an award, OR a book that includes a married couple.
4. November 1 - National Author's Day: Read a book by a new to you author, or a book by one of your absolute favorite authors.
5. November 3 - U.S. General Election Day: Read a book that you think will be a great escape...because regardless of your politics or how things turn out, or even if you're not in the U.S., we're all going to need it!
6. November 10 - Young Readers Day: Read a book that is tagged 'children' or 'young adult' or some variation of those, or that has a child or teen on the cover or in the storyline.
7. November 13 - Caregiver Appreciation Day: Read a book with a MC that takes care of others, either in their personal life (parent, etc.) or as a profession (medical, law enforcement, military, etc.)
8. November 17 - Take a Hike Day: Read a book with a MC that is athletic or spends a lot of time outdoors, or a book that has an outdoor scene on the cover.
9. November 28 - Red Planet Day: Read a book that is tagged as science fiction, or with something red or round on the cover, or with the night sky on the cover.
So I have
which they both have pets and is tagged. So that will fit Number 2.I also have 2 books that will fit Number 8 because the scene was set outdoors.
So I can read for Number 2 and 8.
I guess we can pick between Category 2 and 8 since Katelyn has some books she can read for it. I'm fine with either category! :)
Just to clarify - you need to select a task as a team and read 6 books that fit that task!
Hayde wrote: "A couple 😭 I was hoping it was just the first. 🤣 but I’ll carry on. Thanks for the advice. "I thought the second book was easier than the first, but by the third book I got what everyone loved about the series. From there on, I just loved the characters and their story!
Hayde wrote: "Busy Right Meow wrote: "Task 12 Completion Post:Task: 80. Read 4 books initially published in different decades.
Book/cover link: Howl's Moving Castle
Page numbers with source: Kindle ..."
I always like to read the book first if I have the chance. The movie cut some characters out since they couldn't fit all the plot in. Let me know if you end up reading or watching it!!
Katelyn wrote: "So I have which they both have pets and is tagged. So that will fit Number 2.I also have 2 books that will fit Number 8 because the scene was set outdoors. [book..."
Is number 2, pets or just dog?
@HaydeI think it specifically has to be a dog.
Edit: It looks like Katelyn's book. The heroine has a cat but the hero has a dog so it would still qualify.
2. Flower of the Month - Chrysanthemum: The Chrysanthemum symbolizes Loyalty, Optimism, Joy, and Long Life. Read a book in which someone has a dog as a companion (pet or working dog), OR a book with a character that has lived a long life (doesn't have to be a main character, and paranormal characters count!), OR a book that just makes you happy.
I didn't realize we had to read the same category. I guess it helps to read properly haha. I like 8 because I feel like there are so many with outdoor scenes on it or an athlete. Or 4 because we can pick any author we love or is new to you.
Katelyn wrote: "I didn't realize we had to read the same category. I guess it helps to read properly haha. I like 8 because I feel like there are so many with outdoor scenes on it or an athlete. Or 4 because we ..."
Same I didn’t realize.
Maybe we go with task 4 since it gives the most flexibility? This is probably our last task as a team so it seems fitting we can end it with reading something from an author we love (or is new). But I'm fine with any category and can make it work. :)
Katelyn wrote: "I didn't realize we had to read the same category. I guess it helps to read properly haha. I like 8 because I feel like there are so many with outdoor scenes on it or an athlete. Or 4 because we ..."
I’m ok with either. I’m leaning towards 4, but I also have books for 8. Assuming outdoors just means outside an establishment. And not nature.
Busy Right Meow wrote: "Maybe we go with task 4 since it gives the most flexibility? This is probably our last task as a team so it seems fitting we can end it with reading something from an author we love (or is new). ..."
😭😭😭 last one!
I know! it hit me that we were on our last week when I was updating the completion post. Since we have to read 6 books, I think it will probably take us through the end of the week. We have to end it on a really high note! It sounds like we're leaning towards task 4.
4 works for me. One of the books that I was going to read for 8 is a new author for me.
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Magic Burns (other topics)Irresistibly Yours (other topics)
The Fault in Our Stars (other topics)
Catching Him (other topics)
Howl’s Moving Castle (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
John Green (other topics)Beth Labonte (other topics)
Ilsa Madden-Mills (other topics)
L.J. Shen (other topics)
S.C. Stephens (other topics)
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Agreed! Also, since I have this week off, I am trying to fit everything I want to do in this week lol. As well, as getting some major cleaning done.