TART Challenge - Round 3 - Rainbow Tarts (9)

[Teresa]

I'm going to read Jon's Boom Shaka Laka Problem next

[Teresa]

Filipa wrote: "Ok that's 8, I'll check us in. :)"

BTW, sorry I didn't check us in! I hadn't realized we had got all eight. I was still sleepy, lol.

[Truitt_T]

Filipa wrote: "Truitt_T wrote: "Did anyone else make the mistake of taking a look at the new beta book page? I did, and now I can't get the old view back. Any suggestions?"

I did. 😬 On the bottom right corner of..."

Oh thank you, Filipa! I was afriad I was stuck with it forever, lol.

[Truitt_T]

Teresa wrote: "Filipa wrote: "Ok that's 8, I'll check us in. :)"

BTW, sorry I didn't check us in! I hadn't realized we had got all eight. I was still sleepy, lol."

Lol - I'm familiar with that problem in the morning. We got through eight books really quickly - I think we're one of the top teams.

[KellyJo]

Reading All or Nothing
Favorite Series ReRead

[Teresa]

KellyJo wrote: "Reading All or Nothing
Favorite Series ReRead"

I really liked that series too! more than I thought I would :D

[Teresa]

Task 14 - 84. Pick a category from the current RRRC Monthly Challenge and read 6 books for that category: We choose 🐰4. April is Stress Awareness Month:

Jon's Boom Shaka Laka Problem by A.J. Sherwood
238 pgs/GR
A Favourite Author https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
I loved this. There is conflict but it isn't left to fester. I love the communication these guys have. The case didn't overshadow the romance but added excitement. I loved that Jon realizes that he is loved and cared for.

[Truitt_T]

Completion Post: Task 14 - 84. Pick a category from the current RRRC Monthly Challenge and read 6 books for that category: We choose 🐰4. April is Stress Awareness Month


Fandom by Eden Finley
[*book:Fandom|57004820]
276 pages per GR, see link above
A Favorite Author: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
4/12
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I've been looking forward to Fandom. Darker than the other two published books in the Famous series, it was, in some ways, less about the romance than about two people confronting personal demons and past disappointments and figuring out what they really want. There are some beautiful moments and progress is made toward the reunion of Eleven! I don't even care for boy bands, but I want to see this fictional one reunited.
Blake's story should be the last - I can't wait!

[Fi]

Great job ladies! That's 3 of our 6 books completed.

I'm almost finished with The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting but might only get to post in the morning.

[Truitt_T]

Filipa wrote: "Great job ladies! That's 3 of our 6 books completed.

I'm almost finished with The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting but might only get to post in the morning."

I have that! I don't know why I haven't read it yet - I think I'm saving it for when I need it?

At any rate, I hope you're enjoying it.

And I'm about to post book 4 of 6.

[Truitt_T]

Completion Post: Task 14 - 84. Pick a category from the current RRRC Monthly Challenge and read 6 books for that category: We choose 🐰4. April is Stress Awareness


Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells
[*book:Rogue Protocol|36153880]
150 pages per GR, see link above
Favorite Author/Series: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
4/12
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I adore Murderbot. Rogue Protocol is a wonderful entry in the series - and, well, I find myself reluctant to say too much about it. Just start with All Systems Red.

[Fi]

Completion Post

Task 14 - 84. Pick a category from the current RRRC Monthly Challenge and read 6 books for that category ⇢ 🐰4. Read a book by a favorite author, or a book that you feel will be a great escape from everyday stresses


The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting by K.J. Charles
Pages: 244/ GR Kindle 1st edition
How it fits: favorite author
Read: 13/04/21
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.5)
Review: Sometimes a book just fits your exact mood and this was very much the case. Lighthearted, but emotionally deep enough to keep me engaged and make me care greatly about the characters; and not only Robin and Hart, but Alice and Marianne as well. I loved that they were flawed in their own way, and Robin's obsession with a certain someone's thighs was extremely entertaining. Highly recommend to anyone who likes historical romance.

[Fi]

Truitt_T wrote: "Filipa wrote: "Great job ladies! That's 3 of our 6 books completed.

I'm almost finished with The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting but might only get to post in the morning."

I have ..."

Lol I do that too, wondering what if need X or Y for some very specific task. But sometimes you just have to read what you want. 😉

[KellyJo]

Task 14 - 84. Pick a category from the current RRRC Monthly Challenge and read 6 books for that category: We choose 🐰4. April is Stress Awareness Month:

All or Nothing by Macy Blake
pages
Favorite Series for Re-Read
Read 4/13/21
Rating 4.5 Stars
This is such a fun easy series to read. Unique characters, with entertaining story arc. Like the mystery aspect and each time learn a little something I missed in prior reading. The mystery carries through the whole series, so you have HFN endings with slight cliffhangers.

[Teresa]

Completion: Task 14 - 84. Pick a category from the current RRRC Monthly Challenge and read 6 books for that category: We choose 🐰4. April is Stress Awareness Month:

1. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
2. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
3. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
4. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
5. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
6. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Here is your next task!

Task 15 - 50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location.

As a team select a location and read 6 books set in that location. If you choose a big city that is easy enough, but you are free to use the state if within the US or the country if outside the US. Remember to let me know how you know your book qualifies, be it book details, titles, precis, tags or lists - I need to know where to look to confirm your books! Please include the selected location and how your book qualifies (with any links or necessary information) in your completion posts.

[Fi]

Are we still good with New York?

M/M Romance Books Set in New York

[Truitt_T]

Is it me, or are GR notifications still a little wacky?

[Fi]

Truitt_T wrote: "Is it me, or are GR notifications still a little wacky?"

It's not just you, they're delayed by hours still.

[Truitt_T]

Filipa wrote: "Are we still good with New York?

M/M Romance Books Set in New York"

New York is ok with me - although I didn't realize we could use a country if outside of the U.S.

ETA: I just found 5 or 6 books I can use, so I'm definitely good with New York City / State.

[Teresa]

NYC works for me :)

[Teresa]

I think.... ugh. It’s so hard finding locations on the phone

[Truitt_T]

Well, my first choice was a DNF at 14%.....

[Truitt_T]

Ugh! And finding books set ENTIRELY in NYC or NY state is tougher than it should be......

[Fi]

Oof I'm sorry you're having so much trouble finding something. I started All Souls Near & Nigh last night (and it's pretty great so far), but do you guys want to change locations? I can put it on hold, no problem.

I'll ask about whether the book needs to be entirely set there though, I think MKat allowed partial settings for other tasks.

ETA: Reply - "No, but it needs to be set there enough that someone tagged it, added it to a list or for the selected location to be listed in the book details."

[Teresa]

That works. There’s a list of books set in NYC but I can’t link atm. By that clarification every book on it qualifies. I’ll link in a bit.

I love the Soulbound series!! I have the latest to read but I want to do it on audio and I don’t go through an audiobook as fast as reading so it doesn’t work for challenges.

[Truitt_T]

That's a relief! My Scavenger Hunt agnst (where books my be 100% in the seting for points and/or to fit categories) must be bleeding over, lol. Of course, I am trying to read for both. :)

My second choice, Little Squirrels Can Climb Tall Trees, is rather goofy and idiotic (at least so far), but enjoyable - and short. My next choice is a bit longer and I've got limited reading time today, so we'll see how it goies.

[KellyJo]

Reading
Cut & Run

[Fi]

Teresa wrote: "I love the Soulbound series!! I have the latest to read but I want to do it on audio and I don’t go through an audiobook as fast as reading so it doesn’t work for challenges."

I'm only on the second one, but it's quickly becoming one of my favorite series. I love Patrick and Jono. 😍

Have you read the Magic in Manhattan series, Teresa? I almost picked up Wonderstruck just because it's shorter, but challenges. lol Really great series though.

[Teresa]

Completion Post: Task 15 - 50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location.(NY)


Fake Out by Eden Finley
290 pgs
#150 on M/M Romance Books Set in New York
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Made me happy.
I loved the banter between the characters. I really liked Maddox and Damon. Fake boyfriend trope is a favourite of mine and I liked how this progressed. No instalove but great chemistry that made it feel like they can last.

[Teresa]

Filipa wrote: "Teresa wrote: "I love the Soulbound series!! I have the latest to read but I want to do it on audio and I don’t go through an audiobook as fast as reading so it doesn’t work for challenges."

I'm o..."

I hadn't read it, but I've added it to my TBR. I'll have to wait until I have money in my book budget before I get to read it though :) I'm going to reread Hexbreaker. Another good series if you haven't read them yet!!

[Fi]

Teresa wrote: "Filipa wrote: "Teresa wrote: "I love the Soulbound series!! I have the latest to read but I want to do it on audio and I don’t go through an audiobook as fast as reading so it doesn’t work for chal..."

I really liked that series too, especially the last books. :) There's only one of the shorts I still need to get to.

[Truitt_T]

KellyJo wrote: "Reading
Cut & Run"

I really, really would like to read this series, but finding a copy - at least a reasonably priced copy - is all but impossible, it seems.

[Truitt_T]

Completion Post: Task 15 - 50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location.(NY)


Little Squirrels Can Climb Tall Trees by Michael Murphy
[*book:Little Squirrels Can Climb Tall Trees|19230279]
200 pages per GR, see link above
#43 onM/M Romance Books Set In New York
4/14
⭐⭐
This started off silly and goofy, as might be expected from the title, and pretty much continued that way. For a while I thought it would be a three star read, but no. Just no.

[Truitt_T]

I've started a second NYC book - Tara Lain's Death Dancer: A Bad-Boy Dancer, By-the-Book Detective, MM Romantic Suspense, but it'll be tomorrow night before I finish it - I just won't have much time to read during the day.

[Fi]

Completion Post

Task 15 - 50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location.(NY)


All Souls Near & Nigh by Hailey Turner
Pages: 364/ GR Kindle 1st edition
How it fits: From the blurb: "Special Agent Patrick Collins has been reassigned by the Supernatural Operations Agency to New York City. "
Read: 15/04/21
⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.25)
Review: Better than the first. Now that the world building is established we were able to jump right to the action, and there was plenty of it. More romance as well, and I really liked Patrick and Jono, even though Patrick still has absolutely no sense of self preservation. Same amount of crazy gods though, but we're dealing with the Aztec pantheon instead of the Greek this time. Really looking forward to the next one.

[Fi]

Truitt_T wrote: "I've started a second NYC book - Tara Lain's Death Dancer: A Bad-Boy Dancer, By-the-Book Detective, MM Romantic Suspense, but it'll be tomorrow night before I finis..."

I started Natural Enemies just in case, but odds are you'll be finished before I am.

[Teresa]

Completion Post: Task 15 - 50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location.(NY)


Hexbreaker by Jordan L. Hawk
259pgs/GR
How it fits: From Precis "New York copper Tom Halloran is a man with a past"
04/15
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I've reread this book three times. Here is my original review:

I love this new world Ms. Hawk has set up. It is different from other things I have read and comes with loads of potential for future stories. I see this as being a vibrant and prolific series. I’m not sure if she plans on following our heroes Tom and Cicero or introducing new pairs of witch and familiar, but either way it will be entertaining.

Now on to my review of this book; I adored it! Cicero is so cat like. I loved how his personality matched his animal side so well. Tom is solid, good, and yet has dark secrets. These two were a perfect match. I loved the plot; the mystery of who was behind the hexes was partially a surprise but obvious on hindsight (as all good mysteries are). The action and suspense were excellent and the romance believable. The love scenes were tender and swoon worthy, exactly what I expected.

I loved that we got to see Dominic and Rook again. I hope we see more of them in the future. I loved seeing Cicero’s bohemian friends and where they gathered. I liked glimpsing part of New York’s history, revised a little in this alternate reality. The setting was rich and engrossing.

If you are in the mood for a good mystery with engaging characters, an interesting time period and magic, this is the book and series for you!

[Teresa]

Truitt_T wrote: "Completion Post: Task 15 - 50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location.(NY)


[book:Little Squirrels Can Climb Tal..."

Sorry your book was a bust. I'm going to read Hexbreaker. I have lots of time to read and I really enjoy the book. We'll see who finishes first :D

[Truitt_T]

Completion Post: Task 15 - 50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location.(NY)
Book 5 of 6


Death Dancer by Tara Lain
Death Dancer
230 pages per GR
#64 on M/M Romances Set In New York
4/15
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I liked this murder mystery romance. There were just enough clues to the murderer to make me happy, and if I was a bit insta-love for the two MCs, well, I can handle that occasionally. Plus, they stayed in NYC the entire time - strictly Manhattan, actually. That made me happy, lol.

[Truitt_T]

So much for me complaining about how little reading time I'd have! I stayed up too late last night, but I'll manage.

That's 5 of 6 - progress!

[KellyJo]

Completion Post: Task 15 - 50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location.(NY)

Cut & Run by Madeleine Urban, Abigail Roux
Pages 376
Setting in book description - New York
Read 4/15/32
Rating 5 stars
One of my all time favorite series. Love the crime mystery of each book and the tension between Ty and Zane and how things start to change and develop as the book / series progress. Have read the series several times and see myself reading it several more.

[KellyJo]

Truitt_T wrote: "KellyJo wrote: "Reading
Cut & Run"

I really, really would like to read this series, but finding a copy - at least a reasonably priced copy - is all but impossible, it seems."

Yeah I was sad to see the first few books taken down. I have an audible copy of the whole series but wanted to get hard cover or kindle editions. Heard a while ago that the plan was to release them again with minor editing changes so I was waiting for that to happen.

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Filipa wrote: "Completion Post

Task 15 - 50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location.(NY)


All Souls Near & Nigh by [author:Hai..."

Please add the first edition Kindle page count (364). Thanks!

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Here is your next task!

Task 16 - 115. Read 8 books with an average rating over 4.0 AND over 250 reviews.

Books selected for this task need to have an average rating of 4.0 or higher AND have at least 250 reviews (not ratings). You can find this information on the main book page under the title. Unfortunately, you can only add the average rating to use as a sort on your shelves, but that's a start anyway. Please include both the average rating and the number of reviews in your completion posts

[Teresa]

I’m going to go with Happy Endings by Alice Winters.

[Fi]

MountainKat wrote: "Filipa wrote: "Completion Post

Task 15 - 50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location.(NY)


All Souls Near & Nigh..."

Sorry, copy paste fail. 🤦‍♀️ It's fixed.

[Fi]

I'll read The Sugared Game

[Teresa]

I've started my book but I have to go out of town today and won't get much reading in.

[Truitt_T]

I won't get much reading done today, either. I have an audio book that will work which I'll start after I finish my current listen (an hour or so left), but it's a bit long. This task may take a while....