Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
The Amazing Race Archive
>
TART Challenge - Round 3 - Buns on the Run (13)
message 151:
by
Danielle Gypsy Soul
(new)
Mar 29, 2021 07:51AM
Starting book with 2,778 reviews :)
reply
|
flag
Completion Post - Task #:7Read 6 books with over 2500 ratings.
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
325 pages (GR)
315,586 ratings
3/29
★★★★★ - I really enjoyed this book and listened to the audio this time and that was awesome as well. I have listened to a few books narrated by Michael Crouch and he is becoming one of my favorites. The premise of this book infuriates me a bit with the whole blackmail thing (not a spoiler, you find out in the first paragraph of the book). If you haven't read it but watched the movie it is different enough in a good way that I think it is worth a read. Definitely recommend :)
AnnMarie wrote: "Completion Post - Task #:7Read 6 books with over 2500 ratings.
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by [author:Becky Albertalli..."
I adored this book so much. It was just so sweet and adorable.
Completion PostTask: 7 - 32. Read 6 books with over 2500 ratings.
Book/cover link: The Raven King
Page numbers with source: 286pgs per GR
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Ratings - 29,410
Date Completed: (3/29)
Rating: ★★★★★
I keep thinking I'm going to dislike these books. I keep thinking that these kids are going to walk to far on the punk kids side where I'll be annoyed at them. But they're just so damaged and yet, somehow they keep pulling me in and wanting more for them. I actually liked this story more than the first.
The Ravens are just plain evil and need to be taken down a peg or six. The Foxes may be misfits, but Seth's death surprisingly does start bringing them together more. Neil and Andrew's relationship just becomes more interesting. Andrew is so screwed up and his medicated state just makes things more difficult. But Neil is starting to piece together what really makes Andrew tick. I appreciated how Neil is quickly becoming the force that brings everyone together.
I desperately want to read the conclusion to the series now. Everything has ramped up and the climactic confrontation is right around the corner. I can't wait to see how all of these guys change and and come into their own as they become the true team.
I'm working on a second book as well, but it is a longer read.
Shelby wrote: "I'm working on a second book as well, but it is a longer read."Is it The King's Men? And if it isn't how can you read the ending to book 2 and not continue immediately????
Completion Post - Task #7:Read 6 books with over 2500 ratings.
Superhero by Eli Easton
150 pages (GR)
5702 ratings
3/30
★★★★★ - Really enjoyed this book! It is like YA week for me which it seems I am totally in the mood to read right now. Friends to lovers, jock & nerd dynamic, super cute comfort read. Listened to the audio, new to me narrator who did a solid job. Definitely recommend :)
Finished my book but I’m not at a computer today at work so I’ll post either at lunch or when I get home.
AnnMarie wrote: "Shelby wrote: "I'm working on a second book as well, but it is a longer read."Is it The King's Men? And if it isn't how can you read the ending to book 2 and not continue immediat..."
Yep! I immediately picked it as one of my Gang Bang books for next quarter so technically I only have to wait two more days and then I can start it. Unless we're in the middle of a challenge it'll probably be my first book of the month of April cause I NEED to know!
Completion Post - Task 7Read 6 books with over 2500 ratings
Nailed by K.M. Neuhold
Pages: 331
Date Read: 3/30
How it Fits: 2,797 Ratings
Rating: 5 Stars
Review: This was just so much fun. I really enjoyed this and it's probably my favorite enemies to lovers book. I really loved the characters and of course the dogs just made it that much cuter. Both Dare and Stone have given up on finding love and their relationship starts out in a weird but funny way. Stone's ways of driving Dare crazy are hilarious. The hate/angry sex is super hot. As they get to know each other they find they have more in common then they thought and by the time they decide to date they already know each other. I loved watching Dare let loose a little bit and open up a bit as he fell for Stone. Stone was the perfect match for Dare and I loved these guys together!
Shelby wrote: "AnnMarie wrote: "Shelby wrote: "I'm working on a second book as well, but it is a longer read."Is it The King's Men? And if it isn't how can you read the ending to book 2 and not ..."
I had those books for years and didn't read them like a dummy until I needed a sports book for a challenge so I picked book 1 and then immediately read the other 2 books as well as the extra stories on the author's web site. One of my favorite series ever, really enjoyed those books! If you enjoy audiobooks those are pretty terrific also.
AnnMarie wrote: "Completion Post - Task #7:Read 6 books with over 2500 ratings.
Superhero by Eli Easton
150 pages (GR)
5702 ratings
3/30
★★★★★ - Re..."
I'm not normally a YA fan but I loved this book!
Completion Post - Task 7Read 6 books with over 2500 ratings.
For Real by Alexis Hall
Completed: 3/29
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Pages: 364 | Kindle First Edition
5,203 Ratings
i'm going to chalk this up to having super high expectations because everyone else i know loved this book but honestly i thought it was just meh. i found myself skimming through the 50-65% mark of the book and i was disappointed because i didn't feel this magical chemistry between toby and laurie.
One more book to go - so whoever finishes one that fits first :)
Completion PostTask: 7 - 32. Read 6 books with over 2500 ratings.
Book/cover link: Sword of Destiny
Page numbers with source: 384pgs per GR
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Ratings - 106,998
Date Completed: (3/31)
Rating: ★★★★
This is another collection of short stories within the witcher world. This collection focuses more on the relationships surrounding Geralt than on too many monster situations, but of course there are a few of those in there as well. I have never been super familiar with the video games or anything to give some context to reading the books and I do find myself at times struggling to keep everything straight as these stories seem to presuppose a bit of knowledge on the part of the reader.
I find I'm curious to read the next book in the series which I do believe starts the full narrative point. From my little understanding these first two books, both collections of short stories, introduce a lot of the characters we'll see in the later stories. I'm very curious to see how everything comes together when the goal is to tell one full story. Some of these shorter stories were great though and I did like how things built. I'm not sure I particularly liked Yennifer, but I do enjoy the silliness that is Dandelion. I think the part of this I'm most frustrated by is I'm not sure I understand the timeline of actions within the greater world. Because the short stories are disjointed it leaves my understanding of the greater world disjointed as well.
Still I am interested in seeing where things go in the full length novels.
Task Seven - 32. Read 6 books with over 2500 ratings.Team 13 - Buns on the Run
Danielle: Completion Post
Shelby: Completion Post
Shelby: Completion Post
AnnMarie: Completion Post
AnnMarie: Completion Post
Ryland: Completion Post
Here is your next task!Task 8 - 29. Read over 750 pages in books about the same profession, teams decide which profession.
Professions such as law enforcement officers, musicians or athletes are good for this task. Just don't try to pass a rancher and a chef off as both being in the food industry - they are just too far apart! Please include the selected profession in your completion posts. Remember to let me know how you know your book qualifies - I need to know where to look to confirm your books!
(PS - private investigators and security guards are not considered LEOs.)
Ummmm so can I vote for athletes for this round?! Cause I really really really want an excuse to read The King's Men right away.
Shelby wrote: "Ummmm so can I vote for athletes for this round?! Cause I really really really want an excuse to read The King's Men right away."lol I am good with athletes. If I get stuck picking I can always re-read one of the books from this series :)
Completion Post - Task #8:Read over 750 pages in books about the same profession, teams decide which profession - athletes
Plan B by S.J.D. Peterson
200 pages (GR)
From the precis: Lance Lenard, football jock and Lance's whole life has been focused on his goal of playing in the NFL
4/1
★★★★☆ - This is a re-read because I was not in the mood for a hockey book :) I enjoyed the story the first time I read it and I did so again. Danny makes the book for me, he deserved better for most of the book. Quite a bit of angst but they get their HEA, quick read and I liked.
Should be done with mine today and I'll get the completion post up
Completion Post - Task 8Read over 750 pages in books about the same profession, teams decide which profession - athletes
Book: Below the Belt by E.M. Lindsey
Pages: 250
How it Fits: From Precis "Adrian Flores, an ex-Marine boxer"
Date Read: 4/2
Rating: 3 Stars
Review: This one was just okay. There just wasn't anything special about it and I will quickly forget it. It was obvious where the book was going plot wise and nothing surprised me. I liked the characters and I wanted to love this book because of the inclusion of vets with disabilities but unfortunately I did not love it. I already own the second book so I may try it but if I don't like it anymore than this one then this just isn't a series I will continue.
Completion PostTask: 9 - 29. Read over 750 pages in books about the same profession, teams decide which profession. (Athletes)
Book/cover link: The King's Men
Page numbers with source: 370pgs per GR
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Tagged - Athletes 16 times
Date Completed: (4/2)
Rating: ★★★★★
Gah the angst coming into this story, you know everything's going to come to a head in this novel. This was a lot more non-stop, non-stop matches, non-stop off the court reveals and interpersonal drama. Of course Neil's past is going to come out and everyone's going to find out exactly what he's been running from, but how it all came together was not exactly what I was expecting. Along the way I felt like we definitely got to know pieces of the others as well.
I really enjoyed this book even as a shuddered at each dark dramatic moment. I kept waiting for Andrew to open up a little more to Neil, if to no one else. He softened a little, but even by the end of the book I didn't feel like we'd gotten to know all sides of Andrew.
As much as I enjoyed seeing how all of this came together and the battle to the finals, I did have a little disappointment. I loved all the guys even when I thought I couldn't. And as happy as I was with them getting to the end I was left a little unsatisfied feeling like we're more at a HFN than a HEA. There's so much work Neil, Andrew, and Kevin all still need to truly realize they can be happy. It's like I want another book of their next year of Exy without all the drama hanging over their head to see where these guys can go and really fly. I'm happy, just wishing for more. :)
Shelby wrote: "Completion PostTask: 9 - 29. Read over 750 pages in books about the same profession, teams decide which profession. (Athletes)
Book/cover link: The King's Men
[bookcover:The King..."
I was hoping for more as well and I found THIS, hope you enjoy!!!
If it's only 750 pages I think we finished the task, right?Or is there also a book number requirement?
Every person still has to read one book even if the page count has been reached. It's always a minimum of 4 books. :)
Completion Post - Task 8Read over 750 pages in books about the same profession, teams decide which profession. (Athletes)
The Blueprint by S.E. Harmon
Completed: 04/03
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Pages: 400 | Kindle First Edition
MC is a Football Player | Check Blurb
this one threw me for a loop and i think it came down to so much push and pull between the mc's, spending most of the book rooting for a couple that clearly could be great together, and ending up with a happy-for-now - it felt very unsatisfying
it's clear the author has a sense of humor. i loved the snarky banter between kelly and blue. and under the fun and games there was a layer of real worry and concern and hope for what they've been able to find with each other.
i also really liked the side characters in this story. harmon writes in a way that makes me care about the characters and it makes me hope that they'll get their happily ever after too.
still, there were parts of this book that i was struggling to read. parts where tension and suspense felt really high and for some reason the author felt the need to get overly analytical or descriptive about what was going on. that's a real quick way to pull me out of the plot. my mind starts wandering or i start skimming to get to the parts i actually want to read about.
so some of those slower moments in the book made this feel like a lot to try to get through, but the character development, the plot itself, the supporting characters, all of that was great.
Completion Post - Task 8Read over 750 pages in books about the same profession, teams decide which profession. (Athletes)
AnnMarie: Completion Post
Danielle: Completion Post
Shelby: Completion Post
Ryland: Completion Post
Ryland wrote: "Completion Post - Task 9Read over 750 pages in books about the same profession, teams decide which profession. (Athletes)
[bookcove..."*Task 8*
I am so sorry for the delay - somehow I missed several completion posts. 🤦🏻♀️ I will attempt to give you your next task as soon as you complete this upcoming one, depending of course on the time the completion is posted, even if it hasn't been 2 days yet. 😊
Here is your next task!Task 9 - 15. Read a minimum of 600 pages in books with an audio edition.
You do not have to listen to the audio edition of your selected books, but one must be available for books to qualify for this task. Please include a link to the audio edition in your completion post. Remember to use the first edition Kindle page count.
For some reason the book I am currently listening to no longer shows an audio edition on Goodreads. Just link the Audible page?
Completion Post - Task #9:Read a minimum of 600 pages in books with an audio edition.
Unholy by Morgan Brice
224 pages (GR)
Available in audio HERE
4/5
★★★★★ - I finished book 4 earlier today and immediately started listening to this book which luckily fit this category! I recently binge watched Supernatural and this series is kind of a total rip-off of that but it is something I very much enjoy. There are a ton of characters from the author's other series (serieses?) in this book, most of which I have not read but it wasn't an issue. Granted the basic story is the same, Seth & Evan head to Charleston this time to kill another witch disciple but there is enough different that this is not boring by any stretch. I really enjoyed it and look forward to continuing the series.
Completion PostTask #9 - Read 600 pages in books with an audio edition
Book: Taming Demons for Beginners by Annette Marie
Pages: 362
Date Read: 4/6
How it Fits: Audio Edition: Taming Demons for Beginners
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review: This is basically a spin off of The Guild Codex Spellbound or book #5 in the Guild Codex Universe depending on how you decide to read the books. It runs parallel to the 4th book in the Guild Codex Spellbound but honestly I think it's better to have read that book Demon Magic and a Martini prior to this one. I LOVE the Guild Codex Spellbound and I enjoyed this book but not as much. A lot of that has to do with the MC who is quite young and for much of the book has no self confidence and therefore lets a lot of people walk all over her. I just don't enjoy those types of characters. I did however really like Zylas. He is a very complicated character and fascinating. It's unclear what his motives are and he has no problem with death and destruction being a demon but he also has a soft spot for Robin. The first half of the book is quite slow but then it really picks up and I enjoyed the banter between Zylas and Robin. So as Robin grows I think I will enjoy this series even more. The narration was enjoyable and although it doesn't stand out as one of my favorites I didn't have any issues with it either.
Completion PostTask: 9 - 15. Read a minimum of 600 pages in books with an audio edition.
Book/cover link: Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
Page numbers with source: 306pgs per GR
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Has Audiobook edition
Date Completed: (4/6)
Rating: ★★★½
So sure this is weird and comical, a lot of it is just plain absurd, but I still enjoyed this one. Might partially be because I read most of this one in between nap bouts after getting my 2nd Covid vaccine shot. So maybe it's just that I'm a little delirious myself. I wanted to really love this one though and ultimately I just enjoyed it. The Dirk Gently series that came out a couple years ago on BBC America is one of my favorites and I found that I was a little let down by how little Dirk there is in this story. He's the title character and I wanted to spend more time with him than you really do. This story follows all the other characters that things are actually happening to and around rather than Dirk himself.
Still this was fun and I was entertained as Dirk stumbles through figuring out exactly what's happened and how all these seemingly unconnected events are interrelated.
Shelby wrote: "Completion PostTask: 9 - 15. Read a minimum of 600 pages in books with an audio edition.
Book/cover link: Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
[bookcover:Dirk Gently's Holisti..."
If you don't mind me asking which one did you get? And how are you feeling today? I get my second dose of Phizer on the 22nd and we have several folks out the next day from work and I am worried I will be down for the count also.
AnnMarie wrote: "For some reason the book I am currently listening to no longer shows an audio edition on Goodreads. Just link the Audible page?"I created an audible edition for Goodreads for that book so it's there now :)
AnnMarie wrote: "Shelby wrote: "Completion PostTask: 9 - 15. Read a minimum of 600 pages in books with an audio edition.
Book/cover link: Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
[bookcover:Dirk G..."
I got Moderna. I really recommend if you can taking the day off. I was talking to my best friend who had Pfizer and she felt fine when she first got the shot and then spent most of the day working on packing her house as they're moving. At about the 12hr mark she was knocked on her butt and was miserable. Full on flu, throwing up and chills. I on the other hand took the whole day as a loss. I was exhausted and spent most of the day napping and keeping hydrated. My symptoms have been much less severe. I have been mostly achy (all of my joints ache) and have had a low grade headache. But I know I'll be fine to go to work tonight.
Danielle Gypsy Soul wrote: "AnnMarie wrote: "For some reason the book I am currently listening to no longer shows an audio edition on Goodreads. Just link the Audible page?"I created an audible edition for Goodreads for tha..."
Nice! I really need to figure out this librarian thing, the book prior to this one in the series is missing an audio too, haven't checked the others.
Shelby wrote: "AnnMarie wrote: "Shelby wrote: "Completion PostTask: 9 - 15. Read a minimum of 600 pages in books with an audio edition.
Book/cover link: Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
..."
That is what I am afraid of! It will be worth it to be able to go to the movies again. And there is that whole safe from a deadly virus thing :)
Completion Post - Task 9Read a minimum of 600 pages in books with an audio edition.
The Alpha King by Victoria Sue
Completed: 04/07
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
Pages: 215 | Kindle First Edition
Task Qualifier | Audio Edition
a lot of my gr friends have been reading this one recently so maybe i came into this one with high expectations, not sure. but unfortunately this entire book was a bunch of info-dumping. there was practically no actual world building and the author didn't seem to make much of an effort to show us anything. instead we learned everything through historical monologues or character dialogue that felt very unnatural.
the relationship between kit and luca wasn't even very interesting. it was kinda insta-love, which i really don't mind as long as it's done right, and in this case there didn't even seem to be chemistry between the mcs.
there was just nothing about reading this book that was enjoyable and if it weren't for a challenge i probably would have dnf'ed it.
Completion Post - Task 9Read a minimum of 600 pages in books with an audio edition.
AnnMarie - Completion Post
Danielle - Completion Post
Shelby - Completion Post
Ryland - Completion Post
Shelby wrote: "AnnMarie wrote: "Shelby wrote: "Completion PostTask: 9 - 15. Read a minimum of 600 pages in books with an audio edition.
Book/cover link: Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
..."
i got my second dose of the pfizer vaccine this past weekend and it knocked me flat out. i had a fever and body aches. my arm was killing me, my elbow and knee joints felt terrible and i had a headache i couldn't get rid of. i couldn't sleep very well but i was constantly tired.
on the flip side, i had coworkers who didn't have any side-effects at all.
i had a mild reaction from the first dose and i expected to have a reaction to the second dose but i didn't expect it to be as bad as it was. i would definitely recommend taking the day off and ask the nurse who administers the vaccine what you can do to help prevent the side effects.
they had me taking tylenol and benadryl which i'm sure helped a lot, but i still had side effects. if i'd have known i would react the way i did i would have probably pushed to get the moderna vaccine instead of pfizer.
We got our second Pfizer yesterday and are both doing well so far, a little over 24 hours. I'm sore, but mostly in spots I have problems (hands, back, several other joints). I regularly take anti-inflammatories for arthritis - I just don't do well without them, and I have avoided them around the vaccine. So I couldn't tell you if it was the vaccine or just not taking anti-inflammatories. 🤷🏻♀️We've had a mix in my family between the Pfizer and Moderna and the reactions have been a bit of a mix as well. Seems to have been more of an issue for the males though, both sons got Moderna - one just slept most of the next 24+ hours away, the other was pretty miserable and not sleeping. SIL got Pfizer and was sick in bed that night and the whole next day. Hubby is fine with the Pfizer though, arm is barely even sore today.
Just prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Honestly though, the relief in everyone being vaccinated is worth whatever it takes! I am thrilled reading through threads where people are talking about getting theirs!!
And now here is your next task!Task 10 - 45. Read 6 books with 3 word titles.
Books selected for this task need to have 3 word titles. Articles, ampersands, abbreviations and exclamations count as words. As examples, The Rebuilding Year, Seduction in Death and Cut & Run are all 3 word titles.
MountainKat wrote: "We got our second Pfizer yesterday and are both doing well so far, a little over 24 hours. I'm sore, but mostly in spots I have problems (hands, back, several other joints). I regularly take anti-i..."Ryland wrote: "Shelby wrote: "AnnMarie wrote: "Shelby wrote: "Completion Post
Task: 9 - 15. Read a minimum of 600 pages in books with an audio edition.
Book/cover link: [book:Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Ag..."
I have heard different things about side effects of both Moderna and Phizer. One thing a few people said was to be sure to stay hydrated so I'm going to get some electrolyte infused water. I am very much looking forward to being fully vaccinated, I used to go to the movies several times a month and haven't been in over a year! I look forward to my book club happening in person and I haven't been out to eat since the pandemic began, can't wait for my brunch group to start up again, and I used to get together with friends once a month at a local game shop for board games which can hopefully start again soon :)
My baby sister got screwed with the pandemic, her wedding was planned for March 27, 2020 and her dream wedding ended up a Zoom backyard thing then she had a baby February 18th this year and no one could visit at the hospital and we all double mask when we visit, when we finally take the masks off around the baby he is going to be like who the hell are these people? I am so ready for things to get back to some semblance of order!
Completion Post - Task #10:Read 6 books with 3 word titles.
Something About Us by Riley Hart
198 pages (GR)
Book title is Something About Us, 3 words
4/10
★★★☆☆ - This was kind of meh for me. I definitely liked the first book more than the sequel. There were way too many sex scenes than I was in the mood to listen to and despite the fact this is an established couple the lack of communication and unnecessary drama/angst got on my nerves. I find that I have little patience these days for dumb shit in my real life and that is extended to books as well it seems.
Completion PostTask: 10 - 45. Read 6 books with 3 word titles.
Book/cover link: A Pirate's Dream
Page numbers with source: 204pgs per GR
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Title - 3 words
Date Completed: (4/9)
Rating: ★★★★
I liked Nimue. She was still very innocent for being Hook's daughter, but she also has a strength of self and isn't a pushover at all. I enjoyed her interest and joy at being under the sea. She's so interested in the world around her. Of course Sircco is a sexy merman and being king makes him unused to having someone resist jumping if he said jump. He's resistant to letting anyone in let alone a legger.
I liked watching these two dance around each other. Nimue knows what she wants and she's not going to settle for less with anything. Sircco's scared to open himself up again, but finds himself drawn to Nimue and not sure what to do with all the feelings. Everyone in their lives setting them up for their fall was a fun bit of silliness.
Altogether this was a good conclusion to the Dark Princess part of the Kingdom series. I'm looking forward to continuing with Kingdom with The Dark Queen's and Marie Hall's newer pen name.
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Sidelined (other topics)Afterglow (other topics)
The Shooting Season (other topics)
Sidelined (other topics)
Afterglow (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Mercy Celeste (other topics)Isobel Starling (other topics)
Alice Winters (other topics)
Patricia Briggs (other topics)
Patricia Briggs (other topics)
More...
