Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
The Amazing Race Archive
>
TART Challenge - Round 3 - Buns on the Run (13)
Completion PostTask: 10 - 45. Read 6 books with 3 word titles.
Book/cover link: Cowboys Don't Samba
Page numbers with source: 238pgs per GR
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Title - 3 words
Date Completed: (4/10)
Rating: ★★★★½
4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this one. Maury and Tristao were super sweet together even though both have never really admitted their preferences to themselves. Maury's always covered up his being drawn to men with the fact that he's probably somewhere closer to bi on the spectrum, and Tristao just hasn't explored anything really at all. But the punch the two feel upon meeting each other isn't something that's going to be ignored for long. If anything the downside for me with this story is that it's a little too instalove-y for me. But I do love seeing the couples from the previous books in this one as well.
The backdrop of the rodeo does provide for a little tension as it's not exactly a welcoming community for LGBT people for the most part. Throw in the added color of the Latin community that these two men belong too and you've got a world ripe for two men to hide their sexuality as family and the rodeo mean everything to them. The rodeo's a means to get out and a way to prove your masculinity in a way that your family can understand and respect. Of course this is Tara Lain so I knew we'd be finding a way for everything to come out all right in the end.
I enjoyed this series as a whole. I'm sad to see it ending, but happy to know all these guys have found their best place.
COMPLETION POSTTask: 10 - 45. Read 6 books with 3 word titles.
Book: Principles of Spookology by S.E. Harmon
Pages: 332
Date Read: 4/11
How it Fits: 3 word Title
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Review: I started this book a few months ago but just couldn't get into it so I stopped. I remembered loving the first one so I decided to start again only this time I had it on audio. I'm so glad I did. First of I will admit it took me just a bit too really get into this book but not enough that I would normally stop so I must have just been in an "off" mood the first time. Second the audio was done very well and probably helped make it even more entertaining. I really enjoyed the mystery/case once it got going and there were quite a few twists and turns. I also think I got a much better grip on Rain's abilities and him searching out help in understanding his gift were hysterical. Danny and Rain's relationship also grows in this book and I enjoyed the two of them.
Great secondary characters, MC's I like, a fascinating case with twists and turns, a romance I'm rooting for, and a few ghosts along the way - can't ask for much more. I'm definitely going to listen to the next one and sooner rather than later!
Danielle Gypsy Soul wrote: "COMPLETION POSTTask: 10 - 45. Read 6 books with 3 word titles.
Book: Principles of Spookology by S.E. Harmon
Pages: ..."
I just finished my book! le sigh at least I enjoyed it quite a lot :)
Finished my book. Writing up the review and then we'll be good to go.
Completion Post - Task 10Read 6 books with 3 word titles.
The Night Of by Tal Bauer
Completed: 04/12
Rating: ★★★★★
Pages: 292 | Kindle First Edition
Qualifier | title has 3 words
i don't even like detective books. anything with a law enforcement officer investigating something usually goes straight to my "negative ghostrider" shelf because it's likely i'll never want to pick it up, but i gave this one a shot since it was getting such great reviews from my friends.
and i'm happy i did.
i even went into this book halfway expecting that it was going to be so ridiculous that it would never be believable and i was okay with that, but i'm shocked by tal bauer's ability to sell their stories. i was sold on sean and jonathan. i was sold on their careers, i was sold on this outlandish, very unlikely plot, i was sold on their romance - honestly reading this book makes me wonder how many hours of research and planning went into writing this novel because the details are what sold it.
even more than the plot, sean and jonathan had chemistry. i'm a sucker for second chance stories and this one hit me right square in the chest.
this was a brilliant book.
Completion Post - Task 10Read 6 books with 3 word titles.
AnnMarie: Completion Post
Shelby: Completion Post
Danielle: Completion Post
Shelby: Completion Post
Danielle: Completion Post
Ryland: Completion Post
Here is your next task!Task 11 - 69. Read 6 books that have won/been nominated for an award.
Books selected for this task need to have an award or nomination listed in the book details on the main book page under 'Literary Awards'. Please include the award/nomination in your completion posts. If there are multiple awards, you only need to list the first one.
AnnMarie wrote: "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"Yes, staying hydrated was advised to us as well. We both did ok, just slow for a couple of days. And about 36 hours after getting ours, the second evening, we were both pretty achy but woke up fine the next day. Considering everything this past year has been missing - very small price to pay to get some of it back!
I bet you can't wait to hug that baby!!
Completion PostTask: 11 - 69. Read 6 books that have won/been nominated for an award.
Book/cover link: Daughter of the Blood
Page numbers with source: 388pgs per GR
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Won - IAFA William L. Crawford Fantasy Award (2000)
Date Completed: (4/13)
Rating: ★★★★★
First off I have to state right off this is one of my all time favorite series. I love these books and this world so much. But I also have to acknowledge how hard this first book especially is to read. It is incredibly dark and twisty. There are numerous trigger subjects that are dealt with in this book, yes a lot of it is alluded to rather than explicitly detailed on the page, but it is in no way shied away from. I often hesitate to recommend this series to anyone because I know this first book can be especially hard for people to get through. That being said I think it's part of what makes this series so beautiful. Anne Bishop isn't just writing about an interesting new fantasy world, this series tackles the balance of power between men and woman, their strengths and weaknesses, and what it means for that to be true. In order to do that this series starts out with that balance of power being totally and utterly corrupted. It starts in a world where power and the need for control/domination has taken over and it's poison has spread throughout the land. The world needs to be cleansed and balance to be restored, but in order for that to happen a lot of nasty and sludge needs to be waded through first. This first book isn't easy, it isn't even enjoyable at times, but it is necessary. It is dark and yet it still establishes the hope of a light at the end of the tunnel.
All of the greater themes aside, the world building in this story and frankly the series as a whole is breathtakingly wonderful. The levels of magic and the blood jewels is such a unique magic system. I love the way the three realms are described. The play on names with Daemon, Saetan, and Lucivar is such fun in my opinion. Jaenelle is a child but also so much older and wiser. She is Witch and everything that means to the three men who will be her anchors. They have waited hundreds of years for her to arrive and yet none of them expected exactly what they got. Dreams made flesh. So many dreams. The cliffhanger ending to this book is still just as upsetting as the first time I read this story and I have read it many times. I may just have to go pick up the sequel immediately to find the joy I know is coming later.
Are there any restrictions on the type of award?
Ryland wrote: "Are there any restrictions on the type of award?"From my understanding as long as it's listed on the main book page under Literary Awards it counts. :)
MountainKat wrote: "I bet you can't wait to hug that baby!! "We've all visited once they got home (we weren't allowed to visit in the hospital) but can't wait to visit without double masks!
Also Thursday is 2 weeks since my first dose so I should have 90% efficacy so I made a salon appointment for the first time in 13 months! Haircut and eyebrows which are looking pretty terrible, my self-maintenance during lockdown is hardly ideal...
Ryland wrote: "Are there any restrictions on the type of award?"I went to the Lamdba page of previous winners HERE. You'll have to filter romance, mystery, etc and then check the book page on GR to ensure the award is listed but that's where I went to start. I am listening to Crashing Upwards now :)
AnnMarie wrote: "Ryland wrote: "Are there any restrictions on the type of award?"I went to the Lamdba page of previous winners HERE. You'll have to filter romance, mystery, etc and then check the book page on GR ..."
IF it's listed on that site and not on GR - let me know. I'm a librarian and can update it for you
Completion Post - Task #11:Read 6 books that have won/been nominated for an award.
Crashing Upwards by S.C. Wynne
284 pages (GR)
Literary Awards:
Lambda Literary Award for Gay Romance (2019)
★★☆☆☆ - I think my expectations were high because the book won the Best Romance for the Lambda Awards in 2019 and the book sadly did not deliver for me. The MCs were both boring and the lack of communication was annoying. So much needless angst! If the MCs were college age I might understand some of the dumb behavior but they aren't. Also there were several instances of using the word "shyster" which is considered by some to be anti-Semitic which I found problematic. Kale Williams was solid as expected as narrator so I am giving it 2 stars but overall not one I would recommend.
I'll start listening to another book tomorrow but I have a packed day at work so I am not sure how far I will get.
AnnMarie wrote: "Ryland wrote: "Are there any restrictions on the type of award?"I went to the Lamdba page of previous winners HERE. You'll have to filter romance, mystery, etc and then check the book page on GR ..."
Thank you so much!
I started one but it will probably take me today or into tomorrow to finish it. Busy week at work :)
I have to finish my book club book for tonight as today's our book club and I've been avoiding reading the novel. But I'll try to focus whatever my next read is as an additional award winner.
Completion Post - Task #11:Read 6 books that have won/been nominated for an award.
Femme by Marshall Thornton
222 pages (GR)
Literary Awards
Lambda Literary Award Nominee for Gay Romance (2017)
4/15
★★★★★ - This was a re-read (or listen) for me. I absolutely adore Lionel, he is one of my favorite all-time characters. The other MC, Dog, is kind of a douche for a good part of the book but he eventually gets it together. Quirky snark is my go-to and this most definitely fits, especially Lionel and his friend Carlos. The narration by Joel Leslie was top noth. Absolutely recommend!
You are a reading machine AnnMarie! I'm reading Devil in Winter and will finish tonight. Another busy day at work but I'll finish tonight when I get home.
COMPLETION POST - Task #11Read 6 books that have won/been nominated for an award
Book: Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas
384 Pages
Date Read? 4/16
How it Fits: All About Romance (AAR) Annual Reader Poll for Best Europen Historical Romance & Best Hero & Best Heroine & Honorable Mention for Guiltiest Pleasure Romance & Most Luscious Love Story & Best Couple (2007), RITA Award by Romance Writers of America Nominee for Short Historical Romance (2007)
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: I'm not a big historical fan but I have really enjoyed the Wallflowers series and this one was extremely enjoyable as well. Both the MC's are interesting characters and I liked the relationship between the two of them. Neither are typical aristocrats and both push the edge. The romance was rather sweet and it was fun seeing Sebastian reform from his rake ways was entertaining.
I am struggling with my latest book, will try to get it wrapped up tomorrow but I have some things to get done. It's Hemovore, any one read it? I am really struggling to get into the book...
COMPLETION POST - Task #11Read 6 books that have won/been nominated for an award
Book: The Secret by Julie Garwood
404 Pages
Date Read: 4/18
How it Fits: RITA Award by Romance Writers of America Nominee for Single Title Historical Romance (1993)
Rating: 5 Stars
Review: This is a feel good re-read for me. I own these books in paperback and when I want a humorous, light feel good book I go back to these old Julie Garwood books. The characters are fun and the romance is sweet.
AnnMarie wrote: "I am struggling with my latest book, will try to get it wrapped up tomorrow but I have some things to get done. It's Hemovore, any one read it? I am really struggling to get into th..."I haven't read this one. I did a reread on an old favorite so hopefully if you still haven't gotten into the book you can drop it. We have five and we have to have one from Ryland so you don't have to read something you don't want to :)
Thanks Danielle - I'm only halfway through my second as well. My life went a little crazy this weekend at times and didn't really get as much reading in as I wanted.
Danielle Gypsy Soul wrote: "AnnMarie wrote: "I am struggling with my latest book, will try to get it wrapped up tomorrow but I have some things to get done. It's Hemovore, any one read it? I am really struggli..."I went to the reviews and read a spoiler that mentioned my issue with the book gets resolved partway through then when I started listening to it this morning the issue was resolved less than 10 minutes after I had stopped Saturday!
/facepalm
For what it's worth it is far from my favorite by the author, glad I got the audio for free :)
Completion Post - Task 11Read 6 books that have won/been nominated for an award.
Into This River I Drown by TJ Klune
Completed: 04/18
Rating: ★★★★☆
Pages: 400 | Kindle First Edition
Qualifier | 2014 Lambda Literary Award for Gay Romance
i really enjoyed this book, but it made me cry.
i'm still trying to wrap my head around it. this was more than a romance novel. it was a story about the relationship between a father and son and it made me feel a lot of things that i haven't really finished processing yet.
i'm sure i'll be able to write a more concise review in a few days, but overall i did love it.
Completion Post - Task 11Read 6 books that have won/been nominated for an award.
Shelby: Completion Post
AnnMarie: Completion Post
AnnMarie: Completion Post
Danielle: Completion Post
Danielle: Completion Post
Ryland: Completion Post
Thanks Ryland - I checked us in :)
It took 5 tries before the randomizer gave me a number you hadn't already been assigned!! Anyway...Here is your next task!
Task 12 - 70. Read a minimum of 1200 pages in books of the same sub-genre, but by different authors.
As a team, select a sub-genre and then make sure you all read books by different authors for this task. Please include the selected sub-genre in your completion posts. Remember to use the first edition Kindle page count.
Ryland wrote: "Completion Post - Task 11Read 6 books that have won/been nominated for an award.
Into This River I Drown by TJ Klune
Completed: 04/18
Rating: ★★★★☆
P..."
If you want to re-visit with Big Eddie & Benji (just a bit, not main characters) check out The Bones Beneath My Skin, I was pleasantly surprised the first time I read that book :)
MountainKat wrote: "It took 5 tries before the randomizer gave me a number you hadn't already been assigned!! Anyway...Here is your next task!
Task 12 - 70. Read a minimum of 1200 pages in books of the same sub-gen..."
Are we using M/M again?
Works for me. I'm just starting an Amy Lane novel.
Shelby wrote: "Works for me. I'm just starting an Amy Lane novel."I am glad I didn't start my PtP book yet! :)
I am about halfway through the audio of How to Elude a Vampire by Alice Winters which is 336 pages so a good start :)
Completion PostTask: 12 - 70. Read a minimum of 1200 pages in books of the same sub-genre, but by different authors.
Book/cover link: School of Fish
Page numbers with source: 368pgs per GR
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Sub genre selected: MM Romance & Author: Amy Lane
Date Completed: (4/20)
Rating: ★★★★★
Gah! I just plain love this series so much! I enjoy how all of the disparate series' are woven together and we get to touchbase with old favorites from Johnnies and Racing for the Sun. That being said I didn't realize that Amy Lane had spun things off into the new Flophouse series so I was super confused when I first picked this up by how advanced Lance and Henry's relationship was. Had to pause after a couple of pages and go back and read their story in the first of the new series. Feel like we're about to needed a "greater world chart" to track how all the series interlace and what the proper reading order would be. But once I'd caught up on that story this one kicks us into high gear pretty much right away.
As is typical for a Fish Out of Water story this is action packed and of course Jackson and Ellery are not going to back down from protecting the innocent and saving those in danger. Which of course means Jackson's getting beat up from the get go even if he is trying to be more careful with himself for Ellery's sake. I really love the relationships these guys are building and the respect Jackson is gaining. He's finally getting some people around him and doesn't feel like the whole world will either let him down or destroy him. This story is a solid mess of mob bosses and underworld betrayals that has our guys lost in the details trying to pull everything into some semblance of sense. Along the way I've got a pretty good idea what two of the next Flophouse books might be about. ;) Can't wait! Yes please, give me more Sean and a certain military commando.
I really enjoy the fun of these stories even if they do fall sometimes into the action movie trope of the action sequences being bigger than is really realistic. I just don't care. I love these guys, I love their snark, and I'm always going to want to know what their next case is because they're just such fun to watch develop as they learn to trust in each other. This story was special for how far Jackson and Ellery's relationship has come.
Shelby wrote: "Completion PostTask: 12 - 70. Read a minimum of 1200 pages in books of the same sub-genre, but by different authors.
Book/cover link: School of Fish
[bookcover:School of Fish|555..."
Which series were Lance and Henry in? I can't remember.
Completion Post - Task #12:Read a minimum of 1200 pages in books of the same sub-genre, but by different authors.
How to Elude a Vampire by Alice Winters
336 pages (GR)
Sub genre selected: MM Romance, Alice Winters
4/21
★★★★★ -I enjoyed the first in this series a great deal and had high hopes for this book and I was not disappointed. Snarky humor is one of my favorite things in books and I actually laughed out loud at one part of the story. I understand it is a bit much for some but I would read books like this any time. The story continues with Finn & Marcus as they try to find the man who had abducted Finn as a teen, the whodunit was not immediately evident which I found refreshing. I enjoyed the secondary characters and I am looking forward to book 3 which focuses on a new couple. Definitely recommend this book/series :)
Completion Post - Task #12Read a minimum of 1200 pages in books of the same sub-genre, but by different authors.
Dead Weight by Pandora Pine
283 Pages
Sub genre selected: M/M Romance, Pandora Pine
Date Read: 4/21
Rating: 3 stars (being generous)
Review: This was my least favorite so far - mostly because of the inconsistencies and the things that just made no sense to me. In the previous book the ghosts were able to physically assault Tenn and yet in this book it states that the ghosts can only assault him if they possess another body. There were also a lot of things that just pushed the bounds of believability to much for me. A non psychic being able to send a vision to Tenn (view spoiler). Then there is the Catholic Priest who can perform an exorcism (meaning he is very high up in the church) and yet he has no issue with Ronan and Tenn's relationship. (view spoiler)
Then there is the whole way Tony reacted to his son - it's like anyone in this series whose kid is in trouble forgets everything about being a cop and I just don't buy it. (view spoiler)
I also thought that it would have been nice if it wasn't so obvious who the killer was. The author basically spells it all out for the reader very early on. Not knowing and trying to figure it out would have been nice. Don't even get me started on the fact that their isn't any actual police work in this book even though one MC and two secondary characters are all police officers. In fact at one point Ronan goes to work on a week Tenn isn't working with him and states that he doesn't want to start working on another case because he doesn't like to work without Tenn. Other than going to a crime scene there is NO investigation at all.
Finally, the ending of this book really bothered me. The characters all seemed to be okay with a young man taking his life at the end. Well, he's wanted for murder and we can't find a way to continue to do exorcisms (because apparently one wouldn't be enough) so let him kill himself. In fact, Tenn even says his life was meant to end early (view spoiler)
Obviously I had a lot of serious issues with this book. I really enjoy Tenn and Ronan and I'm willing to push the bounds of believability but I don't want to have to chuck them out the window never to be seen again. I want cops to investigate, non psychics not to be able to do psychic things, characters to have compassion and not suddenly be okay with a young man killing himself because it's easier.
Okay ramble over - I'm still giving this 3 stars because I like this series and the characters. I will continue this series and really hope this was just a one off that I didn't like.
Ryland,How many pages is your book? We need another 213 pages so if yours is shorter than that one of us can read another book - if it's that long then we don't need to.
I started a re-listen of A Wish Upon the Stars in anticipation of the new book coming shortly (I know it's not really a sequel but still need to get back into the Verania world). It's long and I am listening to it at normal speed just because Michael Lesley is just so damn good as the narrator. In conclusion if we are short pages I am working on a book but it likely will not be finished until Friday. Also I am going for my second shot tomorrow so hoping I am not knocked on my ass!
I finished a shorter N.R. Walker book if we need it.
Danielle Gypsy Soul wrote: "Shelby wrote: "Completion PostTask: 12 - 70. Read a minimum of 1200 pages in books of the same sub-genre, but by different authors.
Book/cover link: School of Fish"
So we first met Henry in
I believe. Lance is I know in the last Johnnies book
for sure. But their story is the first book in the Flophouse series
. It almost functions as a companion novel to Fish on a Bicycle as it's the same time frame just told from Henry and Lance's perspective.
That makes sense I just haven't gotten there - I'm up to Fish on a Bicycle and Bobby Green but haven't read them yet. Good to know about Flophouse I'll have to add that in to my reading order.
I'd read them as Bobby Green, Fish on a Bicycle, and then Shades of Henry to make the most sense of things.
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...
Read 6 Books with 3 Word Titles
Book: Junk Shop Blues by Cole McCade
Pages: 245/GR
Date Read: 4/9
How it Fits: 3 Word Title
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: I really liked this one although the mystery didn't engage me quite as much as the mystery in the first book. However, this one seems like a very realistic police procedural. Sure there is a little bit of "tech magic" to help solve the crime but no immediate DNA results, no leaps of intuition or criminals suddenly admitting to crimes. The two MC's are very interesting and it is taking a while to really get to know them. There is obviously a lot of backstory that we are not privy to yet which I can't wait to find out about - not to mention the UST between them. These books are dark and gritty but so far I'm really loving them and I can't wait to find out more about both characters and how their relationship progresses.