Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
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TART Challenge - Round 4 - The Loitering Layabouts (6)
Task 15 Selection Post (Book 2)50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location. New York State
Forbidden: King by Sloane Kennedy
Pages: 335
Qualfiication: Precis because he’s in New York, the place I rest my head.
[*book:Forbidden: King|51087376]
Task 15 - Completion PostSet in New York State
A Hard Call
240 pages
How it qualifies: Lorenzo De Luca is a cocky defense attorney dripping in Italian charm. He’s well known as one of the best lawyers in New York City.
Date read: 10/20/21
3 stars
This was really hard to rate. Thinking about it, I am not sure there was much of a story. The investigations part took second place to the copious amount of sex, way too much.
I am not sure why the Unicorn was introduced, I know about Jose but apart from the box ( what was that about?). Ricardo's investigation came out when the sex stopped. I am torn about reading further into this series.
[*book:A Hard Call|39123921]
Task 15 - COMPLETION#50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location. New York State.
Hopeless Bromantics
Pages: 202
Qualifies: Setting on main page 'Staten Island, New York'
Read: 20 October
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review:
A pretty straight forward mm romance ... except that both MCs are straight! So there is a bit of exploration as to how they identify themselves: straight or otherwise. Throw is a super-cute little boy and its an easy and entertaining read. I loved the ending and the reactions and interactions with the Kelly family, so that will lift my rating for GR to 4 stars.
Narrated by Michael Dean - excellent.
[*book:Hopeless Bromantics|53986047]
It looks like we are sorted for our 6 books, but let me know if anyone needs me to pick up a second book. I could read it tomorrow :)
Just wondering......lifting the glass of fresh lemonade he had brewed for us.
How does one BREW lemonade?
Task 15 Completion Post (Book 2)50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location. New York State
Forbidden: King by Sloane Kennedy
Pages: 335
Qualfiication: Precis because he’s in New York, the place I rest my head.
Read: 10/21/21
Rating: ★★★★
I'm still not sure how I feel about this one. The writing was great as usual but the story....Should I not be a little creeped out by the uncle (not real uncle) thing and the age thing? I can't decide. There was very, very little sex in this one. Definitely story and character driven. Loved both MCs but the story seemed long with not a whole lot happening. Towards the end, we finally got us some action. Still pondering my thoughts....
[*book:Forbidden: King|51087376]
Task 15 Completion PostDonna: Completion Post 450
Shannon: Completion Post 451
Lisa: Completion Post 453
Jane: Completion Post 454
Shannon: Completion Post 457
Donna: Completion Post 461
Well crap, thought I was last. Will add Donna's when she's done. lol
Shannon wrote: "Well crap, thought I was last. Will add Donna's when she's done. lol"Sorry, I was sidetracked by HB! My book is done, posting now!
COMPLETION POST: Task 1550. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location. New York State
Book 2:
A Lethal Love by Max Walker238 pgs/GR
Qualifies: New York City, New York
Finished: 10/20 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review:
Well, the question is... do I want to continue a "not bad" series just out of curiosity? UGH, this is such a hard decision for me because I really want to see everyone get their HEA and see The Unicorn get his/her due...
I think I will just sit on this a while and see if something pops up that I can use A Tangled Truth for in a challenge. Yep, that is what I am going to do... or, if I know me, I will jump right into this one as time permits this week! *headdesk* LOL!!!
[*bookcover:A Lethal Love|40476926]
I have you complete for this task and ready for the next one in the morning!
Here you go!Task 16 - 117. Read 8 books with an average rating under 4.2 AND under 250 reviews.
Books selected for this task need to have an average rating under 4.2 AND less than 250 reviews (not ratings). You can find this information on the main book page under the title. Please include the average rating and number of reviews in your completion posts.
SELECTION POST: Task 16117. Read 8 books with an average rating under 4.2 AND under 250 reviews.
Book 1:
Brought to Light by Eliot Grayson187 pgs/GR
Qualifies: 4.0 average rating/113 reviews
[*bookcover:Brought to Light|56474871]
Task 16 Book 1Brought to Light
187 pages
Qualifies: 4.0 / 113 reviews
[*book:Brought to Light|56474871]
SELECTION POST: Task 16117. Read 8 books with an average rating under 4.2 AND under 250 reviews.
Book 2:
A Dragon's Fortune by Sam Burns162 pgs/GR
Qualifies: 4.07 average rating/95 reviews
[*bookcover:A Dragon's Fortune|56609969]
Task 16 Book 2A Dragon's Fortune
162 pages
Qualifies 4.07 / 95 reviews
[*book:A Dragon's Fortune|56609969]
Lisa wrote: "Looks good. Going to copy you D."They better read fast, because I have PLANS for tomorrow! *grin*
The question is... who do I read first... Alice or Pandora? *headdesk* LOL!!!
Lisa wrote: "Pandora."My thoughts, exactly! hehehe
God I hate GR on my phone - can only see 2 of the books the rest of you plan to read! 🙄
Task 16 - Selection#117. Read 8 books with an average rating under 4.2 AND under 250 reviews
Shot in the Dark
Pages: 165
Qualifies: 3.73 avg rating; 48 reviews
[*book:Shot in the Dark|55507652]
Task 16 Selection Post (Book 1)117. Read 8 books with an average rating under 4.2 AND under 250 reviews.
Head to Head by Eli Easton and Tara Lain
Pages: 312
Qualification: 166 Reviews, 4.05 Rating
[*book:Head to Head|57144846]
Task 16 Selection Post (Book 2)117. Read 8 books with an average rating under 4.2 AND under 250 reviews.
Closet Case by KM Neuhold
Pages: 154
Qualfication: 55 Reviews, 3.95 Stars
[*book:Closet Case|33633602]
COMPLETION POST: Task 16117. Read 8 books with an average rating under 4.2 AND under 250 reviews.
Book 2: Opps, read this one 1st!
A Dragon's Fortune by Sam Burns162 pgs/GR
Qualifies: 4.07 average rating/95 reviews
Finished! 10/21 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review:
Light and fluffy with a creamy gooey center... I am talking about Cillian's Honey Bunnies, of course! *grin*
Yes, that could describe the story also. Finn and Cillian were just perfect together! Wallace was an unexpected strong female character, that will teach me to judge a book by its cover or a girl by her name. Would this story have been better if it had been at least 5o pages longer, yes... 100 pages would have been even better! Even though the story was well developed, there were a few missed opportunities that I would have loved to have seen expanded on.
But, alas... a novella is just that... a "short" story! ;p
This was my first story by this author and I look forward to reading many, many more in the near future!
[*bookcover:A Dragon's Fortune|56609969]
COMPLETION POST: Task 16117. Read 8 books with an average rating under 4.2 AND under 250 reviews.
Book 1:
Brought to Light by Eliot Grayson187 pgs/GR
Qualifies: 4.0 average rating/113 reviews
Finished: 10/22 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review:
Three books into this series and I am enjoying it immensely! This was a new author for me and I wasn't disappointed. Linden and Callum were a definite case of opposites attract... that is after Callum, who is an assassin, came to realize that he wasn't going to take the hit that was put out on Linden... and after John/Linden made Callum some magic "truth" hot chocolate... and after, well let's just say theirs was not an easy beginning to a relationship! Frankly, relationship might be overstating the issue, but somehow it all ends well! Lord only knows how because they certainly encountered one roadblock after another, in two realms, no less!
But, have no fear, good prevailed over evil, using some very advanced technology (I jest), and their HEA was achieved... what more could you ask for?
[*bookcover:Brought to Light|56474871]
Task 16 - Selection book 2#117. Read 8 books with an average rating under 4.2 AND under 250 reviews
Following the Rules
Pages: 200
Qualifies: 3.98 avg rating; 208 reviews
[*book:Following the Rules|57589040]
Task 16 - COMPLETION#117. Read 8 books with an average rating under 4.2 AND under 250 reviews
Shot in the Dark
Pages: 165
Qualifies: 3.73 avg rating; 48 reviews
Read: 22 Oct
Rating: 2 stars
Review:
Raw and lumpy. The story has a premise with unaddressed plot-holes galore - pulled together for convenience and little finesse. It feels like a first time author book - but looking at the list of books by Riley Long, it isn't...
I don't think I'll be trying another book by this author in a hurry.
Narrated by Andrew Morrison - he did a pretty good job on a book that didn't make a great deal of sense ;)
[*book:Shot in the Dark|55507652]
Task 16 - COMPLETION book 2#117. Read 8 books with an average rating under 4.2 AND under 250 reviews
Following the Rules
Pages: 200
Qualifies: 3.98 avg rating; 208 reviews
Read: 22 Oct
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review:
So much light-hearted fun and a perfect book for my long drive home. These two MCs make each other happy. And they both needed that boost in their lives. They were generous with each other from the beginning; appreciated the differences. It was just a lovely feel good read :)
Narrated by Alexander Cendese - love his work!
[*book:Following the Rules|57589040]
Crikey, you guys are making me feel like a slacker...lol
Lisa wrote: "Crikey, you guys are making me feel like a slacker...lol"A long drive does wonders for my audio consumption!! 😁
Task 16 Book 1 - Completion PostBrought to Light
187 pages
Qualifies: 4.0 / 113 reviews
date read: 10/22/21
4 stars
I read the first line of the precis and thought this might be a humorous book. It wasn't. Linden and Callum met when Callum went to assassinate Linden. I guess this is mostly an enemies to lovers book. A good story and I loved Oskar and Kasper.
[*book:Brought to Light|56474871]
Non-challenge post! Oh, Shannon, sweet Shannon... can you fix this? *grin*https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
This book is actually titled Ride the Whirlwind... and it has 219 pages if you want to add that also! :D
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09...
Donna wrote: "Non-challenge post! Oh, Shannon, sweet Shannon... can you fix this? *grin*https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
This book ..."
Done! :)
Task 16 Completion Post (Book 1)117. Read 8 books with an average rating under 4.2 AND under 250 reviews.
Head to Head by Eli Easton and Tara Lain
Pages: 312
Qualification: 166 Reviews, 4.05 Rating
Read: 10/22/21
Rating: ★★★★
Finally, Rand's story. He was kind of a mysterious figure in the last two books. These two really were at odd at first but they didn't even know each other. It was all preconceived notions and previous relationships getting in the way. Once they were forced together and really got to know each other things changed. Rand isn't who Jax thought and he was a vice versa. Such a great read but I wish the others from the series played a larger role.
[*book:Head to Head|57144846]
Task 16 Completion Post (Book 2)117. Read 8 books with an average rating under 4.2 AND under 250 reviews.
Closet Case by KM Neuhold
Pages: 154
Qualfication: 55 Reviews, 3.95 Stars
Read: 10/22/21
Rating: ★★★
This was just an okay read for me which is surprising because I usually really like this author's books. Two college guys getting themselves in the exact situation they've both been avoiding since their first loves. Like exactly the same situation. Kind of dramatic, kind of stupid, kind of hot. With it all tied up with a pretty bow in the end. Not my fav.
[*book:Closet Case|33633602]
Ok, tail end Charlie here. Ill be finished in the morning my time and post in the q&a.
Shannon wrote: "Donna wrote: "Non-challenge post! Oh, Shannon, sweet Shannon... can you fix this? *grin*https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5......"
Thanks, bunches!!!
Task 16 Book 2 - Completion PostA Dragon's Fortune
162 pages
Qualifies 4.07 / 95 reviews
date read: 10/22/2021
4 stars
Really liked this one. A bit of a fluffy story between a dragon and a slayer.
I am wondering whether Oisin and Roan will get it together.
[*book:A Dragon's Fortune|56609969]
Task 16 - Completion PostDonna A Dragon's Fortune Message 478
Donna Brought to Light Message 479
Jane Shot in the Dark Message 481
Jane Following the Rules Message 482
Shannon Head to Head Message 488
Shannon Closet Case Message 489
Lisa Brought to Light Message 485
Lisa A Dragon's Fortune Message 492
Here is your next task!Task 17 - 113. The first person on your team alphabetically, selects a book or series and everyone reads a book in that series.
The first person on your team alphabetically is Donna. So Donna selects a book or series and everyone reads the selected book or a book in the selected series. Please include the selected book/series in your completion posts.
SELECTION POST: Task 17Task 17 - 113. The first person on your team alphabetically, selects a book or series and everyone reads a book in that series.
I choose the series:
Vino & Veritas
Stronghold by Ana Ashley172 pgs/GR
Qualifies: #14 Vino & Veritas
[*bookcover:Stronghold|58375849]
Task 17 - Selection PostFeatherbed
186 pages
How it qualifies: part of the Vino & Veritas series #1
[*book:Featherbed|56340297]
Task 17 Selection Post113. The first person on your team alphabetically, selects a book or series and everyone reads a book in that series.
(Vino & Veritas)
Headstrong by Eden Finley
Pages: 260
Qualification: Vino & Veritas #3
[*book:Headstrong|56403168]
Task 17 - Selection#113. The first person on your team alphabetically, selects a book or series and everyone reads a book in that series.
(Vino & Veritas)
Heartscape
Pages: 240
Qualifies: Vino & Veritas #2
[*book:Heartscape|56403162]
COMPLETION POST: Task 17Task 17 - 113. The first person on your team alphabetically, selects a book or series and everyone reads a book in that series.
I choose the series:
Vino & Veritas
Stronghold by Ana Ashley172 pgs/GR
Qualifies: #14 Vino & Veritas
Finished: 10/23 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review:
If I have said it once, I have said it at least a gazillion times... COMMUNICATION!
Yes, we are talking about high school seniors... *shakes head* What was I thinking? Of course, they aren't going to actually "talk" to each other when things go all crazy... that would be too simple! *headdesk*
I was glad to see that things had changed and both Sky and Jud had taken pretty well to "adulting" when they run into each other ten years after the "break up" of a lifelong friendship! Well, that is until the shoe is on the other foot and this time it is Sky who forgets how to adult, but Jud is there to see that things turn out differently.
There was a wide array of interesting side characters, that makes me wonder if they are from other books by this author... which means I will be doing a search to see if that is true!
This was a new author for me and I really enjoyed her writing style! I found this story to be quite entertaining and hope to have the same experience when I read more of her books in the future!
[*bookcover:Stronghold|58375849]
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
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50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location. New York State
Love and Linguistics by Tara Lain
Pages: 224
Qualification: Setting New York
Read: 10/19/21
Rating: ★★★
This book was just okay for me. It had the whole "My Fair Lady" vibe too it but without the emotional connection. I know we were told what El and Henry were feeling but I didn't buy it. We got a grand total of one lackluster sex scene that I couldn't care less about just because of the relationship development. I did like all the characters in the book and the way they all helped El but it still didn't save it for me.
[*book:Love and Linguistics|48850331]