TART Challenge - Round 4 - The Loitering Layabouts (6)

[Shannon]

Task 20 Selection Post
119. As a team, select an author that is new to at least two of you and each teammate reads a book by that author.
Taylor Rylan


Forest's Hope by Taylor Rylan
Pages: 170
Qualification: New to Me

[*book:Forest's Hope|42242647]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

New for me as well!! (Well, don't remember that author anyway!!)

Ok - never read a book by them, but have them on my TBR list :)

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 20 - Selection
#119. As a team, select an author that is new to at least two of you and each teammate reads a book by that author.
~ Taylor Rylan

Protecting My Commitment
Pages: 272
Qualifies: My bookshelf - Taylor Rylan

[*book:Protecting My Commitment|40692376]

[Donna]

Jane (PS) wrote: "New for me as well!! (Well, don't remember that author anyway!!)

Ok - never read a book by them, but have them on my TBR list :)"

Well, I have read one of her books... but, that doesn't matter! *grin*

I am home now and will get my book posted just as soon as I figure out which one I want to read... ;p

[Donna]

Task 20: Selection Post
119. As a team, select an author that is new to at least two of you and each teammate reads a book by that author.
Taylor Rylan
Diego's Heart by Taylor Rylan
223 pgs/GR
Qualifies: New Author for Jane, Lisa and Shannon.

[*bookcover:Diego's Heart|58710144]

[Shannon]

Task 20 Completion Post
119. As a team, select an author that is new to at least two of you and each teammate reads a book by that author.
Taylor Rylan New to Lisa, Shannon and Jane


Forest's Hope by Taylor Rylan
Pages: 170
Qualification: New to Me
Read: 10/29/21
Rating: ★★★

I could have gone forever without reading this author. Sad but true. To me, it read like a mediocre Siren Romance. Lots of talking that felt stilted and awkward and even the sexy bits weren't all that sexy. I haven't read the previous series so I wasn't familiar with anyone either. No horrible but that god it was short so I didn't waste too much time.

[*book:Forest's Hope|42242647]

[Lisa]

Task 20 - Completion Post

A new to you author for at least 2 teammates.
New for Lisa, Jane and Shannon

Cornelius
179 pages
Taylor Rylan
date read: 10/30/21
4 stars

A really cute read. Insta love as both of the characters were looking for the One and found it. I like the set up in the world and will definately be reading about more of the warlocks in the covern.


[*book:Cornelius|55456128]

[Lisa]

Jane and Shannon, can you add in your completion posts who the author was new too as MK requested that in the task.

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Lisa wrote: "Jane and Shannon, can you add in your completion posts who the author was new too as MK requested that in the task."

Will do - thanks!

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 20 - COMPLETION
#119. As a team, select an author that is new to at least two of you and each teammate reads a book by that author.
~ Taylor Rylan
New for Lisa, Jane and Shannon

Protecting My Commitment
Pages: 277
Qualifies: My bookshelf - Taylor Rylan
Read: 30 Oct
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
Messy. I found this plot very messy, jumping all over the place it seemed to me ~ doing nothing and then speeding up to 100 for a short period. Then nothing.

MCs (Collin and Dalton) seemed pretty immature - ignoring each other, rejected each other by turn, then suddenly they are (view spoiler)[everything to each other and married! (hide spoiler)] Too fractured to be even vaguely believable.

Narrated by Michael Dean - the biggest plus for this book and probably pulled it up a star for me ;)

I know I have another book by this author on my TBR. I'll get to it sometime, but I won't be in a hurry...

[*book:Protecting My Commitment|40692376]

[Donna]

Task 20: Completion Post
119. As a team, select an author that is new to at least two of you and each teammate reads a book by that author.
Taylor Rylan
Diego's Heart by Taylor Rylan
223 pgs/GR
Qualifies: New Author for Jane, Lisa, and Shannon.
Finished: 10/30 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review:
Where to start? After the first couple of pages I was ready to chuck this... but, I was reading it for a challenge and didn't want to have to find a new book... so, I persevered!

What I found was basically a 223-page story that could have been told in about 100 pages. While I didn't notice any obvious grammatical errors, this story really could have used some editing to cut out the dead weight! Sure, there was a lot of internal dialogue and even more "mind speak" between the two MCs, but actual dialogue or actions were infrequent and didn't really accomplish much. There were so many missed opportunities that the author presented to us but never gave us any follow through... grrr

And, even though I am a fan of insta-love... upon meeting each other, literally the minute they met, Nigel was wrapped around Diego pronouncing his desire to have lots and lots of babies with him... seriously? *headdesk* :(

Another thought, what is up with the whole "Nigel's mother" issue? I mean, where was the author going with this? For the most part... I don't know, it just didn't seem to serve a purpose and while most mothers aren't perfect, they do love their children... even if they may have a strange way of showing it. I didn't feel that his mother was evil, or even neglectful, just overbearing... and I am not sure that this author gave enough information to give us a better understanding of why Nigel was so adverse to her being in his life... when relationships are presented to us like this, we need facts!

Although I did enjoy the way the author leads into the next book, I fear that things will just be glossed over, as they were in this one. Maybe, someday, I will need a book for another challenge and I will be able to find out what happens in Giovanni's Jackpot: Vampires of the Beloved Gem Book 2 ...

[*bookcover:Diego's Heart|58710144]

[Donna]

Task 20: Completion Summary
119. As a team, select an author that is new to at least two of you and each teammate reads a book by that author.

1) Shannon Forest's Hope Message 556
2) Lisa Cornelius Message 557
3) Jane Protecting My Commitment Message 560
4) Donna Diego's Heart Message 561

[Donna]

Completion Post posted in Q&A!

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

LOL - we all read a different series and Lisa is the only one that hit pay dirt!!

[Donna]

Jane (PS) wrote: "LOL - we all read a different series and Lisa is the only one that hit pay dirt!!"

I actually picked mine because there weren't any other books in this series out yet, so if I didn't like it, I wouldn't have to feel bad about not finishing the series!

I think that this is just a VERY simplistic author that would do well with a "buddy" writer... IMHO!

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Donna wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: "LOL - we all read a different series and Lisa is the only one that hit pay dirt!!"

I actually picked mine because there weren't any other books in this series out yet, so if I di..."

I wondered if they were like Aiden Bates (?) where it is a heap of different authors piling in and mass-producing work?

[Donna]

Jane (PS) wrote: "Donna wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: "LOL - we all read a different series and Lisa is the only one that hit pay dirt!!"

I actually picked mine because there weren't any other books in this series out y..."

I am always a little leary when an author pumps out 5 or more books a month...

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Jane (PS) wrote: "Task 20 - COMPLETION
#119. As a team, select an author that is new to at least two of you and each teammate reads a book by that author.
~ Taylor Rylan
New for Lisa, Jane and Shannon

[book:Protect..."

Please correct to the first edition Kindle page count (277). Thanks!

[MountainKat, Moderator]

You are on my list for the morning!

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

MountainKat wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: "Task 20 - COMPLETION
#119. As a team, select an author that is new to at least two of you and each teammate reads a book by that author.
~ Taylor Rylan
New for Lisa, Jane and Shan..."

Done. Thanks Kat :)

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Here you go!

Task 21 - 98. Read 8 books with fewer than 10 letters in the title.

The books selected for this task need to have 9 or fewer letters in the title. Do not count punctuation or spaces, ampersands count as 1 letter.

[Shannon]

Task 21 Selection Post
98. Read 8 books with fewer than 10 letters in the title.


Teacher by Roe Horvat
Pages: 279
Qualification: 7 Letters in Title

[*book:Teacher|59135806]

[Lisa]

Task 21 - Selection Post - Book 1
Read 8 books with less than 10 letters in the title

Dead Sea
263 pages
Qualifies: 7 letters in title

[*book:Dead Sea|59242436]

[Lisa]

Task 21 - Selection Post - Book 2
Read 8 books with less than 10 letters in the title

Balthazar
199 pages
Qualifies: 9 letters in title

[*book:Balthazar|55775510]

[Donna]

Task 21: Selection Post
98. Read 8 books with fewer than 10 letters in the title.

Book 1:
Dead Sea by Pandora Pine
263 pgs/GR
Qualifies: 7 letters in the title.

[*bookcover:Dead Sea|59242436]

[Donna]

Task 21: Selection Post
98. Read 8 books with fewer than 10 letters in the title.

Book 2:
Circle by Garrett Leigh
179 pgs/GR
Qualifies: 6 letters in the title.

[*bookcover:Circle|36163483]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 21 - Selection
#98. Read 8 books with fewer than 10 letters in the title.

Book 1:
On the Run
Pages: 329
Qualifies: 8 letters in the title

[*book:On the Run|56073123]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

LOL - if my book takes too long today, I'll go a shorter one tomorrow :) I've been wanting to read this one for ages, but keep skipping over it.

[Lisa]

Task 21 - Completion Post - Book 1
Read 8 books with less than 10 letters in the title

Dead Sea
263 pages
Qualifies: 7 letters in title
Date read: 10/31/21
5 stars

Back with Ronan and Ten and the gang as they try to solve a 250 year old mystery.
I love how the author keeps coming up with new ideas for the gang to solve.

[*book:Dead Sea|59242436]

[Donna]

Task 21: Completion Post
98. Read 8 books with fewer than 10 letters in the title.

Book 1:
Dead Sea by Pandora Pine
263 pgs/GR
Qualifies: 7 letters in the title.
Finished: 10/31 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review:
Two three-centuries-old cases... connected? There is no such thing as coincidence!

Well, the gang is back and boy is the enemy a tough nut to crack! Not to mention, I really didn't figure out the bad guy until Ronan and Ten made one specific comment, and then I had a SMH moment! Only to realize that I had missed another extremely important clue... after all was revealed! Great job, Ms. Pine!

As always, the story was fabulous... the kids were amazing, adorable, well, except for whole "diaper explosions"! And yeah, the gang comes out on top, like always! Of course, it wasn't an easy battle, but frankly, the guys have had a lot worse.

Now I guess we just set back, dig into a ton of books by our other favorite authors and wait for Ms. Pine to release her next book... *sigh*

[*bookcover:Dead Sea|59242436]

[Donna]

Task 21: Completion Post
98. Read 8 books with fewer than 10 letters in the title.

Book 2:
Circle by Garrett Leigh
179 pgs/GR
Qualifies: 6 letters in the title.
Finished: 10/31 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review:
OK, that was a lot to take in... WOW!

Pete and Ash sure have to do everything the hard way, don't they? But, I guess that is real life for ya! Change may be hard but if it is for the better, then it is always worth the effort. With the help of friends, both old and new, the guys set out on a journey that will give them the life that they deserve and that everyone wishes for them!

The last few chapters showed us that not all circles are round, but that when we get where we are meant to be... the beginning and the end meet to form the "perfect" circle!

I love when we get our HEA and it comes gift wrapped with a group as wonderful as Pete and Ash's friends and family... not to mention the little surprise we got there at the end! *grin*

[*bookcover:Circle|36163483]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 21 - COMPLETION
#98. Read 8 books with fewer than 10 letters in the title.

Book 1:
On the Run
Pages: 329
Qualifies: 8 letters in the title
Read: 1 Nov
Rating: 5 stars
Reivew:
Loved it. I love the MCs and all the secondary characters - they all feel so genuine and so much fun. I laughed out loud a few times. Light-hearted but with a heap of emotion at times.

Definitely lining up for book 3 :)

Narrated by Michael Dean - 5 stars.

[*book:On the Run|56073123]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 21 - Selection
#98. Read 8 books with fewer than 10 letters in the title.

Book 2:
As You Are
(hope this is the right edition - it's the first Kindle version WITH page numbers)
Pages: 200
Qualifies: 8 letters in the title

[*book:As You Are|19447464]

[Shannon]

Task 21 Completion Post (Book 1)
98. Read 8 books with fewer than 10 letters in the title.


Teacher by Roe Horvat
Pages: 279
Qualification: 7 Letters in Title
Read: 10/31/21
Rating: ★★★★

Four stars for pure slutty alpha omega smexing. Dirty, messy, that's the stuff. Oh yeah, the story was nice too. Not too angsty but super sweet.

[*book:Teacher|59135806]

[Shannon]

Task 21 Completion Post (Book 2)
98. Read 8 books with fewer than 10 letters in the title.


Glamorous Romeo Alexander
Pages: 204
Qualification: 9 Letters in Title

[*book:Glamorous|58424347]

[Lisa]

Task 21 - Completion Post - Book 2
Read 8 books with less than 10 letters in the title

Balthazar
199 pages
Qualifies: 9 letters in title
date read: 11/1/21
4 stars

I am really enjoying this series. This book was about Balthazar when he meets his One, Grant. A warlock who has no powers.
A story of love, pregnancy and a few ups and downs.

[*book:Balthazar|55775510]

[Shannon]

Task 21 Completion Post (Book 2)
98. Read 8 books with fewer than 10 letters in the title.


Glamorous Romeo Alexander
Pages: 204
Qualification: 9 Letters in Title
Read: 11/1/21
Rating: ★★★

I think I just don't mesh with this author. Cute story but nothing I'll remember tomorrow. Club dancer, big bouncer with the heart of gold, blah blah, nothing I haven't read before.

[*book:Glamorous|58424347]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 21 - COMPLETION
#98. Read 8 books with fewer than 10 letters in the title.

Book 2:
As You Are
(hope this is the right edition - it's the first Kindle version WITH page numbers)
Pages: 200
Qualifies: 8 letters in the title
Read: 2 Nov
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
Boy, this MC Julian smokes A LOT! I enjoy the first POV of Julian, but he truly is OTT - and believable. I love the characterisations in this story...

Narrated by Jason Frazier - 4 stars.

[*book:As You Are|19447464]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 21 - Completion summary
#98. Read 8 books with fewer than 10 letters in the title.

1. Lisa - Dead Sea - Completion 579
2. Donna - Dead Sea - Completion 580
3. Donna - Circle - Completion 581
4. Jane - On the Run - Completion 582
5. Shannon - Teacher - Completion 584
6. Lisa - Balthazar - Completion 586
7. Shannon - Glamorous - Completion 587
8. Jane - As You Are - Completion 588

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Posted in Q&A :)

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Shannon wrote: "Task 21 Completion Post (Book 2)
98. Read 8 books with fewer than 10 letters in the title.


Glamorous Romeo Alexander
Pages: 204
Qualification: 9 Lett..."

Please add your rating. Thanks!

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Looks like 7 out of 8 were winners - impressive! I'll be back tomorrow with your next task.

[Shannon]

Whoops! Rating Added.

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Here is your next task!

Task 22 - 81. Read a minimum of 1500 pages in books with a dog/dogs on the cover.

Books selected for this task need to have a dog or dogs on the cover. Other canines such as wolves or coyotes will not work for this task. You can use any edition’s cover to qualify for this task. Please include the qualifying cover in your completion posts.

[Lisa]

Task 22 -Selection post

Passions of a Papillon
210 pages
How it qualifies: dog on cover


[*book:Passions of a Papillon|50256127]

[Shannon]

Task 22 Selection Post (Book 1)
81. Read a minimum of 1500 pages in books with a dog/dogs on the cover.


Better Than People by Roan Parrish
Pages: 240
Qualification: Dog on Cover

[*book:Better Than People|53038198]

[Donna]

Task 22: SELECTION POST
81. Read a minimum of 1500 pages in books with a dog/dogs on the cover.

Book 1:

The Perfect Cover by K. Sterling
315 pgs/GR
Qualifies: Dog on the cover.

[*book:The Perfect Cover|49108742]

[Shannon]

Task 22 Selection Post (Book 2)
81. Read a minimum of 1500 pages in books with a dog/dogs on the cover.


Passions of a Papillon by Tara Lain
Pages: 210
Qualification: Papillon on Cover

[*book:Passions of a Papillon|50256127]

[Donna]

Task 22: SELECTION POST
81. Read a minimum of 1500 pages in books with a dog/dogs on the cover.

Book 2:

Last Gasp by S.C. Wynne
212 pgs/GR
Qualifies: Dog on the cover.

[*book:Last Gasp|59356433]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 22 - Selection
#81. Read a minimum of 1500 pages in books with a dog/dogs on the cover.


I've Got You
Pages: 231
Qualifies: Great Dane Rhodesian Ridgeback in the background

[*book:I've Got You|45623220]