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

[Shannon]

Donna wrote: "Hey, guys! Not challenge-related, but I just noticed this...

Nowhere to Run by Andrew Grey, who is a children's book author... i..."

That, I can fix!! :)

[Shannon]

Task 13 Completion Post
20. Read 4 books 300 pages or longer.


More Than Life by Mary Calmes
Pages: 330
Qualification: 330 pages
Read: 10/16/21
Rating: ★★★★

Typical Mary Calmes story with the lovable MC and the even more lovable MC. I'm pretty sure you could literally change the names to her other MCs, it was that close to other books. That said, I love me some lovable guys and the story line was, of course, very different. We had a whole lot going on in this one and I was completely entertained the entire time. I'm a sucker for these stories.

[*book:More Than Life|52260271]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 13 - COMPLETION
#20. Read 4 books 300 pages or longer.

Fakers
Pages: 324
Qualifies: 324 pages
Rating: 4.5 stars
Read: 16 Oct
Review:
I enjoyed this far more this time. I think on my last read, I was distracted - and I wanted to revisit this before the next book. The play on words were so much fun - and it was all done with the full enjoyment of the community! Loved that part of it. And the MCs and secondary characters were great as well. Looking forward to the more in the series :)

[*book:Fakers|53554265]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 13 - Completion summary
#20. Read 4 books 300 pages or longer.

Donna - Weight of Everything - Completion 398 326pp
Lisa - Never Stay Gone - Completion 399 361pp
Shannon - More Than Life - Completion 402 330pp
Jane - Fakers - Completion 403 324pp

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Posted in Q&A :)

[MountainKat, Moderator]

I have you complete and someone, no idea who (I do know, it will be me or Karen, but life is crazy right now!), will assign your next task in the morning!

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Here you go!

Task 14 - 89. Read 8 books tagged with 'wedding' or 'proposal'.

Books selected for this task must be tagged with ‘wedding’ or ‘proposal’. Tags/shelves are the only qualification for this task. Variations of the words and combo tags will be allowed in context. Please include a link to the top shelves page with your qualifying tag along with the number of tags and the top shelves page number in your completion posts.

[Lisa]

going to the chapel

[Donna]

Hey, do we go with the Kindle edition that has a page count, even though there was another Kindle edition released before it... but has NO page count?

[Lisa]

Task 14
Selection Post -book 1
The Best Worst Honeymoon Ever
194 pages
How it qualifies: tagged wedding x1 tag

[Lisa]

Task 14
Selection post -book 2
Mister Bridesmaid
200 pages
How it qualifies: tagged wedding x 3. tag

[Donna]

SELECTION POST: Task 14
89. Read 8 books tagged with "wedding" or "proposal".

Book 1:
Self Preservation by Ethan Day
169 pgs/GR
Qualifies: Tagged 3x Wedding

[*bookcover:Self Preservation|19492063]

[Lisa]

It needs to be the edition second to the bottom but no page count. Let me ask if we can use the count from the second edition.

[Donna]

Lisa wrote: "It needs to be the edition second to the bottom but no page count. Let me ask if we can use the count from the second edition."

That's what I was figuring, but had no clue how to find a page count... thanks for asking!

[Shannon]

I need more time than I have to pick one right now. Off to breakfast!!

[Lisa]

Shannon wrote: "I need more time than I have to pick one right now. Off to breakfast!!"

Breakfast? Ive just eaten dinner Lol

[Donna]

Lisa wrote: "Shannon wrote: "I need more time than I have to pick one right now. Off to breakfast!!"

Breakfast? Ive just eaten dinner Lol"

I'm trying to decide what to have for lunch! And Jane is sound asleep! LOL!!!

[Donna]

SELECTION POST: Task 14
89. Read 8 books tagged with "wedding" or "proposal" (MK approved "marriage" also!)

Book 2:
Imperfect Match by Jordan Castillo Price
162 pgs/GR
Qualifies: theme-marriage by MC or other: tagged x1

[*bookcover:Imperfect Match|39290871]

[Lisa]

Task 14
Completion Post -book 1
The Best Worst Honeymoon Ever
194 pages
How it qualifies: tagged wedding x1 tag
Date read: 10/17/21
4 stars
A real, quick easy read. Tommy gets stood up on his wedding day and ends up going on honeymoon with his best friend , Grayson and his son, Petey.
Tommy and Grayson decide they have feelings for each other and get together. Petey played quite a big part in this story but he was kinda cute.

[Shannon]

Crap, 8 books? And I just binged on a ton of carbs? Oh man....

[Donna]

Shannon wrote: "Crap, 8 books? And I just binged on a ton of carbs? Oh man...."

Just smack your face and get woke up... you have serious reading to get done! *grin*

My sister just keeps talking and I just keep reading... I really don't care what she is taking for lunch tomorrow, but she doesn't need to know that! hehehehe

She finally hung up! Yes!!! Love that girl to death... but she can go on for HOURS!!! ;p

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Donna wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Crap, 8 books? And I just binged on a ton of carbs? Oh man...."

Just smack your face and get woke up... you have serious reading to get done! *grin*

My sister just keeps talking a..."

🤣 Off to search :)

[Shannon]

Task 14 Selection Post (Book 1)
89. Read 8 books tagged with 'wedding' or 'proposal'.


Timing by Mary Calmes
Pages: 230
Qualification: Tagged Wedding 7x (right column)

[*book:Timing|8580451]

[Shannon]

Task 14 Selection Post (Book 1)
89. Read 8 books tagged with 'wedding' or 'proposal'.


A Marriage Resolution by Avery Ford
Pages: 188
Qualification: Tagged Marriage 1x (Right Column)

[*book:A Marriage Resolution|33830668]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 14 - Selection
89. Read 8 books tagged with "wedding" or "proposal" (MK approved "marriage" also!)

Three Stupid Weddings
Pages: 160
Qualifies: tagged 'wedding-engagement' x1

[*book:Three Stupid Weddings|41074778]


***
still deciding on my second book :)

[Donna]

COMPLETION POST: Task 14
89. Read 8 books tagged with "wedding" or "proposal".

Book 1:
Self Preservation by Ethan Day
169 pgs/GR
Qualifies: Tagged 3x Wedding
Finished: 10/17 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review:
Well, wasn't that the most conniving, manipulating lovefest that I have ever read!

I will say that the "hopping" POVs were a bit to keep up with... we are talking from paragraph to paragraph... not chapter to chapter! But, it truly was a joy to read and watch each character grow into who they were supposed to be, not who they thought they should be! This was like a 2 for 1 sale... two romances for the price of one! Also, let's not forget Deseree, so it is more like 2.5 for the price of one!

The book begins with you on Team Davis to win Jack back, but as everyone plays their parts, you notice a shift in the team players, and well, by the end, everyone is happily playing on the same team! NO, not that kind of "playing" on the same team... get your mind out of the gutter! LOL!!!

There were some "giggle" moments along with some "well hell" moments, but most of all there were a bunch of "I love you!" moments for us all to enjoy!

Sidenote: This was Ethan Day's first published story and I wanted to take a moment to remember Ethan for the wonderful person he was and the accomplished author that was loved by so many.

[*bookcover:Self Preservation|19492063]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 14 - COMPLETION Book 1
89. Read 8 books tagged with "wedding" or "proposal" (MK approved "marriage" also!)

Three Stupid Weddings
Pages: 160
Qualifies: tagged 'wedding-engagement' x1
Read: 18 Oct
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
I really enjoyed this - easy listening with an oblivious MC (Vic) who needs a fake boyfriend for 3 weddings this summer season. His best friend, who has been in love with him for years, offers up himself for that position :) And so goes their love story.

Narrated beautifully by Michael Ferraiuolo - 5 stars.

[*book:Three Stupid Weddings|41074778]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 14 - Selection Book 2
89. Read 8 books tagged with "wedding" or "proposal"

Timing
Pages: 230
Qualifies: tagged 'wedding' x7
https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...

[*book:Timing|8580451]

[Donna]

COMPLETION POST: Task 14
89. Read 8 books tagged with "wedding" or "proposal" (MK approved "marriage" also!)

Book 2:
Imperfect Match by Jordan Castillo Price
162 pgs/GR
Qualifies: theme-marriage by MC or other: tagged x1
Finished: 10/18 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review:
"You do you!" I would love to see what Lee, who was doing his studies in Language, would make of that expression because that is basically what this whole story is about! The world-building lead us to realize that by "crossing that line" from Benefit Sector to the Taxable District you could find not only a different way of life but also... acceptance of who you really are. Lee's journey of self-discovery was slow in coming but once he met Roman things all started falling into place.

This is not a mushy love story... it is a journey from what is expected to finding what is wanted in life. For some, it is the same thing, but for Lee, it wasn't. His journey required a lot of hard decisions and a few sacrifices, but when he considered the rewards, he didn't really consider them sacrifices at all!

JCP always gives us stories that make us stop and think! This one had me going straight to Climate Change. It is scary to imagine life as it could be if we don't start making changes NOW! Another scary thought... are we prepared to survive those changes if we don't fix the problems?

[*bookcover:Imperfect Match|39290871]

[Lisa]

Task 14
Completion Post -book 2
Mister Bridesmaid
200 pages
How it qualifies: tagged wedding x 3. tag
Date read: 10/18/21
4 stars

Not a bad book, the MCs get drunk and married on a trip to Vegas.
By the number of times they do it in 1 night, Colton must be superman.

[Shannon]

Task 14 Completion Post (Book 1)
89. Read 8 books tagged with 'wedding' or 'proposal'.


Timing by Mary Calmes
Pages: 230
Qualification: Tagged Wedding 7x (right column)
Read: 10/17/21
Rating: ★★★1/2

This is one that didn't stand the test of time for me. God, I loved this book back in the day but now, it was just okay. Still loved the story but everyone rubbing all over Stefan was just creepy as hell and let's just say the sexy parts seemed like they would be very painful. Slow down cowboy!!

[*book:Timing|8580451]

[Shannon]

Task 14 Completion Post (Book 2)
89. Read 8 books tagged with 'wedding' or 'proposal'.


A Marriage Resolution by Avery Ford
Pages: 188
Qualification: Tagged Marriage 1x (Right Column)
Read: 10/18/21
Rating: ★

I didn't like anything about this book. I didn't connect with either MC or their relationship at all. The writing was not for me so thank God it was short. Painful.

[*book:A Marriage Resolution|33830668]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 14 - COMPLETION Book 2
89. Read 8 books tagged with "wedding" or "proposal"

Timing
Pages: 230
Qualifies: tagged 'wedding' x7
https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
Read: 18 Oct
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
I've read this a few times; its a comfort easy read. This time it didn't go down so well, but I still enjoy much of the humour and sass. I think Rand just grates a bit with his chauvinism. MC Stefan is perfectly imperfect - a classic Calmes hero. But I always enjoy that aspect ;)

[*book:Timing|8580451]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 14 - Completion Summary
89. Read 8 books tagged with "wedding" or "proposal"

1. Lisa - Completion 419
2. Donna - Completion 426
3. Jane - Completion 427
4. Donna - Completion 429
5. Lisa - Completion 430
6. Shannon - Completion 431
7. Shannon - Completion 432
8. Jane - Completion 433

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Posted in Q&A :)

[MountainKat, Moderator]

I have you down for a new task in the morning!

[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 the selected location. If you choose a big city it 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 title, precis, book details, tags or lists - I need to know where to look to confirm your books. Please include any necessary links or other information in your completion posts.

[Lisa]

Task 15 - Selection Post
Set 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.

[*book:A Hard Call|39123921]

[Shannon]

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


Love and Linguistics by Tara Lain
Pages: 224
Qualification: Setting New York

[*book:Love and Linguistics|48850331]

[Donna]

SELECTION POST: Task 15
50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location. New York State

Book 1:
A Hard Call by Max Walker
240 pgs/GR
Qualifies: New York City, New York

[*bookcover:A Hard Call|39123921]

[Donna]

SELECTION POST: Task 15
50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location. New York State

Book 2:
A Lethal Love by Max Walker
238 pgs/GR
Qualifies: New York City, New York

[*bookcover:A Lethal Love|40476926]

[Donna]

Lisa wrote: "Task 15
Set in New York
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 ..."

OMG! There wasn't a picture on your post, so I didn't realize we had picked the same book until I was reading the synopsis on mine when I started reading it! *smh*

BTW: Have you read Max Walker before? I am pretty sure this is my first one by him... hope I like them!

[Lisa]

Donna wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Task 15
Set in New York
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 bes..."

No, new author. Its on ku too. I love mysteries. Some of the reviews say alot of sex, which Ill skip over. Im more of a less is more kinda gal.

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Would 'Staten Island, New York' qualify for this task, do you think?

I know its right there, but it has thrown me that it doesn't just state 'New York'...

[Donna]

Jane (PS) wrote: "Would 'Staten Island, New York' qualify for this task, do you think?

I know its right there, but it has thrown me that it doesn't just state 'New York'..."

Do you want us all to change our Qualifies to just New York?

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Yes please.

If we can all put New York State, the books will work in both city and state. Kat just approved that 😅

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 15 - Selection
#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'

[*book:Hopeless Bromantics|53986047]

[Lisa]

Staten Island would work though as its 1 of the 5 boroughs.

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Thanks!

[Donna]

COMPLETION POST: Task 15
50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location. New York State

Book 1:
A Hard Call by Max Walker
240 pgs/GR
Qualifies: New York City, New York
Finished: 10/19 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review:
I think the "investigations" part of the title was a bit misleading...

Yeah, Zane did a couple of interviews and a bit of research, but overall the scenes just jumped to the next time Zane could jump Enzo! I'm still not sure what Enzo did with his days... lawyerly stuff, I guess! ;p

The mystery wasn't bad, at least we had a couple of suspects and yes, there was sex... lots and lots of sex... which I pretty much skimmed after a bit! I wish Mr. Walker had spent more time on character details than he did on the sex scenes, but it is what it is.

I am jumping right into A Lethal Love... The Unicorn had just struck again and I really want to see where that goes in this book!

[*bookcover:A Hard Call|39123921]