Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
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TART Challenge - Round 4 - Rainbow Tarts (12)
Completion PostTask: 0. Each teammate reads a book initially published in a fall month, teams decide which month. (November)
Book/cover link:
Precious
Page numbers with source: 220p per GR
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Original publication date 11/02/2020 Editions page link
Date Completed: 09/23
Rating/Review: 3 stars
This wasn't the book I originally intended to read, but I made a mistake about the original publication date, so opted to read Precious because I've been meaning to try something by Roe Horvat. It wasn't bad but (forgive me) there was precious little plot to work with here. On the other hand, there was lots and lots and lots of Alpha/Omega sex. I'll try another, and hope for a little more non-sexual activity.
So I'm taking time off because of the show (opening night is tomorrow!), but I swear I somehow have less reading time than I would if I were working. How does that happen????
Here is your next task!Task 2 - 5. Read 4 books first published within the last year.
To qualify for this task, the selected books need to have been initially published on or after September 23, 2021. If there is a date listed at the top of the editions page use it. Otherwise I will be looking for the earliest dated English language edition regardless of format as the qualification. Please include the initial publication date of your selected book in your completion post.
I assume she meant September 23 2020 :)
I'll be reading Always Eli the new Charlie Novak book. It was published yesterday, as a matter of fact, so it works no matter what year MountainKat intended, lol.
Completion PostTask 2 - 5. Read 4 books first published within the last year.
Book/cover link:
Always EliPage numbers with source: 279p per GR
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Published 09/23/2021 (see link above)
Date Completed: 9/24
Rating/Review: 4 stars
This was pretty adorable. Eli finds himself working with his older brother Richard's best friend Tristan. While Eli's relationship with with his brother is tricky, he finds that a relationship with Tristan is a very fine thing indeed. The book is very low angst, but is spiced up with Eli's career as a Drag Queen.
Completion PostTask 2 - 5. Read 4 books first published within the last year.
Book/cover link: Embers by A.J. Sherwood
Page numbers with source: 414p per GR
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Published September 10th 2021
Date Completed: 9/25
Rating/Review:4.5 stars
Grumpy dragon meets (slightly traumatized ) sunshiny mage. Love and revenge ensue. I loved seeing all the dragons and mages again. I loved the world and characters and it ended on such a good note.
Truitt_T wrote: "So I'm taking time off because of the show (opening night is tomorrow!), but I swear I somehow have less reading time than I would if I were working. How does that happen????"How was opening night? What play are you doing?
I think I am going to have to pick a new book. Can not find page count for the one I picked. Of course I was finished with it, will look for something else in a few minutes.
Teresa wrote: "Truitt_T wrote: "So I'm taking time off because of the show (opening night is tomorrow!), but I swear I somehow have less reading time than I would if I were working. How does that happen????"How..."
Opening night went really well - much better than I expected! Ticket sales are slow - which isn't really a surprise, but small audiences are usually tough audiences, which wasn't the case this time. Our audience was WONDERFUL! They laughed early and often.
The show is The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 - it's not actually a musical, thank goodness. It's a goofy murder mystery and the rehearsal process has been a blast - lots of close friends in the cast.
It's been over a year and a half since I've done a show - Steel Magnolias back in early 2020 was the last. That seems like a lifetime ago.....
KellyJo wrote: "I think I am going to have to pick a new book. Can not find page count for the one I picked. Of course I was finished with it, will look for something else in a few minutes."KellyJo, maybe ask Mkat about it in the q&a, I think there are some sites that give you page counts? It's worth a shot.
Truitt_T wrote: "Teresa wrote: "Truitt_T wrote: "So I'm taking time off because of the show (opening night is tomorrow!), but I swear I somehow have less reading time than I would if I were working. How does that h..."Tru, that sounds like so much fun! So glad it went well. :)
Completion PostTask: Task 2 - 5. Read 4 books first published within the last year.
Book/cover link: King's Man by Sally Malcolm
Page numbers: 215/GR
How book qualified: First published March 25th 2021
Date Completed: 25/09/21
Rating/Review: 4.5 stars
A really good second chance romance, as always Sally Malcolm doesn't disappoint. I'd highly recommend reading Rebel first, though, there's a lot of backstory that'll be missed otherwise. It's set in a very interesting time period and the characters are very well drawn. I really liked Sam and Nate; I did struggle a bit with Nate's actions, even if I understood his position. But the second time around, I really wished he didn't keep any secrets from Sam. But I really enjoyed the story.
Completion PostTask: Task 2 - 5. Read 4 books first published within the last year.
Book/cover link: The Rabbit's Foot
Page numbers: 186
How book qualified: First published July 9, 2021
Date Completed: 9/25/21
Rating/Review: 4 stars
This was an interesting read, First in the series, this book is setting the stage for the rest of the series, Loved the characters and look forward to reading more. The premise of a wolf and bunny together is something we don't see often. Loved the overprotective wolf and shy injured bunny. Not as dark as the description makes it sound, there is a lot of angst but a lot happens off-page so the story comes across as more sweet than dark.
Teresa wrote: "I assume she meant September 23 2020 :)"Thank you for assuming that - it was the fingers on automatic. 🤦🏻♀️
KellyJo wrote: "I think I am going to have to pick a new book. Can not find page count for the one I picked. Of course I was finished with it, will look for something else in a few minutes."You can always use the Amazon page count if there isn't one listed on GR. 😊
Here is your next task!Task 3 - 3. Each player reads a book by a new to you author - no pass for this task.
To qualify for this task, the selected books need to be written by a new to you author. You may have other books by the selected author on your shelves, but only the book selected for this task can be marked as read/rated. Include a link to your read shelf in your completion post, ideally sorted to your selected author. Please make sure the book you read for this task is on your shelves and marked as read. If your profile is private, you will either need to open if for the duration of this task or friend me so I can confirm your book. If I cannot confirm your book, the task is not completed.
It'll be Defenseless by A.J. Rose for me. I need to read it for SH - and it's 500 pages. And potentially very depressing. Sigh.
I’m going to read Glass Wolf by Cameron Craig
Completion PostTask: Task 3 - 3. Each player reads a book by a new to you author - no pass for this task.
Book/cover link: Glass Wolf by Cameron Craig
Page numbers: 208
How book qualified: new to me author
Date Completed: 9/26/21
Rating/Review: 4 Stars
This felt a lot shorter than it was as it moved at a fast clip. I really liked the characters and the world we see. There’s just enough background info so I wasn’t lost but not so much it felt like an info dump. Jaxon was adorable and I liked that even though he was an omega, he had strength and a bite. I really liked him and Thomas together and although the mating was quick and insta love, I believed in them as a pair. I look forward to more in this series!!!
Truitt_T wrote: "Teresa wrote: "Truitt_T wrote: "So I'm taking time off because of the show (opening night is tomorrow!), but I swear I somehow have less reading time than I would if I were working. How does that h..."So glad it went well!
Completion PostTask: Task 3 - 3. Each player reads a book by a new to you author - no pass for this task.
Book/cover link: Omega Phoenix: Claimed
Page numbers: 339
How book qualified: new to me author
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
Date Completed: 9/26/21
Rating/Review: 3.5 Stars
This was a cute read. Nothing angsty, overall a quick easy read. Wish it had a little more world-building but this is the first in the series so maybe that will come as the series progresses.
Teresa wrote: "Truitt_T wrote: "Teresa wrote: "Truitt_T wrote: "So I'm taking time off because of the show (opening night is tomorrow!), but I swear I somehow have less reading time than I would if I were working..."Thanks, Teresa!
I haven't even started my book yet - sorry everyone. After Thursday (the final day of SH) this will become easier.
Completion PostTask: Task 3 - 3. Each player reads a book by a new to you author - no pass for this task.
Book/cover link: Playing the Palace by Paul Rudnick
Page numbers: 269/GR
How book qualified: new to me author
Date Completed: 27/09/21
Rating/Review: 4.5 stars
This was probably the funniest book I've read all year. The characters were great, and the story was extremely heartwarming. I wish we had gotten Edgar's POV, so we could see his side a little more, but it was very, very entertaining.
It’ll be tonight before I finish my book. Sorry!
Completion PostTask: Task 3 - 3. Each player reads a book by a new to you author - no pass for this task.
Book/cover link: Defenseless
Page numbers with source: 438p, per GR
How book qualified: New to me author
Date Completed: 9/27
Rating/Review: 3 stars
It was a bit depressing, but not bad. Definitely not something I would have read right now if I hadn't needed to for SH.
Here is your next task!Task 4 - 15. Read a minimum of 600 pages in books with an audio edition.
You do not need to listen to the audio, but an audio edition must be available for you book to work for this task! Please include a link to the audio edition in your completion post. Remember to use the first edition Kindle page count.
I’m going to read Trusted Bond by Mary Calmes with 282 pages.
I’m starting Shelter the Sea - 190 pages, I think.I guess we’ll just read until we hit 600. :)
Completion PostTask: Task 4 - 15. Read a minimum of 600 pages in books with an audio edition.
Book/cover link: Shelter the Sea
Page numbers with source: 190 pages, per GR
How book qualified: link to audio edition: Shelter the Sea
Date Completed: 9/28
Rating/Review: 5 stars
This was charming and odd and, somewhat unexpectedly, a pleasure to read.
Running page total: 190
Completion PostTask: Task 4 - 15. Read a minimum of 600 pages in books with an audio edition.
Book/cover link: Trusted Bond by Mary Calmes
Page numbers with source: 282 pages, per GR
How book qualified: link to audio edition: Trusted Bond
Date Completed: 9/28
Rating/Review: 3 stars
Jin was exhausting. I wasn’t sure if he was unlucky because of all the awful things that happened to him or lucky because he somehow survived all of it. I did see his character grow as he learned how to rely on others and trust in Logan’s love. It was kind of weird how everyone either loved and revered him, wanted to possess him for their own, or wanted to kill him - sometimes all three. The Egyptian lore was interesting but tribe dynamics were convoluted. While ultimately I enjoyed the story, it really annoyed me too. I may continue with the series in the future, but I need a break from Jin.
ETA after reading reviews for the next books, I will not be reading them.
Running page total: 372
Completion PostTask: Task 4 - 15. Read a minimum of 600 pages in books with an audio edition.
Book/cover link: Tangling with Bears by Lisa Oliver
Page numbers with source: 256 per GR
How book qualified: link to audio edition: Tangling with Bears
Date Completed: 9/29/21
Rating/Review: 3.5 stars
I have really enjoyed this series. This book continues the storyline, and we finally find the bad guy. Love the three mates in the story, especially Luke. He was such a sweet and unique character. Enjoy getting to see past characters and seeing the pack continue to come together to get past all the troubles that they are facing.
KellyJo wrote: "Completion PostTask: Task 4 - 15. Read a minimum of 600 pages in books with an audio edition.
Book/cover link: Tangling with Bears by Lisa Oliver
Page numbers wit..."
I've seen a lot of Lisa Oliver lately but haven't read anything by her because I'd have to buy the book and I'm leery of buying new to me authors but I have some credit so maybe I'll take a chance... What would you recommend I start with, KellyJo?
Teresa wrote: "KellyJo wrote: "Completion PostTask: Task 4 - 15. Read a minimum of 600 pages in books with an audio edition.
Book/cover link: Tangling with Bears by Lisa Oliver
..."
I would recommend starting with either The Reluctant Wolf or Get Off My Case.
Looks like both books are only .99 right now, so not a big investment if you end up not liking the authors style.
Completion PostTask: Task 4 - 15. Read a minimum of 600 pages in books with an audio edition.
Book/cover link: Secret at Skull House by Josh Lanyon
Page numbers: 274/GR
How book qualified: Secret at Skull House
Date Completed: 29/09/21
Rating/Review: 3.5 stars
It was a very easy read, but we still have practically no romance. The characters are the best part of this series so far, but I felt like the mystery was a bit too easy on this one. Still entertaining though.
Page total: 1002
Here is your next task!Task 5 - 29. Read over 750 pages in books about the same profession, teams decide which profession.
Professions such as LEO, military or musicians are ok. Just don’t try to pass off a rancher and a chef as both being in the food industry - they are simply not close enough. Please include the selected profession in your completions post and to let me know how you know the book qualifies - title, precis, tags or lists, including links and any other necessary information. I need to know where to look to confirm your books. Remember to use the first edition Kindle page count.
Drat - I don't think we've got anything selected for this.Law Enforcement? Did we do this last time?
Actor?
Musician?
Professional Athlete?
Writer?
Journalist?
Chef?
Porn Star?
Suggestions?
Bodyguard? Artist?
I’m good with Law enforcement though I’m sure could scrounge up something for the other suggestions.
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
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How to Howl at the Moon (other topics)
Merry Cherry Christmas (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
G.L. Carriger (other topics)Eli Easton (other topics)
Keira Andrews (other topics)
Charlie Cochet (other topics)
Jordan L. Hawk (other topics)
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Task: 0. Each teammate reads a book initially published in a fall month, teams decide which month. (November)
Book/cover link: Borrowing Blue by Lucy Lennox
Page numbers: 302
How book qualified: First published November 23th 2016
Date Completed: 9/23/21
Rating/Review: 4 stars
Really good start to the series. I have read this one before and enjoyed it just as much the second time around. Love all the brothers and look forward to reading the rest of the series to find out more about them all.