Romance Across The Ages - 2022 Challenge

[Lauren]

Sandra wrote: "Lauren, do you advise some Teresa Medeiros' book to start with? I never read any of her."

So far I've read 2 and loved them both.
In addition to Thief of Hearts, I also read Yours Until Dawn

[Lauren]

I 2nd Yours Till Dawn just in case you want want two Laurens recommendation.;)

[Maksi]

I just have to third Yours Till Dawn - love that book. It's so angsty, but feel-good at the same time. I reread my favorite parts (last couple of chapters really) when I need a good read.

[Padma]

Read Splendor by Brenda joyce for Around the world theme. Was a very good one , during Regency England and St Petersburg Russia

[Sandra]

Lauren wrote: "Sandra wrote: "Lauren, do you advise some Teresa Medeiros' book to start with? I never read any of her."

So far I've read 2 and loved them both.
In addition to Thief of Hearts, I a..."

Thanks!!

[Sandra]

Maksi wrote: "I just have to third Yours Till Dawn - love that book. It's so angsty, but feel-good at the same time. I reread my favorite parts (last couple of chapters really) when I need a good read."

Lauren wrote: "I 2nd Yours Till Dawn just in case you want want two Laurens recommendation.;)"

Thanks!!

[jenny867]

I'm reading Yours Until Dawn right now! I'm enjoying it so far, but I just got to a part that makes me think I might not like where it's headed. Crossing my fingers I'm wrong. Sigh.

I just finished reading Bliss and Dance by Judy Cuevas. They both take place in France during the Edwardian era so I'm already covered for this month. :D

I also read Mr. Impossible and have my eye on some other Around the World themed books I might get to before April is over. I had a heck of a time finding Edwardian books but I'm happy I found the ones I did - they were lovely.

[Christine]

jenny867 wrote: "I'm reading Yours Until Dawn right now! I'm enjoying it so far, but I just got to a part that makes me think I might not like where it's headed. Crossing my fingers I'm wrong. Sigh.

I just finishe..."

Let me know how it is! It's on my TBR. For ancient/May I'm doing The Centurion's Wife, and fun fact it's co-written by the author who wrote the books that When Calls the Heart is based on.

[Merry]

I just started reading I picked it off the listopia from the first page and its number 63 in Edwardian. It only has 4 reviews. I guess the bar is not very high to make it onto the list.

[Lauren]

Finished
Around The World: Mr. Impossible
And for Edwardian: A Duchess in Name

[Merry]

Ok I gave up quickly on reading Beauty's Doom. The book is 4 in a series its 1904 and the main character is talking about taking out a car loan.
I may try another Edwardian later in the year.

[jenny867]

Christine L. wrote: "jenny867 wrote: "I'm reading Yours Until Dawn right now! I'm enjoying it so far, but I just got to a part that makes me think I might not like where it's headed. Crossing my fingers I'm wrong. Sigh..."

I really liked it! (even though I was right about where it was headed, lol)

[Lauren]

Another Edwardian book:
Love Storm

[Mary-Catherine]

Is it too late to join? And can I retroactively count some books I've read this year so far?

I just joined this club and would like to participate.

Thanks!

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

Never to late to join in.
Some read books later or early in the challenge.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Mary-Catherine wrote: "Is it too late to join? And can I retroactively count some books I've read this year so far?

I just joined this club and would like to participate.

Thanks!"

Yea, you can join anytime, and yes you can retroactively count books.

[Mary-Catherine]

Romance Across the Ages 2022 tracking list :

January
American Revolution – This is a stretch but I’m counting it! | The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband by Julia Quinn | Read March 2022


February
Regency – The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn | Read January 2022

Scottish / Highlander – Highland Wolf by Lynsay Sands | Read January 2022


March
Victorian – Cold-Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas


April
Around the World (other than Britain or American) - The Captain of All Pleasures by Kresley Cole


May
Medieval – Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning


Ancient World / Prehistorical

June
Georgian
LGBTQ+ - The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite


July
Western
Your Choice

August
Renaissance / Tudor
Diversity (featuring at least one lead character with diverse racial/ethnic background)

September
Americana/Gilded Age
Viking

October
Time Travel
Bodice Ripper

November
Native American
Restoration / Stuarts

December
Civil War / Pre-Civil War
Any Historical Romance on your TBR

[Lauren]

Mary Catherine.., did you like The Girl With The Make-believe Husband by Julia Quinn?

[Mary-Catherine]

Lauren wrote: "Mary Catherine.., did you like The Girl With The Make-believe Husband by Julia Quinn?"

I did, I rated it 5 stars! I enjoyed the whole Rokesbys series a ton and would definitely recommend it. I would say this one or the third book in the series were probably my favorite. They were a little more action packed than usual for a Julia Quinn novel.

[Lauren]

It's good to hear you say that bc I notice a lot of reviewers did not enjoy this book. Thanks for the rec. My curiosity is now peaked ;)

Can it be read as a standalone?

[Mary-Catherine]

Lauren wrote: "It's good to hear you say that bc I notice a lot of reviewers did not enjoy this book. Thanks for the rec. My curiosity is now peaked ;)

Can it be read as a standalone?"

Hmm I think it could be read as a standalone, because the other books center around different couples and their activities in England and the entirety of this book takes place in the Americas. There isn't really any prior knowledge you need from book 1.

[Lauren]

Thanks Mary-Catherine!

[Padma]

Finished Beloved for Prehistoric/ Ancient world. Very good one. It is the story of Queen Zenobia of Palmyra, present day Syria set in the 3rd century AD.

[Lauren]

I finished Highland Hellcat for the Medieval prompt. It was quite similar to the first book in the series plotwise although the romance was more slow-burn. The last 3rd was action packed.

[Lauren]

I finished The Black Lyon by Jude Deveraux for Medieval

[Christine]

Le sigh, I lost interest in the Centurion's wife, and I'm worried I might have hit a reading slump (I had such a long streak for a while). But I'm going to give An English Bride in Scotland for Medieval a try.

[Jan]

I haven't started my medieval yet. Better get on that! I'm thinking Fair, Bright, and Terrible by Elizabeth Kingston. It's on my tbr and Bk 1 was pretty good, so I might do that one.

[Cath]

Elizabeth Kingston is an author I definitely want to read one of these days. I've heard good things about her.

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

I am reading, Uncovering the Merchants Secret by Elizabeth Hobbes, for my Medieval read.

[Christine]

Those two look like fun reads! I've hit a wall with reading I think, but hopefully I'll get over it :p.

[Padma]

Read Princess of Fire by Shannon Drake a.k.a. Heather Graham for Medieval theme. 5 stars. Such a fantastic read and a strong heroine...omg... Loved the H and the h

Medieval novels are always an enjoyable read

[Christine]

Padma wrote: "Read Princess of Fire by Shannon Drake a.k.a. Heather Graham for Medieval theme. 5 stars. Such a fantastic read and a strong heroine...omg... Loved the H and the h

Medieval novels ar..."

I'll have to look that one up! I've been rebellious towards my TBR by reading everything that isn't prioritized haha.

[Christine]

I'm very happy to report that I binge read Lion's Bride for medieval and am looking forward to the sequel. At first I wasn't sure about Ware, because he is quite a brute, but then Johansen did a good job of unraveling his insecurities and desires. It was published in the 90's, so some terminology probably didn't age so well (I may have giggled any time 'coupling' was mentioned), but I enjoyed the setting and the heroine.

[Jan]

Christine L. wrote: "I'm very happy to report that I binge read Lion's Bride for medieval and am looking forward to the sequel. At first I wasn't sure about Ware, because he is quite a brute, but then Joha..."

Ha ha. Yes, some of that 80s and 90s language makes me smile too. When writers use the word 'loins' during saucy scenes for example. Just no.

[Lauren]

I read: Lord of the Dragon by Suzanne Robinson. I actually read 3 medieval books this month. I'm finding so many new books while looking for these different eras.

For ancient, I'm rereading A Viking's Love. Rereads count, right?

[Lauren]

oh sorry! I already put down The Black Lyon for medieval. My bad!

Padma, I'm so glad you liked Princess Of Fire . It explains the Norman Conquest so well, which is why it's a favorite of mine.

[Christine]

Jan wrote: "Christine L. wrote: "I'm very happy to report that I binge read Lion's Bride for medieval and am looking forward to the sequel. At first I wasn't sure about Ware, because he is quite a..."

Lol exactly.

@Lauren I always count my re-reads!:)

Not sure about June yet, but I do need to read Eloisa's latest Wilde book.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Yes, rereads are fine!

[Lauren]

just finished a reread of A Viking's Love by Karolyn Cairs for ancient category

[Padma]

Lauren wrote: "oh sorry! I already put down The Black Lyon for medieval. My bad!

Padma, I'm so glad you liked Princess Of Fire . It explains the Norman Conquest so well, which is why it's a favorite of mine."

Thanks Lauren 😊

[Jan]

I haven't finished my May book yet :( Fair, Bright, and Terrible for medieval. I must get on to it and try to finish soon!

I haven't chosen my June read yet. What is everyone else reading for this challenge for June?

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

I am reading. Kidnapped by the Viking by Caitlin Crews, for ancient.
Up to now it is rather boring, no action just travelling and what each of them are thinking.
I am hoping it improves soon 🙄🤞

[jenny867]

Jan wrote: "I haven't finished my May book yet :( Fair, Bright, and Terrible for medieval. I must get on to it and try to finish soon!

I haven't chosen my June read yet. What is everyone else..."

For LGBTQ+ I'm really excited to read A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall and then maybe continue with the Regency Imposters series since I really enjoyed Unmasked by the Marquess last month.

I have quite a few I'd like to read set in Georgian times. I've been wanting to read The Swooning Virgins Society series for a while (I loved the first one but then I never followed through with the rest) and also the Maiden Lane series is set in that era and I'd like to get a head start before I read Thief of Shadows as one of next month's BotMs.

[Jan]

Shaz wrote: "I am reading. Kidnapped by the Viking by Caitlin Crews, for ancient.
Up to now it is rather boring, no action just travelling and what each of them are thinking.
I am hoping it improves soon 🙄🤞"

I haven't read anything by this author. Good luck with the rest of the read.

[Jan]

jenny867 wrote: "...maybe continue with the Regency Imposters series since I really enjoyed Unmasked by the Marquess last month."

Good move. I liked Unmasked By The Marquess too so I might go and have a look at the rest of the series.

I read the whole Maiden Lane series a couple of years ago. Some books were better than others, but it was one of those series that hooks you in and you want to read the lot. Hope you enjoy. I haven't read the Swooning Virgins Society. Maybe I will have a look at that. Thanks.

[Lauren]

I finished Till Next We Meet for Georgian. Both the hero and heroine annoyed me in the first half, but they and their romance improved significantly in the second half. I also loved the use of the letter-writing trope - so heartfelt and emotional.

[Christine]

Depending if I get it from the library in time, I'm going to do To Beguile a Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt, but Wilde Child if not.

[Jan]

I ended up reading A Delicate Deception by Cat Sebastian for June LGBQT+. Both protags are bisexual but it's a MF romance and quite a nice story. 3 stars.

[Padma]

I am reading Sinful by Susan Johnson for June theme, Georgian era

[Merry]

I just finished The Parfit Knight and it was a 5* read for Georgian period.