Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
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TART Challenge - Round 5 - Have Book...Can Travel (2)
I have you as complete for Task 4, and will be back with your next task in the morning.
Here is your next task!Task 5 - 17. Read 4 books written by a male author.
Books selected for this task need to be written by a male author. Please include a link to the author’s profile or website in your completion post.
Task 5:
. Read 4 books written by a male author.
Passing Through
Pages: 178/GR
How it fits: male author - Jay Northcote
Date completed: 4/20/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
Leo is visiting his dying uncle Edwin. While there he meets Edwin's renter, Tris. Tris has his own issues but the attraction between Leo and Tris is undeniable. However, Leo is going back to London and can't get into a relationship with this man who is rooted to Cornwall. But Edwin seems to have other plans.
This was so sweet. I felt such sorrow for Edwin but loved how brave he and Tom were even in the light of the times. I'm so glad that he was able to turn Leo's view around through the things he had to go through with Tom. And Edwin's bravery at the end. *ugly cry!*
I loved the way Leo and Tris evolved and that epilogue just about gutted me. There were just so many emotions with this book. It was poignant and really illustrated why it's so important to celebrate and appreciate love when you find it!
Completion Post:-
Task #5: 17. Read 4 books written by a male author..
Book: The Last Watchman of Old Cairo by Michael David Lukas
How it fits the task: The author is male Michael David Lukas
Page count: 271 pages.
Date completed: Apr.21, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Review: The Last Watchman of Old Cairo is a book that I picked because of the summery. Over the centuries, the relationship between Jews and Moslems has often shifted from intimacy to bitter enmity. The Last Watchman of Old Cairo, the close relationships between people of both faiths illustrate the norm, not the exception.
I liked how Michael David Lukas drafted the story in three plotlines.
There is an exciting tone throughout The Last Watchman of Cairo that I was not expecting. This book is about forgiveness, and knowing when it's okay to say a mistake is tolerable. Our characters make many errors in Cairo and how some get their atonement.
Task 5—read four books written by a male author
Misadventures of a Biker, Scott Hildreth – 4/20/22 – ✮✮✮✮✰
first-edition Kindle ➔ 217 pages
How the Book Qualifies ➔ Scott Hildreth is a male author
Review — Such a fun book! It ended a little too abruptly for me and I would have liked to see more character development, but I can’t fault this book too much. Super funny and definitely sexy!
Completion Task 5—read four books written by a male authorBook: Light Up the Night
Pages: 254 as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 22 April
Rating: 4⭐️
How it qualifies: Weston Parker
Review: I feel like I’ve read this storyline a few times. Single mother experienced loss and doesn’t want to date a firefighter because they are constantly at risk. I did enjoy this story and liked that Mel was content with her life and making it on her own with her daughter, business and friend to keep her busy. I liked that Hayden enhanced that feeling for her instead of being a way out of her situation. I liked Hayden from the beginning and his approach to Mel and her daughter.
Here is your next task!Task 6 - 22. Read 4 books #5 or higher in a series.
For this task the selected books need to be #5 or higher in a numbered series listed on GR. Please include a link to the series page in your completion posts.
I am going to read out of order for this task. I am going with Curvy Girls Can't Date Best Friends. It is the fifth book of The Curvy Girls Club
Task 6:
. Read 4 books #5 or higher in a series.
Kane
Pages: 316/GR
How it fits: Book #8 in the Arizona Vengeance Series
Date completed: 4/22/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
I'm such a sucker for friends-to-lovers romance books, I was so excited to read/listen to this one. Even though the male narrator wasn't my favorite, I squealed at the teaser I got at the end of Aaron Wylde's book (#7).
Honestly, the story didn't disappoint (well not too much). I enjoyed Kane and Mollie and the way their relationship transitioned. But I was a bit disappointed in both of them when things imploded. I'm glad they got their acts together pretty quickly. Surprising, I was a little more disappointed in Mollie than Kane. Not sure why that was but there it is.
Really looking forward to continuing this series.
And the narrator that I'm not too fond of wasn't bad either. So if there is anyone who may also feel like I do, never fear.
☘KathyD☘ wrote: "I'm jumping into Long Time Gone."That one was bitter sweet. It was an end of era so it was hard to read but I enjoyed it!
Sassafrass wrote: "☘KathyD☘ wrote: "I'm jumping into Long Time Gone."That one was bitter sweet. It was an end of era so it was hard to read but I enjoyed it!"
that's why I haven't read it before now...I'm not ready to say goodbye to the McKay-West families.
Completion Post:-
Task #6: 22. Read 4 books #5 or higher in a series.
Book: Curvy Girls Can't Date Best Friends by Kelsie Stelting
How it fits the task: The book is the fifth book of The Curvy Girls Club #5
Page count: 462 pages.
Date completed: Apr.23, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Review: I usually read series in order, but this time I had to read the fifth book of The Curvy Girls Club series out of order because of a reading challenge.
Yes, Curvy Girls Can't Date Best Friends is a YA/NA book it deals with solid themes like physical and domestic abuse.
Suppose you ever met a couple, any couple that continually loves each other over time. In that case, you usually find out the couple were best friends throughout the earlier part of their lives and now, having moved on to the love stage, continue to do so knowing that they have gone to marry their life soulmate.
My heart broke for Carson his home life is tough to take. I loved that he had Callie from an early age to lean on and her family.
Best friend to lovers is my favorite trope, friends to lovers, and it isn’t always easy to confess one’s feelings when your friends, like both Carson and Callie, are finding themselves at various stages of life.
I also like how Kelsie Stelting each girl's love story occurs in distinct parts of the same year. Callie and Carson's story also shows how they built their friendship through those eight years. I will give this book 4.5 stars, and I will continue the series in order.
Task 6—read four books #5 or higher in a series
Long Time Gone, Lorelei James – 4/22/22 – ✮✮✮✮✰
first-edition Kindle ➔ 172 pages
How the Book Qualifies ➔ book #16.5 in the Rough Riders series
Review — This was a great story to close out the series. Cal’s and Kimmie’s story was quite a bit shorter than Carson’s and Caro’s, but it didn’t need to be as detailed as some of their story played out in the previous book. I love the fact that Cal didn’t try to change Kimmie or snuff her need to be free. This series is full of strong, independent women and Kimmie is one of many amazing characters in this series. For his part, Cal doesn’t hold to the wild McKay ways, but he is still alpha and fiercely loyal to his love and family. I look forward to reading the prelude to this series that released a few years ago. I think it will be great to see how the McKay-West rift began from the very start.
Task 6—read four books #5 or higher in a seriesBook:
Pages: 320 as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 24 April
Rating: 4.5⭐️
How it qualifies: Book #5 in the Kate Daniels series https://www.goodreads.com/series/4069...
Review: What’s not to love about this series?? It has it all! Vampires, shifters, magic, romance and suspense.
This book kept me wondering about the blood magic and just the general magic and what Kate’s relationship with the witches will be going forward. I love her interactions with Curran and that it’s not all soppy, gushing love statements. Sometimes it takes me a minute to figure out all the different shifter combinations and the explanations behind them but once I get into it these books have me hooked!
Here is your next task!Task 7 - 31. Read 6 books rated over 4.0.
Books selected for this task need to have an average rating of 4.0 or higher on GR. If the rating for your book might drop below 4.0 during the task, i.e. it has very few ratings or it is exactly 4.0, a screenshot might be advisable and you might wish to withhold your rating if you are rating it less than 4 stars. Please include the average rating in your completion posts.
I had your next task ready to go because it is easy enough to copy and paste from my phone. It’s not easy to check your completions though! I will get that done tomorrow when I can get on my computer.
I can definitely do 2 books. I know Hazel will have stuff going on with new additions to the family coming today!
Avigail wrote: "Completion Post:-
Task #6: 22. Read 4 books #5 or higher in a series.
Book: Curvy Girls Can't Date Best Friends by ..."
Book #5 in the The Curvy Girls Club Series
Avigail is unable to get on her computer....
Task 7:
. Read 6 books rated over 4.0.
Blindsided
Pages: 322/GR
How it fits: avg rating 4.12
Date completed: 4/24/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
I liked this one but I was so mad at Mac when he screwed things up with Freya. I was so glad that his granddad got him to get his head on straight!
But, the friends-to-lovers trope coupled with Amy Daws and her hilarious dialogue and situations made this what I expect from the Harris Brothers and Company.
I look forward to the next book, but I'm a bit sad too because it will be the last one for me to read in the world that I've truly come to adore!
Task 7:
. Read 6 books rated over 4.0.
Enough
Pages: 263/GR
How it fits: avg rating 4.49
Date completed: 4/24/22
Rating: *3 STARS*
Once again the bones of the story were good but the execution was what got me. *sigh* I just don't see the point of using overly fancy words to describe something mundane just so you can sound like a fancy writer. It just doesn't work for me. And I found myself concentrating more on why a certain word was used instead of getting into the story.
And I did like the story. I liked the characters. I really like this family. But I'm not sure if I'm going to continue on with the series at this point because I just can't get past that sticking point.
I can see if there is a third one that's short that I can do just in case.
I have half an hour left of my first and so I’ll be able to do a 2nd one.
I am in the middle of one I have 2.5 hours in my audiobook I tried to listen at work it is hard today.
Avigail wrote: "I am in the middle of one I have 2.5 hours in my audiobook I tried to listen at work it is hard today."Woot, then we are doing well!!
Hazel wrote: "I have half an hour left of my first and so I’ll be able to do a 2nd one."sounds good!
Task 7—read 6 books rated over 4.0
Creation in Death, J.D. Robb – 4/24/22 – ✮✮✮✮✮
first-edition Kindle ➔ 364 pages
How the Book Qualifies ➔ book has a 4.39 rating
Review — This book takes off at high speeds from the beginning and doesn’t slow down until the very end! This is a story that integrates the murderer’s thoughts and movements without revealing the “who.” This book also is unique in that its focus is a case that Eve worked when she was still partnered with Feeney. Lots going on, with so many moving pieces, yet the story flows brilliantly! The last bits of the interrogation are masterful and had me sucked into the bitter end. Such a great installment in this amazing series!
Completion Post:-
Task #7: 31. Read 6 books rated over 4.0.
Book: The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
How it fits the task: The book has 4.27 ratings
Page count: 361 pages.
Date completed: Apr.25, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: The Charm Offensive is not a book; it is a rollercoaster. I started the reading process yesterday after a long day of work and lecture, and the truth is I wasn't feeling good vibes. I read a book for a couple of challenges I continued, and I am happy I did.
The Charm Offensive is an own-voices work. With themes like anxiety, mental health & being part of the LGBTQAI+ community.
The story is formulaic, and it follows the typical plot progression of a contemporary romance, so the story itself is predictable. However, where this book excels is the characters! The representation! and the overall feels!
The mental health aspect of this story is genuinely unlike any other I’ve seen (and I’ve seen some great representation!). The issues these characters dealt with felt very real, and I think we need to be seeing more of this as our world and the people in it are experiencing more of it. It is an excellent way for someone who hasn’t been exposed to people with mental health issues to understand better, even though it is from a fiction novel.
The magic, I think, hides in the fact that the characters grow. They feel like actual people; that have flaws, make mistakes, and make bad choices. But they learn from all of that – and the narrative shows it. They know each other for themselves or with the help of a friend or, indeed, the person they love. They never portrayed it to imply that love allows them to change for the better. The Charm Offensive is noticeably explicit that love doesn’t fix a person. It can only make them feel seen & understood, which is an idea even more critical in a book like this, where both the main characters struggle with mental illnesses.
Alison Cochrun did a beautiful l work for a debut book. Reading this book was a journey, but I thoroughly had an enjoyable time.
I checked your books for the last task and all look good. 😊
Completion post Task #7: 31. Read 6 books rated over 4.0.
Book 1:
Pages: 167
Read: 25 April
Rating: 4⭐️
How it qualifies: Rated 4.10
Review: This was the 2nd book in the series. I found it tricky to remember what had happened in book one initially as I read it in 2019. Once I got back into the story line I enjoyed it. Jax and Haley are both dealing with personal issues but they are also dealing with their own attraction to each other. Sometimes it was one step forward and 2 steps back.
One annoying thing is as the book is short I don’t like that there are so many instalments. This book could have been shared between book one and the next in the series. There is also a cliffhanger which isn’t my favourite thing unless I can read the next book very quickly.
Completion postTask #7: 31. Read 6 books rated over 4.0.
Book2:
Pages: 163
Read: 26 April
Rating: 4⭐️
How it qualifies: Rated 4.02
Review: A friends to lovers/Brothers best friend story. I love these types of books and this one was no different. Campbell and Caitlin know each other very well as Campbell is best friends with Caitlin’s brother. He’s even spent time living in their house. Caitlin ends up sleeping with Campbell after a party and the story follows from there. They try and navigate where they stand without impacting on the relationship between Caitlin and her brother and Campbell and his best friend. Caitlin is resistant to getting involved but eventually love wins out. I hadn’t realised until I started reading that it is a Christmas story 😂
Here is your next task - finally!Task 8 - 23. Each teammate reads a book that has been read by one of the RRRC moderators. No pass for this task.
To qualify for this task, the selected books need to be marked as read by one of the RRRC moderators. There is no date requirement for this task, but the selected book must be marked as read and rated. Please include a link to the moderator's review or read shelf in your completion posts. To make your searching easier - Fran, Jane, Karen and I all read MM Romance, but Jane reads MM exclusively. Fran, Karen and I read both MF and MM.
Fran's profile is private, but I'm sure she will accept any friend requests. 😊
Has anyone else been having the problem that they have to keep signing into to goodreads? The sign in page has changed for me also and looks similar to how the beta version of the book page looks.Ever since that change I have to log in to GR again several times a day when refreshing my discussions page.
I didn't know if it was just me or something that others were seeing.
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
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13. Read a minimum of 750 pages in books tagged/shelved as sports.
Avigail 444p
Kathy 320p
Sassafrass 290p
Hazel237p
Total pages read = 444+320+290+237 = 1291