Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
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TART Challenge - Round 5 - Have Book...Can Travel (2)
Task 8:
. Each teammate reads a book that has been read by one of the RRRC moderators. No pass for this task.
Steele
Pages: 268/GR
How it fits: Read by MoutainKat on April 9, 2021
Date completed: 4/26/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
I thought this was a good second chance romance. Steele worked hard to see what the issues were that broke down his marriage. But, I thought the build up was immense and then it was over kind of quickly.
Also, I wasn't a fan of the female narrator. I feel like she sounded too old. It was like they wanted the character to be "mature" but they weren't that old only mid 30's or so. Maybe I'm feeling to sensitive but I liked listening to the male narrator parts better than the female ones in this one.
Completion Post:-
Task #8: 23. Each teammate reads a book that has been read by one of the RRRC moderators. No pass for this task.
Book: The Hardest Fall bt Ella Maise
How it fits the task: KarenH read the book on 2/6/22420 pages.
Date completed: Apr.27, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: I heard many things about The Hardest Fall, and I decided to take my chances with this book. The characters were exceptionally well-written with lots of emotions, feelings, and enough suspense to keep me riveted to my kindle reading it in two sittings.
There’s a lot I can say about the plotline, but to get the full impact, you need to read the novel.
I loved Zoe & Dylan's meet-cute; it is surprising and in0vative.
I am looking forward to reading other works by Ella Maise.
Glad you liked this, Avigail. I liked it too!!
Task 8—each teammate reads a book that has been read by one of the RRRC moderators — no pass for this task[bookcover:Strangers in Death|8136490]
Strangers in Death, J.D. Robb – 4/27/22 – ✮✮✮✮✰
first-edition Kindle ➔ 380 pages
How the Book Qualifies ➔ Strangers in Death read by MountainKat on 4/25/22 – ✮✮✮✮✰
Review — It's never a dull moment with Eve and the gang. While this isn't the strongest book in the series, it has some great character growth…especially for Peabody as she tackles the media for the first time solo!
Kathy, you are doing a good dent with the In Death series reread.
Book:
Pages: 368
Read: 27 April
Rating: 5⭐️
How it qualifies: Read by MKat 5April 2019 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review: I really enjoyed this one. Slightly different than the others as a team from the keep are going to undertake a political nightmare of a bodyguard situation. The way this book is manoeuvred for everything to fall into place just amazed me! There are twists and turns and lots of emotions and a big battle at the end. I know there seems to be a big battle at the end of every book but this one felt like it was the most important and had bigger consequences for everyone. I can’t wait to read the next one!
Completion post:Task 8—each teammate reads a book that has been read by one of the RRRC moderators — no pass for this task
Sassafrass
Avigail
Kathy
Hazel
Avigail wrote: "Kathy, you are doing a good dent with the In Death series reread."I am! I like reading more than one at a time because I can see the character growth without having to remember what challenges or successes happened in the previous book...plus, it's Eve and Roarke! 😉
Here is your next task!Task 9 - 49. Each teammate reads a book published in the same month and year, teams decide. No pass for this task..
As a team select a month and year, then each teammate reads a book initially published in that month and year. Make sure you use the initial publication date. If there is a date at the top of the editions page, use it. Otherwise, I will be looking for the earliest dated English language edition regardless of format for the qualification. Please include the selected month/year combo in your completion posts.
I've checked your books for Task 8 and all were good. 😊
Completion Post:-
Task #9: 49. Each teammate reads a book published in the same month and year, teams decide. No pass for this task.
Book: Neanderthal Seeks Human by Penny Reid
How it fits the task: As a team we decided to read a book published in March 2013. Neanderthal Seeks Human was published on March 14th, 2013.
Page count: 403 pages.
Date completed: Apr.29, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: Neanderthal Seeks Human is the second book I read by Penny Reid. I like the author's writing and the relationship she builds with her characters.
Both Jaine & Quinn have dysfunctional families, but Janie has a good circle of friends that she can rely on.
Janie isn't your typical heroine, and she's weird but endearingly. She had her share of quirks, always rambling about some little-known and often irrelevant fact.
Quinn is just full of surprises. The romance was slow to build but oh so sweet.
Task 9—each teammate reads a book published in the same month and year, teams decide — March 2013 — no pass for this task
Oliver’s Hunger, Tina Folsom – 4/29/22 – ✮✮✮✰✰
first-edition Kindle ➔ 251 pages
How the Book Qualifies ➔ initially published March 28, 2013
Review — So, not a great book, but it worked. I think one of my biggest issues with this book is how horrible Oliver’s friends/coworkers treat him and Ursula. Being suspicious is one thing, but flat out telling a woman who was abducted that she’s lying multiple times is uncalled for. As for Oliver, he’s only two months into his transition and he’s beating himself up for not having the same level of control his friends have…mind you, they aren’t helping since they are constantly telling him how horrible he’s doing and that he has to do better. It was disappointing to see how the two main characters were beaten down for a good amount of this book. Together, these two work well. Ursula is a strong woman who survived three years in captivity. She has an incredible inner strength as she pushes to find the other women being held and used. Oliver was a bit wishy washy at first, particularly with his friends pointing out all the “lies” Ursula was telling. However, his attraction to and need to protect Ursula won out in the end.
Task 9:
. Each teammate reads a book published in the same month and year, teams decide. No pass for this task - March 2013. 
Belong to You
Pages: 280/GR
How it fits: First published March 29, 2013
Date completed: 4/29/22
Rating: *3 STARS*
So, I thought the story was interesting. I knew what Jack/Cole's secret was going to be before it was revealed. But, I listened to this on audio and the narrator was NOT good at male voices. Jack's voice was supposed to be deep and sexy and she just couldn't pull it off so the sexy times were really off sounding. Just not good. Wasn't a fan at all so I had to take off a star because of that.
If I continue with this series I'll make sure to read it and not listen on audio because the same narrating is doing it.
I'm glad that this author has been able to upgrade her narrators. That's for sure!
Task 9: . Each teammate reads a book published in the same month and year, teams decide. No pass for this task - March 2013. Book:
Pages: 205 as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 29 April
Rating: ⭐️
How it qualifies: First published March 16 2013
Review: This book gave me a bit of whiplash so 3⭐️ is a bit of a generous I think. Roxie is a spoiled teenager from New York with a massive chip on her shoulder. She is not happy her parents are sending her to stay with her grandma for the summer which is going to ruin her social life and popularity status. She’s even less happy when she finds out they're getting a divorce. Arriving in the middle of nowhere she is confrontational with her grandma and then sweet as pie towards the first hot guy she sees and obviously they form a relationship although he’s in pain. I liked Chase and I liked Roxie’s Grandma but I don’t know why they put up with her behaviour. She showed some emotional development through the story but it was like a yo-yo!
Completion post Task 9: . Each teammate reads a book published in the same month and year, teams decide. No pass for this task - March 2013.Avigail
Kathy
Sassafrass
Hazel
Thanks for going with that month/year. It was a big help for me 😃I’ve checked us in.
Here is your next task!Task 10 - 40. Read 6 books with over 500 reviews.
Books selected for this task need to have over 500 reviews, not ratings. You can find the number of reviews on the main book page under the title. Please include the number of reviews in your completion post.
Task 10:
. Read 6 books with over 500 reviews. 
Kulti
Pages: 570/GR
How it fits: 9,231 reviews
Date completed: 4/30/22
Rating: *5 STARS*
When I first read this book, I LOVED it. It was such a slow burn but it was worth it because the then end was everything. This time, I still loved it but it was a lot richer because I saw little ways the author brought things together in this book. The amount of planning that she did to weave the story together. To show little tells of what was going to come later in the story was amazing and because I knew what was coming, I could see it.
I couldn't help but crack up at the totally horrible names they gave each other, Pumpernickel, Taco, Schnitzel...OMG, they were seriously mental.
Also, Callie Dalton is one of my favorite female narrators so I could listen to her all day.
I know that I'll end up listening/reading this one again because Maraiana Zapata and Soccer are just a completely winning combination (along with ice skating, American football, youth baseball, and bikers...)
Completion Post:-
Task #10: 440. Read 6 books with over 500 reviews.
Book: Leo Loves Aries by Anyta Sunday
How it fits the task: The book has 1621 reviews
Page count: 278 pages.
Date completed: May 1, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: I picked Leo Loves Aries for a challenge, but I didn't know it was a MM romance, and I also didn't expect it to be a delicious friends-to-lovers slow-burn story. The book is a sexuality-discovery story, and I'd describe the MC (Theo) as a pansexual, or someone who falls for the person, not the gender.
The significant build-up between Theo and Jamie worked for me the most. They had a teasing, caring, evolving friendship that moved organically into something bigger, and I think Anyta Sunday pulled it off effortlessly. It wasn't rushed or forced, and I loved how everything seemed inevitable. The chemistry was beautiful, and the expert writing made this book a heart-squeezing, heart-warming read.
Task 10:
. Read 6 books with over 500 reviews. 
Hard Pressed
Pages: 259/GR
How it fits: 528 reviews
Date completed: 5/1/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
I liked the story. I loved the way that Jackson was all in from the beginning. I felt bad for Annette after the first book, so I'm glad that she had someone who was willing to fight for her.
Her family was a whole different story. I'm not sure that they were even necessary but it did add a different layer to Annette and why she felt like she had to accept whatever someone was willing to give her.
I'm really interested in Brooke's story. She's a fireball, but she's got a soft core underneath all the bluster I'm thinking. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
Task 10: . Read 6 books with over 500 reviews.Book:
Pages: 321
Read: 1 May
Rating: 4⭐️
How it qualifies: 2199 reviews
Review: Summer has had a crush on her stepbrother Kevin before he became her stepbrother. They slept together one night and she is sure when she goes to the same university that they are going to be together. Kevin hasn’t changed though he is still flirting from one girl to another. Summer becomes friends with Caden which no one can get a handle on as Caden doesn’t do relationships especially with freshmen girls. Summer eventually realises that Caden is the real deal and they get their HEA.
Task 10—read 6 books with over 500 reviews
Salvation in Death, J.D. Robb – 4/30/22 – ✮✮✮✮✮
first-edition Kindle ➔ 369 pages
How the Book Qualifies ➔ book has 964 reviews
Review — Such a great story! As I read through these books again, it amazes me how well formed the stories are and how Ms. Robb weaves so many different angles without losing the point of the story. This is one of many books that stands out for me in the series. I enjoyed seeing how everything unfolded again even if I knew parts of it going in.
Task 10—read 6 books with over 500 reviews
Promises in Death, J.D. Robb – 5/1/22 – ✮✮✮✮✰
first-edition Kindle ➔ 435 pages
How the Book Qualifies ➔ book has 1,002 reviews
Review — As great a story as this installment is, it also breaks my heart! Morris is such a great character and to have his life turned upside down in this book hurts. We don’t get to know Amaryllis well before her murder, but we do get to see the affect she has on Morris as their relationship grew. As always, I enjoyed seeing how Eve handled the various ups and downs…particularly since she was standing not only for the dead, but for her friend and colleague.
Yay Kathy, thanks for checking us in.
Here is your next task!Task 11 - 38. Read a minimum of 1000 pages in books with a non-English language edition.
Books selected for this task need to also be published in a language besides English. Please include a link to the non-English language edition in your completion posts. Remember to use the first edition Kindle page count.
Task 11:
. Read a minimum of 1000 pages in books with a non-English language edition. 
Dark Wild Night
Pages: 352/GR
How it fits: Spanish Edition
Date completed: 5/3/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
This was good. Lola and Oliver were sniffing around each other for so long. And they just get each other. Their inner geeks speak to each other, you know it was inevitable that they were going to end up together.
I was nervous at first that Lola was going to get lured away by some Hollywood guy and I didn't want the story to go there. I'm so glad that it didn't.
I listened to this one on audio and I will listen to anything that Shane East narrates (I've said that over and over). He can narrate a sex scene like nobody's business. And yeah the female narrator was good too (Sorry Shayna Thibodeaux it's not you it's him, LOL). I'm not sure if Shane's Australian accent was authentic but it sounded good to me!
I'm not sure how I'm feeling about the next book but you know I have to find out what's going to happen next!
Completion Post:-
Task #11: 38. Read a minimum of 1000 pages in books with a non-English language edition.
Book: The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
How it fits the task: Greek Edition
Page count: 320 pages.
Date completed: May 3, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Review: I am giving The Lost Apothecary 4.5 stars. The truth that pushed me to pick up this book is the cover afterward, the summary. Is the apothecary a heroine, murderer, or both? You’ve got to read it to find out!
This dual timeline tale takes place in the 1790s and present-day London, centering around a mysterious hidden apothecary shop and its effect on the lives of two troubled women. Women had very few options in this London. One had to put up with whatever situation one found themselves in regarding philandering spouses or abusive ones—reading The Lost Apothecary is an excellent look at the lengths women would go to seek revenge.
I loved the theme of finding oneself and following one’s heart even when that requires one to let go of people, places, and things one puts above oneself. This story encourages individuals on a deeper level not to be afraid to pursue their hearts' desires and not let unfavorable circumstances define them or hold them back from their dreams.
I am looking forward to reading more works by Sarah Penner.
Avigail wrote: "Completion Post:-
Task #11: 38. Read a minimum of 1000 pages in books with a non-English language edition.
Book:[book: The Lost Apothecary|49083252..."
I read this book for my department's book club last month. I enjoyed it also! =)
Task #11: 38. Read a minimum of 1000 pages in books with a non-English language edition. Book:
Pages: 400 as per kindle edition in above link
Read:3 May
Rating: 4⭐️
How it qualifies:
German version Review:I enjoyed this book. Raina pretends to be Ill so that one of her sons will settle down and give her grand children. Roman is the one who loses the coin toss and he can’t see past Charlotte who turned him down years ago even though there was attraction.
Charlotte doesn’t want to be with a man who won’t stick around and Roman doesn’t want to be with a woman who will stop him living his lifestyle.
I'll post my completion in the morning...still have a couple hours to go.
Task 11—read a minimum of 1,000 pages in books with a non–English language edition
Cake, J. Bengtsson – 5/4/22 – ✮✮✮✮✰
first-edition Kindle ➔ 611 pages
How the Book Qualifies ➔ book has German and Hungarian editions
Review — This book has been recommended by quite a few GR friends, but I’m not a huge fan of the new adult genre these days so I’ve been bumping it down the TBR list. I’m so glad I finally jumped into this book! The characters are great and well developed. They are young, but not immature….well, sometimes but appropriately so. Casey and Jake are not a typical couple, but they work really well together. This book has some heavy themes that I feel were handled well, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously as there is a good amount of humor throughout, as well. I look forward to the other McKallister family books in the series and seeing more of Casey and Jake!
Total number of pages for task 11: 1683Kathy: 611
Hazel: 400
Avigail: 320
Sassafrass: 352
☘KathyD☘ wrote: "Task 11—read a minimum of 1,000 pages in books with a non–English language editionCake, J. Bengtsson – 5/4/22 – ✮✮✮✮✰
first-edition Kindle ➔ 611 pages
Ho..."
I enjoyed this book but for some reason never continued with the series. I think I was afraid that the goodness wouldn't continue! LOL
Sassafrass wrote: "☘KathyD☘ wrote: "Task 11—read a minimum of 1,000 pages in books with a non–English language editionCake, J. Bengtsson – 5/4/22 – ✮✮✮✮✰
first-edition Kind..."
The whole series is in KU I want also to continue the series. The audiobooks are on audible
I enjoyed the Cake series and I am not a fan of NA - I'm way too old for the nonsense that can involve! I can only think of a few series where it has worked for me.
MountainKat wrote: "I enjoyed the Cake series and I am not a fan of NA - I'm way too old for the nonsense that can involve! I can only think of a few series where it has worked for me."That's good to know Kat.
Maybe we'll have to buddy read Avigail!
Here is your next task!Task 12 - 76. Read 6 books with a specific item on the cover, team selects item.
As a team, select a specific item and read 6 books with the selected item on the cover. Jewelry is not specific, but earrings are. Weapon is not specific, but gun is. (As examples.) You can use any edition's cover to qualify for this task. Please include the selected item and the qualifying cover in your completion posts.
Sassafrass wrote: "MountainKat wrote: "I enjoyed the Cake series and I am not a fan of NA - I'm way too old for the nonsense that can involve! I can only think of a few series where it has worked for me."That's goo..."
Sure, why not
Task 12:
. Read 6 books with a specific item on the cover, team selects item. HAT 
That Forever Girl
Pages: 359/GR
How it fits: man wearing winter hat on cover
Date completed: 5/4/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
This was a sweet second chance romance. It went back and forth between the present and the past so that you could see what really went down between Rogan and Harper and why the whole town was hoping that they would get together.
I loved Harper for going back for Rogan when they had their original big blow up. It just showed the kind of person that she was. I was so sad for the reason that everything went to crap for them. It was pretty heartbreaking. But what Rogan did with his business...OMG. And the original forever girl....Loved all of that.
I really like this series, the brothers are hilarious. Their text threads...epic! I really look forward to continuing this series.
Task 12:
. Read 6 books with a specific item on the cover, team selects item. HAT 
The Naughty, The Nice and The Nanny
Pages: 165/GR
How it fits: Santa hat on cover
Date completed: 5/5/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
This was cute. I thought the relationship between Natalie and Maddox was a little fast but they did have a history together. Violet was a hoot as well. I was surprised at how fast she turned around though.
I like the Holidays and I'm interested in see what's going to happen with the next brother's book. We got a glimpse of who he's going to be with and I was surprised it wasn't really addressed at all again in this book, but I guess we'll see it all in the next one. And I will definitely be there for that!
Completion Post:-
Task #12: 76. Read 6 books with a specific item on the cover, team selects item.
Book:Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price
How it fits the task: As a team we decided the specific item on the cover should be a hat - on the lower left corner of the book cover there is a hat.
Page count: 368 pages.
Date completed: May 5, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Review: Pride and Premeditation is a good retelling of the Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice with a mystery twist.
The author took liberties with this while keeping true to the personalities of our beloved Jane Austen characters.
The liberties that Price took with the original telling of P&P worked SO WELL to turn it into a murder mystery. And I liked some of the other minor changes to make the story different in little ways - like switching up Charlotte's story, including Fred and Abigail, and changing the backgrounds for Bingley and Darcy.
Adding in the backdrop that they are solicitors and barristers at law firms!? Brilliant. It worked so well to lay out the plot and the foundation for why they were all part of this murder mystery and coincided so nicely with Lizzie's naturally inquisitive nature from the original text.
Completion Post:-
Task #12: 76. Read 6 books with a specific item on the cover, team selects item.
Book: Playing the Enemy by Maggie Dallen
How it fits the task: As a team we decided the specific item on the cover should be a hat - on the cover the girl wears a red hat
Page count: 195 pages.
Date completed: May 5, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Review: Playing the Enemy is a sweet YA contemporary romance. Hannah is a charming, sporty, and fierce girl whose first chance at love seemed like a forever deal. The river is a guy who is soft-spoken but respected. He is also working on getting away to college (so mainly work, school, and soccer). He loves soccer just like Hannah, but his time on the team is dependent on his grades, keeping his job, and staying out of trouble.
Though not original in its plot, this story made it special because Hannah learned a lot about her character and former relationship interaction.
Yes, the plot is a predictable YA, but Hannah & River are too young for a forever relationship.
Task 12—read 6 books with a specific item on the cover, team selects item — hat
Misadventures in Blue, Sierra Simone – 5/5/22 – ✮✮✮✰✰
first-edition Kindle ➔ 194 pages
How the Book Qualifies ➔ police hat on the cover
Review — This wasn’t a bad book, it just wasn’t great either. There wasn’t much character development and the story moves pretty fast. I think if there had been better development all around I would have easily given this a 4-star rating. As it is, I waffled between 2 and 3 stars.
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
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Ok, I'm glad to know it's not just me!