Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
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TART Challenge - Round 5 - Have Book...Can Travel (2)
Here is your next task!Task 13 - 62. Read a minimum of 1000 pages in books written by an author whose first or last name begins with the first letter of a teammate's screen name.
Books selected for this task need to be written by an author whose first or last name starts with the first letter of a teammate's screen name. Do not use your own screen name for this task. Please include the matching teammate's name in your completion posts. This is not a team decision. Remember to use the first edition Kindle page count.
For example, Hazel can read books by an author whose first or last name begins with A, S or K. Avigail can read books by an author whose first or last name begins with H, S or K. And so on for the other teammates.
Task 13:
Read a minimum of 1000 pages in books written by an author whose first or last name begins with the first letter of a teammate's screen name. 
Love on the Lake
Pages: 317/GR
How it fits: Author --> Helena Hunting who's first and last name start with H as in Hazel
Date completed: 5/6/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
This was way different than I thought it was going to be. I was expecting something cute, quirky and fluffy. And it started that way. But we warned this gets serious by the end. It went in a different direction than I expected.
Aaron was getting on my nerves at first but then I realized he was just completely out of his element when it came to Teagan. But man did he pull it together by the end. I loved the way he supported Teagan. And I loved that he did what he had to do for her even when he thought it would make him lose her.
I had expected something light and fluffy to fill my time but when things got more intense I was reminded of how many times we think someone is ok because of how they look on the outside and truly have no idea what's going on underneath. That definitely stuck with me after reading this. And I appreciate the reminder, especially in times such as these.
Completion Post:-
Task #13 - 62. Read a minimum of 1000 pages in books written by an author whose first or last name begins with the first letter of a teammate's screen name.
Book: Egypt's Sister: A Novel of Cleopatra by Angela Elwell Hunt
How it fits the task: Author - Angela Elwell Hunt whose last name starts with H as in Hazel
Page count: 384 pages.
Date completed: May 6, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: I know about Cleopatra's life through Shakespear's play and the movie with Elizabeth Taylor. When I found Egypt's Sister: A Novel of Cleopatra, I thought the premise remarkably interesting. Especially when Chava, the main character, is Jewish.
Readers who enjoyed The Red Tent by Anita Diamant will enjoy Egypt's Sister: A Novel of Cleopatra.
There are so many historical details that it is almost overwhelming. There are also a lot of politics. Angela Elwell Hunt does not shy away from the horror of slavery, some of which are hard to read.
I had some trouble with the extent of Chava’s naiveté to be unbelievable at times. Although the later chapters do her some growing, it’s hard for me to be super-enthused about a story when I only feel so-so about the main character. This is the primary reason I must reduce the number of stars.
If you have trouble with Aramaic/Hebrew, I suggest listening to the audiobook.
I am looking forward to continuing with the series.
Task 13—read a minimum of 1,000 pages in books written by an author whose first or last name begins with the first letter of a teammate’s screen name
Wicked Ride, Sawyer Bennett – 5/7/22 – ✮✮✰✰✰
first-edition Kindle ➔ 302 pages
How the Book Qualifies ➔ author Sawyer Bennett begins with the same letter as Sassafrass
Review — I really hate having to give low ratings to a book by an author I love…but I just can’t give this book more than two stars. This series is a fun, guilty pleasure! However, this installment fell flat. The characters weren’t interesting and, frankly, unlikeable. There was no chemistry between them, and the “secrets” were held for too long. By the time everything was out, I didn’t care. I know I’ll finish the series out…especially since I want to know Bridger’s story, but if I do a reread of this series I’ll be skipping over this one.
Task 13—read a minimum of 1,000 pages in books written by an author whose first or last name begins with the first letter of a teammate’s screen nameBook:
Pages: 469
Read: 8 May
Rating: 4⭐️
How it qualifies: Author name Kendare Blake Kendare Blake, same initial as Kathy
Review: This book is part of a series and follows on from the previous books. Queen Katherine has been crowned and is now struggling with rebellion from the mist created by the blue queen and also a rebellion. She is still ‘occupied/possessed’ by the previous dead queens and starts searching for a way to get them removed. Arsinoe and Mirabella are on the mainland but the island keeps calling to them and Arsinoe is having dreams of being Daphne and seeing the blue Queen. Jules has been told that she was a queen once and may be again and becomes part of the rebellion against queen Katherine.
Lots going on in this book and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next one. Some of the sections I feel could have been cut or at least a little bit shorter but it didn’t bother me too much.
Completion post: Task 13—read a minimum of 1,000 pages in books written by an author whose first or last name begins with the first letter of a teammate’s screen nameAvigail
Sassafrass
Kathy
Hazel
Total pages = 1472
Here is your next task!Task 14 - 55. Read 6 books set in the same country outside the US, teams decide country.
As a team select a country outside the US then read 6 books set in that country. Your book can qualify from the book details on the main page, title, precis, tags or lists. Remember to let me know how you know your books qualify, with links or any other necessary information. I need to know where to look to confirm your books!
I have checked all your completions and updated your tracking - phew!
Task 14:
Read 6 books set in the same country outside the US, teams decide country. England 
Sugar Daddies
Pages: 445/GR
How it fits: England is setting on Main Page
Date completed: 5/8/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
This one was interesting. First I love that it was MMF. To me, the whole Throple works better when everyone is together. And having some of the M/M action is just hot. Anyway, I'm getting sidetracked. There was a lot to unpack in this story and I liked that. It wasn't all about the sexy times (not saying that there is anything wrong with that) but there was a genuine story there as well. Lots of drama when dealing with Katie's family and that took up a ton of space in the book, but I enjoyed it. I have to say I wish this had a follow-up. I would love to see what happened after the HEA for sure!
Task 14:
Read 6 books set in the same country outside the US, teams decide country. England 
Undone by the Ex-Con
Pages: 325/GR
How it fits: setting-England x 1 on page 3 of tags
https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
Date completed: 5/9/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
This seemed a bit unrealistic but I really liked it. I felt for Lizzie and everything her mother put her through. But loved that she wanted to be stronger than people gave her credit for and wanted to forge her own path.
The relationship between Lizzie and Isaac happened super quick but they were given more time before the end of the book so the insta-love settled down. I liked the epilogue because it wasn't what I was expecting and I think that was the point.
This book didn't seem to be connected to the first one in the series but as I read it, Jen and Theo do make an appearance, which was cool. However, you don't need to read the first book to get the full enjoyment out of this one.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. It's surprised me how much I've enjoyed it!
MountainKat wrote: "I have checked all your completions and updated your tracking - phew!"thanks!
Completion Post:-
Task #14 - 55. Read 6 books set in the same country outside the US, teams decide country. - England
Book: The Last Bookshop in London: A Novel of World War II by Madeline Martin
How it fits the task:London is in England
Page count: 320 pages.
Date completed: May 9, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: The Last Bookshop in London: A Novel of World War II is the second book about the air rides in London during WWII. I believe every bibliophile or bookworm should read this book.
The story emphasizes what actual fighters Londoners were during this horrific time. Many of them had two jobs first, their regular employment, and second, their numerous volunteer jobs.
The funny thing was that Grace had no love of books, but she made the best of the situation. The Last Bookshop in London: A Novel of World War II is a lovely read and a tribute to humankind in times of need.
Grace Bennett shines amid the tumult of war and the blitz when she begins reading 'Middlemarch' aloud to fellow Londoners while taking shelter in the train station. What a poignant reminder of the power of books!
Inspired by actual events, this heart-warming story is a delight to read. Depicting quiet triumph or tragedy and the universal need of us all to find friendship, hope, and a place where we can make a difference.
Madeline Martin's writing is exquisite.
Completion Post:-
Task #14 - 55. Read 6 books set in the same country outside the US, teams decide country. - England
Book: Falling for a Rake by Eve Pendle
How it fits the task:From précis "He's the most notorious rake in England."
Page count: 270 pages.
Date completed: May 9, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: Falling for a Rake is a different historical fiction. I like Emily & Oscar's relationship, and both the main characters have secrets of their past. Yes, their relationship starts as fake, but the basis is communication.
Emily & Oscar chose different paths to redemption, one choosing purposefully to act better than she is and one choosing to cultivate a dastardlier reputation than he really should have based on his actions.
Falling for a Rake delivers more than just your ordinary historical romance. It has a bit of (family) drama and witty banter, and the steamy scenes are scorching. I enjoyed the storyline, fantastic writing, and characters that are exciting and sexy.
I am looking forward to reading other works by Eve Pendle.
Completion Post:- Task #14 - 55. Read 6 books set in the same country outside the US, teams decide country. - England
Book:
Pages: 294 as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 9 May
Rating: 5⭐️
How it qualifies: From précis ‘Best friends for most of their lives, everything changes when Poppy abruptly leaves London for University. Now she is back, and gone is the awkward girl from Booker's youth.’
Review: I loved this book in the Harris series. This series has hot men and football how can it be bad (even though it’s Bethnal Green) I like a friends to lovers trope although sometimes they can be hit or miss. This was definitely a hit! I loved the fact that Booker and Poppy had been friends since they were kids and hearing about their wood and the way even then Booker comforted poppy after the death of a pet and made sure to leave a light on. How he never realised his feelings is a mystery but made me think about the way death has an impact on young kids. There is some crazy scheming and big gestures which made me laugh and sigh and there is even a random Scotsman who must be fae up North with the accent he has. I loved the accuracy of some of his sayings such as ‘Ye look pure, dead brilliant’. Bring on Gareth although I may deduct half a star as he plays for Man Utd 😂
Avigail wrote: "Completion Post:-
Task #14 - 55. Read 6 books set in the same country outside the US, teams decide country. - England
Book: Falling for a Rake"
How it fits the task: from précis "He's the most notorious rake in England."
Avigail will edit the qualification when she's able to get on her computer.
Task 14—read 6 books set in the same country outside the US, teams decide country — England
Kismet, Lauren Blakely – 5/10/22 – ✮✮✮✮✰
first-edition Kindle ➔ 251 pages
How the Book Qualifies ➔ from the précis: ...“first evening in London feels like kismet when I bump…”
Review — This was such a cute book! I loved the banter between Jo and Heath from the start. They have such great chemistry from the moment Jo walks into the bar. The angst caused by both characters going for the same promotion felt genuine, but these two still managed to fall into an easy friendship which led to them falling in love. Another aspect I loved was “seeing” London…it’s been more than 20 years since I’ve been to London, but I loved all the great descriptions of places only a local would know about.
Hazel wrote: "Completion Post:- Task #14 - 55. Read 6 books set in the same country outside the US, teams decide country. - England
Book:
Pages: 294 as per kindle edition in above ..."
I loved Booker’s and Poppy’s book!
☘KathyD☘ wrote: "Hazel wrote: "Completion Post:- Task #14 - 55. Read 6 books set in the same country outside the US, teams decide country. - England
Book:
Pages: 294 as per kindle edi..."
I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to Gareth’s book
I really liked all the books, but I was surprised at the way Gareth's got to me. Was certainly a surprise!
Sassafrass wrote: "I really liked all the books, but I was surprised at the way Gareth's got to me. Was certainly a surprise!"Oh I’m intrigued now!
Sassafrass wrote: "Task 14:
Read 6 books set in the same country outside the US, teams decide country. England
Undone by the Ex-Con
Pages: 325/GR
How it..."
Please edit your qualification for this book - I couldn't find a setting on any edition's main page. I did find a tag though. No need to repost. 😊
Sassafrass wrote: "WTF was I looking at then?!!!"Haha I just checked and it says English on the main page under edition language could it have been that?
Here is your next task!Task 15 - 81. Read a minimum of 1500 pages in books with a dog/dogs on the cover.
Books selected for this task need to have a dog or dogs on the cover. Other canines such as wolves or coyotes will not work for this task. You can use any edition’s cover to qualify for this task. Please include the qualifying cover in your completion posts.
Hazel wrote: "Sassafrass wrote: "WTF was I looking at then?!!!"Haha I just checked and it says English on the main page under edition language could it have been that?"
maybe??
Completion Post:-
Task #15 - 81. Read a minimum of 1500 pages in books with dog/dogs on the cover.
Book: Seven Perfect Things by Catherine Ryan Hyde
How it fits the task:There are a couple of puppies on the book cover
Page count: 318 pages.
Date completed: May 9, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Review: I picked the book, Seven Perfect Things, because of a reading challenge. The truth is I saw the book in KU and the synopsis intrigued me. This story will clutch at your heart for so many reasons including loss, domestic abuse, and the finding of redemption. I think I've used the word "redemption" for many of this author's books because she deals with redemption in so many ways.
Abby is an extraordinarily strong, and smart thirteen-year-old. Each of the three main characters are emotionally damaged and doesn't know if they will ever be whole. There are moments that keep you on the edge of your seat. Puppies can so often lessen the pain.
Catherine Ryan Hyde's writing is engaging, and I know that I will be looking forward to reading her other works.
Task 15—read a minimum of 1,500 pages in books with a dog(s) on the cover
Pit Perfect Murder, Renee George – 5/10/22 – ✮✮✮✮✰
first-edition Kindle ➔ 175 pages
How the Book Qualifies ➔ dog (pit bull) on the cover
Review — This was a quick read full of fun and mystery! It doesn’t hurt that Smooshie is a pit bull and saves the day more than once! I’m coming to enjoy the cozy mystery genre and look forward to more adventures with Lily, Parker, Smooshie, and Elvis.
Completion postTask #15 - 81. Read a minimum of 1500 pages in books with dog/dogs on the cover.
Book:
Pages: 300 pages as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 11 May
Rating: 3⭐️
How it qualifies: Dog on cover
Review: This was a bit cheesy for me. Kurt annoyed me at first as he seemed grumpy and didn’t like dogs. He rescues Leeanna’s dog pepper from the sea and starts to change his mind about dogs. He also changes his mindset as he was a focused writer but makes time for Leanna. Kurt is bordering on ocd with his organisation and cleanliness and Leanna is the exact opposite but they seem to make it work. This was an ok read but didn’t have me desperate to read more.
Task 15:
Read a minimum of 1500 pages in books with a dog/dogs on the cover. 
Lock 'N' Load
Pages: 372/GR
How it fits: dog on cover
Date completed: 5/11/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
I thought this was good. The characters were interesting, the plot was intriguing, especially with the Russian angle and a presidential candidate. The romance was good but definitely not the thing I liked the most about the story.
I liked Matt's friends and am hoping that they make up the other stories in this series. Trista was an interesting character but I thought some of her personality in the beginning was a bit far fetched especially with how easily she shed those qualities. But that's just my opinion.
And even though I enjoyed all the things I have talked about. What really stole the show for me was Sheba the Belgian Malinois and Poof the cat!
I'm sure I'll continue with this series at some point.
Task 15:
Read a minimum of 1500 pages in books with a dog/dogs on the cover. 
How to Howl at the Moon
Pages: 323/GR
How it fits: dog on cover
Date completed: 5/12/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
This was a reread for me but this series is almost like comfort food for me. I love Mad Creek and all the quicken. I'm almost done with the series and I'm trying to hold off on the last book so I decided to start the series all over again!
Lance and Tim together are so cute. Lance as "Chance" was hilariously snobby. LOL, loved the way Tim treated him.
But honestly, and I know this is against Eli Easton and the fact that she exclusively writes M/M but I'd love to have Bill McGurver and his wife Jane's story as like a prequel or something. I guess it's just a pipe dream but whenever he's mentioned I think about that.
Anyway, I am going to move on to a book #2 reread as soon as possible!
Completion postTask 15: Read a minimum of 1500 pages in books with a dog/dogs on the cover.
Book:
Pages: 234 as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 12 May
Rating: 3.5⭐️
How it qualifies: Dog on cover
Review: The old men of the town decide the town needs an injection of life - specifically females. They place adverts asking for women and children to move to the area. They also place an advert looking for a bride for Wyatt. Hannah turns up after believing she has been communicating with Wyatt. He is obviously shocked but straight away feels a pull towards Hannah. Hannah has turned up pregnant and with her 4 year old son who immediately takes to Wyatt. We learn that Hannah’s husband was a cheater who left her when she told him she was pregnant. Hannah and Wyatt develop feelings but Wyatt won’t admit to it because he is still grieving from the death of his wife and baby son. He attempts to show Hannah what it’s like to be a ranchers wife and find her a suitable husband. He realises his feelings when she goes to leave.
I enjoyed this book but didn’t like the shove the old men in the town gave Wyatt if he wasn’t ready for it and especially with Hannah who had not only herself but 2 children to think about.
Task 15 completion Read a minimum of 1500 pages in books with a dog/dogs on the cover.
Total pages 1722
Avigail
Kathy
Hazel
Sassafrass
Sassafrass
Hazel
thanks Hazel! sorry I didn't get my completion post up sooner.
I have not checked your books, will get to that tomorrow. 🤷🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️Here is your next task!
Task 16 - 114. The last person on your team alphabetically selects a book or a book series and everyone reads that book or a book in the selected series.
The last person on your team alphabetically is Sassafrass. So Sassafrass selects a book or a book series and everyone reads the selected book or a book in the selected series. Please include the selected book/series in your completion posts.
Good morning team. I choose the In Death series!
☘KathyD☘ wrote: "thanks Hazel! sorry I didn't get my completion post up sooner."Don’t worry Kathy.
Great Sass! Will start on that now 😄
☘KathyD☘ wrote: "thanks Hazel! sorry I didn't get my completion post up sooner."Team work, Kathy! We got this!
Task 16:
The last person on your team alphabetically selects a book or a book series and everyone reads that book or a book in the selected series. IN DEATH SERIES 
Shadows in Death
Pages: 345/GR
How it fits: #51 in In Death Series
Date completed: 5/12/22
Rating: *4.5 STARS*
This was just about perfect. I love Eve, Roarke and the family they've made. I just thought the storyline was just a bit far-fetched for me to totally be in love with it. As far as all the interagency cooperation and them overlooking Roarke's involvement. Other than that, I loved it.
I love how Peabody is really coming into her own. The way she and Eve support each other. Loved the fact that we got to see Quilla and she's matured so much. Loved the school opening. Gah, I was just a big puddle of goo for a lot of this even though they were in the middle of hunting down a sadistic contract killer!
It's amazing to me that we can be 51 books in (and I know I'm behind a few books) and still have great stories and getting some surprises. Nora Roberts/JD Robb is amazing!
Completion Post:-
Task #16 - 114. The last person on your team alphabetically selects a book or a book series and everyone reads that book or a book in the selected series.
Book: Vengeance in Death by J.D. Robb
How it fits the task:Sassafrass picked the In Death Series
Page count: 388 pages.
Date completed: May 13, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review:The 'In Death' series gets better and better with each book. Vengeance in Death takes us back to Roarke and Summerset's past in Dublin. In this one, Roarke’s past comes back to haunt him through many gruesome killings, which Eve (with, of course, Roarke’s help) must solve. We get to peek further into Rourke's past.
The sixth installment of the series stumped me, and I didn't figure it out, but I enjoyed it. Eve and Roarke are a couple for the ages, and they are timeless, phenomenal, hilarious, and highly entertaining. You turn to find out what they will do next on every page.
I always love how J.D. Robb brings nearly all of her characters into every book, even if they only get a brief mention. Her skill in writing character development is impressive.
I know that I will be picking up the seventh book of the series soon. We all need some more Eve & Roarke in our lives.
so glad you liked it Avigail! I love hearing people's thoughts with the series as they are just starting it!
I've checked your completions for the last task - all look good. 😊I figured this new task would be easy for your team, but I didn't think it would be THAT easy! 😂
MountainKat wrote: "I've checked your completions for the last task - all look good. 😊I figured this new task would be easy for your team, but I didn't think it would be THAT easy! 😂"
Thanks, Kat.
Well, we Kathy and I have converted Avigail and Hazel to the Roarke side. LOL
Completion postTask #16 - 114. The last person on your team alphabetically selects a book or a book series and everyone reads that book or a book in the selected series.
Book:
Pages: 315 as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 13 May
Rating: 4⭐️
How it qualifies: Sassafrass chose the In Death series
Review: I enjoyed this one. Eve is investigating the death of another cop and having to do it on the down low. When his granddaughter also dies after giving information to Eve the investigation is taken into the world of dark and light magic, satanic worship and rituals.
Some of it was quite freaky but it was another different angle for this story to take.
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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R.J. Gray (other topics)
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Alyssa Cole (other topics)
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Book:
Pages: 206 as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 5 May 22
Rating: 2⭐️
How it qualifies: Person wearing a hat on front cover
Review: I thought this book would be a lot funnier than it was given the title. Caity seems to have bad luck with men, having escaped an emotionally abusive relationship and with jobs. She lacks confidence and accepting a job working for her sister to get some much needed cash, she tries to prove that she’s capable. Working in Dublin she finds out that her gran was from Ireland and does some research into her family tree with the help of a work colleague Declan.
For me this was a lot of incomplete story. We don’t find out anything about the ex Andy who she is sure is going to find her, we don’t get a conclusion on the genealogy search, the potential flirting with Declan doesn’t go anywhere and Cait’s relationship with her sister is still awkward. The mishaps involve tripping up, getting a room number wrong and forgetting to pack enough underwear.