Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
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TART Challenge - Round 5 - Have Book...Can Travel (2)
I really enjoyed that book too Kathy. It was so great with the narration too!
Hazel wrote: "I need to look at reading them"You should Hazel.
Avigail wrote: "Completion Post:-
Task #21 - 999. Each teammate lists 5 favorite books. Select books from 2 different teammates and read them.
Book: [book: R..."
Please correct to the first edition Kindle page count (384). Thanks.
Completion Post:-
Task #21 - 999. Each teammate lists 5 favorite books. Select books from 2 different teammates and read them.
Book: Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
How it fits the task: Sassafrass suggested the book in msg 283
Page count: 384pages.
Date completed: May 23, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: Thanks Sassafrass for the opportunity to read another Bridgerton series book. Yes, I understand the love of the Bridgerton series, especially now with the Netflix series.
It's been a year since I read the third installment of the series; in my opinion, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton is long and repetitive in some parts of the story.
Colin, dear Colin. has everything in life he could ever want and still is searching for his place in the world. Penelope is one of my favorite heroines ever. Her transformation from the first book to her book is quality character development. I feel like her insecurities are something that all of us women deal with at one point or another in our lives, so Penelope is a highly relatable heroine. Plus, she starts gaining more confidence and standing up for herself.
So, there's a little bit of the ugly duckling-swan story. The ending to this book is particularly fabulous - and chaotic.
Here is your next task!Task 22 - 91. Add up the years of the teammates' births and each teammate reads a book with that minimum number of pages. For example, teammates were born in 75, 83, 87 and 94 - each teammate reads a book at least 339 pages long. No pass for this task.
Please include the math and your required page count in your completion posts.
MountainKat wrote: "Avigail wrote: "Completion Post:-
Task #21 - 999. Each teammate lists 5 favorite books. Select books from 2 different teammates and read them.
..."
Corrected my post msg 306
Task 22:
Add up the years of the teammates' births and each teammate reads a book with that minimum number of pages. For example, teammates were born in 75, 83, 87 and 94 - each teammate reads a book at least 339 pages long. No pass for this task 75+76+80+82 = 313. 
Glory in Death
Pages: 320/GR
How it fits: 320 pages
Date completed: 5/25/22
Rating: *5 STARS*
Peabody! Amazing to know how she's changed over the series but seeing her again for the first time really brought me back.
The relationship between her and Eve has changed tremendously as well but I could see what Eve saw in her right away.
I know I've read these books before but since it's been so long, it's like the first time and I love looking at the the story and characters through my more nuanced eye now the I know these characters from book #53 not just book #2.
But book #2 Eve and Roake have been just as swoony I will tell you. Love them together.
But it's heartbreaking watching Eve just starting to process everything that happened to her as a kid. She's just so vulnerable and not realizing that she has anyone to lean on.
It's on to book #3 for me.
Completion Post:-
Task #2 - 91. Add up the years of the teammates' births and each teammate reads a book with that minimum number of pages. For example, teammates were born in 75, 83, 87 and 94 - each teammate reads a book at least 339 pages long. No pass for this task.. 75+76+80+82 = 313.
Book: Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain
How it fits the task: my copy of the book had 411 pages
Page count: 411 pages.
Date completed: May 25, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: Wow! I think I found my favorite author for 2022. Diane Chamberlain has an excellent way of writing dual timelines. Usually, I drate one of the plotlines until something clicks with me, and then I can stop reading the book. What I described above didn't happen with Big Lies in a Small Town
I heard so many good things about Diane Chamberlain 's writing, and when I saw a book by her in my public library (not fond of the English book we have in my public library), I knew I had to bring it home with me.
This book was a slow burn initially, but it was also very intriguing. I was very interested in the mural, and I had many thoughts going through my head and couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. When I got to the book's second half, I just wanted to devour it. Big Lies in a Small Town has robust, competent, and complicated women who "rise to the occasion," and many issues will be addressed, including racism, abusive family situations, mental illness, injustice, and the deep-seated prejudices of the town. There are other strong characters in the book who are all believable, and I cared deeply about the story's outcome.
If you want to read a good book, you should pick this book only to find out the connection between Anna & Morgan; that is the last thing I tell you.
I know that I will be looking to own all of Diane Chamberlain's books on my shelves from today onward.
Sassafrass wrote: "Sounds amazing, Avigail!"Thanks Sass
Completion postTask 22: Add up the years of the teammates' births and each teammate reads a book with that minimum number of pages. For example, teammates were born in 75, 83, 87 and 94 - each teammate reads a book at least 339 pages long. No pass for this task 75+76+80+82 = 313.
Book:
Pages: 333 as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 25 May
Rating: 5⭐️
How it qualifies: Has greater than the required 313 pages
Review: What’s not to like about this book! There are sexy firefighters and photoshoots with cute animals and sexy dances! There is action for the firefighters, romance and some steamy storylines.
Amongst all the hotness there is Tucker who has been a bit of a player until recently when he lost a man in a flood. Lacey seems to be the one who brings him back to life but she is also scarred. Her parents are manipulating and just horrid as was her ex. She feels differently with Tucker however her job as an international photographer doesn’t really work for a serious relationship. The 2 of them use the time available to them but that only makes saying goodbye even harder. It was a long and difficult road for the 2 of them to travel in order to find a way to move forward as one.
This is the third book in the series and it was great being back in this world and the way the previous characters were also a big part of the story.
Task 22—add up the years of the teammates’ births and each teammate reads a book with that minimum number of pages — 75 + 76 + 80 + 82 = 313 — no pass for this task
Embrace the Darkness, Alexandra Ivy – 5/26/22 – ✮✮✮✮✰
first-edition Kindle ➔ 352 pages
How the Book Qualifies ➔ book is 352 pages
Review — A nice follow up to the first book in this series. I enjoyed getting to know Viper and Shea more since they were both introduced in the previous book. Both main characters are very strong willed, but also show vulnerabilities here and there. I think they work great as a couple, especially after Shea worked past some of her biases. It was fun seeing Viper work for Shea. Being a centuries-old vampire he hasn’t had to work for companionship in quite some time…but Shea makes him work hard for it. There is a lot of potential for this series and I look forward to seeing how the world develops and grows!
I’ve not checked your completions yet, hopefully before you get the task after this…🤷🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️Here is your next task!
Task 23 - 124. Read two books read by 2 different teammates that were rated 5 stars. No pass for this task.
Each teammate reads two books for this task. Books selected need to have been read and rated 5 stars by two different teammates. There is no time limitations for this task, but the selected books need to have been marked as read and rated 5 stars. Please include a link to the teammate’s review in your completion posts.
Completion postTask 23 - 124. Read two books read by 2 different teammates that were rated 5 stars. No pass for this task.
Book:
Pages: 296
Read: 27 May
Rating: 4⭐️
How it qualifies: Rated 5⭐️ by Avigail https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review: I really like series that follow a family and I don’t think this one will be any different. I loved Axel and his little cheeky character. I liked the strength shown by April and that she didn’t seem to compromise on what she wanted or who she was. All the Cook brothers and their friends seem to be great guys with good personalities and a strong sense of family which I liked. I thought Jamie was great knowing what he wanted and working hard to get it. I loved the way he included Axel from the beginning and developed his own relationship with him separate from the one with his mum. A good read and I will definitely continue the series.
Task 23:
Read two books read by 2 different teammates that were rated 5 stars. No pass for this task. 
Whispers in the Dark
Pages: 333/GR
How it fits: Rated *5 STARS by Hazel and KathyD
Date completed: 5/26/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
This was very good. A very interesting way that Nathan and Shea were connected. And that added a bit of a different twist to the series, especially considering that there was no hint of this in the previous books in the series.
I would have liked a bit more time for Nathan and Shea to be a couple as most of the book was them running or rescuing. But, that's really my only complaint. I am looking forward to the next book in the series because I have a lot of questions and there was a lot left open. I'm hoping that Grace and Rio's book will clear some of that up.
I also think it's interesting that the author is straying away from the brothers and moving on to another member of the team. I'm sure there is a reason for that and will be interested to see how the ongoing story will play out in the next one!
Task 23:
Read two books read by 2 different teammates that were rated 5 stars. No pass for this task. 
Big Lies in a Small Town
Pages: 402/GR
How it fits: Rated *5 STARS by Avigail
Date completed: 5/27/22
Rating: *5 STARS*
This was amazing! Truly amazing. I just loved this story and how the past and present intertwined. Just so many twists and turns and it was handled brilliantly. But that ending really blew me away.
Generally, I'm not a fan of books that go back and forth between past and present. I listen to book on audio 99% of the time and it can get confusing but this was done so well and it was so easy to follow that I thought it was integral to the story in the way it was handled.
There were some hard storylines here with the Jim Crow South of the 1940's and even in the present when Morgan was having to come to term with her own mistakes. But, it was so smoothly done that even when I wanted to stop reading during some particularly difficult parts, I just couldn't because I had to know what was going to happen next.
The narration was a compliment to the excellent writing and I just can't say enough good things about this excellent book!
I will definitely be seeking out more of this author's work at some point.
Task 23—read two books read by 2 different teammates that were rated 5 stars — no pass for this task
Ember, Rachel Van Dyken – 5/27/22 – ✮✮✮✮✰
first-edition Kindle ➔ 341 pages
How the Book Qualifies ➔ Hazel gave this book a 5-star rating
Review — I’m not sure how to feel about this book. On the one hand, I really enjoyed getting to know B. She is feisty and strong willed, but still innocent. Then there is Phoenix. Of the original elect, he truly is the worst. None of the elect are “innocent” or good, but they didn’t start out being horrible from page one of this series. As much as I want to hate Phoenix, I can’t. He endured incredible abuse and, as a result, became a monster. However, as we learn about B’s and Phoenix’s foundation there is a glimmer of the man he grew into. Phoenix may have committed horrendous crimes, but he found peace in befriending and protecting B earlier in her life. This book has so many different feels going on, but the underlying strength of family and friendship continues to shine through. As in previous books, there were a lot of moving pieces that I was afraid wouldn’t make sense, but Ms. Van Dyken doesn’t disappoint. She wrapped everything up appropriately leaving just enough intrigue for the next installment!
Completion Post:-
Task #23 - 124. Read two books read by 2 different teammates that were rated 5 stars. No pass for this task.
Each teammate reads two books for this task. Books selected need to have been read and rated 5 stars by two different teammates. There is no time limitations for this task, but the selected books need to have been marked as read and rated 5 stars. Please include a link to the teammate’s review in your completion posts.
Book: Holiday in Death by J.D. Robb
Pages 340
How it fits the task: Kathy gave it 5 stars two times 1.July 18, 2016 2. July 20, 2020
Date completed: May 27, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: The 'In Death' series is one that I pick up frequently, and it hasn't happened with any other series yet. Thanks to my friends Kathy and Rho here in GR, they hooked me on Eve & Roarke and all the secondary characters.
Holiday in Death is again violent, and this time it brings back memories of Eve's childhood. The murders in the seventh installment could trigger Eve, but she holds herself strong thanks to Roarke, Dr. Mira, and Peabody.
Holiday in Death is one of my go-to holidays reads. The story is creepy and sinister in its crimes, but the plot is balanced by the innocence of Eve getting Christmas gifts. Although she has a hard shell, she is pretty sweet when trying to do her holiday shopping.
We see a lot more of Roarke's caring side, and we learn more of Eve's past as she deals with issues close to home for her. I enjoyed reading this even at times, it made me cringe, and I liked seeing the friendship between Peabody and Eve start to flourish a bit more and that of Mira and Eve. I adore the companies we are gradually witnessing come together and how these each have their hurdles and imperfections.
Eve also is learning how to behave as a friend to others. She has to deal with the concept of buying gifts for Christmas, and she is learning how to let others in her life and soul.
Task 23—read two books read by 2 different teammates that were rated 5 stars — no pass for this task[bookcover:Never Have I Ever|49650421]
Never Have I Ever, Lauren Blakely – 5/28/22 – ✮✮✮✮✮
first-edition Kindle ➔ 378 pages
How the Book Qualifies ➔ Sassafrass gave this book a 5-star rating
Review — What a great book from beginning to end! I wasn't sure I was going to like Zack since he was kind of a jerk during the interaction with Piper at the wedding…but he turned out to be an amazing character! He is such a great dad…I really loved the interactions between him and his kids…especially Lucy. Piper was a great compliment to Zack. She was independent and strong, but also fiercely supportive and protective of both kids. The back-and-forth banter throughout the book was epic…and seeing how these two frenemies moved on from their past to find love was so touching.
Completion postTask 23—read two books read by 2 different teammates that were rated 5 stars — no pass for this task
Book:
Pages: 287 as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 28 May
Rating: 4⭐️
How it qualifies: Rated 5⭐️ by Sassafrass https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review: Wow this book was smoking hot from the start! Lots and lots and lots of sex! I felt it detracted from the storyline a little. Changing is described as being a good straightlaced girl who never defied her parents until they wanted her to marry a man of their choosing after one date. She runs off the the rodeo and sets out on a sexual adventure with 3 sexy cowboys. I liked her relationship with Colby. At first I wasn’t sure about Edgerard but he grew on me throughout the book. Interested to read more in this series.
Completion Post:-
Task #23 - 124. Read two books read by 2 different teammates that were rated 5 stars. No pass for this task.
Each teammate reads two books for this task. Books selected need to have been read and rated 5 stars by two different teammates. There is no time limitations for this task, but the selected books need to have been marked as read and rated 5 stars. Please include a link to the teammate’s review in your completion posts.
Book: The Highwayman by Kerrigan Byrne
Pages 379
How it fits the task: Hazel gave it 5 stars in June 7, 2020
Date completed: May 28, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: The Highwayman shows prison's dire conditions during the Victorian era. People who had power could do whatever they wanted without consequences because they could do so. There isn't anything I love better than a possessive/obsessive hero - the man that sees "his woman" and claims her. Dorian is that kind of hero - Farah is his - she has always been his and will always be his. He doesn't let unimportant things like other people get in his way - he kidnaps her and takes her to his castle in Scotland. Once there, he tells her that they will marry because someone is trying to kill her, and only he can protect her and restore her birthright to her. She reluctantly agrees, but with conditions of her own.
The time in prison had a profound effect on Dorian - he cannot abide human touch in any form. The situation proves to be a challenge to his marriage to Farah - as she is insistent on having a family.
Farah & Dorian have an incredible bond - I am not sure I have ever read a book with such a bond between the hero and heroine - I felt the love, the pain, the grief, the horror, and the joy these two shared. It was one of the most emotionally charged books I have ever read, and parts of the story broke my heart. But the author balances those dark moments with moments of sheer joy and laughter.
Kerrigan Byrne knows how to write characters that are hurt physically and psychologically. Yes, I am reading a Kerrigan Byrne book for the first time, but it won't be the last.
Task 23 Completion Posts: Have Book…Can TravelHazel 317
Sassafrass 318
Kathy 320
Avigail321
Kathy 322
Hazel 323
Avigail 324
Here is your next task!Task 24 - 102. Read 8 book published in odd months and odd years.
For this task you are using the initial publication date. If there is a date listed at the top of the editions page use it, otherwise the qualification will be from the earliest dated English language edition. The books selected need to be published in odd months (January, March, May, July, September, November) and odd years. For example, books initially published in January 2019 and July 2017 will work, but books initially published in March 2020 and December 2019 will not.
Task 24:
Read 8 book published in odd months and odd years. 
HOT Pursuit
Pages: 387/GR
How it fits: First published July 13th, 2013
Date completed: 5/28/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
This was a great second chance romance. Evie and Matt were friends growing up. Then she asked him to take her virginity and Matt did. Then he became a jerk and she never heard from him again. She realized her dream of becoming a chef, but because of the deceit of her partner, she lost her restaurant and has come back home -- the place she wanted to escape from as a kid.
Matt went into the military and is now a part of the Hostile Operations Teams. But when a mission goes wrong and he loses two members of his teams, he goes back to his hometown to recover...and rediscover the relationship all those years ago.
I liked Matt and Evie. They both had issues with the choices they made but together they were pretty much perfect. There was a lot of drama surrounding her restaurant and they had to rescue her sister, but Matt, is coming to discover that there was more than the military and the next mission.
The ending was sweet and the epilogue was intriguing. I'm excited to see where this series is going. I think it's going to be really great!
Task 24:
Read 8 book published in odd months and odd years. 
Defending Morgan
Pages: 287/GR
How it fits: First published March 5, 2019
Date completed: 5/28/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
I enjoyed this one. It was insta-love but I think it was was more than insta-lust. Becasue of her issues there wasn't a whole bunch of sex clouding the issue. I appreciated that. I thought it was a bit unrealistic that they couldn't figure out who the batsh!t crazy person was who set Morgan up but I guess they needed some suspense there.
I really like the guys and they women they end up with so I look forward to the next book in the series
Task 24:
Read 8 book published in odd months and odd years. 
Three Simple Rules
Pages: 332/GR
How it fits: First published January 26th, 2015
Date completed: 5/28/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
Holy hotness! WOW, that was just off the charts hot. I would have liked to have had a little more of an epilogue but I'm hoping that we'll get more of Evie and Logan in the next book.
I liked the fact that they had this energy even before she decided to sell herself to the blindfold club. But once they got together....YOWZA!
This is a book that I would not have gotten for a long time if you hadn't recommended it. I think I would have made my way to it at some point but you recommending it definitely moved it up and I'm so glad that you did. I will definitely be continuing on with this series!
Completion Post:-
Task #24 - 102. Read 8 book published in odd months and odd years.
Book: Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley
How it fits the task: First published March 16th, 2021
Page count: 496 pages.
Date completed: May 29, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: I enjoy reading books that teach me something, Firekeeper's Daughter is about the Native American people. It is a book for more mature YA, Angeline Boulley did her research on the problems of methamphetamine addiction and how it affects communities. I was engrossed in the book because she's a wonderful storyteller. Isabella Star LaBlanc's narration is breathtaking, and I suggest you read the book while listening to the audiobook.
The commentary on Native American tribal dynamics is poignant, uncomfortable, and NEEDED. The descriptions by Angeline Boulley are insightful, detailed, and beautifully written. The difficulties faced by tribal members, including drugs, sexual assault, and general bigotry, are relevant, and I'm happy it wasn't glossed over or romanticized. This story stuck with me and hurt me in the best ways.
Instead of a great introduction to native culture, the robust, layered characterization was the primary strength of this journey. I'd love to see this book find its way into classrooms, if for no other reason than getting a modern story about Natives. So that other people like me, who grew up with only Princess Tiger Lily and other racist depictions of Natives, have something that is for them.
I am looking forward to reading more from the author.
Completion post Task 24: Read 8 book published in odd months and odd years.
Book:
Pages: 220 as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 29 May
Rating: 4⭐️
How it qualifies: Published March 2021
Review: I’m enjoying the books in this series. This one focuses on the Duke of disrepute’s sister Samantha and how she has always been in love with her brothers best friend George. George never showed her any interest and wanted a wife to have children and play hostess but that’s about it.
Samantha made the choice to marry someone suitable however suffered horrendously with her husband and his family. After his death she manages to find a way home, vowing to never let anyone else have control over her. George was jilted at the altar and became the duke of charm, a notorious rake however the fun had begun to fade and he sets his sights on Samantha and has to play the pursuer for a change and convince Samantha that she does want what he can offer.
I liked Samantha and felt sorry for all she had been through and wanted her to find a happy ever after. George was charming although could have saved himself a lot of work by following his feelings earlier. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
Completion Post:-
Task #24 - 102. Read 8 book published in odd months and odd years.
Book: The Winter Duchess by Jillian Eaton
How it fits the task:First published November 18th, 2017
Page count: 181 pages.
Date completed: May 29, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Review: The Winter Duchess is a short holiday novella about a grouchy Duke that has reached the age to produce an heir. Eric, the Duke of Readington, marries a shy wallflower, Caroline.
Caroline believes in love, while Eric believes in the convenience of their marriage.
The best part of the storyline is Caroline's transformation from a meek coward to an assertive young woman. I loved seeing how she started to stand up for herself and insult him whenever he annoyed her. No one in his life has ever loved Eric, so he rejects Caroline's declaration. It takes the kind interference of his butler Newgate to make Eric take his head out of his uptight butt. Newgate was the only person who had ever really cared for Eric; his Buttler wanted to have a happy life with Caroline. Eric does a remarkable job of groveling and begging for forgiveness. The only thing I wished for was an epilogue
Completion Post:- Task #24 - 102. Read 8 book published in odd months and odd years.
Book:
Pages: 237 as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 30 May
Rating: 3⭐️
How it qualifies: Published July 2013
Review: I read the version called almost priest however the earliest kindle version is called Sacred Waters. Samantha goes on a trip to visit the family of her friend Brayden. His family are a strong Irish Catholic family and the oldest son is Colin is about to enter the priesthood. Colin and Samantha are drawn to one another from the beginning. He is adamant that he will enter the priesthood and she is adamant that she will not try and stop him.
There is a lot of back and forward between the 2 every time they explore something new sexually Colin takes a step back and withdraws. At the end of the 2 week holiday, Sam goes home to finish her education and take a job as a teacher and she believes Colin completes his vows. She finds herself pregnant and unable to tell anyone who the father is until Brayden finds her and makes her tell his family. The story does have a happy ending however if Brayden hadn’t intervened I don’t think it would have played out the same way. This story was good but also confusing and a little irritating with the back and forward.
There are a lot of McCulloughs and more secrets in the family so I will give the 2nd book a shot and see what it is like at some point.
Task 24—read 8 book published in odd months and odd years
Rough, Skye Warren – 5/29/22 – ✮✮✮✰✰
first-edition Kindle ➔ 164 pages
How the Book Qualifies ➔ initially published May 2015
Review — I’m on the fence with this book. It was a good start, but there is something missing. I realize there are two more books to go, so I’m willing to accept that some questions will remain unanswered (for now). Overall, I think this story could have been a bit better developed. There is a lot of potential, but it isn’t realized because Allie is consistently repeating that men are only going to hurt her. While it’s understandable she feels this way, it is repeated way too much. For his part, Colin is an interesting character. He is definitely an alpha and rough around the edges, but also kind and gentle. I look forward to getting to know him better over the next two books.
Task 24 Completion Posts: Have Book…Can TravelAvigail
Avigail
Hazel
Hazel
Kathy
Sassafrass
Sassafrass
Sassafrass
Here is your next task!Task 25 - 115. Read 8 books with an average rating over 4.0 AND over 250 reviews.
Books selected for this task need to have an average rating of 4.0 or higher AND have at least 250 reviews (not ratings). You can find this information on the main book page under the title. Unfortunately, you can only add the average rating to use as a sort on your shelves, but that's a start anyway. Please include both the average rating and the number of reviews in your completion posts
I'm starting with Seduction Game - avg rating 4.25 and 343 reviews. then will go to Fatal Threat avg rating 4.55 and 331 reviews
Task 25:
Read 8 books with an average rating over 4.0 AND over 250 reviews. 
Seduction Game
Pages: 356/GR
How it fits: Avg. rating 4.25 and 343 reviews
Date completed: 5/30/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
This was so good! I loved Holly and no idea that she had so much underneath the surface Silly me. Loved the way that all that came out. Loved that she had someone who was willing to see past what she decided to show. And even though their love story wasn't easy (when has it been for the I-team crew), I was so happy that it all worked out.
Nick's mother was pretty funny. I hated Holly's parents! But her dad took the cake.
It's amazing to see how far the crew has come. I can't believe I'm almost to end of this series.
Task 25:
Read 8 books with an average rating over 4.0 AND over 250 reviews. 
Fatal Threat
Pages: 416/GR
How it fits: Avg. rating 4.55 and 331 reviews
Date completed: 5/30/22
Rating: *4.5 STARS*
This was extremely convoluted but it was very good. Foreshadowing of what's to come for the Nick and Sam at the end there?
But the way the story unfolded was fantastic. I wasn't thinking it was going to go the way it went. And then poor Shelby! Even poor Agent Hill. I felt for him. I'm glad he's going to be getting help because he really needs to get past his feelings for Sam.
It's amazing to me what lengths people will go for power. It's crazy! I think that this case is definitely going to have a lasting effect on both Nick and Sam's careers. And it may not all be good.
Completion postTask 25 - 115. Read 8 books with an average rating over 4.0 AND over 250 reviews.
Book:
Pages: 168
Read: 31 May
Rating: 3⭐️
How it qualifies: Rated 4.07 with 380 reviews
Review: This was a short story but covered a lot. Lillian travelling with the boss of the company in South America when they are kidnapped and held for ransom. Usually Gabe is standoffish with her and he’s grumpy on the trip as well. Lillian wasn’t aware that he was being standoffish as he was attracted to her.
Luckily Gabe used to be in the Army and uses his training to get them out the hostage situation and makes his feelings clear to Lillian.
I think the book could definitely have been longer as I struggled to get much of a sense of both characters beyond Gabe being a strong, moody, protective type and Lillian being bubbly and fun with inner strength. I will give the second book in the series a chance.
Task 25—read 8 books with an average rating over 4.0 and over 250 reviews
Code Name: Heist, Sawyer Bennett – 5/31/22 – ✮✮✮✮✰
first-edition Kindle ➔ 298 pages
How the Book Qualifies ➔ book has an average rating of 4.06 and 295 reviews
Review — Saint and Sin…seriously great character names especially since they are both career thieves! While both have some issues stemming from past betrayals, they work through them and forge not only their personal relationship, but their professional one as well. Saint, is of course, not technically in the game anymore, but his legendary talents help him infiltrate a high-end heist. Through the course of their work, Saint and Sin reconnect and manage to move on from past hurts. There were some pretty good twists and turns on the way to the end. I’m grateful this series has picked up from the first book and I am so looking forward to Bebe’s story next!
Task 25—read 8 books with an average rating over 4.0 and over 250 reviews
Not Until You, Corinne Michaels – 5/31/22 – ✮✮✮✮✮
first-edition Kindle ➔ 284 pages
How the Book Qualifies ➔ book has an average rating of 4.15 and 590 reviews
Review — WOW! This book has all the feels. Nicole is not a relatable heroine for me…but she is fun and so self-deprecating…she is also guarded and vulnerable. I really enjoyed seeing all the different aspects that make up Nicole. Of the four friends, she is the wild child…but she’s not reckless…she just lives life on her own terms. Callum was a great compliment to Nicole’s brand of crazy. His quiet strength and commanding presence made him a formidable beau… his alpha personality doesn’t mean that he’s domineering…in fact, he fights hard for Nicole but knows how to protect her heart also. A lot of the story was predictable, but it was well developed and continued to focus on the strong bond the four women share as much as the main romantic couple.
Completion postTask 25—read 8 books with an average rating over 4.0 and over 250 reviews
Book:
Pages: 327 as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 1 June
Rating: 4.5⭐️
How it qualifies: Rating 4.06 and 614 reviews
Review: I love Amo Jones! Her writing style is a bit different and sometimes you have to stop and think what is going on but then everything makes sense in the end! This story is a series of books each one written by a different author and all are standalone books.
This book has all the twists that I’ve come to love from Amo and nearly every trigger you can think of which Amo states at the beginning of the book.
Meraki and Niko were best friends from a young age and lost their virginity to each other but that was it! They were always drawn to each other but both had other relationships. Niko disappeared but came back and is now the president of the MC. Both have dark secrets as a lot has happened in the years they’ve been apart. They still have the pull they always had and things get really twisty and interesting from that point. The book is dark and intense and the hot scenes are hot. There are a couple of sections where I would have liked more detail so that’s why it’s 4.5 rather than a 5⭐️ read for me. Everything I expected and love from Amo is in this book!
Completion Post:-
Task #25 - 1115. Read 8 books with an average rating over 4.0 AND over 250 reviews.
Book: Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer
How it fits the task: 4.17 star rating ratings ; 1,205 reviews
Page count: 368 pages.
Date completed: May 31, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: Reading Christian fiction is something that makes me nervous. As a non-Christian, I am unsure how I feel about religion in my literature. I survived all the books because they are more faith-based and have more passages from the New Testament.
The setting, first, was one of my favorites: the 1800s drew me in every time. I can dig the western vibe too.
Short-Straw Bride is focused on four brothers and how they band together to survive once they are orphaned. The story is a character-driven plotline. I appreciate how Karen Witemeyer flavored her plot with underlying themes that create a bit of suspense. Her skill with literary devices such as dialog and descriptive language allows her to draw readers into this story.
The banter between these characters makes the reader chuckle and, in the process, further endears the reader to their plight. The descriptive language painted vivid scenes that further enhanced her narration. I truly loved these characters and would like to learn what happens with the other characters.
Completion Post:-
Task #25 - 1115. Read 8 books with an average rating over 4.0 AND over 250 reviews.
Book: Midnight at the Blackbird Café by Heather Webber
How it fits the task: 4.07 star rating ratings ; 3,681 reviews
Page count: 336 pages.
Date completed: June 1, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: I thought magical realism wasn't my cup of tea, but I was wrong. I think I like it while it takes place in a contemporary story. The tale from multiple perspectives, covering sixty days, is masterfully told. The plot, in short, is about people overcoming challenges and finding better solutions than they had been facing. It's about working together instead of solo, about life.
The book is inspired by the Beatles song "Blackbird" Midnight at the Blackbird Café is about anger, broken hearts, fear, grief, lies, shattered dreams, forgiveness, healing, a pinch of romance, and magic, all lovingly baked into a fantastic book as yummy and delicious as the pies served up at the Blackbird Café. Add to all that the quirky residents of the town, and this amazing book is guaranteed to make you laugh and cry and wish you, too, a lived-in place like Wicklow, Alabama.
The Blackbird Cafe itself plays a significant role in this extraordinary story as its history you are discovering-the secrets is revealing. The patrons become family to Anna Kate Callow, the granddaughter of the cafe's original owner, recently deceased Zee. Anna Kate has been called back to this quirky little town as per her Grandmother's wishes- a town Anna Kate was born into but forbidden to ever re-visit by her mother... and as to the true meaning of why, bit by bit and piece by piece, the truth is revealed.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Heather Webber.
Task 25 Completion Posts: Have Book…Can Travel1. Sassafrass msg 338
2. Sassafrass msg 339
3.Hazel msg 341
4.☘KathyD☘ msg 342
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6.Hazel msg 344
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Here is your next task!Task 26 - 96. Read a minimum of 1200 pages with the sun or the moon on the cover, teams decide which.
As a team decide whether you are reading books with the sun or with the moon on the cover, then read books totaling over 1200 pages with the selected item on the cover. 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. Remember to use the first edition Kindle page count.
Task 26:
Read a minimum of 1200 pages with the sun or the moon on the cover, teams decide which -- MOON. 
The Mane Squeeze
Pages: 401/GR
How it fits: Moon on cover
Date completed: 6/2/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
This was very funny. I really enjoy these characters. I have to admit though, the half-brother of the half-brother got a little confusing. And the author never lets me down with playing up the animal stereotypes in their shifter counter parts. This time the bears had me busting a gut with their sleeping and curiosity. It was just adorable.
I like the way that Gwen and Blaine were trying to find their own way and make their own pack. I don't completely understand their pride dynamics but I wasn't really happy with the way Gwen was treated when it came to that.
And Lach. Oh boy! My total book boyfriend even though he'd tower over me by almost 2 feet. He was dreaming. And yeah a bit clueless at times but you can't have everything, right?
I definitely look forward to continuing on with this series. Can't wait for more shenanigans!
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I am that the book made you laugh