Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
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TART Challenge - Round 5 - Have Book...Can Travel (2)
Completion post Task #26 - 96. Read a minimum of 1200 pages with the sun or the moon on the cover, teams decide which. Moon
Book:
Pages: 366 as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 2 June
Rating: 4⭐️
How it qualifies: Moon on cover
Review: I’m enjoying listening to this series. The format of this story is similar to the previous 2 that I’ve read in the series. Nick and Shaya are true mates however Nick has concerns about claiming Shaya. His wolf first appeared when he was very young and that has health implications for him now with frequent headaches being one of the sign of mental impairments. He doesn’t want Shaya to end up caring for him. Shaya is also a submissive wolf, as he’s an Alpha she would be the alpha female and others would challenge her and he doesn’t want to risk harm coming to her.
Shaya is annoyed that Nick has rejected her but it doesn’t take too long for them to get together. Nick has to work for it though and has to find Shaya first. When he does find her he is faced with a group of human extremists and another pack watching his every move.
As usual at the end there is a big fight scene, this one with the wolves and the human extremists.
Task 26—read a minimum of 1,200 pages with the sun or the moon on the cover, teams decide which — moon
Claimed, J.R. Ward – 6/3/22 – ✮✮✮✮✰
first-edition Kindle ➔ 525 pages
How the Book Qualifies ➔ moon on the cover
Review — Whether it’s vampires or werewolves, J.R. Ward does no wrong! This is a great start to a new spin-off series. While the Black Dagger Brotherhood is woven into the story, the focus is really on the main characters—Daniel and Lydia. These two are not a likely pair, but they work well. Their story is a slow burn, but the chemistry is there from the start. Like most BDB books, there is quite a bit packed into this story. I know many pieces will fall into place in later installments…now I just have to wait for those installments!
I'm seeing two of everything this morning, so I'm not even trying to check your books. It is all I can do to try to make sure there are no typos in this, especially since my keyboard is acting up as much as my eyes! Hopefully I will be able to check later today...Here is your next task!
Task 27 - 109. Read 6 books with or without facial hair on a male cover model. Teams decide.
As a team decide whether you are reading books with or without facial hair on a male cover model. Without facial hair would be clean shaven, with would include beards, mustaches or scruff. You can use any edition's cover to qualify for this task. Please include the teams decision and the qualifying cover in your completion posts.
Task 27:
Read 6 books with or without facial hair on a male cover model. Teams decide.WITH FACIAL HAIR. 
Getting Real
Pages: 302/GR
How it fits: cover model with beard on cover
Date completed: 6/3/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
This was cute. Connor was such a great guy but was totally clueless on how to start a real relationship. I mean when he and Violet had their first night together....man on man. But I'm glad he got his act together because he was so great.
And then with everything that happened. I knew there was going o be some issues with that, but I love the way that Connor handled it. I loved how all in he was.
The only issue I had was the fact that he kept saying how young Violet was. Thirty isn't young. And especially with her history, she grew up more than most people her age. So, I really feel like a lot of their bumps would have been avoided if he would have just realized that.
Loved the two epilogues. So adorable. Loved the kids. And honestly, I hope this story keeps going. Connor has some brothers who are still single so let's find them some love next!
Task 27:
Read 6 books with or without facial hair on a male cover model. Teams decide.WITH FACIAL HAIR. 
You Had Me at Hola
Pages: 387/GR
How it fits: cover model with scruff on cover
Date completed: 6/4/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
This was adorable. I so enjoyed it! Ashton and Jasmine were hilarious together. From their not so meet cute (iced coffee on a white silk blouse....not good) to their HEA, I really loved these two.
I felt that Ashton's secrets were a bit over the top but I have no idea how I would feel if something like what happened to him happened to my family so I won't judge there. And I feel like Jasmine's response to finding out was spot on.
Loved the rest of "Primas in Power" so I can't wait to see what their stories will bring. Actually both Ashton and Jasmine's families brought the comic relief in the story as well!
And the whole backdrop of the soap opera/telenovela industry was very interesting! I loved it!
Anyway, this is my first book this author and I was thoroughly entertained so I am sure that it won't be my last.
Completion postTask 27: Read 6 books with or without facial hair on a male cover model. Teams decide.WITH FACIAL HAIR.
Book:
Pages: 204
Read: 4 June
Rating: 2⭐️
How it qualifies: Male with facial hair on the cover
Review: This book was a jumbled mess! I didn’t feel like it had proper structure, the cute little notes that Jagger and Magnolia sent to each other were funny at first but then it was the same repetitive sexual innuendos and it lost its charm.
Neither Magnolia or Jagger made me like them in anyway. Jagger came across as a cocky, smarmy, pervert a lot of the time and if I had received notes from him repeatedly I would have been notifying the police rather than the building manager! Magnolia also came across as a bit flaky and unreliable, having a credit card that belonged to her dad and moving to SF because she likes wine? Then there is the whole issue of them having known each other before which seems to get skirted around for a long time and puts me off them even more.
This book just didn’t do it for me.
Completion postTask 27: Read 6 books with or without facial hair on a male cover model. Teams decide.WITH FACIAL HAIR.
Book:
Pages: 164p as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 5 June
Rating: 2⭐️
How it qualifies: Man with facial hair on cover
Review: once I got into this book it started to seem familiar and that’s because I have read it before! Allie as a young teenager was raped by her friend and when she found out she was pregnant she was kicked out by her dad. She leaves her child to scour bars for rough sex and comes across Colin who agrees to sex but won’t give her it the way she wants. For someone not looking for a relationship or to get involved she jumps in with Colin quite quickly.
I didn’t relate to either Colin or Allie and found some of her actions as a mother quite questionable. The story seemed to want to say it was because of what she had been through but while it may be a contributing factor I think there are plenty of stories where the opposite is true.
Task 27:
Read 6 books with or without facial hair on a male cover model. Teams decide.WITH FACIAL HAIR. 
Advice from a Jilted Bride
Pages: 382/GR
How it fits: cover model with beard on cover
Date completed: 6/5/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
The Baileys are such an awesome family! They are hilarious but it's obvious how much they care for each other. I am not sure what was up with Brooklyn and thinking that her marriage with Jeff was going to work out in the first place, but I guess she needed that to happen so she would have been able to fall in love with Wyatt.
I thought that they were so sweet together. I thought that he came to his sense a bit too quickly at the end there but I didn't care because it was the ending I wanted so badly!
And I just can't wait for the next book because the cliffhanger was just too good. I have to know who the baby daddy is!
Task 27—read 6 books with or without facial hair on a male cover model, teams decide — with facial hair
Love Another Day, Lexi Blake – 6/5/22 – ✮✮✮✮✰
first-edition Kindle ➔ 496 pages
How the Book Qualifies ➔ cover model has scruff
Review — Not the best couple in the series, but not the worst either. For most of the book, I wanted to slap some sense into Brody and Stephanie. I’m glad they were finally able to pull it together in the end. Both characters had a ton of baggage and it seemed like they spent too much time dwelling on it at times. However, with the support of the entire McKay-Taggert clan they were able to move forward. I really loved seeing most of the old Dallas gang! They haven’t been as present in the past few books, which is understandable…but they are a great group and I always enjoy it when they jump in.
Task 27 Completion Posts*: Have Book…Can TravelHazel
Hazel
Kathy
Sassafrass
Sassafrass
Sassafrass
* Avigail passed on this task.
Here is your next task!Task 28 - 65. Each player reads 2 books in a series, teammates can read the same or different series.
This is not a team decision, you can read any series listed on GR for this task. Each teammate needs to read 2 books in the same series to complete this task. In between books count as long as they meet the other challenge requirements. So, (name) reads two books in a series, (name) can read two books in a different series and so on.
Task 28:
Each player reads 2 books in a series, teammates can read the same or different series. 
Let's Get Textual
Pages: 318/GR
How it fits: #1 in the Texting Series
Date completed: 6/5/22
Rating: *4.5 STARS*
OMG, how adorable is this!?! Zach and Delia had the best banter over text. Loved that their relationship developed that way. And I loved even more that they had that same chemistry when they finally did meet.
Really had no complaints about anyone in this except for The Shep. More like The Dick! I wish they had been more explicit about what happened to him but I hope it was long and painful!
I really did enjoy this from beginning to end. I wish it had a better epilogue but hopefully we'll see more of them in future books. Of course, I have to continue with this series. How could I not?
Task 28:
Each player reads 2 books in a series, teammates can read the same or different series. 
I Wanna Text You Up
Pages: 302/GR
How it fits: #2 in the Texting Series
Date completed: 6/5/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
This was cute. It didn't have the benefit of the surprise of the first book in the series and that was a hard act to follow.
But Zoe and Caleb were adorable together. I didn't really have an issue with them being together, because the relationship with Caleb and Delia wasn't really a factor in the last book.
I felt for Caleb and all that happened for him to lose his dreams, but he was such a great guy. I was happy for him to get his HEA since he was such a hero in the last book. But after getting his backstory, it was even more of a wish for him.
I'm really enjoying this story. I'm looking forward to the next book as well!
Completion Post:-
Task #28 - 65. Each player reads two books in a series, teammates can read the same or different series.
Book: Catching Him by Aurora Rose Reynolds
How it fits the task:Two Books from the series How to Catch an Alpha series
Page count: 215 pages.
Date completed: June 5, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: Love, love the book, the characters, the audiobook, and its narrators. I adore the series (for now, I read only the two of the three books in the trilogy), and Aurora Rose Reynolds’s writing. The meet-cute between Leah & Tyler Is so sweet.
Yes, it is hard to believe that you can fall in love so fast as the couple of Catching Him. The truth si would like to have a man like Tyler by my side.
I was up until 01:30 am to finish the book, and it didn't disappoint me. There were so many Laugh out our moments. I think I found is one of my favorite romance authors.
Catching Him is one of the romances I fell in love with from the first sentence. Not only the main characters are perfect, but the side characters also intertwine with the plot, and you want to learn more about them and their stories.
I am looking forward to continuing with the series and the other works of Aurora Rose Reynolds
Completion Post:-
Task #28 - 65. Each player reads two books in a series, teammates can read the same or different series.
Book: Baiting Him by Aurora Rose Reynolds
How it fits the task:Two Books from the series How to Catch an Alpha series
Page count: 207 pages.
Date completed: June 6, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: Baiting Him is the second installment of the ‘How to Catch an Alpha’ series. I like that the author picks for our male main character the name of the villain in Beauty & the Beast , Guston and he has a dog called LeFou.
The meet-cute between Christie and Guston is unpredictable, but at the same time well writen.
I love how Guston is overprotective, especially in the scene wehen Christie sees her father and his new wife at the grocery store.
The emotionl scenes due to Christie’s family issues, brought the closerin Guston and Christie’s relationship.
It is nice to see Leah & Tyler in part of the story.
There are a lot of quotes that marked, but that Stuck with me is, “I don’t care if you don’t need to be taken care of because you’re an independent woman. I'm going to take care of you anyway, in the ways I can.” (p.141.)
I am for sure reading everything there is written by Aurora Rose Reynolds.
Task 28—each player reads 2 books in a series, teammates can read the same or different series
Treachery in Death, J.D. Robb – 6/6/22 – ✮✮✮✮✰
first-edition Kindle ➔ 480 pages
How the Book Qualifies ➔ #32 of the In Death series
Review — Eve and her team are stellar examples of what law enforcement should be. That Eve stands for the dead…no matter what type of person they were in life…is a true testament to her character. So when the story turns to dirty cops, it is never easy to watch Eve take down those who are supposed to stand up for the innocent. The tight-knit group tasked with taking down a long-running illegals ring run out of Cop Central is full of series favorites and a handful of characters who we don’t get to see often…one of those characters is Chief Angelo from Roarke’s Olympus property who is in New York on holiday. Darcia is a character I wish could be pulled into the series more as she is also a strong, dedicated woman in law enforcement.
Completion Post:- Task #28 - 65. Each player reads two books in a series, teammates can read the same or different series.
Book:
Pages: 284 as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 6 June
Rating: 4⭐️
How it qualifies: 4th book in the Harris Brothers series https://www.goodreads.com/series/2038...
Review: I really enjoyed this book even though Gareth is a Man Utd player 😂 The star deduction is for the cliff hanger at the end rather than the team he plays for though!
We have heard snippets of him and Sloan through some of the other books and it was nice to finally see something happening with them. Both have been through hard times with illness in their family but it has made them react differently with Gareth wanting to give up control and Sloan needing to take control.
The role reversal was a surprise but it worked and Amy Daws wrote the scenes well I thought. The hot scenes were hot! I liked how the relationship or non relationship was developing but I didn’t like the abrupt ending.
Completion Post:- Task #28 - 65. Each player reads two books in a series, teammates can read the same or different series.
Book:
Pages: 291 as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 7 June
Rating: 4.5⭐️
How it qualifies: Book 5 in the Harris Brothers series https://www.goodreads.com/series/2038...
Review: The conclusion of the Harris books was very fitting. I loved that we got to see more of Vaughn and that him and Gareth were able to try and heal their damaged relationship. I also liked the development in the actual relationship with Gareth and Sloan and how they worked that out between them and built their families into the story. A very good series and I’m looking forward to reading more from Any Daws in the future
Task 28—each player reads 2 books in a series, teammates can read the same or different series
New York to Dallas, J.D. Robb – 6/7/22 – ✮✮✮✮✮
first-edition Kindle ➔ 479 pages
How the Book Qualifies ➔ #33 of the In Death series
Review — Still one of the best books in this series. It is a standout for so many reasons…but the one that always gets me is the pain and devastation Eve and Roarke endure. This book is truly an emotional roller-coaster ride with so many feels, but the raw pain they go through and help each other through is incredible. Each book grows their relationship, but there are a handful that have huge growth…this is one of those books. It stays with you and will remain one of my favorites despite what Eve and Roarke go through to close this case.
Completion postTask 28—each player reads 2 books in a series, teammates can read the same or different series
Sassafrass
Sassafrass
Avigail
Avigail
Kathy
Kathy
Hazel
Hazel
Here is your last task! Last Task. Read books with a 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. No pass for this task.
Since this is Round 5 of The Amazing Race Team Challenge, books selected for this last task need to have a 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. Remember if there are multiple English language editions with the initial publication date or earliest Kindle publication date, you are free to use any of those edition’s page count.
Remember completion posts with errors or missing elements will not count towards your team total or the completion of this task. The task will be considered ‘completed’ when each team member has completed one book for this task, additional books will count towards a tie breaker if necessary. Help each other out by double checking posts are complete with the first edition Kindle page count!
There is no need to post a team completion in the Q&A thread, I will be checking all team threads at the conclusion of the challenge. 😊
Sassafrass wrote: "Task 28:
Each player reads 2 books in a series, teammates can read the same or different series.
I Wanna Text You Up
Pages: 318/GR
Ho..."
Please correct to the first edition Kindle page count (302). Thanks.
Task 28:
Each player reads 2 books in a series, teammates can read the same or different series. REPOST!
I Wanna Text You Up
Pages: 302/GR
How it fits: #2 in the Texting Series
Date completed: 6/5/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
This was cute. It didn't have the benefit of the surprise of the first book in the series and that was a hard act to follow.
But Zoe and Caleb were adorable together. I didn't really have an issue with them being together, because the relationship with Caleb and Delia wasn't really a factor in the last book.
I felt for Caleb and all that happened for him to lose his dreams, but he was such a great guy. I was happy for him to get his HEA since he was such a hero in the last book. But after getting his backstory, it was even more of a wish for him.
I'm really enjoying this story. I'm looking forward to the next book as well!
MountainKat wrote: "Sassafrass wrote: "Task 28:
Each player reads 2 books in a series, teammates can read the same or different series.
I Wanna Text You Up..."
DONE!
Completion Post:-
Last Task. Read books with a 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. No pass for this task.
Book:Loathe Thy Neighbor by Teagan Hunter
How it fits the task:The book has 5 in the first edition Kindle page count.
Page count: 252 pages.
Date completed: June 7, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: Loathe Thy Neighbor is the first Teagan Hunter book I read. One of my favorite tropes is hate that’s not hate, and that’s exactly what’s at play in the premise of this book.
I loved Dean; he didn’t make this book, but he took it to another level. Something so sexy about a genuinely good hero still makes your blood boil. The angst is at a minimum here (despite the heavy dose of tension), and I was rooting for this couple even when they were in denial. Yeah, they’re stupid sometimes, or at least blind to their feelings, but an undercurrent of intimacy throughout the book elevates the story. If this is the start of a brand new series, sign me up for the rest.
I am looking forward to reading more from Teagan Hunter, and the other Roommate Romps series books.
Last Task. Read books with a 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. No pass for this task.Book:
Pages: 345 as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 7 June
Rating: 4⭐
How it qualifies: There is a 5 in the page count
Review: This was a nice easy listen narrated by Ava Erickson and John Lane. I wasnt a fan of John Lane's accent but it was ok. Sterling and Camryn are friends and she has been assigned to help match make and find Sterling a wife so that he can get his inheritance. For a man that is a divorce lawyer and against love and marriage, this is a hard task.
As they spend more time together Sterling realises that his feelings are for Camryn and the sexual tension is high.
Both of them have financial motivations - Sterling in relation to his mother and Camryn in relation to paying off debt. When they both give in to their feelings, it leads to some fun and sexy times and the book has a typical HEA.
Last Task.
Read books with a 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. No pass for this task.
HOT Mess
Date completed: 6/7/22
Pages: 157/GR
How it fits: 5 in the 1st edition kindle page count HOT Mess
Rating: *4 STARS*
This was cute, but a little cheesy at the end with the dialogue, but I am such a sucker for unrequited love that becomes requited. I loved Georgie and Sam's history.
I thought that the whole terrorist thing got solved a bit too quickly but that's fine.
Looking forward to continuing this series!
P.S. It’s Always Been You: Part 1, Lauren Blakely – 6/7/22 – ✮✮✮✮✰
Paperback edition ➔ 150 pages (no Kindle edition available)
How the Book Qualifies ➔ page count includes a 5
Review — This was such a fun start to what I see will be a great story!
Completion Post:-
Last Task. Read books with a 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. No pass for this task.
Book: The A.I. Who Loved Me by Alyssa Cole
How it fits the task:The book has 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. The A.I. Who Loved Me
Page count: 159 pages.
Date completed: June 7, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.75
Review: It is the first Alyssa Cole I read, and her writing didn't disappoint me. For me The A.I. Who Loved Me is 3.75 stars. I believe if I were following the audiobook with the book, I would give it more stars. I am pretty new to science fiction, which is why I am not familiar with the book's theme.
I would suggest listening to the audiobook because it is like listening to a theatrical show with all the sound effects.
I've read some fantasy or paranormal romance in my day, but I'm not sure that I've ever read a romance with robots, but I have to say- I didn't hate it, and I enjoyed it more than I imagined would.
I liked the story's originality and thought the descriptions of all of the essential things in Trinity's apartment were very realistic. It seemed like more was going on with the characters, and I thought it made sense with everything revealed. I wish that I had been able to connect with the characters more, and I also didn't feel a lot of chemistry between the pair. It was an entertaining story, but it was missing something extra that would have made it great.
Completion Post:-
Last Task. Read books with a 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. No pass for this task.
Book: The Fix Up by Kendall Ryan
How it fits the task:The book has 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. The Fix Up
Page count: 345 pages.
Date completed: June 8, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️
Review: A sweet and spicy romance. This usually doesn't happen to me reading a series out of order. Yes, I started with the fourth book of the imperfect Lovel” series, even though it reads like a standalone, but be sure I will read the series in the order it is the first chance I will have. The romance between Camryn & Sterling is beautiful and strong. Please listen to the audiobook the narrator who performs Sterling does a good British accent (he might also be British).
In the beginning, I thought Sterling was an arrogant player, but the truth is he is sweet and that his family is essential. You see how you take care of his mother, that has Alzheimer's. It is also necessary that Camryn should always be satisfied even if he isn't.
I like that Camryn is a person who eats regular food and not only salads to keep her figure.
Yes, I agree with other reviews that the conflict is predictable and stupid, but on the other hand, you need some disagreement so you can get to the couple’s HEA.
It is my first Kendall Ryan book, I have a couple of books on my TBR and looking forward to reading them.
Completion Post:-
Last Task. Read books with a 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. No pass for this task.
Book: His for the Keeping by R.J. Gray
How it fits the task:The book has 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. His for the Keeping
Page count: 165 pages.
Date completed: June 8, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️
Review: His for the Keeping is my first mafia romance, but it is not the regular mafia story. I like how the author decided to write the mafia romance.
Frankie would watch or read a book instead of participating in her sister's wedding festivities and left early. Shane is running late because he stopped at home to shower and change before heading to the wedding brunch. That is how they were the only family members of two crime families. Frankie is from an Italian family, and Shane is from an Irish family.
What both Shane and Frankie went through is genuinely soul-breaking. They had to trust each other very quickly if Shane was going to protect Frankie. This book wasn't a Daddy book but had some domestic discipline.
They both want revenge against the people who hurt their families and will stop at nothing to achieve it. They start to develop feelings for each other along the way, but before getting to their HEA, they need to have their revenge... It also has a tipsy bit of BDSM.
The secondary characters are interesting, and they would do everything for the Navy SEAL brotherhood and their families. I am looking forward to reading the stories of the other Veterans of Valhalla.
Completion Post:-
Last Task. Read books with a 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. No pass for this task.
Book: Kismet by Lauren Blakely
How it fits the task:The book has 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. Kismet
Page count: 251 pages.
Date completed: June 8, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️
Review: Lauren Blakely Kismet is a sweet romance. Lauren Blakely knows how to write a meet-cute and romance.
Jo & Heath's connection came through strong and clear, and I liked that they both acknowledged it before finding out they were going to be working together. And I wanted, too, that they pull back due to personal concerns over career intersection/complication. So it's personal boundaries keeping them apart rather than some non-existent (potentially illegal) work policy. And I like it even better than the potentially harmful motivation presented as a positive goal because Jo is going after a promotion that will return her to her familiar stomping grounds in New York.
Booklovers would love this book because the two main characters work in the art industry, but they are book lovers. I especially like the scene where Heath is in the bookshop, and someone spoils him about the books/mysteries he is about to buy.
Lauren Blakely is becoming an auto-buy author. She has so many books to pick and read.
Completion Post:-
Last Task. Read books with a 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. No pass for this task.
Book: From the First Verse by M. Robinson
How it fits the task: The book has 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. From the First Verse
Page count: 215 pages
Rating: ⭐⭐.5
ReviewRock-romance is a sub-genre that I usually enjoy, but the truth is From the First Verse isn't my cup of tea. If I find the continuation of the book, I will read it, but I won't jump right away.
Maybe if I were reading the book while listening to the audiobook, I would have enjoyed the book's plot more.
I didn't care for the storyline and how it developed. Cash had potential. Sure he's a selfish kid who thinks his family is out to destroy him, but I felt the story could have gone differently. I felt like telling Cash to wake up, grow up, and not be so self-absorbed. Life is more than Sex, Drugs & Rock n' Roll. Sadly, I couldn't feel the chemistry I longed for between the two main characters.
Unfortunately, I am giving From the First Verse 2.5 stars.
Last Task.
Read books with a 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. No pass for this task.
Batter Up
Pages: 151/GR
How it fits: 5 in the 1st edition kindle page count Batter Up
Date completed: 6/7/22
Rating: *4 STARS*
This was cute and a bit quirky. I'm still not sure about the issue with the batter between Jason and Emma was. I wanted a bit more resolution to that part. Anyway, I liked the town and look forward to more books in this series. And all the cupcake talk made me want some!
Last Task.
Read books with a 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. No pass for this task.
From the First Verse
Date completed: 6/7/22
Pages: 215/GR
How it fits: 5 in the 1st edition kindle page
Rating: *3 STARS*
I was actually kind of ok with this story until right at the very end. I thought the drugging and boozing and whoring was a bit over the top but I've never been in a rock band so who I am to say. But, Cash did something with his best friend years previously that caused lasting consequences and that was all laid out right there at the end. And that wasn't even my issue. It was the last freakin' two words right before "THE END."
Complete and utter bullcrap! How in the world does he justify that? And of course the book ends on a cliffhanger.. Will I get the second book? The jury is still out on that one.
Last Task.
Read books with a 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. No pass for this task.
Forever Wild
Date completed: 6/7/22
Pages: 156/GR
How it fits: 5 in the 1st edition kindle page count
Rating: *4.5 STARS*
I adored this. I just wanted it to be longer. I just love Calla and Jonah and I'm so sad that their story is coming to an end. We may see them in book 3 but they won't be the focus.
Anyway, Calla and Jonah are having to deal with each of their parents during the holidays, opinions on how and when they should get married, and even a headstrong teenager. But they still get a chance to grow their bond and I just think back to when Jonah was just the asshat who picked Calla up from the airport and I can't believe how far they've come.
That last sentence was the best. I can't believe I was teased that way but it left me with such a smile on my face!
Last Task.
Read books with a 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. No pass for this task.
Catching Him
Date completed: 6/8/22
Pages: 215/GR
How it fits: 5 in the 1st edition kindle page
Rating: *4 STARS*
This was cute. Right from the beginning when Leah and Tyler met when she was in her panties and broke in his house. LOL It was obvious that these two had amazing chemistry. And it didn't go away as they got to know each other.
Tyler's mom was crazy. I couldn't believe the way she acted but at least she came around.
Also Charles was a total man-child having a tantrum when someone else is using the the toy he forgot about!
And was it just me or did Bruce and Mouse (Tyler's dog and Leah's cat respectively) steal the show? Loved them!
Overall I thought this was fun, adorable and sexy. I am looking forward to continuing on with this series.
Last Task.
Read books with a 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. No pass for this task.
My Sinful Temptation
Date completed: 6/8/22
Pages: 158/GR
How it fits: 5 in the 1st edition kindle page
Rating: *4 STARS*
This is short and sweet. I could truly see that there was a whole world surrounding this family/group but I was able to still enjoy this.
It was obvious that John and Mindy had been circling each other for a while but they avoided it because...reasons (not wanting to mess up the dynamic of all the friends in the group, who knows?) Anyway, after some job stuff with Mindy happens, John decides to go for it and they stop fighting what has been obvious for some time.
They are good together but then Mindy is pulled in another direction due to a job and they have to decide if good together is worth the risk.
Lauren Blakely did a lot with this short book. I really enjoyed it It didn't feel too rushed I guess because it was obvious that these two had a backstory. But as I said before it was obvious they had a history so I would like to start the series from the beginning to see that.
P.S. It’s Always Been You: Part 2, Lauren Blakely – 6/7/22 – ✮✮✮✮✰
Paperback edition ➔ 150 pages (no Kindle edition available)
How the Book Qualifies ➔ page count includes a 5
Review — This installment picks up where the previous left off. While Hunter’s and Presley’s story remains the focal point, the hunt they are on to put the clues together is a fantastic secondary story line.
P.S. It’s Always Been You: Part 3, Lauren Blakely – 6/7/22 – ✮✮✮✮✮
Paperback edition ➔ 150 pages (no Kindle edition available)
How the Book Qualifies ➔ page count includes a 5
Review — *sigh* It’s over…but what a fun ride! With the mystery solved and Hunter getting his head out of the sand, this story wrapped up nicely. I wish it were longer, but the story and characters were well developed, and integrating two love stories worked perfectly!
Last Task. Read books with a 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. No pass for this task.Book:
Pages: 252 as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 7 June
Rating: 3.5⭐
How it qualifies: Has a 5 in the page count
Review: This was an amusing read. Dean and River are neighbours but they hate each other. Dean is a school teacher and has a pet turtle called Leo. He manages to eat the last piece of River's favourite cherry pie each week, plays the same song every morning and manages to ruin her bath time. River owns a clothing store and Dean finds her annoying as she has reported him for playing his music.
When Dean sets his apartment on fire, River offers to have him and Leo stay with her. The bickering continues but turns to lust and then to more.
I enjoy Teagan Hunter's books but i dont think this one was as good as Lets get textual. The goat still beats the turtle.
Last Task. Read books with a 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. No pass for this task.Book:
Pages: 150 as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 8 June
Rating: 1.5⭐️
How it qualifies: 5 in the page count
Review: This was a very simplistic story in both plot and character development. Charlotte has a bakery company and she has been accused of poisoning people with cyanide through her cupcakes. The poisoning happened at her friends wedding and then at a tea party. Liam the best man at the wedding helps Charlotte to try and uncover the truth and both realise they have feelings for each other.
Last Task. Read books with a 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. No pass for this task.Book:
Pages: 150 as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 8 June
Rating: 3.5⭐
How it qualifies: 5 in page count
Review: Aiden and Daisy worked together for a long time and were purely colleagues until a business trip when they were more. Resulting in a baby on the way. This is a slow burn but Aiden was very supportive and caring and sometimes that was a bit too sickly sweet for me. The steamy scenes were good though.
Last Task. Read books with a 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. No pass for this task.Book:
Pages: 152 as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 8 June
Rating: 4⭐️
How it qualifies: Has a 5 in the page count
Review: This is an interesting prequel to the series. Serena Barton is staking out the home of the Duke of Clermont. Something has happened to her but she keeps silent to stir the rumours in the hope that the Dukes reputation is tarnished by the speculation. The Duke sends Hugo who is his man of business and known as the wolf of Claremont to sort the problem.
Hugo and Serena have correspondence via notes which are quite funny and made me smile. Hugo eventually comes to realise as he gets closer to Serena that she is pregnant by the Duke and that she is only trying to fight for some security for her and the baby.
Hugo proposes to Serena as a business arrangement to ensure the baby is legitimate however once they consummate their marriage it is clear that it is not just a business agreement. I liked their relationship and the strength of Serena. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
Last Task. Read books with a 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. No pass for this task.Book:
Pages: 215 as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 9 June
Rating: 2 ⭐
How it qualifies: Has a 5 in the page count
Review: I didn't enjoy this one. Didn't particularly like the narrators either. I usually enjoy the rock star romance books that i have read but this one just didn't hit the mark for me. I'm not a fan of age gap romances either. Meeting when they were older was fine but when they were younger it seemed a bit much for me. The book was also a cliffhanger which annoys me.
I didn't think Cash had any good qualities and didnt identify with the characters at all.
Last Task. Read books with a 5 in the first edition Kindle page count. No pass for this task.Book:
Pages: 157 as per kindle edition in above link
Read: 9 June
Rating: 4⭐
How it qualifies: 5 in the page count
Review: I like this series. 4 Tyler sisters and 4 Masterton brothers. This one focuses on Pandora the housekeeper to rancher Levi. She is an innocent and Levi cant stop thinking about her. Pan knows Levi is interested and doesnt know what to do about it.
Pan has to kiss a hollywood star in the film that is being made on her family ranch but Levi isnt going to allow her first kiss to be with anyone but him.
There are evil characters at play as well. The brother of the man who raped Pan's sister is out for revenge after his brother was killed and Viv Preston, the daughter of one of the competitor ranchers has set her sights on Levi and is going to do everything to make sure she gets her man.
I felt bad for Pan. Victim of a car crash, shooting and kidnapping before she eventually gets her man. I like all the masterton men and Levi was no different. The only downside is i think the book could be longer to give more detail.
Task 29—read books with a 5 in the first edition Kindle page count — no pass for this task
P.S. It’s Always Been You, Lauren Blakely – 6/8/22 – ✮✮✮✮✮
first-edition Kindle ➔ 350 pages
How the Book Qualifies ➔ page count includes a 5
Review — This was such a fun second-chance romance with a lovely mystery and secondary romance story. Hunter and Presley make a great couple and the adventure they embark on proves they were always meant to be.
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Cupcakes and Cyanide (other topics)Superhero (other topics)
Pieces of Me (other topics)
Pieces of You (other topics)
Things Liars Hide (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
M. Robinson (other topics)Lauren Blakely (other topics)
R.J. Gray (other topics)
Kendall Ryan (other topics)
Alyssa Cole (other topics)
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Task #26 - 96. Read a minimum of 1200 pages with the sun or the moon on the cover, teams decide which. Moon
Book: The Ladies' Midnight Swimming Club by Faith Hogan
How it fits the task:Two editions have moons on the cover
Page count: 292 pages.
Date completed: June 2, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: Sometimes I like to pick books because of their covers. The Ladies' Midnight Swimming Club is one of these books. I usually don't decide right away on books that I have just purchased because I have a lot of books both on my physical and digital TBR, but because of the reading challenge, I decided that I would read the story.
The storyline is sensitive and well-written, with many believable emotions and characters. The Ladies' Midnight Swimming Club made me want to visit Irland and its villages. Faith Hogan draws you in because she understands family, hope, loss, and conflicting thoughts. Her descriptions and words draw images that allow the reader to be right there.
I didn't want to finish; the story should go on!
I enjoyed all three women as they come from different backgrounds and hurts but find friendship and support in each other. I particularly liked the free-spirited Jo, who said it and held nothing back. I loved watching Elizabeth shake off the doctor's wife's mantle and be the feisty woman she always held back. Lucy is trying to find her footing again after her divorce and her ex-husband's move to Australia. Throughout the story, there were many touching moments, particularly between Elizabeth and Dan, Lucy, and Niall.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Faith Hogan.