Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
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TART Challenge - Round 5 - Spicy Sprinters (6)
I'm grabbing Devoted: 38 Extraordinary Tales of Love, Loyalty, and Life With Dogs from the Brooklyn Library and will read it right now... in case we need it. It's 160 pages.
COMPLETION POSTTask 13 - 81. Read a minimum of 1500 pages in books with a dog/dogs on the cover.
Devoted: 38 Extraordinary Tales of Love, Loyalty, and Life With Dogs, Rebecca Asher-Walsh
Page numbers with source: Kindle edition, 160 pages
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: All of the versions of the covers feature dogs.
Date completed: 7 May
Rating/Review: 3.5 stars
I shed a few tears while listening to these profiles/stories of 38 incredible dogs. I think part of the reason behind that is because my own extraordinary rescue girl Coraline is in the last stages of her life. So I tend to be a bit teary right now. But reading {listening} about these amazing dogs is a lovely way to spend a few hours, and some of the stories can be pretty emotional.
I listened to the audiobook and realize that I missed half the book by not being able to see that photos of the dogs. So after listening, I went ahead and ordered a used hardback version from amazon. I suspect my rating will be higher when I can see the book as it was intended to be seen.
Heather wrote: "I'm grabbing Devoted: 38 Extraordinary Tales of Love, Loyalty, and Life With Dogs from the Brooklyn Library and will read it right now... in case we need it. It's 160 pages."No we are good with amount for our task. Reason I asked when it comes to the end of the challenge if three people finish on task 20 she goes by the most pages.
April wrote: "For MountainKat when she checks our post.Can Heather use the 321 pages for her book since they both have same date? Or does she have to use the 309?
Breaking Creed (Ryder Creed, #1)
Published Jan..."
Either page count would work. This is what I am looking for:
**Remember to use the first edition Kindle page count only! If your page count comes from a Kindle edition published on the initial publication date on the editions page, it will count. If your page count comes from a Kindle edition labeled '1st edition', it will count. If your page count comes from the earliest dated English language Kindle edition, it will count. I am looking for one of those three things when confirming your books! As long the page count you list is correct, I will accept any link to the book. Ebook page count will be acceptable if no Kindle page count available. The acceptability of other page counts will be made on an individual basis.**
So, as long as the two editions are from the initial publication date, or both were released on the earliest date for Kindle editions, either page count is ok.
As for the last task - I've gone back and forth between page count and book count as the tie breaker in previous rounds. I haven't decided what it will be this round yet, though I haven't come up with anything different yet either. But it is always good to figure things out. 😊
Here is your next task!Task 14 - 75. Read over 1000 pages in books that start with the same letter (no articles), teams decide letter.
As a team select a letter, then read over 1000 pages in books that start with the selected letter. Disregard articles in the titles - no A, An or The. Please include the selected letter in your completion posts. Remember to use the first edition Kindle page count.
I am current in checking your completions and have updated your tracking. Yay! 🥳
Completion PostTask 14 - 75. Read over 1000 pages in books that start with the same letter (no articles), teams decide letter.
Tied Up in Knotsby Mary Calmes
Team selection T
Read: 5/8
Pages: 313
Review/Rating: 3.5 stars rounded up. I sometimes struggle with stories that take multiple books for the MCs to solidify their relationships and I think that I started to feel some of that with this series. Miro was all over the place and so self-sabotaging I started to struggle a bit. We get a ton of side characters that both MC know brought into the story in this as well and not all of it help progress the story. Hartley has another prison escape and come back to haunt Miro. Ian is still unchanged in many ways until later in the story. Overall the read wasn't bad, but I didn't love it like the previous two and I'm not sure I'm invested in reading the 4th book right now.
COMPLETION POSTTask 14 - 75. Read over 1000 pages in books that start with the same letter (no articles), teams decide letter.
Three Simple Rules, Nikki Sloane
Page numbers with source: Kindle edition, 322 pages
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Title begins with T
Date completed: 9 May
Rating/Review: 4 stars
Cute, and very very hot, with a decent storyline and an adorable heroine.
I’ll be done with mine tonight. It’s 432 pages.
Oh goodness. I somehow missed the “no articles part”!! Putting this one down and reading another one real quick tonight - 302 pgs.
Completion PostTask 14 - 75. Read over 1000 pages in books that start with the same letter (no articles), teams decide letter.
That Forever Girl
Read: 5/9/2022
Pages: 359
Rating: 4
How it Fits: Starts with T the letter we chose
Completion PostTask 14 - 75. Read over 1000 pages in books that start with the same letter (no articles), teams decide letter.
These Tangled Vines by Julianne MacLean
Read: 5/9/2022
Pages: 302
Rating: 2 ⭐️
How it Fits: starts with T
Yay, Lynne! Sorry you had to stay up late reading a mediocre book.
I think the staying up late and also my mood factored into my enjoyment of it! I know other people who have liked this one.
Thanks for checking us in, April. I meant to do it after I made my completion post but then forgot by the time I finished 🤦🏻♀️
Lynne wrote: "I think the staying up late and also my mood factored into my enjoyment of it! I know other people who have liked this one."It's amazing how much your mood can affect your enjoyment of a book.
Here is your next task!Task 15 - 76. Read 6 books with a specific item on the cover, team selects item.
As a team, select a specific item and read 6 books with the selected item on the cover. Jewelry is not specific, but earrings are. Weapon is not specific, but gun is. (As examples.) You can use any edition's cover to qualify for this task. Please include the selected item and the qualifying cover in your completion posts.
COMPLETION POSTTask 15 - 76. Read 6 books with a specific item on the cover, team selects item (TREE)
Runaway Girl, Tessa Bailey
Page numbers with source: Kindle edition, 264 pages
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: There's a large palm tree on the left side of the audiobook cover.
Date completed: 9 May
Rating/Review: 4 stars
This book has some mixed reviews so I wasn't sure how I'd feel about it. But I liked it more than expected! I'm a fan of the runaway bride trope and Tessa Bailey did a good job with it. Naomi and Jason were great MCs and I loved how they evolved during the story. But my favorite character was Birdie.
A note about the narration: Tyler Donne is a terrific narrator but not the right casting for Jason. Jason's voice needed to be deeper.
Completion PostTask 15 - 76. Read 6 books with a specific item on the cover, team selects item (TREE)
Read: 5/10/2022
Pages: 319
Rating: 4
How it Fits: Tree on cover
COMPLETION POSTTask 15 - 76. Read 6 books with a specific item on the cover, team selects item
Team selection: Tree
Angel's Rest by Emily March
Read: 5/10
Pages: 338
Rating: 2 I'm being generous stars
COMPLETION POSTTask 15 - 76. Read 6 books with a specific item on the cover, team selects item (TREE)
Orlando People, Alexander C Kane
Page numbers with source: There is no Kindle edition. The Audible edition is 6 hours, 55 minutes.
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: There's a wonderful orange tree on the cover.
Date completed: 11 May
Rating/Review: 4 stars
An entertaining and fantastical tale of Gretch Wolgast and the other Orlando People (telekinetics born in Orlando in her age group). Gretch is a funny, smart, and quirky heroine and I look forward to reading more of her adventures.
COMPLETION POSTTask 15 - 76. Read 6 books with a specific item on the cover, team selects item
Team selection: Tree
The Hollow by Agatha Christie
Read: 5/11
Pages: 272 Kindle edition
How it qualifies: trees line the drive on the cover
Rating: 4 ⭐️
Completion PostTask 15 - 76. Read 6 books with a specific item on the cover, team selects item (TREE)
Read: 5/11/2022
Pages: 314
Rating: 4
How it Fits: Tree on cover
I did not check your books - again. I will get to that tomorrow. 🤷🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️Here is your next task!
Task 16 - 35. Read 6 books first published between 2011 and 2020.
Books selected for this task need to have been initially published between 1.1.2011 and 12.31.2020. If there is a date at the top of the editions page use it. Otherwise I will be looking for the earliest dated English language edition regardless of format for the qualification. Please include the initial publication date in your completion posts.
COMPLETION POSTTask 16 - 35. Read 6 books first published between 2011 and 2020
Second Chance Magic, Michelle M Pillow
Page numbers with source: Kindle edition: 300 pages
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: Main page publ date: Feb 18, 2020
Date completed: 12 May
Rating/Review: 3 stars
There are quite a few similar books on the market right now - a 40-something woman embarks on a new part of her life and discovers magic along the way. Generally, I liked this version of that very specialized trope. I liked the three women and the idea behind their magic. And the cover is lovely. However, the romance was very light and lacked sizzle, and the ending was way too fast and abrupt.
Completion PostTask 16 - 35. Read 6 books first published between 2011 and 2020
Read: 5/12/2022
Pages: 232
Rating: 3
How it Fits: First published July 2016
COMPLETION POSTTask 16 - 35. Read 6 books first published between 2011 and 2020
Poseidon’s Children by Michael West
Page numbers: Kindle edition 332 pgs
How book qualified: first published March 1, 2012
Date completed: 13 May
Rating/Review: 1.5 ⭐️
I wanted this to be a fun creature horror book (like Meg), but it was just pretty bad.
COMPLETION POSTTask 16 - 35. Read 6 books first published between 2011 and 2020
Me by Elton John
Read: 5/13
Rating: 4 stars
How fits: First published October 15th 2019
Pages: 376
COMPLETION POSTTask 16 - 35. Read 6 books first published between 2011 and 2020
The Slaughtered Lamb Bookstore and Bar, Seana Kelly
Page numbers with source: Kindle edition: 296 pages
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary: First published September 24th 2020
Date completed: 13 May
Rating/Review: 3 stars
I'm a fan of urban fantasies that hit the ground running in terms of action (Hello, Harry Dresden), but this was just a little too much. Too much crazy action, especially in the beginning, too many different paranormal species, too many times Sam seemed TSTL... it was a bit overwhelming. I think the author was trying too hard. But I like the characters and the idea and will continue with the series.
A side note: I seem to be reading a lot of books lately where the hero's adoration of the heroine is unending, but the readers are never really told why that's the case. And here's another example. Why is Clive so smitten with Sam? I know she's our heroine, but that can't be the only reason. I'm hoping to learn more in the next installment. Because I'm tired of two-dimensional heroes with no discernable motivation.
I finished a book that works today, if we need another :)
Naomi wrote: "COMPLETION POSTTask 16 - 35. Read 6 books first published between 2011 and 2020
Me by Elton John
Read: 5/13
Rating: 4 stars
How fits: First ..."
I was checking your completions for the last task and noticed this book. For this challenge, books need to be fiction to qualify. This book is nonfiction. From the signup thread:
There is a 150 page minimum for books, rereads and audios ok. Books may only be used once per player during the challenge. Players may read the same book for a task unless otherwise specified. Books do not have to be romance, but must be fiction.
COMPLETION POSTTask 16 - 35. Read 6 books first published between 2011 and 2020
Trust with a Chaser by Annabeth Albert
Read: 5/13
pages: 280
Rating: 2 stars
Review: This one fell flat for me, I usually really enjoy Annabeth Albert, but this one I almost stopped listening to a few times. Nash annoyed the crap out of me! His reasons for staying in the closet and treating Mason like shit were dumb in my opinion. There were some sweet parts to the story and some interesting secondary characters, so I may try the next book at some point.
Naomi - it looks like Trust with a Chaser can take the place of your Elton John bio.So we just need one more book. April, are you close to finishing one? I can find something short to read this morning if needed.
Completion PostTask 16 - 35. Read 6 books first published between 2011 and 2020
Read: 5/14/2022
Pages: 266
Rating: 3
How it Fits: First published November 6th 2016
Just posted us. We are good for this task. Now to wait for new task.
Here is your next task!Task 17 - 73. Read a minimum of 1500 pages in books by the same author, teams decide author.
As a team, select an author and read 1500 pages in book by the selected author. Please include the selected author in your completion posts. Pseudonyms are acceptable, but if used, please include a link to the author's page or website showing they are the same person. Remember to use the first edition Kindle page count.
We picked Emma Chase, correct? I'm going to start by re-reading Tangled -- it's been a long time since I read it. Page count is 254.
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
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Can Heather use the 321 pages for her book since they both have same date? Or does she have to use the 309?
Breaking Creed (Ryder Creed, #1)
Published January 27th 2015 by Sphere
Kindle Edition, 321 pages
Breaking Creed (Ryder Creed #1)
Published January 27th 2015 by Putnam Adult
Kindle Edition, 309 pages