TART Challenge - Round 5 - Fast Like Molasses (7)

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Ah, an easy one (other than that it's 8 books)! I'm starting with an In Death book, just because I had it right at hand and could start immediately. I have lots of options for shorter ones too though, so should be able to get through three pretty easily if anyone doesn't have time for two.

[Tink Magoo is bad at reviews]

I have already spent over an hour looking for something. argh

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Tink Magoo is bad at reviews wrote: "I have already spent over an hour looking for something. argh"

Oh, that stinks! Not sure if it will help or not, but I've got a few go-to authors when it comes to NYC...in addition to the In Death books. Lauren Layne was my first thought - I've read quite a few by her that are set there, along with Lauren Blakely, Vi Keeland, Sarina Bowen. I'm sure there are more, but those are the ones that come to mind immediately.

[Tink Magoo is bad at reviews]

I like some of those so I'll have a look there, thanks :D

[Chan]

I've been listening to an In death book - Portrait. I started that one for the same reason Karen did. It was at my finger tips. I've been wanting to read Enchanted, Inc so, i'm doing that one next. But i can also read a third.

[Courtney]

I'll start with . Lucked out and it's already on my eReader. Woot woot.

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Task 19 - 87. Read 8 books set in NYC.


Book 1
Book: Concealed in Death
Pages: 419
Qualifies: MP Setting - New York City, New York
Rating: 4 stars
Completed: May 18, 2022

Book 2
Book: Made in Manhattan
Pages: 297
Qualifies: Title is Made in Manhattan
Rating: 4 stars
Completed: May 19, 2022

[Courtney]

Completion Post - Task #19

87. Read 8 books set in NYC.


Holding His Forever

Pages: 157
Completed: 5/19
How it Qualifies: From precis
Derek aka Phoenix is a New York City firefighter and has dedicated his life to saving people.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review:

When you go into an Alexa Riley book, you expect an over-the-top insta-love story, but even for a Riley story, this was a bit much. I was fine with the whole "I saw you and now I have to be with you" thing, but the "I love you's" and let's get married the first time they bang was a lot. The storyline with the obsessive boss wasn't really developed enough to work either. It kind of felt thrown in there. Overall, just felt kind of rushed and meh.


Book 2


Mister McHottie

Pages: 182
Completed: 5/19
How it Qualifies: Tagged New York City

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review:

Sometimes Pippa Grant books can be a bit too over-the-top for me, but I think this one was just the right blend of comedy, ridiculousness, and steam. Chase and Ambrosia have so many hilarious interactions, and it was so much fun following their story. Besides some great MCs, the side characters in this are just fantastic. Sia's brothers are freaking hilarious, and her girl band friends are all good fun. I want to read everyone's story now!

[Courtney]

I started my second book , but if you guys get to three books before I'm done, no worries.

Nevermind. Flew through that one. It was pretty freaking funny.😄

[Tink Magoo is bad at reviews]

Task 19 - 87. Read 8 books set in NYC.

Book: Charlotte's Pact
Pages: 158
Qualifies: Series title - Demons in New York
Rating: 1 star
Completed: May 19, 2022


Book 2

Book: To Sir, with Love
Pages: 288
Qualifies: from precis - "...her passion for art to take over his Midtown Manhattan champagne shop"
Rating: 4 stars
Completed: May 19, 2022

[Chan]

#19 | 87. Read 8 books set in NYC | Book 1
Book: Portrait in Death
Pages: 359
Qualifies: MPSetting New York
Rating: 👮‍♀️👮‍♀️👮‍♀️👮‍♀️
Completed: May 18, 2022





#19 | 87. Read 8 books set in NYC | Book 2
Book: Enchanted, Inc.
Pages: 320
Qualifies: MPSetting New York
Rating: 🧙‍♀️🧙‍♀️🧙‍♀️🧙‍♀️
Completed: May 19, 2022

[Chan]

Let me know if i need to read a 3rd. i truly don't mind

[Tink Magoo is bad at reviews]

I've just finished my 2nd book which was 100 times better than the first one, thankfully

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

I'm done with my 2nd one also, but won't be able to update my completion post for a bit. Once I do I'll post in the Q&A thread. 😀

[Chan]

Tink Magoo is bad at reviews wrote: "I've just finished my 2nd book which was 100 times better than the first one, thankfully"

YAY! glad you enjoyed it Tink.

It looks like Courtney started her 2nd one already. So, I won't start another one.

[Chan]

Oh Courtney already finished her second one. Sorry, i scrolled through too quick.

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Completion posted in Q&A.

[Courtney]

Chan wrote: "Oh Courtney already finished her second one. Sorry, i scrolled through too quick."

I lucked out this time and found two pretty quick ones!

[MountainKat, Moderator]

You are all set to get your next task tomorrow. 😊

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Chan, you really shouldn't try to confuse me like that!!!

[Chan]

Karen!!! i have to go to sleep...right now.
i saw your name and pic in my notifications list and just clicked on it without paying much attention. GAH!

[Chan]

Confuse you??? Obviously i'm the one who needs the help 🤪

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

It gave me a good laugh...right after the tiny panic that I'd posted in the wrong thread! Didn't say anything here because it's not until afternoon, long after we get our task. I have the joy of taking my dog in for her shots tomorrow afternoon...especially fun (not) since the vet is about a 30 minute drive away and my dog gets carsick! At least I have meds for her, and she's in a crate in the car - otherwise it could get really ugly!

[Tink Magoo is bad at reviews]

Karen, I know how that feels. My cat poops himself everytime he gets in the car. Hopefully your trip is a clean one

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Tink Magoo is bad at reviews wrote: "Karen, I know how that feels. My cat poops himself everytime he gets in the car. Hopefully your trip is a clean one"

Thanks, Tink! It's actually much better now than it used to be since I have an anti-nausea/anti-carsick med that works pretty well for her. She still drools like a faucet, but that's the worst of it...and since she's in a crate when she's in the car, even the drool is contained!

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Here is your next task!

Task 20 - 72. Read 4 books published in the decade of a teammate's birth, team decides which teammate.

As a team, select a teammate and then read 4 books initially published in the decade of their birth. For this task, the decade will be 0-9, for example 1990-1999. Use the initial publication date, if there is a date listed at the top of the editions page use that. Otherwise, I will be looking for the earliest dated English language edition regardless of format for the qualification. Please include the selected teammate and decade in your completion posts.

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Well, I guess we get to see how well some books held up over time! 😃 We have the 80s on the list, but Kat asked for the teammate...is that all of you? I know it's a LONG way away from being me! 🤣🤣🤣

I like Robyn Carr's current stuff, but have never read any of her historicals, so I'm going with . It's narrated by Susan Duerden, so that's a good thing anyway!

[Tink Magoo is bad at reviews]

I was born in the 80s, surely someone is younger than that ?!
This could be interesting 🤣

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Tink Magoo is bad at reviews wrote: "I was born in the 80s, surely someone is younger than that ?!
This could be interesting 🤣"

We picked the 80s a couple of rounds back. I just went back to the old thread, and Courtney is 70s, so from what I read that leaves Chan in the 80s...we didn't have anything more recent than that. Since you're 80s also, that's the best we can do. 😃

[Tink Magoo is bad at reviews]

I'm happy with that as it means a reread of The Bride for me :D

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Tink Magoo is bad at reviews wrote: "I'm happy with that as it means a reread of The Bride for me :D"

I might end up switching over and doing the same thing. I'm having a hard time getting into the one I started. If I'm still not feeling it after my drive time this afternoon, I'll probably switch.

[Courtney]

Yeah 80s is the most recent we've got. This will be interesting. I might dust off one of my Johanna Lindsey's 🤣

[Chan]

Tink Magoo is bad at reviews wrote: "Karen, I know how that feels. My cat poops himself everytime he gets in the car. Hopefully your trip is a clean one"

That made me laugh Tink...'hopefully your trip is a clean one'

[Chan]

Tink Magoo is bad at reviews wrote: "I was born in the 80s, surely someone is younger than that ?!
This could be interesting 🤣"

Nope. just a bunch of old fuddy duddys over here. I'm in the 80s too.

[Chan]

I've been reading Fancy Pants. Started a couple of hours ago. I won't finish until tomorrow. I was out all day and I'm ready to lay down.

I didn't like this one the first go round, but so many people like it, so I'm going to finally give it one more try 😳

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Chan wrote: "I've been reading Fancy Pants. Started a couple of hours ago. I won't finish until tomorrow. I was out all day and I'm ready to lay down.

I didn't like this one the first go round, but so many pe..."

I wasn't a fan of Fancy Pants either. I hope you like it better this time!

[Courtney]

I was a bit worried how a Johanna Lindsey would be after all this time, but I think mine stands up pretty well. I think the last time I read it was in college.

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Task 20 - 72. Read 4 books published in the decade of a teammate's birth, team decides which teammate.
Team chose 80s (Chan and Tink)

The Bellerose Bargain
Pages: 319
Qualifies: First published January 1st 1982
Rating: 3 stars
Completed: May 20, 2022

[Chan]

Courtney wrote: "I was a bit worried how a Johanna Lindsey would be after all this time, but I think mine stands up pretty well. I think the last time I read it was in college."

It's nice when good backs are still good know matter what decade you read them.

[Chan]

I'm giving up. I really don't like this book. I'm quitting at 77%. I'm going to post my completion, but if Kat says i have to finish it, then i will.

[Chan]

#20 | 72. Read 4 books published in the decade of a teammate's birth
Team chose 80s (Tink & Me)
Book: Fancy Pants
Pages: 516
Qualifies: Published 1989
Rating: 👎👎
Incomplete: DNF page 380 of 488 = 78% - I honestly reread this hoping that I would like it. This book was my intro to SEP and it has prevented me from trusting any of her other writings. She is such a beloved author, but I cannot get past this book.

This story is insensitive and perpetuates injustice and inequality. For example, SEP glorifies domestic violence and debases homosexuality. I'm only using two here, but there's a lot more. The only group safe were white males.

My goal in rereading this story has backfired. My hope is that SEP's mindset has shifted and her stories no longer illustrate acceptance and promotion of racism and gender inequality. This story really sucks. I don't like it all. I didn't touch on the supposed romance because I'm not rooting for a man who beats on you.

[Tink Magoo is bad at reviews]

#20 | 72. Read 4 books published in the decade of a teammate's birth
Team chose 80s (Chan & Me)
Book: The Bride
Pages: 388
Qualifies: Published 1989
Rating: 5 stars
Completed: 21st May

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Chan wrote: "I'm giving up. I really don't like this book. I'm quitting at 77%. I'm going to post my completion, but if Kat says i have to finish it, then i will."

Chan, I asked Kat this morning if there was a DNF policy for this challenge. Neither of us were sure, but both thought it had come up in the Bachelor challenge but not here. She's going to do some checking and get back to me. My best guess (and it's only a guess) is that the policy will be similar to the Bachelor one, and if that's the case you'll be ok with what you've read, but may have to update your completion post a bit.

[Chan]

Chan wrote: "It's nice when good backs are still good know matter what decade you read them."


Whoa...was i half asleep when i typed that lol

i meant...It's nice when good BOOKS are still good NO matter what decade you read them.

[Chan]

~KarenH~ wrote: "Chan wrote: "I'm giving up. I really don't like this book. I'm quitting at 77%. I'm going to post my completion, but if Kat says i have to finish it, then i will."

Chan, I asked Kat this morning i..."

Okay. i'll keep checking for the verdict. Of course i would be responsible for the creation of a new rule in TART.

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Here's Kat's response on the DNF...she posted it in the Q&A thread several hours ago and I missed it until now...

I've had a question come to me in a message about DNFs - hard to believe that hasn't come up before... But I figured I would answer it here for everyone.

If you wish to count a book that you have DNFed for a task in this challenge, you will need to meet a few requirements.

I will accept DNFs if you read to the minimum page count of this challenge (150 p.) AND 70% of the book. Books need to be a minimum of 250 pages using the first edition Kindle page count. You must also state that the book is a DNF and explain why in your completion, including the page number you finished on as well. The page you finished on would be the number counted for tasks that ask the team to read a certain number of pages.

[Courtney]

I've got about 40 pages left in mine. Should be able to finish at baby's next nap 👍

[Courtney]

Completion Post - Task #20

72. Read 4 books published in the decade of a teammate's birth.
Team chose 80s - Chan & Tink


Hearts Aflame

Pages: 372
Completed: 5/22
How it Qualifies: First published January 1st 1987

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review:

Johanna Lindsey will always hold a special place in my romance reader's heart. My first romance was a Lindsey way back in college, and once I discovered her, I quickly flew through everything she had written...and then read it all again after I finished the first go around.

It's been a decade or more since I've read a Lindsey story, and I was a bit worried about how this story might hold up now. But, honestly, I feel like it's stood the test of time, at least for me. I enjoyed the story of Kristen and Royce as much this time as I did way back when. I think what's special about Kristen is that she's a tough heroine that can fight her own battles but is still proud of her femininity. I feel like so many historical romances default to a strong heroine that mocks anything associated with being a woman of that time, and I like how Kristen embraces both sides of herself. She's probably one of my favorites of all historical romance heroines out there.

It was really fun coming back to this story after all this time.

[MountainKat, Moderator]

I didn't check your books, but skimmed over the completions. Chan needs to update hers to include the information necessary for a DNF. I will check back but probably not until tomorrow. In the mean time...

Here is your next task!

Task 21 - 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.

[Courtney]

I might not have enough brain power for this one 🤣. Is it each book has to be rated 5 stars by 2 people, or a five star book from one person and a five star book from another person?

Like one book rated 5-stars by Chan and Karen and one book rated 5-stars by Karen and Tink, or one 5-star book from Chan and one 5-star book from Karen.