TART Challenge - Round 5 - The Loitering Layabouts (Literally) (8)

[Lisa]

Donna wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Shannon wrote: "I'll try for a second one. I actually have a busy day, weirdly enough, but should have time."

Thanks Shannon. Im at work all day tomorrow ( in the office not at home) ..."

Im at 54% so nearly caught up to you

[Donna]

Lisa wrote: "Donna wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Shannon wrote: "I'll try for a second one. I actually have a busy day, weirdly enough, but should have time."

Thanks Shannon. Im at work all day tomorrow ( in the office..."

Braggart... LOL!!!

[Lisa]

Donna wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Donna wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Shannon wrote: "I'll try for a second one. I actually have a busy day, weirdly enough, but should have time."

Thanks Shannon. Im at work all day tomorrow ( ..."

Finished. Will post the review in the morning

[Donna]

Lisa wrote: "Donna wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Donna wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Shannon wrote: "I'll try for a second one. I actually have a busy day, weirdly enough, but should have time."

Thanks Shannon. Im at work all d..."

I CAN'T HEAR YOU... LOL!!!

[Shannon]

I'm starting the 2nd book now. Won't take long!

[Donna]

Shannon wrote: "I'm starting the 2nd book now. Won't take long!"

Just rub it in... grrr LOL!!

[Donna]

Task 11: COMPLETION POST

43. Read 6 books published in June.

Summons by Lisa Oliver
178 pgs/GR
Published: June 6, 2021
Finished: 5/3/22 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review:
Well, that was a fast read! Of course, RL was against me and it took FOREVER for me to get this one finished... grrr

This was certainly an entertaining read with, as most know about me, a wonderfully strong female character... give it up for Clara! *grin*

I was extremely impressed with how much world-building we got in just a few short pages. At no point did I feel like there was a need for more details. Edward and Mammon were an insta-love couple in the best possible way! Respect, admiration, and some sexy times (view spoiler)[(after the wedding, of course... that happened just hours after they met. But, hey a demon only gets one "beloved") (hide spoiler)] were quick to follow their meeting each other, but such is the way of "fated mates".

Hard choices and a few hard-won battles saw our two heroes (and Clara) eventually winning the day! Which I am sure will lead us up to book 2... whenever it comes out... as I impatiently wait... *fingers tapping on desk*
[ book:Summons|58283274]

[Shannon]

Task 11 Completion Post (Book 2)
43. Read 6 books published in June.


Innocent by Roe Horvat
Pages: 210
Qualification: Published 6/22/21
Read: 5/3/22
Rating: ★★★★

Another sex filled, omega heat, dirty AF Roe Horvat book. I'm a little bit of an addict with these. Okay story but fantastical smexing. Exactly what I was expecting!

[*book:Innocent|58258707]

[Lisa]

Task 11 Completion Post - book 2
Summons
178 pages
Published: 6/6/22
Date read: 5/3/22
4 stars

Edward, a mage, summons a demon to be his husband but what do you know, said demon is actually Edward's fated mate, Mammon.
It was a good, quick read with instalove and good winning out over bad.

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

I'm still going but should be done soonish, pending dinner...

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 11 - Completion Post
43. Read 6 books published in June.

1. Lisa - msg243
2. Shannon - msg 246
3. Donna - msg 257
4. Shannon - msg 258
5. Lisa - msg 259
6. Jane - msg 262

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 11 - COMPLETION
43. Read 6 books published in June.

Galaxies and Oceans
Pages: 318pp
Qualification: Published 23 June 2018
Read: 4 May
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
This is now a favourite book for me. It has a dark background with the abuse (off page) of one MC, but the actual story is one of gentle healing and understanding for both MCs.

I love the broader aspects of the ocean and the stars. And I love the cover :)

[*book:Galaxies and Oceans|40627465]

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Here is your next task!

Task 12 - 79. Read 6 books that have the same romance trope, teams decide which trope.

As a team select a common romance trope, fake boyfriend, secret baby etc., then read 6 books that use that trope. Please include the selected trope in your completion posts. Remember to let me know how you know your book qualifies, be it precis, tags or lists - I need to know where to look to confirm your books. Include any necessary links or info in your completion posts.

[Donna]

Task 12: SELECTION POST

79. Read 6 books that have the same romance trope, teams decide which trope. Friends to Lovers

1st Book:
#9: Best M/M Friends to Lovers

Dirty Forty by Mia Monroe
240 pgs/GR

[ book:Dirty Forty|57100786]

[Lisa]

Task 12: SELECTION POST

79. Read 6 books that have the same romance trope, teams decide which trope. Friends to Lovers

Cast Off
198 pages
Tagged x7 friends to lovers

[Lisa]

Cant find the damn book on the list. Ill go back later to look

[Donna]

Lisa wrote: "Cant find the damn book on the list. Ill go back later to look"

Can't you just use that it was Tagged 7 times as Friend to Lovers?

[Lisa]

Donna wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Cant find the damn book on the list. Ill go back later to look"

Can't you just use that it was Tagged 7 times as Friend to Lovers?"

Yes, my gosh, I could. Didnt even check the shelves

[Donna]

Well, I hope you guys have better luck with your books! Mine is so boring that I have dozed off twice already... grrr

[Shannon]

Can it be in the precis or does it have to be on someone's shelf?

[Donna]

Shannon wrote: "Can it be in the precis or does it have to be on someone's shelf?"

Remember to let me know how you know your book qualifies, be it precis, tags or lists -

[Shannon]

Task 12 Completion Post (Book 1)
79. Read 6 books that have the same romance trope, teams decide which trope. Friends to Lovers


Marry Me by Mia Monroe
Pages: 240
Qualification: Precis Marry Me is a steamy, best friends to lovers, fake fiancé, gay awakening, low angst story.
Read: 5/4/22
Rating: ★★★★

I really enjoyed this book. Although it did have a bunch of stereotypes and preachy moments, it was sweet. No angst or big misunderstandings and weirdly enough, these guy actually communicated with each. This trope just makes me happy. Love the first experiences of the "non gay" friend. Just a feel good read.

[*book:Marry Me|54445924]

[Shannon]

Forgot to do my selection post for that one! Whoops.

[Shannon]

Task 12 Selection Post (Book 1)
79. Read 6 books that have the same romance trope, teams decide which trope. Friends to Lovers


Say You Won't by Ana Byrde
Pages: 251
Qualification: Precis Themes: Friends to lovers, bi for you, general mayhem, first love, glitter, rescue pets, violated donuts, wedding drama, happy endings.

[*book:Say You Won't|60851979]

[Donna]

Shannon wrote: "Forgot to do my selection post for that one! Whoops."

I would have finished my first one by now, but I keep falling asleep... *headdesk*

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Just keeping my head above water for this round!

Fortunately the high pressure is off - now its just a hundred jobs to knock off over the next week 🤯

Off to look for my book :)

[Donna]

Jane (PS) wrote: "Just keeping my head above water for this round!

Fortunately the high pressure is off - now its just a hundred jobs to knock off over the next week 🤯

Off to look for my book :)"

Hang in there, Jane! You got this!!!

[Donna]

Task 12: COMPLETION POST

79. Read 6 books that have the same romance trope, teams decide which trope. Friends to Lovers

1st Book:
#9: Best M/M Friends to Lovers

Dirty Forty by Mia Monroe
240 pgs/GR
Finished: 5/4/22 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review:
This was a new author for me, and as we all know it can be a coin toss whether you will click with them or not... unfortunately, this story was not what I was looking for. I want to thank Ms. Monroe for her time and effort and dedication to her writing.

I found the vast majority of the story to be bland and quite frankly boring, and the second half of the story was sex scene after sex scene after sex scene... yeah, these boys were making up for 20 years of lost time in a big way! *grin*

But the truth of the matter is you can't please everyone all of the time and I hope to give this author another chance sometime down the road. One book does not reflect a writer's whole career, and unless I find an author offensive, I always try to keep an open mind and give them another chance to WOW me... I like to be wowed! LOL!!!

[ book:Dirty Forty|57100786]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 12 - Selection Post
79. Read 6 books that have the same romance trope, teams decide which trope. Friends to Lovers

Hawk in the Rowan
Pages: 158
Qualification: tagged x1 'friends to lovers' - middle column
https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...

[*book:Hawk in the Rowan|39981393]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Shannon wrote: "Forgot to do my selection post for that one! Whoops."

My last two haven't had Selections - just no time. But back on track now :)

[Donna]

Task 12: SELECTION POST

79. Read 6 books that have the same romance trope, teams decide which trope. Friends to Lovers

2nd Book:
Tied Up in Knots by Mary Calmes
313 pgs/GR
Tagged: Friends to Lovers x 25 people

[ book:Tied Up in Knots|31696470]

[Donna]

Shannon wrote: "Forgot to do my selection post for that one! Whoops."

I wish I had enjoyed my Mia Monroe book as much as you did... pouts*

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Changing:

Task 12 - Selection Post
79. Read 6 books that have the same romance trope, teams decide which trope. Friends to Lovers

Felix and the Prince
Pages: 322
How it qualifies: tagged x2 'friends to lovers' - first column
https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...

[*book:Felix and the Prince|37784130]

[Shannon]

Donna wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Forgot to do my selection post for that one! Whoops."

I wish I had enjoyed my Mia Monroe book as much as you did... pouts*"

I was just in the mood for the nonsense so it worked out!

[Donna]

Jane (PS) wrote: "Changing:

Task 12 - Selection Post
79. Read 6 books that have the same romance trope, teams decide which trope. Friends to Lovers

Felix and the Prince
Pages: 322
How it qualifies:..."

Excellent choice... IMHO! *grin*

[Donna]

Task 12: COMPLETION POST

79. Read 6 books that have the same romance trope, teams decide which trope. Friends to Lovers

2nd Book:
Tied Up in Knots by Mary Calmes
313 pgs/GR
Finished: 5/5/22 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tagged: Friends to Lovers x 25 people

Review:
This started with "action" including Miro and a dear friend, Kane Morgan, and his brothers and it just swelled from there! I needed a spreadsheet but was too busy enjoying the story to take the time to make one! *grin*

All I am going to say is this was one hell of a ride, as usual, and I look forward to jumping right into Twisted and Tied!

[ book:Tied Up in Knots|31696470]

[Donna]

OK, I need sleep! I have Tai Chi in a few hours and my old body isn't happy about my brain keeping it up all night reading... *headdesk* LOL!!!

And let me add that I had NO clue that Sam Kage has his own series... I really need to double-check these things! So, now I guess I will read book 4 to finish up Miro and Ian and then go back and see what Sam and Jory get into over there. I hope they will fit into the SH cats next month and, of course, there is always Bingo to try to squeeze one into... life is good! LOL!!!

[Shannon]

Task 12 Completion Post (Book 2)
79. Read 6 books that have the same romance trope, teams decide which trope. Friends to Lovers


Say You Won't by Ana Byrde
Pages: 251
Qualification: Precis Themes: Friends to lovers, bi for you, general mayhem, first love, glitter, rescue pets, violated donuts, wedding drama, happy endings.
Read: 5/5/22
Rating: ★★

That was f'ing painful. At first I thought I was getting a witty, snarky, humorous book. Yeah, no. The stupid crap never stopped. Not for one freaking page. It was like reading about two ten year olds pulling pranks and bantering back and forth. Do not waste your time. Please!

[*book:Say You Won't|60851979]

[Lisa]

Task 12: Completion POST

79. Read 6 books that have the same romance trope, teams decide which trope. Friends to Lovers

Cast Off
198 pages
Tagged x7 friends to lovers
Date read: 5/6/22
2 stars

Urgh! I really had to push through with this. I hated both MCs who acted so childish. I would have dnf'd if not for this challenge.

[Lisa]

Gosh, we had a couple of duds this round.

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 12 - COMPLETION
79. Read 6 books that have the same romance trope, teams decide which trope. Friends to Lovers

Felix and the Prince
Pages: 322
How it qualifies: tagged x2 'friends to lovers' - first column
https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
Read: 6 May
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review:
This was a reread since I needed it to fit another challenge and I couldn't find a book that worked both that I hadn't already read. Having said that - I ALWAYS enjoy this book, so reading it is a bonus. I especially love the ending (as I'm sure the author hoped).

My only real complaint is that I am having trouble hearing Michael Dean's excellent narration over the road noise in the car. Fortunately those are only short periods, but its something about his tone that doesn't work with my (admittedly deteriorating) ears. It just means that I sometimes have to skip back to listen to parts again. Not a hardship ;)

[*book:Felix and the Prince|37784130]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Lucky last again 🤪

Task 12 - Completion Post
79. Read 6 books that have the same romance trope, teams decide which trope.
Friends to Lovers

1. Shannon - msg 272
2. Donna - msg 278
3. Donna - msg 286
4. Shannon - msg 288
5. Lisa - msg 289
6. Jane - msg 291

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Posted in Q&A :)

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Here is your next task!

Task 13 - 92. Read over 1500 pages in books set in the future or the past - teams decide.

As a team decide whether your books will be set in the past or in the future, then read at least 1500 pages set in that time frame. ‘Historical’ or ‘Futuristic’ tags will qualify depending on the selected time frame. If looking for specific years, it would need to be 25 years to the future or the past. Remember to use the first edition Kindle page count.

[Donna]

Task 13: SELECTION POST

92. Read over 1500 pages in books set in the future or the past - teams decide. Future

1st Book:
In the Wreckage by Hailey Turner
341 pgs/GR
Qualifies: Futuristic 1st page/2nd column x 13 people

[ book:In the Wreckage|34346535]

[Donna]

Task 13: SELECTION POST

92. Read over 1500 pages in books set in the future or the past - teams decide. Future

2nd Book (if needed):

[Lisa]

I can do a second book if required but wont start book 1 until tomorrow morning.

[Donna]

Lisa wrote: "I can do a second book if required but wont start book 1 until tomorrow morning."

I asked Kat about "futuristic" because I couldn't find a definition that said specifically "in the future"... grrr

[Lisa]

I hate future.

[Donna]

Lisa wrote: "I hate future."

Pretty much... *headdesk* :'(