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TART7 - The Loitering Layabouts (8)
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Jane (PS), Moderator
(last edited Apr 14, 2023 12:28AM)
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Apr 14, 2023 12:28AM
Posted completion in Q&A thread :)
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Here is your next task!Task 4 - 18. Read over 750 pages in books tagged/shelved with 'favorite’.
Books selected for this task need to be tagged as ‘favorite’, variations of the work will be allowed. Combo tags will be allowed in context, ‘not my fave’ will not be allowed. Please include a link to the top shelves page showing your qualifying tag along with the number of tags and the page number of the top shelves page. The extra info is extremely helpful if the link is broken or the tag moves and both frequently happen! Remember to use the first edition Kindle page count.
Task 4 Completion Post
Prince of Lies by Lucy Lennox
Pages: 308
Qualification: Tagged Favorites 12x
Read: 4/14/23
Rating: ★★★★ 1/2
This book was just all kinds of entertaining. I found myself chucking out loud much of the time. Rowe's antics and terrible lying and Bash's manipulations were just funny and ridiculous and everything wonderful. The relationship building was fantastic and I guess I just had a great time reading this. Want to start and read it again.
[*book:Prince of Lies|78797474]
Task 4 - completion post750 pages tagged as favorite
Endless Stretch of Blue
284 pages
tagged 34 times - favorites on page 1
Date read: 4/15/23
4 stars
Damon and Enzo meet outside a nightclub and after a while realize that they have something in common. Losing a sibling.
The first half of the book is slow burn where both men are realizing that they are bisexual and navigating the beginnings of a romance.
The men have alot to work through. Both their feelings of losing their sibling and the issues within their own families.
Task 4: COMPLETION POST18. Read over 750 pages in books tagged/shelved with 'favorite’.
The Fire by May Archer
334 pgs/GR
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/14/23
How it qualifies: Favorites: 1st Column/13 people
Review:
Why did this one end with the feeling that we are missing some VERY important information pertaining to the "incidents" that have been happening around O'Leary? I don't know, maybe it is just me...🤷♀️
As for the story itself... COMMUNICATION! I wish the world would just take a deep breath and learn to communicate... daily! I will admit that this particular trope is one of my pet peeves and the whole "mother" issue can go sideways for me real quick sometimes. I want all mothers to love their children and to understand that what is best for our children isn't always what we think it is going to be.
So, with this story having 2 strikes against it from the get-go, I think the author did a great job of entertaining me. Let me tell you, there were quite a few scenes that touched my heart and as always, the writing was phenomenal!
I agreed with Parker and Jamie's assessment of their past relationship, but I am not a fan of having to be apart to learn how to be together. Yes, I married my high school sweetheart over 40 years ago and I can't imagine being apart for any length of time which is not always true for everyone. I guess I will just have to accept that sometimes fiction and real life have more in common than I would like.
[ book:The Fire|51786793]
Task 4 TEAM COMPLETION18. Read over 750 pages in books tagged/shelved with 'favorite’.
Total Pages: 1172
Shannon: msg 53
Lisa: msg 54
Donna: msg 55
Jane: msg 57
Task 4 - COMPLETION18. Read over 750 pages in books tagged/shelved with 'favorite’.
Learning Curve
Pages: 246
Qualifies: tagged 'favorite' x13
https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
Read: 15 Apr
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review:
Great story with virtually zero friction - just MC growth individually and as a couple (eventually) 🙂 MC Cobey starts out seeming like a self-entitled pr!ck, but he soon becomes everyone's favourite person. MC Vincent has been dealt a tough life with his story taking most of the book to unfold.
Narrated by Rick J Russo - always a pleasure.
Posted in the Completion Thread. Did I make us late? I'm losing track of time!
Shannon wrote: "Posted in the Completion Thread. Did I make us late? I'm losing track of time!"No, next call is Sunday
I'll be back in the morning with your next task!
Here is your next task!Task 5 - 26. Read a minimum of 750 pages in books featuring shifters.
Books selected for this task need to feature shifters, shapeshifters or were-somethings. Don't forget to let me know how you know your book qualifies, be it title, precis, tags or lists. I need to know where to look to confirm your books! Please include any links or necessary information in your completion posts. Remember to use the first edition Kindle page count!
Task 5 completion post750 pages tagged as shifters
A Mate for Lu
236 pages
Tagged as shapeshifters on MPG
date read: 4/16/23
5 stars
This story started sad. Lu is struggling with his young daughter and his friend Sam is a widower who lost his partner 4 years ago and as a penguin shifter the belief is that they mate for life. So when the 2 start to feel something developing between them, its hard for both.
However, times do turn happy as they are able to move past their issues and blend their families.
Sweet read.
Lisa wrote: "Task 5 Selection post750 pages tagged as shifters
A Mate for Lu
236 pages
Tagged as shapeshifters on MPG"
I just checked... I have already read them all! 😭😭😭
Task 5: COMPLETION POST26. Read a minimum of 750 pages in books featuring shifters.
How it qualifies: Tagged as Shapeshifters on MPG!
Harvest Moon by Sam Burns
345 pgs/GR
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/17/23
Review:
UGH! This is a hard review to write! If I say what I want, I will say too much. So, I guess my only option is to say nothing at all... yeah, like THAT is going to happen! 🤣
COMMUNICATION
ASSUMPTIONS
PRIDE
SELF-DOUBT
INDOCTRINATION
These are words that we need to acknowledge as some of the most important issues in our lives... and then strive to make things better! Every person that walks this Earth deals with one or more of these things on a regular basis and they can dramatically affect our lives! This holds true in fiction and in real life!
Alexis and Ridge are human just like the rest of us, well... they are werewolves, but you know what I mean! They were raised to believe certain things and made to feel certain ways, not all of which are always the best thing for them. Overcoming these imposed ideas is never easy and can be quite complicated, but to quote Ridge, "As long as I have you, as long as you’re happy, Lex, I don’t give a damn about the details.”
Yes, we need plans for our lives and for the future... but, plans can change. Many times, we find that we can change our future just by realizing that there was a flaw in our plan! These two were always meant to be together and everyone knew it, but that didn't mean that it would be smooth sailing. I mean, when is life ever "smooth sailing"? 😭😭😭
I will admit that I felt like the end was a bit abrupt and rushed, but we were left ready to jump right into Hunter Moon! NOW, I just have to find time to start it... 🤦♀️
[ book:Harvest Moon|57824061]
TASK 5 TEAM COMPLETION POST26. Read a minimum of 750 pages in books featuring shifters.
Total Pages: 1203
Lisa: msg 62
Donna: msg 64
Shannon: msg 66
Jane: msg 67
Task 5 Completion Post
Skydive by Roe Horvat
Pages: 370
Qualification: Dragon Shifters
Read: 4/17/23
Rating: ★★★
I was expecting the hot sexy times but I was hoping to feel a deeper connection between the MCs. Usually this author does both really well but this book was just all sex with other crap thrown in to try and make it a real story. Not bad, just not as good as I was expecting.
[*book:Skydive|62046354]
Task 5 - COMPLETION26. Read a minimum of 750 pages in books featuring shifters.
By Fairy Means or Foul
Pages: 252
Qualifies: MPG Shapeshifter
Read: 17 Arp
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
I really enjoyed this crazy story. Its a reread but from a few years ago and I'd forgotten all the finer details. Loved the MCs and their side-kicks. MC Twig is pretty quick to judge MC Quinn, whilst being pretty tolerant of others, however I can still see how that happens. Love isn't logical.
Next up will be book 2 which is also a reread, so that I can remember enough to start on book 3 :)
Narrated by Greg Boudreaux - excellent!
I'll be back tomorrow with your next task!
I've finally updated my selections for the team tasks at msg 13https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I may need to update the favorites closer to the end as there could be some newbies!! Plus I'm checking if we can read the next in a series for any of these chosen books :)
Here is your next task!Task 6 - 37. Read 6 books set in the US.
Books selected for this task need to be set in the US. You can use the book details on the main page, title, precis, tags or lists as your qualification. Remember to let me know how you know your books qualify, I need to know where to look to confirm you books! Please include any necessary links and information in your completion posts.
Task 6 - completion postSet in the US
How to Love Thine Enemy
232 pages
date read: 4/18/23
5 stars
How it qualifies: from MPG
How to Love Thine Enemy is a star-crossed lovers/Romeo and Juliet trope set in Alaska. Friends-to-lovers, doggie shifters, and destined romance with a little wilderness adventure.
This kind of take place following the last book where we are introduced to the Qimming. So we are back in Alaska where we see 2 young boys playing and then 1 day one of them disappears. Its 14 years later before the 2 are reunited and they start down on a relationship.
Little angst here although there was prejudice on both sides which had to be worked on.
Task 6 Completion Post (Book 1)37. Read 6 books set in the US.
Out in the Surf by Lane Hayes
Pages: 157
Qualification: Precis "So Cal" Southern California
Read: 4/19/23
Rating: ★★★★
Wasn't expecting anything about this book to be memorable. Sweet and good but not memorable. I was wrong. I don't see myself forgetting their first meeting for quite a while. It was unexpectedly funny, kind of pathetic and a bit cute. Book was light on angst and heavy on sweet fun.
[*book:Out in the Surf|123284900]
Jane (PS) wrote: "I've finally updated my selections for the team tasks at msg 13https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I may need to update the favorites..."
I haven't done anything, yet! 🤦♀️
Task 6: COMPLETION POST (1st book)37. Read 6 books set in the US.
How it qualifies: California in the precis.
How to Save a Life by Eli Easton
249 pgs/GR
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/20/23
Review:
Talk about fluff on top of fluff on top of fluff... PERFECT!!! 💖💖💖
RL has been rough for me lately, so this story was just what I needed! Sammy is a character that will be in my heart for years to come and Rav was just what Mad Creek needed and didn't know they couldn't live without... but, Sammy knew! Adorable is the perfect word to describe the whole book and every citizen of Mad Creek! Yes, there was a tad bit of tension between Lance and Rav, but learning to accept help from someone is a lesson that we all find ourselves learning at some time in our lives... and, of course, there is always an amazing dog out there for everyone... just ask Sammy! (I really wish I was a dog lover... 😢)
Now that things are looking up for the folks of Mad Creek, I hope to find time to jump right into How to Run with the Wolves as soon as possible because one can NEVER get tired of reading Eli Easton stories! 🥰
[ book:How to Save a Life|36113672]
Task 6 - COMPLETION37. Read 6 books set in the US.
In a Fix
Pages: 324
Qualifies: précis "When Croy is assigned to act as bodyguard to a billionaire during a long weekend trip to Las Vegas,"
Read: 19 Apr
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review:
A reread to get me up to speed on the latest book in the series. MC Croy is a pretty uptight and unusual person who had hidden himself from all relationship after being rejected by his family. MC Dallas is from a composite family who are actually pretty tight, but it takes time during the book to re-knit. An easy read with a bit of a roller-coaster ride with the Rich, Mafia, FBI and DEA mixed in :)
Series rule applies for the fav task #99 😊
Task 6 Comple Post (Book 2)37. Read 6 books set in the US.
Out in the End Zone by Lane Hayes
Pages: 162
Qualification: Precis "Southern California College"
Read: 4/19/23
Rating: ★★★★
Good fluffy story. No real angst, fake boyfriend trope, good sexy times. Wasn't expecting an intense book and I was correct. Quick, easy read, super enjoyable.
[*book:Out in the End Zone|42260212]
Shannon wrote: "Task 6 Post (Book 2)37. Read 6 books set in the US.
Out in the End Zone by Lane Hayes
Pages: 162
Qualification: Precis "Southern Californi..."
Going now to pick my 2nd book! Can't believe I missed that! 🤦♀️
TASK 6 TEAM COMPLETION POST37. Read 6 books set in the US.
Lisa: msg 72
Shannon: msg 73
Donna: msg 75
Jane: msg 76
Shannon: msg 78
Donna: msg 81
Task 6: COMPLETION POST (2nd book)37. Read 6 books set in the US.
How it qualifies: Boston in the precis.
Dead Cold by Pandora Pine
191 pgs/GR
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/19/23
Review:
Even though it took me a bit to get to read this one, I will say that as always... I was NOT disappointed!
The story was not without a dark side (almost too dark for me), but the mystery was well-written and kept me guessing to the end. OK, I will admit it... I WAS WRONG!!! 🤷♀️
The killer had the guys chasing their tails and NOT in a cute puppy dog way! But with a little help from... a friend, they got the job done. Of course, there were shots fired and injuries sustained, but nothing new about that! 🤦♀️
Not sure what the future holds for this series, but as long as there are adorable kids, a good mystery, and the guys keep trying to hide the fact that they are mushy in love with each other... I will keep reading these books!!!
Did I mention that Everly rocked it, yet again? No? Well, she did! 🥰
[ book:Dead Cold|123200492]
Donna wrote: "Task 6: COMPLETION POST (2nd book)37. Read 6 books set in the US.
How it qualifies: Boston in the precis.
Dead Cold by [author:Pandora Pine|141986..."
Goodness D. Took you a while to get around to this. Usually with a Pine book you are right on it.
Lisa wrote: "Donna wrote: "Task 6: COMPLETION POST (2nd book)37. Read 6 books set in the US.
How it qualifies: Boston in the precis.
Dead Cold by [author:Pando..."
I know! RL hasn't allowed for as much reading as I am used to... grrr
Completion post is posted... now, I think I will go back to bed for a couple of hours, HB starts his shift today!!! 😴😴😴
Pssst.... You are Team 8, not Team 7. 😉Here is your next task!
Task 7 - 49. Each teammate reads a book published in the same month and year, teams decide. No pass for this task.
As a team select a month and year, then each teammate reads a book initially published in that month and year. Make sure you use the initial publication date. 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 selected month/year combo in your completion posts.
Task 7: 49. Each teammate reads a book published in the same month and year, teams decide. No pass for this task.
Team Choice: February 2023
February New Releases
Task 7Completion post
Team choice: Feb 2023
Be Mine, Bloody Valentine
163 pages
Published 2/16/23
Date read: 4/21/23
4 stars
Well, I certainly wasn't expecting what I got when I read this book.
Its dark, with pseudo-incest, blood play, 2 deranged serial killers. Oh Boy!
Alec and Bailey are step-brothers who were bought up by a serial killer who taught them each his art.
Years after he leaves Bailey alone with the father, Bailey catches up to him in NY and at Alec's job.
Alec starts by torturing Bailey but slowly the 2 gain a respect for each other and work together with their toys.
Definitely not your average Valentine's book.
MountainKat wrote: "Pssst.... You are Team 8, not Team 7. 😉Here is your next task!
Task 7 - 49. Each teammate reads a book published in the same month and year, teams decide. No pass for this task.
As a team selec..."
Ummm, OK... my bad!!! 🤦♀️🤣
OMG, I did the same thing, Donna! Whoops!!
Task 7 Completion PostFeb. 2023
The Long Game by Samantha Wayland
Pages: 365
Qualification: Published 2/15/23
Read: 4/21/23
Rating: ★★★★
First half of the book 5 stars, the second half 3 stars. The pining these two had going on for years was something else. Then they start with friends who hold hand and cuddle at night. So funny. Then we get super muddled with Grady's family showing up all over the place. Fun story but a bit far fetched with all the family drama.
[*book:The Long Game|64657312]
Task 7: COMPLETION POSTHow it qualifies: Published February 27th 2023
No Good Deed by M.J. May
319 pgs/GR
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/21/23
Review:
Even though this book had all the things that I love about a good murder mystery, I will admit that I came away from it a little disappointed. For some reason, I felt like this was more about setting up the storyline for future books with a little bit of a backstory about the MCs. However, the story was entertaining and my curiosity has been engaged, so I will be waiting NOT so patiently for book #2 to come out this summer!
Strangely enough, early on, I remember thinking that Nate and Nat were coming at this situation from the wrong angle and I was correct. Also, Perry and Nate's relationship isn't on what you would call the "fast" track, but it is slowly moving along.
The cliffhanger didn't surprise me and I am anxious to see what else this author manages to throw at Perry before the bad guys/gals get their due! It appears that this author's mind is as twisted as mine!
[ book:No Good Deed|114821648]
Task 7 - Team 8 The Loitering Layabouts Completion Post49. Each teammate reads a book published in the same month and year, teams decide. No pass for this task.
Lisa: msg 87
Shannon: msg 90
Donna: msg 91
Jane: msg 93
Task 7 - COMPLETION49. Each teammate reads a book published in the same month and year, teams decide. No pass for this task.
Feb 2023
Prince of Lies
Pages: 308
Qualifies: Published 14 Feb 2023
Rating: 5 stars
Read: 21 Apr
Review:
Loved it. This is the best LL story I've read in ages. Loved both MCs - just hilarious antics, which are of course OTT, but so much fun. Can't wait for more from the Brotherhood!
Here is your next task!Task 8 - 47. Read 6 books set in a major city.
The books you select can be in the same or different cities, but they need to be major cities like London, Chicago, Los Angeles, etc. The qualification can come from the book details, title, series, precis, tags or list. Remember to let me know how you know the book qualifies with links or other
Task 8 - Completion Post - Book 1Set in a major city
Crime Wave
238 pages:
How it qualifies: MPG Setting : New York City
date read: 4/23/23
4 stars
This series of books have good mysteries, usually 2 at a time. The current modern day one and the case Jimmy still works on , that of his father's death.
In this book, Jimmy investigates the death of a man who is linked to his sister's boyfriend and a childhood friend. Interesting way the mystery is solved.
Task 8 - Completion Post - Book 2Set in a major city
Stage Fright
246 pages
How it qualifies: MPG Setting : New York City
Date read: 4/23/23
4 stars
Jimmy has a gig providing 'security' in the theater whilst investigating a series of death threats. Whilst the threats turn out to be nothing it does lead to a murder in the theater and Jimmy does investigate this.
He also has some more information on his father's murder which is intertwined with the modern day mystery.
He is off again with his lover Frank.
The only thing in this book that annoyed me was that Jimmy's mother appears to keep changing her age. In the previous book she was 62, in this book which is 4 months later ( as Jimmy's sister is now 4 month pregnant) she is 66. Attention to detail required please.
Task 8 Completion PostSet in a Major City
Just One Night by Felice Stevens
Pages: 325
Qualification: Precis set in New York City
Read: 4/24/23
Rating: ★★★★
Well written but not something I haven't read before. Loved all the characters except the evil aunt and docile uncle. Good smexing, again, nothing overly exciting. Overall a nice read but nothing I'll remember in a week.
[*book:Just One Night|63175726]
Task 8 COMPLETION POST: Book 147. Read 6 books set in a major city.
How it qualifies: "It's Christmas in New York City..." on MPG.
The Mystery of Nevermore by C.S. Poe
216 pgs/GR
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/23/23
Review:
It was a joy to read this one again! This author is a go-to author for me and this series will always have a special place in my heart! I fear as I did the first time I read this series, I won't be able to walk away until I have finished the last word of the last book! 🤦♀️
[ book:The Mystery of Nevermore|30983609]
Task 8 - COMPLETIONA Day Makes
Pages: 202
Qualifies: MPG set in Boston, MA
Read: 23 Apr
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
This is only a romance toward the end, but I love hearing about Ceaton's life pre & post discharge, in the mob and then his new career. They characters are really interesting and brings in other characters from Mary Calmes novels.
Beautifully narrated by Greg Tremblay!
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Grabbed (other topics)Be Still My Heart (other topics)
Nothing to Lose (other topics)
Showers, Flowers, and Fangs (other topics)
The Bride's Brother (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Charlie Cochet (other topics)Tia Fielding (other topics)
Mia Kerick (other topics)
Mary Calmes (other topics)
Ana Night (other topics)
More...
