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TART7 - The Loitering Layabouts (8)
message 101:
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Jane (PS), Moderator
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Apr 22, 2023 04:08PM
Its my father's 92 birthday, so we are off to lunch in a couple of hours, but I'll get a book sorted now :)
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Task 8 COMPLETION POST: Book 247. Read 6 books set in a major city.
How it qualifies: "NYPD homicide detective" on MPG.
The Mystery of the Curiosities by C.S. Poe
200 pgs/GR
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/23/23
Review:
OK, I admit it... 2 books down and 2 more to go! I knew that I wouldn't be able to just stop, and unfortunately, I was right! 😭🤦♀️🤣
I guess the good thing is my memory is so poor that this is like reading them for the first time! Although, I do find myself grinning when something happens and I have a glimpse of recall of that scene!
I know The Mystery of the Moving Image will be just as entertaining as I remember... love this author's work! 💖💖💖
[ book:The Mystery of the Curiosities|35631619]
Jane (PS) wrote: "Its my father's 92 birthday, so we are off to lunch in a couple of hours, but I'll get a book sorted now :)"HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your father!!!
Task 8 - Team 8 The Loitering Layabouts Completion Post47. Read 6 books set in a major city.
Lisa: msg 96
Lisa: msg 97
Shannon: msg 98
Donna: msg 99
Jane: msg 100
Donna: msg 102
Donna wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: "Its my father's 92 birthday, so we are off to lunch in a couple of hours, but I'll get a book sorted now :)"HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your father!!!"
Thanks Donna - we have a lovely lunch to celebrate :)
Looks like we are just waiting on Shannon's book. ;)
Here is your next task!Task 9 - 36. Read 6 books with animals on the cover.
Books selected for this task need to have an animal on the cover, real or mythical. Any edition’s cover can be used to qualify. Please include the qualifying cover in your completion posts. Shifters count, but must be in animal form on the cover. The depiction on the cover needs to represent the actual animal - so a dragon on the cover works, a statue or tattoo of a dragon does not. Not a team decision.
Task 9 - Completion post - book 1Animal on cover
220 pages
Cat on cover
Date read: 4/25/23
3 stars
A little disappointing and not as good as the previous book in my opinion.
I kept waiting for something to happen and when it did it took so long to get there.
Not sure why Sammy is such a powerful witch but because of his power he wasn't able to use it.
I loved Al and really wished he spoke.
Task 9: COMPLETION POST/Book #1 36. Read 6 books with animals on the cover.
PUPPY!!! 💖Healing Choice by Susi Hawke
150 pgs/GR
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/25/23
Review:
While I absolutely hate reading a spin-off series before reading the original series, in this instance, I truly don't think it matters!
This was a cute, short read that didn't really have any angst or major storyline, but I am sure it was meant more for world-building than anything else. Caleb and Tobias were both sweet MCs that didn't really stand out to me. Actually, at this point I couldn't really tell you which one was the Fae and which one was the wolf shifter without going back and checking... but, that might just be on me. 🤦♀️
I guess the only thing to do is jump right into Saving Choice and see where it takes me...
[ book:Healing Choice|44550018]
BTW, Lisa... strangely enough, there was a puppy in this story! LOL!!!
Task 9: COMPLETION POST/Book #2 36. Read 6 books with animals on the cover.
PUPPY!!!Saving Choice by Susi Hawke
158 pgs/GR
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/25/23
Review:
Whoever said romance isn't educational... has NEVER read a romance novel!
This book was like an episode of Animal Planet. Just as soon as Tyler chose his "animal" I was off to Google it, and can I say the videos are just adorable!
As with the first book in this series, the story was low angst except for the "chase" scene at the beginning. We did get a small scare near the end, but all ends well! I think the reason I keep coming back to this author on a regular basis is for the "happy" feeling I get every time I finish one! Sometimes we just need that little bit of pick-me-up to get through real life!
Now, it would appear that we have to wait for book #3... *sigh*
[ book:Saving Choice|45998548]
Task 9 - COMPLETIONStag and the Ash
Pages: 158
Qualifies: Stag on the cover
Read: 25 Apr
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
Not all actions by the MCs in this story make sense to me, but I love this corner of non-reality so I still really enjoyed it. Love the Oak. The title isn't overly related to the tale, but hopefully we see more of the Stag in future books.
Task 9 - completion post - book 2Animal on cover
Qualifies: dog on cover
162 pages
date read: 4/25/23
3 stars
This story takes place over 6 weeks. There really isnt much of a story.
Chase works part time in an animal shelter and 1 night he stops by the side of the road to try to rescue a dog and a man, Morgan stops to help him.
This was my first book with an ACE MC who went from having very little interest in sex to wanting more and more towards the end of 6 weeks.
Not sure its really my thing.
Task 9 - Team 8 The Loitering Layabouts Completion Post36. Read 6 books with animals on the cover.
Lisa: msg 108
Donna: msg 109
Donna: msg 110
Jane: msg 111
Lisa: msg 112
Shannon: msg 114
Task 9 Completion Post36. Read 6 Books with Animal on Cover
Woods of the Raven by Mary Calmes
Pages: 306
Read: 4/25/23
Rating: ★★★★
I would say this is Mary Calmes light. We still had our beloved MC that everyone adores and is just fantastic and our other MC who is a big, growly, grumpy hottie. But this was toned down a bit compared to other books. And this one had all the magical fantasy stuff I really like. Lots of talk of mythology type things with a mystery thrown in for good measure. Super fun read.
[*book:Woods of the Raven|124949607]
Here is your next task!Task 10 - 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.
Task 10 - completion post1000 pages with books with the same letter.
Team choose letter O
The Old Wheel
430 pages.
date read: 4/28/23
4 stars
Reading this, although it is set in a school and the MC still goes to school, I keep forgetting how old these 'boys' are supposed to be. I know Jack is 16 but forget how old Homes is.
Anyway, another good murder mystery and as usual when Holmes solved the case, I was so far behind him in getting to the killer.
At least there is only 2 months before the next book so we can see where the 2 are in their relationship.
Task 10: COMPLETION POST75. Read over 1000 pages in books that start with the same letter (no articles), teams decide letter.
Team Choice: Letter O
Omega Magic by Maggie Hemlock
212 pgs/GR
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/27/23
Review:
One thing you can always count on from this author is an entertaining read! Logan and Jesse's relationship might not be the usual "insta-love/lust" but it felt right for them! There were some interesting turns and twists that have lead us to book #4, Healer's Oath. Now, I just have to find time to read it... Lee intrigues me!
[ book:Omega Magic|40203841]
Task 10 Completion Post75. Read over 1000 pages in books that start with the same letter (no articles), teams decide letter. "O"
Only for the Weekend by Riley Hart
Pages: 278
Qualification: "O" Title
Read: 4/27/23
Rating: ★★★★
Oh Sammy and Em. These two were so in their heads and drowning in their guilt. Lots of emotions here with a wonderful cast of characters, great premise, yummy age difference and just all the feels. Great read if you're in the mood to actually "feel" something.
[*book:Only for the Weekend|61426724]
Task 10 - Completion75. Read over 1000 pages in books that start with the same letter (no articles), teams decide letter.
On the Brink
Pages: 585
Qualifies: Letter 'O'
Read: 27 Apr
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review:
Really enjoyed this one - and I'm trying to decide if I bump it up to 5 stars. Will let my sleep overnight decide. It was insta-mates with the 3 men but spread out as MCs Raff and MC Nereus met initially, with MC Teilo popping up a week or so later.
My biggest gripe was the names - listening to the audio I had trouble picking up exactly what they were. And then one of Teilo's brother's names sounded really similar to Nereus -so I got a little confused at times!
The epilogue was so much fun!
Task 10 - Team 8 The Loitering Layabouts Completion Post75. Read over 1000 pages in books that start with the same letter (no articles), teams decide letter.
Total Pages: 1505
Lisa: msg 117
Donna: msg 118
Shannon: msg 119
Jane: msg 120
I've checked your completions through here, all look good. Just waiting for a couple more to complete Task 10. 😊
Here is your next task!Task 11 - 60. Read 6 books with MPG Historical Romance.
Books selected for this task need to be MPG Historical Romance. 'Historical' and 'Romance' do not need to be combined and can be combined with other words like 'MM Romance', but both must be MPG.
Task 11 Post60. Read 6 books with MPG Historical Romance.
The Barbarian's Vow by Keira Andrews
Pages: 302
Qualification: MPG Historical
Read: 4/29/23
Rating: ★★★★
What a journey. I had to go back and read parts of book one first and am so glad I did. It put me right back in that headspace. Did Jem deserve to be so angry with Cador? Yes, but damned, did it have to take so freaking long for him to let it go? Great read with adventure, wonderful characters and tons of intrigue. Sad to see these two go.
[*book:The Barbarian's Vow|59125568]
Task 11 - completion post - book1Historical / romance tag
Restless Spirits
204 pages
Historical tag on MPG
date read: 4/29/23
4 stars
Going to a country home to compete in a competition to rid the house of ghosts, Harry meets Vincent.
Vincent is a medium but Harry believes he can fight ghosts using the technology of the day.
What follows is the 2 of them, ably assisted by a cast of secondary charcaters to rid the ghost.
Its an interesting read and a good start to what I think will be a good series.
Task 11 - completion Post - book 2Historical / romance tag
Salt Magic, Skin Magic
206 pages
Historical/romance tag on MPG
date read: 4/29/23
4 stars
I think I must be reading too many paranormal books because as it got towards the end of the book, I did guess what the 'reveal' was.
Having said that though, it was an enjoyable book with John and Lord Thornley too likeable characters.
Lord Thornley is somehow trapped in his residence in the Yorkshire countryside and John Blake, a magician, comes to the estate initially to help Lady Dalton, the lady of the house. However, over time he gets involved with Lord Thornley and helps him to eventually escape.
An interesting read.
Task 11: COMPLETION POST (book #1)60. Read 6 books with MPG Historical Romance.
How it qualifies: Historical Romance on MPG
The Serpent's Coil by Elizabeth Silver
182 pgs/GR
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/28/23
Review:
I said I wasn't going to go down another one of these "rabbit holes"... you know, the multi-author ones? Yeah, the first book in, and I am already committed to reading another one that is the sequel to this one... 🤦♀️
This was my first book by this author and even though there were MULTIPLE errors throughout the book, I enjoyed the story very much and am especially looking forward to James' story in Ghosts of the Past! Will and Marcus were the MCs of this story, but to be honest, Persephone and Tahoma stole the show!
[ book:The Serpent's Coil|53342045]
Task 11: COMPLETION POST (book #2)60. Read 6 books with MPG Historical Romance.
How it qualifies: Historical Romance on MPG
Forged in Magic by B.A. Tortuga
184 pgs/GR
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/30/23
Review:
I liked so many things about this story, but there was a lot that just didn't work for me. The first chapter grabbed me and boy, was I intrigued... until I wasn't. 😭😭😭
As a couple, Jericho and Owen were the best... I just wish the story had lived up to the "greatness" that was them. This was by no means a "bad" read, it was just a VERY confusing read.
Did you ever read a book and at the end realize you had more questions than when you started? Yeah, that was this book... 🤦♀️
[ book:Forged in Magic|53342553]
Task 11 - COMPLETION60. Read 6 books with MPG Historical Romance.
Hither, Page
Pages: 232
Qualifies: MPG Historical
Read: 29 Apr
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
Love this story. Its a cozy mystery set just after WW2, involving MC James (doctor) and MC Leo Page (spy), solving the murder of a charwoman. Great characters throughout.
Next book purchased!
Task 11 - Team 8 The Loitering Layabouts Completion Post60. Read 6 books with MPG Historical Romance.
Shannon: msg 125
Lisa: msg 126
Lisa: msg 127
Donna: msg 128
Donna: msg 129
Jane: msg 130
D, Ghost of Honor by Pandora Pine is out today.Dont think it has a GR page yet
Let me look it up and see if I can add one.
It has a page count and I added it to the series.
Shannon wrote: "It has a page count and I added it to the series."Thanks Shannon
Shannon wrote: "It has a page count and I added it to the series."
Posted in Q & A! Now, to try to get some more sleep! *dang dogs!!!* 😭😭😭
Here is your next task!Task 12 - 38. Read a minimum of 1000 pages in books with a non-English language edition.
Books selected for this task need to also be published in a language besides English. Please include a link to the non-English language edition in your completion posts. Remember to use the first edition Kindle page count.
Task 12 - completion postBook with a foreign language edition
A Casual Weekend Thing
310 pages
date read: 5/1/23
4 stars
Chris currently out sick following a shooting gets a call to say his brother has died and he goes to Montana to arrange the funeral. On route he stops for a night in a small town and has a one night stand with Doug. Surprisingly when Chris finally reaches the small town where his brother died, he finds that Doug is the police officer investigating his death.
I have to be honest and when the mystery finally came together towards the end, I had guessed what it was and who was the main suspect and the fact that I had read something similar in another book.
Despite this though, I will go on and read further books in the series.
Foreign edition: Une aventure sans lendemain
Task 12: COMPLETION POST38. Read a minimum of 1000 pages in books with a non-English language edition.
How it qualifies: Unsere Wahrheit auf deiner Haut
Scarification by E.M. Lindsey
256 pgs/GR
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/30/23
Review:
In real life, sh*t happens and this is why sometimes when fiction imitates RL it hits home harder than others. 😥
Amit and Miguel are proof that even when life sucks you dry and you are just trying to survive, sometimes fate or karma will throw you a lifeline and all you have to do is grab it!
I think you are either going to love this story, or you are going to be disappointed... there isn't going to be a middle ground with this one. I, for one, was moved by it and was cheering for these guys with all my heart! I will admit, that from time to time, one or both of them were... idiots? But, hey you have to look past that to the truly perfect couple that they could be.
[ book:Scarification|48565478]
Task 12 - COMPLETION38. Read a minimum of 1000 pages in books with a non-English language edition.
Forever Wilde in Aster Valley
Pages: 189
Qualifies: Für Immer Wilde in Aster Valley
Read: 2 May
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
A reread but from a little while ago, so it was almost new. I did really love the characters although the Aunt Tilly / Miller friction was a little sad. I understood the resentment felt by Miller's; fortunately the cousins' behaviour and commentary help lift the tone of the story before it became too heavy :)
Task 12 Completion Post38. Read a minimum of 1000 pages in books with a non-English language edition.
Saint's Song by Garrett Leigh
Pages: 396
Qualification: La canzone di Saint (Rebel Kings MC Vol. 2)
Read: 5/1/23
Rating: ★★★★
I should have read this directly after the first one to keep the emotions going instead of having to remember how it felt. That said, it worked for me. These are violent, gritty books. Nothing pretty about them. Lots of action, club business, threats, emotional revelations. I need something sweet and easy now!
[*book:Saint's Song|60193958]
Task 12 - Team 8 The Loitering Layabouts Completion Post38. Read a minimum of 1000 pages in books with a non-English language edition.
Total Pages: 1151
Lisa: msg 139
Donna: msg 140
Jane: msg 141
Shannon: msg 142
Posted! Sorry for the delay. Will hopefully be better now.
Here is your next task!Task 13 - 19. Each teammate reads a book another teammate read and rated 4 Stars or higher in the last 3 months. No pass for this task.
Books selected for this task need to have been read by a teammate on or after February 2, 2023 and rated at least 4 stars. (Series rule applies.) Please include a link to the teammate's review or read shelf showing the selected book in your completion post.
Task 13 - completion postBook read by a teammate in last 3 months and rated at least 4 stars.
Stag and the Ash
158 pages
Read by Jane on 4/24/23 and rated 4 stars
Jane's review
date read: 5/2/23
4 stars
Despite reading a book from the middle of the series, I wasn't lost.
The story moved along fast but I thought there was a plot hole or too and in some cases, it moved too fast.
However, I liked Sean and Jesse together.
Task 13 - post19. Each teammate reads a book another teammate read and rated 4 Stars or higher in the last 3 months. No pass for this task.
Healing Choice
Pages: 150
Qualifies: Read by Donna on 25 Apr 2023, rated 4 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
Read: 4 May
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
A sweet story with deserving and genuine MCs (Tobias of the Coppersmith clan and Caleb Beardsley), set in Las Vegas for the first half and the fae realm for the second half :) I'll continue this series as I have the opportunity.
Narrated by Drew Bacca - very good
Task 13: COMPLETION POST 19. Each teammate reads a book another teammate read and rated 4 Stars or higher in the last 3 months. No pass for this task.
How it qualifies: Read by Lisa on April 30, 2023, and gave it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!
Ghost of Honor by Pandora Pine
192 pgs/GR
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/3/23
Review:
I'll be honest, I had NO clue who the bad guy/gal was until it was revealed. Yes, looking back, the clues were there... 🤦♀️
I was surprised to see Cisco play a larger part in this series, but was glad to have him there! As always, Jude and Cope get themselves into a fine fix and must find their way out before one of them meets their end... I am seeing a pattern here! 🤣
[ book:Ghost of Honor|144516918]
Task 13 Compltion Post19. Each teammate reads a book another teammate read and rated 4 Stars or higher in the last 3 months.
Forever Wilde in Aster Valley by Lucy Lennox
Pages: 189
Qualification: Jane read 5/2/23, Rated ★★★★★
Read: 5/3/23
Rating: ★★★★
I loved getting a visit from the entire crew in this story. I think it worked in that regard. All the emotions. However, the romance I was supposed to be paying attention to fell to the wayside. Way to many characters here to introduce a new love story and do it justice. Just my opinion but I still loved the book.
[*book:Forever Wilde in Aster Valley|58167569]
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)
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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)
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