TART7 - The Loitering Layabouts (8)

[MountainKat, Moderator]

You are set to get your next task tomorrow! 😊

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Here is your next task!

Task 18 - 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.

[Lisa]

Task 18 - Completion Post
Read 1500 pages by same author - team decides
Team pickes Riley Hart

Firefly Lane by Riley Hart
384 pages
date read: 5/13/23
4 stars
Roe is renting out a cabin on his land to Mari and her son Sean. Roe himself has a son and a very good best friend called Lyndsey.
Mari's brother arrives from Atlanta to stay for the summer to look after Mari after she has issues with her husband.
Almost from first sight, Roe crushes on Holden and over the story they of course get closer and have their HEA.
This is small town USA where everybody seems to know everybody else business but it was a sweet story. The only thing that put me off was for a pair of 40+ men, their attempts at sexy talk were extremely childish. Do men really speak like that to each other?

[Shannon]

Task 18 Completion Post
73. Read a minimum of 1500 pages in books by the same author. (Riley Hart)


Finding Ian by Riley Hart
Pages: 450
Qualification: Riley Hart
Read: 5/13/23
Rating: ★★★★

Not gonna lie. I didn't read the blurb and I couldn't remember enough about the first book to realize this was a MMM until I was interested in the characters. I was worried. It's hard to make a threesome seem even IMO. It's usually two who invite a third. This one pretty much started out as three so everyone was equal from the beginning and it was easy to see where they all fit and were needed to make everything work. Oh and the sex was freaking hot. Great read!

[*book:Finding Ian|56795631]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 18 - COMPLETION
73. Read a minimum of 1500 pages in books by the same author.
~ Riley Hart


Depth of Field
Pages: 326
Qualifies: Riley Hart
Read: 12 May
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review:
I enjoyed this way more than I expected. I don't know why I had low expectations but I was very pleasantly surprised. I really felt for young Shane, and in retrospect for the young Maxwell (Van). But both of them grew into solid and worthy adults, admittedly (Shane) with a couple of hang-ups, but understandably so.

I also enjoyed the way the author handled the relationship development over time. There were a couple of things at the end that were a little unsatisfactory, but that is more me being a sticky-beak!

(view spoiler)[I SO wanted to know what Van's father wrote in that letter. And I didn't believe a word of his mother and her pathetic excuses - he was way too polite to her even though he didn't forgive her. (hide spoiler)]

Narrated by Tristan James ❤️

[*book:Depth of Field|35666651]

[Donna]

Task 18: COMPLETION POST
73. Read a minimum of 1500 pages in books by the same author, teams decide author.

Team choice: Riley Hart


Stupid Love by Riley Hart
382 pgs/GR
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/13/23

Review:
I'll be honest, I chose this book because I needed to read a Riley Hart book for a challenge and I didn't want one that required a box of tissues to get through it... yeah, I have read a few of their books before, and tear-jerkers every last one of them! I spent about 80% of the book rolling my eyes and giggling at the frenemy relationship that Shaw and Elijah had going on and then came the need for a tissue or two, but they were happy tears after a short but deserved bout of sympathy tears... I am glad to say that I chose well and that this story was a joy to read! I loved the snark and the great support system (best friends) that both guys were lucky enough to have. We all need that special someone that will step in and tell us the hard truths and be there when we have nowhere else to turn! 💖💖💖

Now, I am wondering how long I will have to wait to read Awkward Love and Messy Love to see Will and Danny get their HEA! I mean, not with each other, of course! 🤦‍♀️

[ book:Stupid Love|53342022]

[Donna]

I tallied a total of 1542 pages! If anyone else gets a different total, let me know!

It took me forever to find one that the reviews didn't start with, "grab a box of tissues" or something like that. I was determined to not read a tear-jerker tonight! 🥰

[Donna]

Task 18: Team 8 The Loitering Layabouts Completion Post

73. Read a minimum of 1500 pages in books by the same author, teams decide author.
Page Total: 1542

Team choice: Riley Hart

Lisa: msg 203
Shannon: msg 204
Jane: msg 205
Donna: msg 206

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Donna wrote: "I tallied a total of 1542 pages! If anyone else gets a different total, let me know!

It took me forever to find one that the reviews didn't start with, "grab a box of tissues" or something like t..."

Mine wasn't a tear jerker FYI :)

[Donna]

Jane (PS) wrote: "Donna wrote: "I tallied a total of 1542 pages! If anyone else gets a different total, let me know!

It took me forever to find one that the reviews didn't start with, "grab a box of tissues" or so..."

Mine was great also! It was more in line with some of Alice Winters snark, which we all know I love! Glad to see that we both found great books to read!

I almost picked your book, but I was afraid it would turn dark and it scared me away... Will definitely have to give it a read soon! 💖

[Shannon]

Posted in the Q & A!

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Here is your next task!

Task 19 - 97. Read 8 books by authors with more than 10 letters in their name.

Books selected for this task need to be written by authors with at least 11 letters in their first and last names combined. Please include the total number of letters in the author's name in your completion post.

[Shannon]

Task 19 Completion Post (Book 1)
97. Read 8 books by authors with more than 10 letters in their name.


Honeythorn by Marina Vivancos
Pages: 192
Qualification: Author has 14 Letter
Read: 5/14/23
Rating: ★★★★

This was a really pleasant surprise. I don't think I've read this author before and I felt emotions and stuff. This is an Alpha/omega book NOT focused on the sexy heats and things like that. I'm just so glad I read this. On to the next one.

[*book:Honeythorn|44672108]

[Shannon]

Task 19 Completion Post (Book 2)
97. Read 8 books by authors with more than 10 letters in their name.


Cherryvine by Marina Vivancos
Pages: 159
Qualification: Author has 14 Letters
Read: 5/15/23
Rating: ★★★★

Now this one had the same principle as the first but the Alpha was from the south and the abused neglected omega was from the north. In these books, the south are the free loving, open people and the north are the buttoned up, conservative bunch. It was a fun reversal and also a very entertaining read!

[*book:Cherryvine|60496709]

[Lisa]

Task 19 - completion post - book 1
97. Read 8 books by authors with more than 10 letters in their name.
Demon for the Win by Meghan Maslow
174 pages
How it qualifies: 12 letters in authors name
date read: 5/14/23
5 stars
Loved it. I am really getting to like Demons although Kem only had a few instances of acting like one. In fact, he is an Incubus working in a sex club and one evening meets Tuli, a dryad and a sous chef at a local high end restaurant.
I loved the build up to their relationship and seeing Tuli's home inside of his tree was wonderful.
I also loved Tuli's friend, the wood elf, Shaood. I wish we could get a book featuring him. He always spoke about himself in the third person.
A great story and now I need to go back and read the first book in the series.

[Lisa]

Task 19 - completion post - book 2
97. Read 8 books by authors with more than 10 letters in their name.
Never a Hero by Marie Sexton
167 pages
How it qualifies: 11 letters in authors name
Date read: 5/15/23
4 stars
Two damaged men meet when Nick moves into the apartment below Owen.
Owen was born without his left hand and with a bad stutter and was verbally and emotionally abused by his mother. Nick has other issues which take probably until mid way through the story before the reader finds out what they are.
There was some angst here as Owen took some time to come to terms with Nick's issue and also standing up to his mother.
Ill probably go back and read the previous books.

[Donna]

Task 19: COMPLETION POST
97. Read 8 books by authors with more than 10 letters in their name.
Author Choice: Louisa Masters/13 letters

Book #1:

The Professor's Dragon by Louisa Masters (13 Letters)
231 pgs/GR
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/15/23

Review:
WOW, there sure were a lot of REAL LIFE issues in this one. Where was the action? the... the excitement? Was this entertaining? Sure, in a normal everyday romance novel sort of way... but, I sure did miss the whole "adventure" aspect that we are used to getting from a Louisa Masters story. 😥

Dustin was an "adult" dragon in training, after spending over 4000 years not "adulting" he is ready to settle down and prove that he can handle responsibility by starting college, among other things, and then he meets Professor Sarris...

Rob is trying to protect his career and not rob the cradle at the same time, but boy is he attracted to Dustin... his VERY young student...

BUT, things are not as they seem and as always, with compromise, love will find a way! 💖

[ book:The Professor's Dragon|58675732]

[Donna]

Task 19: POST
97. Read 8 books by authors with more than 10 letters in their name.

Author Choice: Louisa Masters/13 letters

Book #2:

The Dragon Experiment by Louisa Masters (13 Letters)
256 pgs/GR
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/15/23

Review:
Fabian's obsession with rings reflects my obsession with garden seeds... you can NEVER have enough, and every single one is my favorite! 🤣

As for the story, it was way more fluff than I am used to from this author, but seems to be a running theme for this series so I am just going to go with the flow and enjoy!

[ book:The Dragon Experiment|59655480]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 19 - post
97. Read 8 books by authors with more than 10 letters in their name.

Author Choice: Romeo Alexander

Book 1

I'm Straight, Right?
Pages: 170
Qualifies: 14 letters in author's name
Read: 15 May
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
This was better written than I expected. I'm generally unsure whether I will like new authors so my expectations tend to be lower - which works in their favour :)

This is a pretty good GFY set in a military setting but they are no longer on active duty, although MC Dean had recently returned with some PTSD etc. MC Dean is a doctor; MC Sloane works more generally. I liked the more relaxed feel of them being on home soil and having a pretty normal life in amongst their base activities.

I'll definitely read the next book in the series :)

Narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo - excellent.

[*book:I'm Straight, Right?|50256110]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 19 - post
97. Read 8 books by authors with more than 10 letters in their name.

Author Choice: Eliot Grayson

Book 2

Undercover
Pages: 200
Qualifies: 12 letters in the author's name
Read: 16 May
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
I really enjoyed this story however MC Alec's motives were, without a doubt, tainted with his dual job v attraction conflict. MC Gabe was a complete sweetheart who deserves sunshine and flowers (wrapped is a grumpy Alec package ;)

Basically not my favourite in this series but still a good addition.

Narrated by Cooper North and Tim Paige - very good.

Undercover

[Donna]

Task 19 - Team 8 The Loitering Layabouts Completion Post
97. Read 8 books by authors with more than 10 letters in their name.

Shannon: msg 213
Shannon: msg 214
Lisa: msg 215
Lisa: msg 216
Donna: msg 217
Donna: msg 218
Jane: msg 219
Jane: msg 220

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Posted in Q&A :)

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Here is your next task!

Task 20 - 63. Read a minimum of 1200 pages in books tagged 'magic' or 'magical'.

Books selected for this task need to be tagged 'magic' or 'magical'. Qualification can come from tags/shelves only. Variations of the words and combo tags will be allowed in context. Please include a link to the top shelves page with your qualifying tag along with how many tags and the top shelves page number in your completion posts. Remember to use the first edition Kindle page count.

[Lisa]

Task 20 - completion post

Read a minimum of 1200 pages in books tagged 'magic' or 'magical'.

Woods of the Raven
306 pages
Qualifies: Tagged Magic on MPG
date read: 5/18/23
5 stars
Xan, a witch, is living alone in a cottage as a guardian of the land around him. New Chief of Police, Lorne moves into the small town in New York from Boston and starts stopping Xan for small infractions on the law, eg jaywalking.
Gradually through the story Lorne and Xan get together much to the cottages delight. Xan starts finding things in the cottage which were in the cellar. The 2 fight evil with a great cast of secondary characters.

[Donna]

Task 20: POST
63. Read a minimum of 1200 pages in books tagged 'magic' or 'magical'.


Subtle Bodies by Jordan Castillo Price
305 pgs/GR
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/17/23

How it qualifies: Tagged fantasy-paranormal-magic by 1 person at the bottom of 3rd column.
Context:
I’d let my crown chakra energy fall to a low simmer once Rosa crossed over, but when Dr. K worked his magic on the GhosTV, the dingy little living room lit up with a hazy white glow.

I pulled down white light, and it settled in my head with a sickening throb.

Review:
This was good, of course, it was good! Every book in this series has been intriguing and entertaining... but, seriously, I could have done without the whole "smashing habit demon" descriptions! 🤢🤢🤢

Victor and Jacob are constantly growing and learning about their individual magical powers and also the powers of others that they meet along the way. This has been a long-running series that has kept us coming back for more with the twisted and tangled storylines. But, what has fascinated me the most is watching Vic and Jacob discover the little things about each other that make a relationship work.

I find myself wondering if this is where it will end, or if another book will pop up one day in the future. I guess only time will tell!

And, now... I feel the need to go track down some chocolate cherry ice cream... 🤣🤣🤣

[ book:Subtle Bodies|61877091]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 20 - COMPLETION
63. Read a minimum of 1200 pages in books tagged 'magic' or 'magical'.


The Sumage Solution
Pages: 314pp
Qualifies: MPG Magic
Read: 18 May
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
I didn't enjoy this as much as I had hoped or recalled (its a reread but at least 5 years ago). The writing felt more stilted than I expected, along with the narration. It reminded me of TJ Klune's style. But ultimately it was the pacing that pulled the rating down a star. I wasn't engaged enough to sit patiently through all those preliminary interactions with our MCs that didn't evolve into real meaning until the last couple of hours.

Narrated by Kirt Graves - very good and also a TJK narrator so this probably helped me associate.

[*book:The Sumage Solution|35126034]

[Donna]

Task 20 - Team 8 The Loitering Layabouts Completion Post

Total Pages: 1262

Lisa: msg 224
Donna: msg 225
Jane: msg 226
Shannon: msg 228

[Shannon]

Task 20 Completion Post
63. Read a minimum of 1200 pages in books tagged 'magic' or 'magical'.


A Villain for Christmas by Alice Winters
Pages: 337
Qualification: Tagged Magic 8x Middle Column
Read: 5/18/23
Rating: ★★★★

Fun story but now I remember why I don't pick up this author's books very often. It exhausting for me to try the pick out the story from the constant banter and admittedly funny antics of the characters. Yes, I did like the book, yes, it was low angst and fun but I need a nap.

[*book:A Villain for Christmas|48677898]

[Shannon]

Posted in the Q&A!

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Here is your next task!

Task 21 - 87. Read 8 books set in NYC.

Books selected for this task need to be set in New York City. Remember to let me know how you know your books qualify, be it title, precis, book details, tags or lists - I need to know where to look to confirm your books. Please include any necessary links or information in your completion posts.

[Lisa]

Task 21 - completion post - book 1
Set in NYC

Guardian Angel
266 pages
MPG setting: NYC
Date read; 5/19/23
4 stars
Jimmy is back. After escorting a rich socialite to a charity event he is called hours later to her home and a dead body on the stoop. She retains him to investigate ahead of the police and to find out who killed the man.
He also gets involved in another case where his cousin is assaulted.
Whilst investigating both cases, he is still on the trail of his father's killer, picking up small bits of information but still not having the full picture.
Then of course there's his love life.

[Lisa]

Task 21 - completion post - book 2
Set in NYC

Little Squirrels Can Climb Tall Trees
200 pages
MPG setting: NYC
date read: 5/20/23
3.5 stars
A real slow start.
Not being a man and never ever having set foot insige a gym, I am unsure of how men act and what they say, but for 32 years old I though Joseph was incredibly childish in both words and actions.
The book did get better over time ( except the fact they move in together - true love - not long after deciding to date.
Not sure about Mano at the end but an ok read.

[Shannon]

Task 21 Completion Post (Book 1)
87. Read 8 books set in NYC.


Moving On by Felice Stevens
Pages: 286
Qualification: MPG Setting New York City
Read: 5/19/23
Rating: ★★★1/2

Really enjoyed this story but was missing the emotional punch it should have had considering the storyline and the MC's pasts. I felt nada. Loved Sean's sister which was the only character we got to know on any kind of emotional level. The other characters were fine...that kind of the whole book...it was fine.

[*book:Moving On|68039884]

[Shannon]

Task 21 Completion Post (Book 2)
87. Read 8 books set in NYC.


A Way with Words by Lane Hayes
Pages: 191
Qualification: Takes place in Brooklyn/Manhattan NYC boroughs
Read: 5/19/23
Rating: ★★★

It must be a me thing. I'm not loving anything I've read lately. Getting bored throughout the book, not great. I've read this before but didn't remember it at all and can't figure out my higher rating. Cute enough story, but again, just okay.

[*book:A Way with Words|35469007]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 21 - COMPLETION
87. Read 8 books set in NYC.

Book 1

Hell & High Water
Pages: 297
Qualifies: MPG New York City
Read: 19 May
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
There are a few bits that don't really make sense but this is a fun book and its been years since I read it, so it felt almost new :) Great to get back and see how Sloane and Dex came together.

[*book:Hell & High Water|22675544]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 21 - COMPLETION
87. Read 8 books set in NYC.

Book 2

Tried & True
Pages: 275
Qualifies: MPG New York City
Read: 20 May
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
Great fun with some deeper relationships really showing and shining. It really shows the family that MCs Sloane and Dex have pulled together around them.

Narrated by Mark Westfield - 4 stars :)

[*book:Tried & True|36523646]

[Donna]

Task 21 - COMPLETION POST Book #1
87. Read 8 books set in NYC.

How it qualifies: #1 MM Romance Books Set in New York

Hexbreaker by Jordan L. Hawk
259 pgs/GR
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/19/23

Review:
As all of you know... I am NOT a fan of re-reads, but I must say that Tristan James added a flair to this story that kept me drawn in until the very end! His narration just did so much to bring the characters to life!

So, even though I listened to most of this while at the doctor's office and then at the hospital while waiting for a CT scan... I can say this was a GREAT re-read! 🥰

[ book:Hexbreaker|29509881]

[Donna]

Task 21 - COMPLETION POST Book #2
87. Read 8 books set in NYC.

How it qualifies: #38 MM Romance Books Set in New York

Hexmaker by Jordan L. Hawk
216 pgs/GR
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/19/23

Review:
I stand by my original review, and let me tell you, listening to the narration really made the "action" aspect of the story even more thrilling! I wish that I could listen to "new" books, but I feel like I get distracted and might miss something! 🤦‍♀️

If the need should ever arise, I would jump at the chance to "listen" to the rest of this series... if there just weren't so many "new" books out there calling my name! 😭🤣

[ book:Hexmaker|31951472]

[Donna]

Task 21 - Team 8 The Loitering Layabouts Completion Post


Lisa: msg 231
Lisa: msg 232
Shannon: msg 233
Shannon: msg 234
Jane: msg 235
Jane: msg 236
Donna: msg 237
Donna: msg 238

[Lisa]

D, are you re-reading? I adore Cicero!

[Donna]

Lisa wrote: "D, are you re-reading? I adore Cicero!"

Yes, I don't like to listen to a new book and I am going to be at the doctor's office this morning and then I have 5 flats of flowers to plant in my garden, so I am going to listen to the guys while I wait... and then work! 🥰

IMHO, all the guys are just amazing and for some reason, I just adore the name Malachi... 💖💖💖

[Donna]

Posted in the Q&A!

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Here is your next task!

Task 22 - 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.

[Shannon]

Task 22 Completion Post
76. Read 6 books with a specific item on the cover, team selects item. (T-Shirt)


Colin by Cora Rose
Pages: 246
Qualification: T-shirt on cover
Read: 5/20/23
Rating: ★★★★

Finally a book I actually didn't want to end! I adored everything about these two. The gruff, grumpy Brit Ethan and his next door neighbor, the sweet dad Colin. We only got a brief visit from previous characters so could definitely be read as a standalone. Loved the sexy times and loved the development of their relationship. Very good read!

[*book:Colin|95587190]

[Donna]

Task 22: COMPLETION POST
76. Read 6 books with a specific item on the cover, team selects item. (T-Shirt)

Book #1
How it qualifies: Cover model is wearing a t-shirt!


Giovanni's Jackpot by Taylor Rylan
288 pgs/GR
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/21/23

Review:
Ok, I went into this with LOW expectations, and on a lot of fronts... yeah, this had a lot of the same issues as the first book... grrr

If you cut out half of the sex scenes we would have had to read 50 or so fewer pages (frankly, I got to the point that I just started skimming them), and if I have to read "BELOVED" one more time? 🤦‍♀️😭

As for the story itself and the MCs... I loved it! Yes, I know, first I rant then I praise! This appears to be the pattern that is forming with my reviews for this series! The backstory is moving along nicely, and I always love a series that includes past characters, so that is probably why I will continue with this one whenever I can use it to fill a spot for a challenge...

[ book:Giovanni's Jackpot|58720183]

[Lisa]

Task 22 completion post - book 1
T shirt on cover


167 pages
date read: 5/20/23
4 stars
A really quick easy to read book.
When his friend opens a restaurant in Vermont, Booby is offered a job there and moves from New York.
Cal breaks up with his boyfriend in Miami and moves back to Minnesota. He then receives an invitation to go to Vermont to work in the restaurant there.
At first Cal and Bobby are friendly as both were promised the job of Head Chef and they need to work out how to work it out.
I will certainly read more in the series.

[Donna]

Task 22:COMPLETION POST
76. Read 6 books with a specific item on the cover, team selects item. (T-Shirt)

Book #2
How it qualifies: Cover model is wearing a t-shirt!

Trulli, Madly, Deeply by J.J. Harper
164 pgs/GR
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/21/23

Review:
New author for me, and I want to say upfront that I will be giving another one of their books a try. Even though this one didn't work for me (and I am a HUGE little fan) sometimes it is the little things that don't click in a story, and then when you read another one by the same author it will be the best book you have read all month... so, I am not giving up yet!

I am going to go with the lack of details over the long span of time. I know it is weird, but I felt like we got the "little" things and it was great, but the timeline just felt never-ending to me. We saw Rowan and Ethan doing a lot of things together, but we weren't given a lot of back-and-forth between them. I don't know, I can't put my finger on it, but this one just didn't resonate with me.

Hoping to find another one that looks good in the near future, and see how it goes!!!

[ book:Trulli, Madly, Deeply|58486856]

[Lisa]

Task 22 - completion post - book 2
T shirt on cover


174 pages
Date read: 5/21/23
4 stars
I dove into the middle of the series and was able to follow without having read any others.
After a short lived romance, Luke finds himself pregnant and doesn't tell the Alpha father. After a year, the father, Grazer returns to the town and discovers his daughter.
I did like Grazer and Lukes relationship and how they turned into a proper family.

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Task 22 - COMPLETION
76. Read 6 books with a specific item on the cover, team selects item. (T-Shirt)


Fix It Up
Pages: 366
Qualifies: Cover model wearing a t-shirt
Read: 21 May
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
Loved it. A reread. I had remembered the general gist of the story but none of the details. I'll definitely be re-reading this again :)

[*book:Fix It Up|55757786]

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Had to update my book. Audible is playing up on me and one of my accounts... I'll have to see if I can fix it now.