Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
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PtP - Brew HaHa! (1)
I've updated the tracking again - please let me know if I've missed something! This is where we stand:Weeks 1 & 2 - Complete
Week 3 - Christy needs to correct her Completion Post - it says selection, not completion.
Week 4 - Missing Aoife's and Christy's Selection Posts. And though there is still time - missing Aoife's,
MountainKat wrote: "I've updated the tracking again - please let me know if I've missed something! This is where we stand:Weeks 1 & 2 - Complete
Week 3 - Christy needs to correct her Completion Post - it says selec..."
Thanks Kat! I posted my completion on Monday for week 4 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Aiswrya wrote: "Thanks Kat! I posted my completion on Monday for week 4 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... "Thanks Aiswrya - I will get that updated! I just knew I was missing something.
Selection Post
Week #4
Task 8. Espresso - for the serious/straight coffee drinker, and unadulterated.
Book: Sensing Danger
Pages: 354
How it fits: #351 on the Starchy Hero Gets Un-Starched
I could have sworn I made the post earlier this week!! So sorry
MountainKat wrote: "Christy wrote: "Selection Post - Week #3 - Option #1Book: Wishing on a Christmas Cowboy
Pages: 336
How it fits: cover has brown and green on it
[bookcover:Wishing on a Christmas C..."
Just fixed on original post - let me know if you'd prefer me to repost.
Selection Post - Week 4 - Option 1The Suite Spot by Trish Doller
Pages: 320
How it fits: #210 on
The Gut Wrenchers list
Completion Post - Week 4 - Option 1The Suite Spot by Trish Doller
Pages: 320
How it fits: #210 on The Gut Wrenchers list
Date read: 10/20/23
Rating: 4 stars
It is another great Beck sisters book. This one is not quite as heart-wrenching as the first one, but the male lead, Mason has a history that does get to you. The chemistry between the characters is wonderful, and you really root for them. The other characters in the story are wonderful and add a lot of color to the story as well.
The new theme has been posted, you can find it in the Q&A thread. (Basically, you need to read a book longer than 300 pages or use option 2 or 3.). Will post it here when I get home. Really glad it is an easy one, I will need a new book for my drive home.
Selection Post - Option 1Week #5
Bookcover/link: A Treacherous Curse
Page numbers: 308
Qualification: over 300 pages
Does it have to be started after the call or just finished after the call?
MN Lisa wrote: "Does it have to be started after the call or just finished after the call?"Needs to be started after the call :)
Christy wrote: "Just fixed on original post - let me know if you'd prefer me to repost."As a rule, when Jane has checked the thread you should repost. She didn't ask for it after you corrected it when she checked earlier today, so you are probably ok as is.
Week 5Option 1
10. Long Black - Double espresso with twice the water.
Read a book longer than 300 pages.
Option 2
Key date: 21 April 2023
State date your teammate read the book and their rating
Book from your teammate's shelf must have been read on or after this date, and rated at least 3 stars. Please note all three pieces of information on your post - teamie, date & rating.
Option 3
Pass
Allowed one person per team per week, and once every 4 weeks per person.
Selection Post
Week #: 5
Book: The Scars That Bind Us by Michele Notaro
Pages: 405 Pages
[*book:The Scars That Bind Us|59588128]
Week 5: 10. Long Black - Double espresso with twice the water.Selection Post
Connections in Death by J.D. Robb, 365 p. per GRSelected book is 365 pages and over 300 pages.
Selection PostWeek 5: 10. Long Black - Double espresso with twice the water.
Sweet Dreams
Pages: 657 (GR)
Selected book is 657 pages and over 300 pages.
[*book:Sweet Dreams|75953403]
Completion PostWeek 5: 10. Long Black - Double espresso with twice the water.
Sweet Dreams
Pages: 657 (GR)
Selected book is 657 pages and over 300 pages.
Read: 10/21
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review: I've read this book a few times. As with most Kristen Ashley books I've read I have mixed reactions. Her books are (usually) incredibly engaging. They are great to listen to at work because they help the time go by faster. On the other hand there are often things that annoy me especially the alpha-male stuff. In this book it annoys me is that we are about halfway through the book before we (and Lauren) find out that Tate has a son. Why wouldn't Tate mention him sooner? The reason he gives is total BS. But more than that, why doesn't anyone else mention him? Why are there no pictures of him around the house? Kids belonging never stay completely in their rooms, why weren't there other signs he lived there part of the time? I feel like he was a late addition to the story, like KA realized she needed to keep Tate tied to his ex in some way and a son was a perfect way to do that. Who knows?
[*book:Sweet Dreams|75953403]
Selection Post - Week # 5 - Option 1The Virgin Rule Book by Lauren Blakely
Pages: 364
How it fits - Over 300 pages 1st Kindle Edition
Week 5: 10. Long Black - Double espresso with twice the water.Completion Post
Connections in Death by J.D. Robb, 365 p. per GRSelected book is 365 pages and over 300 pages.
Completed 10.23.2023 *4 Stars*
Reread October 23, 2023
Nearly 4 years to the day and I didn't remember any of this story! And after reading my previous review I realized I had the exact same reaction this time through. I enjoyed watching the pieces fall into place - not that it was hard, these criminals were really more stupid than stupid! As always, this series is a joy to read/listen to. Between the stories themselves and Susan Ericksen's performance, these books are always a win!
October 27, 2019
I always enjoy these books, just starting the audio is relaxing for me! In this story, I really enjoyed how the crime was pieced together. But even more I enjoyed Eve's reaction to the victim and his story. It really showed the waste and senselessness of the situation. And lord, were the criminals STUPID! Made it all even more pointless. Still it emphasized the good Roarke and Eve are doing with their pet projects.
As always, Susan Ericksen's narration was fabulous!
Tracking updated again - please let me know if I missed something! Here is what I have:Weeks 1 through 3 - Complete!
Week 4 - Missing Aoife's Completion Post
Week 5 - Missing Aoife's Selection Post and several completions, but it is still early in the week.
Overall, looking pretty good!
Completion Post - Week 5Book: A Treacherous Curse
Date read: 10/24
Review: 4 stars
These two never fail to make me laugh! Decent mystery, much better story telling.
so sorry it's taking me so long - just haven't clicked with Sending Danger and it's taking me a while to get through it :( I should have this evening free to hopefully just finish it
Completion Post
Week #: 5
Book: The Scars That Bind Us by Michele Notaro
Date Completed: 10/25/2023
Rating: ****
Review: To live in a world where you are "less than" is hard. Very hard. In a world where Shifters and Magi exist and after WWIII, Cosmo Ono-Nai and Madeo are working together. Both are considered "less than" humans, but they end up being "more than" to each other.
This was a great story and world-building. I felt the pain that Mads feels about not being the same. I feel the love and care the Ono-Nai pride have for Mads, Jude and Logan. It was hard to read, but only because I don't want to think of a world where people feel like that, but know its not just fiction.
Completion PostWeek: 4
Sensing Danger
Date: 25/10
Rating/Review:
2.25/5
Honestly this could have been so good. The premise is interesting, I liked that the FMC was the one to do the saving and not just being saved, but the writing was just so hard to pull through. There really wasn't all much to it and I was losing interest really quick. There was also a lot of people/characters, and while it was easy enough to follow it really felt like the first in the series - lots of "introductions" for the rest of the series I'm sure
Selection PostWeek #5
Task: 10. Long Black - Double espresso with twice the water.
Completion Post
Read a book over 300 pages
book: Shadow Kiss
Pages:444
How it fits: over 300 pages
Aoife wrote: "so sorry it's taking me so long - just haven't clicked with Sending Danger and it's taking me a while to get through it :( I should have this evening free to hopefully just finish it"Sorry that one didn't work for you! Remember you can change books before the next theme is called if that happens again.
I get so stubborn with books sometimes lol
Completion PostWeek: #5
Task: 10. Long Black - Double espresso with twice the water
Book: Shadow Kiss
Pages:444
Date: 26/10
Rating/review: 3.5/5
Honestly rereading this is so fuuny. I'm really enjoying the series again and I'm picking up on small things I missed or didn't remember but I have such different thoughts on it now. Like I'm 25 now and the THOUGHT of an 18 year old gives me the shivers. I didn't care when I was 14 but I'm really side eyeing the relationship. The ghosts coming in was interesting and I did forget why Rose started seeing them.
Aoife wrote: "I get so stubborn with books sometimes lol"I understand how that goes! I almost never DNF a book, but there have been a few I will walk away from planning to go back when I am in a better head space for them. Sometimes I can't handle books that need too much thinking or that have a lot of drama. Reading is an escape and entertainment, sometimes it needs to be lighter to offset the real world.
I should be able to get the tracking updated tonight, but I think we are looking really good!
Tracking updated!Weeks 1 through 4 - Complete - yay!
Week 5 - All selections made and only Christy's Completion Post outstanding.
Really good way to go into Week 6 tomorrow!
NEW THEME!Jane's post with links.
Week 6
Option 1
5. Coffee is a significant agricultural crop for many countries.
Read a book with an MC who is a farmer.
Best Gay Cowboys
A book from one of the 'MM Blue Collar 20xx" lists - EG MM Blue Collar Books 2021
Farmers in Romance
Buzzed: Bee Keeping in Romance
Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy
Option 2
Key date: 28 April 2023
State date your teammate read the book and their rating
Book from your teammate's shelf must have been read on or after this date, and rated at least 3 stars. Please note all three pieces of information on your post - teamie, date & rating.
Option 3
Pass
Allowed one person per team per week, and once every 4 weeks per person.
Selection Post - Week #6 - Option 1Book: Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen
Pages: 349
How it fits: #3 on Farmers in Romance list
Selection post - week 6 - pass Would I have to DM Jane?
Also, would a pass affect our chances of winning at the end?
Selection Post
Week 6
Task Option 2 - 28 April 2023
Book: On the Edge
Pages: 340
Team member: MountainKat
Date: 25 July 2023
Rating: 4/5
Using series rule :)
Aiswrya wrote: "Also, would a pass affect our chances of winning at the end?"It has no impact. The details are in the Q&A posts. No need to tell me - I pick it up in my thread checks.
You just cant use a pass in the last week of the challenge :)
Jane (PS) wrote: "Aiswrya wrote: "Also, would a pass affect our chances of winning at the end?"It has no impact. The details are in the Q&A posts. No need to tell me - I pick it up in my thread checks.
You just c..."
Oh perfect, thank you!
Week 6: 5. Coffee is a significant agricultural crop for many countries.Selection Post
Vendetta in Death by J.D. Robb, 354 p. per GROption 2: #49 in series, #56 on teammate Aiswrya's read shelf, read July 26, 2023, rated 4 stars.
Completion Post - Week # 5 - Option 1The Virgin Rule Book by Lauren Blakely
Pages: 364
How it fits - Over 300 pages 1st Kindle Edition
Date completed: 10/29/23
Rating - 3 stars
I liked this one. The chemistry between the 2 characters was enjoyable, but sometimes the conversations were a bit cringey. I liked that they were childhood friends but the way they approached the fact that the lead female was a virgin took me out of the story due to the eye-rolling nature of some of the comments. I might try another in the series to see what it is.
Selection Post - Week #6 - Option 1
Book: Once Around Seven
Pages: 100
How it fits: #12 on M/M Blue Collar Books 2018
[*book:Once Around Seven|40801895]
Week 6: 5. Coffee is a significant agricultural crop for many countries.Completion Post
Vendetta in Death by J.D. Robb, 354 p. per GROption 2: #49 in series, #56 on teammate Aiswrya's read shelf, read July 26, 2023, rated 4 stars.
Completed 10.31.2023 *4 Stars*
Reread October 31, 2023
Still twisted, though I tried to talk my self out of the who I thought the bad 'guy' was because I thought it was too obvious. Reading this finished off my reread of this series - now I get to read the new ones! (Or at least new to me. 😉) Loved this series just as much the second time through and will probably read them over and over again. They are a joy to listen to with great characters and great narration - just wonderful old friends to visit time and again!
December 18, 2019
Well, that was a little twisted! But good as usual. Loved Susan Ericksen's narration.
Completion Post - Week #6 - Option 1
Book: Once Around Seven
Pages: 100
How it fits: #12 on M/M Blue Collar Books 2018
Read: 11/1
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I hope there is a follow-up story to this book, I like short stories, but this one felt incomplete. If the series continues, I hope the next new guy to move into town is a psychiatrist because there is definitely a need for one!
(view spoiler)
Completion Post - Week #6 - Option 1Book: Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen
Pages: 349
How it fits: #3 on Farmers in Romance list
Date completed: 11/1/23
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I wasn't sure what to expect with this one, but it had been on my TBR for a while, so was excited it fit this challenge. Audrey and Griffin had a chemistry that leaped off the page. The two of them had met in college and hooked up a couple of times, but never developed a relationship. It was great to see Audrey gain confidence throughout the book, while at the same time gentling Griffin and opening him up. I really enjoyed the journey they took together, and I've already started the next book in the series.
Tracking has been updated again! Here is what it looks like:Weeks 1 through 5 - Complete!
Week 6 - Missing MN Lisa's Selection Post. Missing Completion Posts from Aoife and MN Lisa.
Lisa please make sure you make your selection before the next theme is called in about 24 hours!
Selection Post
Week #: 6
Book: Touch Me Gently by J.R. Loveless
Pages: 205 Pages
How it fits:
#17 Best Gay Cowboys
[*book:Touch Me Gently|8758313]
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Completion Post
#26 on the Gay Romance Books With A "Straight" Hero List.
Completed 10.15.2023 *4 Stars*
Reread October 15, 2023
I listened to the audio this time and while the narrator (Brock Thompson) was not a favorite, it was still good. (And much easier for me!) I only remembered a little of this story from before, but it still left me wanting more. I will add that there were a few lines or concepts that I felt were overdone or overused, even in this short of a story.
September 14, 2014
Now I want more! This was really just a taste and it left me wanting more. I enjoyed Kelly and Nick, things might have been too easy even though it wasn't really rushed, but they had been friends for years so it worked. I can't wait to see where things go from here!