Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
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PtP - Brew HaHa! (1)
Completion Post
Week #8
3. Earliest credible evidence of coffee-drinking as the modern beverage appears in 15th Century
Read a book with MPG Historical
An Unwilling Earl
Pages: 245
Date: 13/11
Rating: 3.5/5
I overall liked the story, and that Jacob wasn't the usual rake that sleeps with everything. His pain of losing his wife and child came through, and Charlotte was a fun mix of a person. She was a bit confusing given all that happened
Selection Post - Week 8 - Option 1 - updated A Dangerous Collaboration
336 pages
MPG historical fiction
Week 8: 3. Earliest credible evidence of coffee-drinking as the modern beverage appears in 15th Century.Completion Post
Saving Grace by Julie Garwood, 436 p. per GRMPG Historical Romance.
Completed 11.13.2023 *4+ Stars*
Really good story - as expected! I've enjoyed the books I've read by the author, so I'm not sure why I haven't read more. While the story at times was rather simplistic, I loved the characters - all of them, not just the MCs. But especially the MCs, especially the heroine Johanna. She was so strong but still caring. And dealt with any conflict with bravery and compassion. I only wished for an epilogue about the new family.
I listened to the audio of this book and loved Rosalyn Landor's performance.
Tracking updated. We are complete through Week 7 and have all selection posts for Week 8. Still have a few completions outstanding for Week 8, but it is only Tuesday.
Earliest I will finish is the 16th, but it will probably be Friday.
Aoife wrote: "Doing really well :D Look at us go"I know! I don't think I've ever been on a team that has stayed current like this basically the whole way through before. And I've been on teams that have won before - for nearly all of those it was at least one person coming through with something they hadn't posted before the last theme was called. And then everyone making the effort to read something quick for the last theme.
NEW THEME!Week 9
Option 1
11. Flat White - a barista coffee originating from Australia or NZ (as usual, we both claim it ;)
Read a book written by an Australian or New Zealand author.
The book may also be set in Australia or NZ. Qualification may come from the GR main book page, author's page, lists and tags.
Option 2
Key date: 19 May 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.
Hmmm, may be Option 2 for me this week. Have to do some checking before I decide.
Completion Post
Week #: 8
Book: The Amazing Alpha Tau Boyfriend Project by Lisa Henry
Date Completed: 11/16/2023
Rating: ****
Review: Super cool, sweet, funny story between Archer and Eli. Frat Bro and all his Frat Bros meet and adopt Eli and help him find a boyfriend, but Archer is the right one.
Sweet. One of my favorites, per Goodreads, was born in Australia. https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Selection Post
Week #: 9
Book: Once Upon a Sexy Scrooge by Ella Frank
Pages: 152 Pages
How it fits:
Ella Frank was born in Australia
Oooo I might reread a Nanini Singh :) Also, I’m so behind on my week 8 book. But I have closet cleaning to accomplish this weekend. So I can get through both my books!
Selection PostWeek #: 9
Book: Davo
Pages: 152 Pages
How it fits: N.R. Walker is Australian
[*book:Davo|60676146]
I just finished 2 books by Aussie authors lol I'll search for another!
I really enjoy several authors from Australia or New Zealand, but none are the authors of my remaining M&G books. This task would have been so much better the first week of December!I do have an Option 2 book, I will post my Selection Post probably tomorrow. Heading off the mountain, again, this evening. 🙄
Completion PostWeek #: 9
Book: Davo
Pages: 152 Pages
How it fits: N.R. Walker is Australian
Read: 11/17
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I love NR Walker and this book is a lot of fun. The setting is unique and the side characters are quirky - it's a light angst-free read.
[*book:Davo|60676146]
Michaele wrote: "Completion PostWeek #: 9
Book: Davo
Pages: 152 Pages
How it fits: N.R. Walker is Australian
Read: 11/17
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I love ..."
I really liked that one too!
Week 9: 11. Flat White - a barista coffee originating from Australia or NZ (as usual, we both claim it ;)Selection Post
Shadows in Death by J.D. Robb, 345 p. per GROption 2: #51 in series, #56 on teammate Aiswrya's read shelf, read July 26, 2023, rated 4 stars.
Completion PostWeek 8
Book: A Dangerous Collaboration
Rating: 3
Review: Not my favorite so far. The mystery was a little boring, but I’m glad there was development in the MCs relationship. Was also great to know more about Tiberius! Hope to see him again in future books.
Selection PostWeek 9
Book: Kiss of Snow
Pages: 432
How it fits: Nalini Singh was raised in New Zealand. And currently lives there.
Also from authors website:
"I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I spent three years living and working in Japan, where I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now,"
Selection Post - Week 9 - Option 2Book: Sweetheart
Pages: 282
How it fits: Read by Aoife, finished July 18, 2023, 3 stars
Completion Post - Week 9 - Option 2Book: Sweetheart
Pages: 282
How it fits: Read by Aoife, finished July 18, 2023, 3 stars
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: this worked out perfectly since I just finished the True North series! I had no idea when I started it that I would be stumbling across some recent characters. I enjoyed the relationship between thesis couple. I also really liked the way they handled the mental health situation of Haley's sister (and Beck's ex) Jessica. I thought the book showed a very realistic reaction by both the ex and her family about her volatile personality.
Side Note - I just looked up the author, Sarah Mayberry, of Sweetheart after I wrote the completion post, only to find out she's Australian. What a strange coincidence!
Christy wrote: "Side Note - I just looked up the author, Sarah Mayberry, of Sweetheart after I wrote the completion post, only to find out she's Australian. What a strange coincidence!"I actually read the book because she was Australian! I needed something set around a coffee shop and from an Australian for challenges so it worked out for me lol
Selection Post Task: 11. Flat White - a barista coffee originating from Australia or NZ (as usual, we both claim it ;)
Read a book written by an Australian or New Zealand author.
Rock Hard
Pages: 398
How it fits: Nalini Singh was raised in New Zealand
Christy wrote: "Completion Post - Week 9 - Option 2Book: Sweetheart
Pages: 282
How it fits: Read by Aoife, finished July 18, 2023, 3 stars
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: this worked out perfectly since ..."
I think if GR gave half stars I would have said 3.5! I really liked how they handled the sister and her relationship to everyone else, I just wasn't fully convinced on the romance right away lol but it grew on me a lot. I really enjoyed the setting
Might go read the second book in the series...
Week 9: 11. Flat White - a barista coffee originating from Australia or NZ (as usual, we both claim it ;)Completion Post
Shadows in Death by J.D. Robb, 345 p. per GROption 2: #51 in series, #56 on teammate Aiswrya's read shelf, read July 26, 2023, rated 4 stars.
Completed 11.20.2023 *5 Stars*
This was absolutely wonderful! It is the personal stories in this series that always move me the most and this one was VERY personal. I loved seeing Roarke be more... well vulnerable isn't really the right word, but he was definitely affected in this one. And Eve backing him up like he is usually doing for her - perfection. But I think the best part was everyone, and I do mean everyone, that Eve works with standing with her for Roarke. He understands her roll to them, but I am not sure he understood his own before this. Add in some time with his family and this was just great. This one is bound to become a favorite in the series for me!
And becoming a favorite is in no small part due to Susan Ericksen's narration - she is the voice of this series!
Completion PostWeek 9: 11. Flat White - a barista coffee originating from Australia or NZ (as usual, we both claim it ;)
Task: Read a book written by an Australian or New Zealand author
Rock Hard
Pages: 398
Date: 21/11
Rating: 3.5/5
This wasn't a sports romance or anything to do with the band so I'm confused why it's in the series? I know Charlotte is best friends with Molly but that's the only connection.
Overall, it was grand. Nothing major to complain or praise. I like the writing style and narrators, but there wasn't a need for Gabriel to be so pushy for controlling her after all she's been through (especially after he found out why!)
Just updated the tracking again before I dive back into all my holiday baking and cleaning!Here is where we stand:
Weeks 1 through 7 - Complete!
Week 8 - Missing Christy's Completion Post
Week 9 - All Selection Posts made, missing Aiswrya's and Lisa's Completions.
Christy, how is your Week 8 book coming along?
On another note, Friday is going to be busy here and we will still have some family at the house. So please check the Q&A thread for the new theme announcement. I will post it in out team thread when I get a chance unless someone beats me to it!
Also, Jane has posted the progress for all the teams so you can see how we compare. It is in the first message of the Q&A - Jane's post
Google doc:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Week 9 - COMPLETION POST Kiss of Snow
Read: 11/21/23
Rating: 5
Review: easily one of my favorite books in the series. I love how there’s so much development in the story along all fronts, including Silence, the Arrows, the Lauren relationships, Luke’s baby. I will say that I’m starting to enjoy it less with each reread lol! I should probably stop while I still have fond memories of it!
MountainKat wrote: "On another note, Friday is going to be busy here and we will still have some family at the house. So please check the Q&A thread for the new theme announcement. I will post it in out team thread wh..."Sounds good, thank you Kat! hope you enjoy the time with the family :)
Aoife wrote: "Completion PostWeek 9: 11. Flat White - a barista coffee originating from Australia or NZ (as usual, we both claim it ;)
Task: Read a book written by an Australian or New Zealand author
[book:R..."
Totally agree with your review! Such a misfit in the series. I also feel like as I get older, I’m starting to enjoy the “alpha” male, damsel in distress stories lesser and lesser.
Just threw me off when it was in a series with other music books! I think I really have to be in the mood for an alpha male type MMC especially when the FMC is such a stereotypical damsel. I don't mind it as much when they're both the same level and arguing with each other but the "I'll save you, you don't have to worry about anything" doesn't do it for me
MountainKat wrote: "Also, Jane has posted the progress for all the teams so you can see how we compare. It is in the first message of the Q&A - Jane's post
Google doc:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/......"
we're doing pretty good!!
Hope you enjoy the time with family!
Week 9 - Completion PostTitle: Once Upon a Sexy Scrooge by Ella Frank
Pages: 152 Pages
Date completed: 11/22/2023
Rating: ***
Review: I really liked this Christmas book by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine. I love their writing and this was no exception.
Enemies to lovers Christmas romance, set on a Christmas tree farm, Instead of the snow-storm causing forced proximity, its a car breakdown, but enemies turn to lovers and a hea.
The audio is nicely performed by Aiden Snow.
Lisa you have a typo in your week number above :) I don’t know if Jane will care, but just in case!!
Do we have a call this Friday or is it a pass because of the holiday?
Aiswrya wrote: "Lisa you have a typo in your week number above :) I don’t know if Jane will care, but just in case!!"Thanks! I fixed it before she found it hopefully. :)
Week 10Option 1
16. Instant Coffee - for when you are away from civilisation
Read a book set in the wilderness or in a remote location, or where at least one MC sleeps in a tent.
Words in tags such as 'remote', 'wilderness', 'camping', 'woods', 'forest'
Qualification may come from the GR main book page, lists and tags.
Option 2
Key date: 26 May 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 - Option 2
Week #: 10
Book: Trick Play by Eden Finley
Pages: 330 Pages
How it fits:
Team Member: Michaele
Their Read Date: Nov 22, 2023
Their Rating: ****
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Bronagh (other topics)Sawyer (other topics)
The Duke of Drury Lane (other topics)
Bronagh (other topics)
Cold Feet (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Eloisa James (other topics)Jay Northcote (other topics)
Nalini Singh (other topics)
Sarah Mayberry (other topics)
Sarah Mayberry (other topics)
More...
Changing book:
Week #8
3. Earliest credible evidence of coffee-drinking as the modern beverage appears in 15th Century
An Unwilling Earl
Pages: 245
How it fits: MPG historical romance