Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
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TART9 - Read It & Weep (7)
Task 16 - 107. Read 8 books published in the month (not year) of a teammate's birth. Team selects teammateBook/cover link
Page numbers with source 369 GR
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary. November 28, 2023 - Julie's Birth Month
Date Completed. 5.23
Rating/Review
5 stars
Despite all her mother's effort to be a true honey badger, Emily "Tock" Meyerson Jackson is a honey badger who beats to her own drummer. When she is called out to tackle a problem, she doesn't know how she ended up with Shay Malone by her side. She wants Shay to stay put and the tiger shifter agrees until he realizes Tock is in trouble. Shay finds himself spending time with Tock and hoping she can't resist him with his flirtatious ways.
It took me a minute to figure out who Tock was, I need to go back and reread but it did click. The honey badgers are one of the most interesting and consistently entertaining shifters this author writes about. Loved Shay and Tock together, they are so opposite but they work. Full of humor, surprises and a bit of sizzle which makes for a highly enjoyable book.
I've finished one of my books, and started the other. How many will we need after that. The 2nd one shouldn't take as long.
Julie wrote: "Shan ~A~ wrote: "I can read (or watch) Christmas any time. Hallmark created Christmas in July for me. 😂"😂😂😂
Is Christmas in July a big thing in US? There was a push here in Australia a few years ..."
It is for me. It's when I start my Christmas shopping and I have a full month of Christmas romance movies on Hallmark. It's like pre-Christmas movie watching. They have marathons the entire month.
Completion PostTask 16 - 107. Read 8 books published in the month (not year) of a teammate's birth. Team selects teammate
Book:
Pages: 308
How it fits: November 13th 2018 ~ Julie's birth month
Finished: 05/23
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Finally, Benito's book. I want all of the Rossi's to have a book. Ben is a cop, and he is currently trying to crack down on the drug trade going on in Colebury. And one particular person who was a terror to his sister and his friend years ago is the person he suspects.
Skye Copeland is from Colebury, but moved away after getting her heart broken by none other than Benito. Now she's back to help her "sister" and to possibly get a big scoop for a story. She's immediately put in Benito's orbit.
It's been years since they've seen one another, but the chemistry and feelings are still there even though Skye is reluctant to act on them.
I really liked that Benito was attuned to the feelings that he has for Skye, and he guides her through some of the issues that she has from dealing with the a-hole (and her mother) from her childhood who traumatized her. I also enjoyed seeing Skye coming into her own. There were things from her past that she probably should have gotten some professional help to get past, but she persevered.
TASK 16Read 8 books published in the month (not year) of a teammate's birth. Team selects teammate.
Julie - November
Book: The Sacrifice by Jessica Gadziala
Page Count: 227 (Kindle Edition)
Qualifies: Published November 9th 2020
Date Completed: 5/24/24
Rating/Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Loved it!
guys do you want me to start a second book? or can someone read a 3rd? I'll be at a show today, until Sunday and I don't know how much time I'll have to read.
If you are ok with me taking a while to finish it, let me know and I can start another book :)
I can read a third. My next book is Sweep in Peace which was in November anyway.
Shan ~A~ wrote: "Julie wrote: "Shan ~A~ wrote: "I can read (or watch) Christmas any time. Hallmark created Christmas in July for me. 😂"😂😂😂
Is Christmas in July a big thing in US? There was a push here in Australi..."
I do this yearly, 2 gifts a month for the year. We have a phrase and their are some sales but nothing major.
I have completed my second book and will post it later today.
COMPLETION POST Task 16 - 107. Read 8 books published in the month (not year) of a teammate's birth. Team selects teammate
Sweep in PeacePage No: 315 pages, Kindle Edition
Qualifies: First published November 13, 2015 - Julie's birth month
Date Completed. 24 May
Rating/Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If I could give Sweep In Peace more than five stars I would. It's not flashy or a noisy cinematic spectacular kind of read. The characters however, are so well written in an interesting and amusing way, you just know its going to be a good story. Dina and the Gertrude Hunt Inn are offered the impossible: an opportunity to host a peace treaty and during the parties stay, the themes of war, suffering, and significance are surprisingly insightful. The return of Sean and the budding romance between him and Dina has me looking forward to the next book in the series.
Fav Quote:
Caldenia blinked. “Who are the attending parties?”
“The Holy Anocracy represented by House Krahr, the Hope-crushing Horde, and the Merchants of Baha-char. They coming here for Arbitration and they will probably try to murder each other the moment they walk through the door.” Caldenia’s eyes widened. “Do you really think so? This is absolutely marvelous!” She would think so, wouldn’t she?
Completion PostTask 16 - 107. Read 8 books published in the month (not year) of a teammate's birth. Team selects teammate
Book: Claus and Effect
Pages: 253
How it fits: November 14th 2023 ~ Julie's birth month
Finished: 05/24
Rating: 4 stars
Review: A psychic tells Tessa that if she heads west, she will meet her true love. She gave her a few details to spot him of course. Tessa automatically assumes it's the person she most recently dated, so she heads off to find him to try to see if anything's there.
Tray is on his way home on leave for the holidays. He Tessa meets and honestly, he is a bit of an ass during this exchange. The end of having to work together to get to their similar destination due to a storm keeping the planes grounded.
The road trip is what saved this romance for me. The started to get to know one another along the way and due to that and all of the craziness they encountered; it made the story fun.
I don't think anyone will be surprised by what they each find when they make it to Portland, but it's a nice, quick romance either way.
Task 16 Completed - 107. Read 8 books published in the month (not year) of a teammate's birth - November (Julie)Book 1: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Book 2: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Book 3: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Book 4: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Book 5: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Book 6: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Book 7: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Book 8: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Julie wrote: "COMPLETION POST Task 16 - 107. Read 8 books published in the month (not year) of a teammate's birth. Team selects teammate
Sweep in PeacePage N..."
Please correct to the first edition Kindle page count (315). Thanks.
Here is your next task!Task 17 - 103. Read over 1500 pages in books tagged ‘family’.
Books selected for this task need to be tagged/shelved as 'family'. Variations of the word and combo tags will be allowed in context, 'familiar' or 'no-family' will not work as examples. Tags/shelves are the only qualification for this task. Please include a link to the top shelves page with the qualifying tag along with the exact tag, number of tags and the top shelves page number in your completion posts. This information is extremely helpful if the link is broken or the tag moves - and both happen frequently! Remember to use the first edition Kindle page count.
I have a few options for this. I'll most likely get to The One I Left Behind ~ 255 (MPG Family) first, but some other options are The Midnight Library ~ 289 (Tagged family 131x, 2nd pg. 3rd col) or Rock Chick Redemption ~ 428 pgs (tagged family 12x 2nd pg. 2nd col)For now, I'm going to say the first one for sure. I'll see where I am by tomorrow.
Is it correct that it'll be Monday before we can get another call, because that may change my decision?
I am going to be unavailable most of the day but will tackle tonight
COMPLETION POST Task 17 - 103. Read over 1500 pages in books tagged ‘family’. 
Her Lifeline Page No: 321 pages, Kindle Edition
Qualifies: Taged "family" x2, page 1, 3rd column https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
Date Completed. 26 May
Rating/Review: ⭐⭐⭐
I was expecting this "brother's best friend", "second chance" romance to be a fun, easy read. Instead, trauma and abuse, addiction, blackmail and secrets surround Erin's family and she is struggling under the weight of it. When Erin's brother, Tommy, is critically injured, Ward returns from the past and seizes a second chance not only with Tommy, but with Erin as well. This is a story about strength of character and family as much as it is about romance. Please consider the above themes as there are no trigger warnings from the author.
Fav Quote:
I rolled my eyes. “I’m plenty stupid, trust me.” “I’ll be the judge of that,” he quipped. “Name one stupid thing you’ve ever done.” Your big brother.
MountainKat wrote: "Julie wrote: [book:Sweep in Peace|19...""Please correct to the first edition Kindle page count (315). Thanks. "
Amended, Thanks MKat for the pick up.
COMPLETION POST Task 17 - 103. Read over 1500 pages in books tagged ‘family’. 
Change of PlansPage No: 369 pages, Kindle Edition
Qualifies: Taged "family" x5, page 1, 2nd column https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
Date Completed. 27 May
Rating/Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The last of the Matthews Brothers finally gets his story and it was worth the wait. Ryker is struggling to return to a normal life after leaving the marines. Bryce is is struggling with the reality of suddenly becoming guardian to her three nieces. Despite their own issues, sparks fly between them. This grumpy/sunshine, small town romance is both honest and funny about how life isn't perfect but holding on to a good thing is worth the trouble.
Fav Quote:
Whatever good thing I did in the world to deserve a woman like you, I’m damn grateful.
I finished a couple of books. I'll post the one with the most pages which is 289 and then we can use the other if needed once everyone has posted a book.
Realized that my other book was tagged family and it had more pages
Completion PostTask 17 - 103. Read over 1500 pages in books tagged ‘family’.
Book: Time's Convert
Pages: 446
How it fits: Tagged Family 20x ~ pg.1, col. 3
https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
Finished: 05/25
Rating: 4 stars
Review: We saw Marcus and Phoebe fall in love in the original trilogy, that Phoebe made the decision to become a vampire, that Diana had the twins, and we knew that Matthew was Marcus' father.
Now we get to experience Marcus' life before he became a vampire and what occurred when he met Matthew and after. All of that while also experiencing Phoebe's transition and how Matthew and Diana are faring with the twins.
From the title I assumed that there would be time travel. It's not that much of a leap considering the events of the books that came before. I was wrong. What we get is an in depth look into Marcus' past that helps us get to know who he is, but also explains the customs that take place or should take place when a new vampire is being made.
Phoebe is newly transitioning, and we can clearly see why they call new vampire's infants, because she definitely acted like one, and I have to say that she annoyed the crap out me. That is the part that had me giving this less than 5 stars and the fact that there wasn't enough Gallowglass.
It felt more real to see that Matthew and Diana are still trying to find their way in the world with the edition of being new parents, with the added trouble of not knowing exactly what may happen with their kids in more than just the traditional sense.
I love how much family is valued with this vampire-witch family. Although I wanted to smack Sarah and Baldwin a couple times.
TASK 17Read over 1500 pages in books tagged ‘family’.
Book: Boyfriend Material by Ilsa Madden-Mills
Page Count: 316 (Kindle Edition)
Qualifies: tagged "Family x2" (second page top)
Date Completed: 5/27/24
Rating/Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Always a favorite author!
TASK 17Read over 1500 pages in books tagged ‘family’
Book/cover link
Page numbers with source 400 GR
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary. Tagged family 15x
Date Completed. 5.27
Rating/Review 4.75
Always one to carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders, Jet McAlister has yet another thing she is trying to work her way out of. She has a huge crush on Eddie Chavez, who frequents Fortnum's the coffee place she is working at, problem is his good looks and sexy sway have a way of making her look like a blathering idiot and jumpy to boot.
When Jet's long lost father makes a sudden appearance, Eddie has had enough of skirting around Jet. He plans to make his move, but a slight misunderstanding, a man with a knife, and an ill advised and not well thought out fight on Jet's part has her a target for some of the seediest characters out there. All the sudden the jumpy Jet is blossoming into the fiesty sensual woman he knew was under there and he has no plans to share. He just has to convince Jet she is with him, stop the attempts on her life, and try to figure out the next hair brained ideas she has running rampant in her head before she gets herself killed.
The gangs all there, Tex is back one of my favorites from the first book as well as Lee, Indy, Ally and others. I give this one a 4.75, got a slight ding because Jet is so smart and yet clueless at times. Eddie is a bit different than I thought he would be from the first book but in a good way. A satisfying addition to the first book.
Yes we are over. If someone could post in Q&A thread that would be great, as I won’t be off work for another 5 hours.
Julie wrote: "Yes we are over. If someone could post in Q&A thread that would be great, as I won’t be off work for another 5 hours."I'll post
Task 17 - 103. Read over 1500 pages in books tagged ‘family’.Emily: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Chris: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Shan~A~: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Julie: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I'm dragging, so I will check your books with everyone else's tomorrow.Here is your next task!
Task 18 - 55. Read 6 books set in the same country outside the US, teams decide country.
As a team select a country outside the US then read 6 books set in that country. Your book can qualify from the book details on the main page, title, precis, tags or lists. Remember to let me know how you know your books qualify, with links or any other necessary information. I need to know where to look to confirm your books!
55. Read 6 books set in the same country outside the US, teams decide country. ENGLAND
Just wanted to check in and say I'm going to find a book, If I find a short one I can do 2, will be back after work with more info,
I'm reading
set in London in precis and tagged England 13x
I may also read
154 pgs. set in London in precis and tagged England 10x
COMPLETION POST Task 18 - 55. Read 6 books set in the same country outside the US, teams decide country: ENGLAND
Tied in KnotsPage No: 282 pages, Kindle Edition
Qualifies: England mentioned in precis: Unfortunately, running from them lands me out of the frying pan and into the fire when my scent is picked up by the most superior pack in England.
Date Completed. 29 May
Rating/Review: ⭐⭐⭐
A fun read with all the typical ingredients of a reverse harem Omegaverse: four alphas chasing down their omega and convincing her to be theirs. I liked writing style which gave opportunities to appreciate the differences between Sebastian, Ben, Xander and Harvey. Faith was likeable, if a little annoying on the "too stupid to live" scale.
Fav Quote:
We have all felt the lack of her being here, even though we have never even met her or know her name, her scent is enough. We know we want her, and we will find her and make her ours, no matter what it takes.
I don't know what to read... I started one but I can't keep reading it. Any suggestions?
Not sure what you are in the mood for but you might find something with these GR authors/lists.UK authors Sophie Kinsella & Beth O'Leary (Contemporary/ChickLit). Jessica Ameswrites great MC romances too.
Comtemporary:
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Chick Lit (In British Isles so check if it is in England first):
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/9...
Historical:
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
Paranormal/ Fantasy in British Isles:
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/4...
London Romance Books:
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
Hampshire England:
https://www.goodreads.com/places/1328...
I also just remembered that all the teams in the Parcel the Parcel (PtP) challenge during Task 7 had to read a book from the British Isles - you might find some good reads amongst the team's posts with reviews/links.Book #2 - I'm reading Brimstone Bound - set in London.
\COMPLETION POST Task 18 - 55. Read 6 books set in the same country outside the US, teams decide country: ENGLANDBook/cover link
Page numbers with source 273 GR
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary. Takes place in London
Date Completed. 5.29
Rating/Review 5 stars
After the disaster of her last relationship, Hanna Mayson has sworn off men for a year. As a flight attendant she plans to focus on taking care of herself, but when her latest flight has her having a mini vacation she meets Walker St. James. Walker is everything she could want in a man, but she made a promise to herself she plans to stick to. A mini fling though, she could do that even though it will crush her heart leaving him behind.
Walker knows that Hanna only wants a fling but he also knows she is the one he is meant to spend the rest of his life with. Walker has a plan, but Hanna is skittish so he takes matters in his own hands and he is glad he did. Walker is by her side when something happens that will scare Hanna, can he keep her safe?
Another amazing story in the Until Him/Her series. Hanna has always been a bit of a mystery to me because she is around in the other books but not as much as some of the other characters. Walker was pure alpha male and i loved the way he was with Hanna. Reread worthy romance.
COMPLETION POST Task 18 - 55. Read 6 books set in the same country outside the US, teams decide country: ENGLAND
Brimstone BoundPage No: 272 pages, Kindle Edition
Qualifies: London, England's capitol, mentioned in precis: I’m one placement away from becoming a fully fledged London detective.
Date Completed. 30 May
Rating/Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed Trainee Detective Emma Bellamy's dramatic initiation into the Supernatural Squad. Before long she finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery and in a unique position to solve the case. I liked the take on snooty werewolves and the vampires make a fun addition, along with the famous sites of London. Worth a read for fans of the Jane Yellowrock or Riley Jensen series.
Fav Quote:
She raised a long finger and pointed it at my chest. ‘But you should know that I’ve got my eye on you, Emma Bellamy. You are not normal.’ That was hardly news.
How is everyone else going wth this task? Chris did you find something worth reading?
I've finished two books. I'll post them today
Do we have enough, did one already. I am in the middle of the next one but it is a bit slow.
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
A Secret Wish (other topics)A Secret Wish (other topics)
Salt & Broom (other topics)
Taking The Bait (other topics)
The Girl in the Mist (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Barbara Freethy (other topics)C.M. Steele (other topics)
Zara Novak (other topics)
Sarina Hart (other topics)
Julie Kriss (other topics)
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Page No: 294 Kindle Edition
Qualifies: First published November 5, 2019 - Julie's birth month
Date Completed. 23 May
Rating/Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Who wouldn't want a pen pal after reading about Griffin and Luca's connection since the second grade. When tragedy occurs, teenage Luca stops writing to Griffin. After eight years Griffin writes Luca a letter, which leads to their reconnection and the challenges they now face as adults. Mental health issues are sensitively handled in this book. The chemistry between these two is great and such a natural development from secret keeping as kids to sexual fantasies and declaration of love as adults.
Fav Quote
“We all have light and dark inside us, love. We try to hide the darkness from others because we’re afraid it will scare them away. But your dark doesn’t scare me, Luca. It only makes me want to hold your hand and be your light until you can find your own again. That’s what people do when they’re in love. I won’t always be able to give you your light back, because sometimes you need to find that within yourself, but I’ll stand by your side and hold your hand in the dark so things aren’t so scary.”