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TART9 - Read It & Weep (7)
message 351:
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Julie
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May 30, 2024 05:37PM
If Chris posts her book and Shan~A~ both of her books we have enough. 😊
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Completion PostTask 18 - 55. Read 6 books set in the same country outside the US, teams decide country: ENGLAND
Book: The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
Pages: 352
How it fits: set in London in precis and tagged England 13x
Finished: 05/29
Rating: 3 stars
Review: Lauren comes home and finds a man in her flat. She freaks out, like any person would, and maneuvers him out the door. Until she finds out that he is her husband that she didn't have before the left the house that day.
WTF? He goes in the attic and then a different man appears. Her new husband. She realizes that for some strange reason she is experiencing husbands from her life in alternate realities.
Overall I did like this. There were times when I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen, and I kept wondering why it was happening and if there was a way to make it stop.
What ended up missing for me was the fact that through all these transitions I don't think Lauren ever did any inner searching. She never learned anything about herself during this process, and maybe that wasn't intended to be the case at all. I don't know. I also thought there were just too many husbands, it didn't have to be that many to get to where we ended up in the end. Although, when she first discovered what was happening it was understandable.
I left feeling like it could have been better, but the ride was okay. Lauren was just meh. I didn't hate her, but I didn't like her either. She was a very superficial person. And we never learned why this started happening all of a sudden when someone in her family has been living there for years.
There is a book with a similar premise that was handled more to my liking: The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
Completion PostTask 18 - 55. Read 6 books set in the same country outside the US, teams decide country: ENGLAND
Book: Unfit to Print by K.J. Charles
Pages: 154
How it fits: set in London in precis and tagged England 10x
Finished: 05/29
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Vikram is a lawyer and he's been given the task to find his client's missing son. It leads him to Gil, who he thought was dead after he disappeared when they were younger men.
Gil has a shop that sells items that are considered unfit to print, in other word pornography. He and Vikram had a close relationship when they were younger, and they experimented back then. He's reluctant to assist Vikram with his search now, but he eventually decides to do so.
Overall, the story was good. It had a bit of suspense and a very quick redevelopment of a past relationship. I liked that the author stayed true to the times. It made it seem more real to that even though the two of them being together is not legal, they chose to do so anyway. I just wish we had a bit more of look into their relationship over time.
TASK 18Read 6 books set in the same country outside the US, teams decide country.
United Kingdom
Book: Lord of London Town by Tillie Cole
Page Count: 382 (Kindle Edition)
Qualifies: Title + tagged "british" x 3 (second page/2nd row/ bottom), tagged "london" x3 + synopsis + cover
Date Completed: 5/31/24
Rating/Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don't read Tillie Cole very often but this one was a nice one. :)
Completed Task 18 - 55. Read 6 books set in the same country outside the US, teams decide country: ENGLANDBook 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/...
Here is your next task!Task 19 - 104. Read 8 holiday books.
The qualification for this task can be the generic 'holiday' or specific like Christmas or Halloween. Holiday needs to be the American type of holiday as opposed to the British. Qualification can come from the title, series, precis, tags or lists. Remember to let me know how you know the books work so I know where to look to confirm them. Please include any info or links as necessary.
Ha! Looks like I'm reading Holiday books after all.I'm choosing
and
,
I know I have
. I'll find at least one more. Julie it came back either way. 😂 It was just meant to be.
Task 19 - 104. Read 8 holiday books.Book/cover link
Page numbers with source 311 GR
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary. MPG Holiday
Date Completed. 5.31
Rating/Review 4 stars
Dr. Sammy Ames met Ryan Sosa when they were teenagers, they shared a first moment for Sammy and then never saw one another again. That is until rigid Ryan Sosa comes back to Blue Moon and his world is turned upside down. Sammy is the complete opposite of Ryan, throw in a free range sheep and an overly friendly town and you have a humorous romance
This was fun and it was in the spirit of the other stories with the quirky characters and unique animal sidekicks. It is always an entertaining read with this author. Each character is hilarious and I love the small town vibe.
I am going to be at a Highland Renaissance Fair tomorrow so will try to read some tonight but may not have done until Sunday am.
finished the first , starting a second ill post them together
COMPLETION POST Task 19 - 104. Read 8 holiday books.
Claus and EffectPage No: 253 Kindle Edition
Qualifies: Christmas mentioned in Precis: Two strangers who couldn’t be more opposite find themselves on an unexpected cross-country road trip days before Christmas where whatever can go wrong, does.
Date Completed. 1 June
Rating/Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
When flight plans are derailed, Tessa and Tre and thrown together as they attempt to make it to Portland in time for Christmas. With the stress of the situation, they don't initially portray the the best versions of themselves, but fate has other plans to convince them they have found "The One". This opposite attracts, forced proximity, holiday romance was a mix of great banter, chemistry and warm fuzzies.
Fav Quote:
"Why do I feel like I'm on Dr Phil right now?" "You don't have to answer anything you don't want to, but I don't know. I want us to know each other better. We're on this adventure together, and shit keeps happening, and although I feel like I know you so well, I don't know much about your life, if that makes sense."
COMPLETION POST Task 19 - 104. Read 8 holiday books.
The Christmas ExchangePage No: 168 pages, Kindle Edition
Qualifies: Christmas mentioned in Precis: When Raegan returns home for Christmas, the last thing she expects is to be reunited with her two old best friends.
Date Completed. 1 June
Rating/Review: ⭐⭐⭐
A fun, spicy MFM novella about Raegan, who returns home for Christmas and reunites with her two childhood best friends. Reconnecting stirs up old feelings. Miles and Julian have decided that only way the other can have Raegan is if they share, they just have convince her that it won't ruin their everything.
Fav Quote
“I want you both.” “Fuck.” Miles let out a sharp breath from where he was standing. Julian’s dark eyes glimmered under the lights in the elevator. The corners of his lips twitched. “That’s my girl.”
Emily wrote: "I am going to be at a Highland Renaissance Fair tomorrow so will try to read some tonight but may not have done until Sunday am."I've always wanted to go to one since I enjoyed Well Met.😊
Completion PostTask 19 - 104. Read 8 holiday books.
Book: How the Grump Saved Christmas
Pages: 339
How it fits: MPG Christmas and Christmas in title
Finished: 06/01
Rating: 3 stars
Review: I liked the premised of this story, but it took me too long to warm up to Elias. In my opinion, his story didn't help to excuse his horrible behavior. By the time he started to redeem himself enough for me I was already down to two stars. The only reason it got one more is because no matter what Isabelle continued to fight for her family farm and the epilogue was really sweet.
Honorable Mention: Cole and Alice with little Maddie were so cute. They should have their own story (do they?). Also, Annika and Levi and their feuding families made things interesting (I'm assuming there is possibly a book or books somewhere about this, if not maybe it should be.)
Lastly, I wasn't surprised for the reason Elias' boss wanted so badly to buy the farm. It wasn't hard to guess, even though it was stupid after all these years
Completion PostTask 19 - 104. Read 8 holiday books.
Book: Studmuffin Santa
Pages: 182
How it fits: MPG Christmas and Christmas in precis
Finished: 06/01
Rating: 3 stars
Review: Jade and her sister Amber's business is in need of a Santa, so they hire Brandon. He was Amber's idea due to some strange coincidences going on, unbeknownst to Jade.
Jade had a crush on Brandon in HS, but he doesn't remember her. He was one of the only popular kids who didn't bully her and was nice to her.
Now she gets a chance to have a relationship with him. The problem is that those bullies were his friends. He doesn't know but it's a very sensitive situation.
I liked that the author didn't shy away from showing the effects that bullying can take on a person, even after school is over. In the case I was glad to that it made Jade learn to fight for herself. I just didn't like that the people who were her bullies were still assholes and didn't have to come to terms with how awful they are.
I do have to say that once the culprit of all the things that were plaguing their business was revealed, I was surprised because my mind surprisingly never went in that direction.
Julie wrote: "Emily wrote: "I am going to be at a Highland Renaissance Fair tomorrow so will try to read some tonight but may not have done until Sunday am."I've always wanted to go to one since I enjoyed [boo..."
It was super fun
Thanks for the updates Chris. Emily has to post her 2nd book as well, so all good.Team, at this point in the challenge we won't be able to catch the leaders. Lets just try to do as many tasks as we can (without stressing out) & enjoy all the (hopefully) good books.😊🤞
Julie wrote: "Thanks for the updates Chris. Emily has to post her 2nd book as well, so all good.Team, at this point in the challenge we won't be able to catch the leaders. Lets just try to do as many tasks as ..."
Thanks, Julie!!
Task 19 - 104. Read 8 holiday books.Book/cover link
Page numbers with source 213
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary. MPG holiday
Date Completed. 6.2
Rating/Review 5 Stars
When Saint Nicolson first meets Caro he know she is something he has never seen before and is intrigued by the sassy women. Over the next year Saint and Caro find themselves getting closer until an incident happens that makes ignoring their feelings for one another an impossibility. Saint and Caro begin to mean everything to one another but there is a danger lurking that is intent on tearing them apart? Can Mr. December get his happily ever after or will he end the year on a sour note?
So many surprising twists in this book. Having read the whole series I think Saint is in my top favorites in the SWAT Generation 2.0 series. Saint is a bit of a mystery and when he and Caro get thrown together the chemistry is terrific. Caro is blunt, to the point and I was completely engaged with her character. I am anxious to see if her brothers get stories. Fantastic ending to holiday calendar series, this book exceeded expetations.
TASK 19Read 8 holiday books.
Book: Jingle Bell Beard by Julie Kriss
Page Count: 185 (Kindle Edition)
Qualifies: MPG Holiday
Date Completed: 6/2/24
Rating/Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One of my favorite authors :)
TASK 19Read 8 holiday books.
Book: My Fake Christmas Fiancé by Julie Kriss
Page Count: 155 (Kindle Edition)
Qualifies: MPG Holiday
Date Completed: 6/3/24
Rating/Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Re-read! - Always a favorite
TASK 19 Completed - Read 8 holiday books.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/...
Here is your next task!Task 20 - 62. Read a minimum of 1000 pages in books written by an author whose first or last name begins with the first letter of a teammate's screen name.
Books selected for this task need to be written by an author whose first or last name starts with the first letter of a teammate's screen name. Do not use your own screen name for this task. Please include the matching teammate's name in your completion posts. This is not a team decision. Remember to use the first edition Kindle page count.
COMPLETION POST Task 20 - 62. Read a minimum of 1000 pages in books written by an author whose first or last name begins with the first letter of a teammate's screen name.
It Had to Be You by Susan Elizabeth PhillipsPage No: 388 pages, Kindle Edition
Qualifies: S for Shan~A~ and E for Emily in author;s name
Date Completed: 5 June
Rating/Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
When Phoebe inherits a football team she doesn't understand or want, it makes for an interesting premise. About a third of the way through the book I'd had enough.
As a reader in 2024, I hated the way Phoebe used her femininity a weapon and Dan is an alphahole in a sport culture full of toxic masculinity. That being said, I just had to know how Phoebe would keep the Stars.
I'm so glad I read through to the satisfying HEA for not only Phoebe and Dan, but Molly, Ron and the team as well. I really didn't think the author would change my mind about the characters but she certainly did.
Fav Quote:.
"I have to tell you that I'm not all that comfortable with the idea of spending the rest of my life sleeping next to somebody who's got the power to fire me if my underwear doesn't make it all the way to the hamper." She repressed a smile. "I'm sympathetic to your problem, but I'm not selling the team just so you can be a slob." "Somehow I didn't expect you would.
Task 20 - 62. Read a minimum of 1000 pages in books written by an author whose first or last name begins with the first letter of a teammate's screen name.Book/cover link
/N.D. JacksonPage numbers with source 339 GR
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary. ALN Jackson, - AR Player Julie
Date Completed. 6.4
Rating/Review 4 stars
Shayna is doing the best she can to do right by her children. A single mom whose ex was the worst, so when Burke starts helping her out and flirting Shayna is not sure what to make of it. Burke is out of her league, he is rich and could not possibly be interested in her when she barely has it together. She couldn't be more wrong though and when she finds herself falling hard for Burke she has to figure out if she can truly have it all.
Great chemistry, slow burn and a ton of banter that brought a smile to my face. I think this was delightful, Burke swept me off my feet. Shayna over analyzes a bit but I think it was spot on for her character as she hadn't really dated since high school. Will be looking forward to more books in this series.
Chris messaged to say she finished Drive Me Wild by Julie Kriss. She will post properly later today.
TASK 20Read a minimum of 1000 pages in books written by an author whose first or last name begins with the first letter of a teammate's screen name.
Julie
Book: Drive Me Wild by Julie Kriss
Page Count: 186 (Kindle Edition)
Qualifies: Author is named "Julie"
Date Completed: 6/4/24
Rating/Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Loved it!
Julie wrote: "Chris messaged to say she finished Drive Me Wild by Julie Kriss. She will post properly later today."Thank you Julie!
and again the app refused to let me post... at least I could send you a message. I think we are ok with the word count.
Chris wrote: "Julie wrote: "Chris messaged to say she finished Drive Me Wild by Julie Kriss. She will post properly later today."Thank you Julie!
and again the app refused to let me post... at..."
No problems Chris. GR is great in so many ways but sometimes it just struggles for whatever reason.
I saw your comment about Julie Kris being a favourite author. Thanks for the tip - I've never heard of her but I'm keen to read Drive me wild.
if you want to check her out, try the bad billionaire series, I liked them more than the Riggs brothers. but still all her books were so pleasant to read.
COMPLETION POST Task 20 - 62. Read a minimum of 1000 pages in books written by an author whose first or last name begins with the first letter of a teammate's screen name.Book: A Dish Best Served Hot
Pages: 356
How it fits: Last name Cana for Chris
Date Completed: 06/04
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Saint is the brother of the heroine in the first book. He's a single father, who lost his wife years ago and he is the person who cares more on his shoulders than he needs to. Lola and Saint were an item when they were in school, and then she left. Now she's back and just found out that the Vegas are responsible for closing a much-needed community center that she works at.
The two end up working together to try to find another place and ends up rekindling their former romance. It is not easy since there is still a lack of trust and some judgement based on things that didn't have to do with either of them.
Papo is up to his shenanigans again, except this time his best friend isn't present, but he has a nemesis turned new partner in crime.
Completion PostJulie: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Chris: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Emily: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Shan: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Julie wrote: "COMPLETION POST Task 20 - 62. Read a minimum of 1000 pages in books written by an author whose first or last name begins with the first letter of a teammate's screen name.[bookcover:It Had to Be ..."
Please correct to the first edition Kindle page count (384) and repost. Thanks.
I will be keeping an eye out for the correction so I can post a new task. 📚
OK, I just checked and you aren't in a head to head competition with any other team. So even though I said I was waiting for corrections, but mostly because I'm about to head to bed, I'm going to assign your next task. 😊Here is your next task!
Task 21 - 68. Read a minimum of 1200 pages in books with one word titles.
Books selected for this task need to have one word titles, articles and exclamations included. So books such as NautiCal would work, but books like The Thief would not. Remember to use the first edition Kindle page count.
MountainKat wrote: "Julie wrote: "COMPLETION POST Task 20 - 62. Read a minimum of 1000 pages in books written by an author whose first or last name begins with the first letter of a teammate's screen name.[bookcover..."
Updated MKat as requested.
I did wonder if that was the right one. I'm never sure I've picked the right one when the original paperback was out before Kindle was a thing & 77 editions of the book made my eyes cross.
I'm reading Overflow - 310 pagesIf we finish this task by Friday we should fit in one more task, #22, before the Challenge finishes on Sunday.
Chris & Emily - we only need 360 pages in total towards the task total of 1200.
Doing
249
Julie wrote: "I'm reading Overflow - 310 pagesIf we finish this task by Friday we should fit in one more task, #22, before the Challenge finishes on Sunday.
Chris & Emily - we only need 360 pa..."
Sounds good. I'm hoping to finish mine by tomorrow afternoon. (hopefully sooner)
COMPLETION POST - TASK 21 - 68. Read a minimum of 1200 pages in books with one word titles. 
OverflowPage No: 310 pages, Kindle Edition
Qualifies: One word title
Date Completed: 7 June
Rating/Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gabby is caught up in a FBI raid at a client's house, when she comes to the attention of Special Agent Jude Ortiz. In the course of protecting her from threats in every direction, Jude finds a second chance at love. Gabby and Jude had great chemistry and I loved the understanding between them due to their past losses. I did find the number of bad guys distracting and unnecessary. The Carpino family were a fun addition and the set up for more books in the series.
Fav Quote:
His breath comes to my ear again and I hear the simple but profound word. “You.” I bring my hand up to the side of his face. He presses close while kissing the side of my head, cocooning me in. We lay intertwined and quiet for what seems like a long time. Something weighty has happened. I don’t know what it is but I know it’s good.
COMPLETION POST - TASK 21 - 68. Read a minimum of 1200 pages in books with one word titleBook/cover link
/Sarina HartPage numbers with source 249 GR
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary. One word title
Date Completed. 6.7
Rating/Review 4 stars
Grace "Ruby" and her daughter are on the run from her abusive husband. She has had enough and his cruelty is getting worse. Finding a new home in Vegas where she believes she will go unnoticed. Stripping was never on her plan, but it is about the only thing she can find that will keep her off the radar. When she meets Maverick though he gives her an offer she can't refuse.
Maverick needs a caregiver for his Grandmother. He can't be there all the time as he has business with his MC the Steel Demons. Maverick knows Ruby is hiding her past but he is patient. He forms a friendship with her trying to earn her trust, but he wants more and her skittishness lets him know to bide his time. Can he save her when the past catches up with her.
This was really good. Pulled in right away and I was eager to see Maverick and Grace come together. Entertaining, full of intriguing characters. Going to have to go back and read more in this series.
UPDATE: The last task for everyone (except the teams in the lead) is posted in Q&A Thread. Once we have Chris & Sha ~A~'s posts for Task 21, I will post the last task here. We have until midnight Sunday to complete the last task.
COMPLETION POSTTASK 21 - 68. Read a minimum of 1200 pages in books with one word titles.
Book: Ravensong
Pages: 530
How it fits: One word title
Date Completed: 06/07
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I was very happy that this book started by giving us Gordo's pov of a particular even that took place in book 1 while also giving us his backstory. After that we get to the present-day events which take place a while after the end of the events of the first book.
In book 1 we already know that there is some connection between Gordo and Mark, and here with the details of that connection. This pack gets no rest from people attempting to take them down. The are constantly underestimated, but will this time see them get more than they can handle?
TJ Klune is a very talented writer and I have been sucked right into this world that he is continuing to build layer by layer.
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
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