Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
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PtP R23 - Readers Dough it Better (3)
Cathy M. wrote: "Selection PostWeek #3 - Option 1
Pages: 336
How it fits: This is debut book for author, published 06/15/2021"
Are you reading a different edition than what you linked here? The linked edition has 324 pages.
👽(Just waiting for CathyM's update on pages for her selection.)
Yep, it was on the first page for Turfs :DI'm sorry, I forgot about editions - I'm reading Kindle edition. I'll re-do my selection post with correct edition.
Selection Post (Correction)Week #3 - Option 1
Pages: 336
How it fits: This is debut book for author, published 06/15/2021
Quick update for us:Week 1 - Completed
Week 2 - Vicki, The Bee Sting
Week 3 - LaurLa, Apprentice to the Villain; Vicki, One Summer in Savannah
(I assume Vicki's Week 3 book is also on the Vowels list for Turf Wars. :)
Completion Post🚦Week 2Option 1
Call🚦1. Sourdough originated in Egypt and spread through Europe
Task🚦Read a book set in Africa or Europe
Book🚦Dreamfever
Pages🚦514 (GR kindle, linked edition)
How it fits🚦set in Ireland per blurb "And as Mac fights for survival on Dublin’s battle-scarred streets,"
Date Read🚦10.25 ★★★★
Review
Not sure what to say about this book/series. It's compelling, the writing is great, the characters are interesting and the world is... yikes. This book is an example of why I shy away from urban fantasy. I do like the ongoing story and deeper character development you get from a series that features a single MC or group of MCs. But I don't love the cliff-hangers and being stuck in emotional turmoil for several books before getting resolution... or feeling like you've achieved some resolution and then being upended again with the next book. I hated what happened to Mac at the end of book 3 and after reading some of the blurbs, I wasn't sure I wanted to continue with the series. I do think the author handled Mac's trauma well within the context of this series and world, so I was happy to see that. But once again we're left with an emotional (and actual) cliff-hanger. Still not sure I will continue this series after Mac's original arc is done with the next book - guess I'll have to read it and decide at the end!
LaurLa wrote: "Completion Post🚦Week 2Option 1
Call🚦1. Sourdough originated in Egypt and spread through Europe
Task🚦Read a book set in Africa or Europe
Book🚦[book:Dreamfever|806986..."
I love that series! But really only the first 5 - IMO don't need to read past there. I did a whole re-read and finally went on to read on till the final book, but didn't enjoy them as much.
I agree - I am interested in Dani's arc, though, so I might continue. At a leisurely pace!
LaurLa wrote: "I agree - I am interested in Dani's arc, though, so I might continue. At a leisurely pace!"I liked 14-yo Dani, but she is a COMPLETELY different character in the subsequent books (I think past Iced)! There's also this weird arc for Christian.
So yea, take your time! That way you have time between and might enjoy them more than I did :P
This week's call has been posted!Week 4
Option 1
17. Eat it straight away or freeze for another day
Read a book from one of the following lists:
Best Seasonal Romance_Christmas & Winter
Comtemporary Christmas Winter Romance
Best Gay Winter'ish Holiday Romance
Best Gay Winter Themed Romance
If you use this option, your book MUST be on one of these lists. Please note which list you have used.
Option 2
Key date: 26 April 2024
Team mate read on or after this date and rated at least 3 stars
Option 3
Pass
A selection post must be made for whichever option you choose - INCLUDING A PASS
Refer msg 3 in your team thread for formatting of all 3 options.
Selection PostWeek #4 - Option 1
Pages: 161
How it fits: #763 on Best Seasonal Romance {Christmas, Winter} List
Cathy M. wrote: "Selection PostWeek #4 - Option 1
Pages: 161
How it fits: #763 on Best Seasonal Romance {Christmas, Winter} List"
This one was cute!
I totally forgot today was the new call!
Week 4Option 1
17. Eat it straight away or freeze for another day
Read a book from one of the following lists:
Best Seasonal Romance_Christmas & Winter
Comtemporary Christmas Winter Romance
Best Gay Winter'ish Holiday Romance
Best Gay Winter Themed Romance
If you use this option, your book MUST be on one of these lists. Please note which list you have used.
Option 2
Key date: 26 April 2024
Team mate read on or after this date and rated at least 3 stars
Option 3
Pass
A selection post must be made for whichever option you choose - INCLUDING A PASS
Refer msg 3 in your team thread for formatting of all 3 options.
Week 4 Selection PostOption 2
Book: Network Effect
Page Count: 352 (in the default edition: Network Effect)
How it qualifies: LaurLa read book #4, Exit Strategy, on 9/21 and rated it 4 stars
Option 1
Call🚦17. Eat it straight away or freeze for another day
Task🚦Read a book from one of the following lists
Book🚦Her Naughty Holiday
Pages🚦180 (GR kindle, linked edition)
How it fits🚦#289 on Best Seasonal Romance {Christmas, Winter} list
Updated selection post in message 133
Week 4: SelectionOption 1
What He Wants for Christmas
Pages: 211/GR
How it fits: #226 on the Contemporary Christmas/Winter Romance List
Week 4: CompletionOption 1
What He Wants for Christmas
Pages: 211/GR
How it fits: #226 on the Contemporary Christmas/Winter Romance List
Date Completed: 10/26/24
Rating: *4 STARS*
This was just what the doctor ordered for me. A sweet romance with just enough cheese to have me smiling at the end. I love the Westmorelands and the Outlaw cousins have been a welcome addition. Pretty soon that family is going to take over the whole country (and beyond). They sure are prolific.
Anyway, I am a sucker for a second chance romance and this one was sweet even if it was very far fetched. I enjoyed Leslie and Sloan coming back together. I was annoyed that things got messed up again for the same reasons it did the first time (lack of communication) but it worked out in the end.
I'm looking forward to have Leslie's best friend and Sloan's best friend getting a book. I have to look to see if that's been done already because I have a feeling that one will lead to some serious fireworks!
Completion PostWeek #3 (Option 1)
Date: 10/26/24
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
The first chapter drew me in. It was hilarious and thought it set a good tone for what was to come. As the story moved along I enjoyed the banter between the MCs. But I got over it pretty quickly. It just became tiresome and I was ready for this experience to end.
So they are "pirates" who fly houses (as opposed to ships). It threw me for a loop when I first read that (I was so confused). And there are assassins, ghosts, kidnappings, thieving, constant attempts to kill one another, and finally romance. I feel like the author tried to pull too many elements together, or maybe it was just the way it was done, but it felt like too much at times and all over the place. Also what was up with those chapter titles?!?!
I do agree with others that this was "quirky" and "witty" and "silly", and maybe at a different time I would enjoy it more. I don't know, but I'm not sure I will continue with this series.
Completion Post🚦Week 3Option 1
Call🚦9. After mixing, let it rise
Task🚦Read a book from a popular new author
Book🚦Apprentice to the Villain
Pages🚦342 (GR kindle, linked edition)
How it fits🚦debut novel Assistant to the Villain published in August 29th 2023
Date Read🚦10.28 ★★★★
Review
Nice second book to a series - we get a little more depth to the MCs although near the end I was starting to get over the "I'm not good enough for her/He'd never love me" inner dialogue they each were carrying on with themselves. Slow-build romances are great and the tension can be exciting, but I feel like it's starting to stretch out a bit. I understand both characters need to resolve some issues within themselves, but like I said, I'm getting to the point of eye-rolling. If the 3rd book drags out the entire time with this same inner narrative, I'll be disappointed. On the other hand, I do really like this world and all the characters. I think Lyssa is going to be a major influencer in how things shake out, just a feeling I have. Hope we don't have to wait long for the next one... 2025, hopefully early.
I might end up changing my week 4 selection because my Gift Exchange book was on one of the lists here as well. I'll wait and see what else I end up needing to for the new TW... and end of the month stuff!
Completion PostWeek #4 (Option 1)
Date: 10/28/24
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
This was a cute book for the most part. Just wish it was a little bit longer!
I loved Riley Kennedy - she was a cutie. But I think I would've liked it more if Kennedy didn't come off as an ass for most of it. Not only his attitude (arrogant and a little swarmy), but showing up at the airport uninvited proposing the fake boyfriend plan? Yea, a little creepy too. He never quite grew on me, though there were a couple moments when he made me laugh. How can someone who works in publishing not get the knight on a white horse reference?!?!
So a little insta-lovey, a little cheesy, a little sweet, with a cute epilogue to tie it all up with a nice big bow.
Laura wrote: "Quick update for us:Week 1 - Completed
Week 2 - Vicki, The Bee Sting
Week 3 - LaurLa, Apprentice to the Villain; Vicki, One Summer in Savannah
(I assume Vicki's Week 3 book is also on the Vowels..."
I hope I didn't mess up too badly! I forgot to post my completion...ugh. I'll do that now.
Completion Post ~ Week #2Option 1
Book: Paul Murray
Date Read: 17 October 2024
Rating: 4 stars
Review
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this one. The Bee Sting (the title itself) did not in any way pique my interest. If it hadn't been that it was a GR Choice Awards book, I wouldn't have picked it up. It doesn't tie ends up...not any really...Murray leaves it up to the reader to decide how things end and left me wondering if there will be a book #2. If so, I will read it for sure.
Completion Post ~ Week #3Option 1
Book: One Summer in Savannah
Date Read: 28 October 2024
Rating: 5 stars
Review
First, I'd like to say that in the blurb (which I didn't read prior to reading the book) it lets the readers know that there is a "terrifying sexual assault," and I would say that it's very realistic. That being said, some readers might not want to read this one if that is a potential trigger for anyone.
What I want to add is that the realism is one of the aspects that I "liked" about the book. Nothing seemed contrived to me. I thought the author did an amazing job broaching the subject of abuse and sexual assault.
Sara's assault (view spoiler) The plot was not only heartbreaking but also uplifting/inspiring for reasons the readers will understand. I hope if you're not triggered by the above that you'll read this one!
Selection Post ~ Week 4Option 1
Book: Some Like It Cold
Author: Elle McNicoll
Pages: 368
Qualification: #481 on the Contemporary Christmas/Winter Romance list
Option 1
Book: Snowed In For Christmas
Pages: 208
Qualification: #226 on the Contemporary Christmas/Winter Romance list
R~wka wrote: "Selection Post ~ Week 4Option 1
Book: Snowed In For Christmas
Pages: 208
Qualification: #226 on the Contemporary Christmas/Winter Roma..."
The edition you linked doesn't show a page count. The second edition down on the list, another Kindle shows 208 pages. Please link the correct edition. Thanks!
Completion Post - Week 4Book: Network Effect
Date Read: 10/28
Rating: 5 stars
Review: Murderbot is my feel good comfort series. Always. Need to talk to someone? Turn and face a wall. Need to see someone's face? Angle your drones to get a better view. Need to think? Turn on some media. What's not to love about Murderbot? Murderbot is the most reluctant hero that ever saved a life. And ART is back, which just adds a whole new dimension to the series. Especially when it is suggested that there is a relationship between the two of them. I laugh so hard at that every time I listen!
Vicki wrote: "I hope I didn't mess up too badly! I forgot to post my completion...ugh. I'll do that now."You're good!
LaurLa wrote: "I might end up changing my week 4 selection because my Gift Exchange book was on one of the lists here as well. I'll wait and see what else I end up needing to for the new TW... and end of the mont..."Don't forget to post before the new week starts Friday evening if you do change!
Selection Post🚦Week 4 REVISEDOption 1
Call🚦17. Eat it straight away or freeze for another day
Task🚦Read a book from one of the following lists
Book🚦My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories
Pages🚦338 (GR kindle, linked edition)
How it fits🚦#157 on Best Seasonal Romance {Christmas, Winter} list
(corrected) Selection Post ~ Week 4
Option 1
Book: Snowed In For Christmas
Pages: 208
Qualification: #226 on the Contemporary Christmas/Winter Romance list
Laura wrote: "R~wka wrote: "Selection Post ~ Week 4Option 1
Book: Snowed In For Christmas
Pages: 208
Qualification: #226 on the Contemporary Christm..."
Done. Thank you.
Week 5Option 1
2. The use of sourdough in bread leavening developed in approximately 3000 BC
* Read a book with MPG historical.
MPG = main page genre.
This means the genre must show up on the book's main page on GR. You can click on 'more' but you can't go to the full page of tags (once you click on 'show all')
Option 2
Key date: 3 May 2024
Team mate read on or after this date and rated at least 3 stars
Option 3
Pass
A selection post must be made for whichever option you choose - INCLUDING A PASS
Refer msg 3 in your team thread for formatting of all 3 options.
Selection PostWeek #5 - Option 1
Pages: 452
How it fits: MPG Historical
Completion Post🚦Week 4Option 1
Call🚦17. Eat it straight away or freeze for another day
Task🚦Read a book from one of the following lists
Book🚦My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories
Pages🚦338 (GR kindle, linked edition)
How it fits🚦#157 on Best Seasonal Romance {Christmas, Winter} list
Date Read🚦11.01 ★★★★
Review
What an interesting set of stories. Each seemed to have just a little bit of an edge. I guess I sort of thought it'd be all Hallmark Channel Christmas sweetness and while the stories were 'sweet' in one way or another, they weren't saccharine, if that makes sense. I enjoyed reading a few authors that are popular but hadn't tried (Rainbow Rowell, Laini Taylor) so maybe I will pick up a new author or two as well.
Selection Post🚦Week 5Option 1
Call🚦2. The use of sourdough in bread leavening developed in approximately 3000 BC
Task🚦Read a book with MPG historical
Book🚦Murder in the East End
Pages🚦313 (GR kindle, linked edition)
How it fits🚦mpg historical
Week 5: CompletionOption 1
Indigo
Pages: 372/GR
How it fits: MPG Historical
Date completed: 11/1/24
Rating: *4.5 STARS*
This was so good. I am not usually a fan of historical romance, but Beverly Jenkins will always be my exception to the rule. This has a bit of everything and kept me riveted from beginning to end.
Hester's plight was one of struggle but she was such an amazing person that she never got down on herself or had a "woe is me" attitude. She was grateful for her freedom and wanted to help as many like her as she could get their freedom too.
When she met Galen, her world was turned upside down in more ways than one, but they were so perfectly matched that I knew there was no way they wouldn't end up together. I loved the two of them together. I loved that there was finally someone in Hester's life that would move heaven and earth for her. She deserved it and so much more.
I knew there was going to be a betrayal, one I was expecting but the other I wasn't. It's the same old thing in these kinds of stories. There will always be one who puts themselves above the cause. It never fails. But, I am so glad that everything worked out the way it was supposed to.
The ending was so special. I couldn't believe it. I was bawling my eyes out.
I understand why this book got so many wonderful reviews.
My only complaint on this one was the narrator. She had a lot of trouble with some pronunciations. It was pitiful. I know that this was done years ago, I can only be glad that there are so many wonderful narrators out there that I won't have to be subjected to this one again!
Selection Post - Week 5Option 2
Book: Assistant to the Villain
Pages: 425
How it works: LaurLa read it 6/2/24 and rated it 4 stars
LaurLa wrote: "Completion Post🚦Week 4Option 1
Call🚦17. Eat it straight away or freeze for another day
Task🚦Read a book from one of the follow..."
It's been awhile since I read this, but I remember that edge to most of the stories. Laini Taylor is a long-time favorite of mine, and Rainbow Rowell is an author who I'm slowly working through their book catalog. And enjoying every read along the way!
Sassafrass wrote: "My only complaint on this one was the narrator. She had a lot of trouble with some pronunciations. It was pitiful. I know that this was done years ago, I can only be glad that there are so many wonderful narrators out there that I won't have to be subjected to this one again!"This made me think of Benedict Cumberbatch trying (and failing) to say penguin properly in a documentary he narrated a few years ago. It always makes me laugh.
Laura wrote: "Sassafrass wrote: "My only complaint on this one was the narrator. She had a lot of trouble with some pronunciations. It was pitiful. I know that this was done years ago, I can only be glad that th..."ok, well now I'll have to find that documentary. I have to hear it!
I think you can find just snippets on YouTube if you google his name + penguin.
Laura wrote: "I think you can find just snippets on YouTube if you google his name + penguin."HA! what makes it so funny is how posh he sounds and then just destroys the word! LOL
Sassafrass wrote: "Laura wrote: "I think you can find just snippets on YouTube if you google his name + penguin."HA! what makes it so funny is how posh he sounds and then just destroys the word! LOL"
Pengwings!
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
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Week #3 - Option 1
Pages: 336
How it fits: This is debut book for author, published 06/15/2021"
I assume this one is on the Vowels list for Turf Wars? :)