Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
>
PtP R23 - Readers Dough it Better (3)
Jane (PS) wrote: "For the correct version of the GR book posted and its page count:* You must quote the page numbers for your selected book each week. Please quote the goodreads page numbers (any edition of the bo..."
Just to verify, though. The linked edition of the book should be the page count quoted? That was what I actually meant for Vicki's post originally. The linked edition didn't have the page count she stated. :)
Cathy M. wrote: "Laura wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Laura wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "I'm STILL reading my book for Week 6... it's so boring me! I almost changed my selection (I REALLY should have), and already finished t..."Sorry just need to comment because you've read it. Just got to the part where (view spoiler)
I feel like I need to go back and re-read some portions because that was a surprise.
Oh, and today's announcement has already been posted :)
Cathy M. wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Laura wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Laura wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "I'm STILL reading my book for Week 6... it's so boring me! I almost changed my selection (I REALLY should have), and a..."The library was actually making that happen.
Completion 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
Date Read🚦11.15 ★★★★
Review
My favorite thing about this series is that it is told from the 'below stair' point of view. So many HR books are focused on the aristocracy (at least one of the MCs being nobility) and it's very interesting to see how the 'other half lived' so to speak. I love Kat - she is no nonsense but also a little naive at the same time. I enjoyed this particular story as we got to learn a little more about some of the other characters. I feel we are in for something scary with Naismith but I guess I'll find out what's to come.
Laura wrote: "I hate that feeling of being slightly overwhelmed because you have to read a different book for each challenge. But I do love that feeling after you have successfully done it!"Oye... the new call is title with 3 words. Every next up book I have for other challenges is 2 words 😜🤣
Ah well, I'll get there eventually!
LaurLa wrote: "Laura wrote: "I hate that feeling of being slightly overwhelmed because you have to read a different book for each challenge. But I do love that feeling after you have successfully done it!"Oye...."
No way! What are the odds?!
Option 1
Call🚦6. Including the starter, sourdough has only 3 ingredients - flour, water & salt
Task🚦Read a book with a title comprised of 3 words
Book🚦Party of Two
Pages🚦349 (GR kindle, linked edition)
How it fits🚦3 words
New selection post on msg 232
Week 7: CompletionOption 1
Shadows and Whispers
Pages: 386/GR
How it fits: three words in title
Date Completed: 11/15/24
Rating: *4.5 STARS*
I am not even sure where to be begin with this one! I had no idea at the beginning of this story that I would be actually rooting for Elias because I was not impressed when the story first started. But getting under all those layers, just like Cress did was well worth it.
There was a lot going on in this story but I loved the way that Cress was all in once she said I do. The whole forced marriage trope is one that I don't read a lot of so I was really surprised and impressed with this one. I loved that the author didn't shy away from the ugly stuff.
The story dealt with a lot of hard subjects but I liked the way that the author discussed the mental health issues head on. I was so mad at how let down Elias was by the medical system. It was sad and left him with a lot of issues to work through. But, I absolutely loved that Cress and Elias got their HEA! They definitely deserved it. Now, I'm looking forward to the other characters --Elias's brother, Cress's brother and sister -- getting their own books too. Elias's brother, is up next so I can't wait to jump right in on that book.
KC Mills in an author that I've had in my TBR for a while, but I just never got around to reading one of her books. Now that I have, I can't wait to read more!
Week 7Option 1
6. Including the starter, sourdough is made of only 3 ingredients - flour, water & salt
* Read a book with a title comprised of 3 words.
You must include A, An or The in the count if they are in the title.
Option 2
Key date: 17 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.
Hyphenated words will count as one word, per the Q&A. Which is a bummer because I plan to read Pay-Per-Heart off the Turf Wars list in the next few days.
Laura wrote: "Hyphenated words will count as one word, per the Q&A. Which is a bummer because I plan to read Pay-Per-Heart off the Turf Wars list in the next few days."That's sucky 🥲
Completion PostWeek #6 - Option 1
The Book That Wouldn’t Burn
Date Read: 11/16/24
Rating: 2.5 stars (rounded up to 3 though it should probably stay at 2)
Review:
"There must be diamonds out there, the best book in a thousand, the best book in a million, and surely he didn't want to waste his time reading one that was merely adequate when he could be reading one of those diamonds?"
How apt. I couldn't have said it better myself! Well I'm glad I finally finished. If it wasn't for challenges, I would've quit days ago.
This was a complex and intricately woven story but gosh was it a bore. At least until the last third of the book but by that point, it was too little too late. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the interesting parts were few and far between. I wanted more excitement and I wanted to understand this world more (about the Mechanism and the library) but instead just had more questions and felt extremely lost at times.
That being said, I did like some of the characters, namely Livira, Evar and Malar, and I do want to know what happens to them. But I think I'll wait for the trilogy to finish and google the Cliff Notes because I don't think I could get thru 2 more books like this.
Cathy M. wrote: "Completion PostWeek #6 - Option 1
The Book That Wouldn’t Burn
Date Read: 11/16/24
Rating: 2.5 stars (rounded up to 3 though it should probably stay at 2)
Review:
"There must be..."
I did listen to the first book, so that might have made a difference for me. That might be why I did pick up the 2nd book, but the library only had a physical copy.
Laura wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Completion PostWeek #6 - Option 1
The Book That Wouldn’t Burn
Date Read: 11/16/24
Rating: 2.5 stars (rounded up to 3 though it should probably stay at 2)
Revie..."
Maybe I should've gotten the audio! But it was 22 hours and that seemed too long to me. Thought I would've read it faster but looking back, audio probably would've been quicker.
Cathy M. wrote: "Laura wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Completion PostWeek #6 - Option 1
The Book That Wouldn’t Burn
Date Read: 11/16/24
Rating: 2.5 stars (rounded up to 3 though it should probably sta..."
I listen at 2x speed, so the points where you were confused while reading, I just chalked it up to my listening, rather than his writing. :)
Laura wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Laura wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Completion PostWeek #6 - Option 1
The Book That Wouldn’t Burn
Date Read: 11/16/24
Rating: 2.5 stars (rounded up to 3 though it sh..."
Lol :D
Off point, but didn't you used to live in Cali? I thought so but your profile shows NC.
Yes. My kids and I needed a fresh start so we moved about 2 years ago.
I thought so! Awww another east coast Cali transplant :D I lived in LA but moved to SC in 2021 due to my husband's job (though I still work in LA and fly back every month).
We've got Historical Fiction in The Amazing Race, so I'm changing my Week 7 book.
Selection Post - RevisedWeek: 7
Option: 1
Book: The King's Omega
Page count: 332
How it fits: Three word title
Week 5: completion post
A Scot Mess
Date Read: 14 Nov
Rating: 4,5 tars
Review:
The book has Fiona and Skye, identical twin sisters and Finn and Duncan also identical twin brother. This story is about Fiona and Finn, both forgot to mention that they have twins so there are moments of mistaken-identity full of humor. It was a perfect good book for my busy week. (view spoiler)
I'm curious to read the next book about Skye and Duncan
Completion Post🚦Week 6Option 1
Call🚦11. Its not ready until there are bubbles through the dough
Task🚦Read a book with the title or series name starting with the letter 'B'
Book🚦Beard Science
Pages🚦424 (GR kindle, linked edition)
How it fits🚦title B
Date Read🚦11.19 ★★★★
Review
For the most part, I really loved this book. There was a point a little past midway where I started to feel like it was going to go too long in the "i'm not good enough for her/he could never love someone like me" drama... but the author pulled it out just in time! I enjoyed watching Jenn find her backbone and herself and Cletus was just fun. Great story and I understand they have their own little spin-off, so that's exciting!
Am I caught up except for week 7??!!??
Completion Post ~ Week 4Option 1
Book: Some Like It Cold by Elle McNicoll
Date Read: 21 Nov 2024
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
This was just a beautiful Christmas story with all the feel-goods I love during this time of year especially. Jasper is a neurodivergent who is autistic. Those on the spectrum have some degree of lacking the ability to socialize without some awkwardness due to overstimulation in certain social settings. What I didn't like is that her mother made sure that she knew she was "imperfect" so Jasper carried that label with her, culminating in her not being able to be her authentic self. But she is caring and nurturing and a genuinely good person. I thought her character was well-developed and I really felt for her plight, but she had self-growth and learned to stand up for herself and who she is.
Selection Post🚦Week 7 -- REVISEDOption 1
Call🚦6. Including the starter, sourdough has only 3 ingredients - flour, water & salt
Task🚦Read a book with a title comprised of 3 words
Book🚦His Brother's Wife
Pages🚦285 (GR kindle, linked edition)
How it fits🚦3 words
Laura wrote: "We've got Historical Fiction in The Amazing Race, so I'm changing my Week 7 book."Same - I add updated post above.
LaurLa wrote: "Am I caught up except for week 7??!!??"Yes. Everybody is!
LaurLa wrote: "Great story and I understand they have their own little spin-off, so that's exciting!"Yes. I love the Jenn & Cletus mysteries!
Completion Post🚦Week 7Option 1
Call🚦6. Including the starter, sourdough is made of only 3 ingredients - flour, water & salt
Task🚦Read a book with a title comprised of 3 words
Book🚦His Brother's Wife
Pages🚦285 (GR kindle, linked edition)
How it fits🚦3 words
Date Read🚦11.21 ★★★
Review
Ugh - I had to grit my teeth through a good portion of this one because there was a ton of repetition in their minds about how much they 'liked' each other but couldn't have the other because of reasons... But we had some good action, finally, in the final third that saved it for me.
Week 8Option 1
13. When shaping, the dough is often referred to as either a 'boule' or 'baton'
Read a romance featuring a sporty MC or a law enforcement MC.
Please show how the book qualifies, using the main page (eg precis/blurb/MPG), lists or shelves/tags. All evidence must be on goodreads and something that can be easily checked and accessed.
Option 2
Key date: 24 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 Post - Week 8Option 2
Book: The Awakening
Page Count: 512
How it fits: Read by LaurLa on 9/14 and rated 4 stars
Week 8: CompletionOption 1
Put That On Everything
Pages: 390/GR
How it fits: MPG Sports romance
Date completed: 11/23/24
Rating: *4.5 STARS*
Trevor Holton! Where have you been all my life, bawbee! WHEW! Yes, I loved this. I loved Sutton and Trevor's chemistry. But, I loved more how complex Trevor was. He seemed to be just your average f-boy athlete running through women but he was so much more than that. He had a rough way of it but made it through.
The author didn't try to sugar coat the things he had to do in his rough upbringing. He lived through things and did things that Sutton didn't even have to fathom. But he needed her to love all parts of him not just the parts he grew into with his fame.
Their relationship wasn't easy (well except for in bedroom) but that is what made their HEA that much more worth it. I thought for sure Sutton would mess things up by not claiming him the way he so desperately needed and deserved but my girl came through.
I loved the secondary characters in this story too. Mission and Navarro and then of course Rachel and Kenyon. I will be reading their respective stories as well.
KC Mills is a newer to me author but everything I have read of hers has been wonderful. I can't wait to read more of this author's work.
Selection PostWeek #8 - Option 1
Pages: 139
How it fits: MC is professional surfer
Edited to add from blurb: On holiday in Hawaii over Christmas, she meets Alex McConnell, a successful young surfer on the islands for a surfing competition.
And MPG Sports and MPG Sports Romance
Selection Post🚦Week 8Option 1
Call🚦13. When shaping, the dough is often referred to as either a 'boule' or 'baton'
Task🚦Read a romance featuring a sporty MC or a law enforcement MC
Book🚦Fall Into Me
Pages🚦274 (GR kindle, linked edition)
How it fits🚦male MC is sheriff deputy per blurb on book page
Laura wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: "For the correct version of the GR book posted and its page count:* You must quote the page numbers for your selected book each week. Please quote the goodreads page numbers (any..."
Oh - yes. The linked book & their page count should match :)
Completion Post ~ Week 7Option 1
Book: Hang the MoonHang the Moon
Read: 16 Nov 2024
Rating: 4 stars
Review
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm so glad I read it. Set in Virginia during the Prohibition ad Great Depression, and moonshine...the illegal kind, and it hooked me from the get-go. Plenty of characters to love (or not) but even though there were many characters they weren't confusing to follow and keep track of who each one was as they all had such specific roles.
Sallie's father made me sad because she grew up with a father who banished her from their home. Not only that, but it was evident that nobody in her family had a great love for her so it was heartbreaking for me to read her story. She had a place in her family business of moonshining IF she could somehow prove herself which was a tall order for her because of how they were towards her.
I love the historical setting and timeline of this book. It helped that one of my favorite genres, if not my favorite, is historical fiction. I loved the rural setting of the mountains of Virginia and the outdoorsy setting. I believe this is my first read for this author and I'll definitely read more of her writing.
Selection Post~ Week 8Option 1
Task: Read a romance featuring a sporty MC or a law enforcement MC
Book: All Lined Up
Pages: 321 (first kindle edition)
How it Fits: MPG Sports Romance - the male MC is a football quarterback for Rusk University
Completion PostWeek #7 - Option 1
One Bossy Proposal
Read: 11/22/24
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
I liked bits and parts of this story, but as a whole, it was just ok.
I think the biggest problem I had was that the author kept forcing the same issues over and over again. Like the Regis (cinnamon) rolls incident when the two MCs initially met, or that Dakota was distantly related to Edgar Allan Poe, or that both were hurt in prior relationships, including being stood up at the altar. The banter between the two was funny at first but got old so quick. So did Dakota’s snark. And don’t even get me started on the angsty part of the story.
I loved the introduction of Wyatt and his and Lincoln’s bond. Those scenes were actually my favorite parts. But this is a romance so that tells you a lot when you care more about a side story than the actual romance of the two MCs.
Completion PostWeek #8 - Option 1
Read: 11/24/24
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
A quick beach holiday smutty read. Nothing unexpected - woman meets hot pro surfer on the beach and let the sexy times begin. Including with the surfer’s hot older agent/friend. Total insta-love which happened way too quick (between all 3). Lots of sex but not a lot of substance.
@R~wka - don't forget to post your Week selection before the Week 9 call is made!Also, if I've totally missed it, which is possible, someone please point me in the right direction. :)
Completion Post - Week 7Task: 3 Word Title
Book: The King's Omega
Date Read: 11/29
Rating: 3 stars
Review: I wanted to love this one. I have loved other Merri Bright books that I've read. But this one was only okay. It tried too hard to go in too many directions, rather than really focusing on the developing relationships. And when the action suddenly took off, it was completed to magically easily, without any of the actual struggle real life has.
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Chasing Her (other topics)In the Lives of Puppets (other topics)
In the Lives of Puppets (other topics)
Shadowed Steel (other topics)
Bishop's Flight (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
T.J. Klune (other topics)T.J. Klune (other topics)
Ellen Alpsten (other topics)
Elle McNicoll (other topics)
Elle McNicoll (other topics)
More...
I will have week 5 done later today.
It would be really lovely if this wee..."
I hate that feeling of being slightly overwhelmed because you have to read a different book for each challenge. But I do love that feeling after you have successfully done it!