Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Pass The Parcel (Team Challenge)
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PtP R24 - Aisle be there for you (4)
Hi everyone! I've updated the tracking post and everything looks good! Everyone has made their selection and so far we have 2 completion posts.I hope I'll be awake tonight to post the new theme when it's announced! I wish everyone a nice weekend :)
Hi everyone! Here's the theme for Week 2.💍WEEK #2💍
Option 1
5. The ceremony follows well established rituals
Read a book with the MPG 'Magic'.
This must be on the main page and not after you extend the genres to a full page list.
Option 2
Key date: 25 October 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 #1 OUTSTANDING POSTS
CB - completion post
Trip - completion post
Amber - completion post
Week #2 - Option 1 – SELECTION POSTBook: A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows
Pages: 259
How the book qualifies: MPG: Magic
So sorry team, but I am literally suffering through my book choice from last week... I've made it to like Pg 70 through pure will power, but I don't know that I can push through another 100pgs to reach half way 😭I know I can no longer switch as too late, so if it helps for the team I will leave so y'all still have opportunity win later. I think this early it's not penalty to you all and I'm extremely sorry 💛
oh no! I can't imagine they'd be that harsh to not let you select another book even though the date has passed. I think everyone would back you up for a one time free pass to change - I'm fine with that.
I’m a little behind this week, but hoping to finish my book tomorrow and will post my completion post!
Trio wrote: "oh no! I can't imagine they'd be that harsh to not let you select another book even though the date has passed. I think everyone would back you up for a one time free pass to change - I'm fine with..."Unfortunately here’s what is written the Q&A section:
Members can only change their book selection in that theme's week. Once the next theme is announced, books are set in stone and cannot be changed.
which means Trip had the chance to change the selection up until the new theme was announced. I will write to Jane to understand what is the procedure in this case.
Amber wrote: "I’m a little behind this week, but hoping to finish my book tomorrow and will post my completion post!"No worries, thanks for the update Amber!
Trip wrote: "So sorry team, but I am literally suffering through my book choice from last week... I've made it to like Pg 70 through pure will power, but I don't know that I can push through another 100pgs to r..."Hi Trip I’ve spoken with Jane to have some clarifications on the options we have:
1. You can continue in the challenge, not finishing that book and this means we lose our chance to win the challenge
2. You can try to keep reading the book until you reach 50% and then DNF it
3. You can decide to leave the challenge and our team will keep competing with one less player
Of course I would be happy if you decide to continue playing, but the choice is yours. Let me know :)
Chiara wrote: "Trip wrote: "So sorry team, but I am literally suffering through my book choice from last week... I've made it to like Pg 70 through pure will power, but I don't know that I can push through anothe..."I'd love to continue playing, but it feels unfair to the rest of the team as takes out of the running to win this early in the game.
So I will step down and let you all continue without me so you still have the opportunity, wishing you all the best! ✨
I figured this was the case having read q&a and played in the past, but I can't get to 50% It was hard enough get to 20% 😂 I should have started it before the week ended but was hectic with first week back to work, so didn't get round to it.
Again I'm Sorry for this!
Trio wrote: "oh no! I can't imagine they'd be that harsh to not let you select another book even though the date has passed. I think everyone would back you up for a one time free pass to change - I'm fine with..."Sadly it's in the rules, I just feel awful if it holds everyone else back from winning. But thank you for understanding ✨
Trip wrote: "Trio wrote: "oh no! I can't imagine they'd be that harsh to not let you select another book even though the date has passed. I think everyone would back you up for a one time free pass to change - ..."I'm so sorry Trip. I hate to see you leave. You can't just read 15-20 pages over the next 10 weeks?
I don't feel I can make an exception given we have made it through 23 rounds of the game and other readers who have hated their book just push through to that 50% mark :(
Jane (PS) wrote: "Trip wrote: "Trio wrote: "oh no! I can't imagine they'd be that harsh to not let you select another book even though the date has passed. I think everyone would back you up for a one time free pass..."Aww you're perfectly fine, I completely understand and definitely wouldn't be fair to give any exceptions. It's my own fault for not trying it ahead of time,I've played many times over the years so I knew what I was getting into
Just didn't expect to hate the book as much as I did. Sadly one of those things, I don't think I could even do small amounts over the challenge as I honestly feel I wouldn't. As like you say other readers have done it during the challenges so it wouldn't be fair not too 😔
I'd rather team have fair chance then bring everyone down with me, I'm sorry! I hope doesn't disqualify me for future challenges as I do adore these. May simply play for fun on the side.
Trip wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: "Trip wrote: "Trio wrote: "oh no! I can't imagine they'd be that harsh to not let you select another book even though the date has passed. I think everyone would back you up for a ..."Hi Trip - could you please PM me with the details of your hatred so we can discuss the book offline? Thanks!
Jane (PS) wrote: "Trip wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: "Trip wrote: "Trio wrote: "oh no! I can't imagine they'd be that harsh to not let you select another book even though the date has passed. I think everyone would back ..."Hey, I've messaged 😊
Week #2 - Option #1 - SELECTION POSTBook: Sin & Salvation by K.F. Breene
Pages: 325 pgs
How It Fits: MPG Magic
Week #1 - Option 1- COMPLETION POST Book: Ravishing in Red
Read: 4/23/2025
Rating: 3.5
Review:
This felt like a good introduction to Madeline Hunter and her writing style. The story overall had a nice plot and good mystery but it lacked romance. In my opinion. To me this made the book a bit forgettable. I mean overall I'm just forgettable when it comes to books I've read but this one I read only a few days ago and I couldn't even remember if the couple got married, lol.
So with that being said - I don't have much of an opinion. I didn't dislike it but I definitely did not love it.
Option 1 Week #2 Bookcover/link: Kingdom of Faewood
Page numbers: 386
How the book qualifies:
MPG Magic
Week #2 - Option 1- COMPLETION POSTBook: A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows
Date Read: April 28th
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Review: I'm not a big Fantasy/Paranormal reader but I really enjoyed this one. This book tells the story of Adara, a human who is Starblessed and betrothed to the prince of the fae due to her powers and his brother Evren, captain of the royal guards who is half fae and half vampyre. The story is not very complex and not much happens but I liked it nonetheless. This is the first book in a trilogy and since it ended in a cliffhanger I'll start reading the second book of the series right away to see where it goes.
Hi Team - Trip will continue to play, and select a new week 1 book, as well as their week 2 book. This will not impact your ability to chase a win.So please continue as per normal and hopefully Trip will be along again soon to make selections. 🤓
Thanks for letting me stick around 💛I'll get my selections/completions in later today/tomorrow, going to make sure actually enjoying before post this time 😂
Trip wrote: "Thanks for letting me stick around 💛I'll get my selections/completions in later today/tomorrow, going to make sure actually enjoying before post this time 😂"
😆😆
Week #1 - Option #1 - COMPLETION POSTBook: My Darling Bride by Ilsa Madden-Mills
Date Read: 4/28/25
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: I do love a spicy sports romance. Marriage of convenience made it more interesting. The author had good/complex character development. Loved the fact that the author touched heavily on CTE and how it relates to sports professionals to bring awareness to the audience. There is a second book about the main character, Emmy's sister, which I will absolutely want to read.
Week #2 - Completion 
Book: Temperance by Lark Taylor
Pages: 422
How the book qualifies: MPG Magic
Date Read: DNF 72%, 297pgs
Rating: 🌟🌟
Review: Honestly I adored the first half of this book, but I was cautious when realized how long and everything felt going too smoothly. I loved Blaise & Toby's dynamic, they were so sweet together and seeing the feeling develop from both sides was wonderful.
Sadly it falls apart towards the end with a ridiculous ott 3rd act break up and lack of communication. I'm just not invested in seeing them reunite after how it all went down, feel like hard to come back from. Both have own stuff to work through and making progress on... But I won't be finding out what happens, just broke my heart in pieces.
I think I just need to give up on this author, clearly not for me 😔
I'd love to say I don't DNF often, but like I seem to have fallen into an era 😂 I promise I'm enjoying and finishing books too, it's just funny how not been working out with the ones for here. Anyway I'm finding a book for first task now.
dang, I'm not feeling into magic this week and nobody had a book from before Oct 2024 that interested me - well, maybe I might do Bossman that CB read in Dec 2024 - and I don't want to use my PASS yet. I'll decide tomorrow.
Oh can’t wait to see your review if you do end up reading it Trio!
Trio wrote: "dang, I'm not feeling into magic this week and nobody had a book from before Oct 2024 that interested me - well, maybe I might do Bossman that CB read in Dec 2024 - and I don't want..."I feel you..I'm not a huge fantasy/pnr reader so I struggled as well to get in the right mood to complete the task!!
Tracking posts for week #1 and #2 are updated!
CB wrote: "Oh can’t wait to see your review if you do end up reading it Trio!"yes I'm checking my other challenges to see if I can get something to fit more than one lol, but I do really enjoy Vi Keeland!
I found a book MPG Magic that I can use for another challenge, so Bossman will have to wait for the next round lol.
Hey team!How's everyone doing? I have a 4 day break from work due to a national holiday and I'm really enjoying the extra rest and free time!
Here's a recap of our status before the theme for week #3 is announced:
WEEK #1
Trip needs to post
WEEK #2
All selections have been made and we're missing completion posts from:
- CB
- Amber
I'll try to stay up and post the new theme once is out!
Depending on what next task is I may possibly like to use pass if noone else is planning too/needs then? Away for the bank holiday weekend and start of exam season next week so pretty chaotic, I'm still be reading though so shall see what tasks is first 😊
💍WEEK #3💍Option 1
8. Marriage is a legal contract
Read a book with a main character who is a lawyer.
This can be shown via the precis, lists or tags. Please note if the qualification is in the precis or link to the list or shelf/tag.
Option 2
Key date: 1 November 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.
Completion Post, Week 2MPG Magic
A Cream of Passion by Nancy Warren
209 pages
How it Fits: MPG Magic
Read: 2 May
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
I've been adoring this series and I'm going to be so sad when I've read them all. Just cherishing them slowly. Fans of reality baking shows will enjoy this series, as well as fans of witch mysteries. It's a lot of fun and I rec reading them in order.
The audio versions of the entire series are nicely performed by Hollis McCarthy.
Trio wrote: "Completion Post, Week 2MPG Magic
A Cream of Passion by Nancy Warren
209 pages
How it Fits: MPG Magic
Read: 2 May
Rating: 4 stars"
Hi Trio - please add your review to your completion post. That's one of the requirements on this challenge :)
Week #3 - Option 1 – SELECTION POSTBook: After the Storm
Pages: 354
How the book qualifies: Tagged "lawyer" 11 times (female main character is a lawyer)
If someone else needs it, let me know and I will change.
Week #3 - Option #1 - Selection Post Book: Dead Rinker by Ruth Stilling
Pages: 374 pgs
How It Fits: tagged "lawyer" by 2 ppl on page 2
Week #2 - Option #1 - COMPLETION POSTBook: Sin & Salvation by K.F. Breene
Date Read: 5/5/25
Rating: 3 Stars
Review: I really wanted to love this book because I loved the first book a lot. I'm not really a Fantasy/Magic genre girl, so maybe that is why this book in the series was lost on me. I feel the author too often inserted mythical creatures/characters into the novel with little to no explanation of their powers and abilities. Not being one who typically reads this genre, it was very much difficult to follow without a google search on the creature. The first two books were following up to this epic fight scene, which also fell a little flat.
Jane (PS) wrote: "Trio wrote: "Completion Post, Week 2MPG Magic
A Cream of Passion by Nancy Warren
Hi Trio - please add your review to your completion post. That's one of the requirements on this challenge :)"
..."
oops sorry - I totally forgot - I've updated the post
Week #1 - Selection 
Book: Impromptu Match
Pages: 422
How the book qualifies: Suit on cover
Date Read: 5th May 2025
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Review:
'He was fun, and he made me feel fun. It was so easy with him. Like we’d just effortlessly clicked, despite being so different.'
While I adored aspects of this book, it suffered with being a long book but being mainly sex and little plot. It worked for the first half, yet fell apart and was let down by being dragged out and becoming repetitive...
Anyway I do adore Holt & Taylor, they're so fitting together. Compliment one another with their differences and I enjoyed their dynamic so much. Holts appreciation for Taylor's normal and Taylors admiration of Holt in all his shine.
Their initial meeting was entertaining, the mistaken identity and the stripper element along with deciding to spill their secrets. All the little details of their lives, mistakes, embarrassing moments and shameful tales.
Honestly this book was silly, sweet & steamy all in one which I did appreciate for the majority of the book.
Week #3 - Option #1 - COMPLETION POST Book: Dead Rinker by Ruth Stilling
Date Read: 5/6/25
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: I was excited about this book because I really liked the main character Kate when she made appearances in the previous books in the series. The spice was excellent. Storyline was cute, but I kept getting the ick from the MMC. Although I loved his personality and traits, it just didn't fit with how the author portrayed the FMC. I would have been happier with more context between the two.
Week #3 - Option 1- COMPLETION POSTBook: After the Storm
Date Read: May 8th
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: This books tells the story of Presley and Cage and it's a second chance romance since they dated for several years when they were young up until he broke up with her and then got another girl pregnant. After that she decided to marry another guy even if she didn't love him. Now he's a single father and she’s a lawyer in New York and they meet again when she goes back home to tend to her sick father. I love small town romances and this was very nice especially because it had plenty of animals in it (including a pig named Maxine!) and an adorable 5 year old girl.
However, I have mixed feeling about this book. I really enjoyed most of it..I loved their banter, I loved that even after years their feelings bf s were still there. And his daughter was simply adorable.
But when they finally sit down to talk about their past she tells him something I cannot agree with. Basically he broke up with her due to stress and distance when they were in grad school. He got another girl pregnant and now she tells him that she’s sorry because she should have fought harder for him instead of turning her back on him when she found out he was having a baby with someone else..
This is not ok.
Apart from that part I really liked this story, I loved the farm vibes and the family dynamic and now I want to go back and read the previous books in the series to learn more about the side characters.
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Book: Right Where I Want You
Read: April 23rd
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Review: I bought this book when it came out in 2018 but then I never got the chance to read it. It took me a while to get into the story because at first I found it a bit boring and I'm not a big fan of the office romance trope. But then after a while I started liking the banter between Georgina and Sebastian and especially the work environment and the camaraderie between Sebastian and Justin. And since I'm an animal lover I really enjoyed the fact that Bruno and Opal, the main character's dogs played a big part in the story. Unfortunately I couldn't give a higher rating because I didn't like the way Sebastian acted in a couple of occasions and I felt Georgina forgave him too easily. That being said, it's a nice and funny office romance that also deals with more serious themes such as loss and illness so I enjoyed reading it.