Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
The Amazing Race Team Challenge
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TART12 - Easier Read Than Said (2)
Task 14 - 38. Read a minimum of 1000 pages in books with a non-English language edition.
Fated Blades
Page numbers: 222 (1st Kindle edition)
Qualifies: Portuguese edition:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Date Completed: 29 October
Rating/Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A stray thought flickered through her mind. It must be so nice to have someone like him watching your back. Someone competent. Decisive. Someone who has his shit together. Too bad he is an enemy.
When their spouses not only have an affair, but also work together to steal both their companies' secret research, enemies become partners then fated mates to retrieve their research and save face. Ilona Andrews always gets the mix of plot, characters, spice and action just right. I also thought the narration by Aaron Shedlock was good too.
You are all set to get a new task tomorrow. 📚
Here is your next task!Task 15 - 95. As a team, select an animal. Read 8 books tagged with that animal.
You can use any animal, real or mythical. Books must be tagged/shelved to qualify for this task. Please include the selected animal in your completion posts. Also include a link to the top shelves page with your qualifying tag along with the number of tags and the top shelves page number. This information is extremely helpful if the link is broken or the tag moves - and both often happen!
We chose wolves.Starting
Task 15 - 95. As a team, select an animal. Read 8 books tagged with that animal.
Mate Set by Laurann Dohner
Pages: 179
How book qualified: Tagged wolves by 12 people (page 1, middle column)
Date Completed: 30 Oct
Rating: 2 stars
Review
This was going to be 3 stars for most of the book, but then the conflict was unnecessarily drawn out – Mika and Grady (especially him) just needed to talk. I liked them, but I needed more scenes with the pack and Grady’s brothers who you don’t even think about until they suddenly show up at the end.
I’m not sure if I’ll continue with the series (none of the characters were shown enough for me to be interested in their stories), but I think I’m going to try other series by this author.
Reading
or
for my second book
Going to read
and
Honeysuckes: https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
Alpha's Temptation: https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
I'm going to finish one book, then go to my regular Halloween programming of watching Horror themed movies all day. With that said I may not get to my 2nd book until tomorrow.
Task 15 - 95. As a team, select an animal. Read 8 books tagged with that animal.Claiming Shayla by Zena Wynn
Pages: 245
How book qualified: Tagged wolves by 2 people
https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
Date Completed: 10.31
Rating: 5 Stars
Review Shayla is curious by nature and gets herself into a complicated situation when she sates her curiosity with Alpha Rory McFelan she finds herself mated, pregnant and fighting her true feelings for Rory.
I liked this one, read years and years ago. Good chemistry and I forgot how fun this author's reads were.
Task 15 - 95. As a team, select an animal. Read 8 books tagged with that animal.
Fated to the Wolf Prince by April L. Moon
Pages: 298
How book qualified: Tagged wolves by 17 people (page 1, third column)
Date Completed: 1 Nov
Rating: 2 stars
Review
This book was okay, but I didn’t like how some things were brought up and then left without much explanation, which seems to be so that there’s enough plot left for the next books.
While I was curious about Shay’s character, I think the problems I had with this book are still going to be annoying and I’m worried that her shyness will suddenly disappear, which is usually what happens with “shy” main characters.
Task 15 - 95. As a team, select an animal. Read 8 books tagged with that animal.
Wild
Page numbers: 214 (1st Kindle edition)
Qualifies: Tagged wolves x 11 (1st page, 1st Column): https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
Date Completed: 1 November
Rating/Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“She’s my mate,” I growled through clenched teeth. “She was standing in the middle of a fucking storm watching the creek flood over the road. I thought she might do something stupid and cross.” “Instead she did you.” Rob’s lips twitched as he said it.
A chance meeting leads Colton to find his mate, only to fond out she is a human and still in college. Colton only hopes he can give Marina time to have a life before the moon sickness takes him. I liked that the age gap didn't assume Marina was annoyingly stupid just because she was young. Great chemistry and all the growly "Mine" action from a good shifter romance.
Task 15 - 95. As a team, select an animal. Read 8 books tagged with that animal.
Shards of Frost
Page numbers: 267 (1st Kindle edition)
Qualifies: Tagged wolf x 10 (1st page, 2nd Column):
https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
Date Completed: 2 November
Rating/Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Oh, the talented Casey Frost fails to score. Then again, ‘failure’ runs in your family, doesn’t it? How is your junkie brother, by the way?” Balling up her hands, Casey ground her teeth. She’d love to send one of her fists crashing into this heifer’s jaw. “You know, I can’t help but get the feeling that the smartest thing that ever escaped your mouth was a dick.”
While Eli was everything you could hope for in a growly alpha shifter, Casey stole the show for me. An enforcer for her pack, she was a badass with a soft underbelly. Her mink pack soccer team moments were fun too. I also like how this series approaches a mate bond - it happens upon first contact but certain moments have to take place for it to stick.
Task 15 - 95. As a team, select an animal. Read 8 books tagged with that animal.
Pages: 234
How book qualified: Tagged wolves 1 personhttps://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
Date Completed: 11.1
Rating: 4 Stars
Alpha Dade Stone is close to thirty and still hasn't found a mate. I an effort to avoid a woman determined to land him as a mate, Dade finds the sweetest surprise, his fated mate. Halle Fielding has been burnt by men in her life too many times to count. When Dade lets her know she is his mate, she doesn't jump readily into his arms. Dade has to prove he is Halle's everything.
I thought this was a lot of fun, had not read this author before so was a pleasant surprise.
Task 15 - 95. As a team, select an animal. Read 8 books tagged with that animal.
Book/Author: Honeysuckles by January Rayne
Kindle Pages: 301
How it fits: Tagged Wolves
https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
Finished: 10/31
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: WTF did I just read? Nothing about the description of what happened to Creed, his appearance, or his behavior after he finds his mate should make me like this story, but I did.
This is a first for me, not just by this author, but of the making of this "monster" that is Creed. The story is very graphic in all ways, but I appreciated the explanation of how Creed came to be this way. She could have easily given us a "monster" without an explanation, so many authors do it that way.
After I started, I realized that there has to be more stories in this world because there was definitely something going on with Caden. I don't know if it's because he's been mentioned somewhere before, but it felt like we should know why he understood something about the change in Demi's scent.
Either way, I will be continuing with this series in hopes that things continue to go this well.
Task 15 - 95. As a team, select an animal. Read 8 books tagged with that animal.
Book/Author: Alpha's Temptation by Renee Rose
Kindle Pages: 253
How it fits: Tagged Wolves 17x
https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
Finished: 11/01
Rating: ⭐⭐
Review: This was just okay for me. I was confused about why Jackson didn't seem to know important info about shifters even though he was raised with them, well at least one important thing to do with mating. Then of course there was the misunderstanding part, which is usual in romance (doesn't mean I like it), but this was after he talked about trusting his instincts which he evidently didn't actually do. And of course, the reveal about Kylie wasn't a surprise since hints had been thrown throughout the story. Plus, there had to be some reason that they could actually mate. I'm just surprised he wasn't able to tell with his keen senses before someone told him.
Here is your next task!Task 16 - 44. Read 6 books by authors who use initials in their name.
Examples would include J.D. Robb, Jennifer L. Armentrout or T.J. Klune. Include the author's name in your completion post.
Starting with
- Ember L. Nicole
Julie wrote: "I have checked us in earlier."Evidently, I can't count. This is the 2nd time I miscounted how many books were completed or I would have checked us in.
Shan ~A~ wrote: "Julie wrote: "I have checked us in earlier."Evidently, I can't count. This is the 2nd time I miscounted how many books were completed or I would have checked us in."
😊 I can totally relate.
Task 16 - 44. Read 6 books by authors who use initials in their name.
Rescued and Ruined
Page numbers: 193 (1st Kindle edition)
Qualifies: Author - V.T. Bonds
Date Completed: 3 November
Rating/Review: ⭐⭐⭐
“So, you want me solely because of my genetics? Fuck you.” “Anytime, omega. I’m ready."
I liked this book for the same reasons I struggled to enjoy it. Both Raeni and Craize are traumatised by their past and meet while in the midst of a life and death situation which forms 95% of the plot. Its not a love story in the traditional sense and I feel the way Raemi was treated by her "rescuers" is only not considered abuse because its is an Omegaverse. Also most of the couple's issues could have been solved with communication, however given the traumatic situation maybe this was realistic?
The writing was interesting enough that I wanted to see how it ended & will continue with the series.
Task 16 - 44. Read 6 books by authors who use initials in their name.
Runaway Omega by Ember L. Nicole
Pages: 550
How book qualified: Ember L. Nicole
Date Completed: 3 Nov
Rating: 3 stars
Review
I liked reading about a scared omega who was actually scared and slowly started to trust the alphas she ran into during her escape. I liked their interactions and how they got to know each other since the guys stayed at home to make sure that Everleigh was comfortable. I wouldn’t say that the guys were all completely different, but they had their own personalities and I feel like they were all shown in the book equally. While there was still the element of their scents attracting them to each other, I liked that this wasn’t a lust-focused/heavy book.
There were some side characters that I liked, such as Hali, but they kind of disappeared near the end due to the plot. I wanted to see more of them, especially (view spoiler).
The book did slow down a bit for me near the end, and I enjoyed it slightly less, but I want to continue with the series to find out what happens with Resa and I’m assuming Pack Lucas.
Reading
- L. Pierce
Task 16 - 44. Read 6 books by authors who use initials in their name.
Novak Grizzly
Page numbers: 211 (1st Kindle edition)
Qualifies: Author - T.S. Joyce
Date Completed: 4 November
Rating/Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Well, his friends sound lame. And he sounds like a boring moron. A boron. You dated a boron. Congratulations, you found one; they are super rare.”
A band of misfits stuck in the mountains needed a bear shifter to change things up. Remi and Kamp were likeable and the book was a fun, "perfect way to escape from reality" read. I'm looking forward to Rhett and Grim's stories.
Task 16 - 44. Read 6 books by authors who use initials in their name.
Page numbers: 528)
Qualifies: Author - K.C. Kean
Date Completed: 11.3
Rating/Review: 5 Stars
Hook, line and sinker I am a fan. I was captivated by P- that is the name of Polaris for the beginning of the book. At the age of 10 she is has her blood tested to see if she is a match. What happens next is unthinkable. Tangled web of intrigue with this book and thrilled I picked it out for my series obsession new to me read. I was thinking the story would lead one way only to have it lead in a completely different direction. Should have picked up sooner.
Task 16 - 44. Read 6 books by authors who use initials in their name.
Book/Author: The Bones Beneath My Skin by T.J. Klune
Kindle Pages: 388
Finished: 11/03
How it fits: T. J Klune author
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: This was an absolute journey of friendship, love, and helping a friend get home with major obstacles along the way.
Nate is going to cabin that he just inherited only to get there and discover that he has some squatters. Right off the bat things are interesting, as Alex and Artemis are in hiding and Alex definitely doesn't trust anyone.
After spending time together all of their relationships change, but the threat that Alex has been shielding Artemis from is closer than they think, so it's time to go.
There is not a dull moment at any point in this story and there were a few times that I was on the verge of tears. This reminds me of why I've started delving down the T.J Klune rabbit hole. Wonderful storytelling.
Emily wrote: "Task 16 - 44. Read 6 books by authors who use initials in their name.Page numbers: 528)
Qualifies: Author - K.C. Kean
Date Completed: 11.3
Ratin..."
I was keen to hear your thoughts on this one. It seems it wasn't a hit with some but I enjoyed it too.
Julie wrote: "Emily wrote: "Task 16 - 44. Read 6 books by authors who use initials in their name.Page numbers: 528)
Qualifies: Author - K.C. Kean
Date Complet..."
I am hooked, it is very different then I expected and I did not think it was as angsty as say Zodiac Academy etc. I mean it has some but you have to keep guessing what will happen because if the blood match dies so does the person who is the match. Then you have the whole only one can live when you hit 21.
Task 16 - 44. Read 6 books by authors who use initials in their name.
Desperate Run by C.J. Riggs & M.L. Burns
Pages: 476
How book qualified: C.J. Riggs
Date Completed: 4 Nov
Rating: 2 stars
Review
This was slightly different than what I was expecting, but I liked Max and Draven as well as the story, even though the rules of the carnival were kind of flexible depending on the convenience of what was needed for the plot. Also, the mazes ended up being trials.
Here is your next task!Task 17 - 102. Read 8 book published in odd months and odd years.
For this task you are using the initial publication date. If there is a date listed at the top of the editions page use it, otherwise the qualification will be from the earliest dated English language edition. The books selected need to be published in odd months (January, March, May, July, September, November) and odd years. For example, books initially published in January 2019 and July 2017 will work, but books initially published in March 2020 and December 2019 will not.
Starting with
- March 27th 2019
Also will do
First published September 12, 2023
Task 17 - 102. Read 8 book published in odd months and odd years.
Book/Author: Wild Sign by Patricia Briggs
Kindle Pages: 368
How it fits: Published March 16th 2021
Finished: 11/04
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Our duo is off on another adventure, and it was definitely something I wasn't expecting. I love the world and character building in this series. I've been hoping for background on Leah as a character and how she and Bran ended up mated when it seems to be no love lost coming from Bran. This book put her and their relationship in a new light. And we can see Charles realizing some things right along with the reader.
I really need to know what Leah saw when Bran opened up the mating bond towards the end and also what in the heck is going on with Samuel. We definitely need the adventures of for him.
Task 17 - 102. Read 8 book published in odd months and odd years.
Book/Author: Reluctant Husband by Hope Ford
Kindle Pages: 246
How it fits: January 16, 2023
Finished: 11/05
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Lucas proposes to Isabella to make his dying grandmother happy. His grandmother was friends with Isabella's grandma, who passed away, and now Isabella is her nurse.
It's clear after his first encounter with her after his grandma puts the idea of him and Isabella in his head that the chemistry is there, and he clearly feels more for her than he realizes.
My only problem is with how clueless he is when it comes to Kelly. If she's worked for him as long as she has he should have seen something negative in her behavior by now. He is definitely not observant because he was the only who didn't realize Isabella's feelings for him either.
Other than him being bit obtuse, I liked that he only had eyes for her once he made up his mind. And Isabella was just a sweet girl who wanted to make an old woman happy to her own possible detriment.
Task 17 - 102. Read 8 book published in odd months and odd years.
Until Hanna
Page numbers: 273 (1st Kindle edition)
Qualifies: First published November 17, 2023
Date Completed: 6 November
Rating/Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“All is fair in love and war. I told you that in the beginning.” “And I still don’t know what that means!” she yells. “It means that even if you refuse to fight for us, I always will, because I know what we have is worth the effort. You’re the first woman I’ve ever loved and the one person in my life I can’t stand being away from.
Another great addition to the series with a "he falls first" and an international storyline. Walker is an alpha in every sense of the word but the inclusion of his POV proves he is exactly what Hanna needs. I was curious to see how Hanna as a flight attendant found her BOOM moment when she was first introduced in a previous book and the HEA is typical but works.
Task 17 - 102. Read 8 book published in odd months and odd years.Book/Author:
by Lani Lynn ValeKindle Pages: 246
How it fits: November 4, 2025
Finished: 11/05
Rating: 5 Stars
Review: Shed way to many tears on this one. I have been eager to read Apollo's story and this exceeded expectations. He was always a bit of a mystery in previous books and he instantly became a huge favorite of mine. Perfect pairing with Dru. Her story was not what I expected at all and my only gripe would be her parent dynamic is never really clarified. I am hoping books to come for Romeo and a few others who we got glimpses of in this story. Can't wait.
Sorry ladies! I've started two books and dropped them both in the first 10%!!! I'm starting another but it might take a while with an hour or so before bed now & tomorrow is my birthday so ironically not much reading time with celebrations. I will post 2nd book asap.
Task 17 - 102. Read 8 book published in odd months and odd years.
Sweet Mercy by K.A. Tucker
Pages: 272
How book qualified: First published March 27th 2019
Date Completed: 6 Nov
Rating: 2 stars
Review
There wasn’t much to this book. Gabriel and Mercy’s relationship is based on lust and towards the end Mercy starts to notice some nicer things that Gabriel does for her. However, Gabriel is lying to her about something he knows will push her away so that’s an obvious conflict, as is his father and the cartel.
Julie wrote: "Sorry ladies! I've started two books and dropped them both in the first 10%!!! I'm starting another but it might take a while with an hour or so before bed now & tomorrow is my birthday so ironical..."Happy birthday for tomorrow!
I'm going to start
for my second book
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
The DM Diaries (other topics)Always Someone's Monster (other topics)
Steel (other topics)
The Rulebreaker (other topics)
Always Someone's Monster (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Jaymin Eve (other topics)Karen Marie Moning (other topics)
Karen Marie Moning (other topics)
Lisa Helen Gray (other topics)
Grace McGinty (other topics)
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Book/Author:
Kindle Pages: 354
How it fits: Greek
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Finished: 10/29
Rating: 5 Stars
Review: This book hit my radar when I read it was being made into movie. Completely unexpected, who knew a book where the MC is sheeps trying to solve the mystery of who murdered their shepherd would captivate me. Clever, witty and pure delight.